Now That's Organized Blog

November Monthly Organizing Checklist

Kyna — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:27:23 +0000

____ November 1 Review your health coverage for changes that may need to be made. In many of the plans, November is the month when employees are able to adjust their coverage. Take the time now to review yours and be ready for the next year.

____ November 2 Don’t forget that today is the day we finally get that hour of sleep back, or is it daylight? In any case, at 2:00 AM on November 2nd, turn your clocks back one hour.

____ November 3 Has your family been given their flu shots this year? Every year it is surprising how many lives can be saved merely by spending a few minutes of your time getting a shot. Most doctors’ offices and clinics take walk-ins for flu shots. Take the family in now and be prepared.

____ November 4 Gather exactly 10 items you no longer use and/or love. Drive them over to your local charity organization.

____ November 5 Now is a good time to test and replace all the batteries in your smoke detectors. Sometimes we forget that such a simple task can make all the difference in the world. We can’t let ourselves get complacent, so take the time now to test and replace those smoke detector batteries (also those CO2 batteries if you already have those installed).

____ November 6 Do you use your fireplace? Do you have a wood stove, or a pellet stove? Now is a good time to have your chimneys and/or flues inspected and cleaned if necessary. Believe it or not, there are chimney sweeps even in this day and age!

____ November 7 Are you hosting Thanksgiving? Are you providing the whole meal, or asking guests to bring a part of the meal? Start now with planning your menu and lining up your guests to bring parts of it. If you are one who likes to know what is coming, assign dishes. If you are okay if you end up with a turkey and pumpkin pie, go truly ‘pot luck’.

____ November 8 Still have some outdoor chores hanging on? Now is a good time to drain any garden hoses still in the yard, and store them away for the winter. If you live in a colder climate, put one of the insulating covers over your outside faucets to help prevent freezing.

____ November 9 If you are blessed with a warm climate, or even a warm day with little wind, go ahead and start hanging your holiday lights. You’ll be that much further ahead for the Christmas season. And it’s likely to be warmer early in the month as opposed to later.

____ November 10 Have you had your carpets professionally cleaned this past year? If not, now is a good time to get that scheduled so that your home is in tip-top shape for holiday entertaining.

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____ November 11 If you live in a colder climate, you know how those winter winds can quickly whistle through. Take time now to install plastic sheeting on the inside of your windows to help conserve energy and keep your home a bit toastier this winter. These kits can be purchased at most home improvement stores and many department stores. You’ll be very thankful that you devoted a few hours later this winter as you’re snuggled in.

____ November 12 Take the time now to pull out your refrigerator and vacuum the condenser coils. Is yours a sealed unit? Pull the grate off the front and vacuum underneath where dust tends to accumulate. You’ll extend the life of your refrigerator.

____ November 13 Teach your child(ren) both organizing and generosity in one day. Work with your child to pick and choose 5 (or more) toys that are no longer played with. Then, together, bring those toys to a local orphanage or your favorite charitable organization.

____ November 14 Clean out all the items in your refrigerator that are expired or otherwise no longer identifiable.

____ November 15 Do you have many holiday events scheduled from now through the end of the year? Now, before you actually need them, is a great time to plan out what outfits you will be needing. You also have time now to decide if you need to make any repairs, or purchases to supplement your wardrobe and get ready for the season.

____ November 16 Review your Christmas card list for the coming Christmas season. Are you paring down, adding to, updating? Now is the time to take care of all of that. While you are at it, it wouldn’t hurt at all to review your gift list also. Many of us want to simplify things this time of year, and when you are not frazzled by the stress of go, go, go is a great time to take care of this.

____ November 17 Are you going to be trying new recipes this season? Are you going with tried and true? In either case now is a great time to review which recipes you may want to use. If you have a new one to try, prepare it now, to avoid surprises later.

____ November 18 Now that you have reviewed your recipes, this is a great time to do an inventory of your pantry. You still have plenty of time to stock up without having to do it all at once. It somehow seems easier when we can do it just a bit at a time.

