Lay Down The Toaster!

I JUST learned this and I HAD to share this with all of you!
Turn the toaster sideways to make a grilled cheese or to melt something on toast!
It's like a makeshift toaster oven!
I love it!

I is for Ice Cube Trays

Ice Cube Trays!!! Another use for them is to help organize and store your jewelry! How much you can do will Depend on the size of the tray and the size of your earrings, watches, necklaces, etc. For some of my clients I use ice cube trays when we are sorting a junk drawer, or box of  mangled jewelry or cleaning out a closet. Especially for super small items. Try it!

S Memo : A Mobile App That Helps Me Organize

I am ALWAYS thinking of ideas for my blogs , website, business, books, etc. I may get an idea while on the road. Sometimes a thought pops into my head and i need to write it down NOW! I could be shopping and see an organizing product that I want to do research on, so I need to take a picture of it.  For this organizer to stay organized, i use as much help as I can get! One of my sources is on my Samsung Galaxy S4 and Note 3, its called S Memo Application.

Along with my Evernote app, I use the S Memo Notes App too. The S Memo Application lets you record all forms of ideas instantly and freely. A quick memo can be taken from any screen to capture your ideas before they float away. There are many ways you can use S Memo: take pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings. Then you have the capability to edit,annotate and share as desired.It works for me!

O is for Organize

or·gan·ize  (ôr′gə-nīz′)

 

v. or·gan·ized, or·gan·iz·ing, or·gan·iz·es

1.  To put together into an orderly, functional, structured whole.
2.  To arrange in a coherent form; systematize.
3.  To arrange in a desired pattern or structure.
4.  To arrange systematically for harmonious or united action.

I talk about ONE way of starting the organization process. In that blog I talk about starting piece by piece. Today I will continue on the slow and steady wins the race tip. The question sometimes begins, Where Do I start? Well if starting in the crazy "hot spot" areas is too much for you to handle, I'm going to make the suggestion that you start in an area that looks easiest to you!

DO you have a space that's not bad but could use some straightening up? Maybe its a space behind the door. You have a couple of brooms there or an umbrella and you've been meaning to move them somewhere else. Start there. Maybe on the microwave you have a stack of paper plates on top. Start there. There is a stack of dirty clothes in the corner getting higher and higher. Go grab them and put them in the hamper! You have a clear space now!!!

Organization is a people-based process designed to make you happy. I want you all to be happy!!

You can also contact The Super Organizer.com and I can help you start!

Microwave Placement Is Important.

Where is your microwave located in your kitchen? Is it in a good, safe place in your kitchen? Have you even thought about that before? Accidents in the kitchen happen all of time. Some of those accidents are caused in part by the placement of the microwave!!

Your microwave should be in easy reach for you and others who use your kitchen. Also your microwave should be near a heatproof surface such as a stove top, tile counter or something wooden (like a board or a kitchen block). Hot plates, bowls and dishes coming out of the microwave should be easy to lift down or lift out and over.  You want to avoid burns and such. And keep in mind the direction your microwave door opens. As a lefty, I’m HYPER aware of how EVERY door opens and how I’m going to have to maneuver myself. (I have seen a couple of kitchens that were set up for Left-Handed people.)

Also keep in mind that the stove top and/or counter top near the microwave needs to be clear with enough space to put a plate, bowl or dish on (maybe it’s also time to see what’s on the counter and thin out or rearrange.). Microwave carts are also a good solution. Safety in the kitchen is VERY important!!

M is for Momentum

You made the choice to begin something. You feel that you have the commitment to yourself. You are ready! Many times it’s easy to start a project and be completely excited! But I do know there are some days when you are having a hard time caring. The question is: how do I keep the momentum going?

There is no easy answer. There is ONE answer. It’s up to YOU to keep the momentum going. I always say that it begins and ends with YOU. So if that is true, then there are several ways to support that thought and stay motivated. You can do a buddy system. Some people like having a friend or family member with them every step of the way. Just remember you have to pick the person who will be a right fit for you.  Others turn to support groups or church for empowerment to go on.

Personally I like being around like minded people. People who are making change happen in their lives. Two to five minutes after I’m around people like that, I feel re energized! And they don’t have to be doing the exact same thing I’m doing. Just hearing them talk about the things they are accomplishing, turns me on!

