FREE Shred-a-Thon: New Berlin, Wisconsin

Saturday, June 26, 2010
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Maritime Savings Bank - New Berlin
15505 W. National Ave.
(Just East of Moorland Road)

Feel like you are drowning in paper?
Tired of shredding everything yourself?
Concerned about identity theft?

• Bring up to 5 boxes or bags of papers (staples, paperclips and rubber bands are okay)
• Watch the SecurX truck shred paper safely and securely
• Drop off non-perishable food items for the New Berlin food pantry or make a cash donation

FREE Shred-A-Thon Sponsored By:
www.napo-wi.com
www.MaritimeSavings.com
www.ssm-securx.com

Where Have I Been?

So, it's been over a month since I've posted. Have you been wondering what I've been doing? That's OK if you haven't, I'll tell you anyway.

This last month or so I've been doing the mom thing. Our little Lia is now 6 months old! She, like her older sister, does not stop moving. I'm not complaining (out loud), but she has my attention. My older two are also keeping me pretty busy with plays, practices and after school activities. Lucky for me, I have a great group of friends that keep me sane and laughing.

On the organizing side of things, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of fabulous women last week in Delafield, WI. The Lake Country Women's Club invited me to speak on The Five Steps to Getting Your STUFF Organized.

On the home front, I'm busy putting together our summer schedule. I'm so glad that I kept last year's calendar; it's all too much to remember. I'm also actively protecting our free time. It goes by too fast!

I Was on TV! Get Organized in 2010

I couldn't resist sharing my exciting news. I spent this morning doing organizing segments for the morning show on Fox 11 News out of Green Bay, WI. It was a great experience and I had lots of fun. Angela Kelly, the reporter, did a great job helping me feel comfortable.

Click HERE (or see video on sidebar) to check out tips for:
-Kid's Closets
-JUNK DRAWERS
-Master Bedroom Closet

Ready to make your daily life easier and less stressful?
Subscribe to Paula’s FREE Monthly Newsletter to help you take the steps to getting organized! When you subscribe you will also receive Paula’s FREE gifts: 5 Must-Know Organizing Tips For Busy Moms and The Clutter-Free Gift Giving Guide. Click HERE

Endings and Beginnings

I find it so hard to believe that 2009 is coming to a close. Looking back a year ago, I would have never imagined I'd be where I am today....a mom of three! Having a baby is definitely the beginning of a new chapter for me. I'm re-thinking my business structure, my volunteer involvement and my priorities.

If I'm honest with myself I have to admit change is hard for me. I like my routines. I like having a plan I can follow. You're not surprised, are you? I can also acknowledge that change brings growth. I'm holding on to that.

I'm so thankful for the many blessings in my life and thank God for the wonderful experiences, challenges and joys He has brought me this last year. I'm excited to see what His plan is and what 2010 will bring!

Thank you for allowing me to be with you this last year!

Happy New Year!

New Baby, New Life

So I've trying to think of a creative way letting my readers know about the arrival of our new baby and at the same time adding some thoughtful organizing tips to go along with it. My brain just is not there yet. So.............

Baby Lia arrived this week. She is dearly loved by her big sister and brother. So much so that I am seriously considering developing "Who Gets to Hold Lia Now" schedule.

From the first day home, I quickly got a taste of what being a mom of 3 (that just sounds strange to hear) will be like.

I realize that this is a major transition period in our lives and so things will seem off balance from time to time as we all adjust (especially my 5 year old son). I anticipate some unnecessary things will fall to the way side and our family priorities will be the focus. - Hey, there's that hidden organizing thought.

We have been blessed.

Do You Have a Support System? What about a Mom's group?

Last night I had the privilege of presenting to the Janesville MOMS Club-East. What a great bunch of women! I shared my Prepared, Organized and Focused: 7 Great Back-to-School Tips for Moms to Start the Year off Right talk.

Here's a picture of me (looking very pregnant) with the moms.

Do you have a support group of other moms? Mom's groups are a great thing to be involved in. I've found that being connected with other moms has a great way to share ideas and information, to support one another and to just have fun!

Thanks ladies!

Life Transitions

Today's post will be more "Thoughts" than "Tips." A while back I talked about transitions in life in relationship to organization. In that post I said, "It's important to recognize that [changes in your life] will play a role in organization..."

I would say that I am venturing into a new season of my life. If you read my newsletter, you know that I have just finished my 6th year of being on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Chapter of the the National Association of Professional Organizers. Honestly, I am thrilled to be done (for a while), but I will miss it (just a bit).

Here I am with Missy Putnam (Vice President), Roberta Schneider (President), Me (Immediate Past President with a silly smile on my face) and Jenny Rushizky (Member at Large).

I have also finished up a two year course that I was taking through my church called the Bethel Series. I become a Christian about 4 years ago and this class has helped me play catch -up, as I like to say. I so enjoyed my time and I learned so much! But, I won't miss the tests and the studying.

Finally, here's the biggest major life changing event, we are having baby. Yes, I am pregnant. We have two children who are 7 and 5. We were happy with two but, obviously God has great and wonderful plans that I can't even imagine (in my state of shock and 2 months of sleeping).

