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Unjunking the Junk Drawer

2010-07-23T17:57:13Z

We all have them, the drawer that we toss things into but never actually take anything out of. Junk drawers are like black holes in our lives. How many times have you bought scotch tape that you know you already have but just can’t find. How many rubber bands, safety pins and paper clips have disappeared in there. How about spare keys, the dog’s brush, picture hooks, nails and screws, flash drives, your favorite Chinese food take-out menu, AA batteries, drill bits, dice, matches… so many things.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my junk drawer and believe that we all need them. They are the temporary places where a lot of things go before we have a permanent place for them (at least, that’s what they should be). They are also permanent places for a few miscellaneous items that we occasionally need.

Unfortunately, the permanent place never materializes for most of the “stuff” and our drawers get packed. We forget what’s in them. We start to hate to open them so we avoid them. We start the process all over again with another drawer and another black hole.

The cycle is easy enough to stop, with a regularly schedule “dump” and clean up of the beloved junk drawer. It’s a small project (20 minutes a month) that will add a lot of satisfaction to your day.

1) The Equipment – buy, find or reuse a cheap plastic drawer organizer or use an old silverware organizer. This will hold the junk in your newly organized drawer. Make sure to get the largest size that will fit in your drawer giving you plenty of space to work with. You can click on the Amazon.com ad link above to start searching for the perfect organizers.

2) The Dump – start by dumping the messy drawer on a table. Put some paper or a table cloth down before turning the drawer over, or you’ll risk scratching the table’s surface.

3) The Trash – toss everything that is obviously trash. We end up, unconsciously, putting a lot of trash in our drawers. Look for old receipts, old corks, a million old twist ties, broken objects, magnets, junk mail, etc. Pull up a trash can and immediately throw that “stuff” out.

4) Sort – group items by use or type. For example, you can group scotch tape, masking tape and glue together; hooks, nails and screws together; and take-out menus together.

5) Put Away – anything that belongs somewhere else should be immediately put back in its place. Put paper clips in your home office. Put the screwdriver in your toolbox. Put the aspirin in the medicine cabinet.

6) Restock the Junk Drawer – Look at what is left that needs to go back into the drawer. Label the sections of your drawer organizer appropriately so that you (and other members of your household) know where to return things that are taken from the drawer. Put the remaining items neatly back into the drawer in their newly labeled compartment.

Once this is done, a quick monthly clean up will keep everything in order. You may even start to see a savings by not buying things you already have. I’m willing to bet you’ve found at least three rolls of tape in that drawer!

You Are What You Eat

2010-07-20T00:29:20Z

Via: Online Schools

Using the Internet to Organize

2010-07-17T16:48:06Z

If you are anything like me, you are always on the prowl for new and better ways to do things. I'm constantly searching online for new gadgets and gizmos to keep my computer, and my life in sync.

I've brought you a few of my favorites. I hope you find some of them helpful, and even a little fun to use!

Your Garage Online: manages all of your car service needs, repairs and maintenance.

Notebook: At your fingertips... meeting notes, journal, ideas, recipes, household info., passwords, etc.

Hassle Me: Not eating enough fruit? Forgot to feed the fish again? Need a little help keeping your New Year's resolutions? Tell HassleMe what to hassle you about, and they will nag you via email at semi-unpredictable intervals.

Task Anyone: A web-based task and project manager which lets you track your own to-dos as well as email tasks to anyone you know.

Knotler: A mobile, free online shopping list service. You start a grocery list, your husband adds to it, either one of you can pull it up on your PDA at the store.

Gurulib: Home library organization application.

All My Things: Secure home inventory software that offers both free and paid plans.

Rearden Commerce: Online application that helps you book and organize services from trusted suppliers.

Nutshell Mail: This app organizes and consolidates all your email accounts, plus all your social networking accounts.

Evernote: Capture and organize information from your mobile device, laptop, or any other device or platform that’s convenient. This is one of my favorite all-time free web tools!!!

Meeting Puzzle: Helps arrange meetings based on convenient times for everyone involved.

Calorie King: Diet and weight loss tools to keep you on track and organized.

Destiny Goals: Set goals for yourself, figure out ways to achieve them and keep track.

BookMooch: Give away books you no longer need in exchange for books you really want.

