Mega Freebie Christmas Giveaway Competition- 'You Sexy Mother' - [Body Bible], Dymo LabelManager & 'Organize Now'

Mega Christmas Freebie Giveaway  Competition

I am excited to be able to offer a fantastic Free Giveaway Christmas Competition to my Organize Your Life Subscribers / Facebook Fans / Organize Your Life Now Blog commenter's and followers. See details below to enter for your chance to win a copy of 'YSM Body Bible' or a copy of 'Organize Now' or a Dymo LabelManager 260P So you know how top notch these products are here's my reviews for them.

"Jodie Hedley Ward's You Sexy Mother Book Series are full of warmth, compassion, honesty, realism, inspiration and motivation.YSM [Body Bible] not only informs and inspires, it transforms and transcends you to the place you know you 'CAN' be & shows you exactly how to get there." Claire McFee

Dymo Labelmanager 260P Review

"It takes a lot to impress me and the Dymo LabelManager has managed to do just that. The ease of the Dymo LabelManager 260P is brilliant. Rechargeable batteries make this simple but hightech Label Maker super-convenient. The instructions are clear and easy to understand - in fact you can use this great time-saving household and office-neatening device without even having to look at the instructions, it's that user-friendly! Your pantry, study, office will never be the same again. No more messy handwritten labels. Everything will forever more be neat, uniform, streamlined, professional, all with this great easy to use idiot-proof device!" Claire McFee

Book Review For Organize Now by Jennifer Ford Berry

“Organize Now is the most comprehensive step-by-step Guide to organizing your life I have ever seen. Everything is broken down into achievable baby-steps and covers all you need to know to keep on top of your household. Organize Now is a great book to help you stay motivated and in control of all your ‘stuff’.” Claire McFee Organize Your Life Household Organizer

 

 

Competition Entry Details

For more information to go into the draw for your chance to win one of these great products simply watch this YouTube video.  You just basically need to do the following:- subscribe to our Organize Your Life Newsletter  here and 'Like us' at our Organize Your Life Facebook Fanpage here and kindly leave a comment and 'share'/ 'suggest to your 'friends' if you think this is a great competition.

The winner will be drawn and notified on the 15th December 2010 by 5pm EST.

Best of luck.

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers 

Review of Best Selling Organizing Book 'Organize Now' by Jennifer Ford Berry

Review of Best Selling Book 'Organize Now'

Want your own copy of 'Organize Now' by Jennifer Ford Berry?  Then click on the link below to check out the book 'Organize Now' with example pages, contents etc. You will be be better Organized in no time.


Book Review For [Organize Now] by Jennifer Ford Berry “Organize Now is the most comprehensive step-by-step Guide to organizing your life I have ever seen. Everything is broken down into achievable baby-steps and covers all you need to know to keep on top of your household. 'Organize Now' is a great book to help you stay motivated and in control of all your ‘stuff’.”                        Claire McFee Creator [Organize Your Life] Household Organizer

 Buy Your Own Copy Here.
Remember organizing your life and home is multi-faceted, as we are all unique so applying several organizing strategies will increase your chances of organizing success. Baby steps will get you there. Your home didn't get cluttered over night and it isn't going to get decluttered overnight but you will get there one step at a time.

I love your comments so please feel free to drop me a line and tell me all about your organizing challenges and successes.


Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Amazing YouTube Clip of one of the smallest houses ever by Jay Shafer

Check out this great YouTube video about how Jay Shaffer lives in this tiny 96 sq foot house. He is very mindful of his carbon print and not surprisingly has great storage solutions for such a small space. You'll never complain again about not having enough room for all your stuff! Downsizing has been imperative for him and he says he is happier with less clutter and stuff. He keeps things really organized - as you would have to!
I found this great clip over at the wonderful blog unclutterer. Thanks Unclutterer.

Till next time. happy organizing.
Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

[Enough already] with [Peter Walsh] - sneak peak of new TV Show on Oprah's O.W.N Network

[Peter Walsh] to Host new Show 'Enough already' on Oprah's new O.W.N TV channell.

Organizing Guru [Peter Walsh] is going to have his own TV show on Oprah's new TV network O.W.N. It is lanching at the beginning of 2011 and is called 'Enough Already'.

Click here to see a sneak peak of 'Enough already' with Peter Walsh by simply registering on Oprah's website.

Peter Walsh is full of great organizing tips - obviously  - or he wouldn't be Oprah's organizing guru!! Having seen Peter Walsh speak in public, I know how practical his organizing tips are. Plus having met Peter recently here in Australia -I can vouch that he's an extremely down to earth fellow Aussie  - so what's not to love!

While you are there check out my first video on Oprah's Website - taking up her challenge to make a video saying I want my O.W.N! (Oprah Winfrey Network)

Till next time happy organizing. :)

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

[Dymo LabelManager 260P] Review | Plus WIN your own 260P Dymo Label maker

Dymo LabelManager 260P Review | Win a Dymo Label Maker

I was recently sent a Dymo LabelManager 260P to review, plus given one for a Giveaway to one lucky Organize Your Life subscriber | Organize Your Life Facebook Fan.

