New Year. New Goals.

Welcome Friends to 2011.  This is the year where it all comes together.  This is the time when resolutions are made, priorities are set, goals are established.  Eleven.  An odd year.  A year that deserves attention.  So what goals are you setting?  Less coffee? De-clutter? Stop smoking? Stop yelling? Weight loss? Downsize to a smaller home?  Upsize from your condo to your first home with your first real lawn?  Be kinder to yourself?

There has been a ton of research on goal setting.  Writing goals down can help you stay focused on your goal.  People who write their goals are more likely to attain the goals they set out to achieve.  More recently, I have learned a little about goal mapping.  It goes a little something like this -

FIRST: Start with your goal in mind.  Make it something measureable.  If weight loss is your goal, select a number of healthy pounds to lose.  If de-cluttering is your goal, decide by how much and stick to it.  Make it something attainable. Losing 10 pounds? 20? Great go for it!  Losing 300 pounds may be a stretch for just one year.  De-cluttering the whole house in a year? Yes, that’s attainable.  Doing it all in one weekend?  May be attainable for some, but not for most.  It probably took more than one weekend to accumulate the clutter, so it will most likely take more than one weekend to sort, purge, and organize your home. 

SECOND:  This goes back to the aforementioned research that writing goals helps us stick to them and achieve them.  Jot it down. (I personally prefer middle of the page.)

THIRD: Think about what you need to do to get you from where you are now (Point A) to your Goal (Point B). For example, “1.Menu plan to 2.eat healthy foods and 3.make time to work out 4.twice a week doing 5.yoga and 6.weights.” After you’ve written all of the steps you need to take along the way…

FOURTH: Number them.  “1.Stop shopping in order to 2.free myself from un-needed items that end up as clutter and 3.save some money to 4.plan a nice family outing/do home repairs/hire a professional/have a cushion in savings/pay off debt/etc.”

FIFTH:  Use this activity to create your personalized step by step list that will help you reach your goal. 

CAVEAT:  Set some small deadlines along the way and include those dates in your list. 

SIXTH:  Find someone to keep you accountable.  Post it on a social networking site, tell your best-friend, post a comment here.  Tell someone, somewhere what your goal is. 

Happy New Year!

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like help achieving your goal of getting organized in ELEVEN, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: New Year's Resolutions,NYR,Organizing,Goals,Priorities,Fun,Why is ELEVEN so exciting?

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

If the ladder is not leaning
against the right wall,
every step we take
just gets us to the wrong place faster.

~Stephen Covey

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: What wall are you heading towards?,goals,priorities

Ho Ho Ho – Put Away Here We Go! Simplify the Season 2010

Just when you thought our series had ended, you find out there’s still more to this Simplifying the Season Adventure!  We have reached Dec 26, my friends. Or what I like to call… dun dun dun… The Aftermath.

Whew! Christmas is OVER!

Why do we so often feel like this on Dec 26? We’ve just had a joyous celebration. Everything we planned and worked for is complete. Hopefully there were no major incidents/catastrophes and everyone even got what they wanted!

But then… We look around…

Wrapping. Boxes. Gift Bags. Tissue Paper.

New STUFF that needs to find a spot SOMEWHERE in your home.

SO MANY New Year’s resolutions are made to De-clutter! It’s no wonder that January is National GET ORGANIZED MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the twinkle lights a few more days. Breathe deeply and remember the real reason we just celebrated has nothing to do with the clutter at your feet. Let’s just think up a plan:

Step 1 – Make sure there are no gift cards/checks/cash/etc in the gift wrap. You don’t want to lose anything of value. PUT THOSE GIFT CARDS AND CHECKS IN A SPECIAL PLACE. 

Step 2 – Discard/Recycle all old gift wrap and packing materials. If you are a re-user, fine – put it ALL away NOW. If you don’t have room with your gift wrap to put it all away, choose the nicest and give the rest to your distant relative to re-use. (I’m just teasing!) What I’m saying is, if your gift wrap stash is already full, you don’t NEED to keep EVERYTHING from this Christmas too. Remember, this is about Simplifying! You can even shred the wrap into strips to use as packing material.