____ November 19 Are you finding that you are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff around you? Take a block of time, whether it be 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes or more, and declutter the hottest spot. The hottest spot would be the one that bothers you most. Go in with 3 bags, one marked donate, one marked trash, and another marked elsewhere. Finish your block of time, then put the trash bag in the trash, the donate bag in the trunk, and then spend a few minutes putting the elsewhere stuff where it belongs. It’s amazing what a difference this makes!

____ November 20 Does your family love holiday cookies but your time for baking is almost nil? Organize a cookie exchange with friends. This leaves each of you with baking 3 dozen of only one type of cookie. Each participant takes home 3 dozen assorted cookies.The exchange meeting could be at a local coffee house, or at your home. This is a nice way to relax with friends, with a take home gift for each one.

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____ November 21 Organize the coat closet. Donate any coats, jackets and outerwear that no longer fit or you no longer like wearing. Sort each person’s smaller items, like gloves and hats, into their own special plastic, lidded container. Get all the shoes and boots strewn all over the closet floor, onto shoe racks. Add hangers so guests have something to hang their winter coats on when they visit–or add a coat rack to your entranceway for the season.

____ November 22 Do you have an emergency escape plan for your family? We all know we should have one, and likely each one of us has one of sorts. Take time as a family to review and practice your family’s emergency escape plan.

____ November 23 As it gets closer to Thanksgiving, now is the time to make sure your guest room (or rooms) is ready for guests. Take a few minutes to change sheets, update any hospitality items you may have, or, even set up a hospitality basket for your guests. Just think about what you’d like to find in a hospitality basket and make one up for your guests. Some possibilities are travel-size shampoos, a small bottle of mouthwash, hand lotion, a few chocolates and a bottled water.

____ November 24 Now is the day to take your turkey out of the freezer and start it thawing in the fridge. Safety guidelines recommend thawing for about 3 days in the fridge for the safest method of thawing. If you start this morning, you should have a safely thawed bird by Thursday.

____ November 25 Start now to stock up on necessities you will run out of more quickly during the holiday visiting, such as bath tissue, paper towels, facial tissues, etc.

____ November 26 It’s getting down to the wire so today is the time to finalize all of your Thanksgiving plans. You’ve been so organized that it should merely be a double check to make sure that something hasn’t slipped through the cracks.

____ November 27 THANKSGIVING DAY. Take the day to enjoy your family, give thanks for your blessings, and enjoy.

____ November 28 Are you one of the marathon ‘Day After Thanksgiving’ shoppers? This is the day you’ve trained for. But, in all the madness and hustle and bustle, don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Take breaks, and keep yourself well hydrated all day.

____ November 29 Today would be a great day to begin decorating for Christmas. Go through your storage bins and start decorating.

____ November 30 Take time today to plan special family-only days in December. You should have a very good idea by now what your overall schedule will be in December, so schedule those times with the family on your calendar now. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be elaborate. A family game night or a family movie night gives you the opportunity to recharge, relax and enjoy each other!

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!™
Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now!™ Idea-Pak, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now!™ Web site
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October Monthly Organizing Checklist

Kyna — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:25:19 +0000

____ October 1 Take a drive in the country and see the changing of leaves into beautiful colors of gold, red, orange and yellow.

____ October 2 When the seasons change, it can throw our internal systems off and we become more susceptible to colds and flu. This is the time of year to increase your intake of Vitamin C and get enough sleep.

____ October 3 Launder heavier winter blankets and comforters in anticipation of the cooler autumn days coming up. To ensure maximum performance, turn your mattress at least twice a year.

____ October 4 Learn how to compost those kitchen scraps and leaves to fertilize the garden and flower beds next year.

____ October 5 Go German for Oktoberfest today by taking a friend to dinner for German cuisine.

____ October 6 Pick up a few apples at an orchard and bake a fresh apple pie.

____ October 7 If you want to do something different for the upcoming weekend, take in the excitement of a high school or college football game.

____ October 8 Increase fresh vegetables in your diet by stopping at a local farmers market.

____ October 9 Make sure that if you have any backup heating sources, such as a gas fireplace or wood stove, they are in good working order before winter.