Dymo Label Manager 260P Review
"It takes a lot to impress me and the Dymo LabelManager has managed to do just that. The ease of the Dymo LabelManager 260P is brilliant. Rechargeable batteries make this simple but hightech Label Maker super-convenient. The instructions are clear and easy to understand - in fact you can use this great time-saving and household; office-neatening device without even having to look at the instructions, it's that user-friendly! Your pantry, study, office will never be the same again. No more messy handwritten labels. Everything will forever more be neat, uniform, streamlined, professional, all with this great easy to use idiot-proof device!"Claire McFee Author Organize Your Life

How to Win your very own Dymo LabelMaker 260P
To win your very own Dymo LabelMaker 260P simply subscribe to our Organize Your Life Newsletter and Like us at our Organize Your Life Facebook Fanpage. and leave a comment in these spots. If you are already subscribed you will automatically be entered.

The winner will be drawn on the 15th December 2010 by 5pm EST.

More Dymo LabelManager Product specifications:-



Dymo Product Info:- The new DYMO LabelManager 260P and 360D label makers make looking professional one less thing on the workplace ‘to-do’ list by offering fast, uninterrupted labeling both in the office and on-the-go.

With added features, lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology and a sleek, compact design, the new DYMO LabelManager 260P and 360D label makers help to increase overall efficiency. These DYMO LabelManager label makers are lightweight, have a large viewing screen to preview labels before printing, plus easy-to-use keyboards and one-touch printing that allows for fast, efficient labeling of files, binders, folders and more. These new label makers help make everyday office tasks easier from start to print.
LabelManager® 260P


■Lithium-ion rechargeable battery technology eliminates AA battery inconvenience, waste and disposal

■Large viewing screen with two-line text display allows user to see exactly what their label will look like before printing

■Prints professional quality labels on 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” easy-peel split-back DYMO® D1 labels

■Includes separate set of keys for numbers, allowing for faster typing

■Features quick access buttons for punctuation and symbols

■Allows user to customize labels and add emphasis with three font choices, six font sizes, seven text styles, boxes and underlining

■Memory stores up to nine labels and is capable of inserting saved text

■Prints up to 10 copies of one label

Sleek, compact and lightweight design, allowing for fast, uninterrupted labeling whether in the office or on-the-go.

Till next time, happy organizing.

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers


Disclaimer: I received the DYMO LabelManager 260P for review purposes only.No form of payment was received. Everything stated is 100% my honest opinion.

[You Sexy Mother's] YSM [Body Bible] on A [Current Affair] | ACA - go into the draw to win a copy!

[You Sexy Mother] series Author's Latest Book [Body Bible] On A [Current Affair]

You Sexy Mother series Author Jodie Hedley Ward's new book YSM The [Body Bible] is being featured on A Current Affair very soon. Don't worry!! If you don't get a chance to watch it or live overseas Jodie will have it on her You Sexy Mother Website shortly after it airs.

Co-author of the book Kellie Johnson is a well known Personal Trainer -and in fact is Terri Irwin's personal trainer  - hence the photo here! Terri Irwin also had some involvement in the book too. You can read about this in the current Women's Weekly magazine.

Win your own copy of YSM | [You Sexy Mother] [Body Bible]

As seen on [A Current Affair]

One lucky Organize Your Life subscriber will win a copy of YSM Body bible  - full of practical and motivating tips on how to get fit and healthy the natural way.

All you have to do is sign up to our newsletter - see full entry details on the YouTube clip Below.

I would LOVE it if you would help spread the word about Jodie's work, as I really believe the message she is sending about empowering ourselves and living the best life we can live for us and our children. So get twittering and facebooking and all your contacts can go into the draw to win too. Thanks!

I've even done a quick video about the Book promo on Ch9 ACA program which you can view here.

Till next time Happy Organizing,

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Home Organizing Tips - Ironing Tip - Don't Iron! Latest Youtube video

Who loves Ironing? Not me! 
So what are my ironing tips -Don't iron ! Well as little as possible anyway :)

Ironing is a pet hate for a lot of people - including me. I never wanted ironing to be a part of my life so decided not to iron!! Some people find ironing relaxing and if that's you - great - but if it isn't then consider not ironing so much and not caring if everything is ironed or not.

If you are really busy and stressed perhaps ironing is something that you can cut back on. Buying clothes that don't need ironing helps and definitely not ironing undies, or ironing sheets, or ironing jeans heaven forbid!!! If you do need tips on how to iron properly there are lots of great videos on YouTube.http://www.youtube.com/


Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Horders Helpers aka Heavenly order - Declutter 28 Day Challenge - jump onboard this great facebook group

Declutter 28  day challenge - Facebook group

I just found this great facebook group that will help you take action and declutter your house. There is a hive of organizing and decluttering complete with before and after organizing photos, which I never tire of! The Group has been formed by Sarah Cottman from Heavenly Order -also known as Horders Helpers.This is a 28 challenge until the 28th of November, so it has already started but that's no excuse to jump on board and join the action takers!

Till next time, Happy organizing.

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Toddlers to Teens TV Show - First Interview with host Melissa Groom on how being better organzied can help you be a better parent

This is my first  interview with Host of Toddlers to Teens TV Melissa Groom. Melissa and I discuss how being better organized helps you cope with the stresses of parenthood better and how your having an organized mind is just as important as an organized environment, as they go hand in hand.