Famundo: If your family's schedule is driving you crazy, check out Famundo. This website operates as your family's hub, replacing your wall calendar, address book, filing cabinet, and notes. Best of all, it's free.

Honesty: How do you know if you are getting a good deal when you buy an item on eBay? Comparison shopping can be daunting and time consuming. Here is a free website that does the work for you.

Beat My Price: Just enter the name of the product you want to buy, the web address where you found it, and its listed price. You will then get a list of results from other search engines, along with places other users have found it cheaper.

Organizing and Storing Your Outdoor Stuff

2010-07-05T22:15:20Z

If you have a small yard or patio area and are running out of storage space for your garden tools, lawn mower, plant pots, bags of soil, seeds, pool equipment, Crocs, etc., then you probably need to look at compact storage options. Think out outdoor storage boxes that can double as a bench... you get storage space and seating space at the same time.

Outdoor storage benches, as they are called, come in many sizes and materials. Some are attractive pieces of furniture. Others are functional storage boxes that you can sit on.

Here are things to consider if you are planning to buy an outdoor storage bench:

1. Size of Space

Before buying, measure the space you have in mind for the bench. Make sure that your purchase fits in the space and is easy to open and use. Also, when thinking about the extra seating seating -- do you want a table nearby? Do you need cushions for the seating?

2. Sun or Shade

Look at the area that you have chosen for your storage bench. Is it in the sun or shade? A sunny area will require cushions that are fade resistant. Also, attractive wooden storage benches work well in the sun as there is less chance for the wood to rot.

Shady areas that may get wet and not have as much opportunity to dry out in the sun may require something constructed from man-made material that is totally waterproof. Think through the expected wear and tear before buying.

3. Decor

Take your existing patio furniture, gazebo, etc. into account when choosing a storage bench. You'll want something that works with the other furniture.

4. Contents

Buy storage that is appropriate for storing, organizing and protecting the things that you want stored, organized and protected. If you are storing something that can't get wet, the bench needs to be waterproof. If you are storing something that need some air to "breathe" or dry, you need a bench that is water resistant.

6. Budget

Outdoor storage benches come in all shapes, sizes and budgets. If you can't find what you want at your local home store or online, you can have one made. It is worth investing a little time in shopping around to get exactly what you want and need.

The Hidden Dangers of CFL Bulbs

2010-06-28T15:59:28Z

Compact fluorescent bulbs are a great way to save money and are a green solution to lighting your home. CLF bulbs are designed to last for several years. But eventually, they need to be replaced, either because they have burned out or due to breakage. It is important to know how to properly handle these light bulbs, as they contain mercury which can be harmful if it makes contact with skin or is ingested or inhaled.

If you have a bulb that has broken, first open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes. Remove pets from the room as well.

Next, put on some rubber gloves. Carefully scoop up the fragments with stiff paper or thin cardboard. Place the broken pieces in a sealable plastic bag. Wipe the area with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipes. Place these in the plastic bag as well.

If the breakage occurred on a hard surface, do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb. If the bulb has broken on a carpeted surface, remove all materials you can with the above method. To pick up small pieces and powder, use a sticky tape such as duct tape. If this does not remove all remaining bits, you can use the vacuum cleaner with some precautions. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and rinse the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealable plastic bag.

Once you have picked up all the debris, seal up the plastic bag and then place this bag in a second plastic bag. Place the bags in an outdoor trash container or in a protected place outdoors until the next trash pickup.

You will need to check the disposal regulation where you live to make sure you can dispose of this type of waste with your normal trash. Some places require you to take it to a community hazardous waste disposal center.

Independence Day on a Budget

2010-06-26T19:15:21Z

Getting together with family and friends on the 4th of July is a great summertime ritual. But if you are not careful, you could easily blow your budget. Entertaining and buying supplies can quickly add up, even on this most casual of holidays. With some planning and cooperation, however, you can have a wonderful time and still have money left over to enjoy the rest of your summer.

First, don't wait until the last minute (July 3rd) to plan your menu. Use the week before to watch for sales on meat, condiments, sodas, and chips. Work your menu around things that will be affordable. If you can't afford steak, you will usually be able to find great deals on chicken (especially legs and thighs), ground beef, and hot dogs. Even better, these are real crowd pleasers.

Next, save even more money by making all your own sides. Instead of buying premade potato salad, dips, and desserts, take the time to make your own. Not only will you save lots of money, but they will also taste better and be healthier to boot.

