Steps to Organization

2010-09-24T19:24:00.001-07:00

“Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
― Woody Allen

2010-08-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a great "quote of the day" from Real Simple Magazine:

“Don’t agonize. Organize.”

― Florynce R. Kennedy

Pendaflex Pile Smart Organizers - A Review

2010-07-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to review three wonderful products from the premier file organizer company - Pendaflex. I am being compensated for this review.

The first item I will review is my favorite of the three - the Pendaflex Pile Smart Organizer Tray. I'm always trying to keep my clients from using file trays as items tend to get piled up and forgotten. But this product takes piling to a new, organized, level. The Pile Smart Organizer tray allows you to pile items, but organize them at the same time by providing dividers so items do not get lost or forgotten in the piles.

The Organizer Tray comes with 6 dividers with tabs both on the side and on top. The dividers are loose, not attached, which means you can pile a large document within each divider. The tabs have a write and erase finish on them so they can be used over and over. The organizer tray is a clear lucite tray which would go with any office decor. I will be using this product in the fall when I return to an administrative position at a local private school. I'm so looking forward to using and recommending this organizer tray to my clients.

The Pile Smart Organizer Tray is available through amazon.com.

The second item I will be reviewing is the Pendaflex Pile Smart View Folders. These are letter size, multi-colored see-through folders with tabs on the side. I can easily see using these in a desktop multi-tiered filing system. The best part about these files is that they're see-through and you can easily remove the labels from the tabs and use these files again and again.

The Pile Smart View Folders come 6 to a package and contain 2 of each color: blue, purple and green and are available online at amazon.com.

My last review is for another product in the Pile Smart line - the Pendaflex Pile Smart Binder Clips. These binder clips are fantastic in that they actually have a place on the clip to label what is being clipped. A new and innovative idea that again keeps items on your desk from getting lost or buried under other paperwork. I love these clips and plan on using them over and over in the coming months.

The Pile Smart Binder Clips come 6 to a package and come in three colors - blue, purple and green - to match the Pile Smart View Folders. The Pile Smart Binder Clips are available online at amazon.com.

Thank you Pendaflex for continually coming up with innovative products that make organizing so much easier.

You can follow the Pendaflex company on Facebook using the call name Beyond Folders and on Twitter with the call name beyondfolders.

Happy Independence Day

2010-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

A Quote from Winston Churchill

2010-06-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
― Winston Churchill

Vacation Time!

2010-06-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking. ”
― Earl Wilson

Here is a re-post of a blog I posted a few years back. It's time to start making your vacation plans for Summer 2010!

Summertime is vacation time. Here are a few tips for making your summer travel plans carefree.

Plan far enough ahead to make sure your passports are current. With the new passport laws, it’s taking longer to get passports than ever before. Check with your local post office for passport delivery times.

Go online to search for things to do when you reach your destination. Plan an informal schedule of places you want to see or restaurants you want to try. The internet is also a great source for weather information.

Call the hotel ahead of time to see if the room is equipped with shampoo, hair dryer, iron, refrigerator, etc. Airline carry-on sizes of shampoos, conditioners, hairspray, etc. are limited to 3-ounce bottles.

If you’re traveling out of the country, make sure you’re aware of what inoculations are necessary for your destination. Plan accordingly.

Try the 50% packing rule – after packing your suitcase, remove 50% of the clothing items you packed. Most of us over pack. Mix and match or layer your items so they can be worn more than once.

Include a plastic bag in your suitcase for dirty items and wet bathing suits.

Try rolling your clothing when packing your suitcase. Pack socks and underwear inside shoes. Leave some room in your suitcase for items you may purchase on your trip.

Pare down items in your wallet – bring necessary items only: identification card, credit card(s), insurance card(s) and AAA card.

Before leaving the house, clear your refrigerator of any perishable items. Clean the house and put fresh sheets on the bed. Put lights on auto timers. Have your mail held at the post office and cancel the newspaper. Most newspapers will let you donate these copies to local schools.

If you’re traveling with young children, create a boredom survival kit – books on tape, educational DVD’s, and creative car games such as state license plate search and travel bingo.

Make sure you travel with a small first-aid kit and motion sickness pills.

Lastly, don’t forget to have a GREAT time!

Smead Product Reviews

2010-06-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to be able to recently sample three new products from Smead - a leader in office supplies. The three products are:

Smead Super Tab Folders
Smead Viewables Color-Coded Labeling System
Smead New Stadium File Organizer

Super Tab Folders - the best feature of this product is the larger label area - great for larger titles on file labels - easier to read and easier to find the correct file. I also loved the new subtle pastel colors - light blue, lavendar, mint green, coral and light pink. The file size is standard letter size and the folders come in 1/3 cut tabs.

The Super Tab Folders are available at Office Depot and Staples.

Viewables Starter Kit - this kit includes 160 adhesive labels and the 4.0 Viewables Software which prints on two sides of the label which measures 3 7/16" x 1 1/4". The labels are inkjet and laser printer compatible. The kit does not include file folders. I was unable to run the software as I have a Mac and the software requires a PC/Microsoft format. The labels are compatible with the above-mentioned Super Tab Folders as well as standard file folders.

The Viewables Starter Kit is available for purchase at Office Depot and Staples.