Through all these changes and adjustments, I have found myself to be reflecting on what's really important. Major life changes do that to you. I have eliminated clutter from my schedule and our home. (It must be a nesting thing, right?) I have focused more on my priorities and left the smaller things fall away. I'm OK with saying no to invitations and commitments.

I truly believe that organization is a tool that helps you make time for what's important in your life. There will be bumps along the way but there will also be opportunities - opportunities that can change your life. What IS really important to you and your family? Are you making time for that? If you aren't, what is one thing you can do today to help make that happen?

Give Love, Not Stuff

It's another Works-For-Me Wednesday. I've talked about this idea before around Christmas time, but it's an idea that works for me throughout the year! For more works-for-me ideas, visit We Are THAT Family.

I love giving Clutter-Free Gifts! Clutter-free gift giving is the act of gifting that does not add more stuff (often unneeded) to the recipients' homes. With clutter-free gift (CFG) giving, you can make the move away from the "materialistic focus" of gift-giving to a "love focus".


I divide the ideas into 5 sections:

• Experiences (family weekend at a water park, a day with grandma and grandpa at the zoo and a movie, a romantic weekend away with your spouse)


• Donations (give to you local food pantry as a family, sponsor a needy family during a holiday, make a donation in honor of a recipient)


• Consumables (gift cards, fruit of the month, certificate for cleaning services, memberships)


• Time (offer to watch a busy mom's kid while she take a day off, start a family night)


• Expressions of Love and Gratitude (letter, photo books, home-made calendar, coupon booklet)

If you like the idea of giving and getting less stuff, talk with family and friends about the ideas. Mother's Day isn't too far off. Oh yeah, Father's Day is just around the corner, too. What are you favorite CFG ideas?

I have shared over 100 CFG idea in my free guide book, Clutter-Free Gift Giving: Giving Love, Not Stuff.

Find out how you can get your copy here!

Goal Setting in the Most Simplest Form

I realize that my January Newsletter article, Busy Moms Don’t Need Resolutions, They Need Action Steps! , is a bit detailed. Yes, I tend to focus on details. So I would like to offer a simple thought on goals.

What do you want?

What is the one next action step you can take to get you closer to what you want?

Merry Christmas!

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2: 8-14

"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full..." John 10:10

Great Christmas Book for Children

I thought I would share a book with you. Last year I had the pleasure of attending a program that Cheryl Kirking, speaker, singer, song writer and author, presented. One of her songs, What Can I Give Jesus really moved me (to tears).

Cheryl created an a children's book based on this song and it comes with a CD. I listened to it (3 times) with my children this last week (tears again). I highly recommend it. It has a wonderful and moving message about the joy of giving, the faith of a child, and Christmas.

10 Tips for Looking Your Best

I really love this post Tsh did over at Simple Mom!

She goes beyond the idea of the 10 must-have pieces in a woman's wardrobe.

She says, "But what about the other stuff? Having the right clothes are important, but what about the other, tangible and intangible things that spruce up the busy mom? From my experience, here are 10 “must haves” for feeling well and for outwardly looking your best."

Read Simple Mom's 10 Tips for Looking Your Best now!

What is the Only Thing I am Asking for This Year? A Butler Bag

Besides great times with my family and friends, there is one item that I wouldn't mind receiving this year. Yes, I have spent a lot of time posting and writing about Clutter-Free Gift Giving and now I am telling you about an item? It's true. However, this item would not only help to eliminate some clutter and save time, but it's practical, too.

It's called the Butler Bag, the World's Most Organized Handbag. I have had my eye on this for a while now. Now, I keep my current purse pretty organized, but stuff does get moved around. Wouldn't you love to be able to open up your purse and see exactly what you are looking for right away? No more digging?

To top it off, Butler Bag is offering
Butler Bag’s first ever Black Friday Extravaganza!

On November 28th, they are offering my customers 20% off their entire order for ONE DAY ONLY!

The promo code is BBFRIDAY20.

So, Thursday at midnight til Friday at midnight, at checkout, enter promo code BBFRIDAY20 and receive 20% off!!!! Go to Butler Bag Now to check them out!

I hope my husband will be stopping by to take a look at today's post (OK, I told him to). I am looking at the Hybrid in Black Licorice or Espresso. Honey, scratch that item I told you about previously. How easy would this be for everyone? No guessing at sizes, no standing in line at stores, and it's on sale!

Just in case you are wondering, I'm not a purse girl and I don't have a closet full of shoes. And that item I previously told my husband I wanted? A water softener. How pathetic is that?

Giving Thanks

5 Things I am Thankful For

1. God's grace and my salvation in Jesus Christ and His forgiveness.
   


2. My family and friends, especially the my wonderful parents that I was so blessed to have in my life. I miss them deeply, but I know how lucky I am to have experienced their love and laughter.



3. That I am able to help other moms and meet great women like you!



4. My health and wellness.
   


5. All the blessings that God provide in my everyday life.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I was inspired by so many of you to do this post, but especially my friend Sarah at Toddler World.

