Free Virtual Assistant!

Keep track  of football games, shopping lists, and to do lists.  All for free on this family online organizer accessible from the Web or any phone. You can even subscribe to school calendars to have events added for you:

http://www.cozi.com/

For those of you that need a little more work from your friendly VA, I would like to recommend Angel Lebak.  You can find out more about her services and her team here:

http://www.assistantangel.com/

I would also like to recommend Collen Gray.  You can find out more about her services here:

http://www.colleensreva.com/

Gratitude is Attitude

Whenever I give a presentation on eco-organizing  I always talk about organizing your mind.  This is about being clear about your priorities and goals; following your passion; surrounding yourself with good people; and enlarging your life.

For me, this also includes gratitude.  I have been in business almost a year and a half and there were days when I struggle.  How many people out there also started a business in the worst economic times?  What helped sustain me besides family, friends, my Coffee & Contacts group, Inside 919, etc. was my attitude.  I would remind myself that many of my problems were “first world.”  I had food, shelter, good health and family and friends that I could turn to if needed.

How often do you express your gratitude?

What are you thankful for in this Thanksgiving season?

In what other ways do you express your thanks?

Can’t find that manual? No worries!

Worried about how to operate that electric thermometer for the turkey, but can’t find the manual?

If you are like me, and many of my clients, paper has to be constantly checked or you could be surrounded by it before you know it. Some people have a fear if they throw away the source they will also lose the knowledge. I have yet to not find what I need on the internet.

Here is a great site that has manuals. Instead of having to keep those bulky manuals, you should be able to locate even hard to find ones here:

http://www.manualsonline.com/

You can create your own virtual filing cabinet for your self-support information. Here you can file, sort and store product details, create inventory catalogs, and monitor community discussions.

Recycling Electronics!

DID YOU KNOW THAT?
In 2005, the EPA estimated that unwanted electronics represented 1.9 to 2.2 million tons. The majority of these products, about 1.5 to 1.9 million tons, were discarded in landfills with only 345,000 to 379,000 tons recycled.

Many people will be getting groovy new electronic gadgets during the Holiday season.  Don’t just pitch what is no longer “current”.  You have lots of options instead of tossing in the landfill.

Donate! Many charities would love computers, cameras, etc. What is old to you, might be new to them!  Also consider children’s homes and youth groups.  For computers: http://www.purpleelephant.org/

Freecycle! You post it here, not only will someone use it they will come and get it!

Recycle! www. econewonline.com makes it easy.  Step 1: Select the product to trade-in and describe its condition. Step 2: Ship your product with the prepaid shipping label provided. Step 3: Receive your reward card in the mail

Sell. Post on Craig’s List.  They will buy your new, used and broken electronics with free shipping.  More info:  http://www.buymytronics.com/

http://www.gazelle.com/

Consider a solar charger for all your gadgets:

http://www.regenliving.com/

Celebrate America Recycles Day!

Celebrate Raleigh’s first I Recycle event Saturday, November 13 at the Shops at Seaboard Station. Need to recycle your old paint, TVs, computers, plastic bags and plastic buckets, toys and lawn furniture? Want to have ProShred Security shred and recycle your documents before your eyes? Ready to donate gently-used household items such as furniture, cookware, dishes and accessories?

Come out Saturday, November 13 from 10 am to 2 pm for this one-stop recycling collection. Take the I Recycle pledge for a chance to win a free composter from Seaboard Ace Hardware. Bring the family – there’s a Kids Zone with fun activities supplied by The Scrap Exchange, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, City of Raleigh Recycle Relays, Sonoco recycling game and exhibitors sharing reduce, reuse and recycle information.

More info: http://keepncbeautiful.org/

To find other events in your community: http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ARD_Overview

Organizing Your Holiday Cards, Part 1

I know, I know!  Thanksgiving isn’t even here and I am talking about getting started on your cards.  With planning and organizing, you can avoid doing everything at the last minute.  As someone who has had to help her mother do all her cards at the last second, I know how stressful and hectic it can be. I want you to help you avoid that.

These tasks can be done relatively quickly.  Do when watching TV; or listening to music.  I always suggest carrying everything in a tote so if you end up having to wait (at the doctor’s office, etc.) you can do something instead of getting frustrated.  Try and get started on these and have most completed by Thanksgiving.

Go through your card list. If you haven’t created a master card list, now is a great time to get that in a spreadsheet, word document, etc.  Really take the time to review.  Do you really need to send a card to someone you haven’t kept in touch with for years?  Who really loves and appreciates cards?  Most elderly people do, so be sure to include them, even if you send e-mail cards.  I suggest recycled cards made from a high post consumer content.

Update your address book/spreadsheet/e-mail list.

Print/collect return address labels.

Buy cards. http://www.mygoodgreetings.com/ http://doodle-greetings.com/ http://www.greenshanti.com/store/stationary/greeting-card-35.html

Creating homemade cards?  Get going!

Including photos/photo card?  Pick and order.

Do a newsletter?  Start a draft. Get the family involved so the burden isn’t with one person and make it fun!

Take one of your cards (or one similar to what you are doing i.e. with a photo, folded up newsletter, etc.) to the post office to make sure you have the correct postage. The last thing you want is returned cards!

Buy stamps at post office/online.

Part 2 and green alternatives coming shortly.

Organizing for Winter: Checking Propane Tanks

Before you store your gas grill into the garage, disconnect the propane tank, which must stay outside year-round (propane is impervious to heat or cold). According to the National Propane Gas Association, It’s against the fire code to place a propane tank larger than one pound in an enclosed area. A leak can cause an explosion. The tank must be kept at least 5 feet from your house.

After detaching the tank, test for leaks. Close the valve, then sponge the valve and the nozzle (where it attaches to the grill) with soapy water. If the liquid foams or bubbles, check the valve connection is tight. If it is, you probably have a leak. You might be able to take the tank to the place you purchased. If not, here is more information on disposing if you have a leak for Raleigh resident

http://www.ncagr.gov/standard/LP/LPgasConcerns/disposal.htms:

For those of you in other states, check your division of Consumer Services or Department of Agriculture.

TAX FREE THIS WEEKEND on energy star appliances!

November 5 – 7, 2010

Thinking about finally getting one of those energy star appliances?  This three-day North Carolina Fall Sales Tax Holiday provides for an exemption for certain Energy Star qualified products.

http://www.dor.state.nc.us/press/energystar.html

Check out here to find out more about your state:

http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/sales-tax-holiday-schedule.html