If you haven't done so already, it's time to think about swapping out your winter clothes for summer ones. I am in the process of going through my winter clothes today - I've made it through the closet. Next, on to drawers and shelves!
I keep my off-season clothes in another location, so before bringing them into my closet, I went through my closet and made four categories: give away, store for next winter, keep in the closet for transitional days, and clothes I use year-round.
I was very proud of myself - I was fairly ruthless. If I haven't worn it this past winter or I don't love it, even if it is a perfectly good piece of clothing, I got rid of it. After getting rid of a LOT of winter clothes in the fall before putting them in my closet, my closet is at a rather manageable place.
If your closet is large enough for all your clothes, you may want to rearrange your in-season clothes to be more accessible than your off-season clothes.
Whatever the case, you'll want to group your clothing into like categories. I put all my athletic clothes in one location - t-shirts and work-out clothes. I grouped dressy tops together by color and casual tops together by color. The same with the pants. Suits or outfits that go together are a separate group. And dresses another group.
The same can be done with your folded clothes, whether they live in drawers or shelves. It's a great time to go through your socks and get rid of loners or those with holes. Same with underwear and night clothes.
And don't forget your shoes! Make sure your summer shoes are more accessible and your winter shoes less accessible. Be ruthless here, as well.
As you go through this process each spring and fall, your job will become more and more manageable, as your clothing will be pared down to what you use and love.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Product Review of Organizers - The Planner Pad
The Planner Pad is not your average schedule book. Instead of the usual two pages for a week’s schedule, there is so much more on those two pages!
The top third of the page is dedicated to “Weekly Lists of Activities by Categories”. This becomes your master to-do list. Instead of a long grocery list of to-dos, there are seven separate lists spread out horizontally. It is conducive to grouping like activities together under a single category.
The next third is for your daily to-do list. As you prioritize your master list according to importance and urgency, you determine which day that activity will be done and enter it on the corresponding daily to-do list.
The bottom third is for appointments and designated times you want to accomplish your daily to-dos. The three categories act as a funnel, helping you list everything that is on your mind, pick out the priority items, and schedule them. So by the time you have put them on your schedule, you have sifted through your list for the highest priority activities for that week.
Each week also includes a list for notes and calls and a list for expenses. A small monthly calendar for that month, the previous one, and the next month are shown for easy reference.
The Planner Pad has a section for important phone numbers, a one page three-year calendar, an expanded three-year calendar with room to jot down plans and events, a three-year list of holidays, a time zone map, pages for notes, and pages for goals and projects. The scheduling pages for each month are preceded by a month-at-a-glance calendar for that month.
The Planner Pad comes with a 20-30 minute audio CD which introduces the Planner Pad and its funnel system, presented by Gary Parker, the owner of Planner Pads. Not only does he walk you through the use of the Planner Pad, but he gives you time management tips and other planning pointers. Written instructions are also included to help you get started.
The Planner Pad includes 53 weeks of schedules, which can start in January, April, June, or October. The two sizes are executive and personal and cost $25.95 and $24.95 respectively. To purchase the Planner Pad go to www.PlannerPad.com.
The top third of the page is dedicated to “Weekly Lists of Activities by Categories”. This becomes your master to-do list. Instead of a long grocery list of to-dos, there are seven separate lists spread out horizontally. It is conducive to grouping like activities together under a single category.
The next third is for your daily to-do list. As you prioritize your master list according to importance and urgency, you determine which day that activity will be done and enter it on the corresponding daily to-do list.
The bottom third is for appointments and designated times you want to accomplish your daily to-dos. The three categories act as a funnel, helping you list everything that is on your mind, pick out the priority items, and schedule them. So by the time you have put them on your schedule, you have sifted through your list for the highest priority activities for that week.
Each week also includes a list for notes and calls and a list for expenses. A small monthly calendar for that month, the previous one, and the next month are shown for easy reference.