____ October 10 This is not a fun thing to do, but it is necessary. Clean your gutters and downspouts.

____ October 11 Begin preparing your holiday budget and shopping list. Christmas is only two months away.

____ October 12 Now is a good time for a seasonal closet overhaul to keep your closets in order and free from overflow. Go through all your closets and pantry to remove clutter. Make sure seasonal clothing is stored properly.

____ October 13 Designate today as a day for you. Do something you have been meaning to do for some time but have not done, or just do something spontaneous.

____ October 14 It’s time to take a few minutes to clean out your overflowing email inbox. Avoid getting that message ‘Your mailbox is over its limit.’

____ October 15 Clear your dining room table of all papers, mail, and other clutter. Gather fall leaves, acorns, nuts and berries and make a table arrangement or wreath for fall to display on the table once it’s cleared off.

____ October 16 National Boss Day is celebrated today. Say ‘thank you’ to your boss(es). If you’re the boss, do something nice for your employees in honor of your special day to show your generosity towards them.

____ October 17 Make a homemade pot of chili or soup. It will hit the spot on cool evenings.

____ October 18 Celebrate Sweetest Day with your sweetie(s).

____ October 19 Wash silk plants while they can still dry outside. You can spray silk plants with a hose or with the nozzle in the shower.

____ October 20 Radon Action Week is the third full week in October. The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the U.S.

Keeping on top of everything going on in your life is easy, when you have the Get Organized Now!™ Easy Organizer. Now available in both print and digital PDF format.

____ October 21 Candy and treats are on sale now for Halloween. If you have a number of children coming to your home for trick or treat, make sure to have an adequate amount of treats on hand.

____ October 22 Check seals and weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and bugs from getting into your home.

____ October 23 Check to see if you need anything new for the upcoming winter season like coats, gloves, boots, hats, etc. If so, add these items to the budget.

____ October 24 Visit your community or a neighboring community’s fall festival. Plan a family outing to a place you have never been and enjoy the best of the season.

____ October 25 This is a good time to go camping and/or take a hike. It’s not too hot and it’s not too cold.

____ October 26 Carve and decorate a pumpkin or make pumpkin pie.

____ October 27 Get in the mood for Halloween by catching a horror or mystery movie on television or at the theater.

____ October 28 A hot topic right now is ‘going green.’ Learn more about how you can go green. A simple thing, like switching to canvass shopping bags versus plastic, can make a big difference.

____ October 29 Have you told a loved one that you love them lately? If you have not, take the time to tell someone you love them today.

____ October 30 Get your car winterized and ready for the upcoming season.

____ October 31 Have a fun and safe Halloween!

I’m back!

Kyna — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:22:42 +0000

Hi, All,

Please forgive my absence. I can’t believe it’s been two months since I posted to my blog! The time sure flies when you are super busy.

15 Quick Tips For Effective Time Management

Kyna — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:15:52 +0000

Hi, everyone,

I came across another great article at www.OnlineOrganizing.com. I thought Ms. Halsey offered some good time management tips and so, I am sharing them here with you.

Thanks for visiting http://www.nowthatsorganized.com/blog.

15 Quick Tips For Effective Time Management

If you are trying to STREAMLINE your routine and find more time in your day, here are some handy tips for managing your time more effectively at home and at work.

YOUR ORGANIZER

Consider investing in a good quality planner or handheld. Keeping your goals, daily to-do lists, bills and phone numbers in ONE place will decrease time expended looking for the information you need to complete your daily tasks.

PRIORITIZE AHEAD OF TIME

Make it a habit to REVIEW and plan each evening for the following day. Use this time to assess your accomplishments for the day, and plan for the next. Failing to plan the evening before for the next day can result in lost time. You will have a greater idea of what you have to accomplish, and your day will begin with a sense of DIRECTION if you plan the prior evening.

COMBINE LIKE TASKS INTO ONE

Try to do everything in one geographic area or related to one type of taks at the same time. For example, schedule a meeting with the teacher the day of soccer practice. This will not only save you time, but gas as well. When you assess what ERRANDS you have to run for the week, plan all errands within the same vicinity on one day. You’ll get more done in less time and save money as well.

