Disorder2Order - keeping busy families organized

BOOK REVIEW: A mom's ultimate book of lists

2010-02-23T18:37:00Z

There is no greater job in the entire world than being a parent. When that joyous day finally comes and that little bundle of joy makes their grand entrance, no one tells you what comes next. Sure, there are lots of nurses and doctors (and sometimes family members) sharing their expert opinions on what you are "supposed" to do, but really there is no step by step manual to tell you what comes next.

As a parent, I look back at the last eight years of my life and I think about all the struggles we have overcame and how many books I read telling me what to do and why.

As an organizer and someone who functions well from a "check list" I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to read, A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists, by Michelle LaRowe.

This book is by far one of the handiest books I have ever read. No new mom has time to read the reason why babies cry, they just want to know how to calm them down and make them stop. A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists is the perfect book for every new parent and what' even better is that it's "ultimately" organized!

Every good project needs a plan. Michelle starts you out with many lists on what to do when preparing for baby's arrival, trip to the hospital and specific questions you really should ask your physician. She walks each parent through the first few years arming you with valuable techniques and methods in dealing with those unexpected moments.

Throughout the book she takes on the journey of life preparing and arming you with some helpful advice and how to's. My personal favorite is Michelle's Top 10 Tips for Time Management. All extremely valid and truly important to any parent!

1. Have a routine.
2. Be organized.
3. Have a place for everything.
4. Use a family calendar.
5. Keep a daily to-do list.
6. Delegate.
7. Learn to say no.
8. Prioritize.
9. Keep a running grocery list.
10. Plan a weekly menu.

What I really appreciated was that throughout the entire book, Michelle walks mom's through all the many challenges that require us to plan ahead and most of all be prepared. Dealing with friendships, working through family budgets and how to feed a picky eater just to name a few. There is no situation that Michelle doesn't cover. Being a parent is a demanding job and being a mom is a lifetime career. Why not arm yourself with the best book of lists!

Thanks Michelle for this powerful book!

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

BOOK REVIEW: So You Want to be a Work-At-Home Mom

2010-02-16T04:31:00Z

Are you a stay-at-home mom? Thinking about starting your own business?

What would you do if I told you there was a step-by-step book on how to get that done?

As a stay-home mom and business owner, I would have loved to have a book on how to get my business off the ground. When I started my business, I had a two year old toddler and brand spanking new baby. It was a long process of doing what I could when the kids were sleeping and working with clients when I had the extra help.

The book, So you Want to be a Stay-At-Home Mom: A Christian's Guide to Starting a Home Based Business by Jill Hart and Diana Ennen is one of those books you buy then refer to over and over again.

Both authors started out exactly the same way most small home based businesses do... with an idea of a business and not a clue how to get it going. They share their experiences (good and bad) of how they started their business, what choices they had to make and how they got where they are today. Successful Work At Home Moms!

They provide you with a road map to getting your business started, the key things you need to get done, a great checklist on how you can market your business PLUS a ton of resources on how to keep it going.

The thing about running my your own business is that you have to be prepared to wear every hat; the worker, the marketer and the manager... in addition to that other job of running your household.

Throughout the book, the authors share motivational support and spiritual advice in assisting you on your journey, which is truly inspiring. What I most enjoyed is that after all the years since starting my business, I found this book to be a valuable read even to a seasoned business owner.

In my opinion, you can't ever have too many business resources! Enjoy!

Procrastination: learned or genetic?

2010-01-15T22:02:00Z

It's always so enlightening to see what various chat groups are discussing. I belong to a few organizations recently have been discussing procrastination, a topic that I love to debate. Is it a learned behavior or is it something we genetic? In my opinion, genetic things the color of our eyes, our skin tone or sadly rare diseases.

Some people I know (you know who you are ) claim that they procrastinate because they just are always that way and genetically that's just how they have always been.

The dictionary defines procrastination as:

–verb (used without object): to defer action; delay: to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost.

–verb (used with object): to put off till another day or time; defer; delay.

The interesting thing about this word is that it starts with PRO, which typically means to think ahead or FORWARD action.

