The Posh Blog

    Mother’s Day is this weekend and that means another trip to the card shop and to find just the right gift for one of the most important women in your life, Mom.  But what do Mom’s really want?  I belong to a “mom-trepreneur” group and work with many busy women who are mothers and one thing that comes up over and over again is time.  You heard me right, or should I say, you read that right, T-I-M-E!  They want time to spend with their children or husbands and not have to worry about cleaning the house.  They want time to go to a yoga class.  They want time to read a book or even a magazine article.  They want 60 minutes to watch the Oprah show for Pete’s sakes!   

So if you can’t give mom “time” for Mother’s day, then give her time off or some time for herself.  This can be in the form of a massage, a facial, a cleaning service for a month or even just a day.  Be creative and most importantly be thoughtful.  What would she love to do if she had time and how can you make that happen even if it’s only for a day?   

A gift that is a service rather than a physical object is fantastic because Mom can get what she wants and not end up with any additional clutter.  That may sound harsh, but it’s true.  I had one client tell me that she told her family that they were not allowed to buy her anything for Christmas because she did not want any more stuff.  I had a conversation with another client about ideas of what she could do for their children for Christmas that would not be physical stuff and toys.   

So what will you do for your mother this Mother’s Day?  Let us know if you have a great idea that we can share.  

Enjoy the good life,

Angela   

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

The oh so fabulous Melanie Spencer, writer for the Style section of the Austin American-Statesman, interviewed me for an article on Sunday titled “Recycle the Easter Basket”.  The article features tips, from yours truly and Sarah Blanchard owner of Homegirls in Austin, for storage ideas and unique uses for Easter accessories after the last Easter egg has been found. 

So take a peek at the link while it is active and let’s get our Easter bunnies packed away for next year while we still have a little energy left from those chocolate eggs.    

Enjoy the good life,

Angela   

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

Easter is just a few days away so here is my favorite tip to help you make smart gift solutions that won’t be too taxing on you storage space. 

Give your child, teen, or college student an Easter non-basket.  What I mean by that is a container that is not you typical basket that can be used over and over again after the marshmallow bunnies and chocolates are long gone.  For a toddler, this might be an Easter bucket or pail filled with toy garden tools, outdoor toys, or bubbles.  For a child this may be a backpack filled with goodies.  I always include a variety of toys, candy, and non-sugar items like goldfish crackers in my children’s Easter baskets/containers.  For a teenage girl you can give her a purse or make-up organizer filled with fun things.  Finally, a great Easter basket for college student is to fill a laundry basket full of all the college essential foods, like Macaroni and Cheese, cans of soup, powdered drink mix, and of course cookies. 

Choosing containers that can be used over and over again after Easter will keep you from having to store a big pastel basket through out the year.   

Enjoy the good life,

Angela  

P.S.  Look for more tips from Angela Ploetz of POSH space on what to do with Easter décor after Easter in this Sunday’s edition of the Austin American Statesman.

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

  I know it’s tempting…the after Christmas sales.  I love them too, but just be sure you are buying things you really want or need and not just buying things because they’re on sale.   

Often times when I’m working with a client going through their things I ask them questions like:  “What is this?  What do you use it for?  Have you ever used it?  Why did you buy it?”  I don’t know how many times people tell me “It was on sale and such a good deal that I couldn’t pass it up!”.  You bet your boots you could have passed it up!   

Let’s go through a scenario you might be familiar with.  You purchase that item, you know the one you just couldn’t pass up, and now two years later here you are with an item you have never used.  The item is taking up valuable space that you wish you had and now when you look at it, you really don’t even like it.  You wonder “Why did I even buy this?”  Just when you’re about to toss the item you pause and think “I did pay good money for this item, maybe I should keep it and give it to someone else.”  Then you put it back on the shelf and it sits there for another two years at which time then you decide to donate the item because it’s really out of style now.  When all along you never needed the item and you could have saved yourself money and space. 

For people who do have a space that is overwhelmed by clutter, stopping the clutter cycle is a must.  I’m not saying you can’t buy things anymore, but before you do be sure you purchase with a purpose.  Be sure you are buying things for the right reasons.  Things you love, things you will use, things that are the right color, and the right size.  You are worth it!  You are worth buying what you really want and like rather than buying things that you are settling for because they are on sale.  Oprah Winfrey once said “I never buy something the first time I see it”.  That is an excellent philosophy to live by.  Thanks Oprah! 

My request to you is to ponder every purchase you make and be sure you are buying things that meet your personal standards.  You’re worth it. 

Enjoy the good life,

Angela

There are only 3 days until Christmas, do you have all your gifts wrapped yet?  If you’re in a time crunch then go for the old stand by…gift bags!  Gift bags are great and can be found anywhere from Hallmark to Target or even your local grocery store. 

Another option is these great gift boxes from The Container Store .  I was just there yesterday and was really impressed with how lovely these boxes are.  They have a festive red print and just need a bow or gift tag to top them off.  How easy is that?  Love it!!  These  beautiful boxes are available in a variety of sizes. 

Good luck with the finishing touches to your holiday celebrations.

Enjoy the good life,

Angela