To celebrate Father's Day, here are a few fun and inspiring quotes I found about Fathers. Make sure to show appreciation for the Father(s) in your life today!
It’s only when you grow up and step back from him―or leave him for your own home―it’s only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it.
Margaret Truman, in an address to a joint session of Congress (1984)
Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap on a rope.
Bill Cosby, Fatherhood
Your father. He never loses patience, never doubts or complains, but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him.
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.
Tim Russert, Big Russ and Me
I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.
Need an easy way to get your home straightened up in 30 minutes or less? These are 10 great tips for when unexpected company arrives and you have no time to thoroughly clean and organize your home
1) Have a clean entrance. Clear the entry table and floor area from all clutter. Put bills & mail away, shoes in the closet, and straighten the door mat/rug.
2) Clear off the kitchen table and push in the chairs.
3) Fluff couch cushions and pillows. Your living room will instantly look nice & neat.
4) Straighten up the coffee table. Stack magazines neatly, put remotes in a basket or on a tray, and take any stray snack dishes to the kitchen sink.
5) Wipe down kitchen counters and
sink. No time to do the dishes? Stack them in the sink and place a dishtowel on top to hide the mess.
6) Place a fresh, clean hand towel in the bathroom, and wipe down the sink.
7) Grab a big basket and place all of the stuff left on the floor (toys, a book, slippers, whatever your family leaves all over) inside. Put in a closet and be sure to have the family put those items away later in that same day.
8) Open your curtains and blinds and let in the light. If it's a nice day then open a window for a fresh breeze. More light makes your rooms seem brighter and bigger too.
9) Turn on a lamp or three for a nice, warm, welcoming glow.
10) Close doors to untidy areas, light a pretty candle, and greet those at the door with a smile!
Remember to only focus your attention on the areas your guests will actually see (living room, kitchen, bathroom, entryway, etc). Don’t worry about closets, toy rooms, pantries, or other areas where your guest will not go.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s a great time to spread some love in your home’s direction. When you shower your home with love, it will magically return the favor, by making you feel honored, respected, and loved, too. Here are some simple ways to show your home the love it—and you!—both deserve.
Free Ideas:
Declutter the flat surfaces. Put items back where they belong, and remove anything from your home that you no longer use, need, or love. Notice your reaction to items and let go of anything that doesn’t make you feel good.
Bring treasured mementos out of storage and rearrange your decor to place items you truly love in prominent places.
Light scented candles to fill your room with a warming glow and an uplifting scent.
Low-Cost Ideas:
Freshen up the room in which you spend the most time with a coat of paint.
Forego roses this Valentine’s Day, and instead, buy less expensive floral arrangements to display in recycled glass bottles throughout your home.
Purchase new pillow covers for a quick and affordable spruce-up for your couch or bed.
Reading this tip won’t change how you feel about your home. But action will! Pick just one item from the list, and then shower a little bit of love on your home.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year? If so, have you stuck to it for the last 3 weeks? That’s right, it’s been exactly 3 weeks since New Year’s Day and statistics show that nearly 80% of people “forget” all about their resolutions after 3 weeks! If you make up this 80%...don’t be too hard on yourself; it happens to the best of us! However, if you are serious about your New Year’s goals, look for ways to make it easier to succeed, and therefore achieve your resolutions. Here are some ideas:
If you resolved to eat more healthfully in 2010, collect simple, healthy recipes into a recipe binder or box. Pull out your recipes for meal ideas when you prepare your grocery list. You could also reorganize your pantry or refrigerator to keep the healthiest food options at eye level and in sight. And use clear containers for your healthy leftovers.
If you resolved to exercise more, it would help to reorganize your schedule to allocate a specific time for exercise. Then, lay out your exercise clothes at night to serve as a simple, visual reminder to follow through on your intentions.
If you resolved to get more organized this year, divide your projects into smaller, manageable segments. For example, instead of organizing your child’s entire bedroom at once, schedule mini sessions. Tackle one drawer or shelf each day.
The bottom line is this. Simple changes in how you organize things—your physical space, your time, or your approach to a large project—can make it easier to take action on your resolutions. And after all, the easier something is to do, the more likely you are to do it!
It's that time of year; the holidays have come and gone...but your holiday decorations still linger throughout your home. Does this sound familiar?