Above to be kind to yourself when it comes to how you rate yourself as a parent because we are all doing the best we can as parent and beating your self up does not help. Baby steps to improve any area of your life is the key!

Make sure you sign up for your own Toddlers to Teens TV guide for your chance to win lots of goodies including a free iPhone!

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Youtube [Shiny Sink] Video with Claire McFee Author of Organize Your Life

Do you have a shiny sink?

My Youtube video about the importance of having a shiny sink - as mentinoned in my post referring to The Fly Lady  recently is now up. Click to view. Be sure to leave your comments about whether you have a shiny sink at the start of the day and if not give it a go and let us know if having a shiny sink improves your day! Thanks.

Happy organizing.

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

True Blue Organizing Guru The Fly Lady

The Fly Lady Organzing Tips - No 1 Clean and Shine Your Kitchen Sink!

I want to let you know about a brilliant organizing website that I found about ten years ago when conducting research for my Organize Your Life Household Organizer. Fly Lady aka Marla Cilley - has a gazzilllion organizing tips to help you get organized once and for all. Fly lady breaks down all the household chores we have to attend to and sends regular email alerts to help remind you what needs to be done and importantly giving you motivation and support that you are not alone and you can do it. Breaking things down into baby steps is the key and repeating new chores so that they can become habits we tend to automatically that are so much easier to do in the process.

One of the first things FlyLady suggests you do to tackle your clutter and organizing routines is to shine and clean your kitchen sink. Some may laugh and say what difference will that make to an organized and productive day? Believe me it has a very powerful effect. It makes sense when you think about the whole notion of a cluttered environment creates a cluttered mind.

Walking into your kitchen and knowing it is clean and it even shining back at you can really help you feel less overwhelmed so you can get on with the rest of your day in a more productive way.

There is a YouTube video from the Flylady about the benefits of a Shiny Sink which you can view and I am also about to post one -giving credit to Flylady for helping me on my journey in to the professional Organizing Industry all those years ago. Thanks Flylady!

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Huge Life Organizing Giveaway - Lots of free goodies to help you get organized

This Huge Organizing giveaway has been organized by my new 'Author Friend' Linda Samuels - who wrote the great book "The other side of organized." It's brilliant - everything you need to get organized and stay organized. Claire x

Ultimate Organizing Giveaway!

November, 2010


Let’s celebrate and get excited! The Ultimate Organizing Giveaway is here! I’ve put together some of my favorite organizing products and books that are fun and fabulous. We’re talking Peter Walsh’s 'It’s All Too Much', The Container Store $50 gift certificate, Tate’s mouth watering Chocolate Chip Cookies and much, much more!

An enormous “thank you” to all the fantastic current and soon to be Oh, So Organized! Facebook fans, Twitter followers @LindaSamuels and The Other Side of Organized e-newsletter subscribers. My deepest gratitude for your wonderful feedback, tweets, posts, reviews and support. If you haven’t already done so, I personally invite you to join in the conversation and of course, enter the contest!

The Ultimate Organizing Giveaway of goodies was selected to organize, relax, delight and inspire you! It’s worth over $250 and includes:


• It’s All Too Much by Peter Walsh


• The Container Store $50 gift card


• “NothingElse.pad” from Buttoned Up


• One Small Step Can Change Your Life by Robert Mauer PhD


• “I will do one thing today.” sticky notes from Pretty Bitter


• “Temperature Task” clips & “Do, Ponder, File” folders from Knock Knock


• Being Perfect by Anna Quindlen


• “Forget Me Not” doorknob pad & “Work/Life Reminder” magnets from See Jane Work


• Limited edition The Other Side of Organized coffee mug and pencils


• “Relaxed Mind” Yogi Tea


• “To-Do Tattoo” from Fred & Friends


• World’s best Chocolate Chip Cookies from Tate’s


• The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels (autographed copy)


• The Container Store’s large black Tribeca bin organizes all of the above
I know you can’t wait to win this handpicked selection of my favorites! You have multiple ways to enter – and the more you do, the more chances you have to win. The giveaway starts on November 1st. The winner will be picked on November 11th (my birthday.) There’s no time like the present to enter. Keep reading and act now!

Rules of the contest:

1. Become an Oh, So Organized! Facebook fan (if you’re already a fan, you’re already entered to win)

2. Follow me on Twitter (again, if you’re a current follower, you’re entered!)

3. Subscribe to the Oh, So Organized! e-newsletter to get inspired and motivated! (and yes, if you’re a current subscriber, you’re entered!)

4. Comment on this blog post below with your favorite thing from the basket you’re most excited about

5. Share the contest! Post it on Facebook and tag the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page and/or Re-tweet it on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do!

6. For 5 Bonus Entries, order The Other Side of Organized from Amazon and email me your receipt to linda@ohsoorganized.com
If you do all of the above – voila! You’re name is entered 10 times to win! (5 times if you do everything but order the book)

Tons of chances to win - Good luck!
Linda

For an inspiring Speaker look no further than Robyn Moore

Need some inspiration at your workplace or school?.....look no further than Robyn Moore

I want to tell you about a wonderfully inspiring woman I met many years ago in her role as guest speaker at an event I attended. I was absolutely blown away not only by the content of her talk but the empowering way she delivered it. Her name is Robyn Moore and she was actually the voice of Blinky Bill for many years as well as many other voice over roles.

