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Are Gifts A Clutter Control Issue? Favorite Gifts Continued

Friday, December 31st, 2010 by admin

This is a continuation of my blog yesterday on favorite gifts. The tree is coming down today. It is cold outside!! Tonight’s New Years Eve High is predicted to be 2 degrees. That is a reason to stay home inside where it is warm.

I digress—back to gifts…my husband and 4th daughter (I have all daughters) gave me an IPod docking machine. I listen to books while I clear clutter and sew/quilt so this is perfect as I don’t have to have ear buds in my ear all the time to listen to my books.

That same daughter was working in South Africa this year and she brought back this beautiful pair of earrings that I wanted to show you.

And I got something that never will be a clutter control problem—a photo album of my daughter and their family. She also gave me the coolest clutter control gismo for my office. I will show you this next week.

Clutter Control is in the eye of the beholder and when we receive gifts from friends and family sometimes they can pose a challenge to us in the clutter control quest—don’tchathink? (None of these gifts are in that category). Did you get a gift that is destined to be a clutter control issue?

Happy New Year!!! 

P.S. A head’s up–I will be on CBS, Channel 2 in Salt Lake City at 1:00 this coming Monday January 4th, 2011, this is my first appearance of the new year. I’ll be talking about how to organize for the New Year.

Posted in Clutter Control | 2 Comments »

2 Clutter Clutter “Secrets”

Thursday, December 30th, 2010 by admin

It has always been our tradition to put the gifts we received at Christmas under the tree. This year I noticed I was the only one who left out their gifts. As I am getting ready to take down the tree (boo-hoo) I am slowly putting away those gifts.

I am sharing today some (dare I say—favorite gifts I received?) There I just did. That is not to say I don’t love all of them as someone selected them for me and gave them with love.

My oldest daughter made me this adorable bunny. (The optimal word here is MADE) A friend of ours had one and every time I went to her home I would pick it up and say, “You need to come home with me”. And now I have my very own.

How many times have you said, “I am going to get this clutter under control”? The secret is not to give up, keep telling yourself you will work on clutter control and little by little you will be surprised at all you get done.

I received from another daughter a gurgle pot. It is so much fun; it just makes me laugh because every time I pour water it gurgles. When you are doing clutter control make it fun and it will not be something you dread doing. Here is the link to find out more about the gurgle pot.  It is just whimsical and fun.

My husband and 4th daughter (I have all daughters) gave me an IPod docking machine. I listen to books while I clear clutter and sew so this is perfect as I don’t have to have it in my ear all the time.

And I got something that never will be a clutter control problem—a photo album of my daughter and their family.

What were your favorite gifts? Did you get anything to help you with clutter control?

Posted in Clutter Control | 2 Comments »

Clear Clutter Bug Hits Me In Time For Show ‘N Share Tuesday

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 by admin

I didn’t know I would “get a bug” to clear clutter so I don’t have a before photo of Tuesday’s Show ‘N Share. Just picture in your mind where you see space there were VHS tapes.

We had a VHS/DVD player. Last year the DVD part stopped working. Then I started having problems with the VHS part of the player and we couldn’t use it. I still just let it sit on the shelf under the TV. That is what I call clutter. After Christmas I “got the bug” to clear clutter so I unplugged the cords and out it went to recycle. Boy oh boy it sure feels good.

I figured without the VHS player there is no reason to hang on to the VHS tapes. As I was getting rid of them I lamented I would no longer have my favorite (which I haven’t actually watched in 10 years) “Gone With The Wind”. That is when it hit me, I had been holding on to movies I professed I would watch yet I didn’t. There are better ways to watch movies now—I am going to stream through Hulo and Netflix and there may be others I’m not aware of but I am going to find out. This will definitely clear clutter on my shelves and save me money.

Taking a deep breath I got rid of all the VHS tapes (it’s about time). I kept the family ones which I will have transferred to disk. It sure feels good to clear clutter—my shelves are practically empty and I actually feel lighter.

What clutter have you been holding on to that you can get rid of?

Posted in Clear Clutter, Family Room | 4 Comments »

Merry Christmas From My Home To You

Friday, December 24th, 2010 by admin

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.

Little Barbara couldn’t understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad’s eyes and asked, “Why isn’t Mommy just like everybody else’s Mommy?” Bob’s jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.

Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob’s life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he’d rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn’s bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn’t even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn’t buy a gift, he was determined to make one – a storybook! Bob had created a character in his own mind and told the animal’s story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.

Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.

Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn’t end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn’t end there either.

Bob’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song

was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of “White Christmas.”

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn’t so bad In fact, being different can be a blessing.

Merry Christmas

Posted in Holidays | 3 Comments »

Cuddly Santa and Clearing Clutter

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 by admin

4 Stages of Santa:

1. You believe in Santa

2. You don’t believe in Santa

3. You are Santa

4. You look like Santa

I laugh every time I share this. One of my friends said I am even getting his beard.

Are there different stages when it comes to clearing clutter? Here’s a thought:

1. You recognize you need to do some clutter clearing as you no longer know the color of your desk top. Or you can’t find you bed for all the laundry that is waiting to be folded. Or you look for the clean laundry and that is how you find your bed.

2. You make a plan (set goals) to start clutter clearing.

3. You take tiny tortoise steps and begin clutter clearing.

4. Your clutter clearing is successful, the energy is lighter and you enjoy sleeping in your bed again or you are enjoying the space you have created.

What do you do when it is time to do clearing clutter?

Posted in Clearing Clutter | 2 Comments »

Organize Clutter Now For 2011 From SMEAD

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 by admin

Because of Christmas Eve product review Friday on how to organize clutter is today instead for this week. 

Get Organized now for 2011. “WHAT you say? I am so busy with holiday plans I can’t get ready for 2011 already. After all it is 14 days away”. I am not suggesting you jump ahead, just that here are some ideas when you are ready to plan for 2011.

SMEAD Organomics tag line is “ideas that make work easier”. Don’t ya love that? I have been using their products the past few months and they really work. Here are some ideas SMEAD has come up with to start getting organized for 2011.

They suggest once a year to purge old paperwork in your active files and make room for the new. You know I recommend doing this about every 4 to 6 months. (I also use Freedom Filers to organize clutter which make purging a snap). Some things to ask yourself when getting organized: Are the documents you are keeping relevant to your work in the coming year? If you have files you need to keep but don’t need to be referring to right now (legal papers, tax documents etc.) place them in files to keep, just not in your active files. Freedom Filers system is set up this way.

If you have a miscellaneous file—get rid of it. If a piece of paper is worth keeping it is worth finding. Create new folders for the papers in your miscellaneous file. When you need it you will be able to find it fast. Without looking tell me 5 things you have in your miscellaneous file right now. I think you get my point.

CHECKLIST for cleaning out those files:

  • Desktop files
  • Client files
  • Completed projects
  • Financial files
  • Receipts
  • Create new categories if needed
  • Coupon file

Take a look at all of these categories and start purging or re filing into folders where you can find them readily when you need them.

Take A Look At Your Office

Isn’t it amazing how clutter can grow throughout the year? We get busy and before we know it we create a few piles here and stacks there and every horizontal surface is cluttered. Actually using the SMEAD Desk Organizer/Sorter helps eliminate piles. Also the Project Organizer is a wonderful tool to use to organize projects. (I talked about using these in other blogs). I recommend both of these products if you want to reduce clutter in your office.

CHECKLIST for organizing the office:

  • Only keep supplies you use on a regular basis at your desk. Store the “extras” on shelf somewhere else.
  • Organize journals in a magazine holder. Be sure to label them by title or topic.
  • Multimedia: To save space, remove CDs and DVDs from their cases and store in file folders made for them.
  • If you don’t already have one; set up a desk file sorter or hanging files with categories for each type of action—“to call,” “to pay,” etc.

Make Some Plans—Notice—I didn’t say make some resolutions.

Do you wish you had accomplished more in 2010? Now is a good time to take a look at what happened that got in your way. Decide now what you would like to accomplish in 2011. Make it a short list, you can always add more later and just like taking tortoise steps when organizing clutter you will accomplish more if you don’t start out with too much on your plate.

CHECKLIST when planning:

  • Evaluate 2010—what could be improved?
  • Maybe something as simple as buying some supplies to help you stay organized. These could include the SMEAD stadium file organizer, the Super Tab Folders or the two products I mentioned above.
  • Write down your new goals. This is so important to write them down. Then you don’t have to keep thinking, “now what was I going to do”?
  • Plan a time on your calendar when you will work on your goals.
  • Look back at your list regularly to see how you are doing on your goals. Calendar a day and time to do this. I recommend taking a quick look every week. After accomplishing a goal, add another one.

Office organizing is easy and fun (because clutter doesn’t pile up) when using SMEAD products. See what other things they have to help you keep organized at Smead.

