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Devine Fairytale

A Magical Lifestyle Blog and Theme Park Travel Expert

Categories: Home, Lifestyle

Closet Organizing Basics to Reclaim Your Space

Do you dread opening your closet because of how disorganized it is? Reclaim your closet and say goodbye to clutter with these closet organizing basics! With a few simple steps and the right tools, you can transform your closet into a calm and inviting space where you can easily find what you need.

Over time, I have made my closet one of my favorite spaces in our home. I have worked to find the best organization items, pared down my wardrobe and accessories, and found ways to highlight items that make me happy. There are many closet organizing basics and tools that you can use to organize your own closet, no matter the size. Here are my top ten tips to organize your own closet.

Closet Organizing Basics black hangers on white sheets

10 Tips to Help You Organize Your Closet

1. Change out items seasonally and pare down: Each season, I go through my clothing items and clean out anything that I didn’t wear, don’t love, or is no longer in great condition. You can donate these items, give them to friends who might appreciate them, sell them online on sites like Poshmark, or toss the ones that are damaged or worn out. I have a couple of bins that I store seasonal items in storage and rotate with the seasons.

2. Turn all of your hangers around: Turn the top of your hangers so that they are all facing backwards. Once you’ve worn an item, hang it up with the hanger facing the way it normally would. After a certain amount of time, you can see what you never even wore! You can do this at the beginning of each year, each season…whatever works best for you.

3. Use matching hangers: This helps give your hanging clothes a clean and cohesive look. Using the thin velvet hangers will also take up less space (and give you more room!) than bulky ones. I am hoping to change over the wooden hangers I’ve had forever to pretty blush velvet hangers this year. I also recommend a hanger stacker if you have room to hold all of your unused hangers in one spot.

4. Use pool noodles to keep your boots standing up: Some of my boots stand up by themselves, especially the taller ones. Find some pool noodles somewhere, like Target or the Dollar Tree. Cut them to fit the height of each of your boots to keep them upright and sturdy. This is inexpensive and it works great!

5. Sort your clothing in a way that makes sense for you: Personally, I sort my hanging clothes by sleeve length for both tops and dresses. Within each length, I then sort by color order (ROYGBIV). Others prefer to sort solely based on color for each. Do whatever is best for you! I like to look at my clothing items by sleeve length because if I’m layering anything this visually makes the most sense to my brain.

6. Use a valet hook: I use a valet hook to prep my outfit for the next day. I’m able to hang everything together, make sure it’s steamed and free of wrinkles, and ready to go when I am getting ready in the morning. It’s something that is really helpful and it’s nice to have one designated spot to keep things tidy.

7. Use shelf dividers: I use acrylic shelf dividers to get those most use out of my shelf space for folded items. They keep things spaced correctly and prevent items from falling over. They have made such a difference! The kind I have just slide over the front part of a solid shelf, but they also have dividers that work with wire shelving if that’s what you have.

8. Hang scarves on a tiered pants hanger: Try hanging your scarves on a tiered pants hanger. The slim design and multiple tiers can hold quite a few scarves. Just loop your scarves over each arm. Make sure you keep the loops as close together as possible to fit the maximum amount of scarves on your hanger.

9. Use baskets or bins to contain folded clothing, accessories, etc: I have a few decorative baskets that I keep my workout clothing and bathing suits in on some shelves in my closet. I also use varying sizes of clear acrylic bins to store hair accessories, belts, and more. It’s nice to be able to keep these items contained. Bonus points for using labels! Grab these clip-on bin tags, they’re my favorite for baskets. I ordered custom labels from The Home Edit for my clear bins, but you can also find pre-made labels online. It really helps to keep things neat and tidy when everything has a home.

10. Take advantage of vertical space: Make the most out of the space you have. Hang hooks for necklaces, display your hats, or find storage bins that fit on your tops shelves to store your belongings. Find boxes or bins that stack to fill in the shelf space. Vertical space is often wasted so be sure to use it to your advantage.

Closet Organizing Basics built in closet shelving and organization

If you need some more inspiration, take a look at these closet organizing ideas on Pinterest.

What do you need help organizing or storing in your closet? What do you struggle with? Please leave a comment below and let me know what I can help you with in your closet!

Categories: Home, Lifestyle

How to Set Up a Coffee Bar at Home

If coffee is your version of breakfast, you may be considering setting up an area for your morning java. How to make a coffee bar is not limited to a specific space. Dedicated coffee lovers can set up shop at home with a few simple tips. Keep reading to find out how to set up a coffee bar at home.

How to Set Up a Coffee Bar at Home Blog Ideas

What is a Coffee Bar?

A coffee bar is an area set up and dedicated to brewing coffee in your home. Ideally, it would have everything needed to make the perfect cup all in one place. Here are some ideas to set up your own special space.