I’m a pretty self sufficient person but even I have my days. So I have a gift for you: It’s OK to have days where you are NOT motivated! Sometimes it’s a sign that you are doing too much or pushing too hard. Take a break. Relax. Regenerate. For me it’s working in my garden, or doing yoga or reading a book! You can be superhuman! Just be mindful that you are just taking a break and not giving up or stopping all together.

D is for Decision Making

So you've made the decision to clean up a room or organize the garage. Here are four tips that I feel are important when implementing the decision:

1) Identifying Specific Steps to be accomplished.

2) Determining the resources and materials needed. What you will need and where to go to get it.

3) Agreeing on individual responsibilities. Unless it is you alone.

4) Providing for Unforeseen circumstances. Problems arise sometimes. Stay open and flexible.

K is for Kids Tray

Tray courtesy of The Container Store.

Kids always come home with something from school for you to look at or sign. And what if you have more than one child, that’s a lot to look at it! One thing that could help is to designate a tray or basket for the kids to put their papers in when they come home.

Or to take it to the next level, create folder or folders for each child with their names on them and leave in the tray. They put their paperwork in the folders. Then after you have looked and/or signed everything, put the folders back and make sure the children check inside the folders the next morning.

It creates order and organization and habits are formed.

T is for Trashcans

Trashcans! Wastebaskets! Whichever name you use, we can all agree that they are important assets to any home (indoor and outdoor). Everyday we throw away all kinds of trash and the trashcans get full and we tie it up and take them outside for pickup. Today's quick tip is about the trash bags. Not about what kind to use (there are many different kinds on the market) but a time saving tip.

Trashcans are usually stored throughout the house where you need them, kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, bedrooms, etc, but the trash bags are probably stored in ONE place. Maybe they are way down in the basement, or out in the garage on a shelf. So maybe you go back and forth to empty the cans and then go get the trash bags or you carry the new trash bags draped on your shoulder and replace as your doing. My suggestion is to keep a couple of extra trash bags at the bottom of the trashcan UNDERNEATH the open one. Then what happens is that you always have one handy and ready at each one and it saves time and energy.

Age Appropriate Chores Chart for Kids

Im a big fan of this chart. Kids need to learn responsibility and this chart suggests chores that are right for certain ages.  I really wanted to share it with all of the parents out there. Hopeful you can find it useful .

Cleaning Checklist

Not sure if your cleaning/housekeeping person/staff is doing a good job? Are you sure of what to look for in a clean space?

I have created a Cleaning Checklist. I will come in and do a"Black Glove/White Glove"test and audit your apartment/house/office. For $25, I will go room by room, with the checklist I created (from years of experience) , and make an analysis of how clean your space really is. You will receive a full detailed report you can use for evaluation.

Everyone does not clean in the same way. Also an area or space "looks" clean b

U is for Under The Bed

I like to keep the space under the bed clear but sometimes because of space or lack thereof, its necessary. So choosing how to use that space is important. You want to maximize that space just like any other in the house. And you want it to be neat and organized.

My tip is to get some plastic storage containers. They have some that are long and not too tall and with wheels. My suggestions is to store frequently used sheet sets for the bed. Or extra blankets and pillows. One of my clients put her sweaters under there. She only wore sweaters certain times of the year so that freed up her small closet for her everyday wear.

Another tip is that under the bed can be a great space for hiding birthday or holiday presents too. Put them in the middle of the space,out of easy reach.

P is for Paper Products

"I will read those when I get some time." " I was saving them for my daughter. I just haven't put them together and sent them to her." "There is just SO many that I'm overwhelmed."

Those are just a few of MANY responses I've been given when I first see a client for a consultation. Paper Products organization or removal make up 40 % of my business.Paper products include magazines, flyers, brochures, mail, junk mail, newspapers and files. I've gone into many homes and offices and the piles of papers are everywhere. And what starts out so unassuming (It's just paper?!) can be the MOST troublesome, space enveloping, overwhelming part of your space. If you have this problem (Even I'VE had this problem!), then of course you should contact THE SUPER ORGANIZER for assistance. But until then and over the course of time, I will offer some tips of how to handle this situation growing (or have already grown) in your space.

