Hazel’s Organizing Stories

The egret represents freedom from clutter

By Hazel Thornton | March 27, 2017 |

People sometimes ask me why I have a stork for my business logo. Is it my fault that not everyone knows an egret from a stork? Granted, New Mexico is not exactly known for egrets, but I do see one sometimes down by the Rio Grande. Anyway, the egret that inspired my logo lived in Minnesota. Here’s…

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Guilt-Free TV

By Hazel Thornton | September 9, 2016 |

Game of Thrones, anyone? Are you eagerly awaiting the Gilmore Girls revival? Still loyal to Grey’s Anatomy? If you are a TV hater, and I’ve met many, just move along. This isn’t for you. If you are still reading, though, and you’re disdainful of TV-watchers, why is that? Are your pastimes really so much more…

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More Cooking for Dummies: 12 Things I’ve Learned

By Hazel Thornton | July 10, 2016 |

Remember, I am not a cook. Or, well…maybe I am now? I have stripped fresh rosemary leaves off the stem, butterflied chicken breasts, whipped up pan sauces, cooked green beans in a frying pan and steak in the oven, made my own condiments (aioli, teriyaki sauce), and performed many other culinary feats. I can see…

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The Chinese Menu Time Management Technique

By Hazel Thornton | May 15, 2016 |

Are you familiar with the Happy Family Chinese-American restaurant meal? Choose one item from menu Column A, one from Column B… and with six you get egg roll…? Well, that’s how I manage my time. Allow me to explain…

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Spring Cleaning…Outdoors!

By Hazel Thornton | April 16, 2016 |

I was just pondering why I don’t write spring cleaning tips. And I came up with 3 reasons: 1) I’m an organizer, not a housecleaner. 2) I don’t really believe in spring cleaning. Gasp! What? Well, with only a few exceptions, such as drapes and ceiling fans, there is nothing in my house that I…

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Wanna see my kitchen pantry?

By Hazel Thornton | March 29, 2016 |

Have you ever wanted to peek inside the kitchen pantry of a professional organizer? How about eight of them? I am a founding member of PONM (Professional Organizers of New Mexico — click here to read our story). This post is my contribution to our latest FREE tips ebook: Get Organized! Kitchen Pantry Tips for…

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Be Spectacular™: The Organized Way to Select New Eyewear

By Hazel Thornton | January 29, 2016 |

I don’t know about you, but I would (seriously, almost) rather shop for a new swimsuit than to shop for new glasses. There are so many choices! And most of them look hideous on me. It’s a big commitment to choose something that you are going to wear every single day. You want it to…

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Cooking for Dummies: A glowing “Hello Fresh” review and a $40 referral code for you!

By Hazel Thornton | January 10, 2016 |

First, let’s get something straight: I am not a seasoned chef proposing to impart wisdom to you on that topic. Quite the opposite! But I’m also not being self-deprecating by calling myself a “dummy”. I am merely tipping my hat to the “For Dummies” franchise of how-to books and videos. Because Hello Fresh really does…

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The Gratitude Box

By Hazel Thornton | January 1, 2016 |

What? Have you ever heard of a Gratitude Jar? Well, I use this pretty wooden Gratitude Box. I’ve been doing this for a few years now and find it very rewarding. Keep reading to learn how I use it, and why you might want one too…   How? Write down good things that happen to…

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Org4life: The First 10 Years

By Hazel Thornton | July 1, 2015 |

I’m celebrating 10 years of helping clients to declutter, simplify, organize, and refresh their homes, offices, schedules, and lives! And what’s an anniversary without a bit of reflection and a few selected highlights? But first I want to thank you all — friends, family, colleagues, clients (especially clients), business networking contacts, joint venture partners, assistants,…

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