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PURGE! Cleaning Out the Playroom

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Children, Christmas, Family, Playroom — No Comments ↓

Cleaning Out the Playroom

Christmastime is magical for kids, and a part of the magic is the toys that Santa brings. So now that Christmas is behind us – what is the state of your children’s playroom since the onslaught of new toys? It might be time to clean out the playroom! Below are three tips to make cleaning out the playroom process as easy and efficient as possible.

  1. Check for broken toys – Are there toys with missing wheels, or items the dog has chewed? These can be tossed. I hate to put things in the landfill, but unless you can recycle any part of the toys, trash it.
  2. Say goodbye to outgrown toys – If there are baby toys hanging around, and your kids are toddlers or older, it’s time for those to go. If you’re anticipating having more kids, you can put these items in storage. If you’re done having more children, donate them to your friends with younger kids. You can always see if organizations like your local fire department, hospital, shelter, social services division, or daycare are accepting donations. Salvation Army and Goodwill used to take all toys, but they are being more selective. Call or visit their donation site before bringing toys there.
  3. Determine if you want your children to participate – There are advantages and disadvantages either way. The advantage of them not being there is that it will go a lot faster. The disadvantage is that you may get rid of one of their most treasured objects and have to listen to them cry. If you do this task with your children, you are teaching them life lessons on how to let go of items. You will also teach them that there are less fortunate children who can really use and love the toys that they either have outgrown or no long play with. Bringing them along to the donation location, if appropriate, will also show them the gratitude of those accepting their toys. A win, win situation for all!

Next year, try to clean out the playroom in advance of the new toy arrivals. You can involve your kids and have them make room for the new toys that Santa will bring. By doing this, you can donate the old toys around the holidays and make a child’s holiday a little more special.

Image: Real Simple

Tip Tuesday: How to Create a Vision Board

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Apps, Goals — No Comments ↓

How to Create a Vision Board

If you visualize the outcome, it will happen. This school of thought was made popular with the release of the book The Secret, and the idea of creating a vision board is now widespread and practiced by many. Have you ever seen or used a vision board? I have seen a few, and people swear by them. It keeps them focused on their dreams and goals. If you are a visual person – and believe this will hold you accountable – here are a few ways to get one started.

  1. Pick up some poster board – It may sound like a school-age project, but cutting and pasting on poster board can be a great exercise for the brain. This is a fun and creative way to locate an image or word that represents your goals. By having it on a poster board and mounted near where you work, your mind is subconsciously aware of your goals. It is still important to actively look at it daily to see if the images and words still are part of your goals and to strive to achieve them.
  2. Try a virtual app – If you operate better in a virtual world, there is an app for that! Since most of us spend so much time in front of either our phone, tablet, or computer, having the vision board on your device will allow you to keep it to yourself and access it all the time.
  3. Keep it simple and journal – If pulling together images isn’t right for you, you can also do the same thing with words. Start off the year with a new journal with words or short phrases for the new year. Keep those in the front of the journal, and each time you pick up your journal to write, you will see your intentions for the year. The advantage of using a journal is that unlike the vision board, the journal can be used to focus on various aspects of your life. Each page can represent a different focal point such as job, health, career, and relationships.

It’s important to choose the method that works best for you so that you’ll follow through. Have you had success with vision boards? I’d love to hear your story!

Image: The Decorista

It’s National Clean Off Your Desk Day!

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Desk, Office — No Comments ↓

It’s National Clean Off Your Desk Day!

There is a day for everything – National Puppy Day, Ice Cream Day, to name a couple – but this one is a favorite. Happy Clean Off Your Desk Day! As I mentioned in my previous post, the tidiness of your workspace directly correlates to the thoughts and clarity of your mental space.

If your desk is in need of an overhaul, be sure to tune in. If you’re fairly organized, but have some room for improvement, one or two of these tips might be right for you. Below are five tips to get your desk in clean and functional shape.

  1. Clear the Desktop – Look to see if you have too many photos or do dads on your desk. Can you relocate them to a bookshelf? Just having these personal items on your desk will make your desk appear cluttered even if there is nothing else on the desk. If you want a family photo, consider making it your computer background or screensaver.
  2. Tame Your Office Supplies – Tape, paper clips, post-it notes and other items that you don’t use often are meant to be inside a desk. Yes, the pen, stapler, or any item you use often can live on the desk, but the other items should be contained.
  3. Shred or Recycle What You Don’t Need – Incoming papers can be sorted quickly if you have a shredder, garbage can, and recycling can right by your desk. With so much in the news about identity theft, why take the chance to not shred any personal papers that come across your desk. The remaining papers that need to be filed can be addressed later, but simply eliminating what is NOT needed clears a lot off your desk.
  4. Organize the Paper you Need – This can be an entire blog! Be honest about what papers actually need to be out on your desk. You can only work on one project at a time, so keep the items associated with that project on your desk and the other projects gathered and organized in such a way that you can access them when you need them.
  5. Tuck in Your Desk at Night – A clean desk is a sign of an organized person. Take the time each night before you leave for the day to reset your desk. When you arrive the next day, it will be in a clean, clear slate for you to begin your day.