Are we ACTIVELY thinking we don't want to do something? Is the end result going to be really that bad?

What would happen if we actually completed the said task? How would that make us feel?

I can tell you from my own experience that procrastination makes me feel icky. I hate the guilt, stress or pressure in not completing a specific action. Believe me, I too fall prey to procrastination. Let's face it, we are all human. The key is to accepting what we do and making the change happen!

Tell me what you think about it... learned or inherited?

*image provided by Quo Vadis blog dot com

My 3 little obsessive compulsive areas

2010-01-07T18:02:00Z

It occurred to me this morning that I am a little obsessive about a few things....

1. Brushing my teeth.
2. Washing dishes.
3. Cleaning the toilet.

I don't think it's a bad thing to be a little obsessive about "clean" however some might consider that to be a little compulsive. If you asked my husband, he would probably tell you that the list is much longer...

Is there something that you get a little"obsessive" about?

A hook on the wall can change your life

2009-12-29T05:34:41Z

My husband and I have been together for almost 12 years now. The best 12 years I might add...

Looking back, it's strange that the smallest things can mean so much. We sometimes forget to look at the value that those small things bring to a relationship!

When we first met, my dear husband had a terrible habit of only using a towel once, then tossing it on the floor. Each day, he would get up in the morning, have a shower, then lay the now used towel on the floor in a neat little pile. Rinse and repeat each day.

The "one use" ritual filtered into the everyday t-shirt and shorts for my dear husband. After many conversations about the issue that when you wear a pair of shorts for two hours, you can actually wear it again the next day for another two hours.... without having to wash them first.

It would drive me crazy to wash a t-shirt and shorts that still smelled like laundry soap. After many "complaints" from me, my dear husband began to realize that you can get multiple uses from certain items... however, this joyous change in his habits bread a new habit... the never ending pile of cloths laying on my closet floor.

This past weekend, he we had a major break through in the closet. My dear husband hung a nice new hook in the closet... just for his cloths. NO MORE PILES ON THE FLOOR. For the last two days I have walked into my closet to a clear floor, no piles. It's been pure bliss!

The point that I am trying to make is that change is possible (only 12 years in the making, but possible). Over time habits change. To say that your spouse, significant other or dear husband isn't capable of change is a flat our lie. It is possible! Come and take a peek in my closet and I will show you how it's possible.

*image courtesy of the container store dot com, all things organizing

My favorite Christmas things....

2009-12-24T17:00:00Z

I love Christmas! Remembering Christmastime as a kid was always exciting, lots of fun activities, great foods and special moments that will stay with me forever! I hope to create those fun memories for my kids so that when they have their own children, they remember those things that made it seem like Christmas! Here are some of my favorite holiday things...

Favorite Christmas dessert: My grandmother's Yankee Plum Pudding (no one can make it like she did).

Favorite Christmas activity: Going to get our tree. $5.00 for the permit and an adventurous day at the mountain. It doesn't get any better than that!

Favorite Christmas song: White Christmas and Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire (reminds me of my dad).

Favorite Christmas cookie: Martha's Gingerbread Cookie (it's the best one yet).

Favorite Christmas decoration: My White Christmas Snow Globe.

Favorite Christmas movie: Scrooge 1970 - with Albert Finney

Favorite Christmas tradition: Christmas day, big family breakfast and NO FAMILY but our own. That day is reserved for just us!

Favorite Christmas present: 2002, Maxwell was born on Christmas Eve!

My wish for the new year is good health, joyous memories and a prosperous year for all! Merry Christmas to you and Happy New year!

*image brought to you by the daily green dot com. The consumers guide to a green revolution!

Conquering fears... I did it!

2009-12-15T03:37:00Z

Today has been a huge day for me. I did something I never thought I would be able to do.

I drove across the Hood River bridge... and didn't freak out or have a panic attack!

This is a really big deal for me.

I have had a life long fear of heights. The Hood River bridge is ultra narrow, super high and can be on certain days dangerously windy to drive across.

You can understand why this is such a big deal for me! I made it. I did it.

I feel so great about being able to make this step in completely getting past (what I really consider) an unnecessary fear.