Robyn is passionate about promoting wellness throughout our communities, and as you know I am big on promoting health and wellbeing as part of my work too. I feel fortunate to be able to tell you about so many inspiring people through my Blog and my work.

So I just wanted to tell you about Robyn Moore so that you can checkout her website and /or fan page and if your workplace school etc need a high quality speaker then you can give them her name to book her. You will be very lucky to have her. I hope you get the opportunity to hear her one day, as I was lucky enough to.
Here is a blurb about what Robyn Moore does and how she may be able to help you:
" There are speakers who deliver information ABOUT your particular sector.

There are speakers who share their inspiring stories…

and there are speakers who generate the OUTCOMES the client wants for their staff/delegates/guests.

This is what Robyn Moore does!

She also changes people's experience and appreciation of the work they do...and gets them into ACTION and "back into their lives" (at work and home) no matter what CHANGES, POLICIES or CIRCUMSTANCES are coming at them during these challenging times!

Robyn Moore changes peoples' attitudes, behaviours…and their LIVES…and restores laughter, optimism and wellnessin Australian businesses, organisations, families and communities. "

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Yippee I won an MCEI Marketing Award!!!!

Marketing Communications Executives International 2010 Marketing Awards

I am thrilled to have won a Highly Commended Marketing Award in the Home Based Business Category on Tuesday night for the MCEI marketing Awards. Competition was tough, with only a matter of points between the overall Winners and Highly commended recipients. In fact the winner in the Home Based Business category  - Yvette Adams of http://www.thecreativecollective.com.au/ - has such a phenomenal business she just won the Telstra Business Woman of the year Award in Queensland and is now up for the Telstra Business Woman of the year - Australia wide. Good luckYvette - it was great to meet you!

The overall winner of the night was Rick Stockdale from Brandy Creek Wines & View Cafe, who took over from Wonderful Web Women Founder Janet Beckers -pictured here on the far left.

A big thank you to Charly Leetham my Techie Expert helper from Ask Charly Leetham who nominated me (picured in the middle of Janet and I). You are a true gem and I am so excited that you won the Women In Business Award - you deserve it!  A big thank you also to the lovely ladies who wrote testimonials for me and were referees for my MCEI Award entry. Authors, Jodie Hedley Ward of the You Sexy Mother Series and Kristen Morrison of Naturally Better Kids, Margaret Saunders of Bed Time and Toilet Training Solutions. As well as Life Coach Extraordinaire Kate James of Total Balance Coaching and Melissa Groom of Toddlers To Teens TV - (launching Nov 1st - subscribe for free now to go into the draw to win an iPhone!!!)

It is a privilege to know you all and share my business and life journey with you. Thank you again for the role you played in my successful MCEI Marketing Award entry.

Lastly thanks to the herculean effort of the Organisers of the MCEI Marketing awards in particular Barbara - president of MCEI Melbourne chapter pictured with me here and her lovely husband Peter. There was an East meets West theme to the night - with vibrant Red everywhere you looked as you can see in the photos.

Till next time. Happy organizing...

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Organize Your iPhone use with these Tips & Tricks

iPhone 4 tips, tricks  and troubleshooting:-

How to be organized and stay one step ahead of the telco companies and save hundreds if not thousands of dollars....
I recently got a new apple iPhone4. Not one to normally get the latest of anything just because it’s bigger brighter or shinier- it’s been funny to see other peoples reaction to having something recently released. It was time to get with the time and I was out of contract and the new iPhone is actually cheaper that having my old one that was well over 5 years old.
So it’s been a bit of a novelty – for the kids more than anyone but I must tell you of some tips and tricks to avoid you falling into the trap of having a mobile phone bill hundreds if not thousands over your normal mobile phone bill. I have had friends who had bills of over $2,000. Not a nice surprise to get in the mail!!!

It appears that most people who purchase an iPhone are not told to set certain settings on their phone to off to prevent the internet being constantly updating information, particularly for the applications on the iPhone-most of which you may not even use.

Ok so onto the troubleshooting tips to prevent being overcharged by you telephone company

iPhone settings:- Go into settings, then click on Mail, Contacts, calendars.

Hidden in this obscure little place is a setting titled “ Fetch new data’

When I got my iPhone it was set to ‘on’ and I was told nothing about this 'fetch new data function' and more disappointingly wasn’t told to make sure I turned it off.

The other important function to check is under the general settings tab. If having access to the internet is not needed then dis-enabling the ‘enable 3G function', as well as turning to the offsetting the cellular tab option and the data roaming function. It says to turn this off when abroad to avoid ‘substantial roaming charges nothing about the costs being exorbitant within your own country!

You can easily switch any or all of these back on your iPhone if you happen to need access to the internet but otherwise leave them all off!!

When you are home, and if you have your home internet set up on your phone the iPhone is supposed to tap into your home internet plan, using your data allowance from there, not the usually much smaller but quicker to chew up. It seems my iPhone didn’t use out home internet package but rather the data on the iphone package – and to be honest I don’t even know how. I didn’t use it for email and rarely used to internet but low and behold in comes a bill for well over $100 most than usual for the month with dates and times for countless internet sessions I didn’t not know I had. It’s all very confusing but Telstra seem to be doing the right thing by refunding money if you call to complain/tell them it was not made clear that you would be using up heaps of data if you kept certain functions on etc.

