Life's 'Problen Solvers' - including Professional Organizers

You may have read an interesting article in The Age's 'M' magazine a little while back about 'Problem Solvers', not surprisingly including Professional Organizers, or P.O's as they are commonly known.

Organize Your Life are members of both the Australasian Association of Professional Organisers (AAPO) and the American equivalent NAPO and have met/had contact with countless PO's over the years. As a result and can vouch for the great work they do with their clients - usually everyday people like you and me -who just need a helping hand to keep on top of their home affairs due to leading such busy lives.

These days, hiring a cleaner, dog groomer or an image consultant is becoming part of everyday life for many people. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1:5 Australians works more than 50 hours a week. That’s a lot of people with very little spare time for chores and errands. The rise in the outsourcing of all manner of domestic help is linked to more and more women in the workforce, rather than at home as in the past having more time to do the household chores etc. So people are basically buying back time chewed up by all we have to fit into our busy lives.

If you fit into this category then go to http://www.organizeyourlife.com.au/australianorganisers for a list of great Australian Professional Organisers.

If you need some motivation to Start the Organizing process yourself you may like to read my article "How to Organize Your Home"

Here is a snippet for you -

How to Organize your Home

by Claire McFee

Home is truly where the heart is. It can be welcoming or overwhelming depending on how we organize our time, possessions and our psyche. The ultimate goal for ourselves is to have a home that calms and soothes us, but equally invigorates us and excites us about our future and where we are heading. For most of us mere mortals this doesn’t just ‘happen’ miraculously, it takes a bit of effort and of course Organization. With guidance it’s easier than you would think. Here are some points to think about in this important life area.

Keep on top of your ‘Stuff’

Too many possessions can be the death of a person. It is imperative to continuously ‘move on’ items that are not used or are broken beyond repair.

Do regular ‘Culls’

The average home needs to do 2-3 clear outs per year to maintain a semi-clutter free space for you and/or your family.

Get the Family on Board

If you have a partner and kids it’s only fair that it is a team effort to have a happy, well functioning household. Setting a good example is imperative here and also taking into account different personality types plays a big part too. If you have a child who couldn’t find his own teeth to brush if they weren’t attached to his head then allowing some leeway for his room to not have to be perfectly sorted everyday. Pick your battles!!

‘One in one out’ Rule

A good general idea to stick to is whenever you buy a new item for the house, you need to pass on a similar older item. This can apply to clothing; toys; books; old tools; jewellery; kitchen appliances etc.

To read full article go to "How to Organize Your Home"

Organizing Overboard!

I have long been a fan of Good Weekend Writer Stephanie Dowrick and this weekend her ever-thoughtful column was related to Home Organizing in an article titled "The tyranny of Tidiness."


The article espoused healthy 'untidy' homes, as opposed to unhealthy ones. I must say I agree with her comment that "The ordinary tumble of daily life does not fall into that (hoarding) category. I say we should not be servants to our homes! Rather, homes should serve, happily - those who live in them." Having a slightly dis-organized home does not mean you live in constant chaos and need 'help', it simply means you are busy like everyone else and are choosing to 'live' life (at least some of the time) rather than be a slave to it.

Some people can go overboard when it comes to having a well presented home and overly house proud. There is a fine line between being house proud and being obsessive about it to the point of not 'living' ones life as a result. As one of my favourite quotes says "On your death bed, what will you remember more the sparkle of your kitchen floor, or the sparkle in your children's eyes."

Yes of course it helps to have a home that is organized to a degree, as long as there is room for 'real life' to fit into it, without the worry of how it will 'look' to others. Make sure your tidy/untidy, organized/dis-organized house expectations of yourself and others are realistic, and if not, stop giving yourself such a hard time - Life's too short!