Choosing Your Kitchen Coffee Bar Space

When you’re ready to set up a coffee bar, first consider your location. You’ll want to find a spot that has ample counter or shelf space. If you’re short on counter space, try using a small table or cart.

Second, think about storage. You’ll need a place to keep all of your coffee supplies, like beans, grinders, and mugs. If you’re using a table or cart, look for one with shelves or drawers. A coffee bar cabinet is also a great idea to create a space where you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee.

Third, think about lighting. You’ll want to find a spot that has good lighting, so you can see what you’re doing when you’re making your coffee. If you’re using a table or cart, try to find one with a built-in light.

And lastly, be sure there is an electrical outlet nearby to plug in your coffee machine and other items.

Wondering where a coffee bar should be placed in your house? A counter in the kitchen, the dining room, or a cozy nook near a window are some popular picks.

Assembling Your Supplies

Now that you’ve chosen your space, it’s time to start stocking up on supplies. Of course, you’ll need coffee beans and a grinder. If you don’t want to grind your own beans, you can also buy pre-ground coffee or single serving pods.

You’ll also need a coffee maker or espresso machine. If you’re short on space, consider a small single serve machine. These are perfect for making one cup at a time. I personally have the Keurig K Café and love that it has the built in milk frother.

Keurig K Cafe Coffee Machine for Coffee Bar at Home

If you really want to level up your coffee bar, I highly recommend a milk frother. There are many options, from an electric frother that heats the milk to a handheld option, if your machine doesn’t have one built in.

When it’s time to stock your coffee bar, consider not only your needs but what your guests will enjoy. Some common preferences are non-dairy cream options, decaf coffee, and a variety of different flavors.

In addition to coffee and a coffee machine, you’ll also want to have:

  • Mugs
  • Sugar (and sugar substitutes)
  • Creamer (dairy and non-dairy)
  • Stirrers and/or Spoons
  • Napkins or Coasters
  • Flavored Syrups (the Skinny Syrups are my favorite! You can use my code DEVINEFAIRYTALE to save on your online order)

You may also want to include items to make hot tea in this area as well. Consider adding in an electric kettle, tea bags, and honey.

Stroopwafels or Biscoff cookies are also nice additions to have a little something extra with your morning cup of coffee.

Cozy Coffee at Home

Making Your DIY Coffee Bar Complete

Once you have all the essentials, it’s time to make your coffee bar complete. Add some personality to your space with a fun coffee-inspired sign or a chalkboard to use as a menu board.

You can also display coffee beans in a glass jar for a pretty touch that is useable.

I add my syrups to small, decorative glass bottles so they look pretty out on display.

If you have room, consider adding a small fridge to store cream and milk. You can also use it to keep sugar and stirrers on hand.

If you have nearby wall space, a hanging mug rack would be the perfect addition to display all of your cute mugs.

For the finishing touch, add a few decorative items like photos or flowers. This will make your coffee bar feel like your own and have a unique flair. All that’s left is to invite some friends over for a cup of joe and a chat to catch up.

Coffee cups with foam art on top

It’s possible to create a simple DIY coffee bar with very little effort. With a dedicated space and the right supplies you’ll be ready to start your day right- with the perfect cup of coffee.

Create your own coffee bar and take advantage of the flexibility of brewing any time of the day or night that you choose. 

Categories: Disney, Home

How to Make Your Home Smell Like Disney

This blog post is in partnership with The Columbia Fragrance Co. and may contain affiliate links.

If you are anything like me, then if you aren’t at Disney, you are trying to find ways to bring some of the magic to your home until you can visit again. Disney movie nights at home with fun snacks or playing a Disney playlist on Spotify while you work are some ways I’ve talked about on the blog before. Did you know that you can make your home smell like Disney? The Columbia Fragrance Co. has a special Magical Memories Collection that highlights some of the most iconic scents throughout Walt Disney World.

How To Make Your Home Smell Like Disney image featuring Walt Disney World Resort lobbies (Port Orleans Riverside, Riviera, Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian)

How Smells Connect with Our Memories

Our sense of smell has the ability to evoke strong memories. It is often able to immediately take us back to that place where you smelled a scent for the first time. These memories are usually the most emotional when compared to the other senses.

How Disney Uses Scents

Using specific scents is one of the pieces Disney uses throughout their theme parks and resorts that helps make their storytelling so special. Have you been on Soarin’ at Epcot and smelled the grass as you are flying over the savannah or the beautiful beaches of Fiji? Or if you have ridden Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, did you smell the freshly baked baguettes in one of the scenes? I love that they have added this technology on some rides to really give you a complete experience! Disney also uses devices called “smellitizers” to place scents in front of strong airflow that basically pumps this certain smell into a particular area.

