Organizing Tips
Business Model of The Past Makes a Savvy Comeback
Local Moms Drive "Recession-Resistant" Industry, Re-define Work/Life Balance
Organizing Just Got Fun!
Canton, Ohio March 28, 2012 - In a down economy, many women are regaining control of their financial futures-reigniting the popularity of direct sales. But forget the old fashioned Tupperware parties-these tech savvy, social networking women are modernizing the direct sales industry. They are part of Clever Container, a new direct selling company that is completely unique to the industry-the only one that focuses on organizing products.
More women than ever are working from home and, thanks to modern technology, redefining the work/life balance. Women want to contribute to their household finances, but refuse to sacrifice time with their family. Direct sales is a natural fit for this shift in priorities and Clever Container allows women to make a successful business out of being organized, while being in complete control of their schedule and income.
"We're recession-resistant in the sense that more people come to us during economic hard times for supplemental income or replacement of a lost job," says Neil Offen, president of the Direct Selling Association (DSA), the trade group that represents the largest U.S. direct sales companies.
In fact, the average annual growth in direct sales during recessionary years is 4.5%. It's a "recession-resistant" industry that has helped countless families survive tough economic times, so this 100th anniversary is a real celebration.
Clever Container brings a fresh approach to direct sales with its uniqueness in its products and education. It is the only DSA member which specifically demonstrates and sells organizing products. Also, the company structure is as fun as their product-oriented party formats, or a consultant can teach a class on organizing kids, closets, pantry, or office which is more structured and hands on.
About Clever Container:
Clever Container is a direct sales company focusing entirely on organizational products. During July of 2006, friends Karen Eschebach, a professional organizer, and Jennifer Weaver, a stay-at-home mom, had a light bulb moment! Why not bring organizing tools and techniques to those that can benefit most from it; EVERYONE! Launched in January 2007, Clever Container continues to grow as more and more Consultants join this unique business opportunity.
For more information, to host a party, or join our team, contact Michele Rivard, Clever Container: micheleariv@yahoo.com or michele@conquertheclutter.net, (330) 705-2451. To order products, follow the Clever Container link on my links page at www.conquertheclutter.net or www.clevercontainer.com/rivard
More women than ever are working from home and, thanks to modern technology, redefining the work/life balance. Women want to contribute to their household finances, but refuse to sacrifice time with their family. Direct sales is a natural fit for this shift in priorities and Clever Container allows women to make a successful business out of being organized, while being in complete control of their schedule and income.
"We're recession-resistant in the sense that more people come to us during economic hard times for supplemental income or replacement of a lost job," says Neil Offen, president of the Direct Selling Association (DSA), the trade group that represents the largest U.S. direct sales companies.
In fact, the average annual growth in direct sales during recessionary years is 4.5%. It's a "recession-resistant" industry that has helped countless families survive tough economic times, so this 100th anniversary is a real celebration.
Clever Container brings a fresh approach to direct sales with its uniqueness in its products and education. It is the only DSA member which specifically demonstrates and sells organizing products. Also, the company structure is as fun as their product-oriented party formats, or a consultant can teach a class on organizing kids, closets, pantry, or office which is more structured and hands on.
About Clever Container:
Clever Container is a direct sales company focusing entirely on organizational products. During July of 2006, friends Karen Eschebach, a professional organizer, and Jennifer Weaver, a stay-at-home mom, had a light bulb moment! Why not bring organizing tools and techniques to those that can benefit most from it; EVERYONE! Launched in January 2007, Clever Container continues to grow as more and more Consultants join this unique business opportunity.
For more information, to host a party, or join our team, contact Michele Rivard, Clever Container: micheleariv@yahoo.com or michele@conquertheclutter.net, (330) 705-2451. To order products, follow the Clever Container link on my links page at www.conquertheclutter.net or www.clevercontainer.com/rivard
Organizing Just Got Fun!
Preparing the Guest Room for Houseguests by Cheryl Larson
Chances are you may be welcoming
houseguests for the holidays. Like many, the guest room can turn into a
storage room throughout the year. This is a great time to get it in
shape and organized for its intended purpose.
Sort
By using plastic containers, you can sort the things that don't belong in the room before you carry them off to the area where they do belong.
By using plastic containers, you can sort the things that don't belong in the room before you carry them off to the area where they do belong.
Cleaning
After the room is clutter-free, give it a good cleaning. Even though you might have cleaned it during your fall cleaning, give an extra special cleaning under the bed, and in the closets. Try to use allergic-free cleaning aids in case allergies are an issue.
After the room is clutter-free, give it a good cleaning. Even though you might have cleaned it during your fall cleaning, give an extra special cleaning under the bed, and in the closets. Try to use allergic-free cleaning aids in case allergies are an issue.
Special Needs
Be aware of any special needs of your guests. Find out as much as you can about their sleep habits. If they are elderly, perhaps a lower profile bed would be easier for them to get around. Avoid short furniture, like hope chests, they could trip on in the night if they need to use the bathroom. If they are small, will you need a travelling crib or cot? There are places available to rent those items instead of buying them.
