SEVEN
The maximum number of tasks that should be on a daily to-do list to avoid mental overflow, according to Seven: The Number for Happiness, Love, and Success. Author Jacqueline Leo discusses facets of the number seven with the likes of Dr. Mehmet Oz, restaurateur Danny Meyer, and Real Simple managing editor Kristin van Ogtrop.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Don't Miss the elfa Sale at the Container Store
The Container Store is the place to shop for all kinds of practical and unique organizing supplies.
This year they are offering something new - elfa demonstrations!
Check it out at your local store.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Quote to Consider
"Wealth consists not in having great possissions but in having few wants."
- Esther De Waal, Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Playin' Again at IKEA
To celebrate GO Month (Get Organized Month) the Washington DC chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO-WDC) will be partnering with the IKEA in Woodbridge, Virginia to speak to the public about living a more organized life.
There will short seminars and tips on how to organize your closet, kitchens, office and kid's rooms. I'll be at IKEA along with my fellow chapter members to give advice about your 2010 organizing projects. The talks are at 11am and 1pm, for a half-hour each. Prizes will be awarded at each seminar.
GO Month 2010 Presented by NAPO-WDC
IKEA has all the tools you need to get it done...all under one roof!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Compromising Couples
Compromise is the name of the game when organizing couples. No two people are alike in their level of organization. You must communicate with each other your expectations and then meet in the middle.
The latest book I am reading, "Clutter Control, Useful Tips for getting Rid of the Mess", by Susan Wright, states the issues very well.
Compromise is in order when one or both partners are clutters. Usually each person has his or her own special problem - for example, the husband may be a collector while the wife can't organize her time.
First, each must respect the other spouse's right to live as he or she wants to. But it follows as a corollary that neither spouse has the right to inconvenience the other. These two principles must be kept in balance. One person's habits or preferences should not be allowed to disrupt the household or prevent another from living normally.
The latest book I am reading, "Clutter Control, Useful Tips for getting Rid of the Mess", by Susan Wright, states the issues very well.
Compromise is in order when one or both partners are clutters. Usually each person has his or her own special problem - for example, the husband may be a collector while the wife can't organize her time.
First, each must respect the other spouse's right to live as he or she wants to. But it follows as a corollary that neither spouse has the right to inconvenience the other. These two principles must be kept in balance. One person's habits or preferences should not be allowed to disrupt the household or prevent another from living normally.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The Messy Desk Gone Wrong
From the Boston Herald.com comes the latest on the conflicting opinions of the messy desk people
vs. those of us who choose to live clutter free.
It’s time to clean up my act
By Darren Garnick
Thursday, January 14, 2010
GO Month at IKEA
My Saturday experience at IKEA was great! I love talking about organization and how it can change your life. I spoke two times that day on kitchen organization.
It was a wonderful team building experience with my fellow NAPO-WDC chapter members.
NAPO-WDC will be at the IKEA in Woodbridge again on Saturday, January 23rd. I hope to see you there.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Unwanted Gift Cards
A client of mine told me about this internet service. You might want to check it out if you have unwanted gift cards from the holidays.
As the premier destination to sell, buy, exchange, and donate gift cards in a trusted environment, Plastic Jungle offers the simplest and safest way to save money at your favorite stores and turn unwanted gift cards into cash. All transactions are guaranteed, and we offer industry-leading features such as gift card replacement protection in case they are lost or damaged.
Gift cards on Plastic Jungle can be purchased at a discount, which means you can save up to 35% off your next shopping trip (that's on top of any store sales, coupons, or specials they might be running). And we offer FREE SHIPPING when you buy!
List gift cards on Plastic Jungle, or cash in cards with a minimum balance of $25 directly with us for up to 85% of the verified card balance. You can also exchange your unwanted or partially used gift cards for purchasing power at stores like Amazon.com, or donate them for the benefit of your favorite nonprofit organization.
How It Works
As the premier destination to sell, buy, exchange, and donate gift cards in a trusted environment, Plastic Jungle offers the simplest and safest way to save money at your favorite stores and turn unwanted gift cards into cash. All transactions are guaranteed, and we offer industry-leading features such as gift card replacement protection in case they are lost or damaged.
Shop for less at your favorite retailers, restaurants & more!
Gift cards on Plastic Jungle can be purchased at a discount, which means you can save up to 35% off your next shopping trip (that's on top of any store sales, coupons, or specials they might be running). And we offer FREE SHIPPING when you buy!
Cash in unwanted gift cards for up to 85% of the balance
List gift cards on Plastic Jungle, or cash in cards with a minimum balance of $25 directly with us for up to 85% of the verified card balance. You can also exchange your unwanted or partially used gift cards for purchasing power at stores like Amazon.com, or donate them for the benefit of your favorite nonprofit organization.
All Transactions are Guaranteed! Always Free Shipping!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Life Lessons
This is from Regina Brett, a 90 year old columnist for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland , Ohio:
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more....
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more....
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Friday, January 8, 2010
GO Month at IKEA this Saturday
Join me on January 9th and 23rd for short seminars and tips on how to organize your closet, kitchens, office and kid's rooms. I'll be at IKEA along with my fellow chapter members to give advice about your 2010 organizing projects. I will be speaking at IKEA on the 9th, in the kitchen section. The talks are at 11am and 1pm, for a half-hour each. Prizes will be awarded at each seminar.