The Columbia Fragrance Co.

I found The Columbia Fragrance Co. several years ago when I was searching for a candle that smelled like the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. They have a whole catalog of products and fragrances (more than just the Disney inspired ones), as well as a new monthly subscription box. Dorene is the owner and we have been able to work together on many collaborations after we connected on social media.

Devine Fairytale Columbia Fragrance Image

They hand pour all of their products and everything is created with a focus on containers and packaging that be reused or recycled. Look on Pinterest for some cute and creative ways to reuse the glass jars or spray bottles in other areas of your home after you’ve used up all of the product or burned the entire candle!

The candles are a custom blend of paraffin and soy waxes. Using paraffin allows the colors and scents to hold together and the soy is a more environmentally friendly option to create a high quality product for your home.

Types of Products

  • Candles
  • Diffuser Oils
  • Wax Melts
  • Fragrance Sprays

Featured Walt Disney World Resort Fragrances

I was gifted products from Columbia Fragrance Co. to review featuring fragrances inspired by four of the resorts around Walt Disney World property. These are some of my favorite resorts so I was excited to open the box of items and use them in my home. While I’m busy at my home office planning Disney vacations or creating content for my blog, these help inspire my creativity and create a happy home away from home! Disney inspired candles or room sprays are the perfect hidden touches for any Disney lover’s home. Take a look at the Disney resort scents I tried out below.

Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort lobby
Columbia Fragrance Co. Riverside Rendezvous Diffuser Oil Bottle

If you’ve stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort and just adored the smell when you walk in the lobby to check in, you are going to love Riverside Rendezvous. Riverside Rendezvous is the scent of Cotton Blossom with notes of jasmine, violets, gardenia, lemon and vanilla. This a clean and fresh scent that I have been using in a diffuser for the living room of our home. I saw that someone else used the diffuser oil on dryer balls to toss in with your laundry, so I will definitely be trying this too!

Shop Riverside Rendezvous

Riviera Resort

Disney's Riviera Resory lobby
Columbua Fragrance Co. Riviera Reverie room spray

When my husband and I became Disney Vacation Club members, the Riviera Resort became our “home” resort. It is such a beautiful property with delicious restaurants and the lobby and coffee shop area has a beautiful signature fragrance. Riviera Reverie is a crisp and clean fragrance, with notes of bergamot, thyme, and cotton. In between our stays, this fragrance spray is the perfect way to smell our happy place while we’re in our own home.

Shop Riviera Reverie

Polynesian Resort

Disney's Polynesian Resort lobby upper level

Heading over to the Polynesian Resort to grab a Dole Whip or meet up with friends in the evening for drinks at Trader Sam’s isn’t complete without taking in the beautiful lobby of this resort. The Polynesian Paradise scent combines the floral scents of tiare flower and plumeria; the sweet aroma of banana, mango, and papaya; and blends these with the soft spices of cloves and ginger. It is a beautiful, fruity, fragrance and perfect for your own tropical paradise at home.

Shop Polynesian Paradise

Grand Floridian Resort

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby with large floral arrangement and chandelier

We have so many special memories from our Disney wedding tied to the Grand Floridian so I think the Walt’s Wonderful World scent will always be one of my favorites. We got married at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion and took our wedding photos on the grounds and in the lobby of the Grand Floridian. We also spent a few more nights after our wedding there to soak in just a little more magic! Walt’s Wonderful World is made up of green clover and aloe with hints of jasmine and musk. This is a candle I use in my home office that instantly boosts my mood and makes me happy when I light it.

Shop Walt’s Wonderful World

Get Your Own Disney Inspired Scented Products

Want to spark your own special Disney memories at home? Make sure to go check out The Columbia Fragrance Co. and smell the happy! Check out all of the different fragrances they offer and bring some happy into your home! All of the items I have tried over the years have been high quality, feature the perfect fragrance notes, and I love being able to support other small business owners.

What other scents remind you of Disney? Tell me in the comments!

Categories: Home, Lifestyle

10 Things to Declutter Right Now

Whether it’s the start of a new year or just time for a refresh, a quick declutter is always a good idea! This is a great time to start with a clean slate and regroup. Sometimes clutter can overwhelm our homes and our minds. If you are in need of a quick fix, here are 10 things to declutter right now…quickly! If you aren’t sure where to jump in, this can be a great starting point. These are simple areas to sort through and it won’t feel quite as overwhelming as an entire closet or all of your kitchen cabinets. Grab a trash bag, press play on your favorite playlist, and let’s get started!