Remember, your guests are not in their home and might get disoriented in the middle of the night, so consider a nightlight that illuminates the doorways to the hall and bathroom.
Be aware of any special needs of your guests. Find out as much as you can about their sleep habits. If they are elderly, perhaps a lower profile bed would be easier for them to get around. Avoid short furniture, like hope chests, they could trip on in the night if they need to use the bathroom. If they are small, will you need a travelling crib or cot? There are places available to rent those items instead of buying them.
Remember, your guests are not in their home and might get disoriented in the middle of the night, so consider a nightlight that illuminates the doorways to the hall and bathroom.
Bed
Make sure that the bed is comfortable. If you are using an air mattress, inflate it to make sure there are no holes in it. Vacuum the surface so it's free of dust. Make the bed with clean sheets and a mattress pad.
Make sure that the bed is comfortable. If you are using an air mattress, inflate it to make sure there are no holes in it. Vacuum the surface so it's free of dust. Make the bed with clean sheets and a mattress pad.
Personal Items
Keep a fresh supply of bottled water along with a basket filled with personal items. This is a great time to use those items you get from the hotels. Don't forget a nice set of fresh towels. Matching the bedding might be fun way to bring the room together. Also, provide a one-size-fits-all robe and slippers should they forget theirs.
Keep a fresh supply of bottled water along with a basket filled with personal items. This is a great time to use those items you get from the hotels. Don't forget a nice set of fresh towels. Matching the bedding might be fun way to bring the room together. Also, provide a one-size-fits-all robe and slippers should they forget theirs.
Clothing Space
Make sure they have plenty of space for their clothing and personal items. Provide plenty of hangers and drawer space for clothing.
Make sure they have plenty of space for their clothing and personal items. Provide plenty of hangers and drawer space for clothing.
Freshen Up Room
Consider a small plant or bouquet of flowers to freshen up the room. Make sure your guest isn't allergic to live plants while sleeping. Also, choose and frame personal photos your guest(s) might enjoy, like that summer camping trip or shared childhood memories.
Consider a small collection of books and magazines your guest would appreciate and put in a pretty basket next to the bed with a great reading lamp. You could also have a few of your family albums for them to peruse if you choose.
Consider a small plant or bouquet of flowers to freshen up the room. Make sure your guest isn't allergic to live plants while sleeping. Also, choose and frame personal photos your guest(s) might enjoy, like that summer camping trip or shared childhood memories.
Consider a small collection of books and magazines your guest would appreciate and put in a pretty basket next to the bed with a great reading lamp. You could also have a few of your family albums for them to peruse if you choose.
Outside Exploring
One of the best ways to rediscover your community is to follow the curiosity of an out-of-town guest. For outside exploring, provide a neighborhood map and area guides with local events highlighted. Make sure they know the areas that are safe to wander alone, if they so choose.
In addition to great lighting, make sure you provide an alarm clock with numbers that can be easily seen in the dark. Don't forget to get a key made and the guest code for the alarm system.
One of the best ways to rediscover your community is to follow the curiosity of an out-of-town guest. For outside exploring, provide a neighborhood map and area guides with local events highlighted. Make sure they know the areas that are safe to wander alone, if they so choose.
In addition to great lighting, make sure you provide an alarm clock with numbers that can be easily seen in the dark. Don't forget to get a key made and the guest code for the alarm system.
Create A Home Away From Home
After they've arrived and are settled in their room, give them a tour of your house, pointing out where kitchen items such as dishes and water glasses are stored and how to use the media center remote. You might consider putting a small television with headphones in their room, if appropriate.
If you haven't started one yet, consider a guest book that allows for them to express their thoughts and share photos of the time they spent while visiting with you and your family.
These are just a few ways to create a home-away-from-home space for your guest. It can be a wonderful time for all of you.
After they've arrived and are settled in their room, give them a tour of your house, pointing out where kitchen items such as dishes and water glasses are stored and how to use the media center remote. You might consider putting a small television with headphones in their room, if appropriate.
If you haven't started one yet, consider a guest book that allows for them to express their thoughts and share photos of the time they spent while visiting with you and your family.
These are just a few ways to create a home-away-from-home space for your guest. It can be a wonderful time for all of you.
Cheryl Larson is the owner of Cheryl's Organizing Concepts LLC based in Montgomery County Maryland. Cheryl and her team of organizers have been serving clients in the Washington-Baltimore Metro area since 2002. Last year she opened a branch office in Huntsville, Alabama where her son featured in the article lives. In addition of hands-on organizing Cheryl mentors new and aspiring organizers and provides organizing workshops for local groups. Cheryl is a member of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO and served on their board of directors for three years. You can visit her website at www.CherylsOrganizing.com.
Organize YouKitchen Pantry in 6 Easy Steps by Beth Andreshak
Organizing your pantry is a great
weekend project. You will save time, space and money by organizing this
frequently used space. Just follow these six steps and you'll be done in
no time.