Organize to buy healthy children's cereal with help from The Parent's Jury

Heard of The Parent Jury? They are a fantastic advocate for Australian Families. Their most recent Parent's Poll has announced the 'Worst Cereal offender'. I don't know about you but I have to closely watch what my kids eat or we suffer the consequences. I have to be really organized when I go shopping - with a list of nasty additives that they are allergic or intolerant to - a sadly long list. I use a great business card sized list that you can easily print out online by going to this link. http://www.smartsnacks.com.au/site/Page.aspx?PageId=22

Parent Jury joined nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton as part of an ongoing campaign to reveal the truth behind the marketing spin on popular children's food and drink products. They compared the on-pack claims on 14 children's cereals, nominated by members of The Parents Jury, with their actual ingredients and key information on the Nutrition Information Panels.

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal was announced as the outright worst offender, with its traditional reputation as ‘Iron Man Food' that 'helps fuel growing boys' unable to stand up to its very low fibre content and high levels of sugar and sodium. Despite a re-formulation, Nestle Milo cereal was also criticised for its brazen packaging that features many ticks and statements about its wholegrain and fibre content, as well as the lines 'nutritious energy cereal' and 'now better 4 you'. With its 30 per cent sugar content Milo cereal cannot claim any "superior moral ground for good nutrition".

Along with the The Parents Jury, I strongly support the introduction of a mandatory 'front of pack' traffic light food labelling system that uses red, amber and green colour coding to rate levels of fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium on packaged foods, enabling consumers to make informed choices at a glance. The more consumers let themselves be heard the quicker these important changes will be made. It's worth finding the time by being organized to do this. Go to http://www.parentsjury.org.au/ for more info. The 'Choice' Magazine website has a lot of useful information too. Go to http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=106322&catId=100228&tid=100008

I organized to sponsor a child through World Vision!

I'm really excited about getting myself organized to Sponsor a needy child through World Vision. His name is Frank Luis and he is 8 years of age and lives in Peru. To be honest I don't know why I didn't take this step earlier. We donate to many good causes but for some reason stopped short of this commitment.

Maybe it's partly due to the wake up call of The Australian Black Saturday Fires, which reminded me of just how much we have here in Australia and that we can ALWAYS spare more.

So although we are a bit cash strapped building a new house, we can find and extra ~$10 per week for such a good cause. It's about organizing your priorities really - spending less on those ice creams for the kids or that coffee for yourself, or the expensive bottle of wine you don't really need.

I'm not sure exactly what it is, but as you will see from my last few posts, there is a them of being proactive in an environmental and social way. I have taken an interest in, and actively participated in many ways in these areas over the years, as I've always felt compelled to help others and know that we all can individually and therefore collectively make a difference. The encouraging thing is that more and more people are doping the same thing. Mainstream media really seem to be taking these issues seriously and help promote all manner of important causes in a way they rarely did say 5 years ago. The media CAN be a great influence for good when it wants to and should be encouraged for that.

Anyway back to our sponsor child. I was thrilled to learn that through World Vision you can organize to send e-letters, which are translated for you and then sent via snail mail, which I know my kids will love helping to do. They will love even more, the responses we get in return telling us about the life of our new friend on the other side of the world. I will keep you posted with what we learn about him and in turn about ourselves.

Did you organize yourself to participate in Earth Hour

Another Earth Hour has come and gone. It is growing at a rapid rate which is very encouraging. Go to http://www.earthhour.org/home/ to read more about the wonderful work they organize year to year, growing all the while. Not surprsiingly I will mention that, yes, it takes organization to be procative about these sorts of things, so that we can get up and make ourselves heard. If we are dis-organized and overwhlemed then the likihood of doing this is slim. Another great reason to organize your life!

Here are some impressive stats for you, showing we really do care about the future of our planet. Well done World!