It is nearly a month after Christmas and time to put your holiday decorations away! Schedule a few hours this week to put them away. And while you're at it, get rid of everything you didn't use this year!
The New Year offers you an ideal opportunity to start anew. You have a blank calendar and, in essence, a fresh canvas for your life. What will you fill yours with? Below are a few simple ideas designed to inspire you to refresh and reenergize your life in the year ahead. Please don't try to accomplish them all today, this week, or even this month. Pick out one or two that interest you and work on them for a while. Then come back and work on a few more. The important thing is that you are making progress and creating a better, more enjoyable life for yourself and your family.
1. Reflect: Start by taking a look back on the past year (or if you’re feeling really motivated, the past decade). What were the high points for you? How about the lows? Both the highs and the lows offer opportunities to learn and grow. So take a look back, tuck the good stuff away in your pocket, and then draft a short list of simple changes you can make to refresh your life in the New Year.
2. Renegotiate your goals: If you set any goals or New Year’s resolutions last year, take another look at them. Which ones did you keep, which ones did your neglect, and which ones do you still want to pursue or make progress on?
3. Reprioritize your to-do list: With your renegotiated goals in mind, reprioritize your to-do list. Put at the top of your list those projects that move you closer to your new goals, and move the less important tasks to the bottom of your list.
4. Release: anything that is getting in the way of your goals. Let go of any negative self-talk or self-doubt that is tripping you up or weakening your confidence. For example, if you say, “I’m so disorganized”, replace that message with, “I’m learning to be organized!” In doing so, you clear the mental pathway for your success.
5. Reorganize: Let go of physical clutter that is getting in the way of creating the life you want. Let go of useless objects and items that represent past memories and life events that no longer fit where you’re headed now. Eliminating clutter energizes your physical space, and in the process reenergizes your spirit.
6. Reschedule: As you transfer dates and appointments into your new calendar, reschedule your days to allocate a block of time for yourself. Use this time to make progress on your goals, get in a bit of exercise, or to simply relax and reenergize.
7. Renegotiate your obligations: Use your blank calendar as an opportunity to take stock of your current obligations. Which appointments and events are you excited about, and which ones feel like drudgery? Give yourself permission to let yourself go of anything that isn’t working for you, is no longer necessary, or no longer makes you happy.
8. Replace: an unhealthy habit with one new, healthier habit. Identify just one thing you habitually do that doesn’t serve you or is inconsistent with your goals. By focusing on just one habit, and replacing it with a new more productive habit, you set yourself up for success.
9. Resolve: to be kinder and gentler with yourself in 2010. Be the sort of friend to yourself that you would like to have in others. Pay less attention to your weaknesses and pay more attention to your strengths.
10. Remember: to do one thing at a time. Go easy on yourself, be courageous, and allow yourself to create a life that fills your heart with joy.
As you enter into the New Year, have you thought about what your goals are for 2010? What are the things you want to accomplish this year? I don't want to talk about your resolutions because I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions but I absolutely DO believe in goal-setting. So, what's the difference, and why is one better than the other?
New Year's Resolutions are spur-of-the-moment decisions that are usually broken within the first two weeks of January and, in 90% of cases, by the end of January. We can't expect to be able to make major life and behavioral changes for the entire year at the stroke of Midnight on New Year's Eve. It's just not logical. Enthusiasm will keep us going for a couple of weeks but then what?
On the contrary, goals are more thought-out; more planned, and have multiple steps to eventually achieve a desired end result.
Why do you think all the gyms are chocked full at the moment? Everybody's said their “resolution” is to lose weight and get in shape this year. However, I’m guessing that not many of them took any time to sit down and write a plan of how much weight they wanted to lose and what steps they were going to take to lose that amount of weight.
Check out all the cars at the gym this week and then do it again in a month's time…I'm sure you will see a difference!
So how do you go about setting some goals for yourself this year? Here’s how:
1. Make them VERY specific: Instead of saying, "I want to organize my entire house,” say "I want to organize the cupboards in my master bath by February 28.”
2. Have an action plan: It's very important to have a flexible action plan so you know how you're going to get from where you are to where you want to be…and so that you can adjust it according to life.
3. Review regularly: Glance at your goals daily and review them on a weekly basis so that you can make appropriate adjustments. A real easy way to do this is to stick the page up in your refrigerator or above your desk.