Try serving the American Flag Tart pictured above. You can find the recipe here.

If you find that the food costs are a real budget issue for you, simply make your get together a potluck. People love feeding other people. Assign specific types of foods (side dish, dessert, drinks, meat, etc.) to each guest. You can provide the paper ware, cups, a cooler, ice, and a grill. An added benefit of a potluck is that you don't have to worry about each guest's specific dietary concerns. If their diet is restricted, they can bring their own appropriate dish.

Another big expense is always the alcoholic beverages. Limit what you buy and make the rest B.Y.O.B. I like to have a signature cocktail like a Sangria or Marguerita as my contribution and ask folks to bring anything else they might want to drink. Be sure the invitation say's BYOB if you're having one. It is best to be clear about this from the beginning, and most people don't mind picking up a six-pack or a bottle of wine on the way.

Finally, skip the expensive fireworks purchases. Not only are they a safety hazard, but they can cost a considerable amount of money. Check your surrounding area for free fireworks displays. After everyone eats, you can load up the cars and head as a group to watch a public display.

Bring a cooler with some drinks and easy to carry snacks. Make popcorn before heading out and place in small brown paper bags to pass out at the viewing area. You can also bring some desserts to round out the fare. Don't forget the blankets, chairs, and a camera. This way everyone can enjoy the holiday, and each other's company, without breaking the bank.

Stress Taking its Toll on your Brain?

2010-06-19T21:40:17Z

Have you ever tried to remember the name of some everyday item, a word you use often, and it’s on the tip of your tongue… but still you can’t spit it out? Have your walked into the kitchen only to forget what you wanted? Can’t remember your phone number when asked? Can’t remember if you already put the teaspoon of baking powder into the cake mix?

Yeah, me too.

Don’t admit yourself to a nursing home just yet. Much of this “mind boggling” can be stress related. We are bombarded constantly with millions of pieces of information to process. Sometimes we just can’t keep up with the processing, and (here’s the kicker) we shouldn’t have to.

We tend to get really stressed out by our inability to “keep up”, but who says we have to keep up with everything anyway? And, for the things that are important to us, there are tools that can help. Here is my advice (even though I don’t always follow it):

1. Take a few days off from work, from the kids, from your extended family, from whatever it is that is stressing you out. Unplug, sleep, stretch, and let your mind wander away. Only hold on to the “important” thoughts. Learn how to sort out the important here.

2. When you get back (physically or mentally), make a “to do” list of all of the tasks that you've been worried about. Prioritize it. When you are finished, cross off the bottom 30% because they aren’t worth the worry. Learn more about “to-do lists” here.

3. Now, plug the tasks that are left into your calendar. You should only have one calendar and it should cover all aspects of your life: work, family, friends, etc. Learn how to best use a calendar here.

4. Pick up a little extra time in the morning by learning some of this and doing some of this.

5. If your stress level is still too high, talk to someone about it. A little therapy goes a long way.

6. If you need a coach to help with some organizing and time-management issues, try our coaching program.

Now, tell me what you had for lunch on Saturday. lol

How Clutter Chases Money Away

2010-06-15T16:49:26Z

First Published a Year Ago on Organize More...

Have you ever heard that having a cluttered home can cause money to run away from you? I know, I know...it sounds like airy-fairy mumbo jumbo, but think about it for a moment...

Has your desk ever been so cluttered that you forgot to pay a bill and incurred a late fee?

Has your cluttered purse caused you to forget to enter in a debit card purchase and you then overdrew your account?

Have you ever injured yourself in your own home when you tripped over "stuff" cluttering up walkways?

Have you ever bought something that you already owned, simply because you couldn't find the item in question? Have you ever found overdue late library books or movie rentals under your messy car seats?

Are you getting my point here?

To save yourself time AND money, implement some of these tips:

* Every evening when you turn off the computer, spend just 2 minutes clearing off your desk or workspace. When it becomes a habit you will do it without thinking and it then takes seconds.

* Once a week (or more often depending on your habits!) take a minute to clear out your purse. Pick a day to do this and do it every week.

* Enter your purchases in your checkbook immediately before the receipt has a chance to disappear!

* Open your mail standing over a trash can. That way you can immediately toss the junk mail instead of laying it aside.