DO ONE LOAD OF LAUNDRY PER NIGHT

While you are fixing dinner, throw some towels in the wash. Doing your laundry this way will save time by not having to spend an entire day doing nothing but 7 loads of laundry. You might also consider investing in a laundry SORTER. This will save you from having to spend extra time sorting out the different categories of clothes before you wash them.

MAKE GOOD USE OF IDLE TIME

If you are waiting for the doctor, make out your grocery list, next day’s plans, or write out your bills. If you are stuck on the train or subway, bring some reading you needed to get done. If you have unexpected free time because someone canceled a meeting, use that to get ahead on your to-do list. FOUND time like this can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your productivity level.

RETURNING PHONE CALLS

Make all phone calls in one sitting. Schedule time into your day to make and return phone calls. To prevent potentially lengthy calls, make it a point to say that you have only five minutes and then address the issues you for which you called. Have all the necessary MATERIALS in front of you before you call.

DELEGATE NON-IMPORTANT TASKS

Realize you cannot do EVERYTHING; consider delegating some tasks at home to your children, or work tasks to assistants. You will not only be saving time, but helping to train others with handling greater responsibility. Be sure to follow up at a later date and evaluate the task’s completion.

PUT THINGS AWAY

Spend 15 minutes at the end of the day returning items back to their HOMES. Following this method of decluttering your home and workspace will save you time by always knowing where something is and not having to spend extra time looking. Studies show that employees spend 60 minutes per month looking for paper. That’s not only lost time, but lost productivity as well.

PLAN YOUR MEALS FOR THE MONTH

Advanced planning of meals will save time deciding what to fix, and what to buy at the store. Many times individuals go to the store without a list, and no idea of what they are going to buy. This results in purchasing the wrong items or too many, and usually necessitates ADDITIONAL trips. Planning family meals will save not only time, but money as well.

STORE SIMILAR ITEMS TOGETHER

If you scrapbook, store all materials in one bin, label the bin, and store it where you do your scrap booking. Group all foods in your pantry together — vegetables in one area, pastas another. Additionally, store pots and pans near the stove, dishes near the dishwasher. This will make kitchen tasks faster and simpler if the items you need are close at hand. Keep your office supplies that you use all the time by your desk. Follow this METHOD throughout your home and office.

KEEP A RUNNING GROCERY LIST ON THE FRIDGE

When you notice something is gone place it on the list. Make this a responsibility of each person in the home. Whoever uses the LAST of an item is responsible for putting it on the list. By the end of the month or week you already have your list and do not have to spend time meandering thru the cabinets taking stock. And you can actually do the same thing with office supplies and other personal/household items.

DO YOUR SHOPPING AT SUPER-CENTERS

Consider doing your shopping at large super centers where you can drop off the prescription, do your shopping, pay on the layaway, and get the oil changed the same trip. Since these places buy in such bulk, their prices and services are usually lower. So you will not only save time by CENTRALIZING tasks at one location, but money as well.

HANG CLOTHES BY OUTFIT

Hanging clothes by outfit save time and also closet SPACE. If you know you always wear the same pants with a certain top, put them on one hanger. That way you will spend less time trying to find the components to put the outfit together in the morning. Additionally, clothes you haven’t worn in a year, donate to charity. The more space in your closet, the faster you will find clothes.

KNOW YOUR ENERGY PERIODS

Schedule difficult tasks during your PEAK time. Every person has a predictable “peak” time during the day when they have more energy and are more alert. Do your most difficult tasks within this block of time. You will complete the task faster and have energy left over for others.

THINK SIMPLE

Simple almost always saves time. The more ELABORATE something is, the more time it takes to maintain and implement, and the less likely you will be to follow it. You will be more likely to maintain habits and time management systems if they are simple.

Carol Halsey is Founder of Business Organizing Solutions — and her products are available directly through www.OnlineOrganizing.com. She is a professional organizer, consultant, speaker, and author. Visit her web site at www.PilesToFiles.com.

Content provided by OnlineOrganizing.com — offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.