• Around 55% (309) of Australia's local councils committed to Earth Hour, demonstrating strong regional support across the country
• All Australian capital cities participated in Earth Hour
• 99 of the ASX100 companies registered their participation
• Australia's major icons switched off: the Opera House and Harbour Bridge (Sydney), St Kilda's Luna Park and Flinders Street Station (Melbourne), Story Bridge (Brisbane), Parliament House (Canberra), WA State Memorial (Perth), Rundle Mall Lantern (Adelaide).
• Key achievements of Earth Hour 2009 internationally:
  3929 cities, towns and municipalities in 88 countries across the globe
  70 national capitals participated
  18 out of 20 G20 countries took part 9 out of 10 of the world's most populated cities switched off
• The world's most famous landmarks went dark: the Pyramids and the Sphinx (Egypt), Eiffel Tower (France), Vatican (Italy), Acropolis (Greece), Big Ben (UK), the Las Vegas Strip and Empire State Building (USA), Christ the Redeemer (Brazil), Bird's Nest (China) and the Petronas Twin Towers (Malaysia).

In other exciting world news forwarded to me by a colleague "The Evolutionary Leaders Counsel has been asked by the Obama administration to offer information on what is taking place on the planet and how we can change it. They requested a signed petition offering information on how many people are in favour of the changes suggested. Please read the information below that was submitted to the Obama administration.

If you agree with it click the following link where you will be able to sign the petition. I have! Go Obama! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/248704259

World Prayer Day 2009

I attended my first World Prayer Day this year at our local Catholic Church, where our two other church parishioners attended as well. Although 'busy' like everybody else I organized my schedule so that I could attend and am certainly glad I did so.

I did not go to church as a child and am non-denominational, so it was all quite new to me. I love the concept of countless people all praying for the same thing. Every year they pray for a specific country and their needs. This year it was Paupa New Guinea and we heard about some recent efforts of a local Rotary Club that had gone over to help with one of the hospitals there.

Knowing that there are studies that have been conducted with thousands of participants, whereby they have prayed for the one area at the one time , which has led to a 25% decrease in crime - for example in New York - is amazing and exciting. It certainly can't hurt, so why don't you give it a try next year. I know I will. It was lovely to connect with other locals, particularly the older generation to show them that we do care. Having a cup of tea afterwards and learning about them and their lives was an important aspect of the day as well.

Organize Your Clothes Wardrobe

I have been helping my husband (a builder) with a couple of internal and external wall frames for our new house (to be completed by the end of the year.) It's surprisingly exciting seeing where everything is - in particular my office and walk in robe. Those of you have been following me for a while now, know that I am bargain Queen from way back and especially love finding clothing treasures in Op shops. So as you can imagine, I have a few clothes to store and keep organized. We have been renting for a few years while preparing to build/building and I have had the smallest closet ever during that time,so I am looking forward to being able to organize my clothes in a more orderly manner. then I will be able to see everything I have and actually wear all the clothes I have spent my hard earned money on! My shoes will even have a special home raised off the floor so they can be seen properly.

What I have had to do in the meantime is separate my Summer clothes, so that they fit into the closet/wardrobe. This works well, although it has it's drawbacks when you live in Victoria as I do, when there are often 4 seasons in one day, leaving you without easy access to everything you own and reducing your clothing options big time. You manage of course, but the thought of not having to store my clothes in separate areas in my new new walk in robe is blissful!

See my article on Organizing Your Clothes Closet at our Organize Your Life website: http://www.organizeyourlife.com.au/organizeyourclothescloset

I would love to hear your clothes/wardrobe/closet storage and organizing solutions, so tell us your secrets.

How to Organize Your Home Life

I am still on a New Year's 'high', with our new family routines still going supurbly well. What a difference a year makes with the kids and what they are able to take responsibility for as they get older. They are getting so much better at tidying up after themselves and organizing their own stuff. I must say I'm really proud of them. They definitely have a happier mum as a result! Below is an article on how to Organize Your Home Life if you need some more pointers.

bye for now,
Claire

Organize Your Life Author

How to Organize your Home

Home is truly where the heart is. It can be welcoming or overwhelming depending on how you organize your time, clutter} and our psyche/mind. The ultimate goal for ourselves is to have a home that calms and soothes us, but equally invigorates us and excites us about our future and where we are heading. For most of us mere mortals, this doesn’t just ‘happen’ miraculously, it takes effort, time and of course Organization With help, it’s easier than you would think. Here are some tips to think about in this important life area.

