Clea Shearer's Blog, page 2

THE Home Edit House Tour

There are no words to describe our level of excitement for The Home Edit House other than WE SERIOUSLY CAN’T EVEN. WE LOVE HER SO MUCH. YES, SHE IS A HER. AND SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.

The Home Edit House is essentially our new brand headquarters. It’s where we can shoot content, hold team meetings, and celebrate our accomplishments, both big and small.

Not surprisingly, our first order of business was deciding how to decorate every inch of the space. If she is going to be The Home Edit House, she needs to look and act the part!

One of our signatures is our affinity for ROYGBIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). Displaying items in rainbow order creates a visual flow that naturally clicks with the brain, making it easier to find things. So obviously, that meant we needed to create a rainbow room where all of our fun photoshoot props could live. 

To choose the perfect one-coat hide colors, we partnered with BEHR DYNASTY, Behr’s latest formula of beautiful, stain-repellent, scuff-resistant, and fast-drying paint. We had our choice of over 1,000 shade options to create the rainbow spectrum of our dreams. The colors couldn’t be too bold, but they also couldn’t be too pastel. They had to be *just* right, and we’re so happy with the result!

Red: Torch Red

Orange: Balcony Sunset 

Yellow: Celebration 

Green: Nurturing 

Blue: Voyage

Indigo: Royal Raisin

Violet: Cherry Juice 

We’ve had multiple photoshoots since the completion of THE Rainbow Room, and even with all the chaos, the paint looks as fresh as it did on day one. This durability is much-needed, considering we’re pulling things off the shelves 24/7. Once again, form and function for the win! 

We partnered with BEHR DYNASTY to paint other areas of The Home Edit House as well, and we’re just as obsessed! Here’s a quick peek of the other spaces:

Conference Room: Moxie

Bathroom: Compass Blue

Glam Room: Cameo White

BEHR DYNASTY is sold exclusively at The Home Depot and is available in Matte, Eggshell, and Semi-Gloss sheens in all 3 bases (UPW, Medium, and Deep). 

xo,

clea + joanna

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[THE] Tour of Clea’s Custom Closet

Welcome to my dream closet. Like, I actually had dreams about it. Wait, did I manifest this? 

If manifesting means going to The Container Store, and telling them those dreams in vivid detail so they can design and build you exactly what you imagined in your head… then yes I did. 

I said I, not we, because do you really think my husband, John, had any say in this? No, but he also doesn’t care enough either way. 

The installation process was also a dream. It was simple and thorough, and the installers didn’t get annoyed whenever I’d poke my head out from around the corner, just to check progress and scream with excitement. 

The Container Store has custom closets no matter your style or budget. I went with Laren for our space.

The main priority was to have as much negative space as possible so I could maximize it. For instance, being able to store jewelry under my sweaters, or create a drop spot for the purse and shoes I’m going to wear again that day. Negative space matters if you take advantage of it. 

The glass-front cabinets. I mean…I just can’t with the beauty. My mother always taught me to only store items you love in glass cabinets…and I listened. The glass drawer handles also send me to a place of “I can’t with the beauty” because look at the beauty! 

AND THE UPLIGHTING!! Every time I walk into my closet, I’m like wait, where am I? Is this boutique closed? Where is everyone?!

Valet rods make life easier, so I definitely made sure to add a few. Same with the pull-out hidden hamper. 

Weird fact: I’ve never had a full-length mirror in my closet…until now. And it’s actually the best because it’s hidden and rotates. 

I’m honestly so happy with the way my entire closet looks, thanks to The Container Store. If you want to see more of my closet tour and hear more details, head to my IGTV here!

xo, clea

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[THE] 2021 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Let’s be honest: Buying gifts for men can take some *real* detective work…AND THAT’S WHERE WE COME IN!! We love putting together gift guides because we love online shopping. It’s really that simple.