New Stadium File Organizer - this is my favorite of the three products I sampled. I love 12-pocket organizers for organizing my yearly receipts, bank statements, credit card bills and anything else needed for compiling my yearly tax information. I have tried other gusseted organizers but what I liked about the Stadium File Organizer is that you don't have to remove a cover to place your receipts inside. This makes it easier to file receipts on a daily or weekly basis rather than waiting to file at a later time. It's also so much more attractive than the old rust colored cardboard stand up guesseted file organizers. I will definitely be using this product.

The Stadium File Organizer is available at Office Depot, Amazon.com and Franklin Covey.

You can follow Smead on Twitter at SmeadOrganomics or on Facebook at Smead Organomics.

Finally, I should mention that I am being compensated for this review but would gladly have purchased any of these products on my own without any compensation.

2010-06-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

My dear daughter is graduating from high school today. I am so very proud of everything she has accomplished.

"If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.”

―Bruce Barton

Donate your old Career Wardrobe to a Good Cause

2010-06-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Have you changed careers in the last few years? Do you have suits, dress slacks, blouses and shoes in your closet that you no longer wear?

Contact The Women's Alliance. They provide opportunities to donate your career clothing to disadvantaged job-seeking women.

Let's Get Organized!

2010-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

― James Arthur Baldwin

Donate Your Musical Instruments for a Good Cause

2010-05-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Donating your old musical instruments to The Roots of Music provides students enrolled in after-school programs in New Orleans with the ability to learn to read and play music. The instruments must be in working order. Click here for more information.

Purge your File Cabinets

2010-05-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Take the time to go through your file cabinets and shred, toss or recycle any items that are no longer relevant to your current situation. This will fee up space in your file cabinets as well as enable you to re-use existing filing supplies rather than purchasing new ones.

Something to Consider....

2010-05-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.”
― George Lorimer

Organize Your Batteries

2010-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a great product for organizing all the different batteries we use everyday. The Battery Organizer by Snapware is available at organize.com. Click here to get more information on this wonderful product.

Can You Unplug for 30 Minutes a Day?

2010-05-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Take the Huffington Post's 30-day Unplug and Recharge Challenge. Click here for more details.

2010-05-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wishing all my readers and their mothers a very Happy Mother's Day.

Is it Okay to Break Fashion's Rules?

2010-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Click here for a great article from Real Simple Magazine about the do's and don'ts of fashion. Great ideas to consider when paring down what's in your wardrobe and when you're considering a new purchase.

The Ultimate in Organization - Disneyland After Dark

2010-05-02T12:04:00.001-07:00

Today's Los Angeles Times features an article on what happens at Disneyland after it closes each night. So much I never knew - especially the feral cats.
After dark, the dirty work at Disneyland begins - latimes.com

Posted using ShareThis

How I Spent My Saturday Night

2010-05-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, not the most exciting story here - but I just spent the last 15 minutes cleaning out the refrigerator, freezer and pantry at my house. Threw away a lot of old frozen food and many old bottles of vinegars, oils, bread crumbs and bottled sauces that had, or were about to, expire.

What are you doing this weekend? Even though it's probably more exciting than this, take a few minutes to clean out your fridge, freezer and pantry in the next few days.

Moving Tips

2010-04-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

House Beautiful's May issue has a great article about moving companies. Click here to see the slideshow and read the article.

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T08:22:00.001-07:00

“When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.”

― David Orr

I Love Their Slogan

2010-04-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

Bravo to Pendaflex for coming up with the perfect slogan to describe their product. I wonder who does their ad campaign?

2010-04-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”
― Charles W. Eliot

I've always thought so...

How Cute is This?

2010-03-28T16:03:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd brighten up my blog this Spring with this adorable (free) blog background that I got from Templates by Tenille. Click here and you can get a cute new one for your blog too. Enjoy!

Tip Tuesday - Convert CD's to MP3 Files

2010-03-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you've still got a large collection of CD's gathering dust in your home, consider converting your favorite songs to MP3's on your computer. Upload only your favorite songs and when you're finished, you may be able to sell the used CD's for cash.

Home Office Organization with Free Shipping

2010-03-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Pottery Barn is offering free shipping on their Home Office Organizing products. Click here to see the wonderful products they offer to make your home office amazing!

Happy Spring!

2010-03-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

Clean Up the Paper in Your Life

2010-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Take some time this week to recycle those old magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals in your home. Remember, if next month's magazine arrives in the mail and you haven't read this month's, it's time to re-evaluate that subscription. Same goes for newspapers.

Use up Food in the Fridge, Freezer & Pantry This Week

2010-03-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

“As a child my family’s menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it."

―Buddy Hackett

This week, try to plan your meals around food already in the house - whether it's fresh, frozen or packaged. You'll be surprised by how much money you'll save by using up what you already have. Be creative!

Time to Spring Forward - It's Daylight Savings Time!

2010-03-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Before you go to bed tonight, remember to set your clocks ahead one hour (unless you live in Hawaii or Arizona) for Daylight Savings Time. Sweet Dreams!

Transform a Closet into an Office

2010-03-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

I found this great article in the March issue of County Living Magazine.
Transform a Closet into an Office

What I love about this closet/office makeover:

The color - first and foremost - it's Benjamin Moore's "At Sea".