Keep on top of your ‘Stuff’
Too many possessions can be the death of a person. It is imperative to constantly pass on items that are not used or are broken beyond repair.

Do {regular/constant} ‘Culls’
The average home needs to do 2-3 clear outsculls per year to maintain clutter free space for you and/or your family.


Get the Family on Board
If you have a partner and kids it’s only fair that it is a team effort to have a happy, well functioning household. Setting a good example is imperative here and also taking into account different personality types plays a big part too. If you have a child who couldn’t find his own teeth to brush if they weren’t attached to his head then allowing some leeway for his room to not to be perfectly sorted every day. Pick your fights!!

‘One in one out’ Rule
A good general idea to stick to is whenever you buy a new item for the house, you need to get rid of a similar older item. This can apply to clothing; toys; books; old tools; jewellery; kitchen appliances etc.

Be patient
It takes approximately 21 days to create a new habit, so give yourself time to get used to any new routine that you implement to improve your household organization.

Everything in its place, everything has a place
It’s surprising how out of place things look when not put away when there is a home for everything. It’s so much easier to keep on top of cleaning; tidying; organizing your home when you have this underlying rule to live by. Similar to the saying “A penny saved is a penny earned now” is - “A minute spent now is a hour saved later” – seriously!

Keep it simple
Consciously create more control over where you are heading and what you let into your life and therefore your home. By this I mean for example, if particular family and friends have a draining effect on you then consider cutting down the amount of time you spend with them. We can only help others so much and many don’t want to be helped anyway. You need to learn to put yourself first and not see this as a selfish thing to do – you can learn to do it in a healthy, positive way. Your organized home and anyone in it will thank you for it!

Act Locally think Globally
None of us can plead ignorance when it comes to the effect we are having on the planet anymore. So when buying anything for the home, don’t only think about whether you need or really want it, but also consider the effect of your consumerism on the wider world. It may make you think twice. Collectively we can make a huge difference. And ultimately create a happier home life through your thoughtful actions and organizing efforts.

It’s easier than you think to organize your life. So stop thinking about it and just do it!

For more Organizing Articles Click here.

Organize Yourself to Help the Fire Victims

The devastating recent Bush fires across Australia have stirred so many into action -donating their time and money to help those affected. I am sure you are part of this group of wonderful Australians too. In case you weren't aware, many Community Houses / Community Centres are becoming 'collection points' for donations, so if you have one near you, then grab a bag and put in as many of the following items that are in desperate need for all the displaced families. I am off to drop some items off now.

Items such as: toiletries - tampons, pads, nappies, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, brushes, new underwear of all sizes, non perishables, new electrical appliances - kettles, toasters, fry pans - if you have good working order appliances these are needed it just means they then need to be checked and tagged, non perishable foods, life long milk, clothing - though they have large amounts already donated.

Remember: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Having a Fire Plan in place is crucial, so take this time to think about Organizing one if you haven't.


If you want to read any articles on home and life organizing then go to our Organize Your Life Website to select from over 100 organizing articles.

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

Make the Op Shop you best friend for effective Organizing

School is back today - Yippee - After 6 weeks with the kids home I'm in need of some uninterrupted time to Organize my Home, the business and my life! It helped that I got the kids to help me do some de-cluttering over the weekend and we got rid of 3 bags full for the ops shop and two bin fulls of paperwork. I never tire of how good it feels to organize myself to another level, free of 'Stuff'.

I just dropped the 'stuff' to the Op-shop, with my friends saying even for me that was Super-organized. A new 'Before School Job List' made this morning go extremely smoothly. It was an easy routine for the kids to follow that made such a difference! Camping with the kids over the School Holidays (and having to be really organized to actually enjoy the experience. It was instrumental in preparing the kids for a bit extra responsibility once back at home. I have written an article on these back to school organizing tips - along with getting your house organized after holidays.

Read on for more tips...

