Simplicity At Christmas

Contributed by Organized A to Z partner Robin Willis of Creating Simplicity, LLC. You can visit her Web site at http://www.creating-simplicity.com.

Does the idea of holiday shopping place you in “panic” mode each November? Why not try one or more of the ideas below to simplify your holiday this year? Remember, the Christmas season is a time for warmth, fellowship, shared experiences and hospitality. Don’t give into stress. Instead, savor each moment with friends and family. After all, five years from now, no one will remember what present you gave them but they will remember baking cookies and singing around the fire.

· Draw names with close friends and family. Make or buy a gift for the one name you draw.

· Trim a few names from your gift list by talking with people you think might welcome an invitation not to exchange gifts.

· Buy one family gift per household instead of a gift for each separate individual. Make the gift something that will foster family time such as a puzzle.

· Discontinue buying gifts for adults and give to the young children only.

· Give simple homemade gifts or gifts of service such as, “I’ll watch your kids for one night while you go on a date with you husband.”

· Give inexpensive gifts and let your presentation turn them into elegant ones. For example, homemade cookies in an open weave basket threaded with a red ribbon.

· Make your gift a tradition and give the same thing every year. For example, a yearly renewal of a favorite magazine.

· Shop by catalog or internet. You really can do all your shopping in a matter of hours in the comfort of your own home.

· Give the gift of time – coupon for a monthly backrub, a trip to the zoo or a house cleaning.

· Think unique. For example, make a batch of bran muffins. Give the recipe and six fresh muffins baked in a tin. “Wrap” the package with clear cellophane and top it off with a pretty bow.

· Cover a shoe box with wrapping paper to use as a gift box. Fill with stationery items such as paper clips, marking pens, memo pads, note cards and stamps. Any mom or grandparent would love that.

· Give a dated ornament that reflects someone’s special interests or personality.

· Give a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant.

· Roll up a dollar bill and insert it into a balloon. Mail it along with your Christmas cards to a family with small children. Include instructions to blow it up and then pop it.

· Invite someone who is alone to celebrate decorating the tree or a meal. Send them home with the leftovers.

Ask the Organizer Workshop

Would you like to know the secrets Professional Organizers use to keep everything in order? Stressed out and don’t know where to begin organizing your home, office or schedule? Then this class is for you! Begin he session by learning the basics of organizing and then get an opportunity to ask your specific questions related to your organizational challenges. Ages 18 and up.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all classes and programs. To download a registration form, click here.

Course: 3012
Date: Thursday, October 1
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Fee: $19
Registration Ends September 24
Location: Mechanicsville Library
7179 Stonewall Parkway
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Contact: Kathy Jenkins, Come To Order
Contact Email: kathy@cometoorderva.com
Contact Phone: 804-550-9428

Be Prepared: Focus on Estate Planning

Crucial project…

Focus on the estate…estate planning

Regardless of the unexpected, unpleasant episode that sets ones life in a tail spin, the effect upon the family is always the same. It is devastation and chaos.  Therefore it is necessary to always be PREPARED for the unexpected.   ESTATE PLANNING is not for just the wealthy, nor is it to be addressed after death.

Rather it is a life changing subject to be discussed with all family members while you are alive and well.

After having lost my father 4 years ago, my family and I have been involved in a web of endless, inconclusive legal matters concerning our father’s estate. After nine months of attempting to uncover the truths about the will, and speaking with five different lawyers we have unanimously agreed to retain a lawyer to represent my mom.

Essentially this event has paralleled a divorce, without the most important member present to represent himself.
What we have come to understand is that estate law is, as most law in our country, not only a foreign language to most  but also not emphasized enough to families  as a part of planning matters.

There are many featured articles in newspapers and magazines concerning the lawsuits that prevail from misunderstood wills and endless, costly disputes over generations of wealth. With a multitude of complex tax ramifications and forthcoming revisions it is crucial to protect whatever assets the family has worked hard to achieve. It is a pity to have monies be swept into the government channels.

