tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13593728108319692832024-03-14T00:59:36.802-07:00The Traditional Home Organizer Esther Simon, MSWPersonalized hands-on organizing to simplify your life, reduce stress and de-clutter your home. Offering great time management techniques and tools to maximize your time and space.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-66903708212125646692020-09-02T16:55:00.001-07:002020-09-02T16:55:24.774-07:00New Zoom Class scheduled for next weekI am very excited to introduce my first Zoom class
scheduled for next week
Topic: Getting ready for Rosh Hashana
Time: September 8, 2020 7 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74886093920?pwd=ZEcxU1JSOFZYSWwwanlrbFdqd3NaUT09
Meeting ID: 748 8609 3920
contact me for the password
Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-13127819943377050742020-08-31T13:30:00.006-07:002020-08-31T13:30:43.327-07:00September 2020 Organizing Tips This month I would like to invite you to my Organizing Whats app group. I am dedicating this month to sharing organizing scenarios and tips that will motivate, inspire and educate you in organizing skills. I have decided to make it entertaining and fun at the same time. Please follow me each day I can assure you that if will be worth your five minutes investment of time each day. Just text me your number and I will add you as an particaipate. (310)567-8029Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-2917703775461200392020-07-12T14:16:00.001-07:002020-07-12T14:16:18.258-07:0031 day Challenge Organizing Goals<img src="https://mail.aol.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-HwIb8DeYuQ0FFM3xzdvXAT0Bp8n4wyGQBEpqUEpsku891LLyretEXo11A3B7-yZXGl2LEeEb8L4Fd0GBJs5fOA/messages/@.id==AFFXaVZx2UoNXwt8XwR4iKvrbpk/content/parts/@.id==2/thumbnail?appid=aolwebmail&ymreqid=9ec20516-ea02-493c-2f5f-d60016018500&size=275w&webstdver=79.17" />This month I created a 31 day challenge on my Organizing chat on my What's app group. Each day there is a small task to get you started on the organizing path. It is not too late to join. If you are interested you can what's app me and I will invite you to join 310 567-8029Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-44062228751308909302020-07-12T13:51:00.002-07:002020-07-12T13:51:50.911-07:00Getting the Family to Work as a TeamI am very excited to present to the virtual organizing chaper of NAPO a class on how to get your family to work as a team on Monday July 13, 2020.<br />
This has always been one of my most popular classes as a home organizer. As a mother of seven I have been able to get my family to realize it took each and everyone of us to make this home a success. I have outlined task and responsiblites to them with their personal abilities and needs in mind. <br />
Each particpate felt their job was necessary and important. Having a family meeting, mission statement, schedule and routine was the important to all of us.<br />
To this day they have instilled the habits and routines in their personal life and family. <br />
Read some of the past blog to get some tips on how it was done.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-17394508973878089492018-05-15T17:23:00.001-07:002018-05-15T17:23:36.531-07:00Behind the Scenes of the Successful Organized FamilyJust over two weeks ago I returned from speaking with my colleague Deborah Kawashima at the NAPO national conference in Chicago. We gave a powerful presentation on how to "Behind the Scenes of the Successful Organized Family -Teaching clients to be CEO of their household" <br />
During this sessions we discussed the importance of how to run a household, creating role-model organizing habits, creating a family communication system and time management and productivity tips. We ended by discussing what strategies you need to set up from when "life happens".<br />
If you are interested in learning more about these topics please give me a call. Your household will be thankful you did.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-16555820419746468522017-11-02T18:32:00.000-07:002017-11-02T18:32:22.200-07:00Bake Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-41590048071408751042017-08-08T21:13:00.000-07:002017-08-08T21:13:41.528-07:00Organizing a diaper bagToday I had the pleasure of speaking at the Montana Branch Library in Santa Monica, CA<br />
The topic was how to organize a diaper bag. Organizing a diaper bag can sound easy until you realize you are out of the about and your baby has a messy diaper and a rash. You're struck in a restaurant with some relatives and you wish you had the right supplies. I am not suggesting that you carry everything with you but even the essentials will help you thru the basic sticky and messy situations.<br />
Essentials check list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>extra diapers</li>
<li>baby wipes</li>
<li>diaper cream</li>
<li>plastic bag for disposal</li>
<li>extra formula or baby milk and bottles</li>
<li>quick snack for baby food jar</li>
<li>Tylenol baby or you</li>
<li>bid and bay cloth for split up</li>
<li>seasonal items (jacket,hat, sunscreen)</li>
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Things to keep in the bag</div>