10 Tips For Effective Time Management

Kyna — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:13:15 +0000

If you’re going to take control of your LIFE and make it great, you’ll need to start by taking control of your TIME. Time management is foundational to succeeding in any area of life. In the words of “the father of management theory” Peter Drucker, “until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else.” An entire INDUSTRY has been born out of the need to better manage our time. You can buy leather bound planners, fancy software packages, books, tapes and hand-held computers. You can even attend week-long seminars that teach better time management skills. I’m sure most of those resources are very good. I’d like to suggest however, before spending your hard-earned money on any of them, you try these 10 simple tips for effective time management.

IT’S NOT TIME MANAGEMENT — IT’S SELF MANAGEMENT

You can’t CONTROL time — and so you certainly can’t MANAGE it. You get as much time as anyone else does. But you can control yourself — what you be and do in each moment of time. In the words of English poet, Austin Dobson, “Time goes, you say? Ah, no! Alas, time stays, we go.”

KEEP AND USE A SIMPLE WEEKLY CALENDAR

I use a two page weekly calendar with one-hour increments in each block. Page 1 covers Mon-Sun, 4 a.m.-12 noon. Page 2 covers Mon-Sun, 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Each one-hour block of time should be big enough to WRITE in any appointments. You can use Microsoft Works to print a calendar such as this. Keep it with you at all times.

KEEP A SIMPLE, BLOCK-TYPE, MONTHLY CALENDAR

Any appointments that don’t fall in the CURRENT week can be written in one of the blocks on your monthly calendar. Again, Microsoft Works will produce a monthly calendar such as this. Keep this calendar with you all the time as well.

PLAN YOUR WEEK IN ADVANCE

Spend an HOUR Sunday evening planning the coming week. Transfer appointments from your monthly calendar to your weekly calendar. When you see how many OPEN blocks of time you actually have, you’ll feel a much greater sense of control and peace.

INVEST EACH ONE HOUR BLOCK OF TIME

Each of your one-hour blocks represents an INVESTMENT opportunity. How you invest your block will determine your future return. What you sow in each block, you will reap in future blocks. Consider CUTTING back on any activities that will not yield some benefit, such as excessive TV or web surfing.

PLAN AND SCHEDULE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Don’t just schedule work-related appointments. Schedule as much as possible — such as time with your KIDS, family or significant other, sleep, eating, EXERCISE, spiritual practice, reading, TV time, PLAY TIME, laundry, shopping, writing, marketing your business, answering emails and phone calls.

STAY IN THE CURRENT BLOCK MENTALLY

If your block for 8:00 p.m. on Monday says “type newsletter,” direct all your ENERGIES to typing your newsletter. Don’t even think about what your block for 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening says or what you didn’t complete in your block for 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening. Be and do 100 % in the current block.

SAY NO TO OUT-OF-THE-BLOCK ACTIVITIES

Eliminate DISTRACTIONS as much as possible. Close your door, turn off the ringer on your phone or simply ask to not be disturbed. With the exception of EMERGENCIES, the only thing that matters is what you have to do in the current block.

PLAN UNTIMED OR FREE TIME JUST FOR YOU

It’s okay, and I’d suggest even healthy to plan time to just “goof-off” or play. If you set aside time for it in ADVANCE, it’s less likely to come up spontaneously and distract you from other tasks.

STICK TO YOUR PLAN

Need I say more? Your schedule will work only as well as you COMMIT to it. Keep it with you everywhere you go and refer to it often. Keep asking yourself “am being and doing what scheduled for the current block right now?” By incorporating these 10 tips into your time/self management plan, you’ll create more space to be, do and have more in you life. Further, you’ll also approach your life in a more PROACTIVE and INTENTIONAL manner. If you have any questions about the “In the Block” time/self management plan, feel free to email me. I’d love to hear from you! It’s your life. Make it great!

Michael Pollock is a popular online writer and Personal Coach. He works with proactive people who are determined to make their lives all they want them to be. Visit his website at www.successfulifecoach.com. You can also subscribe to his popular online newsletter at subscribe-itsyourlife@successfulifecoach.com.

September Monthly Organizing Checklist

Kyna — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:16:08 +0000

____ September 1 Prepare a back to school kit for kids that includes paper, pens, pencils, markers, glue and other important back to school items.____ September 2 Go through your medicine cabinet and throw out no longer used or expired medications. Find out about proper disposal methods for your area.