So if you’re thinking, “Cool, another gift guide with a pair of boring socks and a bottle of whiskey…” NOPE, NOT HERE. Here are some unique gift ideas for your type of dad:

[THE] New Dad Dad Looks Good on You Card

Dad Jokes Mug

FridaBaby FridaBalls Boxers

First Father’s Day Card

Bro Mask Face Masks

Go the F**k to Sleep Book

Dadvil

Pizza and Slice Matching Shirts

[THE] Cocktail Hour Dad Father’s Day Beer Labels

Smooth Father’s Day

Large Ice Cube Tray

Beer Father’s Day Card

There in Spirit Card

Crystal Whiskey Set

Funny Bourbon Card

Father’s Day Stir Stick Card

Beer Holster

Personalized Liquor Labels

Frat Father Card

Bloody Mary Cocktail Branches

Mine, Also Mine Decanter Set

[THE] Sentimental Dad Father’s Day Coloring Card

World’s Best Dad Card

Crossword Puzzle Card

Dad Bingo Card

Bought by Your Daughter-in-Law Card

Funny Father of Bride Mug

[THE] Frequent Flyer Dad Printable Travel Tickets

Travel Shoe Cleaning Kit

Portable External Storage

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Wireless Portable Nano Router

CALPAK Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set CALPAK Hue Large Luggage Glenroe Backpack Pilot Socks

AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter

[THE] Fashion-Forward Dad Fashion Icon Card

New Balance Dad Shoes Card

Madewell Broken In Baseball Cap

Personalized Cuff Links

Men’s Gingham Twill Pajama Set

Fatherhood Looks Good on You Card

Classy Guy Card

Bevel Shave System Starter Kit

Bill Cunningham: On the Street: Five Decades of Iconic Photography

Zella Pyrite Knit Shorts

Personalized Socks [THE] King of the Grill Dad Rarest of Them All Card

Weston Burger Press

Dash Everyday Griddle

Oxo Good Grips Grilling Set

Truff Hot Sauce Variety Pack

Jacobsen Salt Co. Set

Trufflehunter Discovery Set

Well Done Dad Card

MEATER Plus Wireless Thermometer

Our Place Always Pan Set

Best Grill Master Card

Jones BBQ Gift Set Best Grill Master Card

Denim BBQ Apron

S’mores Griller [THE] Outdoorsy Dad Mystery Tackle Box Bass Fishing Kit

Love You Mower Card

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

Funny Dad at Beach Card

Thanks for the Adventures Card

Solar Charger

Funny Fishing Card

Love Cutting Grass Card

The Burro Buddy

I’ll Be in the Garage Tee

Wide Brim Bucket Hat

Off The Road by Robert Klanten

[THE] Tech Support Dad Lexon Design Nomaday Power Bank

Alexa Father’s Day Card

Printable Gamer Card

Tech Business Card Case

Nulaxy Laptop Stand

iDad Card

Bluetooth Portable Speaker

Larq Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

Tile Stickers – Bluetooth Device Tracker

Amazon Smart Plug

Tech Support Card

Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Kit

Popular Mechanics Home Hub

Le Specs Blue Light Blocking Glasses

W Design Bedside Caddy

[THE] Mr. Fix It Dad No One Else Measures Up Card

When in Doubt Call Dad Card

Tri-Fold Mini Tool Set

If Dad Can’t Fix It, We’re All Screwed Card

Chocolate Tools Gift Box

Funny Toolbox Card

Tool Set Card

Sharpest Tool in the Shed Card

Wonderful Dad Card

Funny Leaking Toilet Card

Wallet / Card Holder Father’s Day Gift

Funny Thermostat Card

Magnetic Wristband

Cookie Gift Set

[THE] Game Time Dad The Golf Father Card

Football Bottle Opener

Best Dad by Par Socks

Jordan of Dads Card

Dad GOAT Lebron James Card

Basketball Court Cutting Board

Stepping Up to the Plate Card

#1 Dad Card

Spikeball Game Set

Bocce Ball Lawn Game Set

Basketball Wastebasket

Vintage Baseball Park Map Glass

Personalized Golf Set

[THE] Classic Vinyl Dad For the Record Card

Notorious D.A.D. Card

Abbey Road Vinyl Coasters

Grateful Dad Shirt

Rad Dad Card

Freddie Mercury Father’s Day Card

Audio-Technica Automatic Turntable

Vintage Record Bottle Opener

Really Great Dad Card

Turntable Cheese Board 1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs

Treat the dads! They deserve it!

