Plan an Outdoor Party in 5 Easy Steps

Be prepared for it all with these 5 easy steps for throwing a creative and fun outdoor party!

1. Store drinks (canned & bottled) in a cleaned out wheel barrow filled with ice. Keep extras in a collapsible Bungalow Smash Cache that zips closed, is insulated and can be used later on in many other ways. You can find these at www.theorganizedlifestylestore.com.

2. Place citronella scented geraniums around the sitting area along with citronella candles & incense to deter mosquitos. Keep lavender essential oil on hand which can be rubbed directly on the skin as a natural insect repellent.

3. Purchase small net tents to cover the individual food bowls and trays to keep flies & bees off.

4. Fall picnics and outdoor parties often result in bee stings since bees are more aggressive at this time of the year. A natural remedy which is available in most lawns is plantain. When a leaf is chewed and placed on the sting or bite, relief from pain is felt almost immediately. Plantain is known to draw out the poison and stinger and helps to prevent swelling and redness. Check out a weed guide to help identify this common weed. Both wide and narrow leaf works the same.

5. Have a plan should the weather not co-operate. Put up tents ahead of time which also offers protection against the sun.

Organize A Dorm Room

How do you fit books, clothes, linens, computer and other necessities into a space no bigger than a prison cell?! The ultimate challenge is organizing in such a small and confined space. Follow these 4 steps and you’ll be on your way!

1) Find out what furniture is included with your room before you arrive.  Many dorms have suggested floor plans to maximize space; some schools won’t let you bring your own furniture. Knowing ahead of time will help you plan better and save money/time on returning items you can’t use.

2) Use a footlocker-style trunk and stackable, interlocking plastic crates to transport your things to school.  The crates can serve as storage units once you’re moved in! The trunk can double as a coffee table or end table.  Suitcases can store clothing and extra linens!

3) Bring only the clothes you’ll wear for the next few months if you plan on going home on breaks.  Fill in gaps and adjust for the season in spurts.

4) Maximize dorm space to the fullest! Store as much as possible under the bed; if you don’t need something on hand at all times the best place for it is under the bed or on a high shelf.  Increase available space under the bed with bed risers and storage designed specifically for underbed usage. Investigate ways to maximize closet space that will work for you. For example, multi-tiered racks, stacking open crates, etc.

The most important thing is the space is functional for you (and keeps your roommates feelings in mind)!

How to Create the Perfect Shopping List

Save more time for summer fun by taking less time in the grocery store! Shopping trips can take way too long especially on a sunny weekend day. Invest the time to organize your shopping list and every trip will become a breeze. Follow these simple steps below!

1. Take a clipboard along with you to your next shopping trip. Quickly map out the stores floor plan, listing the products stocked in each aisle.

2. When you get home set up a master list based on the floor plan.  Fit your list onto a single page using on column for each aisle.  You don’t want to hassle with stapling papers and sorting printouts.

3. Make space for quantities before each item.  You can fill these  in before each shopping trip.

4. Include boxes or bullets next to each item so they can be checked off as you put them in your cart.

5. Underline regular purchases for each aisle.  For example, if you buy skim milk or crackers every week, underline it.  You can always cross items off the list if you don’t need them.

6. Leave plenty of blank lines for items that may not be on the list but are needed for nightly dinners, special dinner parties, or for guests.

7. Test your list next time you head to the store and make any changes to things you notice aren’t working on your list.  The goal is to aim for one fluid trip from one end of the store to the other.

8. Make several copies and post them in the kitchen where the hungry masses can see it.  Train them to highlight items that need replacement or that are needed for the next week.  When you notice something is running low simply check it off on the list!

Pack Your Bag for a Fun Summer Day

Whether you’re on vacation or just out and about for a day of fun, packing a bag that holds all the items you need is a definite challenge. Follow these 4 simple steps and you’ll be able to have a comfortable bag without giving up any essentials!

1) Choose a lightweight bag or backpack that is comfortable to carry. Try to make sure it has plenty of pockets for easy storage and accessability. Put the same items in the same pockets every time so you can grab things fast such as your camera to get those great shots! If your bag lacks pockets, group like items in zipper-lock plastic bags to organize them as well as keep them clean and dry.

2) Carry your driver’s license, money, credit cards (and passport and traveler’s checks if abroad) in a zipper-lock plastic bag. Place these in a closable inside compartment. This way they are easily accessed by you, but no one else!

3) Place all of your other essentials such as sunglasses, sunscreen, cell phone, books, and medications in another larger plastic bag. Zip it up and stash it in an outside pocket for easy access.

4) Check the weather and add a hat, sweater, windbreaker, gloves, scarf or umbrella as necessary. Keep in mind that although fleece is bulky, its light and will keep you warm even if you get caught in a sudden downpour.

4 Easy Steps to Organize Your Crafts and Hobbies

Crafts and other hobbies are supposed to be a fun and relaxing activities, but sometimes they get a bit out of hand.  By keeping tools, supplies, and other necessary items organized we can have more fun doing the activities we love!  Take some time to follow these 4 steps and you’ll be able to more fully enjoy any hobby.

