Are You a Family of Happy Campers?

Here's a handy checklist I've printed out and used myself in preparation for camping trips. Maybe you'll find it helpful as well...click the link below:

Camping Checklist

Purse Organizer

I saw this item in a Harriet Carter catalog and thought it looked handy.

Move from purse to purse without forgetting a thing! Handy organizer lifts out to transfer to another purse or tote in a snap. Multiple pockets plus a roomy center storage area keep glasses, cell phone, pen, lipstick, and makeup visible and accessible. Also has 6 credit card slots, zippered coin holder and key clip. 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" x 3" D.
$9.98 2 for $18.50

Quickie Tip: Putting Things Away

Every time you are tempted to put something (an item) down somewhere temporarily, say to yourself: it takes just as long to put it where it goes. Instead of putting the shirt or toy on the bed or floor "for now", put it in its place. Don't wait until later, just do it then.


Yes, it's often easier just to drop an item on the counter or desk because you're not sure where it goes -- that should be a signal that the item needs a home, one that's predetermined so no thinking is required.


You'll appreciate the effort later when it is time to clean up!

As I Went Walking...

I just got back from an early morning walk through the neighborhood, and as I was walking, noticed things that begged me to blog about them. I guess the title of this post could be "Outside Clutter" -- stuff in yards that make for eyesores. Certainly I get to see a lot of lovely homes and yards, but I feel bad for the few that spoil it.

It's annoying when one takes care of their yard but has to look out on a not-so-nice vista of a neighbor's unkept yard. A few of my observations from this morning (p.s. photos are NOT what I actually saw!):

• crap hanging out on the lawn/yard -- random items like machinery, tools, mowers, bins or kids' playthings not put away: Outdoor Clutter!
  


• Christmas lights (that one is just too obvious to say why it bothers me)



• overgrown lawns or planting areas -- at least take a look from the curb and see where some sweat could be applied towards to "clean" up


• holiday flags where the holiday was months ago



• trash on sidewalk


• bushes or trees that hide much of the house -- it really doesn't cost a lot to trim back the vegetation to proudly display your home


• scraggly, broken-up driveways

Other than leaving my business card in the guilty parties' mailboxes, I suppose this venting will have to suffice. The lesson is: attempt to control the clutter both inside and outside your home. What you and others see when they drive up to your house is a reflection of you.

Quickie Tip: Halfway Through the Year

We're at the halfway point of the year, so it's a good time to assess and re/organize paperwork. If you do it now, then you've cut your work at least in half by year's end in preparation for tax return time. Plus, it is always helpful to take a good look at your systems in order to improve them if necessary. Think of it as a New Year's resolution time but in July.

Go through files and cull out old or unnecessary items, be sure things are labeled, set up files, etc. Put systems in place that will work better for the rest of the year. Being organized means much of the work is done for you.

Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!