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.

How to Organize Your Home and Organize Your Life Articles on Ezine Articles

For those who haven't heard of ezine articles, it is a great source of articles on anything and everything. I have had articles with them for years and they are a highly searched website worth a look at. www.ezinearticles.com

To give you an idea of the types of organizing articles we have with Ezine Articles, see a recent update from Ezine about some of my article about organization below and also interestingly what keywords most people use to find articles on these Organizing articles.

I find it fascinating to know what keywords people use in searchengine searches with google and the like. Out of interest if you were trying to get organized and wanted to find a household organizer and planner, full of ready made lists, jounrals, records etc what words would you use in a search?

till next time. Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Top 3 Organize Your Life Performing Article:

Organize and Declutter Your House - 10 Easy How to Tips

Views: 950
Top Keywords Used To Find This Article During August 2010:
how to organize your house
how to declutter and organize your home
decluttering and organizing your home
declutter and organize your home
how to organize my house clutter



Tips to Organize Your Body to Get Pregnant

Views: 677
Top Keywords Used To Find This Article During August 2010:
how to prepare your body to get pregnant
how to prepare body to get pregnant
preparing your body to get pregnant
prepare body get pregnant
preparing your body get pregnant



How To Plan And Organise A Successful Garage Sale With Your Pre Loved Everything

Views: 556
Top Keywords Used To Find This Article During August 2010:
how to organise a successful garage sale
organising garage sale
organising a yard sale
how to plan before moving and packing
how do plan and organise your job

Simplify Your Life Week Coming up

It is 'Simplify your life' week in a few weeks so I thought it would be a good idea to plant the seed of how you might be able to simplify your life. In the Organizing field that usually means getting rid of excess clutter in your life, which most of us have a fair deal of.

You can imagine I conduct fairly regulalr clutter culls in my house, but I still can't quite believe how quickly the clutter accumulated between each such cull. It can creep up on you mighty quickly if you are not careful.

Even if you de-clutter a drawer or cupboard it is something and is a step in the right Organizing direction! If you manage to get more done - good for you. It depends on how busy you are, your motivations levels, your personality - all kinds of things so I know it's not EASY for everyone...

That said there are other ways you can simplify your life that don't have to do with clutter and organizing your life. You can simplify your life by not stretching your self so thin and taking on board too many things. Learning to say "No sorry I can't help with that right now", or "Sorry I have too much on my plate at the moment", can help you slow down just enough to catch your breath and perhaps do something you have been meaning to do for ages that will otherwise never get done. It's all about priorities and putting your own needs higher than what they probably are. You deserve some you time too. Not necessarily to get a massage but just to have 1/2 an hour to yourself to reflect and get clear on where you are and where you are heading.

I will be consciously simplifying my life over this time and hope that you do too.

Happy Organizing,
Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Organize Lists for Shire / Council Dealings to stay sane!

A friend is in the process of trying to get a permit to build on a block of land here and has been coming up against countless red tape, delays and frustrating hold ups. I really feel for her as we had some really long delays in our planning and building permits.

I was happy to be able to pass on some good tips and contacts we made through the process we went through - who compared to the majority of people we were trying to get help from - -were brilliant.

This reminded me of how important it was at the time that we went through this stressful experience with our local shire / council to keep detailed, organized and accurate records of each and every conversation I had with the various Shire staff and other related professionals. I used the self explanatory title Shire / Council Dealings Record List"" from my organizer to keep these records.

There were numerous times I needed to refer back to them to be able to say "Hang on a minute Joe bloe said on the 12/3 ...., contradicting what you are now saying..."
It gave us the ability to highlight the frustrations we had gone through to those higher up the chain and the mistakes that had been made on the Shires part in countless areas. In fact they were unaware of a by law which prohibited them from trying to get us to install a $40,000 storm water drain instead of a $10,000 one, causing us to waste 6 months!! Thankfully at least in part being able to refer to our details Lists during the saga, we eventual won out. It would have been so much more stressful without a record of all the conversations we had.

So if you are in a similar situation the best thing you can do for yourself is get some paper or a pad if need be - to keep it all in the one place and save your sanity -it definitely helped ours!