1. Empty
This is truly the worst part; however the results are well worth it. Toss expired items as you go (see this Real Simple article for A Great Guide to Expiration Dates:). If you come across items you don't need that are still good, start a box for a donation to your local shelter. Once it is empty, wipe out your shelves.
This is truly the worst part; however the results are well worth it. Toss expired items as you go (see this Real Simple article for A Great Guide to Expiration Dates:). If you come across items you don't need that are still good, start a box for a donation to your local shelter. Once it is empty, wipe out your shelves.
2. Create Zones
Everyone has different staples. Plan out your "zones" for your different categories, such as canned goods, spices, pastas, snack foods, baking items, breakfast foods, etc. I learned a great tip for baking items! Store the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, etc. in one large basket/container. When you need to bake, just pull it out of the pantry.
Everyone has different staples. Plan out your "zones" for your different categories, such as canned goods, spices, pastas, snack foods, baking items, breakfast foods, etc. I learned a great tip for baking items! Store the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, etc. in one large basket/container. When you need to bake, just pull it out of the pantry.
3. Determine Locations
Next, determine your location for each zone. Assign less frequently accessed zones to the hard to reach areas up high or down low in your pantry. Within each zone, move the oldest items to the front and the newer items in back. This inventory method is referred to as FIFO (first in first out). It reduces the chance that you use the newer item first while the older item expires and has to get tossed.
Next, determine your location for each zone. Assign less frequently accessed zones to the hard to reach areas up high or down low in your pantry. Within each zone, move the oldest items to the front and the newer items in back. This inventory method is referred to as FIFO (first in first out). It reduces the chance that you use the newer item first while the older item expires and has to get tossed.
4. Consider Additional Shelving
Expandable, tiered, and hanging shelves can help make the most of your space (see these examples: Additional Shelving).
Expandable, tiered, and hanging shelves can help make the most of your space (see these examples: Additional Shelving).
5. Make Room for Bulk Food
I love to save money by purchasing everyday staples in bulk at Costco, Sam's Club, and the bulk food bins at my local grocery store. Storing them, however, can be a challenge. Purchase shelf-friendly canisters/containers for flour, sugar, pasta, etc. I recently discovered OXO Pop Food Storage Containers. I really like them because they come in many sizes, create a good seal, and their rectangular shape maximizes your space.
I love to save money by purchasing everyday staples in bulk at Costco, Sam's Club, and the bulk food bins at my local grocery store. Storing them, however, can be a challenge. Purchase shelf-friendly canisters/containers for flour, sugar, pasta, etc. I recently discovered OXO Pop Food Storage Containers. I really like them because they come in many sizes, create a good seal, and their rectangular shape maximizes your space.
6. Restock
To ensure that a depleted item is on your grocery list, hang or display a grocery list near the pantry. Not only is it "out of sight", but it won't be out of mind as we all use our kitchen pantries often! Keep an electronic list that you can print and post each week. Create your own or download a template and customize. Follow these six easy steps and you will be enjoying your organized pantry in no time!
To ensure that a depleted item is on your grocery list, hang or display a grocery list near the pantry. Not only is it "out of sight", but it won't be out of mind as we all use our kitchen pantries often! Keep an electronic list that you can print and post each week. Create your own or download a template and customize. Follow these six easy steps and you will be enjoying your organized pantry in no time!
Michigan-based Professional Organizer, Beth Andreshak, publishes the "Timely Tips" monthly ezine from Organize Your World, Inc. If you're ready to eliminate clutter and become more organized at home so you can spend your time on the things that matter most in life, I invite you to sign up to receive your FREE tips now by going to www.OrganizeYourWorld.net.
Using Information to Prepare for Medical Emergencies? by Bob Robinson
Most of us will require some form
of medical intervention (assistance or treatment) at various times
during our lives. Some of us will require medical intervention more
frequently than others.
We will require that intervention to treat injuries, diseases,
infections and any number of health-related conditions that may arise
over time, whether genetic or not.
The interventions may consist of surgeries, medications, therapies, lifestyle changes and various forms of counseling, among other things. They may be preventive (inoculations) or they may be reactive (prostheses). They may be handled by a broad variety of practitioners, such as paramedics, physicians, nurses, therapists and the like.
The interventions may consist of surgeries, medications, therapies, lifestyle changes and various forms of counseling, among other things. They may be preventive (inoculations) or they may be reactive (prostheses). They may be handled by a broad variety of practitioners, such as paramedics, physicians, nurses, therapists and the like.
Medical History
In almost every case, a medical practitioner attending to you will need information about you - about your medical history and your family's medical history - in order to plan an effective intervention and one that will not compromise any existing condition you may have or medication you are taking. They will ask you a lot of questions and if you are capable, ask you to complete a number of forms, all so that they have as much information as possible as input to any decisions they may have to make.
One of the best things you can do to help yourself when confronted with the need for a medical intervention is to have as much information related to your health as you possibly can on hand. That information should be thorough, accurate, organized and available.