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<ul>
<li>changing mat</li>
<li>blanket/nursing cover</li>
<li>pacifier</li>
<li>hand sanitizer,</li>
<li>books, /toys</li>
<li>first aid</li>
<li>diaper cream</li>
<li>nail clippers</li>
<li>bulb syringe</li>
<li>benadryl </li>
<li>other medicines</li>
</ul>
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For You</div>
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<ul>
<li>Wallet</li>
<li>keys</li>
<li>phone</li>
<li>snack</li>
<li>water bottle</li>
<li>extra shirt</li>
<li>nursing pads</li>
</ul>
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A diaper bag with many pockets is a good way to separate the different items you need. If there are a shortage of pockets you can use clear zip-lock bags and label them. Buy lotions and containers that never leave the diaper bag. Put snack in your bag of leave snacks in your car. I like to have a special emergency bag of food and change of clothes in the trunk of my car at all times. Put a box, or basket with a towel, clothes, water, snacks and an extra diaper bag essentials in case.</div>
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For Mom's Essentials: Put a smaller wallet size that fits in your diaper bag so you can store your money, keys, and phone. I like having an emergency kit in my glove compartment so I don't have to carry everything with me. In the console or glove compartment I have a small pouch for bandages, lip stick, hair brush, rubber bands, sunscreen,tweezers, and pens and paper. I love being prepared.</div>
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When you return home remember to refill your bag with new supplies. If you don't want to overload your diaper bag, consider leaving these items in the car in a "car bag" in that case add some baby toys and a change of outfit for yourself. Enjoy your time out with the baby and be prepared.</div>
Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-65315132018116952612017-07-11T08:28:00.001-07:002017-07-11T08:28:59.347-07:00Asking for Help I was reading an article my colleague Barbara Hemphill wrote on Asking for Help. Many times we struggle with things unnecessarily, feeling sorry for ourselves,fail to be as productive as we could be, and miss out on a lot of fun, simply because we fail to ask for help.<br />
Here are 9 common reasons we fail to ask for help:<br />
1. We think we should be able to do it ourselves.<br />
2. We think we can do it better than anyone else.<br />
3. We think it would take too long to explain what we need.<br />
4. We're not exactly sure what to ask for.<br />
5. We're not sure who to ask.<br />
6. We're not sure how to ask.<br />
7. We're not organized enough to ask.<br />
8. We don't want to inconvenience someone else.<br />
9. We don't want to pay for help.<br />
If you are drowning in paper, clutter or sidetracked by lack of systems, or overwhelmed by commitment, Please ask for help.<br />
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness- it is a sign of wisdom.<br />
Thank you Barbara for sharing this with me and my clients.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-68695759552325427832017-06-18T23:00:00.001-07:002017-06-18T23:00:54.449-07:00First Day of Summer- No schoolTomorrow is the first day of summer. Really it is the first day of no school for most kids.<br />
That means you really need to be organized if your kids camp does not start for another week. What should you do? Get all their own backpacks and school books put away (either in the trash or in a good memory box) Remember only save what you would want to look at in twenty years.<br />
Next, spend some of the day having fun in the park or the beach. Perhaps go to the library and join a reading group. Stop at your favorite market and choose some healthy snacks for camp. Plans out your favorite meals for dinner and lunch. Write a to do list and some creative art projects to do at home. Everything is in the planning. So get out your paper and pen and start thinking.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-89913727564725629102017-05-09T21:56:00.001-07:002017-05-09T21:56:59.072-07:00Are you ready for Mother's DayThe Best Mother's Day Present<br />
Are you unsure of what to get your mother this year for Mother's day because you think she has everything? Or are you thinking that "what ever I give is not good enough?" How about a session of home organizing. Every mother wishes she could have a private personal session with a professional organizer. Why?..because there is always an area in her home that never gets enough attention or gets dumped on. Just think about it ... its a gift of a lifetime and a special treat that will snowball into other organizing areas of her life. Go ahead..Give your mom a special treat.. Home Organizing this year.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-85790972529761301132016-02-09T20:33:00.002-08:002016-02-09T20:33:20.962-08:00My favorite storage box<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; width: falsepx;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #0f4c50;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />My favorite all time storage system is the traditional "plastic shoe box". It is so versatile and can hold so many different types of items. I usually use it for storing art supplies/art crafts and office supplies in a cabinet. Many times it can substitute for drawer dividers instead of the more expensive ones. The reason I like them besides being less expensive then most storage containers is they stack are clear see-through and easy to clean. They are great in the pantry, bedroom, bathroom and garage. You can purchase them online or at the container store.</span></span></span></span></h2>
