looking back + looking forward

The week between Christmas and New Year is one of my favorite weeks of the whole year. Back in the days when I worked in the corporate world, I always opted to work this week. (Mind you, much of this time was before kids.) I loved that the office was quiet as most everyone else I worked with had kids and family in town…so they chose to be home, giving me a quiet office mostly to myself. Interruptions were fewer. The pace was relaxed. And I got a whole lot of stuff done.

I would clean out my files—clearing out old projects that I no longer needed and making space for the new projects in the upcoming year. I’d set up my new Franklin Covey planner, and transfer dates, birthdays, and addresses. I’d reorganize my office and finish up tasks on lingering projects. In essence, I would tie up all the loose ends from the past year, clear out a bit of clutter, and get ready to hit the ground running in the New Year.

I still love this week. It’s a time to reflect back on the past year—to celebrate the high moments and learn from the lows. It’s a chance to check in on progress against last year’s goals and begin the process of setting new goals for the upcoming year. I also still like to clear out any lingering physical clutter that’s left over from the holidays, and make one final trip to Goodwill for the year. The pace isn’t quite as relaxed, and the atmosphere isn’t nearly as quiet as it was back in the corporate days, but this week’s activities still have the same outcome—staring the New Year refocused, reenergized, and ready to go!

Today I also put the finishing touches on my Goals online workshop. And I’m getting really excited! This is one of those workshops that I love teaching, because I use it as an opportunity to go through the goal setting process again myself and create even more focus on my goals for the year. For me, it’s such a fun way to start the new year…and in this case the new decade!

Whether you routinely set goals and love the process, or goals are a new and possibly uncomfortable concept for you, if you want to make change in your home and life this year, this workshop is for you. The Goals workshop will give you the foundation, ideas and inspiration you need to dream about a life you love, and take steps to make it happen! I only run this workshop once a year and this year’s session begins next Tuesday, so I hope you’ll join me for this once-a-year opportunity!

Finish It Friday

This week's Finish It Friday is a big one. It's the last Friday, and the last weekend, before Christmas! I don't know about you, but I still have quite a few things to wrap-up—literally and figuratively. I'd like to have the big-hitter holiday to-dos done by Sunday. So here is my list: 

• Finish shopping. I have a few lingering gifts to buy, and I want to take the kids shopping for Jay this weekend.
• Finish wrapping. My goal is to have all gifts wrapped and ready by the end of the weekend.
• Make grocery list. I need to figure out what to bring for Christmas Eve. We're going to do an all appetizers get together with Jay's family, and Jay would like to cook something on the grill. Any ideas? If you have any recipes for a grilled appetizer, I would really love to hear it.
• Clean house.
• Laundry.

I think it's all do-able, and actually this is a fun to-do list (except possibly for cleaning and laundry.) But, the best part is, if I get this done this weekend, then next week is smooth sailing. The kids are off school for the holiday break starting today, so I'm hoping to make some cookies, play some games, and just leisurely enjoy the days leading up to Christmas. So...I best get busy finishing some things up!

Before I go, remember that painted, empty picture frame from Halloween? Here's the holiday version.

I made the bunting using Benita's instructions on this blog post. It was such a quick and fun project. I had never sewn on paper before, and boy, it was quite a rewarding thing to do. I will definitely be making more of these for other holidays and events. So if you're looking for a quick little holiday decorating project for your Finish It Friday list, well, now you've got one. :)

Who is joining me this week? Just post your to-do list in the comments, and post again with what you finished on Monday. Easy-peasy and fun. :) And remember, if you have any appetizers to make on the grill...I'd love the recipe. Thanks! Have a great weekend.

Managing Holiday To-Dos

Wow, can you believe that Christmas is just over a week away? How are you doing with all of your holiday to-dos?

This year, unlike many years, I decided to send cards. Somehow I convinced myself that despite the added things on my plate this year—like the big bed painting project, three days spent in the car driving to and from Michigan, and a busier than usual evening activities schedule—that this would be a good year to send cards again. Hmmm…

It isn’t that I don’t want to share the joy of the season with friends, family, clients and business colleagues via holiday cards. Instead, my choice not to send cards in the past was based on two factors. First, I recognized that this task doesn’t very comfortably fit in the months of November and December with all of the other holiday to-dos on my plate. Quite simply, there has been other, more important and more urgent to-dos to squeeze into my schedule. Second, I really don’t enjoy the process of sending cards. Yes, I love the end result, but it’s all the other steps along the way that I simply don’t enjoy. Especially because it seems as if something always comes up to complicate the card sending process.