Therefore, do not believe that estate planning is only for those with wealth. Act now , preparation for your protection is about the here and now, NOT the thereafter.

Contributed by Lisa Jacobs:

Lisa Jacobs is passionate about home organizing, fashion, and interior design make overs. IMAGINE IT DONE is the result of that passion. Lisa brings her deep aesthetic sensibilities and good taste to every consulting challenge. Her vast creative and management experience in the US and Europe allows IMAGINE IT DONE to deliver a full spectrum of services. She began her career in New York City working for the chief creative director, Nick Lamicella, of the ad agency Norman Craig&Kummel Inc. Her strengths and reputation eventually brought her to Paris, where she served as assistant to the creative director of Havas World Communications, again overseeing print production and managing talent for Garnier, Chanel and Bourjois. A master of organization and time management, Lisa has redecorated homes from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Lisa is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Visit her site at www.imagineitdone.net.

September: National Preparedness Month

With numerous hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires threatening our homes and businesses throughout the country, it is appropriate that NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) has signed on as a national coalition member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month.  One never knows when a disaster may strike, so it is important to be prepared.

According to Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign website, the following systems should be in place to help protect you in an emergency:
•    Emergency Evacuation Plan
•    Emergency Supply Kit

See Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign website for additional information for making your plan and creating/getting a supply kit.  In addition, a home inventory and a portable fire-safe box containing vital documents is essential.

Home Inventory
Conduct a home inventory to have a record of the items you own for insurance purposes.  Document throughout your home items of value:
•    make a list
•    take pictures and/or video
•    record serial numbers, manufacturer’s names, and model numbers

Portable Fire-Safe Box
Collect vital documents and make copies

• Vital documents may include, but are not limited to:
  • Birth certificates
  • Passports
  • Driver’s license
  • Wills
  • Medical history
  • Deed of trust
  • Automobile titles, other titles showing ownership
  • Home inventory
  • Bank accounts credit card numbers
  • Marriage license
  • Social Security card
  • Home and Auto insurance information
• Store the originals in a safety deposit box at your bank
• Store the copies in a portable fireproof box
• Store the box in an area that is easily accessible in case of emergency

If disaster strikes, at least you will be prepared with important and necessary information at your fingertips so you may focus your attention on keeping your family safe.  A professional organizer can help you create your home inventory and gather vital documents for safe storage.

Kelly Butcher, a professional organizer and owner of Simplification Services since 2007, has a passion for helping others organize their homes and offices. Her goal is to simplify her client’s lives by creating customized, manageable systems to fit their particular needs.  She teaches them the skill of organizing throughout the process and loves to hear about the projects they complete on their own.  Kelly is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and is currently serving her second term as Secretary for NAPO-Austin.  Visit her site at www.SimplificationServices.com.

September as National Preparedness Month, Are you prepared?

Contributed by Kathryn McMillan of  Clutter Conversions, LLC, www.clutterconversions.com

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month, are you prepared?  You may think, “It can never happen to me” but if it does happen are there enough supplies to last me and my family through the ordeal?  Are you sure??  If you get prepared, you will be sure!!  How do you get prepared for the unknown?  Here are some simple steps and products to get you started but you do have to take into consideration which part of the country you live in and what has happened in the past.

Step1: Get A Kit of emergency supplies.  Basic Kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable Food (at least a 3 day supply)
• Battery powered or hand cranked radio or NOAA weather radio w/tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Filter Mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter air
• Moist Towlettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
• Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual Can Opener
• Plastic sheeting and Duct Tape
• Important Family Documents
• Items for unique family needs (medicines, baby formula, diapers, etc,)

Think about 2 kits: A big one for your home and smaller version for your vehicle

Step 2: Make a Plan:
Develop a family emergency plan and practice it.  Who is going to do what and where when disaster strikes.  If you have family or friends that live far away from you, consider using them as the contact person everyone needs to contact because it can be easier to contact them than within your own area.

Step 3: Be Informed about what might happen:
Make yourself aware of what can happen in the event of a natural or man made emergency.

