My Favorite Part of Halloween

The dressing up can be fun. Going to a party can be great. But for me its one of the two days out of the year (Easter is the other) that I get to indulge in my favorite...the candy!

I'm a fan of Halloween candy. I don't eat much candy the rest of the year. But for some reason eating candy on Halloween makes me happy.

So if you are taking the kids treat or treating, please be careful and safe. Check the candy before they eat it. Have fun and save some candy for me....

Go For IT!!!

Saw this quote online and it didn't say who said it but I LOVE it! So I feel I need to share it:

It is such a basic sounding quote YET it's totally true. AS my mother has always said, " A closed mouth does not get fed."

A Money and Time Saving Idea For The Look Of Your Home!

Here is a tip that is a money saver AND good organizational tool:

Instead of buying whole new sets of home accessories and/or repainting every year or spending lots of time and money of changing the look of a space, redecorate your room in the spring and fall by changing out your comforter and throw pillows. You get to "redecorate" and no money is spent. Plus, it extends the life of your items. And you'll only need one storage bin to hold the items. 

You can do the same in the bathroom with a change of the shower curtain and rugs. I would do yellow in the spring and summer and blue in the fall and winter.

Depending on wear and tear, you can do this for several years and sesasons.

Clear Plastic Containers Help In Several Ways

Many professional organizers ( including myself) like to use clear plastic storage containers for a de clutter and store project.  I'm going to list some of the reasons I like to use them:

1- you can see what you have.
2- you can monitor how much you have.
3- there are decorative ones. Different colors and shapes and styles.
4- because you can see inside, there is no outta sight, outta mind.
5-clean make a space look clean and neat.

Make sure you get ones with handles and lids. Makes it easier on you to move them when you need to. And easier to stack. Another though I have is that you can see exactly what you have and what kind of space you have left. Those are useful during the organizing and maintaining processes.

I'm Listening

People ask me what I think what makes a good listener when someone needs to talk or vent. I say ; ask questions, maintain eye contact, smile (or show what emotion is appropriate), respond in nonverbal ways. That's all it takes to show the other person they're important.

When you do speak, don't offer advice unless you're asked. Listening shows you care a lot more than offering advice, because when you offer advice in most cases you make the conversation about you, not them. No one wants to hear, "If I were you, then I would do this..."

Only speak when you have something important to say--and always define important as what matters to the other person, not to you. This is where it is okay to share a relatable story. Keep the story brief. If they want clarification or more knowledge, then let THEM ask you. 

Some people just want a sounding board. Venting and getting it out is the goal and they just want your support. 

Was On Vacation

Hello blog readers. I was on a 5 day cruise to the Western Caribbean. It was a nice relaxing trip. I enjoyed my stateroom and ate and drank myself silly. I feel recharged and ready to continue sharing tips with you all!

I get a listing of my stats and which blogs are being looked at and its nice to see some of you looking around at many of my tips and suggestions. Thank you! I encourage you to look through my blog because  you might find something that is helpful.

NOW I'm back! And can't wait to share more Organizing tips with you all!

How TO Answer The Question: Tell Me About Yourself

On a job interview you may get the question: Tell me about yourself.

 About 80% of all interviews begin with this “innocent” question. Many candidates, unprepared for the question, skewer themselves by rambling, recapping their life story, delving into ancient work history or sharing TOO much of their personal matters.

ANSWER: Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. In other words you must sell what the buyer is buying. This is the single most important strategy in job hunting.

So, before you answer this or any question it’s imperative that you try to uncover your interviewer’s greatest need, want, problem or goal. To do so, you can follow this one tip:

As early as you can in the interview, ask for a more complete description of what the position entails. You might say: “I have a number of accomplishments I’d like to tell you about, but I want to make the best use of our time together and talk directly to your needs. To help me do, that, could you tell me more about the most important priorities of this position? All I know is what I (heard from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, etc.)”