4. Focus on one MAJOR goal at a time: If one of your major goals is to get your life organized, then just maintain the other areas while you're working getting organized. If you try to focus on too many goals at once, you will burn out and nothing will get done!
A new year means a fresh new start. Forget about what happened in 2009 and start focusing on what you want to happen in 2010. Write down your goals for this upcoming year...or even the upcoming decade and read them every day. I've found that if you tell yourself something long enough, it will eventually come to be!
Instead of sending your holiday gift wrap to the landfill, try a handy tip that I picked up from a person in my Less Stress for the Holidays workshop. When you’re unwrapping holiday gifts set aside the gift wrap to run through your paper shredder. Use the shreds to safely pack up your holiday decorations or as beautiful cushioning material for any packages you send throughout the year.
I found this really cute poem that I thought fit perfectly for today!! I'm sorry to say that I did not come up with it, nor do I know the source...but I think it is worth putting on my blog!
Merry Christmas!
‘Twas the night after Christmas, when all through the house Not a thing was away, not a toy, box, or blouse. The stockings were thrown on the floor without care, And knickknacks and gadgets were strewn everywhere.
The gift wrap was scattered. The boxes were strewn. I gasped as I looked all around the trashed room. What was I thinking, when I bought all this stuff? Why didn’t I realize ten gifts were enough?
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of organization danced in my head. “But where should I start?” I wondered inside, “How can I begin, when I’d rather go hide?”
You’re asking yourself “Where will all this stuff go?” It feels overwhelming, this I well know. You’ll get it put away, just remember to breathe, And if you work with me, you’ll be done New Year’s Eve!
This is the busiest time of year for travel. It is also the busiest time of year for everything else…so coordinating all the details and organizing travel plans can quickly become overwhelming. So what can you do? Here are few tips to help you organize any trips you are planning for next week…or even next year!
Make lists: These can include lists of things to pack, things to do, things to see, ect.
Always take extra plastic bags for dirty laundry, shoes, etc.
Don’t feel like you have to plan activities for each and every day - have some ideas for rainy day activities too so that you can simply look at your list and choose an indoor activity.
Count on purchasing items on your trip. Plan to take 10lbs less than your baggage allowance so that you have plenty of space for any souvenirs and shopping.
Choose a color palette for your clothes and stick to it. I find doing this that each pair of pants then matches with any of the tops, and vice versa.
Pack travel-size toiletries or if you have some old hotel toiletries, use those. I keep my toiletry bag permanently packed and restock immediately when I return from a trip. This saves a lot of time because all I ever have to do is pack clothes.
Always take a backpack. There is a reason why these are so popular with tourists - your hands are free to eat, browse, carry your water, etc.
Pack “disposable” reading materials. Take magazines or e-books that have piled up around your house. This way, you can catch up on your reading and leave the magazine or e-book behind. You will lighten your load as you go and hopefully be finished with your reading by the time you arrive home.
Take a notebook with you to journal or make some notes about the places you visit. It will help you remember your holiday with greater clarity especially once you're back home.
And now that you're organized, have a wonderful time and enjoy your trip.
December 20 – December 26, 2009 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Mary Lou from Big Rapids, MI
Mary Lou writes: “One Christmas I realized, almost last minute, that I didn't have enough placemats for the 17 guests who would join us for Christmas dinner.
I went to a dollar store and bought decorative wall calendars; the ones that are about 12 inches square when closed. I wrapped them in foil-type gift-wrap, put ribbons on them (put the ribbon on so it crossed in the upper left part of the package), and attached gift tags where the ribbon crossed for place cards. These were my placemats.
The table looked far more festive than I hoped, and we started a new Christmas tradition when I invited guests to unwrap their 'placemats.'
Everyone loved the idea and now my kids have a little fun when they just casually start 'tearing up' their placemat after dinner while unsuspecting new visitors look on. Everyone is delighted to find they may do the same. This also provides the small Christmas gift I like to make sure every visitor receives when they join us for dinner.”
Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.
'Tis the season for spontaneous entertaining! The holidays, more than anytime of the year, is when friends, family and neighbors are likely to call and say, "We're dropping by for a quick visit."
If you're house isn't always ready for unexpected company, here's a plan of action that will get your house spiffy in a jiffy. If you're home alone, take a deep breath and hit the hotspots that you think company is most likely to see. If you have family at home, divide and conquer!