Do you have a fear that you struggle with facing?

Do you suffer from photo frame overload?

2009-12-10T20:55:00Z

If you have ever been to my house, you might notice that I love to hang pictures of family, friends and memories from days gone by. I love to be surrounded by things that make me smile.

Because I enjoy hanging pictures up in my house, I am always looking out for deals on photo frames (which of course means ACCUMULATION). I never cared much what the frame looked like, and that "eclectic" look was always appealing as a "twenty-something" gal.

As I am quickly approaching my "forty-somethings," I have found that a traditional black frame gives me a sense of consistency. So over the last year, I have been swapping out my frames for basic black. Now I am faced with a large stack of frames I don't use.

When trying to get organized most people face the issue of what to do with things we don't think we want; don't need to keep; or question if we should toss it in to the donation box when it's still usable.

With any sort of "project" it really comes down to looking at what we love and keeping those things that make us feel good (all within reason)! Here are three simple steps you can take to sort through photo frames.

1. Gather all questionable items together for sorting.
I have been collecting old frames in a box in my craft area for the last year to deal with when the box was full. Today, I noticed that the box wouldn't closet. Which means... Time to Sort!

2. Sort out the "keepers" into one pile.
A keeper should be the creme de la creme of whatever you are sorting out. They should be the best and most valuable items within the stack. In my situation, it came down to the best looking, unblemished and pristine condition frames.

3. Sort out the damaged and/or broken items into one pile.
This is always the easiest task for me. I try not to keep anything that is broken or damaged, however if it can be repaired and still usable, I will typically keep it. HOWEVER (and this is the most important element of keeping damaged goods), if I know that I am not going to fix it within a short period of time, I will discard it. No sense in keeping things I won't repair.

At this point, the pile has significantly decreased in size so it becomes easier to make the hard decisions on the what to do with the remaining items. Today, I managed to put nine frames into my box to go to S.C.R.A.P. (one is missing a back and the rest are still in decent condition but I just know I won't need or use them). Four miscellaneous frames that I will keep to use for gifts, plus four remaining black frames for future memories that I will someday hang on my walls.

Photo from ApartmentTherapy from a great article on inspirational ideas for photo frames.

Simplify your holiday cards

2009-12-04T21:33:00Z

I am really excited today! I finished my holiday cards yesterday and got them to the post office.

This task, although rather a long process, is one that I will never give up. No matter what. I have been told (you know who you are) that I am a little obsessive with my holiday cards. I don't look at it as obsessive. I look at it as doing things just the way I like it.

I like to send a photo card of my family (so people can see just how big my kids are getting), along with a holiday letter of what we have been up to (this year is a Q & A from each family member). On each letter I like to write a little note of greetings to the reader, so that they know that I truly mean what I am wishing for them this holiday season. In addition to that, I hand address each card.

Doesn't seem like that big of a deal, right... I do this times (this year) 287. I make the process so simple it really doesn't seem like much work. Here is what I do...

ORDER HOLIDAY CARDS. Typically I start just after Halloween downloading pictures and getting the cards ordered online.
WRITE HOLIDAY LETTER AND PRINT. This is the easiest part, but of course takes time to print off XXX number of letters. I usually get paper the year before when everything goes on sale.
GATHER SUPPLIES. Things like stamps, a good pen, my address stamp, letters, cards etc., into a basket or bin so that no matter where I am at home, I can take it with me and work on my cards. Sofa, playroom, office, kitchen table, I like that I can go "moblie" where ever I need to be and can work on the cards.
WRITING THEM OUT. This is the easiest task to multi-task. Almost always November is filled with old movies, basketball games or quite evenings at home (because my DH is working late). I spend usually a couple of hours every few days working on them.
COMPLETE! This is the best, a gratifying trip to the post office to drop them off!

My goal is always to get them completed sometime in the first week of December. Mostly because I want to be thinking about what cookies I am going to bake or all the great bazaars I can frequent through these last few days before Christmas!

The goal is to simplify.

Find what makes you happy and stick with it.

Keep it easy and you will always enjoy it! I do!