I love the pegboard attached to the door to hang office supplies at the ready

Love the wallpaper on the back wall - it's nice to have something pretty to look at when you're sitting in a closet/office space

Love the cool wicker/iron chair - $89.99 from Ikea.

Oh, and who wouldn't love a crystal chandelier hanging above you in your closet!

Tip Tuesday - If the Shoe Fits: Wear It!

2010-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

When trying to decide what shoes to keep and what to give away, put a small adhesive dot inside the left shoe. When you wear the shoes, take out the dot. After 6 to 8 months, any shoes that still have the dot in place should be donated.

Organizing your Sunglasses

2010-02-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love this idea of organizing your sunglasses collection safely. I found this website in In Style Magazine's segment on organizing American Idol Kara DioGuardi's closet. The company is called Gershel Brothers and they sell all kinds of display products from closet racks to display tables, hangers and jewelry displays.

Tip Tuesday - Make Color Work For You

2010-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

“The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you!”
― Coco Chanel

When deciding what to keep and what to toss in your wardrobe, keep only the colors that work best on you. When people compliment you on something you're wearing, remember that when deciding what is and isn't working.

Get Your Office in Order

2010-02-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

Good news! The Container Store is having a "Work Smart Office Sale" now through March 28, 2010.

The sale includes items for paper and file storage, message boards, magazine and newspaper organizers, and desktop organization.

15 Minutes a Day - That's a Great Start

2010-02-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
―Martin Luther King Jr.

Many people become overwhelmed when it comes time to get organized. I highly recommend spending as little as 15 minutes a day getting organized. Spend that time on one space - a drawer, closet, counter, desk. You will be surprised how little steps turn into big changes.

Document Retention - What to Keep and What to Shred

2010-02-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the year is always a good time to cull through previous years' bills, bank statements, and other documents. Many people are not sure what to keep and what can be shredded or thrown away/recycled.

Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

PAYCHECK STUBS: One year. Keep until you receive your W-2 at the end of the year to compare figures. Then shred the stubs and the W-2 will go with your tax return.

CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS: Proof-read your statement each month to make sure there are no fraudulent charges showing. Then, unless you need to keep the statement for a business expense, you can shred the statement after paying the bill.

BANK STATEMENTS: One year, same as credit card statements.

TAX RETURNS: Keep forever - including back-up tax information.

HOUSE-RELATED RECORDS: Keep those records on your current residence in the event you sell your home and need proof of home improvements which can lower your capital gains tax.

IRA CONTRIBUTIONS: Keep indefinitely - with the appropriate year tax records.

PAID BILLS: Keep only until you receive proof that payment has been received - canceled check, credit card statement. I keep one copy of each of my credit card and utility bills in case I need to contact the company.

INSURANCE POLICIES: Keep all active policies. You can shred old policies when they are replaced.

WARRANTIES AND CONTRACTS: Keep active and shred expired warranties or contracts and for any items you no longer own.

AUTO RECORDS: Keep for as long as you own the car. Retain sales transaction information for six (6) years after the car is sold.

INVESTMENT STATEMENTS: Keep one year current and retain the annual statements from previous years. Keep records of stock and securities transactions along with your tax information.

Tip Tuesday - Great Garlic Tip

2010-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

I heard this on Melinda Lee's weekend cooking radio program recently and wanted to share it with you:

To get the smell of garlic off your hands after chopping it for your favorite dish, wash your hands and rub them on something made of stainless steel at the same time. This will eliminate the smell.

A New Month - A New Thought....

2010-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
― Anonymous

Happy February! Make a plan to get organized - starting today.

Los Angeles Organizing Awards - January 30th at Raleigh Studios

2010-01-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

This Saturday night, the professional organizing community will gather together to celebrate the best and the brightest at the 2010 Los Angeles Organizing Awards. This wonderful evening is put together by the board and volunteers of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO-LA) and will be held at the fabulous Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, California.

This year, comedienne and actress Kim Coles will be hosting the awards program and Avery Dennison will be the presenting sponsor. Avery Dennison is the leader in office products for the home and business and NAPO-LA is honored to have them on its team.

A sample of the awards that will be given out on Saturday night include Best Organizing Product Retailer, Best Closet Design Firm, Best Garage Design Firm, Best Time Management Expert, Best Organizing Book and Best Organizing Website or Blog. Previous winners include: the TLC program "Real Simple, Real Life", John Trosko - Immediate Past-President NAPO-LA and creator of the innovative Organizing LA Blog, Organizit - Garage Design Firm, and Real Simple Magazine (which I quote frequently here in my blog).

Two wonderful prizes will be given to two lucky attendees. The first is a full weekend's use of a Jaguar XF luxury sedan courtesy of Hornburg Jaguar of West Hollywood. The second prize is a two-night stay at the fabulous Hollywood Renaissance Hotel on the corner of Hollywood and Highland in the heart of downtown Hollywood. This is a prize package worth $2,000.

Click here for a wonderful video showcasing the 2009 awards ceremony.

There will also be a brunch held the next morning at The Farm of Beverly Hills at 10:30 a.m. for those who want to attend a more informal gathering or just to catch up on the previous evening's festivities.

The Los Angeles Organizing Awards are open to the public and tickets are on sale through the NAPO-LA website.

