The Clutter Diet Book Recommendation

Many of you know I have been writing courses and programs the past little while and until my ebook is finished I thought it would be fun to share the following book consuming my reading time this week.  The subject?  Why organizing and taking control of your life of course!  

The book is called The Clutter Diet and the premise is that the same skills involved in losing weight are used in the declutter process and home organizing success. 

The book is simply laid out, has cute graphics and great information.   Little "fitness" exercises are included throughout the book.  

There is an on-line program to go with the book that can be accessed by clicking the on the The Clutter Diet name.  


Great concept!   Hope you enjoy.

2010 GOALS AND DREAMS FOR THE NEW YEAR

At this time of the year, I often make plans for achieving goals for the year to come and look back at the year coming to an end.    It is good to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, its special moments and the fun that was had.  This year I went white-water rafting for the first time and had a total blast.   I cannot remember laughing so hard and being so scared all at the same time.   It definitely will not be the last time I go.   We spent time in Myrtle Beach to celebrate our eldest’s last year of high school and moving on to University.   Watching the dolphins play in the ocean is always so exciting and never ceases to amaze me.

For the year ahead, I have some courses booked to take, some courses booked to teach, and some courses that I am in the process of writing.   My eldest just started her own business, so it will be fun watching her grown and develop as an entrepreneur.  When her website is up I will post a link so everyone can see and hopefully support her growth.

My home staging and organizing business has the potential for greatness and I am putting all the plans in place to make that soar.   This week I am working on my Executive Summary for my business plan.   At my age, it is fun to see new things on the horizon and I am all for life-long learning and development.  

For the New Year, I am putting directly into my planner, time with my girlfriends, time for DH so we can reconnect regularly, and individual time with my daughters.   I know now that the year will slip away before I can blink.   It is important to make sure that those I love get top billing in my month.  

On the home front, big projects include redoing my linen closet.   We have done a lot of work in the house the past few years so I am hoping this project will be a great organizational tool without breaking the bank!  The other thing that needs some attention is the front entrance.   The vinyl floor needs replacing and with that comes a snowball effect of replacing closet doors, then since the floor goes into the powder room, it would likely be a smart time to replace the vanity and the toilet...then I know myself and will want to change the light fixture and the mirror!   I will leave this project until summer at the earliest.

If any of you need assistance with a specific organizing project or just do not know where to get started, please feel free to email me and I will do my best to help.   You can also check out the LVSonline site and sign up for the Organize Your Life course.   LVS only charges $30.00 per student which is astounding to me!  LVSonline is such a terrific deal and so many courses to choose from.

Check out the LVSonline blog for the newest course offerings in January

LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT UNTIL THE BIG DAY!

It has been crazy here with my work life. I have spent the past month and a half writing an organizing course for LVSonline which is finished and now available for registration. This is very exciting for me.

Course registration is open now and registration is only $30.00 for the 6 course units. There will be plenty of hands-on tasks and assignments to help everyone get their lives together.  Your homes will see significant improvements when you follow the online material while completing the assignments and mini-challenges.


I have gotten my website up and running. There is still plenty or work to be done writing some of the web pages but it is coming along.  My tag line reads "Lose Clutter - Gain Clarity!"

Take a look and let me know what you think.
Both home staging and organizing services are offered on the site.

On the home front, we are in Christmas preparation mode. The tree is up, the porch is decorated, the presents are wrapped and today I waxed the floor in the front entrance so it shimmers to welcome our guests. The powder rooms sparkles and we are replacing the guest towels daily to ensure that everyone has clean towels - cold and flu season has begun so keeping germs to a minimum is critical at this time of the year is an ongoing battle.

We are off to a party later today so that should be tons of fun! Merry Christmas everyone.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING - GUESTS ARE COMING - CHAOS ENSUES

It is hard to believe that Christmas is just weeks away!   How on earth can we get it all done, do it well, and be ready?

Remove the pain by scheduling small activities into your day planner.

Have guests coming?   Start with the bathroom.   Tidy out the medicine cabinet, toss old medications, purge old shampoos,  anything that you cannot remember when it was purchased.   Anything older than a year, get rid of it!  Wipe out the cupboards and put everything back that is being kept.   Remember to keep like items together - first aid items, hair care, dental care etc....   Purchase some store containers or use some baskets that are hanging around the house to keep them together neatly in the cupboard.  Are there clean towels for the guests?   Perhaps consider purchasing pretty scented soaps for your guests to use.

Note*  Many pharmacies will take both prescription and over the counter medications that are no longer being used.  They dispose of these medications in a safe manner and they do not enter the water system by being "flushed".

Now check the guest room.   Are the surfaces clear of clutter?   Clear all flat surfaces of clutter - toss, put-away or donate the items laying around.   Make the room as peaceful and restful as possible.   Is the bedding clean?   If it has been on the beds for months but is still clean, take the bedding off and toss it in the dryer on "fluff" with a softener sheet to refresh them and remove the dust.

Consider leaving a small gift basket for your guests with things like:  
mini shampoos,
personal hygiene items for women
lotion,
and a small box of chocolates for a late night sweet tooth,
add a novel as well in case they would like to retreat to their room over the holidays and read

Dust the room, wash the interior windows and window sill.    Grab your broom, wrap a dish towel around the broom's bristles, and dust the ceilings and walls to get any dust webs down.   

If the dog sleeps in this room - keep them out until after the holiday and make sure to vacuum well and air the room out so it does not smell like a kennel.

Looking for more organizing solutions?    Sign up for our Minute-By-Minute Virtual Organizing Program