*photo from MyExpressions

41 days since my last post and..

2009-11-30T01:11:00Z

Newsflash... I have fallen and I can't get up... just kidding.

Can you believe it...? 41 days since my last post. Where did those 41 days go?

It's been a crazy busy 41 days and within those 41 days, it was critical that I get down to basic survival skills to keep things a float (i.e. feeding the kids, making sure they have clean underwear and keeping up with my appointments/commitments), which clearly didn't leave much time for the "other stuff."

I don't feel badly, although I feel like my blogging outlet has left my a little empty in the creativity department and I have missed my blogging friends.

This past weekend was Thanksgiving and ours was wonderful. The turkey was perfect, the company was exceptional and I have never felt more relaxed than I do right now! I have so many things to be thankful for this year that I sure hope I still have readers... because truly, I am thankful for them!

I am bound and determined to get back on track this month.

I am not going to end this year feeling an empty feeling like maybe I haven't accomplished what I set out to do (even though I know it's not true)...

So here is my three step plan to regain the order I need for myself and my business!

1. Schedule appointment with myself for goal setting. DONE
2. Get back to my weekly blogging. Starting this week!
3. Get back to one new marketing task each week. Due by Friday

Everyone falls off the wagon and no matter what happens, the important thing (and key) is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep on keeping on!

Have a super week!

Living for today and not the "what if's"

2009-10-19T18:31:00Z

This past weekend we took the kids to Spokane for the weekend. For no particular reason we just decided to head North for a couple of days. Being in the car for long periods of time, I decided to pack up my stack of magazines and read them in the car.

I was especially taken with an article I read in Family Circle (November 2009 Issue) called House Call (by Meredith Janson). Not realizing what the article was (after all it was under the "Health" section of the magazine), I was pleased to see this discussion about....

...how clutter effects our overall health and quality of life.

The author brings in all the experts that I love and follow, Laurie Marrero (Clutter Diet), Peter Walsh (Clean Sweep), David Allen (Getting Things Done) and Julie Morgenstern (SHED Your Stuff). It really is an amazing thing to think about how your stuff truly does effect our overall health. Too often I hear about clutter situations and how it effects the household and one's quality of life (or in some cases even death).

It's an interesting thing... clutter. Most people really do have genuinely a relationship with their clutter and often, find that it fills a space in life similar to like a family member does. Taking it away would make them feel badly and often sad. One of the points made in the article, which is frequently an "ah-ha" moment for some, is when they talk about the "what if's."

What if I need that someday?
What if I can give it to a family member or someone who will need it?
What if it I should find a better way to recycle it?
What if it will harm someone or the earth?

The "what if's" are a never ending list and there will always be a reason to have a "what if". Taking a look at how the clutter is impacting your life TODAY is where the focus really needs to be. Ask yourself...

...what are you sacrificing TODAY to keep your clutter around?
... are you living the life you want to TODAY?
... what does keeping the stuff do for you TODAY?
... what value does keeping the stuff give you TODAY?

When you can look at clutter from a different perspective, it becomes easier to see things a little differently. It's not always about just throwing everything away, but living your life the best you can.

Are we living our best when we can't eat a meal at the table with our family?

Are we living our best when we can't invite our loved ones over for dinner?

BOOK REVIEW: Get Rich Organizing: The Professional Organizers Survival Guide...

2009-10-08T20:59:00Z

I love to read (it's almost funny to hear myself say that sometimes).

Typically, I like to read at least two books at the same time (my dad would be so proud), one personal and one business/organizing book. This summer though I decided to take a break from business/organizing books and dedicated my time to reading for pleasure.

In late August though, a friend of mine released her new book, Get Rich Organizing: The Professional Organizers Survival Guide to Launch, Manage and Grow a Profitable Business, I knew I had to get a copy and dig in!

If I had to sum it up in one sentence, I would say that "this book needs to be on every new organizers book shelf!"

Getting Rich has not a whole lot to do with money, it has to do with getting a rich experience from being a professional organizer and giving the richest experience for your clients (and yourself). The money just comes along with the experiences.