These are just a few ways to keep a clean desk. What do you do to make sure your desk stays clean?

Image: Kaboompics.com

New Year, New You: 3 Actions to Take TODAY For A More Organized New Year

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Goals — No Comments ↓

New Year, New You: 3 Actions to Take TODAY For A More Organized New Year

Clean start. That is what I love most about the new year. It’s time to purge any negative thoughts, create new goals, and get motivated for a stellar year. Why not start out the new year with a new you? It’s time to take control of your life! Below are three things you can do TODAY for a more organized and successful 2018.

  • Plan Your Week – This sounds like a no-brainer, but the truth is, many people I speak with don’t do this. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to know what your week looks like? I spend time on Sunday reviewing my upcoming week to see what I need to do to prepare for any upcoming appointments or meetings. It is so much more tolerable to know in advance rather than be scrambling the night or hour before!
  • Maintain a Clean and Organized Work Space – Your physical space is reflection of your mental space. I can’t tell you how often a client calls me because their workspace is so cluttered. By having a clean and organized work area, you can actually find an important item when you need them! What a concept, right? Are you a piler or filer? If you pile your papers, can you separate the papers by category? This may help you sort, and most importantly, find, what you need without having to go through the entire pile. Organizing your office supplies in a drawer or to the side of your desk will also make your desk less cluttered. It’s important to only keep what you absolutely use often on the desk.
  • Start the Day with Me Time – This sets the tone for the day! When was the last time you eased into your day? What would it feel like if you were able to spend at least 5 minutes enjoying a cup of tea or coffee? What if you were able to read or journal in those 5 minutes before you had to hit the ground running? How can you ensure that you savor just 5 minutes each day? A habit takes 28-35 days to form so don’t give up if you are struggling with this. You can do it!

I am especially excited for the new year, and I can’t wait to see what 2018 brings. What habits or resolutions do you hope to roll out for the new year?

Photo: Kaboompics.com

Happy New Year!

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Holidays — No Comments ↓

Happy New Year!. May it be filled with love, laugher, and good health!

Merry Christmas!

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Christmas — No Comments ↓

Merry Christmas!

The day is here! Cheers to feasting, family, friends, fun and falalalalaaa!

Wishing you and yours the happiest holidays, and happiest New Year.

Photo: Kaboom Pics

Life Lessons: Taking the Time to Be Present

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Christmas, Holidays — No Comments ↓

Life Lessons: Taking the Time to Be Present

Be present. This is a mantra I hear often throughout the holidays. As cliché as it sounds, it holds much truth. Life is busy, especially this time of year, but it’s important to maintain a level of calm, enjoy the little moments and quality time with friends and family.

Let’s look at different ways to remain calm and really enjoy the holiday this year.

  1. A Walk in the Woods – Nature helps clear the mind and can help burn off any extra calories from seasonal social events. Pick a place that makes you happy. This is hopefully convenient to either your home or work. After each walk, remember how you feel so you can take that feeling with you – whether you’re going to the mall or stuck in an uncomfortable conversation at a work holiday party.
  2. Pamper Yourself – Take time for you. Indulge in a massage after a long day of shopping or cooking. If you aren’t into massages, how about a mani/pedi in bright holiday colors? Giving yourself this gift will significantly enhance your mental and emotional well-being.
  3. Take Time to Journal or Read – If you can’t escape physically, escape mentally! Journaling or reading is a great way to escape from the holiday hubbub. Take five minutes at the end of the day to do a gratitude entry in your journal, jotting down all the things that you are thankful for each day. This will calm you as you wind down for a good night’s sleep.

What are some other ways that you make sure you are present during the holidays?

Photo: Kaboom Pics

5 Gifts for Neat Freaks

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bathroom, Christmas, Cleaning, Clothes, Gifts, Laundry, Products, Storage — No Comments ↓

5 Gifts for Neat Freaks

Welcome to my annual gift guide for neat freaks! Oh yes, we are a special breed and need special gift ideas. Last year we featured some awesome gifts, and this year we’ve discovered more gift goodness. What gifts do you get for the neat freak in your life? Here are a few ideas that will make both of you happy campers.

  1. Headphone cable organizer – Do you have a music or podcast lover on your hands? This is the gift for them. It is frustrating to deal with headphones, and the tangled mess that goes with storing them. This organizer is attractive and functional!
  2. Boxes with lids – Clean and minimalistic storage solutions is a great gift for someone who just moved into a home. Leave it to IKEA to have inexpensive yet practical storage solutions. This line of FJALLA comes in 4 different box sizes and ranges in price from $3.99 to $12.99. Currently the color selection is white, dark gray, and light green/spotted.
  3. Toothpaste Tube Roller – How cool would it be to have a standing tube of toothpaste or ointment ready to use? Ok, maybe it’s just me but I really hate seeing a tube of toothpaste squeezed in the middle and looking messy. This would solve the issue in any household where someone like me shares a bathroom with others that just squeeze anywhere on the tube to get their toothpaste on their toothbrush.
  4. Laundry Folder – How many of you love to fold clothes? Most people I know don’t. But, what if you had this nifty tool to help you not only fold clothes but fold them in a consistent manner that they are uniform in size and therefore easier to stack and store? This is a fabulous addition to everyone’s laundry room.
  5. Putty cleaner – You have to see it to believe how this ball of putty can clean keyboards, bottom of purses, and all sorts of nasty spots that are hard to reach. There is no cleaning of this item. Once it changes to a color that is on the package, it has served its purpose and it can be tossed.