Step 3 – Separate gifts into “whose” piles or “room” piles. (This is a good time to use your empty laundry baskets for sorting.)  If you have children you will want to do the piles for each person, most likely. Otherwise you will have piles for rooms of the house where the new gifts will go to live… kitchen, family room, play room, bed room, bathroom, garage…. Donate… return….

Step 4 – When you move these gifts from their piles to their more permanent homes, keep in mind the “one in one out” rule! For every new item that is coming in an old item has to go.  Look at existing space. Decide what things you were just gifted that may replace an older item. Decide what things are in the playroom that need to go to make room for newer gifts. Decide what books you can pass on to make more room on your bookshelf. Are you getting the picture?

Step 5 – Donate the old. Cherish the new. Return the unwanted. Remember that many returns expire quickly. If someone was an early shopper and gifted you with an unwanted item, you will need to act fast! I say this with love and sincerity in my heart. Certain people will buy me clothing as gifts… and ALWAYS in the wrong size. While I am flattered that someone thinks I may wear a size Small… ha ha ha… Let’s just say that isn’t going to happen! Act quickly on returns.

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or searching for Organize With Julie.  Want to follow me on twitter? Find me @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: simplify the season,the aftermath of Christmas,holiday,organize,one in one out rule

Simplify the Season: Merry Christmas!

Ok, so it isn’t the shopping or the family traditions, or the baking, or even the special moments stolen with myself or a loved one during this season that are my absolute favorites.  My A#1, favorite thing about Christmas is the REASON we celebrate.  Most importantly that I can share it with you.  The true meaning of Christmas is celebrating Christ’s birth, so I would like to wish you a Blessedly Simplified Season for Christmas by reading Scripture from Luke 2:8-20.

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 

Thank you for joining me today on your journey to Simplify the Season. I look forward to hearing from you about what worked and what didn’t on your Christmas trek to a less complicated/less demanding holiday. May you find time to ponder things in your heart this season as Mary did on that very first Christmas.  I’ll see you next week and we’ll clear up the aftermath of Christmas.  See my friend, the Simplifying isn’t quite over yet. 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,Christ is the Reason for the Season,Merry Christmas

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

I will honor Christmas in my heart,
and try to keep it all year.

~Charles Dickens

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,Quote,Inspiration

Time for who? Simplify the Season 2010

This is quite possibly my favorite part of Simplifying the Season! This time of year we are often doing so much for others, that it is important to take time for ourselves. It is not selfish to take a little extra time to do something for yourself.  I am a fairly low maintenance gal. The extra few moments in the shower, taking the time to do my own nails, or the monthly massage appointment, taking a few evening minutes to read a book or watch (even part) of a movie - all make me better.  I'm a better servant, a better spouse, a better mom, a better friend, a whole better me when I do these things. 

As we draw towards the end of our Simplify the Season time together, Don't forget about you this Christmas Season.  Make a plan. Put it on your calendar. Don’t neglect time for you.  I can’t wait to share one more week of pre-Christmas Simplifying with you!  Stay tuned; We’re not done yet.

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,"me time",relax,fun

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

The only real blind person at Christmas-time
is he who has not Christmas in his heart.
~Helen Keller

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,Quote,Inspiration

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

It is Christmas in the heart
that puts Christmas in the air.
~ W.T. Ellis

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,Quote,Inspiration

Simplify the Portraits 2010

Would you like to be able to Simplify the Seasonal Portraits? Schedule the Christmas portraits and Address the Christmas card envelopes early. Early, as in, the first week of December. It is ok if you “cheat” and have photo cards made which come with envelopes so that you don’t have to buy actual Christmas cards -- in that case, just make a list of card recipients.  You can go one step further and make labels if you're super savvy.  (Note:  If you are planning to write a Christmas Letter, or using specialty photo cards, keep that in mind for addressing envelopes.  You will not need card shaped envelopes.  You will need letter sized envelopes.  Wallet-sized photos will still fit nicely into letter sized envelopes.) And write that Christmas letter now!

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,Pictures,Portraits,Christmas,Holiday,Organizing,Fun,Family,Say Cheese

Simplify the Wrapping 2010

Veni. Vidi. Visa.

We came.
We saw.
We did a little shopping.