One of the reasons I decided to send cards this year was that I had already entered the addresses into an Avery label template in Word. Collin did this for me last year. So I thought that I had simplified things enough to take on this task this year. After all, the worst part of the process for me—addressing the cards—was already done. What I didn’t anticipate was an incomplete list and the need to continually add names and addresses after the labels were printed. Nor did I anticipate that the labels wouldn’t stick to the envelopes. Nope—didn’t see that one coming. Seriously, would you expect your labels to peel off your envelopes right after you stuck them on? Me neither.

The solution was a piece of Scotch tape across the top of each label. And while functionally this works, it wasn’t exactly the look I was going for. But I shoved my inner perfectionist aside, grabbed my little girl and a tape dispenser, and we went for it.

So, what’s the moral of the story? Well, I don’t think it’s to stop sending cards again for another two or three years, but rather to begin the process even earlier next year. I’ll update the address list throughout the year by adding new friends, colleagues, and clients to my address list as they come along. I’ll also be investing in some new, stickier labels and clear ones at that. (I also had to tell my perfectionist side to hush when I noticed the labels were white and the envelopes were off white. Argh.) I also plan to begin this whole process in September or earlier next year, so that I can even do a photo card. Now, I know that when September rolls around I’ll think that I’m going overboard starting so early…but I’ll have this here blog post to remind me that the card sending process is simply too much for my schedule and sanity in November and December. 

As you go about your holiday preparations, remember this Christmas card story and take note of how things are going with your own schedule and to do list. What things can you do differently, earlier or not at all next year to make the season a notch simpler and a whole lot sweeter? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you have any card sending stories to share (ones that involve a bump or two in the card-sending road) I would absolutely love to hear them!

Finish It Friday!

I have a feeling I’ll be finishing up lots of stuff this weekend, but there’s just one point of focus at the get-go:

• Finish Kailea’s bed!

This involves carrying the bed into her room, setting it up, and then, organizing the new desk drawers, dresser drawers, and bookshelves. This, my friends, is the icing on what was a very tough-to-swallow cake—all that painting this time of year really got old. But, I think it will be so worth it! She is one excited little birthday girl!

 

What’s on your to-finish list this weekend? Any holiday to-dos that you’re itching to check off? I’d love to hear. If you’ve been sitting on the Finish It Friday sidelines, feel free to join in this week! It’s really motivating to know that we’re not going it alone—especially this time of year! (You can learn more about Finish It Friday here.) I can't wait to hear your plans. :)

Organizing Holiday Gift Wrap + Scrapbook Supplies

Last year I shared a photo of my gift wrapping station, which is in the closet off my office / scrapbook room. This year, I was inspired to do something different. First, the inspiration photo.

Debbie, a participant in my online workshop Get Organized for the Holidays, uploaded this photo in the workshop gallery. Isn’t it the best? Gift wrapping and scrapbooking goodies are so fun to look at...and this display of items is so festive and creative. Notice the little white buckets? I saw this and thought, Hmmm…what can I do to make my space a bit more festive?

So here’s what I did. First, I decided to move the gift wrap out of the closet. Not that it’s a far trip, but I lugged that bucket in and out several times last year, and thought this year I would give it a permanent home in my scrapbook space for the course of wrapping season. I changed out the bulletin board to display holiday cards from years past.  

Next, I changed out the lazy Susan that sits on my project table, filling it with gift tags, black markers, tape, scissors, and other items I’ll be using for gift wrapping and a simple little holiday scrapbook project.

I also pulled a two-tiered basket out of storage. (I use this in my kitchen during summer / fresh veggie season.) The two tiered basket is filled with ribbon, tape, and other gift wrapping goodies.

Next, I rearranged my ladder shelf…moving some scrapbook supplies I won’t be using in the near term into my storage closet, and placing holiday looking items on the eye level shelves…like red, green and black ribbon jars and a book of holiday cards from a past season...

 

...a small tray of holiday colored embellishments, and a vintage, green lunch box. (The lunch box is a recent antique mall find from my Michigan trip / visit with Dad. Nice memory to have throughout the holidays.)

Here's what I can see from my desk..

 Another view of the lazy Susan...

It's amazing how these simple little changes have really gotten me in the holiday mood. I can't wait to wrap! Thanks for the inspiration, Debbie.

bucket sighting

Please read using your most serious reporter's voice.

This just in. Oval holiday buckets were spotted today at a Target Dollar Spot. According to Danielle, a fellow bucket enthusiast "My Target brought the buckets back! I now have all three colors, red, blue and green. Woo Hoo!" This report has not been verified at other Target stores, so please shop at your own risk. (And, uh, save me at least one green one.)

 

Finish It Friday

In addition to Freebie Friday, I thought I'd do a quick Finish It Friday post today...just in case anyone else has a long to do list and wants a little extra motivation to get it done. ;)

Here's my list for today and the weekend:

• Finish painting the bed.
• Make list, shop and prepare appetizers for tomorrow night's progressive dinner.
• Finish writing December newsletter.
• Do some online shopping...and figure out the rest of the shopping plan.