Happy Organizing,

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Organize Your Life: Telstra Business Women's Award Nomination

Organize Your Life has been fortunate to be nominated for the 2010 Telstra Business Women's Awards. I wish I could tell you who the lovely person was that nominated me but alas it was an anonymous nomination (try saying that 5 times after a glass of champagne!)

So to whoever you are, thank you very much. It is very kind of you and I hope I get to find out who you are one day!!

The submission was quite involved and took quite a while to put together, but was a great learning process. It's in the lap of the God's now!

Will keep you posted.

Claire

Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Remember to write a note to your loved ones....

I went away for a few days on a work trip recently, which took a fair bit of organizing I can tell you! I felt like I took everything but the kitchen sink!

But I must have packed well because I didn't forget anything and was able to bunker down without having to go out and buy any supplies during my stay. so I was able to do heaps of work, which after all was the main aim of the trip. Sightseeing would have been great, but I was a woman on a mission. I'm pleased to say I accomplished what I set out to so a big tick on my work to do list there!

Before I went away I wrote a note each to my hubby and two kiddies and popped them on their pillows. I wrote about how much I appreciated them allowing me to follow my dreams and take some time out alone and of course how much I loved them. It was so sweet when I called in on the first night and Matty our youngest said "thanks for the note MUM.I found it first!" they all really appreciated it and I'm so glad I was organized enough to do it.

Imagine if god forbid something happened to you. How nice for your family that they have something beautiful like that to keep. Bit morbid I know, but you never know when your number is up so little things like this count.

have you told your loved ones how much they mean to you recently?? If not go write a note of your own. they will love it!!

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Wonderful New Book - Naturally Better - Endorsed by Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman...and yours truly...Enter our Comp to win a copy!

I met a totally inspirational lady online a while back. Her name is Kristen Morrison and she is the author of newly released book Naturally Better. Kristen has had some amazingly high profile people endorse her book - for nothing - as they think it is so good; including Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman and Janella Purcell - Nutritionist from Biggest Loser. I was privileged to also review her wonderful book. See below for more.

As my regular readers will know I am just as passionate about helping empower people to improve their Health via Natural means - due to the firsthand, profound results I have achieved this was - as I am about organizing.... the healthier you are physically and mentally the better you handle life's challenges including staying organized!!

For a chance to win one of two copies of 'Naturally Better' simply sign up to our newsletter and see the details in Issue 87.

Naturally Better Reviews:-


‘This book is an invaluable source for anyone wanting to tackle and conquer the myriad of challenges that our kids face. Kristen has listened to her heart and followed her instincts in a holistic manner, on how to heal and assist her son in achieving his personal best! This family’s journey reminds us that we have the power to be the masters of our destiny and we instinctively know that there is much we can do that is not necessarily the road most travelled.’Deborra-Lee & Hugh Jackman


‘Kristen has shown us that with caring, patience and determination anything is possible. In my clinic everyday I see the healing potential of medicinal herbs, nutrition and other natural therapies, but when it’s mixed with a mother’s love and a positive attitude, well, the result is the miracle that is Gryffin Morrison.’
Janella Purcell, Biggest Loser Nutritionist
www.janellapurcell.com

& the long version of mine :)


“I wish Kristen Morrison’s book, Naturally Better was around when my children were diagnosed with numerous food preservative /colouring allergies and intolerance's, as well as some mild learning difficulties several years ago. It was so daunting trying to find out what was ‘wrong’ and working out what course of action was best for them. We ended up going down the Natural route as well with profound results. This prompted me to think how many kids are out there with even mild behavioural and learning issues that could be resolved using these types of strategies.

Natural Health solutions are not rocket science when you look into it but we need to be empowered and encouraged to consider them and utilise them by mainstream Health Professionals. Kristen’s story is inspiring to say the least. I couldn’t put the book down. I learned a lot I had no idea about that I can also implement into our children’s lives.

…..In her book, Kristen explains in easy to understand language what desperately needs to be mainstream knowledge about what we can do for our children (and ourselves) for optimum health, to be able to reach our full potential. The information shared with the reader is essential to help you take a more proactive role in you and your families health and well being.
Through sharing her heartfelt and inspiring story Kristen’s book will save you hundreds of hours and will change countless lives. Make sure you are one of them.”
Claire McFee Author ‘Organize Your Life’


Till next time, Happy Organizing.