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Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-34408103350241738022016-01-03T22:08:00.002-08:002016-01-03T22:08:53.755-08:00Happy New YearIt is a New Year full of new commitments and opportunities. It is time to learn new techniques of organizing or implementing the habits that you were procrastinating. It is time to finally take action and change bad habits. Develop new techniques and incentive to change the way you use our time and energy. Change the way you view your living situation and teach your family to get on board and make improvements on how you live. Let's finally make this year a year of change. Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-20593501700448660702015-10-21T20:57:00.000-07:002015-10-21T20:57:03.864-07:00Everything you need to know about organizing for the HolidaysTonight I gave a tele-class to professional organizers from NAPO. I shared with them my personal experiences and ideas/tips for organizing the holidays around the year. My Master Holiday Checklist included: Creating a Holiday notebook (usually a 3 ring binder ) where everything is stored. Use this checklist as a reference, keeping in mind that not every client needs or wants to be organized for everything on this list.<br />
Holiday Goals-What are their expectations?<br />
Holiday Ideas Notebook-to collect ideas throughout the year<br />
Success and mistakes List-from year to year, so they learn from their mistakes!<br />
Create a budget per Holiday<br />
Holiday Calendar<br />
Timeline or flow -chart for each holiday<br />
to do list for each holiday<br />
holiday storage-home/outdoor decorations, dishware, gift wrap etc<br />
The organized kitchen<br />
Menu Planning<br />
Setting up the house.<br />
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MY FAVORITE TIPS<br />
Remember holidays are all about family and friends gathering together! Less is more. Keep the value of the holiday in mind. Here is how I make the holidays stress free and enjoyable for everyone.<br />
1. Begin with the end in mind..set the table before you start cooking. It makes me feel like it will all come out right on time.<br />
2. Keep your list close and add to them as you need (you might want to put them on your phone)<br />
3. Choose one area that is important to you an make that your priority.<br />
4. Delegate as much as you can. Hire help (if it's in your budget.)<br />
5. Involve your children by letting them help you make some food or decorations at the table. Involving the family makes it a fun experience.<br />
6. Buy a new apron. It always makes cooking fun.<br />
7. Put on your favorite music while you cook.<br />
8 .Light a fragrant candle to make the house smell nice.<br />
9. Invite a friend to cook with you<br />
10. Drink a glass of wine while you are cooking<br />
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Happy Holiday Preparations!!<br />
<br />Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-22008768027601223732015-06-02T15:56:00.001-07:002015-06-02T15:56:22.541-07:00June - End of the School YearNow that June has creeped in we are getting ready for the summer, getting our kids ready for camp, and hopefully getting rid of some clutter. Do you know the difference between a "to do" list and "a project list" They don't belong on the same page. When making your lists of things you want to do this summer be sure to be realistic and watch your time. If you are making a list of "goals" this too needs a separate page. To Do is something you generally can do in a small amount of uninterpreted time, like going to the market or returning something at a store. Projects require more time and planning and probably some additional help from others. Conquering goals is a process that needs to be broken down into some time intervals. Examine what you want to do this summer and start making the proper lists.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-22249396217731955082015-04-28T10:58:00.001-07:002015-04-28T10:58:28.304-07:00May is for helping Mom The whole month of May should be dedicated to helping Moms. What better way to help her then chipping in with the chores around the house. Here is a list of things you can organize for her.<br />
1. Ask her if she would like you to go shopping for her or computerize a shopping list on her smart phone. <br />
2. Organize her photos so she can order on snap-fish.<br />
3. Write out a itemized list of cleaning tasks you can help with or hire some help.<br />
4. Clean up all her clutter on her emails<br />
5. De clutter the garage or your room. What's ever is worst !<br />