xo, clea + joanna

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A Tour Inside [THE] 2021 The Home Edit Barbie DreamHouse

Sponsored by Barbie

Before we begin, we should probably warn you that we wrote this blog post in a way that reflects our true emotional state: Screaming in all capital letters, lots of exclamation points (!!!), and non-stop use of the phrase, “We literally can’t even”. 

Because guess what, y’all? WE LITERALLY CAN’T EVEN!!!!!! Who knew that designing and organizing a Barbie DreamHouse, complete with custom one-of-a-kind Clea & Joanna dolls, was on our 2021 bingo card?! Our kids officially think we are the coolest moms…which is honestly the biggest reward of them all.

This custom 2021 Home Edit Barbie DreamHouse with our one-of-kind dolls and accessories is not for sale. It was all part of a fun partnership we did with Barbie to introduce their 2021 Barbie DreamHouse (which *is* for sale at Walmart, Target, and Amazon, starting today!), and gave us the opportunity to reimagine and put our own finishing touches on their newest features. Basically, we told Mattel our wildest dreams and they made them happen. 

Like…can these dolls BE any more Clea and Joanna?! The jean jackets, the sweaters, the headband. Not going to lie, Barbie is going to have to give us some tips because our hair has never looked better. 

So, come inside!  Let us show you around what will be our new home once we successfully “Honey, I Shrunk The Kids” ourselves and can move in permanently. Let’s start in the kitchen…

As if the organized fridge wasn’t enough, we also included…MINI DIVIDED BINS FILLED WITH MINI PRODUCE!!! LITTLE ESPRESSO PODS IN DIVIDED TURNTABLES!!! AN OVEN DOOR THAT OPENS AND CONTAINS BAKED GOODS!!! A PERFECTLY SET TABLE FOR WHEN WE HAVE GUESTS OVER!!! 

And since it wouldn’t be The Home Edit Barbie DreamHouse without a rainbow ordered bookshelf….there is a rainbow ordered bookshelf. We also included a rainbow bookshelf next to one of the upstairs bunk beds! 

Then there’s the closet which is….LITERALLY ADORABLE. Joanna actually owns that rainbow dress, but in human-size. And those acrylic purse dividers? Can’t even. 

Even though The Home Edit accessories won’t be included, the actual 2021 Barbie DreamHouse is *still* a dream come true, and is now available at Walmart, Amazon, and Target. 

For the first time ever, it features a party room with a light-up DJ stand, a BBQ that transforms into a dessert buffet, lighting transitions from day to night (and even party mode!) with 8 different colors, 3 songs, and 2 soundscapes, landscaping with a moveable pool, swing, and slide, AND a working elevator fitting multiple dolls or 1 in a wheelchair. 

It’s literally too much for our hearts to handle. Please forward all mail to our new Barbie DreamHouse. Please and thank you. 

xo, clea + joanna

Barbie Organizing Tips:

1. Stick to broad categories so the system is easier to maintain. For instance, group the dolls by size, and the accessories by item type. 

2. Store items in modular storage to save space and offer easy accessibility.  We prefer clear stackable drawers with bin inserts inside to subcategorize and contain the smaller items.

3. Use a rolling cart to create a Barbie play station with bins and inserts so toys can be moved to other areas of the home without complicating clean-up. 

4. Store collectable items on a shelf in acrylic display cases to keep them protected. 

5. Label everything! Small accessories can also be organized by color – just make sure to contain in clear storage for visibility.

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[THE] 2021 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Moms…we’re raising our glass of champagne (and bowl of candy!) to YOU!