The Planner Pad has a section for important phone numbers, a one page three-year calendar, an expanded three-year calendar with room to jot down plans and events, a three-year list of holidays, a time zone map, pages for notes, and pages for goals and projects. The scheduling pages for each month are preceded by a month-at-a-glance calendar for that month.
The Planner Pad comes with a 20-30 minute audio CD which introduces the Planner Pad and its funnel system, presented by Gary Parker, the owner of Planner Pads. Not only does he walk you through the use of the Planner Pad, but he gives you time management tips and other planning pointers. Written instructions are also included to help you get started.
The Planner Pad includes 53 weeks of schedules, which can start in January, April, June, or October. The two sizes are executive and personal and cost $25.95 and $24.95 respectively. To purchase the Planner Pad go to www.PlannerPad.com.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Product Review of Organizers - Daily Home Planner
As promised, I will review several organizing tools as a follow up to our survey in March asking which tool do you use most often to organize your time. The survey results were: wall calendar 17%, PDA 14%, cell phone 7%, pocket calendar 14%, notebook/spiral 42%, and other 10%.
I'll be looking at several different styles to give you a variety of options to explore. Today I'll be looking at the Daily Home Planner by Sarah Kimmel.
Sarah Kimmel has an amazing product – her Daily Home Planner! The Daily Home Planner is a computer-based system that helps you organize your time, finances, menus, goals, contacts, journaling, and lists. It’s a one-stop organizing system for all areas of your life.
You can document a daily routine for yourself and for other family members. So when you look at your day, you see the routines and appointments for the whole family. Sarah especially recommends this system for home-schoolers, where each child’s daily school routine is readily seen. When you switch to a monthly view, just your appointments show up, without all the daily routines.
The Daily Home Planner helps you set up a budget and allocate income to the categories you have chosen in your budget. As you spend and record, each category shows the current total.
Planning menus is a snap, too. You enter recipes onto your program, and you can click and drag them to the day you want to serve them. The ingredients are then transferred to your shopping list!
There’s a section for journaling, including things you’ve learned that day and a place for pictures. And for list lovers – you can create to do lists, grocery lists, and any other list you can imagine!
Create a contact list for the whole family using the reference section. There’s lots of room for information for each contact. And there’s a box you can check if the contact is one to be called in an emergency.
There’s even a babysitter’s list! Print out the routines for each child during the period of time covered, as well as your own specific instructions and the emergency numbers you designated.
Sarah provides a demo on her site for each section of her planner. She also includes a detailed printed list of instructions in her help section on the program, to get you started. And all for only $34.95 at www.dailyhomeplanner.com.
I'll be looking at several different styles to give you a variety of options to explore. Today I'll be looking at the Daily Home Planner by Sarah Kimmel.
Sarah Kimmel has an amazing product – her Daily Home Planner! The Daily Home Planner is a computer-based system that helps you organize your time, finances, menus, goals, contacts, journaling, and lists. It’s a one-stop organizing system for all areas of your life.
You can document a daily routine for yourself and for other family members. So when you look at your day, you see the routines and appointments for the whole family. Sarah especially recommends this system for home-schoolers, where each child’s daily school routine is readily seen. When you switch to a monthly view, just your appointments show up, without all the daily routines.
The Daily Home Planner helps you set up a budget and allocate income to the categories you have chosen in your budget. As you spend and record, each category shows the current total.
Planning menus is a snap, too. You enter recipes onto your program, and you can click and drag them to the day you want to serve them. The ingredients are then transferred to your shopping list!
There’s a section for journaling, including things you’ve learned that day and a place for pictures. And for list lovers – you can create to do lists, grocery lists, and any other list you can imagine!
Create a contact list for the whole family using the reference section. There’s lots of room for information for each contact. And there’s a box you can check if the contact is one to be called in an emergency.
There’s even a babysitter’s list! Print out the routines for each child during the period of time covered, as well as your own specific instructions and the emergency numbers you designated.