____ September 3 Enjoy the last of the summer days. Spend some time outside enjoying the sun with your loved ones. Fly a kite, throw a Frisbee, enjoy a walk, or play hopscotch or jump rope.

____ September 4 Order, buy or make your Christmas cards now. If you start addressing one or two a day, you will be done well before the Christmas rush.

____ September 5 Launder all blankets, quilts, and heavy sheets in order to prepare for the chilly nights to come.

____ September 6 Wash the outside of the house or windows before the weather gets super cold.

____ September 7 Make a non-perishable donation to a food shelter or women’s shelter in your community.

____ September 8 Clean or replace make up brushes that can be full of cosmetics and oils.

____ September 9 This month is National Preparedness Month. Create a Family Emergency Kit that includes items such as canned foods, bottled water, a can opener, first aid, extra prescriptions, and batteries. Make sure to be prepared for your pets too.

____ September 10 Ensure you have a rake and bags to collect leaves. Start cleaning up debris in your yard.

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Finally Organized, Finally Free for the Home and Finally Organized, Finally Free for the Office. Now available in both print and digital PDF format.
____ September 11 ALWAYS REMEMBER (Hang your American Flag out today) Clean and get your leaf blower and snow blower serviced and ready to go.

____ September 12 Dust off and organize one bookshelf in your home.

____ September 13 Weed out any summer clothes that are torn, stained, not worn, or no longer fit. Do not pack them away. Donate them.

____ September 14 Schedule any doctor or dentist appointments that have been forgotten.

____ September 15 Buy or make Halloween costumes for yourself or your kids. Make sure you are prepared with containers to collect candy, batteries, flashlights, face make-up, tights, or any other costume accessories.

____ September 16 Start preparing a gift list for Christmas including sizes, colors, and how much you plan to spend on everyone.

____ September 17 Weed out three file folders, make sure to shred anything with sensitive information.

____ September 18 Clean out your automatic coffee maker. Run white vinegar and water through it. Rinse thoroughly.

____ September 19 Donate three books to a charity, school, or library.

____ September 20 Deep clean your shower until it sparkles.

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____ September 21 Weed out your purse or wallet of any torn or out of date papers, garbage, and discount cards, etc.

____ September 22 Do a paint touch up for any place in your home that needs it. Keep any old paint away from dampness or cold. Make sure you keep a sample of the color for any future touch-ups.

____ September 23 Clean out your oven and the burners.

____ September 24 Empty your email inbox’s. Remember to also empty the trash folders.

____ September 25 Take care of yourself and do something just for you today. Enjoy a cup of tea, a magazine, a bubble bath, a new hair cut, or a manicure.

____ September 26 Toss any old socks that are missing their mates.

____ September 27 Family movie or game night. Enjoy some quality time with your friends or family.

____ September 28 Clean off one horizontal surface in your house such as your desk, night-table, dining table, end table, or coffee table.

____ September 29 Return one borrowed item.

____ September 30 Recycle all old newspapers and magazines.

How to Keep Your Kitchen Looking Fabulous Every Day

Kyna — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:16:59 +0000

Who has the time to scrub and clean all day? If you are like so many of us busy moms, then you didn’t raise your hand. Cleaning your kitchen should be fast and easy, giving you time for other things…like enjoying your family. Granted, there will be times when you will have to give your kitchen a good scrubbing and deep cleaning to get it sparkling clean, but in general, once that initial deep cleaning is done, your future cleaning should be maintenance only.

Kitchens are often the hub of a home and one of the busiest rooms in a house. It’s no wonder that it can also be one of the messiest rooms in the house, too. However, ridding your kitchen of grease spills and grime is as easy as following a few of the simple tips and technique listed below.