This has been a rough year for all of us. Whether you’re the mom who drives carpool and works from home, the new mom who pulls all-nighters with bottle service, or even the mom who considers their pets and plants as children…

In the words of Kris Jenner….our patron saint of momagerial skills:

“YOU’RE DOING AMAZING, SWEETIE!”

[THE] New Mom The Home Edit x Summersalt PJ Set

Blue Sky Checklist Sticky Notes

Luna Weighted Sherpa Fleece Blanket Throw

Baby Shower Card for New Mothers

Deluxe Footwarmer

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

OXO Tot Space Saving Drying Rack

Hatch Rest+

Dark Circles Are the New Black Card

Coffee Mug Warmer With Auto Shut Off 

Universal Baby Stroller Organizer

Honest New Mom Card

[THE] Carpool Mom The Home Edit x Summersalt Leggings

Blue Sky 5 x 8 Planner – Skinny Mini

Blue Sky Wirebound Planner – Skinny Mini

Funny Mother’s Day Card

 Volumizing Root Powder & Dry Shampoo 

Repair Rituals Hair Care Set

Carpool Lane Mother’s Day Card

Mom’s Taxi Service Keychain

Travel Snack & Drink Cup with Straw

Mother’s Day Toy Card

CALPAK Zippered Pouch Set RUME by THE Sanitizer Bundle [THE] Mom Who’s Not Your “Mom” Not Technically My Mom Card

Second Mom Card

Strong Woman Card

4 Funny Wine Bottle Labels

Colored Stemless Wine Glasses

Mother-in-Law Card

Bonus Mom Jewelry Dish

Sweetest Nana in the World Card

Funny Mother-in-Law Card

Stepmother Card

Just Like a Mom to Me

Bought by Your Daughter-in-Law Mug

[THE] Sentimental Mom Blue Sky Wirebound Planner – Sweetheart

Knock Knock Letters to My Wonderful Mom

Golden Girls Card

Family Birthstone Ring

Filter Heart Photo Art

Mother and Child Book

Dainty Mama Necklace

Supportive Mom Card

Friends With Your Mom Card

Gilmore Girls Card

[THE] Plant Mom Chasing Rainbows Hanging Planter

Purism Style Plant Mister

SLĀT Square Concrete Planter

ETCHED Concrete Planter

Best Plant Mom Ever Card

Keeping Things Alive Card

Nordic Straw Storage Basket

Dado Disco Ball Plant Hanger

Rainbow Watering Can

Hoobbii Hanging Planter

Black Plant Parent Dad Hat

Sassy Stakes Funny Plant Markers

Hope You Like Plants Doormat

Bernie Sanders Plant Marker

Plant Lady Shirt

Stay at Home Plant Mom Mug

Great Plant Mama Card

Flower Vase Card

Moody Floral Watercolor Painting Set of Floral Female Cards [THE] Pet Mom Funny Cat Mom Card