Tip Tuesday - Repurposing an Earring

2010-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a great idea I found on RealSimple.com:

If you've lost the mate to a pair of stud earrings, use the remaining earring as an attractive push pin on your bulletin board.

Tip Tuesday - A Place for Everything

2010-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

“Waste your money and you’re only out of money, but waste your time and you’ve lost a part of your life.”
― Michael Leboeuf

Create systems in your home and office for your items. You'll spend much less time looking for them if they are always put away in the same place.

Get Organized Month - Help for the Little Ones in Your Life

2010-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Help your kids get organized with this great item from Lillian Vernon. The Weekdays Organizer allows you and your kids to put together outfits for the whole week so mornings are a breeze when it's time to get them dressed and out the door.

Click here to get to Lillian Vernon's website.

Tip Tuesday - Get Your Health in Order

2010-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

With the new year in full swing, now's the time to make those doctor and dentist appointments you've been putting off. Start the new year off with a healthy outlook.

2010 - Here Already....

2010-01-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast 2009 flew by and that it's January, 2010 already. Of course, if you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that January is Get Organized Month.

Starting this month and continuing on throughout the year, I will be posting timely tips, suggestions, great organizing solutions and products as well as book recommendations. I would love to hear your feedback as well as any questions you might have on organizing.

Happy New Year!

Un-Decorating - Getting Your Holiday Decorations Organized

2009-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

January is a great time to start getting organized since we’re all ready to get our homes in order after the hectic holiday season. Let’s begin on New Years’ Day. After the parade, and before the big game, start taking down the holiday decorations. This is a great time to organize those decorations so next year you’re not buying more of what you already own but can’t locate. You can find all kinds of organizing containers at home stores such as Target, K-Mart, or The Container Store. Clear plastic containers work best because you can see what’s inside.

Start by getting rid of any old, tired and tattered decorations that have seen better days and anything that didn’t get used this year. Organize your ornaments in plastic ornament boxes with dividers or wrap each ornament in tissue paper to keep them scratch free and unbreakable. Place each strand of holiday lights in separate small containers to keep them tangle free. Then store all the light containers in one larger box.

Designate specific containers for holiday decorations only. Use a label maker or self-adhesive labels to label the outside of each container and store all containers together in the garage or storage room. These simple steps will make next years’ decorating a snap.

Happy Holidays ... and Remember ....

2009-12-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.”
―Pindar

Tip Tuesday - Fly Lady's Scavenger Hunt List

2009-12-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun "scavenger hunt" list from The Fly Lady, a wonderful website about getting and staying organized. See if you can find some of these things in your house.

Click here to get started on your own scavenger hunt.

Black Friday - Is it Really Worth It?

2009-11-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

I know many people will be getting up at the crack of dawn, or not going to bed at all, to be first in line for the "Black Friday" specials. Black Friday is the traditional day after Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza.

I'll admit - I've gotten up a few times to check out the specials at Target but I've never spent the night outside Best Buy or Walmart for anything. I hear that this year, especially, there won't be as many "Loss Leaders" as there have been in the past and that many stores will stay open all night to avoid the problems they had last year with crowd control and one unfortunate death.

What do you do on "Black Friday"? I know this year I'll be spending it snug and warm under the covers. Let me know if you find any great deals.

Tip Tuesday - Being Thankful

2009-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for my family and friends and all the wonderful blessings I've had in my life.

I hope everyone has a great holiday whether you're spending it at home or traveling. Be safe and go ahead and have seconds!

Thanksgiving Countdown - Relax and Be Organized

2009-11-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a re-post of my Thanksgiving Countdown blog from last year.

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful, especially if you want all the traditional dishes on your table plus one or two more innovative items. Thanksgiving is the one holiday where we feel the pressure of serving all the traditional foods our guests remember from their childhood not to mention that everything has to be warm and ready to serve at one time.

Here are my guidelines to help make this a (less) stressful day:

10 days prior to Thanksgiving day:

Order your turkey now (either fresh or frozen) to avoid the last minute rush and to avoid getting a frozen solid turkey the day before you have to cook it.

One week prior to Thanksgiving day:

Plan your entire menu - from appetizers, drinks, and snacks to all the traditional dishes. Remember that people will arrive early to watch football and they will need drinks and munchies to nibble on while dinner is cooking. Most of the time, lunch will not be served since the Thanksgiving dinner is such a large meal, but people do get hungry. Try and serve a light and healthy snack around lunchtime.

Thanksgiving Week:

Sunday:
Gather together your table linens and make sure everything is clean, pressed and ready to set the table. Don't set the table now but it's a good idea to be prepared in case you need to purchase any new linens.

Monday:
Pull together all the dishes, serving pieces and crystal that you will be using on Thanksgiving day. Wash and polish any serving pieces. I usually set everything on the buffet and cover with clean dish towels to keep everything dust free.

Pick up your turkey today if it's frozen. Start the defrosting process by placing the turkey in the refrigerator where it will thaw naturally for the next three days.

Tuesday:
SHOPPING DAY! Shop for all the remaining items you need for the Thanksgiving meal - potatoes, stuffing ingredients, gravy, cranberries (fresh or canned), pie ingredients, vegetables, snack items and drinks.

Wednesday:
Pick up your fresh turkey today and refrigerate promptly.