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

Tips to deal with a dis-organized partner

I caught up with two friends recently and we ended up discussing how different males and females are (in general of course!) when it comes to organization, thinking ahead and multi-tasking. The difference can often be stark and a source of great frustration.

There are ways to help avoid pitfalls in these areas, which I wrote an article about a while back. I thought it may be helpful to you if you are in a similar situation and have a dis-organized partner and don’t know how to get them to tackle/ keep on top of their own stuff - without world war three! Enjoy!

"10 Steps To Help You Deal With A Disorganized Partner.”
by Claire McFee

I have had numerous emails asking me for advice on what to do when you are organized but your other half isn't. Below are some tips on what you can do that may help if this is applicable to you and is driving you nuts. Please keep in mind that you can only change your own behaviour, not someone else's. Having said that remember that by altering your behaviour you may then help someone else react differently, thereby changing theirs.

1. Go in with a positive attitude - not with a negative one assuming the worst before you have even begun, because your partner will pick up on this. (review “How to get motivated and set goals”on ways to psyche yourself up for the challenge ahead.)

2. Lead by example and occasionally (& subtly) point out some of the changes you have made in your routine or the clutter you have tackled, and how much less stressed and how much better you feel finally dealing with it.

3. Initially keep up your own good work without expecting your partner to notice or even comment about it let alone miraculously do the same thing. Gradually ask for help.
For example ask them to go through that pile of papers of theirs on the kitchen table, (then move onto bigger jobs like the garage down the track. (Be prepared to help your partner go through their things with them and remember to help them be ruthless in the filing and/or binning of it all.)

4. Have your own "to do" list somewhere your partner can see it and over time start a separate one for them (don't make it overwhelmingly long or this may frighten them off!) The fridge is a good place to put this. Tick off the jobs for both of you as you go - (if your partner hasn't done theirs already.)

5. Write down a time-line for the jobs on your lists. Yours may be weekly but your partners may initially need to be monthly. If the jobs haven't been done within this time, it may highlight to them how much time has passed and how little has been done, which may help jog their memory to tackle the tasks sooner rather than later.

6. Be clear about your intentions and when you think the time is right, ask for your partners help. (Remember not to nag or you won't get anywhere!!) For example you could say- "I'm hoping to re-organize some of my things this weekend. Would you be able to help me go through some of your things at the same time? Then I'll know what I can take to the op shop and/or throw away of yours along with my stuff."

Happy Organizing

Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers

What would I do without my trusted to do List?!!?

The list of To Do’s we all have to tend to these days can boarder on ridiculous. Although it would be lovely not to need the good only paper based to do list, unless you are born with a photographic memory or similar it’s impossible to remember what needs to be done without one!!

Here’s a snap shot of a recent daily to-do list, which no doubt is similar to yours. We really do have to fit a lot into a day don’t we!!!

To do 1 : Get a card and present for daughters friend’s birthday
To do: 2 Get bday card for father in law –stamp/send
To do 3: Call Telstra
To do 4: Call Powercore
To do 5: Pay 12 bills for new house!
To do 6: Have friend over for bday lunch
To do 7: Edit eBook
To do 8: Liaise with website technical contractor to fix some website issues
To do 9: Call Naturopath –order homeopathics
To do 10: Arrange visit to vet for kittens
To do 11: arrange to borrow portable cat carrier from friend to transport said kittens 1 hr to closest vet!

Gosh it feels good to tick off things as you get them done though doesn’t it.

I honestly couldn’t cope without my To Do List/s. they give me clarity and direction and ease of mind, knowing I have written down what needs to be done, so I know I won’t forget. This frees up my mind up for other things and I’m sure you are the same. If not give a To Do List a go and notice the difference in brain fog lifting and energy levels rising. When I first came up with the idea for my organizer 10 years ago, I couldn’t believe the difference in both these areas. It was nothing short of astounding.