Where DO I start???? I believe that ANY step ANY size is a great thing!! I offer A WAY of getting started:

Start Slow and Easy

Identify a small spot in your home or office. It could be the small stack of papers on your desk. Maybe its six magazines in the bathroom. It's the post it notes on the refrigerator! Walk over to it.  Then one by one touch each piece and look at it. What is it? Can it be tossed, recycled, filed away or does it need to stay there? And really think about the answer, then act! Handle it right then and there. If its trash or can be trashed, walk over to the trashcan and throw it away. If its something that is ready to be filed away, than walk over to where it should be filed/put away and file/put it away. If its recycling, then set it aside till you have all the items to be recycled.(then after you're done, recycle them.) If its something that need to stay there, then decide is it something i can work on RIGHT NOW or does it have to wait. If you can work on it, I suggest you work on it and get it out the way (then of course you will file it.). If it needs to be package and mailed out, then package and set it up to mail it out.  If it has to wait, it has to wait. Neatly keep it there.I think you get the picture.  Its a slow process but you get there. An empty space emerges! Then the sense of accomplishment washes over you!!

I suggest doing this a couple of times a week. More and more space will open up. The key is to NOT stress out about doing it. Don't try to do it after you've had a long day at work and you're exhausted.  Maybe do it on a Sunday morning while you are drinking your morning cup of coffee. Do it when you're relaxed (well maybe not TOO relaxed.) Try it once and maybe you'll be motivated to try it again. The motivation may come to clear out whole areas eventually. Small steps can lead to big results.

In Remembrance of Those Lives We Lost on 9-11-01

F is For First Aid Kit

A First Aid Kit are important to have in your home! Its the one thing that you hope you NEVER have to use but are grateful when you have one when you NEED it. What you have in a First Aid Kit is VERY important as well.AND have it somewhere that is easy to get to. Below are examples of what you should have in a First Aid Kit (for more info, go to The Red Cross.):

Acetaminophen for pain relief (or aspirin, with Doctor's approval)

Rubbing alcohol

Antihistamine (for allergies and stings)

Band Aids (various sizes)

Tweezers

Adhesive Tape/ Roll of gauze

Petroleum Jelly

Hydrogen Peroxide

Q-Tips, Cotton Swabs, Cotton Balls

Antibacterial Ointment

Scissors with Rounded tips

Safety Pins

Disposable Ice Bags

Elastic wraps

Ipecac Syrup

First Aid Book

 

I'm Tired of the Sofa Bring Over There

http://thesuperorganizeruniverse.com/2014/02/21/im-tired-of-the-sofa-being-over-there/

The Super Organizer!

The kids are back in school!

Summer is over!

Labor Day Has passed!

The fall is coming!

Winter will arrive after that!

Three majorly celebrated holidays are coming!

You need help!

You deserve a trustworthy, organized person!

Hire ME!!!

The Super Organizer!!!!!!!

Mention this blog and get 25% off the first job!!!!!!

Go to Thesuperorganizer.com for more info and to contact me!

Take A Look At Your Shower Curtain

Shower Curtains that go unwashed can cause health problems to you and your household. Moisture-loving bacteria and mold, which can trigger allergies and infections, breed like wildfire inside those damp plastic or fabric folds. In fact, a surprising study at the University of Colorado found millions of microbes on every square inch -- and 80 percent were potentially harmful bugs that can form an aerosol and rise into the air, where they’re easily inhaled! To eliminate bad bugs, toss your shower curtain (whether it’s made of plastic or fabric) into the washing machine once a week or at least twice a month with lots of warm, soapy water, then hang it to dry back in the tub. I wash my shower curtain and liner every other week. 
Also always pull your curtain completely closed after showering, so there are fewer damp nooks for germs to find a home in. 

Shower curtain pictured is from Linens n things. Click here

Facts About Being Left Handed!

Being left-handed used to be like being in a secret club. There are more left handed people out there these days. But we are still in the minority.  We pay our dues every day, in terms of the extra effort that we must make to live in a right-handed world. When we encounter another lefty, we immediately have something in common. 

Here is  a list of the aspects of everyday life that are geared towards right-handed people. Lefties will probably recognize most things on this list; righties might find some of these things surprising.