Start cooking! I usually prepare the pies and our traditional jello and fruit mold on Wednesday so there's not as much to do on Thursday. Cut up the celery, onions and any other items you like in your stuffing.

Set the table. Lay out your buffet the way it will appear on Thanksgiving night. This will ensure that you have enough room for the large turkey platter and all the other serving pieces. I put the dinner plates on the table rather than stack them on the buffet since this leaves more room for the serving pieces.

Thanksgiving Day:
Prepare the stuffing first if you are going to stuff your turkey. Otherwise, get the turkey in the oven. The time you do this will depend on what time dinner is being served. Plan on cooking the turkey 20 minutes per pound so if you have a 22 pound turkey, it will take approximately 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Check out Butterball Turkey's great website for more tips and suggestions.

Next up is the mashed potatoes. I use a wonderful recipe from Martha Stewart's cookbook that creates a creamy delicious dish. A tip I picked up last year worked wonderfully for me - when the potatoes are done, place them in the crock pot on low to keep them warm while everything else is cooking.

Sweet potatoes come next in the line. I don't usually prepare these but you will know from your recipe how long they take to prepare.

Stuffing is next on the list unless you've already prepared this dish. Keep the stuffing refrigerated until you're ready to cook it. Since I only have one oven in my house, this happens as soon as the bird comes out of the oven.

Next up - vegetable dishes. These can usually be cooked on the stove top or in the oven along with the stuffing while the turkey is setting.

The last item is the gravy. You can either make this from the pan drippings or buy it in the jar. Make sure it's warm and ready with the other dishes.

When the buffet is set and ready to go, put the pies in the oven to warm while everyone is eating the main course. Coffee should be ready to go as well - if you prepare the coffee maker ahead of time you only have to hit the start button after dinner while everyone is groaning about how much they ate!

Most importantly, enjoy the day spending it with the people you care most about in the world. Take a minute to remember what you're thankful for - good food, a roof above your head and friends and family who love you.

Tip Tuesday - Order your Turkey

2009-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to order your Thanksgiving turkey this week if you want a fresh turkey for Thanksgiving.

Metropolitan Home Magazine Closes

2009-11-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Metropolitan Home magazine closes

Posted using ShareThis

It's hard to believe that another home decorating/shelter magazine is going out of business. What's left?

Tip Tuesday - Heard on the Radio

2009-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

I heard this on the radio yesterday - it made me laugh and I wanted to post it here:

Be nice to your children, they may be picking out your nursing home.

Martha's Kitchen Must-Haves

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

In the November, 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Living, there is a great article that outlines the essential kitchen tools and equipment for a basic kitchen set up. Click here to get to the article. This is a great reference when setting up your own kitchen or when trying to decide what to keep, what to replace and what to donate when organizing a kitchen.

Daylight Savings To-Do List

2009-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight before you go to bed, be sure and set your clocks back one hour for daylight savings time.

I always use daylight savings time as a reminder to do the following:

Change the batteries in my smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; and

Flip over the mattresses on my beds

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's still hard for me to believe it's Halloween already. Weren't we just celebrating the New Year?

I'm wishing everyone a very Happy Halloween. Make it a safe night and make sure to take all that extra candy to the office to avoid eating it all yourself. My personal favorite's are Mounds bars. I'll try to follow my own advice when it comes to those.

Tip Tuesday - Energy Saving

2009-10-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Unplug appliances when not in use to save on energy. Did you know that most appliances and/or electronics will continue drawing power even when switched to the "off" position as long as they're plugged in to the outlet?

Real Simple Quote for the Day

2009-10-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

Ever felt this way?

“Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.”

―Phyllis Diller

Tip Tuesday: Keep Like-Items Together

2009-10-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Keeping like-items together makes it easier to see what you have and will prevent you from buying more than you need.

Earthquake! - Particiate in the Great Southern California ShakeOut Today

2009-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

At 10:15 a.m. today, millions of Southern Californians will be participating in the Great Southern California ShakeOut. The ShakeOut is a way for those of us here in "earthquake country" to prepare ourselves for future earthquakes in our area.

Please visit the Great Southern California ShakeOut website to learn more about what you can do to prepare for "the big one" - or even for "the little one".

Tip Tuesday: Makeup - How Long to Keep and What to Toss

2009-10-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick run-down of makeup items and tips for when and what to toss:

Foundation - After 6-12 months

Lipstick - After 1-2 years

Blush - Every 2-3 years

Mascara - Every 4 months

Eyeliner - Toss liquid after 3 months

Clean makeup brushes every 2 weeks in a gentle shampoo and water

Toss makeup sponges after 2 weeks

Book Recommendation - Blogging for Bliss

2009-10-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you'll notice the design has changed in the past few weeks. This is a result of reading my book recommendation today - "Blogging for Bliss - Crafting Your Own Online Journal" by Tara Frey.

This is a wonderful book for the creative and not-so-creative person who wants to personalize the look of their blog. There are lots of great ideas for layouts and ways to get them to work for you.

I'll admit, I'm not blog layout savvy at all and this book was just what I needed to give my blog a creative kick in the pants. Who knows, I just might change it again in the next few months.

Enjoy this book!

Tip Tuesday - The Organizer's Mantra

2009-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't really a "tip" but I wanted to share it with my readers:

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful".