I think that'll keep me busy! I'd love to hear what's on your list. :)

Have a great weekend.

Freebie Friday + a Special Offer for You

Oh, happy day! It’s Freebie Friday…and a holiday organization themed one at that! If this doesn’t put you in the holiday mood, well then I just don’t know what will. ;)

So…what’s up for grabs today? Some fun and colorful organizing products from buttoned up®—many of which would make excellent stocking stuffers! A special thanks to the folks at buttoned up for providing the products for today’s giveaway. And by the way, they didn’t just provide for a great giveaway, they’ve also shared the following special offer with you:

From now until 12/26/09, Creative Organizing blog readers can save 25% off a purchase of $20 or more at the shopgetbuttonedup.com site. To take advantage of this special offer, use the code 25OFF. Isn’t that awesome?

For today's giveaway, one person will win the following items from buttoned up. (The italicized text is right from the packaging; non-italicized text is my stuff. All photos in this post are courtesy of buttoned up.)

One Birthday.book. This cute little book makes it simple to remember someone on their special day. This simple date book has space for each day of the year so that you never forget someone’s birthday, anniversary or other special day. For those of you who have taken my Paper Clutter workshop, this would be a great thing to slip into your monthly tickler file folders. At the start of each month you can remember all the special events in the month ahead. Love that.

One Greetings.stash.So now that you’re all organized and remembering birth-dates, this next goody makes it simple to take action on your good intentions and send out a card. This package contains 12 little greeting cards, so you’ll be sure you’re never without the notes you need, when you need them. 

One ButtonedUp.coupons. I think this is a super cute idea, too. Give the gift of time to someone you love! Enclosed (in the package) are 20 coupons that enable you to lighten the load of someone you love – mom, dad or roommate. Give one coupon at a time or the whole book at once — and put a smile on the face of someone you love. Included are coupons like “I will do laundry for one week.” (Who wouldn’t love that one?) Or better yet “I will do the grocery shopping.” Okay, I sure would love to get one of those coupon books tucked in my stocking on Christmas morning. Wouldn’t you?

One File.starter.This package contains 12 brightly colored, pre-labeled file folders. Cute file folders…enough said. :)

So that rounds out the giveaway! If you’re interested in throwing your hat in the ring, simply leave a comment telling me which area of your life you most need to get buttoned up. I’ll leave the comments open until Sunday at 9 PM Central, and draw a random winner on Monday. Good luck!

Oh, and before we say goodbye, don’t forget about the terrific savings offer. Here are two other fun choices to consider for under your tree…or the tree of someone you love.

Tax.filer. Now, when you think of taxes, the word fun probably doesn’t come to mind. But, if you’re anything like me colorful file folders = fun! So, since you have to do your takes anyway, why not have as much fun as possible in the process? That’s where the Tax.filer comes in. Here’s what the buttoned up website has to say about this handy product…

This pre-labeled accordion file makes it a snap to wrangle all those forms, receipts and records that accumulate like weeds between January and April. Tabs are written in English, not in complicated financial lingo, so it’s easy to follow –“Money In,” “Money Out,” “Money Saved.” Use it to go from W-2’s to completed returns with sanity intact. It also easily serves as the annual organizer for those tax files you need to retain for 7 years in case of an audit.   

Collision.kit. Again, car accidents probably don’t top your list of “fun times” but I love the idea of this product. The Collision.kit contains everything you need in case of an accident like:

• A one-time use flash camera to visually document any damage
• A pen in case you don’t have one handy
• Pre-formatted forms for collecting important information from all parties, including the police.
• A clipboard for something sturdy to write on.
• An envelope for keeping registration and proof of insurance documents, so you’ll always know where they are.

Thank you again buttoned up for providing the goodies for this giveaway. And a special thanks for the special offer!

Happy (Freebie!) Friday!

**Edited. Comments now closed. Winner to be announced Monday. :) **

Get Organized with Cyber Monday Savings

In celebration of Cyber Monday, simplify 101 is offering terrific savings on our instant download e-products and online workshops like How to Achieve Your Goals and Create a Life You Love and the January session of Organizing 101!

Or, if you’re in the mood to organize your scrapbook space, pick up your copy of The Happy Scrapper e-book for just $7.00! Also on sale is the instant download version of Get Organized for the Holidays—now just $14.95!

So, sit back, relax, and save, save, save! (But hurry because these special offers won’t last long!) View all sale items here.

Happy organizing…and happy saving!

