Time After Time

Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans are naturally non stick. Consider investing in these pans for cookingCast iron pans are naturally non stick.  Consider investing in these pans for cooking!  better for your health, better for the environment!

Additional care tips from my college friend Meredith Elkins:

“They have to be seasoned properly — which is simple! Coat liberally with solid shortening (Crisco or similar) and put in a low (250-ish) oven for 2 or 3 hours. Let cool and wipe off excess shortning. Repeat periodically to ensure non-stick. Oh, and never soak a non-stick pan or use cleanser. If you have burnt on food, use kosher salt to remove.!”

Easy Organization Goals!

If you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of getting organized, do one thing to make a change.  Here are some suggestions I have made to clients in taking that first step!  Remember to donate, give away and/or recycle!

• Have less “stuff” coming into my living space.  If I bring something in, something goes out.
• A place for everything. Have a place for keys, sunglasses, bills, permission slips, etc.
• Say no to: other people’s stuff; people who don’t support and nourish me; things I know longer use or love.
• Donate. I’m getting rid of everything that doesn’t represent me because I want to live in the present.
• Make life easy. I don’t need 5 serving platters, 8 shampoos, and 6 sets of sheets.
• Stop collecting stuff for others: “I was saving this for you” or “I thought you could use this.” They probably can’t.
• Examine: What’s behind the clutter? What is clutter distracting you from?
• Make monthly donations to a charity you love.  Someone will be grateful for what you don’t need or want anymore.

What step can you take today?

Living with a Disorganized Person

Summer Sizzles With Organization

One of the reasons I love being a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers is that I get to connect with other organizers across the country.  Today’s blog is a guest post from The Joyful Organizer’s Bonnie Joy Dewkett.

The summer months are almost here!  By taking a few moments now to get organized, and plan your summer months, you will be able to make better use of the free time you have while the weather is warm and the sun is shining!

1. Start by making summer plans now.  Planning your vacations, organizing projects and home improvement endeavors now will help ensure that they get done.  Preplanning and putting events on your calendar will help you find the time to purchase supplies and plan effectively.  Also planning vacations ahead of time can save you money as prices are often less expensive the earlier you book.
2. At the end of the year, have your kids go through their backpacks and get rid of any junk.  Put important papers, such as report cards, in a file.  Anything else, gets tossed.  If the backpack is not going to be used again next year, consider donating it to someone less fortunate.
3. This is a great time of year to buy new sun block and bug spray.  The ones you have from last year may be almost empty, and you risk running out when you need it most.  Sun block in particular loses its effectiveness over time.
4. Create a “to-go” bag for swimming, or the beach.  Put frequently used items like towels, goggles, and pools passes in the bag and keep it by the door.  Or, keep an extra bathing suit and towel in the car just in case you have the opportunity to take a dip!
5. If you are taking a vacation, start doing research now.  Visit the city’s chamber of commerce website and look for deals and coupons.  If you are an AAA member, contact them in advance for free maps in your destination.  Find out if your AAA discount can apply to your lodging, or any of your trip expenses.
6. Flip flops can easily add clutter to an entryway.  Use large drink tubs, or baskets to toss summer shoes in.  Or you can hang them on hooks to make sure you can always view your options, and they are ready to go at a moments notice.
7. This is a good time of year to update your car’s first aid kit.  If you don’t have one, now is a great time to get one.  Many discount stores sell pre-packaged first aid kits that are under $10.  Make sure all medicines are up to date and that band-aids still have adhesive.
8. Life jackets need to fit properly in order to be effective.  Have your kids try theirs on at the beginning of the season to see if you need to purchase a new size.  Don’t put your child’s life in danger with a life jacket that is either too big or too small.
9. Summer sports equipment such as soccer cleats, baseball gloves, and basketball shoes should be tried on before the summer season begins.  This will ensure you have plenty of time to purchase new ones if your child has grown from the previous year. Shopping early will help you have the best chance of finding their size in the style they desire.
10. If your kids are going away to camp, call the camp now to request a list of required items.  Start shopping with your weekly errands to avoid a large time commitment or expense all at once.

Bonnie Joy Dewkett, CPO^® is an organizing expert, author, and motivational speaker.  Her company, The Joyful Organizer®, creates and implements organizational systems for the home or office.  These changes allow her Customers to create calm from chaos at work and at home. Bonnie has achieved the prestigious designation of Certified Professional Organizer, CPO^®, from The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers. She is a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and has published The Joyful Organizer’s Guide to a Joyful Move which is available on her website http://www.thejoyfulorganizer.com.

Dealing with a Disorganized Spouse/Roommate/Co-worker

Show Me the Money!

On many occasions when working with clients we have discovered checks, cash, and coins when decluttering.  Eliminating disorganization can also put $$ $$ in your pocket:

• Late payments (misplaced bills leading to interest and penalties)

• Pending rebates (not collecting the necessary information)

• Duplicate purchases (unable to find what you already had)

• Unused gift cards (not with you while shopping)

• Overdraft fees (failing to reconcile)

• Multiple trips to store (shopping without a list)

• Repairs (neglecting maintenance)

• Tax Deductions (not tracking mileage and business expenses)

• Late fees (overdue items)

Throwing Stuff Away is Hard to Do

Sung to the tune of Breaking Up is Hard to Do….

Most of my clients are able to pitch stuff that they know is not worth saving, like torn or stained clothing, electronics that don’t work and rusted items. But other items prove to be more challenging.

I have found with a lot of my women clients it is clothing. (I include myself in that statement!)

“When I lose those last ten pounds” or “But I might need that outfit for lunch with the governor some day” or “Get rid of the sweater that I was wearing when I was asked out on by my future husband?”  Peter Walsh offers some good suggestions:

1. Those clothes that don’t fit you now are just taunting you every time you open the door! Why would you want clothing that doesn’t fit you or flatter you to take up your space? When you get to the weight you want to be, reward yourself with clothing that you love and makes you feel attractive!  Here is a great blog by Michele Little of One Chic Mama that really says it best about having items you love in your closet:

http://inside919.ning.com/profiles/blogs/is-going-cheap-making-you?xg_source=activity

2. When you hold onto items because you are worried you might need them someday you are not living in the present. You are looking to the future. Don’t most of us have dreams and wishes for the future? Do you really want to hold onto something shabby or ill suited to represent your hopes and dreams? Is the money, space and energy you are using to keep everything the best way to try and create your future?

3. Holding on to the sweater is an emotional reason for not wanting to pitch it. But the memories are never going to go away. If you value an item, then you need to show it the honor and respect it deserves. If you aren’t doing that now what makes you think you will start?

By clearing your clutter you are able to open space and open your life to possibilities. You want to change your life? Change your clutter!

What are you ready to clear or let go of today?  What new possibilities do you want to bring into your life?

Isn’t that Groovy?

Stop the Insanity!

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