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.

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

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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