10 things to declutter right now boxes labeled for sorting

10 Things to Quickly Declutter Right Now

  1. The Infamous Junk Drawer: We all have one right? Maybe more than one if we’re being honest. All of the random items fall into it because there isn’t somewhere else for them to go. Over time, the junk drawer fills up and needs a refresh. Do you really need everything in it? Probably not. What can you toss? Maybe add in some drawer inserts to add some structure.
  2. Your Email Inbox: How many sales emails do you have in your inbox that you never went back to and never deleted? Take some time to do a quick purge. Add important emails to folders and clear out your main inbox. If you use Gmail, Dani at Thyme is Honey has some great tips to get your inbox into tip-top shape!
  3. The Medicine Cabinet: Take a look at expiration dates. Toss out any already expired items and make a list of what you need to replace.
  4. The Gift Wrap Stash: So many of us hold onto gift bags, tissue paper, and bows to have handy for wrapping presents. While it’s great to have these items at home and ready to use, you likely don’t need all of it. Get rid of anything that’s ripped or too wrinkled and condense your gift wrapping supplies a bit. If you need a way to organize everything, an over-the-door gift wrap organizer is really helpful or even just a tall basket to hold it all.
  5. All of the Paper: Coupons, magazines, catalogs, receipts…paper clutter is everywhere! This is something that can get out of hand quickly. Try to sort through it regularly and establish a system. Are there items that can be thrown out? Anything that you could digitize? I use clear acrylic trays that stack to sort paperwork on my desk.
  6. Food Storage Containers: I’m willing to bet you have some container pieces missing their match. What happens to all of those lids anyway?! No need to hold onto these. You might want to consider paring down your collection over all. Do you really need all of it? We absolutely love the glass set from Pyrex.
  7. Socks: Take a quick look and toss any socks that are worn out or missing their mate.
  8. Books You’ve Already Read: If you have stacks of books that you have already read and won’t read again, get them out of your house to make room for new ones. Donate them, sell them, or even swap them with friends!
  9. USB Cables and Chargers: How many do you really need? Sort through them all and keep them all in one place. Velcro cord organizing wraps will help deal with all of the tangling and make it so much easier to find what you need.
  10. Reusable Shopping Bags: These shopping bags are great to have on hand for a number of uses, but I’m sure there are quite a few that could go. Take a look to see what sizes you have and get rid of the excess.

Ready to start organizing? I am obsessed with The Home Edit and their line at The Container Store and Walmart. I linked some of their best items below if you’re ready to take your decluttering to the next level!

Categories: Home, Lifestyle

Productive Work From Home Tips

Do you want to be productive and successful in your work from home lifestyle? Whether you are a full-time telecommuter or just log in a few days a week, learning the best tips for working from home can help you stay focused, organized, and on track. With the right approach, you can become more productive, motivated, and energized in your work from home environment. Keep reading for some of the best productive work from home tips!

I know many people have had to transition to working at home, at least temporarily, over the last few years. I have been working at home for quite some time now and I know all too well how easy it can be to get distracted. You know that laundry that’s piling up or the shows you’re ready to binge? They can quickly throw you off track and leave you struggling to get your most important work tasks completed.

work from home desk set up with pink coffee mug, pineapple wax melt, pencil holder, and laptop productive work from home tips

Here are 5 Ways to Stay Productive When Working from Home:

1. Have a routine: Following some sort of routine each morning will help you jump start your work day, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Set your intentions for the day and know what is on your schedule and task list. It’s not always perfect, but I really love my little morning routine to start my day.

2. Actually get dressed: You will feel more put together and in “work mode” if you get ready and put on actual clothes. Don’t just roll out of bed in your pajamas and start working, even if it’s tempting! Even if it’s just leggings with a top and a quick 5 minute face of makeup, it makes a world of difference.

3. Create a designated work space: Even if you don’t have an office space, use the dining room table or another area in your home to work from. Having a rolling cart makes this super easy if you’re tight on space! I worked from a too-small desk in my closet (to be fair, it’s a room that was converted to a closet) with bad lighting and not enough space to spread out and organize all of the things for several years. I have now upgraded to an actual home office and I love it so much.

4. Time block and batch tasks: I use Google Calendar to schedule out my week on Sundays. I block out time for already scheduled meetings or appointments, exercise, working hours, etc. I block out certain work tasks that I know need dedicated time and focus, like creating content, copywriting, client management, and more. I love my block timer for these types of tasks! You can also consider batch working on certain days of the week. For example, on Mondays, I work on writing future blog posts. I don’t always follow this as well as I would like, but it’s definitely helpful when I do!

5. Take breaks: Get up a go for a walk, put on some music and move around, do some stretching…whatever works for you! Take a 5 or 10 minutes between time blocks to reset your body and your mind before starting the next item on your list.

Now you have a few tools to implement to stop feeling overwhelmed and unproductive while working from home. With the right mindset and a plan of action, you can be productive when working from home and create the ultimate work life balance.

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