What are some other gifts that you have given or received that would help a neat freak?

Photo: The Container Store

Do or Don’t – Holiday cards

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Christmas, Holidays — No Comments ↓

Do or Don’t - Holiday cards

This is the time of year when people are frantically trying to find the perfect holiday card. Get your family photo taken, or buy holiday card set. Assemble the address list. Address each envelope. Buy stamps. Go to the dreaded post office. It is quite the production!

Do you send holiday cards? I see fewer holiday cards each year in my mailbox. There is nothing wrong with sending cards, especially if you like doing it. On the flip side, there is nothing saying you HAVE to send cards each year. It’s a personal decision and I am going to weigh the pros and cons of sending out holiday cards.

Pros of Sending Holiday Cards

  1. Viewing Photos of Friends and Family – So many of us do not live near our friends and family. This is a perfect opportunity to share select photos of your family. Don’t you enjoy seeing how your friends and families have changed over the year?
  2. Updating Your Address Book – Yes, this is a pro! Each year, you can maintain an updated list of addresses. You can ask for updated addresses, or use a website like Postable to collect addresses. Simply send them a link, and have them type in their updated address! With an updated address book, you’ll easily be able to send birthday greetings or other mail.
  3. Receiving Them – How do you feel when you go to your mailbox and see an actual card from someone? Admit it, it feels pretty special. Maybe you don’t send to every single person you know, but think about the people who could use a smile on their face when they see a card from you. If you can’t manage to squeeze in time this holiday, why not choose another special time of the year like Valentine’s Day or Thanksgiving?

Cons of Sending Holiday Cards

  1. It Takes Time – Especially if you want to add a brief personal message to them. I find that most people will add a note to those people that they do not see on a regular basis. They may even do a form letter to save some time and then add a brief one line or two to the letters on a few select cards. An alternative to the holiday card is to send a New Year’s card. Your card won’t get lost in the shuffle and maybe you have more time AFTER the holiday to leisurely send the cards.
  2. Writing Out Addresses – This can be a long process. Can you send your recipient list to the printer and they can address the envelopes for you? Even if it means printing the addresses on labels and peeling them off and sticking them on the envelopes.
  3. Oversharing – There is nothing wrong with updating loved ones on key events that occurred during the year. Keep it brief and remember that the purpose of holiday cards is to share the love and joy not to share your political opinions and go on and on.
  4. Environment – Let’s face it, sending cards means paper is being used, and to do that, trees are being cut down. To avoid adding to the environmental costs involved with this tradition, one may compromise and send an e-card or post a blanket greeting on social media.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention to you what to do with your holiday cards. As an organizer, I am aware of any category that can cause clutter. Cards are one of those areas. Do not feel obligated to save every card. I am sure there are a few choice ones that you will want to save but don’t save them if you are just going to throw them in a box and never look at them again. I know a few people who put them away with their holiday decorations and look back on the cards each year. It is ok to let the cards go. I give you permission.

Photo: PinholePress.com 

Tip Tuesday: Ways to Avoid Procrastination This Holiday Season

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Holidays, Procrastination — No Comments ↓

Ways to Avoid Procrastination This Holiday Season

The countdown is on. Thanksgiving is over, and the turkey leftovers have been devoured. We are less than a month away from Christmas! As much as we try to plan ahead, it always seems that we run out of time or put big to-dos on the backburner. This holiday season, say goodbye to procrastination and hello to keeping it simple. Below are a few key action words to keep in mind to help you on your merry way.

  1. Plan – That’s right, pull out those calendars! Examine how many events you are hosting at your house. Is there a way to plan the same meal or snacks for each occasion? If you can use the same menu, it will help you plan the grocery list and serving pieces for your event. Sounds minor but every bit of time and planning you do now will help on the day or the event. The subsequent events will be a no-brainer if you can use the same menu and items.
  2. Wrap – I don’t mind wrapping gifts, but I really dislike adding bows and ribbons. My solution for this is to avoid wrapping paper and use gift bags! Stock up on assorted bags so you can cut your time down to the bare minimum by placing the gift in a bag and topping it off with tissue paper. Viola! A pretty gift, and bonus points that you don’t have to find a place to store your wrapping paper!
  3. Simplify – If you find that you are procrastinating, it might be because you are overdoing the holidays. Take a step back, and only do what you really love. Holidays are supposed to be a time to relax, but if you are stressed out over getting the house decorated, planning the perfect meal, and buying tons of gifts for everyone, you are missing the point. Decide now to simplify the stressful parts of the holiday, and focus instead on the meaning of the day and spending time with friends and family.

I hope you will be able to enjoy yourself this holiday season. Avoid procrastination – and they overzealous to-do list – by evaluating what makes you happy and honoring yourself.

Photo: Kaboom Pics

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