1. Separate items into like piles (all beads together, scrapbooking material, etc.)

2. Find appropriate storage bins, totes, cabinets and rolling carts to store these supplies in. Perhaps using old flea market finds such as an antique spice rack with drawers, a hoosier cabinet or wood tool box. Use cargo boxes or wire in/out racks to keep paper supplies neat (check out options at www.theorganizedlifestyelstore.com for ideas on helpful and inexpensive products).

3. Use a label maker to label boxes, bins & notebooks to quickly locate supplies.

4.  Once done with your activity, make sure to take 1 minute to put all the supplies back in their appropriate place.  It will allow you to have more fun next time you choose to do this activity!

Fun with Organization

Have a De-Clutter Party!

This summer schedule a day on your calendar to have a de-clutter party. Invite family and friends and ask everyone to bring at least 3 things they no longer need or want. These items can be placed in a large box and then donated the next day to a charity organization. Many charity organizations will actually do home pick-up, so check with those organizations in your area.

 This is a great way to get organized, spend time with the people you love and help out those people that are less fortunate.

Organize your Summer for Fun!

1. Have a Summer Plan:

Planning often takes a backseat as we try to keep up with all the fun to be had in the summer months. Instead of rushing around madly trying to accomplish every idea that comes to mind or “intending” to take that trip, make a plan! Make a list of your choices in your planner or a document in your computer. Prioritize them and make them happen!

2. Learn to Multitask:

Do you need to conduct business in another town or state? Think of ways for you to add some fun to the trip! Are there theme parks, museums, or other sightseeing adventures in the area? Investigate the possibilities!

3. Organize Weekend Vacations:

Some of the best vacations take place over long weekends. Leave on Friday and return on Monday night. You’ll return to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated…and ready to plan your next weekend getaway!

4. Make Time for Family:

Winter tends to put us into a lazy pattern that often includes television and junk food, but little real bonding time. Take advantage of warm weather and school vacations to organize activities to do with the family. Think about how much closer your family could be after a white-water rafting trip or even a simple hike through the woods!

5. Try New Things!
Create your own opportunities this summer to do the things you always wanted to try.Read the entertainment section of your local newspaper and pick out a  fun activity or event to attend. Research a sport you never played or a even a book you never read and enjoy! Promise yourself that you’ll experience something new this summer…Come October, you might discover a whole new you!

Organize Your Lifestyle and Reduce Stress!

Summer can be a busy time for everyone.  Activities such as cleaning and organization can sometimes be put on the back burner.  If you’re feeling a little stressed, it may be that things are getting out of control in your life.  Regain control by taking time out to organize something. You’ll feel better immediately!

Before you set something down, ask yourself, “is this where it belongs?” If not, take an extra minute or two to put it in its place.  And always create a home for new acquisitions right away!

PACK FOR A BUSINESS TRIP IN 5 EASY STEPS

1. Keep a checklist of things to pack which can be started weeks before your trip. Add to it as you think of things. Check off items as you pack and keep it by the door for last minute items as you leave.

2. To avoid wasting time at the luggage terminal, carry a briefcase & one carry on or garment bag.

3. Use a small suitcase with wheels and a place for your laptop to get through security with ease and to fit in the overhead storage unit on the plane.

4. If packing a cell phone, digital camera or computer, bring chargers and adapter( if going abroad). Your U.S. cell phone won’t work in most countries so purchase an international phone card.

5. Pack an extra battery for your computer if your seat on the plane doesn’t have a power port. Check seatguru.com to find out. Bring work to do while flying or catch up on reading that which you don’t normally have time to for.

ORGANIZE A HEALTHIER FOOD PLAN

5 Easy Steps:

1. Purge the junk food and unhealthy food items in your pantry, refrigerator, freezer and cabinets.
Read the ingredients (that’s the best way to gauge whether or not it is a healthy choice), if the first ingredients are sugar or fat, this is not a good choice. The words natural, low fat, no fat etc. on the label do not mean this is a healthy food.
There will be less temptation to eat junk food if you don’t have any in the house.

2. Replace the tossed items with nutritious foods. Keep fruits in the house.
Avoid transfats, artificial ingredients, preservatives and processed foods. Visit a natural food store to familiarize yourself with healthful ingredients that are listed on the labels. Ask questions of the employees there, collect handouts and read books on this subject.

3. Make the transition gradually, switching from white bread, white rice, table salt, margarine, soda, fryed foods, sugar and artificial sweetners to whole grain bread, brown rice, sea salt, olive oil, water, baked or broiled meats and fish and stevia which is an herb that is 200 times sweeter than sugar, without the calories and has been known to be safe for diabetics.

4. Pack lunch and snacks for work to avoid buying fast foods. Make extra dinners to take some for lunch and freeze some for when there is no time to cook.

5. Adjust portion sizes, eat less and more often. Don’t totally deny yourself, splurge once a week for something you love, only eat a small portion of it. Learn to identify whether you have a craving or are stressed or frustrated. If that is the case, do something good for yourself before eating something you will not be happy about later.