~ William Morris

Product Recommendation - 10-Hole Scarf Hanger

2009-10-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've noticed while shopping recently, that scarves are more popular than ever. But how do you store yours?

I purchased this 10-hole scarf hanger for my scarf collection and I love it. So I'm recommending it today to my readers.

You can purchase this item for less than $10 from organize.com or The Container Store.

Tip Tuesday - Laundry Done Right

2009-09-29T06:13:00.001-07:00

To avoid having detergent clot or stain your clothing, add it to the washing machine first. Then turn on the machine and dilute the detergent for a minute or so and then add your clothes.

Calendars/Date Books/PDA's ....Use What Works Best for You

2009-09-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you use an electronic or paper planner, make sure you make the most of it. Use the notes section to make to-do lists, list important items that need to be accomplished within a specific time period. Make a habit of looking at your planner each evening before going to bed to make sure nothing gets forgotten for the next day.

And most of all, use only one planner. Don't keep both an electronic and paper planner or multiple calendars scattered around the house or office.

Keep your planner clutter free. Avoid keeping loose papers or sticky notes inside your planner. Transfer data from those notes onto the appropriate pages in your planner.

Be honest with yourself and use the planner type that works best for you. I like the monthly planners where you can see the whole month at once. This works best for me when making future plans or appointments. No surprises when the whole month is staring you in the face.

Tip Tuesday - Recycling Used Printer & Toner Cartridges

2009-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Staples has come up with a great recycling program for old printer and toner cartridges called the Ink Drop Program. Here's how it works:

When your ink cartridge runs out, drop a new one in your printer and mail us the empty one using a prepaid InkDrop envelope or mailing label. We'll get it and send you a replacement before you run out. We'll even recycle your old ones.

The service is free, even the shipping.

The only purchase you make is your cartridges. Once you're signed up and place a cartridge order we'll send your welcome kit with everything you need to get started.

Try it out and see how you like it. I think the best part is you always have an extra cartridge on hand so you're never caught without one.

College Application Planning

2009-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Senior year is here for our daughter and, of course, now we're planning for college. We've visited many schools over the last few months and have narrowed down the choices to eight schools.

There is so much to know about applying to college. Each college may or may not have its own application process. Some schools use the Common Application - most with a supplemental application of their own. Other schools (Cal States, for example), have one application that is used for all of their campuses. You just check off the campus(s) you're choosing to apply to.

With these different applications come different application due dates. Last weekend, I purchased a large calendar which will become "application central" in our house. All due dates including applications, test scores, letters of recommendation, housing applications, etc. will be calendared here.

The College Board is a good source for compiling some of this information however, I have found some deadlines which were not included on their website so I recommend using your own. We're fortunate to also have a very hands-on college counselor at our daughter's high school. This isn't always the case so I recommend using some sort of master calendaring system in your college application process.

Kangaroom - Creative Storage Solutions

2009-09-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you want to try something completely different than the hard plastic and metal storage solutions out there, check out Kangaroom. Based on the kangaroos pouch, almost all Kangaroom's items are soft storage pieces designed to fold flat when not in use.

They have items for every room in the house - kitchen, baby's room, home office; as well as items for photo storage and travel.

Tip Tuesday - Eliminate Junk Mail

2009-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you're tired of all that junk mail clogging your mailbox everyday, The Direct Mail Marketing Association can help you. Their website shows you ways to remove your name from mailing lists and cut down on the extra paper.

More Back-To-School Organizing Ideas

2009-09-12T05:00:00.001-07:00

So, how did the first (or second) week of school go? If you're in need of more student organizing tips, check out Real Simple Magazine's "12 Easy Ways to Get Organized in the New School Year".

Swine Flu Information - What You Need to Know to Make Your Own Informed Choices

2009-09-10T05:00:00.001-07:00

Today I am sharing with you information I received from my school employers concerning the Swine Flu.

Local organizations continue to receive updates from the City Health Departments and other organizations about the impact of the H1N1 Virus (formerly known as “swine flu”) on school populations and the larger community. Although the most recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects a greater impact of the H1N1 virus than in spring of 2009, communities are still urged not to panic.

Here are some guidelines to follow for you and your family:

Children must remain home for the duration of an illness. Children with flu-like symptoms should remain home for at least a 24 hour period after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. A physician should be seen for an illness lasting more than a day or two (and for a fever, 100 degrees or more).

Some positive health practices to consider for your family:

· Wash hands frequently (after using the bathroom, before eating, etc.) with soap and lather for at least 20-30 seconds.

· Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.

· Sneeze or cough into a tissue or an elbow instead of your hands.

Additional CDC Recommendations/Information for Parents and Guardians of School-Age Children include:

· Flu-like symptoms: 100 degree temperature, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and overall tiredness. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.

· Plan for child care at home if your child gets sick or school is dismissed (for a minimum of five school days).

· Plan to monitor the health of the sick child and any other children by checking for fever and other symptoms of flu.

· Update emergency contact lists.

· Identify a separate room in the house for care of sick family members. Consider designating a single person as the main caregiver for anyone who gets sick.

· Pull together games, books, DVDs, and other items to keep your family entertained while at home.

· Consider getting your family vaccinated for seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu when vaccines are available.