Prismatic Ombré Collar

Dog Moms Are Mothers Too Card

Custom Pet Portrait Keychain

Cat Love Box Card

Dog Treat Maker

Best Cat Mom Ever Card

I Own You Cat Card

Happy Mother’s Day Dog Card

Custom Watercolor Splash Pet Portrait

Furbo Dog Camera

Gleener Ultimate Fuzz Removal

Personalized Pet Print Candle

[THE] Moira Rose Mom Just Like Her Mother Card

Thank You Mama For Sacrificing Alcohol Card

Mom, You’re the Schitt Card

Summersalt Rainbow Stripe Shirtdress Cover-Up

Fold the Cheese Card

David Rose Card

Very Own Moira Rose Card

You’re the Schitt Bebe Bodysuit

Raising This Bebe Card

Mothers Put Their Mask on First Mask

Funny David Rose Baby Onesie

Simply the Best Tiara

Schitt’s Creek Spatula

[THE] Out of (Home) Office Mom Blue Sky Faux Leather Planner

The Home Edit x Summersalt Relaxed Crew

The Home Edit x Summersalt Softest Joggers

Avignon Rainbow Lounge Set

The Home Edit Workbook

CALPAK Kaya Laptop Backpack Russell + Hazel Signature Solution Desk Set

Rainbow Wireless Charger

Essential Oil Diffuser With LED Light

Glass Slant Treat Jar With Metal Lid

Made to Mask 4 Piece Mask Kit

Rainbow Acrylic Pen Holder

Door Hanger Dry-Erase Whiteboard

You Are Essential Card

It’s Fine, I’m Fine Candle

Calls to Mom Card

Mom!, Mom, Mom? Card

[THE] Momager Got It From My Mama Card

Vegan Mother’s Day Cookie

Cool Mom Wine Label

Original Momager Mug

Momager of the Year Shirt

Momager Mother’s Day Card

Happy Mother’s Day!

xo, clea + joanna

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[THE] Tips For Creating a Recycling System in Your Home

*Sponsored by Nature Valley 

We love creating systems that promote healthier habits and simplify daily routines. In fact, we’ve discovered over the years that even the smallest changes can have a huge impact – which is extremely rewarding! 

Now, let’s talk about recycling. We know how important it is to recycle, but many people still find themselves tossing plastic wrappers and water bottles in the trash can without even realizing they are doing it. 

If this sounds like you, don’t worry – we’ve been guilty of this, too! That’s why creating an at-home recycling system is so important. The more intuitive it is, the more successful you and your entire family will be at following it. 

From how to sort your items to the bins you should choose, here are our must-have tips to make your recycling routine functional…and even fun! 

1. Separate by Category: 

Recycling should be sorted into two categories: Store Drop-Off and Curbside. To save time and avoid confusion, designate separate bins for each and make sure to label. 

Store Drop-Off: Over 90% of Americans are within 10 miles of a store drop-off location, which is so convenient! (Find yours here!) Eligible items feature a Store Drop-Off How2Recycle icon on their packaging, such as shopping bags, food storage bags, produce bags, product overwrap, and as of recently, Nature Valley Crunchy bar Wrappers.

Both of our families love these granola bars – and we’re thrilled how the Crunchy bar wrappers are now Store Drop-Off recyclable – a first of its kind! 

Curbside: At-home recycling that is collected by a municipal service, and includes items broader than plastics such as cardboard, paper, glass, etc.

2. Choose Closed Containers: 

Even though recycling doesn’t contain food that will spoil, it’s still important to keep these items covered and contained. We suggest choosing bins with easy-open lids since they will be accessed frequently. It also helps to look for storage with handles since you’ll be transporting them back and forth. 

If you are short on space, consider containers that can be mounted to the wall and removed when necessary.

3. Dedicate a Space: 

Whether it’s your garage, laundry room, or mudroom, the space needs to be accessible without being completely visible. Start by thinking about your daily routine. Do you tend to grab a bottle of water and a Crunchy bar to have on-the-go? Setting up a recycling system near an exit or entrance point will be the most convenient for you, and also provide a visible reminder when it’s time to make a drop off. 

4. Keep a Trash Can Nearby: 

This one is pretty obvious! Keep a trash can nearby for things that can’t be recycled or food waste that will make the bins messy

Find your nearest store drop-off location here! 

xo, clea + joanna

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[THE] Favorite Things: Kinetic Sand

We generally have mixed feelings when it comes to our kids toys. On one hand, we’re honestly happy there’s an outlet to keep them entertained that’s not an iPad, but on the other…some toys can be downright annoying or messy. 

And then there’s Kinetic Sand. If you’re thinking, “Wait…don’t you *famously* dislike sand? Like, go on beach vacations but never actually go to the beach?” The answer would be yes…but hear us out. 