6. Plant some flowers in the garden and make a list of how to maintain it.<br />
7. Give a gift of a professional organizer !! <br />
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<br />Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-58067611810390452812015-03-22T22:26:00.001-07:002015-03-22T22:26:23.192-07:00Preparing for a Panic-Free Pesach<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnqkVsdCcpLgDGXmA0a-qIXul4HMeQkUz6ZWg03QJCdMXEiMctjtQivWZ0t3erclrweDpCS3rx9c1JiWu5MjMrap6Z6aTKz9f53E_VfAnw3FsICwKanOLj-CwTJ97d3wA2ibS-rEoqKA/s1600/passover+newsletter+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnqkVsdCcpLgDGXmA0a-qIXul4HMeQkUz6ZWg03QJCdMXEiMctjtQivWZ0t3erclrweDpCS3rx9c1JiWu5MjMrap6Z6aTKz9f53E_VfAnw3FsICwKanOLj-CwTJ97d3wA2ibS-rEoqKA/s1600/passover+newsletter+2015.jpg" /></a>The best part of this holiday is making it simple and stress free. How do you do that? You begin with having a good list. A list of cleaning tasks, a list of menus for meal planning, a list for grocery shopping, and a list of ways to make it easy and relaxing.</div>
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Create a notebook to gather your notes and lists. Write out our menus and what ingredients you need to complete the recipe. Keep the list in your iPhone or take the notebook to the market. </div>
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Secondly, begin with the end in mind. Think of what you would like to do the day of the sedar. Schedule your "to do" list accordingly and work backwards with your tasks, cooking and cleaning schedule. Make recipes in bulk and storage in clear plastic throw- away containers. Use zipper lock plastic bags for space saving storage in the refrigerator. De-stress by using paper and plastic plates so you don't have to slave away in the kitchen. Involve your family in the preparations: cleaning, food preparation and divide up the responsibilities. Reward your kids with presents, money or praise. Make the holiday fun loving and don't forget to reward yourself with flowers or something new. Whatever mood you set in your home is everlasting and your family will remember if always.</div>
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Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-61992556484515415102015-01-21T18:32:00.000-08:002015-01-21T18:32:22.551-08:00Baking Cabinet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGX6PbgdEPuPUA6DMyXfxrY18ItqWkVBxV4RE52aGytj7hRuwtAe-MFdwK9SLf6zwmiA0XkRIHDlYZKeie3SHBA-KfTFHl8hJrKxFjdToytyFqWjsPmeQnMHGItiyNdQ5g53py_2-OmY/s1600/bake+center+for+feb+newsletter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGX6PbgdEPuPUA6DMyXfxrY18ItqWkVBxV4RE52aGytj7hRuwtAe-MFdwK9SLf6zwmiA0XkRIHDlYZKeie3SHBA-KfTFHl8hJrKxFjdToytyFqWjsPmeQnMHGItiyNdQ5g53py_2-OmY/s1600/bake+center+for+feb+newsletter.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
My favorite area in the kitchen is the bake center. I personally love having a cabinet above the counter so I can store my "baking containers" at easy reach. By using clear containers you can see how much is in each container. I put a measuring cup in each to make for easy pouring and measuring. If there is space I put the mixing bowls and trays under the cabinet. The drawers are a good place to put smaller baking utensils.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-39258573216913927862015-01-21T17:08:00.002-08:002015-01-21T17:08:22.715-08:00Organizing an art room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The best way to get an art room organized is to empty everything out first, sort and save only the supplies you wish to keep. Buy clear plastic shoe box size containers and contain your supplies. Label the containers for easy identification and then stack them. Remember there is always going to be a high level of maintenance and teaching your kids to put back each item and supply after use. Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-50712150017982600762015-01-12T20:26:00.003-08:002015-01-12T20:26:53.494-08:00No Left-Overs, Make Right-OversIn the early years of my meal planning endeavors I came across an unique idea. I thought up the idea of making "Right-overs" instead of "Left-overs". The case scenario was that every Sunday night when I tried to give my children dinner they always complained that it was "left-overs" and they were tired of looking at the same chicken that they ate all weekend. So instead I decided to make new and different recipe on the same night that I did all my cooking (Thursday night) but instead I took out separate aluminum tin or a casserole dish and put chicken in it but I changed the recipe, sauce, or ingredients. For example, while I was making Lemon chicken and rice, I also prepared BBQ chicken in the extra pan and cooked it at the same time but I didn't serve it Friday night or Saturday. So when I brought it to the table on Sunday night after a day in the park or an outing, the kids would say "When or where did you make that?" They got so excited that it wasn't warmed up two or three extra times and it didn't look old. I just smiled at how "organized" I was and said "Surprise" Enjoy. So Sunday night dinners were painless, it felt like we were eating out and I didn't have to cook. It was better then taking something out of the freezer and it was exciting to see the smiles on their faces. So next time you are preparing a weekend or shabbos meal, think of Right-overs. They are not "Left-overs" and they will never be any left over.<br />