Here are some thoughts on what types of information you should keep, why you should keep it, how you can do it and what you should do with it to make it available.
In almost every case, a medical practitioner attending to you will need information about you - about your medical history and your family's medical history - in order to plan an effective intervention and one that will not compromise any existing condition you may have or medication you are taking. They will ask you a lot of questions and if you are capable, ask you to complete a number of forms, all so that they have as much information as possible as input to any decisions they may have to make.
One of the best things you can do to help yourself when confronted with the need for a medical intervention is to have as much information related to your health as you possibly can on hand. That information should be thorough, accurate, organized and available.
Here are some thoughts on what types of information you should keep, why you should keep it, how you can do it and what you should do with it to make it available.
What should you keep track of?
There are several types of information you should keep a record of. They are information about:
The last 4 categories are more dynamic - that is, the information changes frequently, depending on what you are keeping track of. This latter type is referred to as time-series data because there are many records of the same measure taken at different points in time - hourly, daily, monthly, annually or whenever. This data is repetitious so you can often use it to generate charts that allow you and your doctor to see trends and correlations to other data.
There are several types of information you should keep a record of. They are information about:
- the doctors and the medical facilities you use
- all your previous and scheduled visits with health professionals
- the medications and supplements you take
- your childhood, past, present, emerging and potential medical conditions
- your phobias, allergies and inoculations
- any surgeries, exams, tests and other medical procedures you have undergone
- any symptoms, patterns and feelings you experience as part of a condition
- your numbers for cholesterol and other blood work or tests
- your numbers for things like weight, blood pressure and body mass
- the amount of exercise you undertake
The last 4 categories are more dynamic - that is, the information changes frequently, depending on what you are keeping track of. This latter type is referred to as time-series data because there are many records of the same measure taken at different points in time - hourly, daily, monthly, annually or whenever. This data is repetitious so you can often use it to generate charts that allow you and your doctor to see trends and correlations to other data.
Why bother?
The next question you may ask is why you should bother to keep these kinds of records. The answer should be obvious but here are several really important reasons:
The next question you may ask is why you should bother to keep these kinds of records. The answer should be obvious but here are several really important reasons:
- Because you may find yourself in an emergency situation while away from home and having this type of data may well save your life or prevent an ill-advised treatment
- Because you will find it useful in everyday situations as a basis for discussion when you visit your doctor
- Because you may sometimes forget things and what you forget may be of vital importance in some situations
- Because computers provide you with new opportunities for formally organizing and managing information in ways that were never before possible and you should take advantage of them
- Because you can use the data yourself to help you better manage your health on your own - your doctor does not always have to be involved
How can you do all this?
Use a computer application if possible because you will find that there is a lot of data to track, even if you are in good health. You can use paper, note pads and graphing paper, but a computer system makes it much easier. One which is tailored to this type of information is called 'the Recordskeeper'. It can store all the information you will ever need. It is relatively easy to use and will provide you with all the reports and charts you need. You can use the same program for a lot of other things also, like your home inventory and keeping track of any other type of personal information.
To view examples of the types of reports that are suggested by the ideas in this article and to see other examples and other ideas, visit the Recordskeeper web-site.
To understand the points made in this article in more depth, you may wish to read other articles I have written on this subject. They can be found at www.ideamarketers.com
Use a computer application if possible because you will find that there is a lot of data to track, even if you are in good health. You can use paper, note pads and graphing paper, but a computer system makes it much easier. One which is tailored to this type of information is called 'the Recordskeeper'. It can store all the information you will ever need. It is relatively easy to use and will provide you with all the reports and charts you need. You can use the same program for a lot of other things also, like your home inventory and keeping track of any other type of personal information.
To view examples of the types of reports that are suggested by the ideas in this article and to see other examples and other ideas, visit the Recordskeeper web-site.
To understand the points made in this article in more depth, you may wish to read other articles I have written on this subject. They can be found at www.ideamarketers.com
What should you do with the information?
If you use a computer database like the Recordskeeper to help you keep track of all this kind of information, it will only be of use if it is made available to your medical practitioners when they need it. To this end, there are several steps you can take to ensure it will be available:
If you use a computer database like the Recordskeeper to help you keep track of all this kind of information, it will only be of use if it is made available to your medical practitioners when they need it. To this end, there are several steps you can take to ensure it will be available:
- Print out any reports that may be relevant and take them with you whenever you visit your doctor or a medical practitioner. Use them to discuss situations and to help you answer questions. They will help ensure you do not forget anything and may help you to identify pieces of information that are missing.
- Keep a copy of the reports on a flash drive (a small cheap storage device that can fit on a key chain) and keep it in your automobile or on your person so that you always have it if you need it in an emergency.
- Give a copy of the reports in a sealed envelope (or on a password protected flash drive) to a family member, relative or good friend and ask them to make the reports available to a doctor in the event that you are incapacitated and are incapable of doing so yourself.
- Keep information about where the reports are and how they can be obtained on a small card in your wallet or purse at all times.
- Do not forget to print out, save and distribute updated reports periodically or after you have made some important changes to the data.