GO Month 2010 Presented by NAPO-WDC
IKEA has all the tools you need to get it done...all under one roof!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Recycling Event this Saturday
January 9th is the next recycling event at PC Recycler. It conveniently located in Chantilly, Virginia and it’s so quick an easy. If you have any electronic items to recycle or paper that needs shredding, put it in your car and drive over to PC Recycler this Saturday!
They will also be collecting for the WFCM Food Pantry at this event. Below, you will find a list of suggested dontations.
To visit PC Recycler’s web site for more information go to: PC Recycler
• Saturday, January 9, 2010 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
• Location of the event: 4005 Westfax Drive, Suite A, Chantilly, VA 20151
• Directions to the Event
• All types of electronics will be accepted - basically anything with a plug.
• Questions about what you can bring? Are there any fees? Please refer to our List of Acceptable Items.
• Paper Shredding---Available At This Event!
At WFCM basic necessities such as food and toiletries are scarce. Please assist us in aiding WFCM Food Pantry. In return for your charitable donation, we will discount your recycling and data destruction fees -- see more info about these fees
SUGGESTED DONATIONS
• Canned Vegetables
• Baby Food
• Beans
• Fruit Juice
They will also be collecting for the WFCM Food Pantry at this event. Below, you will find a list of suggested dontations.
To visit PC Recycler’s web site for more information go to: PC Recycler
• Saturday, January 9, 2010 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
• Location of the event: 4005 Westfax Drive, Suite A, Chantilly, VA 20151
• Directions to the Event
• All types of electronics will be accepted - basically anything with a plug.
• Questions about what you can bring? Are there any fees? Please refer to our List of Acceptable Items.
• Paper Shredding---Available At This Event!
At WFCM basic necessities such as food and toiletries are scarce. Please assist us in aiding WFCM Food Pantry. In return for your charitable donation, we will discount your recycling and data destruction fees -- see more info about these fees
SUGGESTED DONATIONS
• Canned Vegetables
• Baby Food
• Beans
• Fruit Juice
Monday, January 4, 2010
An Organized Meeting
It's Monday morning and I have three meetings to attend today!
I’m ready! I have organized all my paperwork needed for each meeting and have made notes. The individuals who called the meetings have provided agendas, so I have an idea of what is expected of me and all the other participants at the appointed times.
If you are chairing a meeting, here are some techniques you can use to streamline a meeting:
1. Circulate your agenda ahead of time.
2. Invite only those who need to attend.
3. Keep to your agenda.
4. Always begin your meeting right on time.
5. Push for decisions.
6. Schedule wisely.
7. Take stock.
from Simplify Your Workday by Barbara Hemphill and Pamela Quinn Gibbard
I’m ready! I have organized all my paperwork needed for each meeting and have made notes. The individuals who called the meetings have provided agendas, so I have an idea of what is expected of me and all the other participants at the appointed times.
If you are chairing a meeting, here are some techniques you can use to streamline a meeting:
1. Circulate your agenda ahead of time.
2. Invite only those who need to attend.
3. Keep to your agenda.
4. Always begin your meeting right on time.
5. Push for decisions.
6. Schedule wisely.
7. Take stock.
from Simplify Your Workday by Barbara Hemphill and Pamela Quinn Gibbard
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Make a Decision
If you are sorting through a pile of stuff, notice if you are making decisions on each item. So often, I work with people who put things aside to “decide later”. That is just putting off the inevitable. There is a saying “clutter is just unmade decisions”. Although it may be hard to do, force yourself to make those decisions now.
In the book “Simplify Your Workday” by Barbara Hemphill and Pamela Quinn Gibbard, they say, “If in Doubt, Decide. Indecision is nearly always the worst mistake you can make. When tempted to postpone a decision, ask yourself: what will I know tomorrow that I don’t know today? If the answer is nothing, just make the best decision you can and move ahead. “
In the book “Simplify Your Workday” by Barbara Hemphill and Pamela Quinn Gibbard, they say, “If in Doubt, Decide. Indecision is nearly always the worst mistake you can make. When tempted to postpone a decision, ask yourself: what will I know tomorrow that I don’t know today? If the answer is nothing, just make the best decision you can and move ahead. “
Friday, January 1, 2010
Quick Beginning of the Year Business Tasks
If you are recuperating from last night’s festivities and are looking for a small task to accomplish today? Try taking one small step towards tax time.
Do you keep a Vehicle Mileage book throughout the year? As a small business owner, I do. Now would be a great time to do the math and tabulate your mileage for the year. Ready, get out that pencil!
In order to compute that total miles traveled for the year, you must record your complete odometer reading at the beginning and end of the year. Then calculate the percentage of vehicle use for business purposes by using the equation:
Business Miles Traveled/Total Miles Traveled = Percentage Your Automobile was used for Business Purposes.
Do you keep a Vehicle Mileage book throughout the year? As a small business owner, I do. Now would be a great time to do the math and tabulate your mileage for the year. Ready, get out that pencil!
In order to compute that total miles traveled for the year, you must record your complete odometer reading at the beginning and end of the year. Then calculate the percentage of vehicle use for business purposes by using the equation:
Business Miles Traveled/Total Miles Traveled = Percentage Your Automobile was used for Business Purposes.
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