Businesses need to be prepared also.  If you own a business, you need to have an emergency plan for your employees.  Prepare a written plan, give them each a copy and personally go over it with them explaining to them that in the event of an emergency, who is in charge (chain of command), how do they communicate with you and what is their expectations in helping to get the business up and running again.  People often want to get back to work because getting back into the routine of work provides them some distraction from outside stressors and gives them the comfort of a paycheck to fix any problems they may have.

You can find tons of useful articles, tips and products at  www.ready.gov,  www.thereadystore.com and www.redcrossstore.org.

Recommended products:

1. Family Life Organizer and Planner 2009
2. Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural or Unnatural Disaster
3. Jakoter Medic Tag: Programable Flash Drive/Key Chain
4. Locket Personal Management Info System – a system that gives you control of your most private documents that is storable, compact and portable, all on a 1GB thumb drive.

Clutter Conversions, LLC © 2009

What’s In Your Memory Box?

Creating an Organized Home For Your Prized Possessions

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

When conducting an organizing presentation or teleclass, I often mention the idea of creating a Memory Box for each family member.  Many participants share that the Memory Box tip is their favorite, and one they cannot wait to act on.

A Memory Box is a container in which each family member can store his or her most treasured possessions. The size should be big enough to fit the prized possessions, but small enough to grab and carry out of the house, in case of an emergency. The actual container can be a no-nonsense functional type, like a plastic bin, or it can be a lovely decorated stylish box, bin, or basket. My personal Memory Box is an old trunk that has handles on the side to carry it in the event of an emergency evacuation.

The location for storing the Memory Box is also a personal decision. Often, because of the confidential or personal nature of the items in the box, it makes the most sense to store each person’s Memory Box in his or her room, at the top or bottom of a closet, under the bed, etc. But some choose to store all of the Memory Boxes for the family in a basement or attic, so that they do not take up precious space in the living areas of the home, and can be grabbed easily in one fell swoop if need be.

I would not recommend storing vital documents such as your will, birth certificate, etc. in the Memory Box. Those items should either be stored in a safe deposit box at the bank, or at home in a fire resistant box (remember, there is no such thing as a fireproof box for the home!). Some people store their vital documents in a regular file folder in their filing cabinet, and keep copies (or the originals) in a separate location. In the event that an emergency causes a very quick evacuation, the people and pets go out first, followed by the vital documents, and then the Memory Boxes.

What goes in a Memory Box? Well, that is up to you, of course. But here are some ideas.

• Start a Memory Box for your children’s prized artwork, sentimental childhood possessions, schoolwork, etc.  They can decide, with you, what goes in it.  You can have a master Memory Box, and one for the current school year.  At the end of the school year, your child, with your help, can revisit the year, purging any items that are not vital enough to go in the master Memory Box.
• If you have a few sentimental favorite articles of clothing that you just can’t part with, but don’t wear, store them in your Memory Box.
• Want to revisit your love life? Store old love letters, poems, your corsage or boutineer from your high school prom, a playbill from the first date with your spouse, etc.
• If you plan to store documents or photographs in your Memory Box, consider getting an archival quality document or photo box to insert the paper and photos in, and then store the document or photo box inside the larger Memory Box. This will ensure paper and photos do not get destroyed over time.
• If an item is much too large to fit into the Memory Box, and you can bear to part with it, take a photo of the item, and store the photo with a description of the item in the box. This works well for items that you are merely keeping out of obligation. For example, that hideous painting your aunt made for you that you will never hang up! Take a photo, write a note saying, “Aunt Gertrude meant well” and donate the painting to someone who will appreciate its unrecognized beauty.

People are often surprised to hear that I have a Memory Box. You, a professional organizer? Yes! Organizing is about decluttering your life of the stuff that does not serve your goals, and letting the cream rise to the top. It is about giving your favorite possessions a place of value in your home and life. My personal Memory Box includes select sentimental items, including my handwritten journals, my baton (yes, I was a baton twirler – don’t laugh!), my middle school graduation dress (loved it!), love letters from my husband from before we were married, letters and cards from friends and family members that are precious to me, and poems that I wrote growing up.