How do you get all the gifts wrapped and keep it simple? Set up a gift wrap central if you have the space(and for some of these ideas, they will work in just about any space). Whether it is your dining table, spare bedroom, rolling cart, closet, under bed box, folding camp table, Big Orange 5 Gal bucket- get all of your wrap, bags, tissue, ribbons and bows into one space. This will make it easier to wrap gifts quickly, say --- during nap time or Sesame Street? My personal choice is thick under the bed type bins that house my gift wrap and ribbons. I am able to balance them across adjacent dining chairs as I carefully wrap all the gifts upon my dining table.  I keep extra supplies (like scissors and scotch tape) in the gift wrap bin year round.

After gifts are wrapped you will need a place to stash them. Those needing hand delivery (like teacher gifts) can go into a box/bin in the car – if you have chocolates in there and it is going to be some time before they are delivered, you may need to find a cool dry storage place out of the way in the air conditioning – linen closet or laundry room… or maybe just in the corner BEHIND the tree. Just keep those “gifts on the go” separate from all of the other under the tree gifts… just don’t forget where you have hidden them. If you are likely to forget where you stashed them, make a note in your agenda/planner/PDA.

What’s a good way to keep nosy present peekers from spying on their gifts?  Don’t tag them. 

#1 Choose one wrap for each person.  For example, all of Little Tommy’s gifts are in Silver themed paper and all of Little Sara’s gifts are in Red themed paper.  I use this method for separating “gifts to go” and “gifts that stay” also.  No gift left behind!!!
#2 Choose one tag type or each person and leave the tag blank.  For example, all of little Tommy’s gift tags are Snowmen and all of Little Sara’s gift tags are Santa.
Make a note of what wrap or tag theme you are using for each person in a special private spot (like your planner) if you have a tendency to have memory lapses (like I do!).  It’s not as much fun to peek at someone else’s gifts as it is to spy your own.

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Holidays,Christmas,Simplify the Season 2010,Wrapping,Organizing,Family

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

~Oren Arnold

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,Quote,Inspiration

Simplify the Shopping 2010

Now let’s talk about Christmas shopping!!!!!!!! Could shopping possibly be a part of a Simplified Season? You betcha!!! And who doesn’t love shopping? I don’t mean the “sharpen your elbows, Black Friday, 3am” kind of shopping. Although if anyone can turn shopping into a contact sport those ladies sure can! Were you out in that crowd this weekend?

My favorite thing about Christmas shopping is finding that PERFECT gift. The gift that you know that the receiver will open and love.

FIRST - Make a list of everyone for whom you will need to buy gifts.  Include family, friends, neighbors, clients, your child's favorite playmate, service people (school teachers, nursery workers, babysitters, hair dresser, the staff members at an office you frequent regularly, postal worker, barista, whoever!).  Even if the gift is "just" a plate of cookies, jot the person down.  Great!  So, my stress free friend, just by making the list of recipients, you may even get some gift ideas.  Hooray for you!  With just a little advanced planning, you are well on your way to a stress free Christmas Celebration.

SECOND-Think about that list of people you just made. Do you have to buy gifts for people whom you hardly know? Whether it is a brother-in-law or a boss, this can be a daunting task. What are their hobbies, and favorite sports teams?  How do they spend their time? 

There are several sites which offer GIFT FINDERS to help you narrow down a personality, generate ideas for a gift, even purchase the gift.

Are you a parent or a grandparent (or an aunt) looking for toys for the tot in your life?  Try the search features on www.target.com or www.toysrus.com for age appropriate toy ideas.

Still no luck finding the gift you seek?  Get a gift card.  Make it personal.  Think about the recipient's tastes on this one.  For example, if the recipient is a luddite, a gift card for an electronic or computer store is probably not the best idea; however a restaurant gift card for that uncle who enjoys fine dining - a gift card to you aunt’s favorite boutique - some movie passes for the college student – a Netflix subscription and a box of microwave popcorn for the new parents - and a bookstore gift card for the reader whose favorite author will be releasing a book past your holiday celebration deadline – all great ideas. Simple pairings make them personal by adding on some simple and inexpensive “tags” - a bag coffee candy (or bag of Starbucks truffles) with a Starbucks card, a bookmark with a book store card, a box of movie candy with the movie card. Now you’re thinking outside of the gift card envelope!!