As Psychologist Molly Campbell said on A Current Affair about Organize Your Life:-

“Once you get started it's self-motivating…. as you start ticking off the things you have accomplished your energy starts to go up, and then you're off and running.."

So true.

Anyway back to my beloved to do list and what needs to be done next…

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers

Organizing a good Homework routine with your kids

Organizing a good homework routine with your kids

With the two kids and the usual afterschool sports and recreation (my 10 yo had surfing lessons at the local beach for a term recently–how lucky is that!), sometimes homework gets pushed to the side.

If you’ve got a daughter anything like mine - who is very good as distracting/changing the subject and finding excuses to do anything but homework, this can lead to leaving homework till too late and feeling very stressed out trying to get the homework done in time. Emma has partly developed these strategies of avoiding homework due to a reading problem she has –(similar to dyslexia) which, over the years, has led to a dislike of normal learning methods in general. You have to come round the ‘back door’ with Emma to get her to have a go – something apparently my parents tell me they had to do with me in many ways (doh!).

With my husband having been working 12/13 hour days building our house, this has meant more household jobs have fallen to me that we would normally share, so fitting in adequate time to do homework together is more challenging. I have to be strict (ie; organized!) about doing it at certain times and not letting Emma get out of it, but not be too strict or risk a toxic learning environment. It hasn’t been easy I can tell you.

I don’t know about you – if you have a child/ren who avoid homework like the plague too) but there’s quite an art to finding the right balance between being a fun to be around mum and being a nagging, not so nice to be around mum when it comes to homework routines and expectations. Emma has had a lot of extra ‘homework’ with programs she has done to help her get ahead so by the time school homework comes around she’s really over it. Trying to ‘teach’ your own child can be challenging to say the least. I have to pick my times and be very careful not to correct everything she does incorrectly or this can be taken as criticism to a child who is sensitive about ALWAYS being wrong. What I have found that works quite well on those days when the standard homework is just not going to get done, is playing a game such as hangman or monopoly. This give Emma an opportunity to practice her reading and spelling in a more indirect way.

Have you experienced this issue? If so what strategies have you used to work around your children’s homework issues? What organizing tips do you have to share?

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers

Win a Copy of New Book "You Sexy Mother - The Journal"'

WIN A COPY OF "YOU SEXY MOTHER - THE JOURNAL"
By Switched on Author Jodie Hedley-Ward

For a chance to win Simply email your name and postcode to info@organizeyourlife.com.au (Australain Residents only sorry :( )

The winner will be chosen randomly and notified by 5pm next Friday

The exciting news I mentioned in my last post is that a review I wrote for Jodie's book is on the front cover! It's a bit hard to see the small print ! but the quote says:-

"You Sexy Mother has so many pearls of wisdom in it, it feels like you are wearing a beautiful invisible pearl necklace around your neck after reading it...A must-read for all mothers."

For more info about Jodie's Inspiring work and also the MotherHood Study she has spear-headed go to her website here. www.yousexymother.com.au

Good Luck and Happy Organizing

Claire

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers

Treasure each moment :- None of us know how long we or our loved ones have

We are sadly off to a funeral for a very young boy who died of a terminal illness. I have never been to a funeral for a someone so young and can not imagine how devastated his family are.

Remember to treasure your family and friends and not take each other for granted as we can sometimes do when we get to busy and wrapped up in our own lives.

Life is short and unexpected, sad things sometimes happen. Treasure each moment.....

Claire :(

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers

We are finally in our new House - yippee!

Well we officially moved into our new house today. I feel like I've been in a time warp for the past few weeks in particular. Being the fourth move in four years you'd think moving house would be a breeze but it has been the biggest and most challenging by far. Worth it though!!

Must give my hubby a huge pat on the back for building it from scratch and doing such an amazing job - especially under a lot of 'pressure' at various stages of the job - We made it to this point fully intact though. Thanks NeePee!

I am soooo looking forward to getting back to a more normal/predictable work routine -after all it's my passion - and I have missed not being able to devote as much time as usual to it lately.

oh and I got a lovely surprise during the week - more on that next post. Off to rest my weary bones after much heavy lifting, cleaning and sorting!!