Summary
Doctors need information about you in order to make the best decisions when they are considering treatment options. Your best interests will be served if they get the information they need when they need it. To ensure that happens, you need to ensure that you have information about your health that is thorough, accurate, organized and available.
You owe it to yourself and your loved ones. In summary then, you should strive to be more formal when it comes to managing your personal health information so that you are prepared for any situation, emergency or otherwise.
Doctors need information about you in order to make the best decisions when they are considering treatment options. Your best interests will be served if they get the information they need when they need it. To ensure that happens, you need to ensure that you have information about your health that is thorough, accurate, organized and available.
You owe it to yourself and your loved ones. In summary then, you should strive to be more formal when it comes to managing your personal health information so that you are prepared for any situation, emergency or otherwise.
Bob Robinson is the founder and principal of RecordsKeeper Software. His passion is to provide ideas and software that helps people get control of their lives, to function better and to improve the ability to manage their affairs by having well organized information about everything that is of importance to them. Contact bob mailto:rbtrobinson@rogers.com or visit his web-site at therecordskeeper.com .
Creating an “In case of …” file
by Unclutterer on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 10:39am
My
resolution for the month of August is to get my “In case of …” file
updated. It’s not a difficult task in terms of time and skill, but it is
difficult to muster up the motivation to want to work on it. I don’t
particularly enjoy thinking about my mortality, and creating an “In case
of …” file makes me do exactly that.
To get me through the process, I’ve been repeating the phrase:
This file is proof I love my family.
I
have been updating a few contacts and pieces of information each day in
the file to keep the load light. Last week, though, I realized that
there was one major flaw with my file — it assumes my husband is the one
reading it. Obviously, if something were to happen to me, I would hope
my husband would be the one to go through the file. Since I spend close
to 24 hours a day with my husband, however, there is a better than
decent chance that if something happens to me that it will likely happen
to him, too. (Again, not a thought I really want to have, but I am
trying to be mature and responsible.)
In addition to updating
my current file, I realized I need to make a second file to seal up and
give to someone else — like my lawyer or parents or both. If something
awful were to happen to both my husband and me, I most certainly would
want there to be an “In case of …” file appropriate for someone other
than my spouse to read. The information in this second file will need to
be more precise, and include specific details I don’t have to explain
to my husband since he knows so many details about my life.
Let me be clear, this information I’m collecting for the “In case of …” file is in addition
to a Last Will and Testament. These files aren’t about asset
distribution or anything of massive importance. The contents of these
files are things like the Netflix account cancellation information and
the telephone numbers for my alumni associations. If something awful
were to happen, I don’t want the people in my life to be stressed trying
to take care of the little details.
If you haven’t created
this type of file before, start by paying attention to the mail you
receive, the calls you make, and the bills you pay. Do you receive any
magazine subscriptions? Do you get any newsletters? Do you make
donations to charities? Who is your daughter’s violin teacher? Are you a
member of any clubs? What company picks up your trash? Do you use a
snow removal service? Are you part of a CSA delivery? Do you deliver
meals to the elderly once a week? It might take you a month to collect a
valuable set of data, but it’s definitely worth it.
Another
strategy to consider when making these lists is to pretend to be a
stranger trying to take over your life. What would this person have to
learn and understand to succeed?
The final point I want to
make about all of this is protecting this information. You do not want
this file to end up in the wrong hands, so be extremely careful with it.
Storing the document in a waterproof safe that is bolted to the floor
is an excellent idea. Hiding it under a false name in a filing cabinet,
but giving the file name to a few trusted loved ones might even be all
it takes (criminals tend to look for paper files like “Passwords” and
“Vital Docs,” not “Cat Vet Bills — Paid”). Criminals also tend to take
entire laptops and computers instead of specific files, so intensely
password protect and encrypt any data files you may store on your
computer. And, as someone who had her files stolen
in a very bizarre case of corporate espionage more than a decade ago, I
can personally attest to your office NOT being a good place to store
personal documents.
Do you have an “In case of …” file put
together yet? What is keeping you from putting one together? Do you need
to create two — one for your significant other and one for someone you
trust completely, but who lives outside your home?