ONE LAST iPHONE TIP
While I’m on the subject there one other tip I have picked up along the way that may come in handy to you. If you iphone stops working and freezes then to unfreeze the iphone, try holding down the on/off switch button at the top of the phone as well as the circle at the bottom on the face of the phone at the same time for 5 seconds or so and it will hopefully unfreeze it. Be careful not to hold the circular button on its own or it activates the voice control function and may well randomly call people. This happened to me before I knew much about the iphone functions and all of a sudden my phone rang some random person in my contacts and due the phone being otherwise frozen I could not cancel to call, let along turn the phone off. It did this twice much to my embarrassment having to tell people I was sorry but my iPhone was randomly calling people !!! The disappointing thing is that I had been on the phone to Telstra about the frozen screen and not one person I spoke to and there were a few! Suggested this easy tip to unfreeze the phone so I almost sent it back to Telstra unnecessarily and would have been frustratingly phoneless for a week or more!!!!

What is your experience of this?? Have you experienced overcharging by your telco, had trouble with a new iphone/ mobile?


Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers
 
NB: You can browse / view our Organize Your Life e - Organizer on your iPhone with the help of DropBox and Googlereader. Email me to find out more. Never be without your shopping list again! info @ organizeyourlife . com .au
 

Get Organized to make Banana Bread in your kitchen and learn about easy cooking with '4 Ingredients"

 4 Ingredients Book Series .......and did you know Banana Bread is the most commonly searched recipe of all time!? 

Many of you will have heard of the smash hit books series ‘4 Ingredients’ by Rachel Birmingham and Kim McCosker. I was fortunate to meet Rachel a few years ago for a one on one business coaching session.

The girls even have a fabulous gluten free version of 4 Ingredients which for anyone with a family member newly diagnosed as gluten intolerant is a must –have. We have 2 gluten intolerant kids in our household so are always open to new gluten free recipes - that actually taste good!

The girls latest book is co-authored would you believe with Deepak Chopra which is called ‘4 ingredients- Fast, Fresh and Healthy - but of course with Deepak Chopra’s name to it! Being organized in the kitchen is a must as it can so easily get out of control if you don’t keep on top of the mess by cleaning as you go.

Kim and Rachel Birmingham wrote an interesting tit bit in a recent newsletter of their about Banana Bread. Apparently Banana bread is the most commonly searched recipe in google. Rachel and Kim have a banana recipe in 4 ingredients with ..you guessed it only 4 Ingredients!!! Banana Bread is an easy recipe to substitute wheat flour with gluten free flour which is what we do at home. Banana bread is such a quick, easy recipe and practical to use up old bananas that would otherwise be thrown out and wasted. So how about baking some banana bread next time you have some old bananas that need using instead of putting them in the bin. They are a great snack and fun to make with the kids....

On the topic of cooking / baking in the kitchen...

When I bake / cook with the kids I am sure to get them to clean up as they go, so they learn to keep the mess to a minimum. Otherwise it’s easy to become overwhelming and harder to tackle all the mess and dishes at the end. If you leave it until the end, lots of people feel ready for a break and tell themselves they will do it later..often the next day which only makes it worse. Waking up to a messy kitchen is the worst thing!!!

My mum taught me to clean up in the kitchen as I went and I am so glad she did. Considering a lot coupes share the cooking and washing up..it’s not great for the washer to have to clean up after a messy cook has been in the kitchen. It can be like a bomb has hit it!! It’s easier for everyone all round and a good lesson to pass onto our kids. For more kitchen organizing tips check out more organizing articles on our website below. Here is a popular recipe for banana bread / banana cake or turn it into a banana muffin recipes if you prefer.

BANANA CAKE RECIPE from TASTE.COM.AU

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

45 minutes

Makes

10-12 slices

Ingredients

• 1 cup (150g) plain flour  (simply swap with gluten free flour if need be)

• 1/2 cup (75g) self-raising flour (simply swap with gluten free flour if need be)
• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 125g butter, melted, cooled

• 2 eggs, whisked

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base and side of an 11 x 21cm x 6cm deep (base) loaf pan.

2. Combine flours, sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. Whisk butter and eggs together. Stir in banana. Spoon into prepared pan. Smooth the surface.

3. Bake for 45-50 mins or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside in the pan for 10 mins before turning out onto a wire rack. Serve warm spread with butter.

Remember to get and stay organized in the kitchen to cook more calmly and ultimately have a better finished product cooked with more love and less angst!

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Sunrise TV Show clip of one of my favourite Authors for her great new book - You Sexy Mother - the Body Bible

You Sexy Mother  - The Body Bible

You Sexy Mother Author Jodie Hedley Ward has written another great book, this time with co-author - Fitness Guru and personal trainer to Terri Irwin - Kelli Johnson.

See this TV clip from Ch7 Morning show with the Jodie and Kellie  talking abut YSM -The Body Bible and how it can help you.

In this Sunrise clip the girls talk about the importance of a good diet and being organized enough to fit in some exercise to stay in shape - most of all for yourself. As Larry and Kylie added - a lot of it is about your mindset and this book will help you get your head around shifting your mindset and regain control of your life post motherhood.