Spring Cleaning for the Holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, you may have an itch to do a bit of “spring cleaning” in anticipation of visits from family, friends and possibly even over night guests. So, I thought it would be fun to tap into the newsletter archives and rerun an article from April 2007 for some spring cleaning ideas.

The article suggests that you create a list of potential cleaning projects. I think this is particularly relevant during this time of year when your schedule is probably overflowing with extra to-dos. So if you’re itching to spring clean your home, start with a list and then prioritize it based on what’s on your holiday calendar. If you have guests coming to stay over night, you may want to give higher priority to getting the guest room and guest bathroom in order. On the other hand, if you’ll be hosting a dinner party, spring cleaning your living room, kitchen or dining room may be a higher priority for you. The bottom line is this:  consider your schedule and what is realistic to do. Then, then start with a cleaning project that gives you the biggest bang for the buck.

I hope you enjoy this blast from the past. If you'd like more cleaning ideas, check out this spring cleaning tip on my website, and this prior blog post. (Be sure to check out all the fabulous cleaning tips in the comments.)

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Bring on the Sparkle!
by Aby Garvey

Although I’m a firm believer that organizing and cleaning are two different things, I’m also a believer that cleaning helps any organizing project sparkle. In fact, one of the steps in the simplify 101 organizing process is to clean the space being organized. If you’re like me, though, cleaning isn’t the fun stuff. Bring me a binder or a bin and you’ve got yourself a deal. A broom and a dust pan? Now that’s another story.

If you find yourself with a whole lotta’ dust and whole *little* enthusiasm for cleaning (like an organizer you know) read on!  We’ll get you motivated to clean, clean, clean in no time! Here’s how.

Focus on the results. Like with any good organizing project, if you’re having trouble getting started, focus on the end result. Think about how good it will feel when you’ve got that cleaning project under your belt. Really dwell on that sense of accomplishment. It works! And here’s how I know.

This past weekend, Jay and I embarked on a cleaning project we had put off for a really, really (really) long time: windows. We washed the windows inside and out, removed and cleaned the screens, and scrubbed the grime off the window sills. Fun? Not so much. Rewarding? Beyond words. I can’t even tell you how good it feels to see those windows sparkle!

It was this feeling of accomplishment (and yes, when you’re doing something you don’t love to do, getting it done is a huge accomplishment!) that got me started and kept me going through the hours and hours of scrubbing and wiping and cleaning. So, if you’re having trouble mustering up the motivation to do some deep cleaning, just think about how great it’s going to feel when you can check it off your list!

Decide where to start. Take a quick tour of your home and make a list of possible spring cleaning projects. Here are some ideas …

- Wash windows
- Wash screens
- Wash window-sills
- Clean light fixtures
- Wipe down cabinet fronts (and tops)
- Clean range top or burners on your stove
- Sweep or vacuum behind the refrigerator or washer and dryer
- Remove lint from dryer hose
- Sweep the basement or garage
- Shampoo carpets
- Check your smoke detector batteries

To create your list, simply walk around your home looking high and low for opportunities to create more sparkle. Then, pick one project that will have a big impact on your place and more importantly, your sense of well being.

Gather your supplies. Gather the tools and supplies you’ll need to tackle your cleaning project and corral them into a caddy or bucket. This will make it easy to move from room to room, if your project requires it. 

Stay focused on the task at hand. As with any other project, staying focused on your spring cleaning project will help you get it checked off your list faster. And while this isn’t always easy to do … you’ll be glad you did. This weekend at our home there was laundry to be done and when I pulled out the power washer, I had a burning desire to spray off my car (a cleaning task I actually think is fun!) But, it was important to stay focused on windows, and see the task through to completion which meant every screen back on every window and cleaning supplies put away. For your cleaning tasks, define what done is … and then, focus, focus, focus until you’ve reached done!

Enjoy the results. When you’re finished, sit back and relish the results of your labor. It feels good to create positive change in your environment. Doesn’t it? Drink it in. And enjoy the results.

With many projects, getting started can be the hardest part! But … by focusing on the end results and then really drinking in your success, you will fuel your enthusiasm to take on the next spring cleaning project on your list … next weekend! 

* * * * * * * *

One of the big tricks with the holiday season is balancing all of your regular to-dos, with the extra projects that the holidays bring with them—more cleaning, more shopping, more cooking and baking, seasonal decorating, and on and on it goes. This year I did some house spiffying projects in October, because I know it’s a challenge to simply keep my head above water during November and December without any extra cleaning projects. So, during these months, I stick to my regular one night a week cleaning routine, and in January, the house will get its turn once again.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Are you in the midst of some pre-holiday spring cleaning? What’s on your priority list? How do you balance these extra projects with your weekly cleaning? Do you clean once a week like I do, or do you do a little bit of cleaning each day? Thanks for sharing!