Monday, December 29, 2014

Last days of the end

I am excited to plan all my new organizing tips for my readers as the year comes to an end.  We will begin again with a new fresh start.  So please keep posted or call me with your concerns and needs and I'll try to address interesting challenges in my blogs.  In the meanwhile, get rid of some clutter, donate a bag before the 31 and happy new year .

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Thanksgiving



How many of you are ready to think of ordering and buying all your ingredients for Turkey dinner?  I know most of us get a little nervous thinking about it, especially if you aren't in the mood to cook and entertain.

The first thing that will help is this new app I discovered on my iPhone called "Zip List"...it makes a grocery list for you and you can share it with others in case you want to delegate the shopping chores!

Then, start by inviting your guests and then look through magazines and cookbooks for ideas and recipes. Later you plan your table and start your list. Writing out your list in detail will make you feel more organized. If you are truly not interested in cooking, think about accepting an invitation to be a guest this year.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Organizing in October

I asked my daughters what October had in common with organizing and one of them said they both start with "O".  I was actually looking for something deeper to write about.  Nevertheless,  I thought about organizing closets, (taking out the fall clothes, scarves, getting some autumn colors together.)   Then I thought of writing about  organizing arts and crafts for Halloween or decorating the Sukkas. Whatever you think about as you turn your calendar to October I want to instill the idea of organizing something.  Think of taking on a small project, sorting, de-cluttering, buying or fixing a container to hold important objects and think simple, clear thoughts.  Write out your list, time yourself on how long it takes you to complete a small task and get ready to start.  Happy October.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Getting Ready for Rosh Hashana

Congratulations you have make it to the first few weeks of school and a new schedule.  Now you can put that on hold and get ready for more changes and scheduling.  The mark of Rosh Hashana gives you a chance to prayer and be thankful for the things you have been blessed with.  Take this precious time and count your blessings, make note of the changes you need to do to improve and make a mark to change something for the better. 

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

New Beginnings

As the new school year starts and the Jewish New Year approaches this month we have new beginnings.  It is a time to reflect on what we have done in the past to make things right and how we can change to make things better.  Look into your actions, plan for the further and designate a time and place for working on changes.  One way to start this is by keeping a journal of your deeds, actions, wishes and logging your process.  Each day write down what you could like to accomplish and how you would begin to go about it.
You can use a calendar or a blank notebook.  The idea is to make yourself feel accountable to something and committed for change.  If you look back at this notebook often you will see a pattern.  You can then decide if you need help to change or just constant practice and reinforcement.  Change begins in baby steps with positive reinforcement and rewards.  Give yourself time to work on these new adventures and ideas.  You will be successful if you are patient with yourself and see some improvement.  Remember all beginnings are hard at the start but rewarding in the end.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Taming The Paper Chase

Are you drowning in paper?  Don't know what to keep or where to put important documents?  I will be taking you step by step through the handling of mail, bills, receipts, magazines, recipes and coupons.
meet me at Santa Monica Main Library  601 Santa Monica Blvd.  6:30pm August 20th, 2014

Monday, July 14, 2014

Planning Quick Summer Meals

During the school year I was always worried about making a healthy dinner and packing lunches.  The truth is I still need to have this idea in mind.  My family still needs to eat  Right?  So, when I am at the market I walk around looking for ideas for dinner, lunch and snacks.  Usually on Monday morning I make a nutritious hearty vegetable soup and it can sit in the refrigerator all week and be available for a quick warm up.  I stock the cheese drawer with a variety of different cheeses so anyone can make mac and cheese or just a grilled cheese sandwich for a quick lunch. I always have at less two dozen eggs, milk, orange juice and other drinks so there is a choice of things to just grasp and eat.  I make enough chicken and turkey dishes to last as leftovers in case anyone wants some protein.  There are a number of ways to be prepared for mealtime.  If this does not come natural to you start by making a graph and list all the choices of foods your family eats.  If you get struck, visit whole foods and look at their take out section and get ideas from them.  Sometimes I go there and take pictures of the food and go home and cook them.  The idea is to be prepared and make sure your family sees different types of food in the refrigerator so you don't get comments like  "there is nothing to eat."  Remember to take advantage of the summer fruits as an option.  Enjoy and good eating.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Summer fun July 4th

Just days away from a BBQ or just fun with the family.  My favorite part is having a day off with the family.  So plan early, go shopping for food with your list on your smart phone.  Set the table the night before and put out the platters.  Make some fun easy food and enjoy your day off.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Summertime Fun

So excited to see the sun shining and the kids home from school.  Start the summer off by taking your kids out to dinner and pretending you are on vacation.  You will see such a change in their attitude and behavior.  Following that you may find the courage to start making a project list or chore chart and give all family members summer projects (organizing tasks with a different name).  Look around the house for things that you never had time to tackle.  Is it time to clean out a linen closet, photo collection, maybe even the garage?  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Remember reward your family or group for helping you have fun this summer.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Begin with the End in Mind
This is my favorite habit of Stephen Covey seven habits of Highly effective people.  Each of us of goals and visions.  For me this time of month is constantly thinking about getting ready for Passover and Seder night.
Begin with the end in mind means that by April 14th I want my table set, Seder plate made and I want to have all my cooking and preparations ready.  Also an added bonus of some extra "me time" (manicure  and rest).  In order to have all this done I need to take out my calendar and work backwards to the countdown and prepare my home and menus accordingly.  So today I took some time aside and wrote out my shopping list, menu and decided what to delegate to other family members so my time schedule will work out. Passover  does not have to be a stressful time if you plan and delegate.  Think of what you need to do, what you want to do and how you can divide up the tasks, and chores to have it all done timely.  Start now, slowly and make many lists.  Reward yourself for good work and remember this is a time of celebration and rejoicing with the family.