Sarah provides a demo on her site for each section of her planner. She also includes a detailed printed list of instructions in her help section on the program, to get you started. And all for only $34.95 at www.dailyhomeplanner.com.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring Cleaning Using Household Items - Salt, Newspaper, Coffee Filters, and Olive Oil
This will be the last installment of spring cleaning using household items, unless you have some tips you want to pass along!
Salt - Mix 1/2 cup salt and a quart of hot water. Pour the salt water mixture down your drain to give it a good cleaning.
Newspapers
- To deodorize and dry out shoes, stuff them with newspaper overnight. Note: to keep shoes from smelling, don't wear them two days in a row.
- To freshen food containers or themoses, stuff with newspaper and let it sit overnight.
- Some people swear by using newspaper to clean windows. I don't like ending up with black hands!
Salt - Mix 1/2 cup salt and a quart of hot water. Pour the salt water mixture down your drain to give it a good cleaning.
Newspapers
- To deodorize and dry out shoes, stuff them with newspaper overnight. Note: to keep shoes from smelling, don't wear them two days in a row.
- To freshen food containers or themoses, stuff with newspaper and let it sit overnight.
- Some people swear by using newspaper to clean windows. I don't like ending up with black hands!
Coffee filters - use them to clean windows or glass if you run out of paper towels. They don't leave any lint or residue. (And for a vice versa - if you run out of coffee filters, you can use paper towels in your coffee maker!)
Olive oil - rub on stainless steel or chrome to shine them. Ammonia and similar products can dull or corrode them.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Managing Your Time, Energy, and Clutter - With Application to MS
I am happy to announce a new book in the 1-2-3 ... Get Organized series: Three Steps to Managing Your Time, Energy and Clutter - with Application to Multiple Sclerosis.
As you may remember, I spoke to MS patients from Oak Clinic in Canton, Ohio in February on this subject. After collaborating with the staff from Oak Clinic, doing my own research, and drawing on my organizational experience, I created this tool especially for those suffering with MS. The workbook helps MS sufferers determine the legacy they want to leave, which, in turn, guides them in how they spend their time, gifts, and energy.
The workbook also serves as a portable filing system as well as a reminder system for important dates, appointments, and information. Included are ways to conserve and maintain energy and ways to effectively deal with clutter.
If you know someone who struggles with MS, this might be a helpful tool you could give them to lighten their burden!
As you may remember, I spoke to MS patients from Oak Clinic in Canton, Ohio in February on this subject. After collaborating with the staff from Oak Clinic, doing my own research, and drawing on my organizational experience, I created this tool especially for those suffering with MS. The workbook helps MS sufferers determine the legacy they want to leave, which, in turn, guides them in how they spend their time, gifts, and energy.
The workbook also serves as a portable filing system as well as a reminder system for important dates, appointments, and information. Included are ways to conserve and maintain energy and ways to effectively deal with clutter.
If you know someone who struggles with MS, this might be a helpful tool you could give them to lighten their burden!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tips from a Master Gardener
One of the ladies in my acquatics class is a master gardener, and she passed along a couple of gardening tips for the spring.
1. Don't put down weed killer until the forsythia blooms, as it does no good before then - a waste of time, energy, and money.
2. When you're raking up the leaves that have collected from the winter, don't put them in your compost pile or on your gardening plot, as they may contain mold. Put them in your recycling bags and get them off your property!
1. Don't put down weed killer until the forsythia blooms, as it does no good before then - a waste of time, energy, and money.
2. When you're raking up the leaves that have collected from the winter, don't put them in your compost pile or on your gardening plot, as they may contain mold. Put them in your recycling bags and get them off your property!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Dinner in 10 - Lime Dill Chicken
An easy recipe that was well received at my house this week - lime dill chicken. Simply sprinkle lime juice and dried or fresh dill on chicken tenderloins while they're cooking over medium high heat. I took half a lime and squeezed it over the chicken. When I turned the chicken over, I squeezed more lime juice over the chicken.
Serve with a veggie tray and a hearty roll.