TaxAct - TaxNEWS You Can Use
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Summer is still plenty hot, but here are a few tips that could save you cool cash. Read on to find out how you can plan now to save on your taxes for 2011. Don't forget, TaxACT Online 2011 Preview will be available starting October 2011. Lock in your 2011 Pre-Season pricing now to save over 20% and get free phone support (limited-time offer). 7 Tax Tips for Job SeekersMany taxpayers spend time during the summer months updating their resume and attending career fairs. Here are 7 things to know about deducting costs related to your job search. Read More... 5 Tax Scams to Avoid this SummerHiding income offshore, identity theft and return preparer fraud topped the IRS's list of tax scams in 2011. Here are 5 year-round scams every taxpayer should know about. Read More... Does the IRS Have Money Waiting For You?If you earned income but weren't required to file or the IRS had the wrong mailing address for your refund, the IRS may have some money for you. Here's what you need to know about these 2 types of missing money and how to claim it. Read More... 10 Facts from the IRS about Amending Your Tax ReturnIf you discover an error after you file your tax return, you can correct it by amending your return. Here are 10 facts about amending your federal tax return. Read More... 10 Tax Tips for Individuals Selling Their HomeIf you have a gain from the sale of your main home, you may qualify to exclude all or part of that gain from your income. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when selling your home. Read More... Changed Your Email Address? Update Your TaxACT AccountDon't risk missing out on important tax news or special offers for our most loyal customers. Update your email address now. Read More... |
Organize Your Routine for Back-To-School Success
Organize Your Routine for Back-To-School Success
As
many of you approach the first day of school for kids, you’re probably
starting to think about how your daily schedule will change once the
school bell rings and your kids are back in class. Some of you are
probably looking forward to getting back on regular, more predictable
schedule, while others of you are dreading the idea of getting everybody
out of bed, fed, and out the door on time. And then, there’s
after-school activities, sports practice, music lessons, and, of course,
homework.
No matter what your outlook is on the impending first
day to school, here’s an important adage to remember: back-to-school
success is based on routines. Mornings will be smoother and bedtime will
be calmer if you can design a daily schedule that works for you AND
your kids.
Click here to read more and get a sample school routine checklist >>>
Organizing Room by Room in 30 Minutes or Less!
By spending just 30 minutes in each room in your house this
week, you will see huge results in just 7 days.
Living Room
The biggest impact you can make here is to clear the coffee table and other flat surfaces, such as the top of a piano if you have one. Toss any old newspapers and look at the dates on your magazines. Be truthful, if they're more than 6 months old and you haven't read them, the odds are you won't. Dust well and you will notice a huge improvement!
Kitchen
The #1 tip here would be to make sure all of your dishes are done, put away from the dish drain and all of your counters are wiped down and clean. We're going to continue the theme of clearing off flat surfaces. Are there items out on your counters that could be put away? Are there bottles of vitamins out or boxes of tea bags? Just by putting these items away in cabinets where they're still easily accessible will make the whole room feel cleaner. Finish things off by getting a glass or multi-purpose cleaner and wipe down all of the appliance fronts so they're free of dirt and fingerprints.
Bedroom
Focus on 4 main areas of the bedroom. First and foremost, be sure the bed is made! Nothing makes a bedroom look better than simply making the bed. Be sure all of the clothes are off the floor and put away. Once the floor is cleared, give the carpet a quick vacuum. It's like making the bed. Vacuuming always makes such a big difference. Lastly be sure there aren't surfaces piled with stuff. Windex any mirrors and give the surfaces a good dusting.
Bathroom
So many things we can do here...the most important of which is to clean off those counters! Put away all of your hair care products, brushes, blowdryers. If you don't have a drawer it can go in, you can hang a small hook for the blowdryers to hang from. Be sure to clean the counters off well. Make-up and other personal care products tend to leave lots of color and dirt behind. Windex the mirrors and clean and shine the faucets. Sweep the floor and shake out the bathmats.
Garage
The garage can easily become the catch-all for everything you don't know what to do with. Wouldn't it be amazing if you could get it cleaned out so you could get at least one of your cars parked inside? We all too often protect piles of junk inside the garage while our expensive vehicles sit out in the rain, snow and beating sun. Look at the types of things you have in the garage. If you're a frequent shopper of warehouse stores, chances are you have a lot of big open cardboard boxes that you use to carry your purchases home in. Break those down and get them in the recycling bin. Is your sports equipment in various piles on the floor? Gather it all up together and see if anything needs to be cleaned. Once it's ready to be put away, group like items together by sport. Do you have any shelves or bins that can be used to store things off the floor?
Laundry Room
The laundry room can be an explosion of clean clothes needing to be folded, dirty clothes needing to be cleaned, clothes needing to be ironed or mended. Right off the bat, be sure that you know which ones are which. If there are clothes to just be put away, do it! Start a load of laundry for the ones needing to be washed and plan a time to get some ironing done. Do you have something that needs to be altered, but you never remember to bring it with you? Get a bag right now and put the item in the trunk of your car. That way the next time you're out you can drop it off. Be sure to wipe up any spilled detergent and sweep the floor. Empty the trash and wipe down the fronts of the washer and dryer.
Family Room/Playroom
Let's begin here by picking up everything off the floor. If the room is also functioning as a play room, have the kids put all of their toys away. A goal would be to have them spend 5 minutes each night before bed doing this. Once the floor is clear, grab the vacuum and give it a quick spin around. Are there surfaces here such as another coffee table or entertainment unit which could use to be cleared off?
As you can see, just a short 30 minutes in each room and a few quick steps can give you a dramatically cleaner, less cluttered house in just one week!
Living Room
The biggest impact you can make here is to clear the coffee table and other flat surfaces, such as the top of a piano if you have one. Toss any old newspapers and look at the dates on your magazines. Be truthful, if they're more than 6 months old and you haven't read them, the odds are you won't. Dust well and you will notice a huge improvement!