Kinetic Sand is made with real sand…but somehow it magically sticks together and never dries out so basically it is the only sand we approve of.  Not to mention it comes in a variety of colors, types (Beach Sand, Shimmer Sand) and even scents (hello cookie dough!). Our kids love that they can dig, mix, cut and mold the sand, indoors, without their neurotic mother following them around with a full cleaning kit. 

It’s also the perfect creative outlet and insanely satisfying to play with, even for adults. It does the same thing that organizing does for us…makes us happier and more relaxed. Thanks, serotonin and dopamine. We love y’all.

So, what’s our happiness level when we actually get to organize Kinetic Sand? Umm…through the roof. In fact, Clea personally dedicated an entire station to Kinetic Sand in her playroom. This might be the only thing that we’ve ever done that could be classified as “Cool Mom Behavior.” And we’ll take it! 

In Clea’s playroom, most of the Kinetic Sand is stored in a cabinet. There are canisters designated for each color and type of sand, plus bins reserved for backstock underneath. We like to keep all the fun tools and molds together so the kids can easily ‘grab and go’ to dig, discover and feel the flow with their favorite sand. Plus, the playsets have their own designated section including the Ice Cream Treats Playset, which is currently on high rotation at our house. And, of course, everything is properly labeled! 

To offer the kids a fun way to play, Clea also set out a special Kinetic Sand cart that includes a wooden tray play area, canisters of their favorite sand of the moment, and all of the tools they’ll need. 

Our kids love Kinetic Sand, and so do we. It’s something that keeps the kids entertained, and keeps us from losing our sanity. What more can we really ask for? Trust us…do yourself a favor and get your hands in the sand. 

xo, clea + joanna

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Introducing…The Home Edit x CALPAK Collection!

We’ve been a fan of CALPAK for years…so partnering with them to create this collection was a dream come true! They do an amazing job at mirroring form and function, which is what we’re all about.

When it comes to travel essentials, most people think of suitcases and luggage squares. But we wanted our collection to make people feel comfortable at all times….whether that’s at home or on-the-go.

Since streamlined is our signature, every item in this collection is cohesive, with navy blue fabric and a small rainbow detail. We hope y’all enjoy it!

The Home Edit French Terry Sweatshirt

Obsessed with this sweatshirt…and of course we had to make it a matching set! We basically live in them.

The Home Edit French Terry Joggers

Who would choose a button over a drawstring? Obviously joggers all day long. The comfier we am, the happier we are.

The Home Edit Shawl Blanket

Joanna lives life in a swaddle. Basically…going from a blanket to a shawl in her mind is a continuous way to be.

The Home Edit Zippered Pouch Set

So many things to pack in our pouch set. Snacks, hand sanitizer, masks, phone chargers, the list goes on.

The Home Edit Face Mask Set

Having multiple masks just means, ‘what if something drops or what if something gets dirty? Having a backup set is critical. The masks have adjustable ear straps and an expandable fabric that covers both your nose and mouth.

The Home Edit Travel Neck Pillow

Why not try to have your head back and comfortable whenever possible? A neck pillow is excellent not just for an airplane, but for a car ride, hanging out, and even on a Zoom call.

View the entire collection here.

xo, clea + joanna

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[THE] Tips for Preserving Your Family Archive with Ancestry®

Spring cleaning is traditionally thought to be a time of decluttering and clearing, but there is also an opportunity to bring special meaning to the items you *do* own. 

We’re referring to all of your photo albums and family heirlooms that you keep meaning to go through…but haven’t yet. Well, if there’s ever been a year to take an active role in preserving your family history, this is it! 

In partnership with Ancestry®, we took some time to sift through our own sentimental items, which was extremely rewarding. In these uncertain times, it was a comforting reminder to see how resilient our ancestors were, and share that with the rest of our family. 

Here are our tips on how to preserve your family items to provide meaningful connections for generations to come: 

1. Edit Your Items 

Set aside anything you find that provides the richest insights into someone’s life. This may include family and wedding photos, birth and marriage certificates, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters. These are key to preserving an ancestor’s personal stories, their personality, and what their life was like at that time. 