* Once a day (before bed is a great time) take just 2 minutes to walk through the house with a trash bag in your hand, and throw away paper trash, magazines, junky plastic toys that seem to multiply overnight, etc.

* Before you log off your computer at the end of a workday, take a moment to delete any favorite places or organize them into folders. Do the same with email. (Better yet, set up your email program to automatically file certain emails into folders as they download.) This will save you time when you need to find things later on.

* The day before you go grocery shopping, clean out your fridge. It's emptier now so this is easy to do, and you can grab all the leftover bits to make "Refrigerator Stew" instead of letting those items go to waste.

And my personal favorite:

* Never own more than one laundry basket. The more you own, the more you fill up with clean, unfolded laundry!

And just for fun, here's the airy-fairy stuff:

Having a cluttered home or office can make you feel tired and overwhelmed, because you have an emotional attachment to everything you own. It's as if a tiny string is connecting every possession to your subconscious mind.

Do you have kids?

Have you ever noticed how your child behaves when s/he has too many choices? How about when they've been given a ton of gifts? Do they not get irritable and frenzied? They can't decide "what to do" with so much stuff around that they pitch it all and play with the box...it's simple!

I organized my kid's room the other day (I go on a tear and do this periodically), putting all the toys into categories, organizing them into containers, throwing a lot away, puttting some things away for later, and lo and behold! They NEVER played in there before, and now they're in their room all the time playing peacefully.

It's the same with us!

A cluttered home means you will have less energy for your business or other work.

I hope these ideas help you save time and money.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=4482&ca=Finances

Summer Doggie Safety

2010-06-06T17:39:10Z

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with your dog. To ensure that your pet stays safe and healthy this summer, keep these tips in mind.

1. Keep hydrated.

Warm weather and lots of exercise can cause your dog to become overheated very quickly. Dehydration and heatstroke are real dangers to your pet's life. Make sure that you have access to plenty of fresh, cool drinking water for your dog. If you are not sure that water will be available, bring bottled water and a clean bowl for your dog to use. If you don't have anything available and your pet is overheated, be bold and ask a stranger for help. Most people are always willing to help with an animal.

2. Watch for sunburn.

Yes, even dogs can get sunburned. You can apply a layer of sunscreen on your dog anywhere that his fur is thin. You should also apply sunscreen to his nose, ears, and any sensitive areas that lack pigment. Remember to reapply if you are out in the sun for longer than two hours.

3. Park your car safely.

It is never ok to leave your dog in a parked car when it is warm outside. On a hot day, the temperature inside a car can reach over 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) in less than five minutes. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not really help, as the temperature in your car can still quickly reach life-threatening levels. Take your dog with you when you park your car, or leave him at home if that is not an option.

4. Watch the feet.

Hot sidewalks, asphalt, or even sand can burn the bottom of your dog's feet. The pads may seem tough, but when they contact an extremely hot surface, they can quickly burn. Avoid these types of surfaces during the hottest part of the day. If you wouldn't walk on it barefoot, neither should he.

5. Keep cool in the outdoors.

If your dog is kept outdoors, make sure he has a steady supply of cool, clean water. If his water is out in the sun all day, it will get too hot to drink. Change it frequently. A dog also needs plenty of shade throughout the entire day. Make sure there is a shady spot for him to rest. If you live where it is very warm, consider hosing down your dog in the morning and again in the afternoon.

6. Take care in the water.

Not all dogs are great swimmers. If your dog will be around water, consider a life preserver or vest. This is especially important if your dog has any underlying health problems, such as heart disease or obesity. A life jacket can save your dog's life in the event of a sudden storm, if he is knocked off the boat, or if he is tired from cold and choppy water.

7. Check out the vets.

Finally, if you are traveling this summer, check ahead of time for a veterinary clinic or hospital in the area that you will be visiting. It is good to do this before the need arises and to know what your options are in the event of a health emergency.

Take good care of your best friend and, in return, you will receive years of unconditional LOVE.

New Version of Free Ebook Launches

2010-06-04T01:36:06Z

Click on the "101 Tips" box to the right and get your totally free copy of our e-book: 101 Tips for Living a Simple, Healthy, Organized Life.

This book has helped tens of thousands of readers, and it can help you.

If you need a little extra help, consider coaching.

Happy reading!