Organize for a relaxing Camping Trip”
By Claire McFee

My husband and two young children have just gone on our first camping trip together, and my first full stop, so it’s been an eye opening experience of why so many people are converts to living in the outdoors whenever they can. The benefits are many and there are of course pitfalls, With the right mindset and good preparation and organizing before during and after your trips can make the difference between a relaxing and enjoyable holiday for everyone involved or a stressful time that you never want to repeat again!! We had a ball I’m happy to say and met lovely like-minded people along the way which is part of the appeal! Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way and from more experienced campers as well.

Less is best
With very limited space taking as little as possible is obviously one of the most important rules of thumb. Even though it can cost a bit more to buy food once at your destination, within reason it can save a lot of angst about storing everything by buying as you go.

Worst case/best case Weather scenarios
We all hope to have good weather when camping, but the elements love to throw in a few surprises just to test our endurance. With this in mind be sure to pack thermal underwear for those frosty nights and hooded jackets and scarves for cold windy days.

Be wary of excess gadgets
If you go to any of the outdoor chain stores there is all manner of excess gadgets to supposedly make life easier. In some cases they do, but you need to be mindful of where all these gadgets will; live because the one thing that can make a camping holiday stressful it’s too much stuff to store, clean and maintain. You would be surprised at how inventive you can be if you have to be. The things I‘ve seen people do with a bit of string and some wire!!

Back up Easy meals
Having a couple of tins of baked beans for quick and easy meals is handy for those nights when you are spent from a day of high activity, so make sure you pack a few for these ‘emergencies’.

Card/board games
Camping is a great time to get back to basics and enjoy making your own fun –especially with young kids. So pack a few basics and make sure you get them out of a night time and of course on those unexpected cold and raining days.

Journaling/Paper and pencils
Keeping a diary of sorts of your trip - which can accompany the photos you take along the way for the kids to show their teachers is a great idea for some educational activity in amongst it all as well.

Camping Etiquette
Use your common sense when it comes to camping etiquette. Unfortunately alcohol can hinder reason, so before you get into the evening wind-down - usually involving a glass of wine or a beer, have your limits and stick to them. ‘Oh it’ll be fine’ roaring with laughter all night doesn’t cut it the next day living in close quarters.

Midnight Tinkles
If you are partial to needing the toilet during the night, the last thing you want to do is have to go to the toilet block on your own in the dark. Therefore having a bucket of sorts (filled with some water for dilution purposes) is a great idea. Cover with a tea towel or lid if possible and empty into the toilets along with the rest of the campers the next morning. Putting the toilet paper into a separate bag helps make this process a little less messy.


Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

Camping and Organization - can they go together!?

We are now back from our first camping trip, which was great. I must say the whole camping experience made me realize - as much as I like to think I'm never anal about anything - that I definitely can be.

I quickly realized that things can get out of control in an instant when camping, because the space is so darn small. I had to set some ground rules with hubby and the kids early on, so that I didn't lose the plot daily. Putting things back where they belong and getting into a good organized routine with everyone having certain jobs to do on a daily basis was imperative - if we wanted to actually enjoy our camping trip together. Being organized was paramount that's for sure.

My first camping experience was a real eye opener. I chilled out a bit by the end of the holiday but it made me realize how much I was still picking up after others and that I did not want that to continue. They are old enough to do it themselves - especially hubby!

We have new routines in place at home learned from our camping trip, which will make my life much easier.

For more articles on how to organize your life, organize your home, organize your money or organize yourself go to our Organize Your Life website with over 100 Organizing articles to choose from.

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

Organize a great Camping Trip

We are on holiday at Wilson's Prom in Victoria. It's my first camping trip ever so it's interesting to see how it all works. If ever good Organization is needed it's when camping. The space is obviously so much smaller than what you are used to living in, therefore it gets untidy so much quicker. Everyone needs to be conscious of putting things back where they belong or it's impossible to function and relax and enjoy yourself. We are in a caravan with a full Annex, which is a Godsend. It's where all our clothes bags and kids toys can go and of course the potty for those night time toilet visits!

Campers are a friendly bunch and you can hear families singing to the guitar at night, which is lovely to listen to. Trees are a precious commodity to dry clothes, so bringing lots of rope for that and all other manner of things is a must. For a first timer I am actually pleased with remembering to pack most things we need. The good thing is you can make do or a nice 'neighbour' will lend it to you.