Kitchen
The #1 tip here would be to make sure all of your dishes are done, put away from the dish drain and all of your counters are wiped down and clean. We're going to continue the theme of clearing off flat surfaces. Are there items out on your counters that could be put away? Are there bottles of vitamins out or boxes of tea bags? Just by putting these items away in cabinets where they're still easily accessible will make the whole room feel cleaner. Finish things off by getting a glass or multi-purpose cleaner and wipe down all of the appliance fronts so they're free of dirt and fingerprints.
Bedroom
Focus on 4 main areas of the bedroom. First and foremost, be sure the bed is made! Nothing makes a bedroom look better than simply making the bed. Be sure all of the clothes are off the floor and put away. Once the floor is cleared, give the carpet a quick vacuum. It's like making the bed. Vacuuming always makes such a big difference. Lastly be sure there aren't surfaces piled with stuff. Windex any mirrors and give the surfaces a good dusting.
Bathroom
So many things we can do here...the most important of which is to clean off those counters! Put away all of your hair care products, brushes, blowdryers. If you don't have a drawer it can go in, you can hang a small hook for the blowdryers to hang from. Be sure to clean the counters off well. Make-up and other personal care products tend to leave lots of color and dirt behind. Windex the mirrors and clean and shine the faucets. Sweep the floor and shake out the bathmats.
Garage
The garage can easily become the catch-all for everything you don't know what to do with. Wouldn't it be amazing if you could get it cleaned out so you could get at least one of your cars parked inside? We all too often protect piles of junk inside the garage while our expensive vehicles sit out in the rain, snow and beating sun. Look at the types of things you have in the garage. If you're a frequent shopper of warehouse stores, chances are you have a lot of big open cardboard boxes that you use to carry your purchases home in. Break those down and get them in the recycling bin. Is your sports equipment in various piles on the floor? Gather it all up together and see if anything needs to be cleaned. Once it's ready to be put away, group like items together by sport. Do you have any shelves or bins that can be used to store things off the floor?
Laundry Room
The laundry room can be an explosion of clean clothes needing to be folded, dirty clothes needing to be cleaned, clothes needing to be ironed or mended. Right off the bat, be sure that you know which ones are which. If there are clothes to just be put away, do it! Start a load of laundry for the ones needing to be washed and plan a time to get some ironing done. Do you have something that needs to be altered, but you never remember to bring it with you? Get a bag right now and put the item in the trunk of your car. That way the next time you're out you can drop it off. Be sure to wipe up any spilled detergent and sweep the floor. Empty the trash and wipe down the fronts of the washer and dryer.
Family Room/Playroom
Let's begin here by picking up everything off the floor. If the room is also functioning as a play room, have the kids put all of their toys away. A goal would be to have them spend 5 minutes each night before bed doing this. Once the floor is clear, grab the vacuum and give it a quick spin around. Are there surfaces here such as another coffee table or entertainment unit which could use to be cleared off?
As you can see, just a short 30 minutes in each room and a few quick steps can give you a dramatically cleaner, less cluttered house in just one week!
E-Mealz (Meal Planning Made Easy)
E-Mealz has been created to provide a kid-friendly and family-uniting
meal planning resource for busy Moms and frugal family cooks. Each meal
plan is based on the current sales at the grocery stores, with plan
options categorized according to store and/or weight management
strategy. The recipes are delicious, simple and easy to follow. Each
plan is new every week and has a corresponding aisle-by-aisle grocery
list. Almost every week includes a crock-pot recipe and easy dinner
ideas. There are meal plans for two people, for a low fat diet, a low
carb diet, and for those who are following a portion control system, as
well!
e-mealz meal plans...
...are written and created by REAL moms with REAL families
...are balanced and family friendly
...are as easy as possible, but delicious and kid tested!
...consist of favorite recipes collected from hundreds of moms
...come with an organized, aisle by aisle grocery list
...are for 4 to 6 people
...are based on the current week sales at your grocery
...are priced at approximately $75 per week
...Two person plans average $35 total per week
Click below to visit the site:
SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH E-MEALZ MEAL PLANS
e-mealz meal plans...
...are written and created by REAL moms with REAL families
...are balanced and family friendly
...are as easy as possible, but delicious and kid tested!
...consist of favorite recipes collected from hundreds of moms
...come with an organized, aisle by aisle grocery list
...are for 4 to 6 people
...are based on the current week sales at your grocery
...are priced at approximately $75 per week
...Two person plans average $35 total per week
Click below to visit the site:
SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH E-MEALZ MEAL PLANS
Get Organized for Wedding Planning by Stacey Agin Murray
You’ve had friends to your home
for dinner. Maybe you’ve hosted a Super Bowl party or two. But have you
ever planned and coordinated an event for 50-300 guests? If you haven’t,
then welcome to the world of wedding planning.