Staying fit obviously helps you physically but also helps you mentally...and we all know the better we feel emotionally the better able we are able to keep on top of our busy lives, stay organized and be content...well most of the time!

"Jodie Hedley Ward's You Sexy Mother Book Series are full of warmth, compassion, honesty, realism, inspiration and motivation."

To get a copy go to You Sexy Mother website and get yourself some great life changing tips while you're there.


Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Organize Your Life Organizing Articles

Organize Your Life Organizing Articles

Don't forget we have almost 100 organizing articles on our website for your to get organized from A-Z. whether it's organizing your garage, organizing your closet, organizing your kids toys, organizing your kitchen pantry, organizing your pregnancy, organizing your wedding, organizing a garage sale organizing your holiday -you get the picture.
come on over and visit our website and if you like what you read please feel free to  share the love and make a comment.

with thanks,
Claire McFee
Author and Creator Organize Your Life Household Organizers
www.organizeyourlife.com.au

Realistic Parenting with Cocktails at Naptime

Cocktails at Naptime

I have just started reading  yet another great book to review called Cocktails at Naptime - 'A woefully inadequate guide to early motherhood." And even though I haven't even finished I wanted to say how much I love ti already    - it is so funny and true.

From the girls Cocktails at Naptime Blog:-

 "Cocktails at Naptime is a laugh-out-loud, utterly realistic examination of all the things that can happen to your mind, your body, your partner and your relatives after the birth of a new baby."

It is written by two lovely ladies Gillian Martin and Emma Kauffmann who don't hold back any punches and write with such humour and wit. The girls aptly describe how tough motherhood can be a times - as much as we love our children of course! - and how we sometimes just need a break from it all.

Stuff perfectionism or attempting to be perfect. There's no such thing and it is downright unhealthy. We are all different - with varying coping skills - all you can do you best at any given time  - and this book allows you to embrace this concept wholeheartedly.....I can't wait to read more of cocktails at naptime. Laughing is good for the soul and there's plenty to giggle about in this book that's for sure!

 Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizes - Your Life in Lists

Organizing Book Review and upcoming competition 'The other side of Organized' by Linda Samuels

Linda is the author of The Other Side of Organized, and has been featured in The New York Times, Woman’s Day, Ladies Home Journal and Bottom Line Personal. Linda can help your readers find the “balance between chaos and perfection” in their lives, as she is a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization. And, hey, if your readers can’t look around their homes and claim some room ‘chronically disorganized,’ then more power to them!

For a chance to win a copy of 'The other side of organized' by Linda Samuels - Principle of Professional organizing business 'Oh, So Organized' - sign up the the Organize Your Life Newsletter at our website.


This book is a really worthwhile read. Here is my review:
 

“The other side of Organized is Oh, So eloquently written – not only about all things organized but on inter-related topics on the nuances of life...and how to live it to the fullest. Linda pinpoints how to appreciate the beauty that is all around us by being ‘present’ to it, as well as by being better organized in a fluid way that is real and achievable.” Claire McFee Author Organize Your Life

The book 'the other side of Organized'  is available for purchase at Amazon.
 
Happy organizing,
 
Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Bump & Grind: Survival Guide for getting pregnant - Review and Link to interview on TV's The Circle on Channel Ten

Bump & Grind: The A-Z survival guide for when you're trying to get pregnant and sick of being told to relax!

By Genevieve Morton Finch Publishing

"Bump and Grind: The A-Z Survival guide for when you’re trying to get pregnant & sick of being told to relax is a wonderfully written book on a heart-rending topic. It has the perfect mix of facts; relatable personal stories; tips and the clincher – and just the right dose of humour sprinkled throughout to help you let go of the angst surrounding the often elusive baby making process. Having trouble TTC (Trying To Conceive) can be a lonely and isolating and this book makes you feel like there is hope and support to get you through it no matter what the outcome.”
Claire McFee Author & Creator Organize Your Life

To see Genevieve Morton discuss her great new book Bump & Grind on Channel Ten's The Circle click here.

Till next time,
Happy Organizing,
Claire McFee
Author Organize Your Life

National Depression and Anxiety Awareness Month October 2010

National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month October 2010

Well it's that time of year again when Depression and anxiety are on the agenda and you see many more news items about Depression and anxiety.

Boy times have changed in the last few years. Suffering from depression and anxiety is no longer the completely taboo topic it once was, with scores of media personalities opening up about their struggles with Depression and/or anxiety helping raise the issue for the rest of the population.

I would like to think that in some small way, no matter how small that I helped decrease the stigma around depression and anxiety with the 6 part Documentary I made that aired on TV a while back. It was about the importance of being open about having depression or anxiety - as doing so can help with recovery rather than trying to hide and suppress what is really going on in your life. I certainly found it helpful when I finally admitted that I had depression after keeping it a secret for many years.

I have been able to overcome the depression I had - in part due to no longer worrying what other people think. In fact I am writing a book on the topic and the other little known strategies I used to overcome depression. There are so many pieces to the puzzle when it comes to being well and staying well. I look forward to being able to share my findings with others in due course.

Beyond Blue CEO Leonie Young tells us, "Around one million people in Australia live with depression and a further two million have an anxiety disorder, yet less than half seek help. So it's important to encourage people to talk openly about their mental health." National Depression and Awareness Month is a great initiative to tackle the issue. If you or anyone you know struggles with Depression or anxiety then check out these websites for more info.