Please visit the websites below for more information, updates, or answers to your questions about the H1N1 Virus.

· The Center for Disease Control and Prevention

· The US Department of Health and Human Services

· The California Department of Public Health

First Day of School - Quote for the Day

2009-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day the kids come back to school. Here's a great quote appropriate to today:

“A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils.”

―Ever Garrison

The Benefits of Being Organized

2009-09-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Less stress - looking at clutter and messiness actually causes more stress in your life.

More time to spend with family and friends - the less time you spend looking for things among the clutter, the more time you have for the important people in your life.

Save time and money when you plan your errands - organizing your time away from home in a productive way saves on gas and wasted time. Imagine planning your errand runs in a large circle starting and ending at your home.

Time for you - you'll have time to take a class, get back to the gym or walk with friends. Sign up for something you've always wanted to do.

Tip Tuesday - Organized Lunch Making

2009-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

To avoid the last minute craziness of making lunches before the kids leave for school, prepare as much as you can the night before. Or, better yet, create small individual servings for the whole week so you can just grab what you need each day to put lunches together.

Student Organization Blogs Revisited

2009-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Because it's back to school time again, I would like to share my student organization blogs posted last year at this time.

Click on the blog title below to read:

Back-to-School - Student Organization

Back to School - Organized Homework Solutions

Organizing Recommendation - Gift Wrap Cart

2009-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am recommending the Elfa mesh gift wrap cart from The Container Store as one of my favorite organizing tools.

I love this item because you can gather all your gift wrapping supplies into one place - plus it's on wheels so you can take it wherever you do your gift wrapping.

Click here to see more about this wonderful organizing item.

Real Simple Thought for the Day

2009-08-26T12:14:00.001-07:00

“Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.”

―Charles Richards

Still Own a Clunker? Read This

2009-08-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Cash for Clunkers program ended yesterday. If you missed out on trading in your clunker for cash towards a new car, click here to read this wonderful article from The Auto Writer about charitable organizations that would be happy to take your clunker off your hands.

Tip Tuesday - Organizing Your Business Cards

2009-08-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Every six months, go through your business cards and discard those you no longer need. A great way to store your business cards is in a small note-book sized business card holder. I divide mine up by types of businesses - home care, medical personnel, etc.

September is National Preparedness Month

2009-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars and take stock of your emergency supplies. Are you and your family ready to handle an emergency at your house?

Click here to get to the Ready website where you can read all about National Preparedness Month and how you can get involved. You can also read my blog post about earthquake preparedness by clicking here.

Ziploc Flexible Totes

2009-08-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I received a coupon in the mail the other day for Ziploc's new product - the flexible tote - which looks like a large blanket storage bag. I haven't tried them yet but am curious. Anyone out there have these? I'd love to hear your reviews.

Tip Tuesday - The One In/One Out Rule

2009-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Whenever you purchase a new item, whether it's clothes, shoes, sports equipment, tools, books, etc., give one item away. This will help keep clutter to a minimum.

Hoarders - A New Series on the A & E Network

2009-08-15T05:00:00.001-07:00

Premiering Monday, August 17th is a new series on the Arts & Entertainment Channel (A&E) - Hoarders is an hour-long, reality television show about compulsive hoarding. The show airs at 10:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. central time.

Click here to get to A&E's website for more information. I would love to hear your comments after viewing the episodes.

College Bound? Some Space Saving Ideas for the Dorm

2009-08-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

We've been touring colleges the last few months with our daughter who will be a senior in high school this year. It's been a real eye-opening experience seeing the variety of dorm room choices out there. That's why I've been wanting to share some great organizing ideas with you on ways to maximize the space in your collegiate's dorm room.

Here are some of the items I'm loving from The Container Store - especially designed for small spaces:

3M Command Classic Adhesive Hooks - these attach to the wall but don't require nails or screws and can be removed with no damage to the walls. Plus, they can be re-used again in a new space. These hooks also come in a brushed nickle finish.

Tint Stacking Drawers - these come in two sizes and seven colors and can be stacked or placed under the bed for additional storage.

Desktop Swivel Storage - a great way to maximize the space on your desk. This holds paper clips, rubber bands, and other small desktop items all in one place.

Grid Totes with Handles - great for taking to and from the bath - when you can't store your bathroom items in the bathroom. Comes in small and large sizes.

2-Drawer Mesh Organizer - store all your toiletries, cosmetics or cleaning supplies in these great organizers which fit in a cupboard or on a closet shelf.

Bask Shower Caddy - this three-shelf shower caddy is great for sharing with roommates and holds all your shower essentials.

I could go on and on but check out The Container Store's great line of products by going to their website or visiting one of their stores.

Tip Tuesday - Eliminate the Yellow/White Pages

2009-08-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

When you're searching for telephone numbers, use the internet instead of the space hogging Yellow and White Pages. Ask your telephone company to take you off their delivery schedule. Now you've got more space in that cupboard or drawer that used to be taken up with this large books.

Suitcases for Kids

2009-08-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a wonderful way to recycle your old suitcases. Suitcases for Kids provides gently used suitcases for foster children who sometimes have to move at a moment's notice from one home to another. Many of these children have to move their belongings in black trash bags because they have no luggage.

