Out With the Old….

I have found one of the most painstaking tasks for many of my clients, in both home and office organizing, is going through old files. The problem is that even though the items may be old and not used very often, periodically there is a need to find something. This is where the rub begins. It can be very frustrating to retrieve something when you don’t remember where things are. It is equally difficult to file a new paper when you can’t remember how your filing system is set up and whether you already have a file by that name.

So let me give you three big reasons why it’s worth your time to clear out your old files periodically:

1) You make room for new stuff. When you clear out overstuffed files, it’s easier to file new papers. And anyway, who wants to cram a paper in an overstuffed folder and run the risk of a major paper cut!

2) You will more than likely find some gem you forgot you had such as a great article that relates to a project you are currently working on or an idea you had completely forgotten about that is still relevant and important.

and the most important reason of all…

3) You are reminded of how your filing system is set up so you can more quickly and easily file away and retrieve paperwork. This is the key to efficiency.

Though going through old files may not be the most fun you’ve had in years, you will be happy you did it once you are done! That can then be the one thing you check off your News Year’s resolution list!

Here’s to a fabulous and productive 2012!

Organizing … A Social Affair

It’s so funny, but I think half the time I’m hired it’s to make the task of organizing more fun!  But why not?!  If you don’t enjoy doing it and you can’t convince a friend to do it with you, then what’s the next best thing?

By hiring a Professional Organizer who will guide and help you get the task done the right way by setting up systems that you will actually follow through on in half the time you could do it yourself all while enjoying  yourself and the conversation…a win, win, win!  What could be better?!  Now the task of organizing that you had been dreading for months doesn’t seem so bad!  It really sometimes does become a social affair.

I have clients that will bring me back periodically when the task at hand just “never seems to get done”.  Maybe it feels too large of a project for one person or because they are confused where to start, but for many it is the mere fact that they don’t enjoying doing the work when having to do it alone.

I have a blast working with clients and I know they bring me back time and time again when they are dreading the project on their own.  If making it more fun makes it get done, then do it!

Consumable Gift Ideas for Those That Have EVERYTHING

It seems like we all have a family member or friend that we can’t figure out what to get for them, yet we want to gift them something this holiday season.  Many times it is because this person  already  has way too much stuff or because as soon as they think of something new they want/need, they immediately go out and buy it.

So the question becomes: What should I do because I’d rather not just add to their already large amounts of “stuff”?

My advice to you would be to not just add to their already large amounts of stuff, but to try and give them something they can consume or use.  This way it won’t hang around forever and you have not added to the piles!

Here are some “consumable” options to consider:

* Give the gift of your time to those that would REALLY appreciate it.  Individuals that first come to mind are seniors that love visitors or moms that would love someone to watch the kids for an hour so they could have a break or do something they would really rather do without kids.

* Candles – Find out their favorite fragrance or if they prefer scent-less.

* Gift cards to favorite places to shop – This isn’t encouraging them to buy more things, but helping to pay for the things you know they already buy and love.

* Entertainment gifts such as tickets to plays, movies, activities, etc.

* Lessons or classes for something they already enjoy doing or something new they want to try.

* Food or drinks such as small containers of candies, fruits, nuts, teas, etc.

* Donations in your family or friend’s name to their favorite charities or organizations.  An example would be if they love animals to consider giving a donation to the local zoo or animal shelter.

Consumable gift giving is a great alternative for those that have EVERYTHING.  So this year, think outside the box (literally!) and have fun with the idea!

Have More Energy to Organize Your Holiday Activities

We all feel somewhat overwhelmed this time of year, no matter how much we love the festivities of this holiday season. Some of the best ways for you to feel more in control and ready to tackle the long lists you need to accomplish are to look no further than your kitchen. Well, maybe the grocery store…

Here are 5 tips to keep you going strong throughout the holiday season and beyond:

1. Keep Your Blood Sugar Even – This means eating something with protein every 2.5 – 3 hours while you are running around doing all your errands. Good choices are to pack a small cooler with any of the following suggestions: hard boiled egg, a handful of nuts, a few celery sticks smeared with almond butter, a lettuce wrap with turkey/chicken/beef or a pre-made smoothie with protein powder.

2. Hydrate – Soda will not keep you hydrated, so plan to keep water with you and drink it. We can carry around fancy water bottles, but we need to remember to drink the water. Some people even set an alarm on their smart phone to remember to drink water every hour.

3. Get Your Good Fats – One way to keep from over-indulging on mall food is to make sure you get adequate fat in your meals. A simple way to do that is to have a salad with plenty of olive oil before hitting the stores. Another way is to make nuts or nut butter part of your healthy snacks. Do you eat dairy? Plain Greek yogurt with a little fruit can be helpful if you choose the lowfat instead of the nonfat variety. It will stick with you longer.

4. Vitamins and Minerals – If you already take a multivitamin supplement, that’s great. We need to boost our immune systems and fuel our antioxidant levels when we are out in crowds getting exposed to those germy gifts that keep on giving – whether we want them to or not! Your best choices are to get enough vitamin D, C, and A plus minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium and iodine. Read the labels to make sure the percentages add up to 100%, whether it’s from taking 1 pill or 3 pills.

5. Properly Prepared Whole Food – It starts at the grocery store. If you don’t have time to cook, take time to ask questions before picking up pre-made meals. You want something that is low sodium, has fresh instead of canned vegetables, and that is low in starchy carbs. A “better than” choice is to cook a chicken or 2 at the beginning of the week and have it with a variety of fresh salad greens throughout the week. When you run out of chicken, cook some fish – enough for at least 2 main meals. You can use a slow cooker to make a delicious bean or lentil stew. For a meal, add a piece of fresh fruit (oranges and grapefruit are currently in season), some crunchy carrot sticks, and some broccoli (steamed or raw), and you are good to go with any of these suggestions.

With all the office parties and family gatherings that happen between now and the New Year, it’s not surprising that some people put on several extra pounds. Try to keep with simple, healthy meals and snacks most of the time and indulge moderately at parties to beat the year-end bulge.

You can also get to the mall a bit early and do a brisk walk before joining the other shoppers in the stores. Parking further away from the entrance to the mall will also add a few extra steps. When it comes to exercise, every little bit helps and it all adds up throughout your day.

Staying healthy and naturally energized gives you the mental oomph we often need to stay on task and organized during this busy and stressful time of year.

Sandi Thompson owns Solution Through Nutrition. She is a nutritional therapy practitioner and wellness coach. Her website features wellness tips, along with a website offering resources for healthy eating and living. For more helpful hints on how you can sparkle throughout this holiday season and beyond, check out her upcoming free webinar on December 8th. http://solutionthroughnutrition.com/sparkle