Beyond Blue and Mental Health Victoria or the National Institute of Mental Health in America

 

Don't suffer in silence! There is hope. Be well.

Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Peter Walsh - Dymo National Organising Week Breakfast Meet and Greet

Well I have just come back from Melbourne after a fantastic meet and greet with Peter Walsh at the Dymo National Organizing Week Breakfast at Crown.

It was fabulous to hear Peter Walsh speak - Peter is a World renowned Author and Oprah's Organizing Guru. Peter is an Austalian (now living in the states) and is as down to earth as you or me, which I really admire. Put simply Peter Walsh is a 'classic Aussie'. Peter told us his family can't believe he gets paid for telling people to make their bed!

Of course there is a lot more to being a Professional Organizer! Peter was full of great organising tips, which I will write about a little later. Peter Walsh's main message, which has been one of my motto's since I started out in the Organizing business over 10 years ago, is getting organized is all about decluttering your house AND head....and as Peter says also your heart, which is sooo true. Organizing is so much more than just organizing your physical space.

Peter Walsh was very generous with his time and was very happy to pose with us for some happy snaps as seen here.

Thanks Peter...was lovely meeting you in person...only one degree away from Oprah. Pretty cool stuff hey!!

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Organize Your Life nominated for the 2010 MCEI Marketing Awards

Organize Your Life is proud to be nominated for the 2010 Marketing Communications Executives International Awards for 2010

A lovey associate of mine Charly Leetham from Ask Charly Leetham nominated me which I am very grateful for. I was fortunate to be announced a Finalist is the 2007 MCEI Awards so here's hoping for that and a bit more this time!!

The Awards MCEI presentation is being held in Melbourne on the 26th Oct. I will let you know how I go!

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Founder and Author

Peter Walsh in Australia for National Organising Week (N.O.W) and I am meeting with him...

National Organizing Week with Peter Walsh


It's National Organising Week here in Australia again, which is getting bigger each year. Peter Walsh - the N.O.W Ambassador is back from his busy Organizing business Peter Walsh Design including working with Oprah Winfrey on her show Oprah !! helping people declutter their lives and organize their homes.

Peter Walsh has authored several Organizing books including his
current best seller 'Enough Already' and his previous books "It's all too much" and "Does this clutter make my butt look fat?"

I am fortunate enough to be part of a very small group of people in the Professional Organising industry meeting with Peter Walsh this Wednesday. It will definitely be the highlight of my week, if not a tad longer!! I will let you know how it goes. :)

Peter was on Sunrise this morning, giving tips on Spring Cleaning and Organizing / decluttering your life. One tip I hadn't heard before that I want to share with you has to do with organizing Your wardrobe, decluttering your closet. Peter Walsh will also be on The 7pm project tuesday night for more great organizing tips.

Simply turn all your clothes on hangers around the wrong way. As you wear different items put the around the 'right' way. After six months remove all the items still back to front and take to the charity stores (Taking into account the season you are in and what you haven't had a chance to wear due to the weather of course!)

There are many Organising workshops being held around the country - two of whihc Peter Walsh will be presenting at. To see locations times and dates see below or for more info go to the Australian Association of Professional Organisers - AAPO - with whom I am of course a proud member!

Off to decide what to wear and possibly polish my boots for my city trip...it can get so muddy here by the bush/coast!(Great Ocean Road, Victoria) Wouldn't have it ay other way though. :)

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Here are the dates of the N.O.W organizing workshops:
Tuesday 7 September
NSW
Officeworks Five Docks: 213 Parramatta Rd 213, Five Dock (Peter Walsh)
Officeworks Alexandria: 91 O'Riordan St, Alexandria
Officeworks Bondi Junction: 14-26 Ebley St, Bondi Junction
Wednesday 8 September
VIC
Officeworks South Melbourne: 31 Kings Way, South Melbourne (Peter Walsh)
Officeworks Highett: 1123 Nepean Hwy, Highett
Officeworks Chadstone: 699 Warrigal Hwy, Chadstone
QLD
Officeworks Southport: 59 Nerang Street, Southport
Officeworks Aspley: 434 Gympie Rd, Aspley
SA
Officeworks Keswick: 5-7 Anzac Hwy, Keswick
WA
Officeworks East Victoria Park: 343 Shepperton Rd, East Victoria Park

Fight Procrastination Week...and check out Unclutterer

Fight Procrastination Week - coming up tomorrow for the first week of September
You can do it!! Plus check out the Unclutterer blog to help you too :) (details below)

Most of us are guilty of it at least some of the time...Yes even someone like me in the Professional Organizing Industry! We're only human!

Even if you only get one thing off your to d list (whether it a list in your head or a proper written to do list!) doesn't matter just choose one thing..easy if it helps get you to do it, harder if you can manage it and know how good that will make you feel once accomplished.

If a voice inside your head keeps telling you to do it later, respond with a question like Why not now? Usually there is no good reason and it can help you change your attitude and mindset and therefore your motivation levels. give it a go. i dare You!!! We can beat procrastination, at least some of the time anyway. :)
Good luck

For thos ewho need more help, a great Organizing / declutter related blog with heaps more tips on getting and staying organized and clutter free, is the aptly titled Unclutterer check them out....NOW before you forget and start procrastinating!