Caterers, florists, and other wedding-related companies will be banging down your door to get your business. Friends and relatives will offer advice, phone numbers, and web sites for you to check out. How will you juggle the multitudes of research and information from those who want your day to be special? The key to smooth and stress-reducing wedding planning is... Being Organized.
Caterers, florists, and other wedding-related companies will be banging down your door to get your business. Friends and relatives will offer advice, phone numbers, and web sites for you to check out. How will you juggle the multitudes of research and information from those who want your day to be special? The key to smooth and stress-reducing wedding planning is... Being Organized.
Being Organized
Being organized is the art of having the things you need when you need them whether it is a brochure, a phone number, or a picture of your ultimate bridal bouquet. And no one recognizes the need to be organized more than someone who is planning a wedding.
Being organized is the art of having the things you need when you need them whether it is a brochure, a phone number, or a picture of your ultimate bridal bouquet. And no one recognizes the need to be organized more than someone who is planning a wedding.
Organizing Techniques
A few organizing techniques you can use to help you plan your wedding are the consistent use of a calendar/PDA and making ‘to-do lists.’ But what about all of those wedding-related papers you’ve accumulated? Estimates from caterers, song sheets from bands, and all of those pictures you tore out of magazines--how are you supposed to keep them all organized? The Wedding Binder.
A few organizing techniques you can use to help you plan your wedding are the consistent use of a calendar/PDA and making ‘to-do lists.’ But what about all of those wedding-related papers you’ve accumulated? Estimates from caterers, song sheets from bands, and all of those pictures you tore out of magazines--how are you supposed to keep them all organized? The Wedding Binder.
Wedding Binder
The top tool for organized wedding planning is a ‘Wedding Binder.’ Besides your future spouse, your ‘Wedding Binder’ will be the closest thing to a best friend you’ll have during your engagement period. The wedding binder is essentially a ‘home’ for all wedding-related information. Each topic will have a specific area in the binder allowing for quick referencing and retrieval.
The top tool for organized wedding planning is a ‘Wedding Binder.’ Besides your future spouse, your ‘Wedding Binder’ will be the closest thing to a best friend you’ll have during your engagement period. The wedding binder is essentially a ‘home’ for all wedding-related information. Each topic will have a specific area in the binder allowing for quick referencing and retrieval.
Build Your Wedding Binder To Work Best For You
How should you build your wedding binder to work best for you? The size of your wedding and how many ‘extras’ you incorporate into your wedding day (ex. ice sculptures, doves) will determine the size of your binder. If you are having a small, simple gathering or you’re not doing much research, you may not need more than a 1" spine. Large gatherings with many ‘extras’ will probably require a binder with upwards of a 3" spine. Besides the binder itself, you will need:
How should you build your wedding binder to work best for you? The size of your wedding and how many ‘extras’ you incorporate into your wedding day (ex. ice sculptures, doves) will determine the size of your binder. If you are having a small, simple gathering or you’re not doing much research, you may not need more than a 1" spine. Large gatherings with many ‘extras’ will probably require a binder with upwards of a 3" spine. Besides the binder itself, you will need:
- three hole punched, two-sided pocket folders
- extra wide dividers or self adhesive divider tabs for the pocket folders
- three hole punched, zippered pocket for pen/pencils/paper clips (optional)
Example Categories
Examples of some categories for your pocket folders are...
Examples of some categories for your pocket folders are...
- Catering
- Photography
- Bridal Gown
- Transportation
- Ceremony/Officiant(s)
- Honeymoon
Other Information
What other information can be stored in your wedding binder?
What other information can be stored in your wedding binder?
- Guest lists/gift lists
- E-mail/phone list of bridal party members
- Seating charts
- A print-out of your registry Benefits to using a wedding binder
Money-saving benefit:
You’re always prepared when a vendor wants to talk about price. If someone quotes you a price in writing and you can’t produce the paper it’s written on, they could try to charge you more money for their services.
You’re always prepared when a vendor wants to talk about price. If someone quotes you a price in writing and you can’t produce the paper it’s written on, they could try to charge you more money for their services.
Time-saving benefit:
Since all of your information has a ‘home,’ you won’t be wasting your time printing duplicate information off the internet or repeatedly asking for the addresses of your guests.
Since all of your information has a ‘home,’ you won’t be wasting your time printing duplicate information off the internet or repeatedly asking for the addresses of your guests.
Sanity-saving benefit:
All of your wedding information is in one place. No need to take apart your living room looking for what you need.
All of your wedding information is in one place. No need to take apart your living room looking for what you need.
Tips To Keep An Organized Wedding Binder
Tips for keeping an organized wedding binder:
Tips for keeping an organized wedding binder:
- Label the pocket folders clearly
- Place new papers/information in the correct pocket of your binder as soon as you receive them.
- Sort and purge your binder once a month.
Stacey Agin Murray is a professional organizer and the owner of Organized Artistry, LLC. She transforms mess into masterpiece with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. Her booklet "7 Steps To An Organized Wedding Thank You Note" is available directly through www.OnlineOrganizing.com. You may visit her web site at http://www.organizedartistry.com.
