I made this Ginger Pumpkin Soup for dinner with our neighbours on New Year’s Eve. The recipe is from a GoodLife Fitness newsletter.
It’s never too late to make healthier choices!
Posts Tagged ‘organizing’
Link to Intel’s Website
Check out Intel’s website if you are in the market for a new PC.
“We make it easy for you to compare retail sites, look for the best price out there, and find the best PC [for] your needs.”
A Case Against New Year’s Resolutions!
I’d like to share an interesting blog post entitled A case against New Year’s Resolutions by Jacki Hollywood Brown, an organizing colleague.
Have you already given up on your resolutions–if you made them? Only you can decide what’s best for you.
What About ALL Those Photos?
Where Are Your Photos?
We are storytellers. Cavemen carved images in the sides of their caves to tell the world where they had been and what they had done. Why did they do that? Because they wanted to tell their stories. We are no different today, except now with the coming of the digital age, we are inundated with photos. Or we have boxes of photos that have accumulated over the decades. It can be overwhelming!
Remember the rolls of film you used to take on vacation with you? You might bring two rolls of 36 and come home with 72 photos–sight unseen–because you couldn’t know how they turned out until they were developed. And despite the fact that maybe not every photo was a winner, you put it back in the envelope, sometimes with the doubles and triples you had printed (remember those!) and put them in a shoebox? A closet? A trunk? All dark places where your stories were left untold.
Now we go on vacation, and we can come home with thousands of photographs. Why? Because we can? Why not take five photos of the group? We can’t be sure everyone will have their eyes open at the same time. Or what about that stunning sunset as it sinks sublimely into the sea? Thirty shots ought to do it! They are all so beautiful, it’s hard to resist.
This is fine if you are a person who looks at the photos on your camera shortly after and edits out the ones you don’t need before they even leave the memory card. Are you one of these people? If you are, good for you! If you aren’t, don’t worry–you’re not alone. But photos left in your camera or on a memory card are in jeopardy of being lost, never to be replaced.
Why do we take photos in the first place? Often it’s to mark a happy occasion or an important event. We take photos because we want to remember. We can evoke the same feelings when we look back at a memory that made us feel good. And sharing those stories is a good thing that can help bond families and friends together.
Have you ever looked for a photo for hours and hours? How would it feel to have your photos organized, sorted and categorized, all in one place where the photos you are looking for are easy to find when you need them?
And once organized, how would it feel to be able to share your stories with the ones you love? There are so many ways to enjoy photographs on a day-to-day basis, so that those memories and all the good feelings that came with them are present all the time.
I gave my husband’s aunt a book with photos from her life for her 80th birthday. The day after she called me and emphatically told me that there wasn’t one thing on the face of this earth or even in the universe I could have given her that was better than that book. Even today, when she puts her hand on mine and tells me that again, I still get goose bumps.
Daina Makinson is the founder of Snap Shot Solutions and a Certified Photo Organizer. She understands that boxes of print photos or even thousands of digital photos hiding in your computer are the untold stories you dreamed of telling when you took the photo in the first place.
Daina can help you share and enjoy your photos, slides and old home movies with your friends and family, as well as pass on your history in images for generations to come. Snap Shot Solutions can digitize your photos, transfer your slides and home movies to DVD and then help you create the perfect way to bring your stories back into your life with custom designed photo storybooks and slide shows, collages and canvases.
You can reach Daina at 1-855-522-7128 or by email.
Time for Back to School!
It’s almost time for back to school!
Dare I say that while summer is still in full swing. Have you had time to take a break? The heat, high humidity and large volume of rain in late June and July has been a bit too much! Make the most of what’s left of summer–while you still can.
Is organizing your child’s bedroom on the list of tasks before he/she heads back to school?
If so, let’s get started and turn over another leaf!
ORGANIZING CHILDREN’S ROOMS
“I take a very practical view of raising children. I put a sign in each of their rooms: “Checkout Time is 18 years.” Erma Bombeck
Planning
It’s important to be clear about the functions your children’s rooms have to fulfill before you begin. When it comes to children’s rooms, think about kindergarten. Designate an area for storing each type of item–books, toys, art supplies, etc.
Before starting any organizing session with children, remember to keep their attention span in mind. You might be able to organize for 3 or 4 hours at one session, but most children can’t stay focused for that length of time. Setting a timer is often helpful. It’s also a good idea to schedule a snack break.
Try to make it fun!
Supplies
Use clear storage containers as much as possible, so your children can see what is inside. Be sure to label all containers. If you have young children, attach a photo to the container to make it easier to put their belongings away. Or get your children to draw an image they can attach to the container.
Getting Started
Similar items should be stored together. The most important thing to remember is that items should be stored as close as possible to where they are used. An item is more likely to be put back where it belongs if it doesn’t take a lot of effort.
Arts and Crafts
Plastic storage towers are great for storing arts and crafts supplies.