If you'd like more quick and easy recipes, see our Hassle Free Dinners CD, 52 weeks of dinner menus, grocery lists and instructions for quick and easy meals www.1-2-3getorganized.com.
Serve with a veggie tray and a hearty roll.
If you'd like more quick and easy recipes, see our Hassle Free Dinners CD, 52 weeks of dinner menus, grocery lists and instructions for quick and easy meals www.1-2-3getorganized.com.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Spring Cleaning Using Household Items - Lemons
Here are some more great spring cleaning tips, this time using lemons! Did you know lemon juice disinfects?
- To clean up those stained plastic and wooden cutting boards, squeeze the juice of half a lemon onto the board. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with water.
- To remove tea stains on cloth, combine lemon juice with an equal amount of water. Dip a Q-tip in the lemon juice mixture, and dab at the stain. Or you can put the mixture into an eye dropper and drip onto the stain. Thoroughly flush with cool water.
- Combine lemon juice with baking soda and use in place of abrasive cleaners.
- To clean up those stained plastic and wooden cutting boards, squeeze the juice of half a lemon onto the board. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with water.
- To remove tea stains on cloth, combine lemon juice with an equal amount of water. Dip a Q-tip in the lemon juice mixture, and dab at the stain. Or you can put the mixture into an eye dropper and drip onto the stain. Thoroughly flush with cool water.
- Combine lemon juice with baking soda and use in place of abrasive cleaners.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Organize Your Family Vacation
If you haven't booked your vacation spot, don't wait!! It's easier to find what you want the earlier you start.
I recently organized a family vacation for my parents, my siblings and their families and our family. If you are working with others besides your own family, take into consideration location, location, location. Our family is spread out and we chose a place somewhat between us.
You also need to consider special needs - sleeping arrangments - couples, children, single adults, gender; pets coming along; price; interests of those coming along (golfing, tennis, etc.); and the dates when everyone is available.
If you have friends who have been to the location you chose, get their advice. I looked online for suitable housing. Needing a place that accepts dogs narrowed down the field. I looked at the "touristy" sites as well as places offered by individual property owners. And a couple of siblings offered websites to look at, as well.
We had to weigh price with amenities - we could get a couple of townhouses, with pools, tennis and golfing. But we chose a large house instead so we could all be together and have a common place to eat, play games, etc. It was a little more expensive, and there was no pool, tennis courts, or golfing on site, but they are available nearby. But there were other amenities we hadn't counted on - a pool table, foosball table, and horse back riding.
I found it very helpful to talk to people onsite at the various locations we were considering to get all our questions asked. You certainly don't want surprises when you arrive!
I communicated with family members via email at each decision point so we could make choices in a timely manner. It took a couple of weeks before we waded through everything, but everyone seems to be happy with the choice. If you are just planning for your own family, it will be much simpler!
Happy Vacation!
I recently organized a family vacation for my parents, my siblings and their families and our family. If you are working with others besides your own family, take into consideration location, location, location. Our family is spread out and we chose a place somewhat between us.
You also need to consider special needs - sleeping arrangments - couples, children, single adults, gender; pets coming along; price; interests of those coming along (golfing, tennis, etc.); and the dates when everyone is available.
If you have friends who have been to the location you chose, get their advice. I looked online for suitable housing. Needing a place that accepts dogs narrowed down the field. I looked at the "touristy" sites as well as places offered by individual property owners. And a couple of siblings offered websites to look at, as well.
We had to weigh price with amenities - we could get a couple of townhouses, with pools, tennis and golfing. But we chose a large house instead so we could all be together and have a common place to eat, play games, etc. It was a little more expensive, and there was no pool, tennis courts, or golfing on site, but they are available nearby. But there were other amenities we hadn't counted on - a pool table, foosball table, and horse back riding.
I found it very helpful to talk to people onsite at the various locations we were considering to get all our questions asked. You certainly don't want surprises when you arrive!
I communicated with family members via email at each decision point so we could make choices in a timely manner. It took a couple of weeks before we waded through everything, but everyone seems to be happy with the choice. If you are just planning for your own family, it will be much simpler!