One workshop participant shared that her new Memory Box will contain her kid’s baby books, drawings from elementary school, some treasured photos, and other memories from her kids’ childhood. She says that her kids love looking through the stuff, and it would be great to have it all in one place. Before she attended my workshop, the items were scattered around the house, and now they will be stored conveniently together, in a place of distinction.

So, what’s in your Memory Box?

Copyright 2009. Lisa Montanaro, “The Solutions Expert,” is Principal of LM Organizing Solutions, LLC, a professional services firm created in 2002 that offers professional organizing, business and life coaching, and motivational speaking to individuals and organizations. Lisa publishes the monthly “DECIDE™ to be Organized” e-zine for the general public, and “Next Level Business Success” e-zine for professional organizers and entrepreneurs. Subscribe today at www.LMOrganizingSolutions.com.  Lisa also publishes the DECIDE™ to be Organized blog at www.DecideToBeOrganized.com. Through LMOS, Lisa helps people deal with the issues that block personal and professional change and growth. To explore how LMOS can improve your home or work environment, or help take your business to the next level, contact Lisa at (845) 988-0183 or by e-mail at Lisa@LMOrganizingSolutions.com.

Absolutely Organized!

Moms – celebrate the back-to-school season with a little gift for yourself!

I’m happy to announce that Organized A to Z is carrying Absolutely Organized by Debbie Lillard!

With school starting soon, you may soon find yourself running non-stop (if you’re not already) shuttling kids to after school activities, pushing to get them out the door in time for school, struggling to get them to wind down at night and in bed at the proper time, and squeezing in all the other daily errands and work in between.

You may feel like never you accomplish anything. You might feel stressed out just walking in the door or waking up in the morning. Ever dream about doing things that you never get around to doing? Wish you had extra hours in your day? Well, here’s something even better!

Absolutely Organized is “a book full of tips and hope” for overworked, time-crunched, clutter-crushed moms. It’s brimming with practical, proven and, in many cases, very simple solutions for keeping order in every corner of your life, from your refrigerator to your file drawers, from keeping a newborn on a set schedule to getting kids to willingly pitch in on household chores.

Debbie Lillard, professional organizer and mother of three, shares her easy-to-use “Absolutes of Organizing” tips to help you gain and maintain order in the three key areas of your family’s life:

YOUR TIME: Learn the tricks for streamlining cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and other everyday duties. Get more done and have more time left over to spend on your kids, your spouse, projects around the house, and even yourself!

YOUR BELONGINGS: Use Debbie’s simple but effective C.P.R. method (Categorize, Purge and Rearrange) to organize paperwork, photos, collections, toys, clothes, children’s artwork and more.

YOUR HOME: Take it room by room–home office, kitchen, bathroom, family room and even (gulp!) the kids’ rooms. Rid your house of clutter, make the most of your space, and make home feel more comfortable, functional and relaxing.

Follow Absolutely Organized from start to finish for a complete, full-life makeover. Or dip in here and there for help on one problem area at a time, such as that ever-growing mountain of paperwork, your collection of children’s memorabilia, or that disaster area called a closet. Tried-and-true advice for every mom, Absolutely Organized will help you simplify your life so you can enjoy more and stress less.

Get the school year started off right with more organization, less stress, and a more comfortable and relaxing living space!

Today’s Birthday Special – Stuff Bucket

Today’s Birthday Special is the Stuff Bucket. I love the convenient, easy-to-access pockets that allow you to see where everything is stored. Perfect for organizing scrapbooking materials, art supplies, small kid’s toys, bath and beauty supplies, and much more!

Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!

Today’s Birthday Special – The Mess Kit

Today’s featured “birthday” special is The Mess Kit!

Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!

Today’s Birthday Special – Get Organized, Get Revitalized

Today’s featured “birthday” special is Get Organized, Get Revitalized!

Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!