Art Work and School Projects
You and your children should go through their art work from the past school year. Set a reasonable limit, and let them decide which pieces are their favourites. Store these items in a plastic container or memory box, and label it with their name and the school year.
Some school projects are too bulky to store. Take a photo of your child’s volcano; that way he/she will be able to view it whenever he/she likes.
Check out Artkive–a clutterfree way to enjoy your children’s artwork.
Books
Place books in an open bin or basket so that the covers face the front. If you put them on a bookshelf, young children who can’t read yet aren’t able to identify books by what’s written on them. They identify books by the image on the cover.
Movies/CD’s
DVD’s and CD’s can be contained in baskets or small bins.
Toys
Have your children sort through their toys. Discard any toys which are missing pieces or are broken. Any toys that they have outgrown can be donated. Suggest to grandparents, family members or friends that they could give tickets to a show, a gift card to their favourite ice cream spot or have them contribute to sports activites or lessons, their education fund, etc.–instead of purchasing more toys.
Items which hang on the back of a door can provide storage for shoes, stuffed animals, etc.
Clothing
Remove any clothing that your children have outgrown. Pack up clothing and label containers if you have younger children who aren’t able to wear the clothing yet. Donate clothing to friends, family or a children’s thriftshop.
It may be a good idea to install a lower rod in children’s closets. It can be removed once they are tall enough to reach a standard rod. Young children have difficulty hanging clothes on hangers. Clothing may end up on the floor because that’s easier. Children also have difficulty opening dresser drawers–because they are not strong enough–so baskets on shelves might be a better option.
Getting dressed may be easier if you separate clothing by colour or category (shirts, pants, dresses, etc.). You can also hang clothes as a complete outfit.
For older children—especially teenage girls—you can double your closet storage by adding a second rod.
Safety
When it comes to children’s rooms, safety is critical. Ensure that any heavy items are secured. Bookcases and shelving should be attached securely to the walls. Young children have a tendency to climb.
Reward
Don’t forget to reward your children for all your hard work at the end of your organizing session.
Maintenance
Schedule a daily or weekly clean-up time so that your children’s rooms don’t get too out of control. Make tidying up part of your children’s chores. It may take some time to figure out what works best, and it may be different for each of your children. If all else fails, close their door and remember that they do eventually move out!
Organizing Your Kitchen
It’s officially Summer!
Summer is now in full swing with Canada Day already behind us. Happy Fourth of July (later this week) to our neighbours south of the border!
Have you made any plans for the summer? No matter what you do, take time to relax and enjoy the great weather. Summer never seems to last long enough.
Let’s get started and turn over another leaf!
ORGANIZING YOUR KITCHEN
“My grandmother was the greatest cook in the world. She could just go in there, the whole kitchen would look like a tornado hit it and then she’d come out with the best food.” Edie Brickell
For many people, a lot of time is spent in their kitchen. Did your kitchen function well when you made Easter or Thanksgiving dinner? If not, take some time to organize your kitchen so you’re not frustrated the next time you entertain.
Planning
You may not be able to complete your reorganization all at once. Divide the kitchen into sections, and work on one section at a time.
Supplies
Once you’ve finished purging, you can determine what you need.
Getting Started
It’s important to think of your kitchen as prime real estate space.
Frequently used items should be stored in the work triangle in your kitchen–between the stove, refrigerator and sink. Store items for food preparation, cooking/baking, serving, storage and cleaning there—close to where they will be used. Make your kitchen as efficient as possible.
Start by grouping similar items together by category.
China/Glassware/Silverware
Setting the table and washing dishes are things to consider when determining the best location for these items. A cabinet close to the dishwasher or sink makes putting away the dishes easier. Or you may want these items in a cabinet close to the table. Do you have a cabinet located halfway between your table and your dishwasher?
Pots and Pans
Pots and pans can be reached more easily when they are stored in a drawer. Display pots and pans by hanging them on racks if you have limited cabinet space.
Serving Items
Serving trays (and cookie sheets) are best stored in divided racks, so that they slide out easily. For items that are only used several times a year, you may wish to store them in your dining area or basement.
Food Preparation
Try to keep your countertop clear for food preparation. Limit the countertop to items used on a daily basis. This will also make it easier to keep clean.
Storage
Clear storage containers should be used as much as possible, so you can see what is inside. You need to know when you are running low on a particular item, so that it can be added to your grocery list. Square or rectangular containers stack more easily, fit better on a shelf and take up less space. Be sure to label all containers.
Items like gravy and sauce packets can be easily retrieved if stored in baskets. Baskets also work well for children’s lunch or snack items.
If your kitchen utensils are crammed in a drawer, determine which ones you actually use. Empty the drawer, put everything in a box and then take utensils out as you need them. Get rid of the ones that are left at the end of a month or two. Frequently used utensils can be stored in a handy container on the countertop.
Pantry
Discard items which are past their expiry dates.
Consider storing items like rice, pasta, cereal and crackers in plastic containers to keep them fresh. Adjust shelves or add extras to maximize your storage. Heavy items should be stored on lower shelves for safety.