 I have been asked where can I buy SMEAD products. They have a tab on their site “Where To Buy”. It just gets easier and easier doesn’t it?

I will receive a gift card for $25.00 to Target for writing this post. That is really nice, but I mean it when I say the SMEAD products I have used are everything they are cracked up to be!

Happy Holidays and good luck on getting your office organized for the New Year.

Posted in Clearing Clutter, Office/Paper Work | 4 Comments »

Show ‘N Share Tuesday Gingerbread Delight

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 by admin

What is a favorite holiday smell of yours? Do you think it is easier to declutter you home if there is an aroma in the air? I love the smell of gingerbread, especially during the holidays.

Just the thought of gingerbread led me to making yummy gifts for our neighbors and friends this year. I sewed bags out of gingerbread fabric and my daughter made delicious-ocious gingerbread pancake/waffle mix. I am excited to share this with you. Just remember to declutter your home  meaning clean up as you go!

Gingerbread Pancakes/Waffles

2 C Flour

2 tsp Baking Powder

¼ C Sugar

2 tsp Cinnamon

1 tsp Allspice

1 tsp Ginger

Directions:

Empty mix into bowl and add the following

Ingredients: Mix till just moistened:

2 eggs

1 ½ C Milk

¼ C molasses

1 T oil

Pour batter by ¼ cupful onto a greased hot

griddle; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook

until the second side is golden brown.

To make waffles, pour batter into warm waffle iron.

 Who knows?…This just may give you the oomph to declutter your home. Or not, take it easy and enjoy. Oh, by the way we add chocolate chips and walnuts to ours.

Posted in Declutter Your Home | 3 Comments »

Scrappy Clutter Control On Birthday’s And Christmas

Monday, December 20th, 2010 by admin

Today is my friend’s birthday. Happy birthday Chris! I hope your day is relaxing, fun and very special and that you don’t worry your head about clutter control!

I love birthdays (my own included) and I love Christmas. I have felt a little sorry for those who have birthdays close to Christmas. Everyone seems to have their own opinion about this.

I heard just the other day a birthday wish to someone whose birthday was the 9th of December and it was, “I wish for you that you won’t get any presents wrapped in Christmas paper”. I thought this was pretty funny.

Chris said it doesn’t matter to her; another friend has always resented it. My daughter used to dislike getting gifts from friends for her birthday in Christmas paper, now she is just happy to get the gift.

We all have different opinions about everything and it is the same when it comes to clutter control. Some think it is better not to have “things” so there is no clutter. Other people love “things” and they handle clutter control by putting things away after using them. They also have homes for everything in their home.

What do you think about wrapping birthday gifts in Christmas paper? What do you think is the best way to control clutter?

Posted in Clutter Control, Holidays | 3 Comments »

Organize Clutter Product Review

Friday, December 17th, 2010 by admin

Today is Friday which means product review that can help organize clutter. I am taking a look at something we all have in our homes but don’t necessarily think of as a product—a simple suitcase.

This item can work wonders to organize clutter. The suitcase in this photo is being used for cards. (I am not sure why this sack was also tossed in here). This is from the studio of “Women Who Create” magazine.

Organize clutter by storing items in a suitcase you don’t use but can’t get rid of it. This is a vintage suitcase without wheels. If you have a suitcase without wheels you will never use it when you go on the road or in the air—trust me, you won’t. This is a great product to use for storage. Be sure to label on the outside what you are storing.

How do you use old suitcases you have?

Posted in Organize Clutter | 2 Comments »

1 Hot Tip For Holiday Stress Relief and Clutter Clearing

Thursday, December 16th, 2010 by admin

You love the holidays, hate the holidays or are somewhere in-between. The holidays are here to stay so let’s take out some of the stress by taking care of our bodies. This is not the time of year to do heavy duty clutter clearing. Do what needs to be done and remove the pressure from yourself of having a perfect home. (My friend would say, “who cares, live a little”).

Have you noticed when you get stressed your muscles get tight? Are your neck and shoulder muscles tight and sore? Massage those muscles and do some head rotations throughout the day. Take time out for yourself and sit, relax and sip a cup of tea, cocoa or your favorite holiday drink. You deserve it!

Just like Charlotte said: “Tomorrow is another day”. That applies to clutter clearing during the holidays too. How are you going to take some time out and pamper yourself today?

Posted in Clutter Clearing | 1 Comment »

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