Happy Vacation!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Protecting Your PC from a Crash
I have recently discovered www.Carbonite.com, a service that backs up all the files on your computer continuously offsite so if your computer crashes, you don't lose all your data.
This service is only $49.99 a year or $89.99 for a two year subscription. You can try a two-week trial if you wish. If you have a crash, you just go back to the website and push a button to restore your data, which will take a few days, but you'll have it!
The initial back-up will take several days to get all your files copied, but after that, new information is backed up in a few seconds. $49.99 is a small price to pay for the security of having protected files!
This service is only $49.99 a year or $89.99 for a two year subscription. You can try a two-week trial if you wish. If you have a crash, you just go back to the website and push a button to restore your data, which will take a few days, but you'll have it!
The initial back-up will take several days to get all your files copied, but after that, new information is backed up in a few seconds. $49.99 is a small price to pay for the security of having protected files!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
We're Featured in Christian Women Online Magazine
Check out this month's Book Buzz on Christian Women Online Magazine (www.christianwomenonline.net/BookBuzz.htm) for a mention of our 1-2-3 ... Get Organized series, written by Laurel Wreath. While you're there, read her other reviews, and refresh yourself with the abundance of inspirational and practical living advice throughout the site!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Spring Cleaning Using Household Items - Vinegar
Another installment using household items for spring cleaning - this time using vinegar.
- To remove coffee or tea stains from the inside of a cup, measure two tablespoons of vinegar into the cup and swish it around. Use a cloth, if necessary, to reach all the stains. Wash with soap.
- To get rid of salt stains on boots or shoes, dip a cloth into vinegar. Those white stains will wipe right off!
- To deodorize a garbage disposal, fill ice trays with vinegar. Freeze. Run the vinegar ice cubes through the disposal, followed by a blast of cold water.
- To clean a teakettle, boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the kettle. Wipe away any residue.
- To freshen a coffeemaker, fill the water reservoir with a mixture of vinegar and water. "Brew" this mixture, followed by several cycles of plain water.
- To clean a dishwasher, run an empty dishwasher through a cycle with a cup of vinegar. Do this once a month to reduce soap buildup on the inner mechanisms and glassware.
- To remove coffee or tea stains from the inside of a cup, measure two tablespoons of vinegar into the cup and swish it around. Use a cloth, if necessary, to reach all the stains. Wash with soap.
- To get rid of salt stains on boots or shoes, dip a cloth into vinegar. Those white stains will wipe right off!
- To deodorize a garbage disposal, fill ice trays with vinegar. Freeze. Run the vinegar ice cubes through the disposal, followed by a blast of cold water.
- To clean a teakettle, boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the kettle. Wipe away any residue.
- To freshen a coffeemaker, fill the water reservoir with a mixture of vinegar and water. "Brew" this mixture, followed by several cycles of plain water.
- To clean a dishwasher, run an empty dishwasher through a cycle with a cup of vinegar. Do this once a month to reduce soap buildup on the inner mechanisms and glassware.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Get Organized for April Fool's Day!!
Need some great ideas for April Fool's pranks? Go to Family Fun at:
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/aprilfools-your-best-pranks-ms/?campaign=NLC-NL_Crafts&link=Jump2Link1 .
My favorite all-time prank is taping or rubber-banding open the sprayer at your kitchen sink. When anyone turns on the water, they get sprayed instantly! The only problem is that I usually forget and spray myself several times before anyone else gets up!!
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/aprilfools-your-best-pranks-ms/?campaign=NLC-NL_Crafts&link=Jump2Link1 .
My favorite all-time prank is taping or rubber-banding open the sprayer at your kitchen sink. When anyone turns on the water, they get sprayed instantly! The only problem is that I usually forget and spray myself several times before anyone else gets up!!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
How to Clean the House
My daughter Sara sent this to me. Thought you'd enjoy it!!
How to clean the house:
1. Open a new file in your PC
2. Name it " Housework ."
3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN.