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Motherhood Study USA participants Call out - Get involved in this important research!

Long term Organize Your Life Now readers may remember a post last year about the International Motherhood Study spearheaded by Author of Your Sexy
Mother Jodie Hedley Ward, when they were conducting the Australain and New Zealand component of the study.

Well the USA componenent of the study is now occuring and due to the size of the study - the more mothers who participate the more recognition the study and it's important findings will get.So to those of my blog followers who live in the USA. Please Click the link below to take part:
http://www.motherhoodstudy.net/usa/

As Jodie says about the study so far..."I am writing up the results of this study now and I can tell you that it is compelling beyond anything you might imagine. Even as I am looking at the results and writing up the findings, I am continually astounded by what amazing insights we now have into the contemporary motherhood experience."

So get involved and spread the word!!

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Kids, chores and You - A stressed you or a calmer you?

Our kids are well and truly at an age where they can help out with various household chores and house cleaning jobs - now being 11 and 8. I have been surprised to discover that a lot of my kids friend's parents' don't get them to do much in the way of housework, if any.

But you can often see in those parents, who don't get their more-than-capable kids to lift their weight, much higher stress levels. One mum said to me recently "You're so good at getting your kids to do chores around the house. I should too." To help encourage her to follow through with this, I added "Getting the kids to help out around the house, equates to a less stressed mum." to which she said as the penny dropped "Yeah - I'm a stressed Mum!" At the end of the day, getting kids to do some housework benefits not only you but them too." Getting your kids to understand this helps in getting them to do their fair share without too much resistance.

Your kids probably won't be thrilled with having to all of a sudden do household chores if they have never had to do them before, but it's never too late to start and they will come around....albeit eventually for some. You may well need to tie in non-payment of pocket money and other repercussions if you encounter too much non-compliance. You are creating a rod for your own back if you do not instill a level of personal responsibility of tidiness and cleanliness into your kids. What sort of house mates let alone partners and subsequently parents will they make without such guidance and participation early on.

So if you are one of those martyr mums who does 'everything' but also complains about it, start to spread the load and become a less stressed and happier mum as a result. It really is a win-win situation.

For more tips on how to get the family on board housework and keeping their things organized click here.Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Multi-tasking too much?!!? Watch those Eggs!

Yes as women (in particular) we know we are pretty good at Multi tasking, but at what cost? More and more research is coming out telling us that we actually get less done due to multi-tasking and not concentrating on one thing or at least less things at once. Difficult I know to anyone who has young children, works, runs a household etc etc.

It is worth giving decreasing multi tasking a go though. Coming from someone who is as guilty as the next person of multi tasking too much, sometimes to the detriment of myself, my family and my work.

It's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking, if I just do this while I do this, and I may as well get this done while I do this, being 'present' to none. Therefore often not doing any of the jobs properly. Sad when it comes to time spent with our children and we are not focusing on them enough.

One thing I try to do to prevent not concentrating on my kids is generally not work from 3-8pm - says she working at 5pm on a school day -only because both kids have friends over and are otherwise engaged!

When it comes to work I block out time in my diary for the jobs at hand and avoid emails and other distractions during these blocked out times. When I successfully do this the amount of concentrated and productive work I do is much higher than when this doesn't happen. Having a husband who is self-employed and often home alongside me - he is often the distraction!! Surprisingly to many people, as I am more renowned for being a chatter box, and he known as the 'quiet' one - he is the one who wants to chat all the time!

I have to ever so kindly tell him I can't concentrate and get my work done with constant questions and chit chat. Generally he 'gets' it but there are days when he forgets and I have to jokingly ignore him till he remembers to stop interrupting me so much!! we can catch up over a cuppa or lunch when I try to switch off from work.

On to why you have to be careful with Eggs!!
A friend told me funny story the other day about the traps of multi-tasking having thought she was saving time by brushing her teeth and attempting to transfer half a dozen eggs from one carton to another -doing a good deed by sending off an empty one to school to use. You guesses it, she ended up dropping the carton and breaking all theeggs in the process. A great lesson to do one thing at a time no 2, 3 or god forbid more!!

There was a great article called Stop the Madness, in The Age on the weekend, with an excerpt from a book by A J Jacobs called My Experimental Life. Summing up our increasing obsession with multi-tasking as "In one sense , task-juggling makes me feel great: busy, energised, fulfills, as if I'm living three lives in the space of one. but I also know I'm scattered. I'm overloading my circuits. This overstimulated, under focused world is driving us all batty..."

Worth thinking about. ...Watch those eggs or any breakable object if doing more than one thing!

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Simplify your Life week...give simplifying a go!

OK then. It is officially Simplify Your Life week this week, so even if you just choose one thing - go simplify, simplify, simplify.

Life doesn't have to be so cluttered and stressful. We just need to keep on top of our clutter...stuff...paperwork etc meaning get rid of heaps of it as we simply don't need it!!
It is so freeing to de-clutter and be able to see what you own and appreciate those things more.
Go on give it a go. You won't regret it..it may even be the start of a whole new more organized, happier you!

Simplify your life. it's never too late.

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

For more Organizing advice, tips and articles go to our Organize Your Life website.