P.S. You can freeze your real left-overs into a small containers for "emergency meals" when someone is sick and needy.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-86707688644481363022015-01-07T18:32:00.001-08:002015-01-07T18:44:20.133-08:00Family Meetings<br />
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Did you ever hear of having family meetings weekly with all the members<br />
in your household? It goes something like this... You gather together once<br />
a week, perhaps on Sunday night or on a night that you know most of your<br />
family is home. Gather around the family room or table and begin the<br />
discussion and conversation around what new events and activities will be<br />
taken place during the upcoming week. This can also be a good time to take<br />
out the family calendar or bulletin board and write down the activities and<br />
post them on the date/calendar. If you need to color code each child activities<br />
you can do that. This way each family member knows what the other is doing.<br />
It's a great reminder and it's fun to see posted in the kitchen. Also at the<br />
family meeting you can discuss menus for that weeks dinner, preference<br />
and needs. It's a great time to ask for 10 different options on the dinner<br />
menu and start making a list of well liked foods. I had a schedule going<br />
where we planned out our weekly menu and everyone had input and there<br />
were no surprises and disapproved meals. Dinner time was well planned and<br />
everyone ate well. I made sure to have a variety so there would be choices<br />
within the planned meal. For example, I would make soup, salad, garlic bread,<br />
and pasta on Monday nights. If someone didn't like pasta, they could rely<br />
on soup and salad, Of course someone was bound to be happy with soup<br />
and pasta and skipped the bread and salad. The leftovers were my lunch<br />
for the next day. The point of the family members is to have every ones<br />
input, a chance to be heard and make some joint decisions. This brings<br />
great unity, and self-esteem to the young ones. They get to use their voice,<br />
be recognized and be involved in family planning. It's a win-win situation.<br />
Give it a try and let me know what you think.<br />
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<span class="post-author vcard" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em;">Posted by <span class="fn" itemprop="author" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a class="g-profile" data-gapiattached="true" data-gapiscan="true" data-onload="true" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06463814371655158800" rel="author" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" title="author profile"><span itemprop="name">Esther Simon</span> </a></span></span><span class="post-timestamp" style="margin-left: -1em; margin-right: 1em;">at <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://traditonalhomeorganizer.blogspot.com/2015/01/family-meetings.html" rel="bookmark" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" itemprop="datePublished" style="border: none;" title="2015-01-07T18:05:00-08:00">6:05 PM</abbr></a> </span><span class="post-comment-link" style="margin-right: 1em;"><a class="comment-link" href="http://traditonalhomeorganizer.blogspot.com/2015/01/family-meetings.html#comment-form" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">No</a></span></div>
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Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-11700449528068544492014-12-29T22:39:00.000-08:002014-12-29T22:39:10.604-08:00Last 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 .Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-11533525552642616412014-11-06T22:39:00.002-08:002014-11-06T22:39:54.561-08:00Thanksgiving <div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.</span></div>
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Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-32360499640826355892014-09-28T19:44:00.001-07:002014-09-28T19:44:28.404-07:00Organizing in OctoberI 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.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-44298261299069279532014-09-09T19:05:00.002-07:002014-09-28T19:09:04.130-07:00Getting Ready for Rosh Hashana<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">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. </span>Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1359372810831969283.post-42006741422721383602014-08-27T03:23:00.000-07:002020-07-12T13:52:19.779-07:00New BeginningsAs 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.<br />
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.Esther Simon, MSW The Traditional Home Organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08253632556105674630noreply@blogger.com0