Suitcases for Kids encourages you to donate your gently used luggage to your local Department of Social Services, Child Welfare Board or a Foster Care Agency in your neighborhood.

Click here to get more information on Suitcases for Kids.

Storing your Cutting Boards

2009-08-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to store cutting boards - from stacking them in a cupboard to sticking them in a drawer. However, I saw this idea in a magazine and thought it was so clever because it brought together two items from completely different areas in the home.

Store your cutting boards in a file sorter like this one from Rubbermaid.
Place the taller cutting boards in the back, the smaller ones in front. It fits right on your counter which makes using the boards so much easier.

Real Simple Quote for Today

2009-08-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

“For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned.”

―Benjamin Franklin

Tip Tuesday - Paying Bills on Time

2009-08-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that over 23% of the population pays late fees on bills not paid on time because they were misplaced?

Keep a hanging file next to where you pay your bills. When the bills come in, store them (temporarily) in the file until it's time to sit down and pay them. Everything will be in the right place which will eliminate the late fees caused by misplaced bills.

World's Longest Yard Sale

2009-08-01T05:00:00.001-07:00

Starting on August 6 and continuing until August 9, 2009, the World's Longest Yard Sale will be held from Ohio to Alabama - 654 miles long!

Click here to see their website. I wish I could get to this just to see it for myself!

Twitter - How Not to Act Old

2009-07-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

I started using Twitter about a year ago and am sort of surprised at how much it's taken off. I don't use it as much as some, but I enjoy reading what others are doing.

I recently read a humorous article in the July/August 2009 issue of More Magazine called "How Not to Act Old". The author, Pamela Satran, has written a book with that title and also has a blog. If you click here, you can read her blog about how not to act old on Twitter.

Tip Tuesday - A New Use for an Old Item

2009-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a great way to store your kid's coloring books, crayons and markers. Use an old (or new) dish drainer and place the crayons and markers in the silverware holder and use the plate rack for lining up their coloring and sticker books.

Book Review - Throw Out Fifty Things

2009-07-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading "Throw Out Fifty Things - Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life" by Gail Blanke. I enjoyed reading this book because the author writes in a very down-to-earth style that's sure to appeal to any reader. She incorporates her own personal experiences in dealing with her own clutter - something most organizing authors never do. You really feel like you can relate to her which is important when trying to handle your own clutter issues.

Ms. Blanke has some creative ideas for dealing with items you're ready to part with - like holding a clothes swap with friends or having a neighborhood yard sale. Getting others involved in paring down is helpful as this is something everyone needs to do at one time or another. If you feel like you're not decluttering alone, you're much more likely to keep it up.

Throughout the book, the author keeps a running total of the items she's giving away. She counts each type of item (jewelry, books, shoes) as one item but at the end of the book, she's given away over 41 types of items.

She also has a website - throwoutfiftythings.com where you can keep track of your progress. At the back of the book is a wonderful Resource Guide with websites you can visit that handle just about any kind of donation from bicycles to building materials to electronics.

Medicine Disposal - The Right Way

2009-07-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

My in-laws both passed away within the last 18 months and, after cleaning out their home of the last 20 years, we were left with a large bag of medicines that were no longer needed. I struggled with how to dispose of this medicine and here's my story.

We brought the medicine home with us (and it was a lot). I called a doctor friend of mine who wasn't sure what to do with the medicine. He later called me back to say that it's possible you could bring it to a doctor's office and they would dispose of it. However, I wasn't sure of what the "how" meant - throwing it away, flushing it down the toilet... neither of which was acceptable to me.

I then went to my local pharmacy and was more surprised that no one there knew of an acceptable way to dispose of old medicine and one pharmacist actually told me to put the pills in some cat litter which would take away it's potency and then throw it all away inside the cat litter. Again, not acceptable.

Finally, I called my local hazardous waste facility and was pleased to learn that they have a program for disposing of old medicine - similar to how they dispose of sharps waste (needles, syringes, etc.).

Fortunately, they were having a hazardous waste roundup at the Rose Bowl last Saturday and I was able to take the medicine there along with some old paint and gardening fertilizer that I no longer needed.

I felt good that the medicines were being disposed of properly and I would encourage you to look into your local hazardous waste facility when you need to dispose of old medicine rather than throwing it away or flushing it down the toilet - both of which can contribute to poisoning of either our drinking water or soil.

Tip Tuesday - Vacations and Food

2009-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you're planning a vacation this summer, make sure you use up all the perishables in your refrigerator for the few days leading up to your trip. Plan meals around what you have at home so you won't waste money throwing out food before you leave or coming home to a refrigerator full of spoiled food.

Books for Soldiers

2009-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a great website that coordinates the shipping of new and used books to soldiers stationed overseas. Here's a great donation source for those books you've read but no longer need and what a way to make a difference in someone's life.

Check out their website by clicking on the "Books for Soldiers" logo at the top this blog.

Elfa Installation - 50% Savings at The Container Store

2009-07-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you've been considering one of The Container Store's wonderful Elfa closet systems but weren't sure how to install it, take heart. The Container Store is offering 50% off its installation services on closet systems of $500 or more. Check out their website for more details by clicking here.

Daily Thought from Real Simple

2009-07-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today's Daily Thought from Real Simple Magazine made me laugh and I wanted to share it with you:

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
―Susan Heller