Anne Blumer, CPO shares her passion and dedication throughout the book and it's clear she is good at what she does. She mentioned in the book early on, that when she started her business, no such book existed. I couldn't agree more, that this book would have saved me a lot of time and energy when I started my business.

With her vast knowledge of the industry and as the owner of the Professional Organizing Institute, she shares a wealth of information on running an organizing business. Who wouldn't want to tap into that? She examines every step needed in starting a business, as well as gives you the tools needed to get right out into the field and properly assess your clients needs.

Everyone has the ability to be an organizer, but running an organizing business is an entirely different story. Anne really can equip you with everything needed to run your business and then some!

Great job Anne! As a five year business owner and professional organizer, I was able to get a lot of great ideas and information that I too can implement into my business... A great investment for any professional organizer starting out!

P.S. You can follow Anne on her blog too!

The Post-It Label Pad - A must have in your supply box

2009-09-30T19:46:00Z

Yesterday was our one year anniversary living in the new house in Hood River! When people ask me what it's like living out in the gorge, I tell them it's like living on vacation everyday! It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by so quickly.

We just love it here... we feel at home!

For some reason though, I am still struggling with getting various spaces organized (yes, organizers struggle with getting organized too). The kitchen is especially my biggest challenge.

I have moved my pots and pans probably three times in the last six months, and I still can't quit find the right spot for them. I have sorted, downsized and even gotten rid of a few items I don't use and yet I still struggle. It drives my husband crazy that I keep moving things around... especially when he is unloading the dishwasher and all the pans have moved... again!

About a month ago, I ran across an ad in a magazine (but it might have been a commercial I saw... I don't remember) for the Post-It Removable Label Pads. Either way, when I saw the product I knew that I had to try it... it was calling my name! It was a little hard to find at first as it's a brand new product. They apparently are stocked at the big box stores, but I ordered online.

I purchased the 525 assorted pack. All sizes and shapes (and colors) came in the pack and I was really excited to see if I can put these to good use as I am still finding homes for all my stuff (especially in the kitchen). You can use them to label food containers, snack bins, file folders, storage items, boxes in the garage... the possibilities are endless!

The pad functions just like a regular post-it pad, but in a reverse format to a standard post-it pad. The entire surface area is now sticky, with a small non-sticky area perforated so that you can remove each sheet, tear off the perforation for placement. How often have you used just the sticky part of a post-it to create your own "removable" label? No more!

Post-it does it once again... I can't wait to get up into the kids playroom with the bright orange labels!

*image from the 3M Website - where all things good happen!

Paper piles: How you too can overcome them

2009-09-21T03:54:00Z

I got a phone call the other day from a friend and client (friend first, client second). This is what she said...

"Hi Meg, whatcha doing?" She sounded a little panicked and I could tell that something was going on and it didn't sound good... I said, "fine, what are you doing, are you okay?"

She proceeded, "I am working in my office... HELP ME... Give me a tip, some advice or something that will help me... I have all these piles and I don't know what to do."

How often does this happen to you? The overwhelming feeling that relates to too many piles of paper.

I am convinced that paper is the biggest contributing factors to what makes clutter happen. It grows rapidly and can become so powerful that it truly can stop you in your tracks.

As I talked to my friend, I asked her some questions about the paper... "tell me what are in the piles?" She proceeded to divulge the various projects she has been stacking, paycheck stubs she was collecting to file, other paperwork etc., etc., etc.

I began to ask her a series of specific questions about the piles, what she planned to do with each pile or project, why was she holding on to certain paper and I noticed that as she was explaining the paper, her speech started to slow down, she didn't sound as frazzled as she initially did and her sense of panic was slowly dissipating away.

By the end of the call (which really lasted only about 15 minutes) she had a game plan. She had made some decisions and knew where to go in getting her office cleared. Later that evening, this was the email I got ...

Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement earlier today. I made it through a big portion of the clean up and feel so much better about my office.

I still have to organize my "project pile, hand and/or purge pictures, and organize my craft/pictures area. Each of those projects are their own, but I got through a huge chunk today. I really appreciate your support.