One more shot… and it’s a good one! 

Think about giving “clutter free” gifts. Instead of just giving one more generic bath set -- know the giftee. Find out if they have a favorite brand or scent and go with that. Novel concept?  You betcha!  Have I stepped on any toes yet?  Probably.  Sorry, we’re simplifying!!!  
Experiential gifts are also a great way to keep the clutter at bay.  For a child: Seasonal Zoo, Water Park, or Theme Park passes really go a long way.  Whether it’s a date for your spouse, or a special day out with your favorite kiddo, even a round of mini golf or a night of pizza and ice cream are a great gift to give.  They cost little, other than time.  They don’t add to the clutter in your home.  They help you create happy memories with someone you love and WANT to spend time with. 

As a family, we love to be generous and give to others, especially during the holidays. We try to Simplify our Season by only purchasing a few gifts for our child. There are things that we would rather spend DOING with him than GIFTING (plastic toys) to him. We usually choose a small gift and a large gift.  I also use this time to set up traditions. He gets an ornament every year and Christmas/winter themed pajamas. Those are more things that I want him to have than things he would choose, so I do not consider them gifts. We have Christmas pictures taken. We usually chose a charity to give to - adopting an angel from the angel tree or filling a shoe box for Samaritan’s Purse.

I have a friend who gives their children each three gifts as a reminder of the three gifts of the magi.

When you are shopping, keep in mind that you are going to stay the course and have a Simplified Season.  Keep you list updated and keep it handy while you shop.  That’s right! Take it with you.  You’re making a list and checking it twice here!  That’s how it is going to stay simplified.

One final note on shopping. Let’s not forget about on-line shopping to save time and gas money. This is especially great if you can find FREE SHIPPING options. Some sites (like Wal-Mart) will even let you ship to the store nearest you for free.  Happy Cyber Monday, my friends!

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Cyber Monday,Holidays,Christmas,Planning,Simplify the Season 2010,Family,Shopping

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

Count your blessings.
Name them one by one.

Happy Thanksgiving! 
What are you thankful for this year?

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Simplify the Baking 2010

Last week we discussed traditions.  Thanks for sharing your memories and traditions with me.  It seems that there was one overwhelming theme through many of your responses.  Everyone loves a good Christmas Cookie! 

This week’s challenge is to plan out your Christmas baking.  For this, I have a few “rules” to live by that will keep you from going insane.

#1 - Don’t go overboard!
Pick a couple of favorites and do them. It’s hectic trying to bake 7 or even 5 DIFFERENT goodies.
Get your books out early (like now) and make a list of ingredients so that you can start grocery shopping for them a little at a time.  Your bank account may thank you.

#2 - Schedule time – whether you do a little of prep/baking over the course of several days or you spend one huge weekend in the kitchen… PLAN IT.

#3 - Consider Baking with a friend. Each pick 2 goodies to make. Make twice as much as you usually would. Then split. Not only do you have more goodies to go around, you are building in fellowship with friends during an especially busy time of year. You’re also investing time in a fellow human being, which lets them know that they are important!  I have fantastic memories of sharing baking with friends as an adult. 

#4 - If you’re baking at home, remember that even little (washed!) hands can help. It’s important to invest in those littlest hands as often as we can!  I have great childhood memories of baking Christmas Cookies with my mom and older brother. 
Let a pint-sized helper add the ingredients into the big mixing bowl, stir with a spatula or spoon, even crack an egg!  Sure it’s messy, but messes can be cleaned up.  Want more motivation to involve your kiddos (or grand-kiddos)?  This is a great way to discuss fractions while having fun.  Plus it reinforces that some math is useful in everyday life!  Really.  It is.  I promise! 

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,Baking,Holidays,Christmas,Planning,Fun,Organizing,Ho ho ho

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

Thanksgiving was never meant
to be shut up in a single day.
~ Robert Caspar Lintner

What are you THANKFUL for today?