To start, you will need the following cleaning materials: buckets or other containers, brushes, rubber gloves, and cleansers.
Create your own kitchen cleaner and kitchen brighteners to clean up grease, grime, baked on stains and spills and to brighten countertops and back splashes.
Use straight vinegar for shiny countertops daily. For a nice, fresh smell, try cider vinegar.
Apply a baking soda and water paste to remove stains from laminate countertops. Apply, allow to dry, then rub off and rinse.
With a paste of one part bleach and 3 parts baking soda, you can easily tackle tough stains.
Use a tile and grout cleaner and a toothbrush to remove dirt and mildew from tile grout.
Help your white appliances or enamel sinks that are starting to yellow with a little kitchen brightener.
Remove skid marks on linoleum floors with a spot of toothpaste just before mopping the floors
Remove hard water build-up in a teapot by pouring in 2 cups of vinegar and then bringing it to a boil. Let the vinegar simmer for 10 minutes and rinse the teapot thoroughly.
Use olive oil to clean stainless steel kitchen sinks.

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Household Cleaners You Can Make

Kyna — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:02:23 +0000

Daily Kitchen Cleaner

Materials:

5 drops peppermint oil or any other essential oil fragrance

¼ cup vinegar

1 squirt dish washing liquid

Water

32 oz. spray bottle

1. Add oil, vinegar, and dish soap to bottle, then fill rest of the bottle with water

2. Shake well before each use. Spray cleaner on countertops and appliances, and then wipe off with damp cloth or sponge.

3. Be sure to keep cleaner clearly labeled and out of reach of children and pets.

All Surface Kitchen Cleaner

Materials:

1 tsp borax

½ tsp baking soda

2 tsp vinegar

1 squirt of dish washing liquid

2 cups hot water

5 drops of peppermint oil or other essential oil fragrance

32 oz spray bottle

1. Mix ingredients in spray bottle.

2. Shake well before each use.

3. Be sure to keep cleaner clearly labeled and out of reach of children and pets.

Use on virtually any surface. This cleaner is especially good for cleaning stovetops and ovens. For caked on stains, spray on mixture and let sit for 15 minutes. It can be sprayed and left in oven overnight.

Additional Uses: Bathroom counters

Grease Remover (Degreaser)

Materials:

3 cups baking soda

2 cups white vinegar

1 cup ammonia

1 gallon hot water

Bucket

Mix in bucket or other container and apply to surfaces as needed.

Kitchen Brightener

Materials:

¼ cup baking soda

½ cup bleach

1 quart warm water

Bucket

Mix in bucket or other container and apply to surfaces as needed.

This brightener is especially good for white appliances and enamel sinks that are yellowing.

Tile & Grout Cleaner

Materials:

½ cup vinegar

1 cup clear ammonia

¼ cup baking soda

1 gallon warm water

Bucket

Mix in bucket. Use cleaning mixture with an old toothbrush to clean tile and grout.

Get Organized for the New School Year

Kyna — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:21:44 +0000

GET ORGANIZED FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

by Kyna Woollery

With the end of summer break fast approaching, students and parents alike may be feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly daunting task of preparing for the new school year. Here are some tips to help parents and students get the new school year off to a smooth and organized start!

Shopping for School Supplies

First, be sure to check supplies stored at home before heading out to shop for school supplies. You don’t want to re-purchase what you already have.
Next, to avoid impulse buys make a list of school supplies you need before starting your shopping, or look for a list of recommended supplies at your local office supply store. (Many schools are now providing supply lists and local stores already have shopping lists posted for you!)

Organizing School Supplies and Homework

A great way to keep kids organized is to assign a place to store everything they will need and use. To keep clutter and misplaced items to a minimum, organize supplies in a designated area in your home and in their backpacks.
Misplaced homework can be a thing of the past with good organization. Keeping the principle “a place for everything, and everything in its place” in mind, assign a place for school items to go during out-of-school hours. Choose a central, easily accessible area for homework, projects, assignments, etc. that need to be completed. Then, create another area for these same items to go when they are finished. For example, have a folder for “homework to complete” and a separate folder for “homework completed”. A simple, easy-to-use, kid-friendly system is all that’s needed to kiss “lost” homework goodbye!