So you see... sometimes it doesn't have to be making mountains of progress... it might be just working through one pile, one stack... it's just taking the time to do it... consistently!

Gosh... it's good to be back at my blog!

BOOK REVIEW: The Silent Savior (Daring to Believe He's Still There)

2009-09-15T15:42:00Z

What a great summer it’s been. As always a bitter sweet time of year, fall begins and the leaves start dropping, but it also means getting back into the daily grind. This year is particularly monumental for me because we are coming up to the first anniversary of our big move to Hood River. It’s been such an amazing year filled with so many blessings!

This summer I decided to take a break from books on the organizing industry and I read for pleasure. I recently finished reading a book, SILENT SAVIOR, by A.J. Gregory and I have to say this was really an enjoyable book!

I felt so connected with A.J.’s book because I too struggle with understanding the silence of God. It’s never been a question of whether or not God exist, but more like why He is it so hard to hear what He is saying.

Before we moved, I was overwhelmingly frustrated with the silence. For the longest time I couldn’t figure out why God wasn’t listening to me. At first, I was angry and wondered if the silence was going to push me to the brink. The anger then turned into frustration and defeat. It was enough to drive me to the edge, but really all it did was drive me to my knees. Overtime, I began to soften and spend more time in prayer, and slowly I began to understand truly what God was trying to teach me.

A.J. Gregory’s book, SILENT SAVIOR discusses over and over these same struggles. With humor and true emotion, she shares personal stories of how she dealt with the silence and began to really hear what God was saying. Although silence is usually the most difficult thing to understand, it really does play an big role in the overall understanding of our faith.

Faith means hanging around, not giving up on the miracle that may come, not leaving before we may hear a knock at the door. Some miracles come and others never show up. Some prayers are answered, and some are followed by silence. The point of faith is to keep on keeping on. It gives us the right amount of strength to do so.

I love how A.J. paints a true picture of her struggles in silence for her readers. It’s like you are her oldest girlfriend and she is baring her soul to you because you, her oldest friend will understand. She is not talking to her congregation or the media; she is talking to you!

Over and over again throughout the book, I was reminded that it’s okay to be frustrated, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Because at the end of the day, I still believe in Gold, I still have faith in His power and I will still keep moving forward. Pick it up, it’s a great read!

Book: A.J. Gregory, THE SILENT SAVIOR: DARING TO BELIEVE HE’S STILL THERE by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.

22 things to do with dryer sheets

2009-07-27T16:30:00Z

I can't believe it's been 19 days since my last post. Argh, time is just getting away from me and it seems like there is always something to do. Keep up with the everyday stuff during the summer is just a challenge, but in the end everything seems to get done. I was working through some emails the other day and I just get overwhelmed with the "FW's". I love all my friends and family but this time of year I just don't have time to read them all... except this one caught my attention and I wanted to share.

I did a blog post about dryer sheets a few months ago and I had no idea there were so many uses for dryer sheets. I am still planning to invest into my dryer ball but in the meantime here are a few great ways to re-use a dryer sheet!

1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also repels mice.

2. Spread sheets around foundation areas, or in trailers, or cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle.

3. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened too often.

4. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.

5. Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer) screen.

6. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling..

7. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce.

8. To freshen the air in your home - Place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet.

9. Put Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.

10. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.

11. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.

12. To freshen the air in your car - Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.

13. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan.

14. Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.

15. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the lose hairs.

16. Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.

17. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

18. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.

19.. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight.

20.. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away.

21. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. It will keep them smelling fresh.

22. Wet a Bounce sheet, hose down your car, and wipe lovebugs off easily with the wet Bounce.

*image courtesy of totallyfreecrap.com

Summer distraction leads to procrastination...

2009-07-08T20:55:00Z

Summer time is an endless distraction for me. A million things to do, weeds to be pulled, parties to attend and kids to entertain, it's always something. Distractions... something to take me away from doing what I know what I should be doing but clearly am not (aka Procrastination). Although I have always put my kids first, I find myself feeling guilty enjoying an afternoon together when there are chores to be done or work to be completed. Guilt... I hate that word!