Clutter-Free Gift Ideas: Time

Clutter-free gift giving works for me! Check out more Works-For-Me ideas!

Tired of giving stuff? You can make the move away from the "materialistic focus" of gift-giving to a "love focus" with clutter-free gift giving.

Clutter-free gift (CFG) giving is the act of gifting items that do not add more stuff (often unneeded) to the recipient's' homes. Many CFGs also let the person know you were truly thinking about their likes, passions and interests.

I offered these 5 areas to think about: Experiences, Donations, Time, Consumables, and Expressions of your love and gratitude.

Moving down the list, today I will be sharing 5 great CFG ideas related to time..

1. Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen.
   
2. Offer to help wrap presents for your family and friends.


3. Surprise a busy mom by offering to watch her children so she is can have an afternoon to herself.


4. Set up a day for your friends to finish their holiday shopping and preparations while you watch their children (see example below).


5. Offer to provide transportation for someone who is unable to drive them self so they can do their weekly shopping, errands or appointments.

Because it's a little tricky to wrap time in a box, you can get creative with how you present such gifts. For example, letters, cards, or coupon booklets work well. Here's an example of a letter I sent to three of our dear friends just last week.

Please share your time gift ideas! More clutter-free gift ideas to come.........

Oprah's Clean Up Your Messy Home Tour with Peter Walsh

The Oprah Winfrey Show is in the middle of its Clean Up Your Messy Home Tour. As a part of this, The Container Store® is offering a 20% percent off everything in their entire store and online!

For online orders:Use promotion code CLUTTERCREW at checkout. Shop The Container Store now.

For in-store purchases: Use this printed coupon at the check out.

The promotion ends at 11:59 p.m. CST Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Do you live in Washington D.C. or Atlanta? The Oprah's tour is coming to you! Visit The Oprah Winfry Show's website to find out more information.

A Gift That Gets the Kids (and You) Moving

Children love opening presents and receiving the fun stuff! There is the good stuff and then there is the not-so-good stuff that just ends up adding to the clutter. When I give material gifts, I go for the ones that allows them to think, be active and creative. I tend to buy a lot of games, books, and craft projects.

I am taking part in the Works for Me Wednesday challenge: Toys Worth Buying. Here goes.

Hyper-Dash

My brother-in-law gave my daughter Hyper-Dash for her 6th birthday (thank you Uncle Tyler!). Hyper-Dash is an game that consists of 5 colored targets and an hand-held unit.

You place the 5 targets around the room, house, or yard. The unit gives commands to tag the specified target that each player must complete. The goal is to have the fastest time. There are four game modes that challenge your speed, skill, memory, coordination and teamwork.

Why I love Hyper Dash

• It's a game that get the kids and adults moving.


• It doesn't take up a lot of room.


• It has various levels, so it grows with your children.


• It is reasonably priced at $15 to $20.

We've played this game with our friends even when the kids were not around. It's also an unique gift to give to other families. My friend actually requested this game for her daughter's birthday present (she played it at our house at kid less gathering).

P.S. Looking to give less stuff this year? Check out my Clutter-Free Gift Giving Ideas too! Share your clutter-free ideas!

Challenge: Clutter-Free Gift Giving

The state of the economy is heavy on consumer's minds this Christmas season. Some spenders plan to reduce their budget, while others do not. I would like to suggest that the attention put on financials could actually be a positive. Yes, it might be a good thing.... for the spirit of Christmas.

This year, I challenge you to move away from the "materialistic focus" of gift-giving to a "love focus." Instead of giving stuff, give the gift of time, experiences and gratitude. Don't buy a gift, just to get another person crossed off your list.

Easy Action Steps to Clutter-Free Gift Giving

1. Make a list of those you would like to give a gift to.


2. Really think about each recipient. What are their likes and dislikes? What are their hobbies? What dreams have they talked about? Brain storm on paper or the computer and an idea or clue might pop up.


3. Make a list of your top 3 ideas for each person. Pick one for this year and file the list away for the next gift giving opportunity.


4. Add to your list throughout the year.

Clutter-Free Gift Ideas to Get You Thinking

1. Experiences
   
2. Donations


3. Consumables


4. Time
   
5. Expressions of your love and gratitude

Will you join me in this challenge? I will be posting 5 ideas for each area in the days to come. Come back often and share your clutter-free gift ideas!

Scarf Giveaway

Thought I would quickly tell you about a great giveaway at Wife and Mom of 3. It's a warm brown and cream scarf, just in time for fall. All you have to do is post a comment.

Did You Take the Challenge?

About 10 days ago, I posted a challenge. You can read it again here, but basically I challenged you to purposely schedule an activity or event that is just for you.

My event? A date night with my husband (long over due by the way). We saw a great movie, Fireproof and had dinner. No kids. Ahhhh.

So, I'm wondering, is this a hard one for Moms to do?

--It's hard, but not impossible.

--It's hard, but so important.

Think of this an invitation. Permission to give back to yourself.