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: Thankful,Simplify the Season 2010,Quote,Inspiration

Simplify the Traditions 2010

As we inch towards Thanksgiving and continue to plan for Christmas, share with me:  What are some of your favorite Christmas time traditions?  Are there things you can remember doing as a child during the holidays that you would like to pass down to your own children?  Are there events in your area that you attend annually?  Maybe there are some Season Spectaculars that you have always wanted to experience, but never seem to make the time.  This is your year, my friend!

Our area boasts all sorts of local events from festivals to school plays.  Free school concerts to Symphony Pops at their finest.  Whether you and your family choose simply caroling in your neighborhood or the extravagance of going to the Nutcracker Ballet, make a plan!

First, list the events that are local to you that you/your family is interested in attending.  It may not be possible to do it all.  Pick and choose and save some events for next year.  If your area isn’t rich with local happenings to enrich your traditions, create some of your own. 

Trimming the tree
Holiday Baking
Caroling
Taking cookies to firemen, neighbors, shut-ins
Trips/Vacations
Hosting a Party

After listing your preferred events, do a little research.  Find out when, where, and how much it costs. 

After selecting the celebrations you wish to be a part of, go ahead and add these events to your calendar.  Make a plan to go. 

Have a Holly Jolly Time!

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: Simplify the Season 2010,Thanksgiving,Christmas,Holidays,Organizing,Family,Fun,Traditions,www.organizewithjulie.com

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

Purpose is the engine,
the power that drives and directs our lives.
~ John R. Noe

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: Organizing,Purpose,Simplify the Season 2010,quote,inspiration

The moment you’ve all been waiting for…

It is officially November!  Halloween is over.  Winter weather is (somewhat) upon us here in NEFL.  Santa has made his mall debut.  Thanksgiving is just about 2 weeks away.  What does all of this mean?  It’s time to prepare before the holidays sneak up on us.  It is time, my friends to – Simplify the Season 2010!

If you haven’t already, let's take care of Thanksgiving Meal Planning.  Which family member is hosting this year?  Are you having Lunch or Dinner?  If you're the hostess, make a list of dishes to be prepared.  Whether you decide on turkey or ham, pumpkin pie or pecan pie, mashed potatoes or rice – Make sure to decide!  Make a plan and keep it Simple this Thanksgiving!  Have fun and dole out the responsibility!  That's right.  Let Aunt Emma make the sweet potatoes.  That not only frees you up from cooking an extra dish here and there -- let’s face it you can still cook your favorites -- it allows everyone to be a part of the celebration.  You may want to let the bachelor uncle stick with being the ICE BRINGER.  It is an important role. 

If you have family coming in for the holiday the night before, would you like a great idea for what to feed these weary travelers? Wouldn’t you like it to be simple? How about an easy crock-pot stew, chili, or spaghetti?  It will stay warm if traffic or a flight causes a delay. 

Keep these same things in mind when planning your Christmas dinner! Look at that! You just moved a month ahead of the game! Woo hoo!

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: Christmas,Thanksgiving,Simplify the Season 2010,Holidays,Planning,Organizing,Fun,Family

 

Photos courtesty of stock.xchng.hu

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

People with clear, written goals,
accomplish far more in a shorter period of time
than people without them could ever imagine. 
~ Brian Tracy

I thought this one appropriate as we head towards the time in which we will… Simplify the Season 2010!  Stay tuned.

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, or would like to know how to personally SIMPLIFY your Seasonal demands, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: goals,time management,organizing,Simplify the Season 2010,Christmas,Holiday,quote

It’s Election Day, America

Vote early and Vote often! 

I’m just kidding. 

But please, exercise your constitutional right to vote today!!!

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: family,country,vote,make it count

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

“For every minute spent in organizing,
an hour is earned.”

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like to earn some time back into your life and have your home better organized, choose the assistance of a professional organizer. E-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.

 

Technorati Tags: time management,organizing,quote,NAPO

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

 

Failure is not fatal.
Failure should be our teacher,
not our undertaker. …
From honest failure can come valuable experience.

~ William Arthur Ward Quote

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Organizing,Life,quote,Success

Are you ready to countdown?

Fall has definitely begun.  There’s no denying what’s next.  Don’t fret.  Check out http://100daystochristmas.com/ After all, we are just 68 days away and Jennifer Tankersly, ListMama, of ListPlanIt.com fame, will help you with a little bloggy saneness every day.