The kids are taking on more responsibility than I expected - made easier by the lower sink and bench tops. We have the whole washing, drying and putting away down pat which is great and is something we will be able to carry on at home.

If you are a camping veteran and have the packing down to a fine art, I'd love to hear your packing tips and ways to save time.

Organize what's Important for a great 2009

A good friend of mine gave me the best book for Christmas and it's really got me thinking about what goals I would like to achieve for my family and business in 2009. The book is called 'Eat, Pray and Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I am usually pretty relaxed about New Year's resolutions, so that I can enjoy the school holidays with the kids and family friends etc, without placing restrictions on myself left, right and centre. This will not change, although after reading the book, I will have 'family cohesiveness and personal balance' on my mind in a more relaxed but conscientious way during this time. If you have read the book, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it and what you 'got' from it. If you haven't read Eat Pray Love then I highly recommend you buy or borrow it and have a read.

For my tips on How to Set your New Year's Resolutions and Goals in general, go to our Organize Your Life website.

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

Organize to say "Grace" - especially at Christmas Time

Well the first Christmas Lunch I hosted this year was a great success. I took my own advice and took a relaxed approach to the Christmas preparations. In fact during the day as I was coordinating efforts in the kitchen I said "Isn't this meant to be stressful!?" To which, we all laughed because it was the opposite. We were all really relaxed, doing our bit to pull it all together. Great to know I can do it without my foodie mum or sisters.

Now onto Organizing your self and your mind sufficiently enough to give thanks for what you are eating and lucky enough to have in front of you with relative ease and affordability. Julie (my business partner) and I were talking about this the other day. I was saying it's a shame with the decrease in people practicing religion so too has the practice of saying 'Grace', even though the two don't have to go hand in hand. Jules told me that her hubby and 4 kids say 'Grace' whenever they eat together which is most nights, even though they aren't Church goers. I had been thinking about wanting to do the same thing, namely to teach the children about the concept of gratitude and to instill the ritual of eating together as they grow up.

My mother and father in law are Church goers and although we have never said 'Grace' when we eat together, I thought it would be nice to ask Bill to say 'Grace' before Christmas lunch. He was really chuffed that I'd asked and he did it really well. As mentioned, this thought had only recently occurred to me and I think this was because of my organized, but relaxed approach to hosting Christmas this year. I am scheduling in reflection time which I think is a brilliant way to to stay still for long enough to organize your thoughts to think of these sorts of things. I wish I'd started earlier, but better late than never!

I hope your Christmas was all you hoped for and more.

If you would like to read more about how to Organize stress free Christmas you may like to read my article "5 Tips on How to Enjoy Christmas more by Simplifying & Re-organizing it!"

5 Tips on How to Enjoy Christmas more by Simplifying & Re-organizing it!

Too many people I know, and probably many of you as well, do too much leading up to Christmas, and especially on the actual day. That's not what Christmas is supposed to be about. So begin by re-organizing your expectations of what Christmas is supposed to be like and start to make a few changes this year and a few more the next and so on, and see if you can do something to change that!

1. Think about sharing the Christmas food preparation each year


For those of you who spread around the location of your Christmas celebration, so that the person who has it a particular year doesn't dread their turn!! Organize everyone to each take a couple of dishes each to ease the burden.

2. Think about the actual food that you prepare for the day


Is it really necessary to have the whole kit and caboodle with all the trimmings!? Especially considering that the tradition of a hot meal comes from the English, whose Christmas day is during winter. Doesn't make sense for those of us having a summer Christmas does it!!

3. Be Realistic


We're not suggesting you ditch the whole Christmas lunch that everyone is used to, just make a few small changes to the meal selection. Some alternatives could be pre-bought cold turkey and/or seafood to cook on the BBQ.

4. Expect a little opposition ....

To read more go to "5 Tips on How to Enjoy Christmas more by Simplifying & Re-organizing it!"