Bye for now.
Happy Organizing,
Claire McFee
http://www.organizeyourlife.com.au

Organize Your Life Organizer Review

My Friends Jayne and Val over at Guilt Free Business Mother's have put together some lovely words to describe our Organize Your Life e- Organizer. If their words ring true with you, come visit our website and see what we are all about and how we Organize Your Life may be able to help you.

"Are you a list maker with great ideas about things you need to do?
I am. Trouble was, I would write the lists on bits of paper then forget where I'd 'filed' them. Now that's OK if it's the shopping list. But when the lists cover things you might only think about once a year, what then? Great ideas are often lost forever.
I do have a goal book. But my contact list wasn't easy to update. There were also some things about my husband (clothing sizes, preferences) that I would never seem to remember.
But Claire McFee, one of our favourite GFBM Collective experts, is helping me overcome all that with her oh-so-comprehensive Organize Your Life planning system.
Her e-organisers help you keep track of family, money, home and self. And it's that 'self' part that I wanted to mention today.

When I first started using it, I couldn't believe how comprehensive it way. Right down to listing what you want at your funeral! How sensible is that? And what a load it would take off your loved-ones! If you could do with a really comprehensive system, check out Organize Your Life.

Claire has been offering this system for a decade now so it's well tested. And the best thing for me is her advice: you don't have to do it all at once--but at least you know where to find it all and keep building on it!"

Thanks Gals. :)

Till next Time. Happy organizing.

Claire McFee
Author Organize Your Life

Motivated in Minutes Over 1,000 tips on how to get motivated and organized

I recently found a great Organizing / Motivational website with heaps of great resources - Motivation 123. Check them out here.

One of their prodcuts whihc stood out to me was this one. Let me know what you think.

GET MOTIVATED IN MINUTES
Discover over 1,000 quick and easy tips and ideas to help you get and stay motivated - in minutes! It takes just a single idea to start the chain reaction that changes your life, and now you can have over 1,000 at your fingertips.

For more information:
Visit Motivation 123 Here
"Your book has opened my eyes to new ideas that really work. So much information and so easy to digest. I thank you and your organization"

MaryLynn Nelson


Happy organizing

Claire McFee

Author Organize Your Life Organizers

Routine or No routine? Routine any day I say...well most days.

One of my favourite writers - Stephanie Dowrick, wrote a great piece in her Inner Life column in The Age Newspaper recently titled, "The bliss of a routine Life." Stephanie sums up things in such an eloquent but practical way - tying up all those loose ends about how our physical, mental and spiritual worlds can coexist together for the best results.

A lot of people confuse the goal to get organized with being anal and lacking in flexibility and spontaneity. I wholeheartedly disagree with this black and white assertion. The absolute majority of us who try to better Organize Our Lives, do so knowing our lives will never be perfect, nor do we want to be. We however know that making an effort to get organized, can make a huge difference to our satisfaction levels in our life / or our happiness quotient as others refer to it as.

Good organization and routines go hand in hand. In my view, just as much for most adults as it does for children. Stephanie's article mainly focused on the benefits of good routines for those with children, but I believe her ideas cover us all no matter what age. For those of you with children though, here is one few of my favourite quotes from Stephanie's article.

"It is incredibly helpful to parents, and soothing and stabilising for the child, to have predictable rhythms to most days' events." Dowrick goes on to say that although our modern busy lives seem to be at odds with this philosophy the two can go together. Albeit with a bit of pre-planning, organization and of course effort!

"It is understandable that parents should rate flexibility so highly. It's how we tend to live our adult lives, hurtling from one thing to another, multi-tasking madly and responding to what's most urgent, rather than what's most important...."

We can trick ourselves into thinking we are coping just fine with our incessantly busy lives but increasing stress levels; mental illness and stress related physical diseases tell us otherwise.

So it is in all our best interest, kids or no kids to take some time-out occasionally and to pre-plan your day, week etc and see if you can notice the difference in your happiness quotient at the same time.

The more satisfied you are with your life, the better able you are to want to get organized in the first place - as well as have the motivation to stay organized. It's all inter-related of course!

Happy Organizing.