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

“Organize your life around your dreams
and watch them come true.” 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Dreams,"What's your dream? Everybody got a dream!",Organizing,Quote,Fun

Quick List: Trick–or-Treat

Pumpkin/Knife/Candle/Newspaper = Jack-o-lantern

A Hearty Dinner

Costumes

Face Paint/Masks

Flashlight

Copious Amounts of Candy

Vessel to RECEIVE Candy
(pumpkin head, grocery sack, tote, pillow case, etc)

Vessel to DISPENSE Candy
(large bowl)

Working Porch Light

Post Treats Movie - to unwind
Our personal Favorite is “The Great Pumpkin”!
Who doesn’t love Charlie Brown?

 

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Halloween,Trick or treat,Top 10 list,Fall,Fun,Kids,Organizing,Family

 

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Even Miracles take a little time.
~ Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother

(Sometimes Organizing Does Too.)

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Photo Friday: What is Organizing?

Organizing doesn’t have to be drastic.  It just has to make sense.  Organizing takes things from a situation that isn’t working and movies towards a situation that is functional.  Take the simple example of under a kitchen sink.  In this first photo there are organizational systems (ie containers) in place, yet everything is crammed into the cabinet.  There are duplicates of cleaners.  One cleaner has to be removed in order to reach another.    The tower of garbage bag boxes threatens to attack every time the doors are opened. 

 

 

After a little adjustment, like cleaners were put into containers together and assigned specific homes within the cabinet.  Boxes of garbage bags were re-assigned to the side of the cabinet.  When there are multiples of an item stacking them behind in a deep cabinet (akin to a grocery shelf) makes it easier to see all inventory. 

 

What’s under your kitchen sink???

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

 

Technorati Tags: kitchen,organizing,photo friday,simple soltution,NAPO,fun,Jacksonville

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

One of the advantages of being disorderly
is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.
~ AA Milne

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, (or want someone to make those exciting discoveries alongside you!), e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: Winnie the Pooh Bear,Organizing,Not the kind of discoveries that are always fun,Reduce Stress,Adventure

 

Words of Wisdom (?) Wednesday

Happy Fall Y’all!

Today is the first day of Autumn!!! 
Can you believe it?

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: Fall,Autumn,Organizing,Welcome to Fall,Words of Wisdom Wednesday,This is my favorite Season of ALL

Closet Organization 101 – Kids Closets

Children LOVE to be helpers. It is almost instinctive.  It is important to teach children from an early age that things have a place and that they have the ability to put their things into the proper places.  In order for children to be helpers and to put things away, they must be taught where their belongings should go… which means their belongings (including clothing) should all have homes. 

Sure, you could buy closet rod dividers at your local home organizing store… but if you don’t need anything fancy, do not be afraid to make you own.  What will you need?  How about a pair of scissors, a Sharpie, some invisible tape/ribbon, and an index card?  Sound too easy? It is!!!!

How do I know how to divide the clothing? 
Well, a definite must in any BABY closet would be to divide by size.  They grow from those 6 month to the 9 month clothes in no time!  What a great way to keep track!
For older children and adults, I recommend ordering the closet by type of clothing.  First sort the clothing into types and hang accordingly.  Remove and outgrown clothing as you go. 

Then make a list of what types of clothing you have.  Those clothing types will become your personalized rod labels.

After listing your types on the index card in the appropriate height, the next step is to cut out the labels.  Let your child help with this step!  When children own a part of the organizing process, it is much easier for them to comply with the system.

In this closet, adhesive tape was used to secure the index card labels above the rod.

Voila, one super-organized and labeled child’s closet.  A simple 30 minute project!  Now even Dad knows the difference between play clothes and good clothes! 

 

What are you waiting for?  You can do this too!

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home (or closets!) better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

Technorati Tags: clothing,closets,kids closets,DIY,organizing,simple

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

"When defeat comes,
accept it as a signal
that your plans are not sound,
rebuild those plans,
and set sail once more
toward your coveted goal."

~ Napoleon Hill

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or by searching for Organize With Julie.  Stalk me on twitter @juliebavi.

 

Technorati Tags: failure,overcoming,organizing,quote