• We have to use special "lefty" scissors.
• We write from left to right, so that our hand smears the fresh ink across the page. (Righties' hands do not touch the ink until they get to the next line, so the ink has a few seconds to dry.)
• If you grab a coffee mug with your left hand, the picture will be facing away from you. (Righties get to look at the picture while they drink.)
• Lefties have little choice where they get to sit at large dinners, lest they bump elbows with a righty.
• Lefties have little choice where they get to sit in lecture halls. Often the only left-handed desks are on the end of the row. Lefties can't sit in the middle, unless they want to have a hard time writing.
• When writing in a 3-ring binder (or spiral notebook), the rings get in the way of our hands when we write on the front side of the paper. (Righties have this problem when writing on the back of the paper, but this is easier to avoid.)
• Many "commonly" used keys are on the right side of the keyboard. For example: backspace, enter, arrows, and numeric keypad.
• Computer mice are generally set up so that the "main" button is the index finger for righties. If you want to use the mouse in your left hand, the "main" button is under your less-adept ring finger.
• Bike gears are on the right side of the bike. This means that if you carry the bike on your right shoulder, the gears face outward. If you put the bike on your left shoulder, you'll get grease stains all over your clothes.
• Bike helmet chin-strap buckles are easier to release with your right hand.
• Hand-held jigsaws blow sawdust off to the right side. If you hold it in your right hand, it blows the sawdust away from you. If you hold it in your left hand, it blows sawdust in your face.
• Drill presses have the handle (to lower the drill) on the right side. It's impossible (and dangerous!) to try to hold the wood with your right hand while controlling the drill with your left hand.
• Lefties have to get their own "left-handed" boomerangs, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and baseball mitts. This means we usually can't borrow our friends' equipment.
• Car stick-shifts are on the right side of the driver. Less frequently used controls, such as headlight switches, are on the left side.
• High-end headphones (with only one cord) have the cord on the left side. The cord gets in the way more for left-handed writers.
• When pants only have one back pocket, it's always on the right side. (Lefties have to fumble around for their wallet with their "bad" hand.)
• Mini propane camping stoves are designed so that you can hold it with your left hand and pump up air pressure with your right, even if the stove is still hot. It's hard to hold it with your right hand and pump with your left hand without burning your right hand.
• Piano keys are arranged so the more rapidly-changing higher notes are played with the right hand. For beginners, the base clef (left hand) is often optional.
• Camera shutter buttons are often on the right. Pressing the button with our less-dextrous hand makes it harder for lefties to hold the camera steady while taking a picture.
• "Ergonomic" chairs usually have the controls on the right side.

My 202nd Post!!!!

There are 10 things that I've learned out in the world in my 45 years:

1. Don't panic. Stay as calm as possible . Best way to handle your situation.
2. Never stop thinking. Your mind is the most important tool you have, if you stop using it, it will atrophy. 
3. Daydreaming is fine. Stare into space blankly and don’t ever punish yourself for doing it. Great ideas can come out of a dream.
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and demand answers. Clarity is the best!
5. Everyone is unique. Every life experience is case sensitive and individual. Similarities are possible but no two people are exactly alike.
6. Take your time and enjoy every moment. Be in the NOW.
7. Have your own opinion. Don't let anyone tell you what to believe. Discover for yourself. Investigate. Research. Come to your own conclusion.
8. Talking to yourself is healthy. 
9. If you are fortunate, then you will always be in a transitional phase. Know that everything will be replaced at some point. You rarely stay in the same place in life.
10. Don't be afraid to agree to disagree with friends/family AND still love each other. Pick and choose your battles.

Happy Labor Day!

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!!!!


We all work hard for our money (I know I do!) and sometimes it comes at a sacrifice (or sacrifices). SO I want to salute those you may have to have less time with their kids or spouses or parents or friends because they NEED to work. I want to applaud those who found work that they like and happy with what they are doing. I love my job! Its my passion! I want to thank those who make a difference in the world with what they do at work.Much appreciated.

I especially want to thank all those in the service industries who put a smile on their face (or in their voice) and give great customer service no matter what! Good help can be hard to find these days. And I want to be encouraging and hopeful for those LOOKING for work. Its tough out there but i believe in you and the universe. Sending positive energy your direction.

Happy Labor Day to All!!!