Spices
There are many storage options for spices today—a traditional spice rack, magnetic spice containers or a tiered drawer insert. In order to keep spices at their best, do not store them too close to heat sources.
Refrigerator and Freezer
Clean out your refrigerator on a weekly basis. Get into this habit the night before your garbage is collected.
Post a grocery list on the refrigerator, so that it’s easy to add items to your list.
If you haven’t cleaned out your freezer in a long time, don’t despair. This is a chore that’s easiest to do when the weather is cold. Discard items that have dried out or items that won’t be eaten.
Junk Drawer
Try to avoid a junk drawer. Items typically found there are usually best stored elsewhere.
Renovations
If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen, make some notes about what you’d like to change—as you think of them—such as a drawer for storing pots and pans or a roll-out pantry.
Rewards
Reward yourself with a cup of flavoured coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Organizing your kitchen is one of those tasks that will pay dividends every day. Your eating habits may even improve!
Springtime…Leo Tolstoy style!
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
– Leo Tolstoy, Russian Novelist (1828-1910)
Organizing a Decorating/Renovating Project
Spring has finally sprung!
Spring is the time of year when we like to clear out the cobwebs, splash on a fresh coat of paint, and spruce up tired areas of our homes.
So let’s get started and turn over another leaf!
ORGANIZING A DECORATING/RENOVATING PROJECT
“Among these several kinds of beauty the eye takes most delight in colours.”
Joseph Addison (English Poet, 1672-1719)
Planning
If you’re planning to redecorate or renovate, start your plan on paper. Determine your budget.
Renovating can be stressful. However long you think the project will take, add some extra time to your estimate. Unexpected delays are often a reality of renovation projects.
Supplies
Create a list of everything you will need in order to avoid numerous trips to the store.
Professional Help
Hiring a decorating professional for a 1-2 hour consultation may seem expensive, but one large mistake may prove more costly.
Choose a contractor if you’re not doing the work yourself. Get family and friends to recommend someone. Check out the contractor’s references, and contact the Better Business Bureau.
Outside Projects
If you are planning to build a new deck or outside structure, don’t forget to contact your local utilities in advance. “Call before you dig” is always sound advice. You don’t want to cut hydro/power, telephone or TV/internet cables, and/or water or gas lines. Always think safety first!
Inspiration
Which styles do you like–traditional, contemporary, country, cottage or eclectic? What colours do you like?
A piece of fabric or artwork can be the inspiration for a whole room/area. If you plan to redecorate more than one room/area, think about the colour flow.
Watch a decorating show. Take a walk through a furniture store or fabric store. Peruse some decorating magazines. Canadian House & Home and Style at Home are good ones; they provide the Canadian sources for many of the featured items.
Storage
How can you decide what to build for storage if you don’t know what items will be stored in that location? Purge as you pack your belongings, so that you can determine your storage needs. Reassembling your room will be easier also.
Furniture and Placement
Will you be rearranging your current furniture, switching pieces from another room in your home or adding new pieces?
Decorators often recommend neutral colours for investment pieces. It is much easier to replace your accessories than to replace your sofa.
Remember that large pieces of furniture look smaller in the showroom than they will in your home. It is extremely important to take the measurements home beforehand and check to see if the new pieces will fit. You can tape an outline of the furniture on the floor, so that you don’t have to move heavy furniture.
Choose furniture that performs double duty—an ottoman with a tray and storage inside, a sofa with a bed, etc.
Colour
Changing the colour of a room is the easiest change you can make, and it will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Keep in mind that it is easier to mix a paint colour to co-ordinate with your fabric and/or furniture than the other way around. Take fabric samples to the paint store. We can recognize over 7,000,000 colours, but we can’t remember an exact colour for more than 30 seconds.
Choose an environmentally friendly paint if your budget allows. Large paint chips and test pots are available at some paint stores. If you don’t want to test the paint on the wall, paint a small piece of bristol board. You will be able to move the board around to different locations to see what the colour looks like at different times of the day and night. Light is an important issue when choosing a paint colour.
Did you know that if you paint a cool colour in a north-facing room, it feels even cooler? Did you know that if you paint a warm colour in a south-facing room, it feels even warmer?
If you choose a neutral colour, a variety of textures in the room will make it work well.
Accessories
Here is where you can use this year’s trendy colours. Take paint chips and fabric samples when you look for accessories. Remember that items don’t need to match exactly—as long as the colours blend.
Meals
Plan ahead for easy meals. When cooking, double a recipe and freeze one batch. This is especially important if you are renovating your kitchen. What will you be able to access? Can you cook outside? Consider using paper plates if you won’t have a kitchen sink to wash dishes or use your dishwasher.
If you’ll be ordering take-out, don’t forget to include those costs in your budget.
If you take the time to plan well, your decorating/renovating project should go more smoothly, and your money will likely be spent more wisely.
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