Then, ALWAYS follow-up with a second and possibly, third question, to draw out his needs even more. Surprisingly, it’s usually this second or third question that unearths what the interviewer is most looking for.
You might ask simply, “And in addition to that?…” or, “Is there anything else you see as essential to success in this position?:
This process will not feel easy or natural at first, because it is easier simply to answer questions, but only if you uncover the employer’s wants and needs will your answers make the most sense. Practice asking these key questions before giving your answers, the process will feel more natural and you will be light years ahead of the other job candidates you’re competing with.
After uncovering what the employer is looking for, describe why the needs of this job bear striking parallels to tasks you’ve succeeded at before. Be sure to illustrate with specific examples of your responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are geared to present yourself as a perfect match for the needs he has just described.

A Shelf Idea That I Love

Duncan Wilkinson's DIY Entertainment Center With Bookshelves free standing unit was made possible by the use of  Kee Klamps that effortlessly connect each piece of shelving to one another. Therefore, the whole thing can be moved without ever compromising the structural integrity of the shelf.

Paper Towel Holder As A Garbage Bag Holder

 Use a Paper towel holder for garbage/trash bags. This tip is great for the garage or the laundry room or a service porch.

Wash The Dishes!

If you put something, anything, into the sink, other pieces of flatware and dishes are magically drawn to it and all of a sudden the sink is completely filled and rendered useless. Instead, take the time to put your dirty items into the dishwasher right away, or wash the item quickly by hand. If its at night, don't leave the sink filled.

Check Under the Coffee Maker!

Underneath and behind appliances that sit on the counter AND on the floor- I used to forget to pull out appliances that were on the counter top in the kitchen when I cleaned. That was until I dropped something behind the microwave, pulled it out and saw all the dirt and dust and crumbs.  But its important to do. Check under the coffee maker, toaster, etc. I know it’s a pain to pull larger appliances like that out, but be sure to clean under there every once in awhile.

Shoe Organizer As Cleaning Supplies Organizer/Holder

I love this idea. I'm not a fan of over the closet door organizers for shoes so I like repurposing this organizing tool.

What TO Do With The Lids!

houzz.com


I saw this and tried it for a client and it worked! She had a magazine rack that she was not using and the lids for her pots and pans were not organized and in the way. This was and is a great solution!

A Fun Cartoon!

B is for Bedding

I'm going to share with you a trick that I learned from a colleague. One easy and organized way to keep sets of sheets and bedding together is to take one of the pillowcases and put the rest of the sheets and pillow cases in it. Carefully folded of course.  Then store the bundle in the closet or drawer.  its saves time in looking for all the parts of a sheet set. Its helps with space too.

Also, it help with linen closet organization. When you initial do it, if you find that you are missing parts to a set, its time to get rid of the set. You can turn the sheets or pillow cases into dust rags or donate to a local shelter or thrift store.

R is for Rolled Clothes For More Space

Rolling clothes can be a great way to gain more space in your drawers AND it keeps it neat and tidy in there.

 Items of clothing that are great for this are:

1. Jeans
2. T shirts
3. Socks, Tights, Underwear
4. Pajamas, nightgowns
5. Swimwear

K is for Key Organization

I had a key ring that had 3 keys that looked alike. Instead of marking which one that opened the FRONT door, I thought I would remember which one it was every time. WELL every time, I couldn't remember and ended up trying each of the keys to get in. Not good. SO I stopped being stubborn and I'm going to share with you a trick that I learned that works.

Paint the top of the key with nail polish of heavy marker. Some people who color code each key for each different door to open. I suggest that to those with a strong organized mind. But for those of you who just want to keep it simple, choose the key that is the most important and color that one.

S is for Seasonal Clothes Organization

The time is here. Summer is over and fall and winter are the new seasons. Its time to go through the closets and drawers. Go through your wardrobe at the end of every season. Weed out clothing that you didn’t wear or  love. Donate it or give it away to friends in need. Weed out the clothes that you won't wear in the upcoming season (s). Get storage bins and put those clothes in there and in a safe place until it comes time to do this again. 

Another tip: After you go through everything, make notes of things you need for next season. But don't buy anything until that season returns. 

Phone In A Bowl

I TRIED IT! I TRIED IT! And it WORKED! So I HAVE to share this with you!

Take your phone and place it in a bowl and the speaker sound will amplify! So if you have music on your phone and don't have a portable speaker, this is a great alternative to increasing the volume.