Lauren HalagardaI am super (duper!) excited today to introduce you to Lauren Halagarda. Who is Lauren, you ask? Well, Lauren is simplify 101’s newest blog contributor! And here’s the best part—Lauren is going to be blogging about using technology to simplify your life. Yes!

If you’ve been around these parts for a while, then you know this is really great news for both of us (you and me.) As you may know, when it comes to organizing my natural preference is to use a low tech, paper-based system whenever possible. Sometimes, this is perfectly fine. But other times, I’m missing out! Sometimes life could be a whole lot easier if I warmed up to the idea of using a tech tool to solve an organizing problem. And that’s where Lauren comes in. Lauren is going to help us organize our digital life and use tech tools to simplify our lives. How great is that? (I for one, could not be happier!)

Today’s post is designed to let you get to know Lauren a bit. I think you’ll quickly see that she and I share a similar philosophy when it comes to getting organized, along with a love of rearranging furniture—something we both did constantly at an earlier stage of life! Then tomorrow, Lauren is going to share her first official post which will take the mystery out of cloud based storage options for photos. So without further adieu…here’s Lauren!

What topic will you be blogging about at simplify 101 and why is that topic important to you?

I’ll be the new technology translator at simplify 101 and blogging about choosing and using technology (software, hardware, gadgets and apps, etc.) to help you get and stay organized at home.

How do you spend your time when you’re not blogging?

I am currently working on reorganizing my organizing business online over at http://Homeology.co and when I’m not blogging, I am mom to a sweet and active little 2 1/2 year old boy. My husband and I enjoy being active and prefer the outdoors; playing soccer, going for walks, to the beach, playing at the park. And, if there is any time left, I love DIY and tinkering with my power tools in the garage.

What areas of your life have you simplified, and how did you do it?

I would have to say that the one simplification I’ve made with the most impact is owning and acquiring less. I don’t really consider myself a minimalist but since I used to work in clients homes, I know I have less stuff by comparison. It has been an ongoing effort but we try to eliminate unnecessary duplicates, let go of stuff that goes unused, borrow or rent where appropriate and try not to stockpile anything but the most frequently used items. In addition, I always use a Prevention Checklist when I shop (it’s pretty much in my head now) to keep me from acquiring things I don’t need, love, have a home for, etc.

If you received an extra hour today, how would you spend it?

I would head straight for my garage and start building something!

As a child were you messy, tidy, or somewhere in between?

I was both. I oscillated back and forth between having everything I owned on display (and not knowing how to organize it) and minimizing what was visible (I was a stasher!) but I never really knew how to be organized as a child. It wasn’t until college that I began understanding how to better organize my life. I’m always learning!

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to being organized?

I would have to say that my biggest challenge in recent years has been moving frequently and becoming a mom. OK, that’s two…but those are two of the top five most stressful life events! And, we’ve moved twice since my son was born 2 1/2 years ago.

Tell us something on your bucket list.

A romantic trip to Venice & Tuscany with my husband would soothe my soul.

What’s your favorite social media and why?

Uh, Pinterest, hands down! Can you say eye candy?!?

Tell us five random fun facts about you.

  • Coca-cola and Mallowmars are my greatest guilty pleasures!
  • In college, I drove my roommates crazy by constantly reorganizing and rearranging the furniture to find the most functional layout.
  • I never met a power tool or can of spray paint I didn’t like.
  • I have lived in 14 different residences and four different states.
  • I have played soccer most of my life…and still do (when I’m not spraining something).

How can readers keep in touch with you between posts?

Please help me give Lauren a warm welcome to simplify 101! And while you’re at it, share your biggest technology challenges in the comments. What would you love to learn about when it comes to technology and using it to get organized and simplify your life? Thanks for sharing! 

Aby