4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN.
5. Your PC will ask you, " Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently ?"
6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press mouse button firmly.
7. Feel better? Works for me!
How to clean the house:
1. Open a new file in your PC
2. Name it " Housework ."
3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN.
4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN.
5. Your PC will ask you, " Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently ?"
6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press mouse button firmly.
7. Feel better? Works for me!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
A very simple filing system for email and paper
In Cedric Hohnstadt's blog http://cedrichohnstadt.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/keeping-on-top-of-the-clutter/ he suggests a very simple way of filing his emails and paper. He calls it a “three folder system”.
He says, "In my email program I’ve created three folders:
01-Today!
02-This Week
03-Whenever
Since my folders are alphabetized, the numbers in front of the folder names ensure that these three folders stay at the top of the list. Every time I check my email, I quickly scan my messages and begin sorting them into the folders. If an email requires a prompt response, I move the message into the “Today!” folder and I make sure that folder is empty by the end of the day. If the response can wait a day or two, I move it into the “This Week” folder. I try to make sure that folder is empty by the end of the day on Friday. All other emails go into the “Whenever” folder, and I get to them when I can. "
He goes on to state the advantages: "First, it ensures that my email inbox is always empty. I can’t tell you how freeing that is. Second, it helps ensure that nothing gets buried or falls through the cracks. I feel like I’m in control of my email and not the other way around."
He also recommends checking your email 3-5 times a day when you have time to look at several, rather than being interrupted by a reminder that you have a new email. This gives you ample time to work without being side-tracked.
He also uses this this three folder system (but has added a couple more) to handle his paper. He has five paper trays on his desk labeled “Today”, “This Week”, “Whenever”, "Finances", and "To File." "I make sure the “Today” tray is empty at the end of the day, and I try to make sure the “This Week” tray is empty at the end of the day on Friday," Cedric says.
He uses the "Finances" tray to collect anything that needs to be entered into his accounting software, and the "To File" tray for items that need to be filed in a filing cabinet. He uses times when he needs a break from his creative work as an illustrator to catch up on his filing.
Isn't this a do-able filing system? I think I'll try it out!
P. S. When I copied Cedric's blog onto my blog so I could quote him, I accidentally hit the wrong button and published his entire blog! Sorry for the confusion it may have created for you!
He says, "In my email program I’ve created three folders:
01-Today!
02-This Week
03-Whenever
Since my folders are alphabetized, the numbers in front of the folder names ensure that these three folders stay at the top of the list. Every time I check my email, I quickly scan my messages and begin sorting them into the folders. If an email requires a prompt response, I move the message into the “Today!” folder and I make sure that folder is empty by the end of the day. If the response can wait a day or two, I move it into the “This Week” folder. I try to make sure that folder is empty by the end of the day on Friday. All other emails go into the “Whenever” folder, and I get to them when I can. "
He goes on to state the advantages: "First, it ensures that my email inbox is always empty. I can’t tell you how freeing that is. Second, it helps ensure that nothing gets buried or falls through the cracks. I feel like I’m in control of my email and not the other way around."
He also recommends checking your email 3-5 times a day when you have time to look at several, rather than being interrupted by a reminder that you have a new email. This gives you ample time to work without being side-tracked.
He also uses this this three folder system (but has added a couple more) to handle his paper. He has five paper trays on his desk labeled “Today”, “This Week”, “Whenever”, "Finances", and "To File." "I make sure the “Today” tray is empty at the end of the day, and I try to make sure the “This Week” tray is empty at the end of the day on Friday," Cedric says.
He uses the "Finances" tray to collect anything that needs to be entered into his accounting software, and the "To File" tray for items that need to be filed in a filing cabinet. He uses times when he needs a break from his creative work as an illustrator to catch up on his filing.
Isn't this a do-able filing system? I think I'll try it out!
P. S. When I copied Cedric's blog onto my blog so I could quote him, I accidentally hit the wrong button and published his entire blog! Sorry for the confusion it may have created for you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
