I’m a middle child of three girls, now mom of three girls. So yes, I know chaos.

I was basically born organized. While my sisters thrived in the mess, I was the kid who dimmed the lights, lit a candle, and “set the mood” for my mom when she was stressed. Even in first grade, I found myself discreetly straightening the desks in the classroom — because calm space = calm me.

Fast forward through college apartments (where I transformed every bland space into something cozy and welcoming), and you’ll see that decorating and organizing weren’t just hobbies. They were my happy place. That passion eventually pulled me out of the corporate world and into real estate, because I genuinely love homes — yes, I go to open houses for fun.

But let’s be real. Marriage taught me that even something as small as how to fold a towel could be… dramatic. Motherhood nearly sent me over the edge (and still does daily). Three kids later, I’ve had to let go of my dream of a “perfect” environment — but what I’ve found instead is more powerful: practical systems.

I’ve woken up at 4am excited to declutter toys. I once spent $200 on a decluttering course like it was my new job. I’ve donated things I later regretted (looking at you, fall pillow collection). And yes, I’ve re-bought toys I swore we didn’t need (Elsa hairstyling doll, you live on in our house again).

And through it all, I’ve realized that laughing at the mess is just as important as organizing it.