2. Go Digital  

The safest way to preserve is to digitize. Think about how easy it is to lose or damage paper of any kind. Do you really want to possibly lose your grandma’s wedding photos? Didn’t think so. 

When you create an account on Ancestry.com (which is free to create and all you need to start building your family tree!), you can snap a photo of documents, photos or even physical heirlooms from your device, upload it to the site, and attach it to your family tree. Not only does this allow you to sleep better at night knowing it’s there for safe keeping, but you’ll also be able to share it with family near and far in just a click. 

3. Get Specific

Every photo tells a story, so as you’re uploading them to your family tree to make them discoverable for more family across the world, try to provide as much detail as possible. You’ll want to include the year, names, location, etc. Start with what you know and if you need help, ask other family members to help you fill in the gaps. 

4. Store vs. Display

Once you sift through everything and find the most important keepsakes, we love displaying them in a shadow box or frame — it can add a personal touch to any space! 

5. Create a System: 

To create a physical archive in your home, we recommend using archival photo boxes to keep the items protected for generations to come. You can either store in broad categories, such as year or family member, or subcategorize by occasion. The system you create depends on how you will access these items in the future.

Those who want to start their own spring cleaning project can visit Ancestry’s blog for a full “how to” guide on uploading memories, starting with creating an account on Ancestry.com — it’s free to create an account and all you need to begin building your family tree.

xo, clea + joanna

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[THE] Freezer Organization Tips

*Sponsored by Healthy Choice and Birds Eye Vegetables

New year, new us! Just kidding. But with that said, we *are* trying to get back on track and eat more veggies in 2021. 

When it comes to achieving our goals (such as eating more veggies and less candy), we’ve learned that starting small is the key to long-term success. It’s really just human nature: The more effort it takes to do something, the less you’ll be motivated to do it. If nutritious options aren’t within reach and easy to prepare, we’re probably ordering delivery. Just being honest. 

Which is why systems are so important to us. They eliminate common hassles and allow us to keep our eyes on the prize. We recently shared our tips on organizing a fridge to reset, now we’re moving on to the freezer! 

Freezers tend to be the land of forgotten foods, but it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are the steps to create functionality in this space and reap all of the benefits of a more organized routine:

1. Edit Your Items 

Even in a freezer, you must pull *everything* out. We know it’s cold…so grab your gloves! That meat with freezer burn? Toss it. Those orange popsicles from last summer that are now half-melted and sticking to the plastic packaging? Toss those, too! (Word to the wise: If your kids will only eat the red and purple colors, stop buying variety packs!)

2. Designate Your Zones 

Next, it’s time to group your categories and designate your zones. You know we love a zone! They may include anything from meal prep, kids, frozen fruit and veggies, meat, whatever works for you. We like to use clear storage so it’s easier to see what you have and keep track of your inventory. 

3. Customize Your System

When creating a system, it’s important to keep your routine in mind. What items will simplify your meal prep, and what order should they live in? You might find that one specific item deserves its own category. For instance, as you can see, we eat *a lot* of Birds Eye Veggies and Healthy Choice Power Bowls and Wraps. They are delicious, easy to prepare, and carry vegan options for Joanna, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian! 

4. Label Your Categories 

A labeling system is the key to long-term maintenance. It acts as a set of instructions so everyone in the household knows where to find things and where to put them away. We suggest using an adhesive label, which withstands moisture better than a marker. 

5. Plan Your Meals 

Since freezer items are less perishable, you have the luxury of being able to stock up weeks or even months in advance when planning your meals. This takes the guesswork out of what’s for dinner, and helps to avoid any last-minute trips to the grocery store.

Our families love this Zucchini Spirals with Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe, which explains the back stock of Birds Eye Zucchini Spirals in the freezer. The best part is that when we decide to switch it up, we always have our base ingredients on hand.  

Organizing your freezer isn’t as time-consuming as organizing your pantry. Set aside an hour and you’re good to go! 

xo, clea + joanna

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