Staying Organized at School

Keeping supplies, books, and notebooks organized throughout the school day doesn’t have to be a challenge. An organized locker is all that is need to keep the day running smoothly. Organize your locker according to your day. Items needed in the morning can be placed in one section and items needed for the afternoon in another. There are also neat little gadgets available for organizing items stored in your locker as well.

by Kyna Woollery—Now That’s Organized, LLC

Get more FREE home organizing tips! Visit http://www.nowthatsorganized.com for great tips to organize your home and your office.

August Monthly Organizing Checklist

Kyna — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:50:40 +0000

____ August 1 Start the month off clean and fresh. Toss any old food from your refrigerator and cabinets.____ August 2 If you have a fireplace, consider calling a chimney sweep and scheduling your annual cleaning. Some places will offer a discount to have it done in the summer rather than the busy winter months.

____ August 3 Time to flip your mattress! Get some help the next time you strip the bed and both flip and also rotate the mattress head to toe. This will help it wear more evenly.

____ August 4 Treat yourself to some ME time. Pour yourself a cold drink and sneak off with a good book or watch your favorite TV show for a little while. The world will wait.

____ August 5 Gently remove and dust all of your lamp shades and light fixture covers. It’s easy to forget these in your day to day cleaning.

____ August 6 Make a special trip to your local roadside produce stand or farmer’s market. There’s no better time of the year to sample fresh fruits and vegetables.

____ August 7 Go to your local library or bookstore and find a book about something you’ve never thought of reading before. Step outside your usual habits and you might learn something fascinating.

____ August 8 Tackle one junk drawer. See how many things you can toss in 10 minutes. Then pull out 10 things that belong elsewhere in the house and return them to their proper homes.

____ August 9 Clean out the trunk of your car. You’ll be happy the next time you go to the grocery store and there’s room for your new purchases.

____ August 10 Check and make sure that your pets are up-to-date on their check ups and shots. If not, schedule an appointment for them.

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____ August 11 Even if you don’t have kids, this is a perfect time to stock up on back-to-school supplies like tape, pens, paper, highlighters, etc. There are some fantastic sales out there now!

____ August 12 Take 30 minutes, walk around your house and jot down a note about anything that needs to be fixed or tended to. If you have time, sit down and make a plan to take care of some of them.

____ August 13 Call a friend you haven’t talked to for a while–just to say hi!

____ August 14 If you garden a lot, take all of your pruning shears to be sharpened.

____ August 15 Check the filters in your house – A/C unit, furnace, etc. Replace if needed.

____ August 16 If you keep baking soda in the fridge and freezer, change them out with fresh ones and pour the old one down the sink drain to freshen it.

____ August 17 Check to make sure that all of your regular bills are paid for the month.

____ August 18 Changed the oil in your car lately? 3000 miles goes by quickly. If it’s been that long, make an appointment to have it done.

____ August 19 Take all of your houseplants out to the backyard (or tub) and spritz gently with water to clean off the leaves. A lot of dust on the leaves keeps the plant from breathing properly.

____ August 20 Look through your pantry for any boxes that have impending expiration dates. Things like Bisquick, cake mixes and muffin mixes don’t last much past their use-by dates. Make a plan to use them up.

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____ August 21 Haven’t balanced your checkbook in a while? Now is an excellent time to catch up.

____ August 22 Check your wallet to see if you have any unused gift cards. A large number of them are paid for but never redeemed. Don’t let them go to waste!

____ August 23 Have a cheap movie night. Pop some popcorn and watch a movie on TV!

____ August 24 Check the due date on your library books and make sure they get back on time.

____ August 25 Pull out 3 pairs of shoes and give them a quick spiff and shine.

____ August 26 Grab the window cleaner and clean all of the mirrors and TVs in the house.

____ August 27 Check your flashlights to see if the batteries are working. Make sure you have enough so that each family member has one easily accessible in case of a power outage.

____ August 28 Check your digital camera to see if the battery is charged and there is room on the memory chip before the holiday weekend.

____ August 29 If you have an emergency supply kit, check everything and replenish your food supplies. If you don’t have one, do some research on how to make one. Natural disasters can hit anytime, anywhere.

____ August 30 Make plans for a fun Labor Day!

____ August 31 Look over all of your summer clothes and pull out the things you never wore this season. Evaluate if it’s time to donate those items rather than pack them away for another year.