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Here's a idea that can help encourage your kids to get organized. When shopping for toys this holiday season, pick up some extra canvas storage totes. Ask each child to fill up a tote with toys they no longer need in order to make room for those that are on their wish list (making sure that they give up at least one old toy for each one that is on their list). Donate any toys that are in good condition. The tote can then double as a "gift bag" and organization unit for the new toys.
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Multitasking Holiday Decoration Tip
The holidays have descended upon us once again, making it absolutely necessary to hone those organizational skills. My philosophy has always been to keep it simple. Here is one of my favorite holiday decoration tips. As I purchase holiday gifts, I wrap them immediately and spread them throughout the house to double as decorations. Not only does it make my house look festive, but it gives me a visual of my progress with the holiday shopping. I also find it helps eliminate the possibility of me forgetting anyone on my list. Remember to put out a few small wrapped gifts appropriate for any age or gender so that they are at the ready when unexpected company drop by.
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Awesome Vehicle Dashboard Organizing Tool!
If you are like me, keeping track of my cell phone when I am on the go can get pretty tricky. Yesterday while I was in Staples, I came across a great product that will help me find my cell phone a little easier. The product is called the StickyPad and is made by HandStands. It is a small rubberized pad that clings to the dashboard of your vehicle and keeps cell phones, glasses and other small items in place. Here is a photo:
It was even on sale for $1.50!!! I bought several for stocking stuffers. For other neat gadgets by this company, visit the following link:
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Idea for Green Gift Packaging!
I am always looking for ways to package gifts creatively. Lately while I was wandering the aisles of my local grocery store, I spotted a display of those reusable grocery bags. Instead of the usual basic black, there were some printed in attractive colored designs. It occurred to me that they would make a great gift bag! In the spirit of multitasking, these bags are a perfect way to ensure that gift packaging can be repurposed! They also seem to be a lot studier than your average gift bag and at only a dollar each, quite affordable! I purchased a bunch of these and plan to use them for Christmas.
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A Busy Life Can Be An Organized Life!
Everybody feels like they are short on time these days. If only there were a few more hours in the day! Yet, busy and organized are not mutually exclusive terms. Recently an acquaintance pointed this out to me when she told me I have a busy but organized life (thank you for the inspiration J.M.!). With a little planning, you can be organized within your busy life! Here is some advice on how to do this:
Realize that you can't do everything! Moderation is the key! Use the analogy of eating at a buffet. You only have so much room on your plate! If you want to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal, some prioritizing is in order. Therefore, when mananging your time, think of your top five priorities. These may vary among individuals, but some common examples are family, work, school, home and self-care. If you find yourself not being able to manage activities related to these areas, this is a sign that something less important needs to go!
It is okay to say no! And yes, even professional organizers have times where they need to do this! Time management involves learning the skills necessary to identify realistically what you can and can not accomplish with the time you have (and not the time you wish you had!).
Learn how to do everyday tasks more efficiently! Multitask, multitask, multitask! I can't say this enough. Going back to college has forced me to hone my multitasking skills even more. One thing I do routinely is drink my first cup of morning coffee while I walk my dog. This has helped me shave time off my routine. There is a great website that teaches busy women how to squeeze in exercise while doing household chores. Here is the link:
http://www.squeezeitin.com/.
Never underestimate the power of a crockpot! You can even put meat in it straight from the freezer in case you forget to thaw it the day before. I like to use my crockpot to make pulled chicken. I use one pound of boneless, skinless chicken and add one 8 ounce can of plain tomato sauce mixed with a quarter cup of barbeque sauce. I cook the chicken on low for about 5 hours. Using two forks, I pull the chicken and serve it on rolls or use it to make a quesadilla (quesadilla makers are also a great time saving device). This usually serves about 2 to 3. You can easily adjust the recipe for a larger crowd. It makes for a quick, simple dinner when time is scarce!
Take cues from the status of the economy! In these hard economic times, most everyone is finding ways to save money. Try balancing out the extracurricular load with some volunteering. Not only is it free, but it helps those in need and builds character to boot!
Teach the kids how to cook! This is a great way to spend family time together and it gives them valuable skills they can use later in life. Your digestive system, not to mention your wallet will be much happier with one less fast food meal!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Realize that you can't do everything! Moderation is the key! Use the analogy of eating at a buffet. You only have so much room on your plate! If you want to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal, some prioritizing is in order. Therefore, when mananging your time, think of your top five priorities. These may vary among individuals, but some common examples are family, work, school, home and self-care. If you find yourself not being able to manage activities related to these areas, this is a sign that something less important needs to go!
It is okay to say no! And yes, even professional organizers have times where they need to do this! Time management involves learning the skills necessary to identify realistically what you can and can not accomplish with the time you have (and not the time you wish you had!).
Learn how to do everyday tasks more efficiently! Multitask, multitask, multitask! I can't say this enough. Going back to college has forced me to hone my multitasking skills even more. One thing I do routinely is drink my first cup of morning coffee while I walk my dog. This has helped me shave time off my routine. There is a great website that teaches busy women how to squeeze in exercise while doing household chores. Here is the link:
http://www.squeezeitin.com/.
