I just started as a freelance contributor for examiner.com. This is my first article, it is very similar to my last post, "a few thoughts on organization". I have decided that writing articles for examiner.com will ultimately help me with promoting my professional organizing business, and help me be on top of blogging. Two other perks are that there is actually a little money in it, maybe even a little bit more than a little bit - if I get a following, also it should help me be a better writer since there is an actual rating associated with every article and feedback (supposedly), and it is a little more "official" than blogging, I should be able to use these articles as writing samples for any other writing jobs I might want to delve into. And, I have always wanted to write a book, so maybe this will be helpful to that goal as well.
So, please follow my articles and please leave comments as well. I appreciate the feedback, and suggestions on topics to write on.
If your on the twitter, follow me @BalanceandOrder. I will be tweeting daily tips!
toodles
Monday, April 23, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
A few thoughts on organization
First: Organization is an ongoing process, not a one time destination. You're never going to be totally organized, if you can accept this, it might relieve some of your stress. Nothing is every going to be perfectly organized either (I know, now I am sounding pessimistic about it all - but its true). Every system will need some tweaking eventually, life changes and we evolve -hopefully. We buy new things, we throw things away (we should), and so we must organize, reorganize and reorganize again ... forever! Yes, it should become a part of your life - and this is how we stay organized. But, it can be fun, it doesn't have to be a drag. And, if you think everything in your home is as organized as it can be, think again.
Second: Containers, baskets, boxes (pretty ones), bins, and so forth ... are your friends. But, they must have a purpose. Don't just get a box, bin, basket, or container, and throw stuff in it. It needs a name, a label, and a home. Everything must have a home. We somehow always have a lot of little stuff lying around: papers, pens, tools, toys, business cards, keys, clothes, shoes, more papers ... you get my drift. And, before you know it, the entry way, the kitchen counter, the dinning room table, the floor, its all covered in clutter. The first step in organizing it all, is to find everything a home, in an appropriate container.
Third: You will never stay organized without a system. And, everyone's system is different; you will need to find what works best for you and your family. What do you do when you walk in the door? Where do you put the mail, the keys, your bags? How do you deal with your mail and the bills? Where does the laundry go when its dirty, clean? Where do the toys go when they are done being played with? These are the types of questions you ask yourself and the other people that live in your home. Make sure everyone understands the system, young and old. Make labels or pictures to help make it easier to remember, even a home manual or chart can be helpful for reference. And then - here is the important part - tweak it, change it, or remove it if the system doesn't work. Remember, organization is a process, not a one time destination.
And, remember sometimes we all need a little help. If you need help organizing your space, or figuring out a system that works for you - don't hesitate to ask a professional.
www.balanceandorder.com
Second: Containers, baskets, boxes (pretty ones), bins, and so forth ... are your friends. But, they must have a purpose. Don't just get a box, bin, basket, or container, and throw stuff in it. It needs a name, a label, and a home. Everything must have a home. We somehow always have a lot of little stuff lying around: papers, pens, tools, toys, business cards, keys, clothes, shoes, more papers ... you get my drift. And, before you know it, the entry way, the kitchen counter, the dinning room table, the floor, its all covered in clutter. The first step in organizing it all, is to find everything a home, in an appropriate container.
Third: You will never stay organized without a system. And, everyone's system is different; you will need to find what works best for you and your family. What do you do when you walk in the door? Where do you put the mail, the keys, your bags? How do you deal with your mail and the bills? Where does the laundry go when its dirty, clean? Where do the toys go when they are done being played with? These are the types of questions you ask yourself and the other people that live in your home. Make sure everyone understands the system, young and old. Make labels or pictures to help make it easier to remember, even a home manual or chart can be helpful for reference. And then - here is the important part - tweak it, change it, or remove it if the system doesn't work. Remember, organization is a process, not a one time destination.
And, remember sometimes we all need a little help. If you need help organizing your space, or figuring out a system that works for you - don't hesitate to ask a professional.
www.balanceandorder.com
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Craft Detour
I know that I said the next post would be about the book I was reading; but, things changed drastically for me when I was laid off, and my focus became redirected on other things ... and well, stopped reading the book. But, mark my word - I will finish it soon! Anyway, since the lay off I have been doing many things. The most wonderful thing has been to be able to spend time with my daughter. She is growing so fast, crawling around now, and so much fun!
Do to my financial situation, I decided to be creative, and give only hand made gifts for Christmas. I found so many great ideas on Pinterest (my new obsession). One of which, turned out to be so easy, and so great. I got the idea from Thrifty & Thriving on Pinterest, and I have to say thank you so much! I made several for my mom, my aunts, and cousins.
I made some other crafts as well, and am working on more... but, I will save them for another post. I am loving being a stay at home mom, and being crafty. But, I also need to find a way to make a living. I have taken some time to work on my business BALANCE AND ORDER. I am still working on my website, if anyone visits it - I would love some feedback. I also created a flyer that I will be handing out:
Do to my financial situation, I decided to be creative, and give only hand made gifts for Christmas. I found so many great ideas on Pinterest (my new obsession). One of which, turned out to be so easy, and so great. I got the idea from Thrifty & Thriving on Pinterest, and I have to say thank you so much! I made several for my mom, my aunts, and cousins.
I made some other crafts as well, and am working on more... but, I will save them for another post. I am loving being a stay at home mom, and being crafty. But, I also need to find a way to make a living. I have taken some time to work on my business BALANCE AND ORDER. I am still working on my website, if anyone visits it - I would love some feedback. I also created a flyer that I will be handing out:
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