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers

Current Competitions that can WIN you a complete Organize Your Life e Organizer and more!

Insight Magazine has a fantastic Mother's Day competition running. The prizes of which are worth over $3,000 - including a complete Organize Your Life eOrganizer set. For details got the the Insight Magazine Website here.

There is also another competition running at the moment that can also win you a free Organize Your Life e Organizer. The Competition is being run by the Coupon Clippin Mommy Blog. It's easy to enter so what are you waiting for!

Happy Organizing,

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers

Organize Your Life Fan Page

We finally have a Facebook Fan Page, which is linked to this Blog. So if you are a facebook fan and like the way they operate you can keep in touch that way too. Got to love technology. I even have what they call a Facebook Vanity URL (funny name hey!) for it which is Organize Your Life Fan Page

Charly Leetham of Ask Charly help me set it up. Here is Charly's Facebook Fan Page to check out all her great free techie tips. Charly is a Website techie wizard(ress)who makes the scary seem WAY less so. Thanks a million Charly!

...Busy with a sick child home this week, so got to go tend to him. :)

bye for now,

Claire

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers

Organize Your Life in the Media again - this time about Children and Pocket Money

I was asked to comment for Cheryl Crithcley's Herald Sun parenting Column again. This time on children and pocket money - titled "Cash or chaos?"

Coincidentally Kimberley Davies - x-Neighbours actor - was on the front cover of the Lift Out the article was in - who I was friends with at middle school - In fact we used to dress up as the characters from Anne of Green Gables and act our the story on her parents farm. I'm pleased to see how well she has done over the years. Kim comes from a lovely family -I actually had a crush on one of her brothers way back when. Ahh memories!

Social Analyst David Clarke was also quoted in the article saying "Chores are less of a priority now because kids spend so much time social networking, busy families no longer follow strict routines and life is a lot more ad hoc". Not that it's a good thing though!! He went on to say the "helping around the house is an important part of learning life skills, and pocket money also teaches about finances..."

Less bribing children to do chores and making it part of being in a family and being responsible for their things is important too.

For more tips on how to teach your child about money and when the best time is to start giving your child pocket money, read this article on our Organize Your Life Website.

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers

Organize Your Life Statement of Endorsement from MotherInc; Parenting ideas and more!

Over the years our Organize Your Life Organizer ; Life Planner ; Organizing System -whatever you want to call it !! - has been reviewed and endorsed by lots of lovely people. Here is a recap for our new subscribers / followers:-

Organize Your Life Reviews and Endorsements

"A little bit of sanity returns to the home when you feel your life is organized. Organize Your Life is a whole lot cheaper than therapy!"
MotherInc Founder Claudia Keech

The Organize Your Life Organizer is endorsed by Media Personalities Rebecca LeTourneau - Ch7 Sunrise

& Well known Parenting Expert & Author Michael Grose from Parenting Ideas.

Rebecca Says:-

"I thought Claire said Organize Your Wife, and thought, 'I must get one of those, a wife is just what I need.'

Then she gave me her Organizer. It is the most useful 'organ' I have ever met, I may never need another.

Take my home, take my husband, but please don't take my Organizer.

I would rather give my toddler my entire make-up kit, jewellry box and zip drive for a day, than allow her

a second to tamper with my organizer. Get the picture.Filofax is just another 'F' word to me now -

get Organize Your Life! and control the chaos."

Michael Grose says:-

"Organize Your Life is a comprehensive guide to getting your life under control....The ultimate Organizer, including personal, family, work, health and a whole lot more. A must!"



Claire spoke at Global Company Quiksilver (Parent company of Popular Brand Roxy)

"When we asked Claire McFee to come and speak to Quiksilver’s Inspiring Women Group, we didn’t realise just how inspiring she would be!!!! Claire was exceptionally generous not only with giving up her time but also in sharing her journey with us . This was our very first gathering of women who are looking for inspiration, motivation, support and encouragement and Claire ticked all of these boxes! Claire was down to earth, friendly and really related to our group – thanks again Claire for being such an Inspiring Woman!"

Thanks for the tick of endorsement guys!

Claire McFee Author
Organize Your Life Organizers