ONE: Clutter Grab an empty laundry basket and collect newspapers, mail and other clutter that have accumulated in the entryway and living room (or family room, if that's where you're likely to gather). Tuck it into the laundry room or a closet, but don't forget it's there after the company goes home!
TWO: Floors A clean floor can make the whole house look clean. Grab a broom or your vacuum cleaner for a quick once-over. Finish up with a spray of air freshener or light a candle.
THREE: Kitchen If you have dirty dishes, stack them quickly in the dishwasher. Larger pots and pans can go in the oven - as long as you make a mental note to get them out of there before you preheat the oven the next time. Grab some fresh-smelling spray cleaner, and touch up your countertops, sink and faucets.
FOUR: Bath This is a good reason to store a few extra rolls of toilet paper in your linen closet or under the bathroom sink. You'll need them and some antibacterial spray to wipe down the toilet, sink, and faucets and touch up the floor. Put out some clean hand towels.
Make the task of wrapping gifts a notch simpler by creating a gift wrap station. Corral together scissors, tags, pens, bags, tissue paper, boxes, ribbon, bows, and loads of tape into a portable container such as a basket or an organizer specifically designed for wrapping supplies. (A five-gallon paint bucket is an inexpensive option for storing rolls of gift wrap upright, helping you make the most of the vertical space in your room.) Store your gift wrap supplies in a closet or cupboard closest to the table where you wrap your gifts.
Don't you hate it when someone gives you a gift, and you have nothing to give in return? Buy a few general gifts that could be given to anyone. Video rental certificates, restaurant gift certificates, candy or nice stationery work well. Wrap the gifts, and write a very small code on the bottom of the gift so you'll remember what's inside. When someone drops by with a gift for you, you'll have an exchange in seconds! This will save you lots of time in the long run and will make you look super organized!
Make a few extra casseroles and pots of soup now and put them in the freezer. When company arrives, you can serve a home-made meal and enjoy visiting instead of working in the kitchen.
Also, bake a few extra batches of cookies, divide them up in small servings and bring one along to each party as a hostess gift.
You will always look organized and prepared…even if your not!
When ever you have guest over during the holidays, you will most likely serve some type of hot beverage...I know I do.
So take a few moments right now, to find a cute fabric lined basket and fill it with a nice variety of tea bags, hot chocolate mix, cappuccino packets, coffee, filters, sugar, creamer, stir sticks, marshmallows, etc. Store this basket/bin/tin next to your mugs and when guest arrive, simply turn on the hot water and let them pick their favorite drink.
Last year around this time, someone asked me for my top three holiday tips. I happened upon these earlier this week, and thought it would be fun to share them with you, before the craziness of the season gets too crazy. I hope you enjoy!
Understand what’s most important to you and your loved ones. It isn’t just about getting things done; it’s about doing the right things…those things that make you and your loved ones the happiest.
Make a plan. Keep it super simple and just make a list of everything that needs to be done. Prioritize based on deadline and importance, and exercise your option to delete anything that didn’t make it through the filter you established above.
Shop with a list. Make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for, your budget, and any ideas you have in mind for them. Then, keep your list with you throughout the season. Having a list will save you money and time…two things we could all benefit from using well during the holidays!
Most of all, remember to take it all in and enjoy!
This time of year is very busy…whether you are at home or at work. However, those of you who work out side your home have the added “joy” of all kinds of work parties and festivities and the benefits of taking a few holidays and vacation days to spend time with friends and family.
The only problem with all of this “time off” is that you still have deadlines to meet and tasks that need to be accomplished. How will you finish it all? You will need to increase your productivity…and here are a few tips to get you started.
Arrive to work 1 hour earlier. You will be amazed how much you can accomplish when no one else is around.
Pack your own lunch and eat at your desk or in your lunch room. Sack lunches are a great alternative to going out to eat. Plus they save time, money, and your waistline!
It is also important to keep your desk and your workspace organized to promote maximum efficiency. Here are a few tips:
Keep most-often used items within arm’s reach.
Keep less-frequently used items in drawers or on shelves so they don’t clutter you workspace.
Create some sort of filing system for paperwork to eliminate all those piles.
With just a little work upfront, you can increase your productivity and maybe even take a little more time off this holiday season!