Never underestimate the power of a crockpot! You can even put meat in it straight from the freezer in case you forget to thaw it the day before. I like to use my crockpot to make pulled chicken. I use one pound of boneless, skinless chicken and add one 8 ounce can of plain tomato sauce mixed with a quarter cup of barbeque sauce. I cook the chicken on low for about 5 hours. Using two forks, I pull the chicken and serve it on rolls or use it to make a quesadilla (quesadilla makers are also a great time saving device). This usually serves about 2 to 3. You can easily adjust the recipe for a larger crowd. It makes for a quick, simple dinner when time is scarce!
Take cues from the status of the economy! In these hard economic times, most everyone is finding ways to save money. Try balancing out the extracurricular load with some volunteering. Not only is it free, but it helps those in need and builds character to boot!
Teach the kids how to cook! This is a great way to spend family time together and it gives them valuable skills they can use later in life. Your digestive system, not to mention your wallet will be much happier with one less fast food meal!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
'Tis The Season for Preparation!
However you look at it, the holidays are approaching. Every year I find myself starting my shopping earlier to help avoid the stress that comes with trying to get everything done at the last minute. October is a great time to start the holiday preparations. What I like to do is start my online shopping. I find I save a lot of time and often am able to get the best price. By starting now, you can reduce shipping costs as there is plenty of time for those gifts to arrive. Aim to purchase about one gift a day. This in turn, helps to spread out holiday spending over a few months. If you purchase multiple items at one time, consider yourself ahead!
Other things that can be started are taking an inventory of gift wrap and bows. These are things that are easy to pick up at the grocery store when you are doing the weekly shopping. This is also a perfect time to start making cookie dough to put in the freezer for later use.
Preparing ahead will save time and stress and make for an enjoyable holiday season!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Other things that can be started are taking an inventory of gift wrap and bows. These are things that are easy to pick up at the grocery store when you are doing the weekly shopping. This is also a perfect time to start making cookie dough to put in the freezer for later use.
Preparing ahead will save time and stress and make for an enjoyable holiday season!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
What To Do For Those School Paper Blues
Now that the kids have been back in school for a few weeks now, the papers they have brought home are starting to accummulate. Left unmanaged, these can easily become clutter: an organizing dilemma I often encounter. The key for dealing with school papers is to be prepared! Here are some ideas:
1. Container! Container! Container! This is one area where having a container is absolutely necessary. It can be as simple as a box with a few file folders. Use a wicker basket for a nice decorative touch. I highly recommend purchasing some legal size manila folders (available at office supply stores) to accommodate larger sized items such as artwork. As I was surfing the internet, I came across some Corruboard products that would work well for organizing school papers. Here are some links to check out:
http://www.enasco.com/product/9720884H
http://www.enasco.com/product/WA26884H
Lillian Vernon has a great porfolio that can be used to hold school papers, artwork and keepsakes. Here is a link:
http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalog/product_display.jsp?pdId=777
Today in Joann Fabrics I saw large portfolio cases made out of posterboard that were not only eco friendly, but wallet friendly as well ($9.99 each). Each looked as if it could hold a year plus worth of papers/artwork!
2. Give each child a separate folder. Also, create subfolders within each folder for categories such as homework to be completed, homework to be submitted, school notices (policies, permission slips, upcoming activities), and artwork. This will help keep all paperwork in one area and eliminate time being wasted trying to track things down.
3. Create a routine. Build time into your schedule daily to go through paperwork your children bring home. Also, look through the existing folders to weed out papers that can be tossed or transferred to a filing cabinet for long term storage. Creating a routine helps pass on useful organizational skills to your child. Eventually, they will be able to sort their school papers on their own!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
1. Container! Container! Container! This is one area where having a container is absolutely necessary. It can be as simple as a box with a few file folders. Use a wicker basket for a nice decorative touch. I highly recommend purchasing some legal size manila folders (available at office supply stores) to accommodate larger sized items such as artwork. As I was surfing the internet, I came across some Corruboard products that would work well for organizing school papers. Here are some links to check out:
http://www.enasco.com/product/9720884H
http://www.enasco.com/product/WA26884H
Lillian Vernon has a great porfolio that can be used to hold school papers, artwork and keepsakes. Here is a link:
http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalog/product_display.jsp?pdId=777
Today in Joann Fabrics I saw large portfolio cases made out of posterboard that were not only eco friendly, but wallet friendly as well ($9.99 each). Each looked as if it could hold a year plus worth of papers/artwork!
2. Give each child a separate folder. Also, create subfolders within each folder for categories such as homework to be completed, homework to be submitted, school notices (policies, permission slips, upcoming activities), and artwork. This will help keep all paperwork in one area and eliminate time being wasted trying to track things down.
3. Create a routine. Build time into your schedule daily to go through paperwork your children bring home. Also, look through the existing folders to weed out papers that can be tossed or transferred to a filing cabinet for long term storage. Creating a routine helps pass on useful organizational skills to your child. Eventually, they will be able to sort their school papers on their own!
Unleash Your Organized Me!
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