There are 62 days until school starts (yeah, you heard me), and I am loving the long days with my boys. We have been berry picking, swimming at the pool, walks to the park, bike riding on the trails, camping, swimming lessons and occasionally just chillin' in the yard. Distractions!

When I make the time to work on business related things (or even laundry), I do the bare minimum... hence the reason why it's been almost a month since I blogged last. These distractions are getting the better part of me and instead of fighting it, I am going to embrace what I have to offer and here is how I am going to do it...

1. Cut back. With my time being limited and knowing that things just aren't going to get done, it's time to cut back on some of the "fat". By examining what I have on my plate, I can see where I can start making the changes to relieve myself of some of the "extra" responsibilities. This is not a forever cutback, it's a temporary "hold" so that I can be more available for the things that I need to take care of (you know, my two little distractions).

2. Re-prioritize my goals. When looking at where to cutback, I have to start with my to-do list. If there are things that can sit idle for a while or be trimmed down, that's the first place to start. Less pressure to get so many things done means that when can actually dedicate the time to do the work I can be more focused.

3. Enjoy! We have to enjoy what we do. If we feel like everything is a burden, why do it? If I "feel" like I am getting things done, I am more inclined to press on. Life is too short!

FREE TELE-CLASS: Using Outlook

2009-06-08T03:08:00Z

I am shocked to see how long it's been since I posted. Where does all the time go?

It's been a crazy few weeks all in good stride, I have been busy wrapping up and gearing up all at the same time. I love being busy but as you can see, a few things have had to sit (like my blog) while other projects take the center stage. I am exited for the next few months, especially since a project I have been working on for a while has finally come to the surface!

Do you struggle with Outlook?

Do you wonder if there is an easier way to execute a specific task in Outlook?

Here is your chance. I will be hosting a FREE teleclass on Using Outlook. In this one hour call, you will learn more about your inbox, using your contacts, the keys to a to-do list and how your calendar can work for you!

Sign up here today! Did I mention that it's free?

Two FREE Fun activities for kids during the summer

2009-05-26T22:22:00Z

I am a firm believer that there is no better activity for kids than ones that are FREE!

Free is one of my favorite words in the English language. To me it means Fun-Relaxing-Easy-Entertained!! What better way to start my summer planning for than with TWO GREAT FREE activities! Be sure to check out my resources (especially if you are local to the Portland Metro area) for more fun (and FREE activities) for the summer!

Library Summer Reading Program
I just picked up the schedule and this summer there are six great entertainers coming to the library here in HR, plus a weekly creative club and open studio time. What's not to love about that? Be sure to check out your local library to see what kind of summer activities they have planned for kids.

Family Fun Festival - Regal Cinemas
This is one event that we just don't miss. FREE movies! What's nice is that this is nationwide so all you need to do is find your state and see what local theaters are participating! Who doesn't love to go to the movies... for FREE!

Four steps to getting back on track

2009-05-25T02:54:00Z

Do you ever get so busy that you wonder if you are really getting anything done?

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. I have been in a tornado of tasks, appointments and meetings, I am just barely able to keep my head above water. It's an interesting feeling being this busy and really, a little bit uncomfortable for me. I know that eventually, I will get past all the details and get back to "normal". Here is how you too can do it...

1. Documentation
Formulate a tracking system is critical to the success of getting back on track and staying organized. By using a task list or planner will help to identify what you can do and when. There are many methods of tracking, pick what will work best for you!

2. Do what I can (when I can)
There are 24 hours in a day. Always process the most critical task first even if it's not a fun task. The important thing is to allow those less critical things to be set aside for a time until you are caught back up!

3. Review and Repeat
It's important to spend as much time managing tasks as you do processing them. By reviewing regularly you know exactly what needs to be done and when. If you have a lot going on, sometimes reviewing your list three or four times a day will help you stay on top of what needs to be done.

4. Anticipation
Being prepared and planning ahead allows you to better anticipate future tasks. If you know of an up coming event or task, and you have a little extra time do it now. You will save yourself time in the long run and open up extra time for unexpected events.

I am still about waist deep but I feel a little better in control. It's takes time to get back on track. Sometimes you just have to let go.