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

My Lap Top just blew up!!!!!

My Lap Top just blew up as a result of a faulty power point. Doh! It's a lesson to back up my cpmuter more regualrly that's for sure. As annoying as it is, I must say I was really proud of myself for how calmly I handled the situation. I was working on the Organize Your Life website with Julie when it happened (Deb is away in Tasmania visiting family) but we managed to continue working all the same. After all life goes on!

It made me think about how being organized doesn't prevent life 'coming at you' ready or not - although it can certainly help prevent a lot of problems that dis-organziation can result in. Annoying occurances, problems and challenges of all kinds are something we need to accept and be open to. Life goes on regardless, so you may as well stay in the game as a willing participant, not resisting it with a 'Why me' mentality.

I can't believe I didn't even swear when it blew up, even though I lost some information/work that hadn't been backed up. The pervading thought in my head was "What's the point in getting angry." It's better to laugh in situations like that to help diffuse the situation and prevent going into stressed out mode.

Additionally, even in cases like this there's always positives to come from anything negative that happens. There's no growth without challenges in our lives and it's how we respond to things that counts. Imagine if I had ranted and raved and my kids had seen me react like that. Would they then not do the same thing when in a similar. Of course they would. So there's one plus right there.

As Julie said it may take a while to be able to clearly see any other positives with this particular problem, but I bet there are some and as soon as they are evident to me I'll let you know!

If you need some tips on how to organize your life then go to our website for a choice of over 100 Organizing articles.

Claire McFee
Author Organize Your Life

Christmas - Christ_Mas

Neil and the kids and I attended our local Carols By Candlelight last night, at the Church where we happened to get married in,11 years earlier on that actual day. A thoughtful friend had a quiet word to the MC, who to our surprise asked for 'Claire and Neil to raise their hands' - to then get a few hundred people to wish us a Happy Anniversary. It was such a lovely thing to do and made it an even more memorable Christmas Carol experience.

There was of course lots of Christmas Carol singing - which I really enjoy. There was a great Jazz band who sang funky versions of traditional Christmas songs and they talked about something very important I think. That is, we sometimes get wound up in the receiving side of Christmas and forget why Christmas even exists - the celebration of the birth of Jesus. I don't come from a religious background but I do appreciate that something bigger than us exists and give thanks to a higher power for all that we have. Christmas is a great reminder to discuss this topic and to show love and appreciation of others no matter what your religious beliefs are - and of course to focus on 'Giving' rather than receiving. You'll be amazed at what you get back when you do.

Merry Christmas!!!

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author
For more organizing articles go to our Organize Your Life Website.

Organize Time to Meditate for a StressFree Christmas

I recently completed a Mindfulness Meditation Based Program, which coming from someone who always thought Meditation 'Wasn't for me', because I thought my mind goes way to quickly and I couldn't possibly slow it down to do it" etc, etc:- I must say I truly believe it can be for anyone, now that I 'get' what it's about. I have written some Meditation articles on the Topic to give you some tips on how to Meditate, which will come out in the New Year.

In the meantime I thought it was interesting to note when attending a local Women's Meditating Group last week for the first time, that upon a discussion about Christmas none of us were 'Stressed' about it, even though most of us were hosting it. We attributed this in large part to our Meditation Practices and how it helps put things into perspective, such that you know Christmas is but one day in our yearly lives that comes and goes like any other and it's there to enjoy, not stress over.

So to all those out there worrying and stressing about Christmas preparations and expectations - let it go and enjoy it. Like anything - it takes a bit of Organization to factor in some Meditation - even if it is only a few minutes here and there but it's worth it. Merry Christmas!

For more Articles about organization and a stress free Christmas go to our Organize Your Life website, such as....

"5 Tips On How To Enjoy Christmas More By
Simplifying it!"

Too many people I know, and probably many of you as well, do too much
leading up to Christmas, and especially on the actual day. That's not what
Christmas is supposed to be about, so start to make a few changes this year
and a few more the next year and so on, and see if you can do something to
change that!


Claire McFee
Author Organize Your Life

You Sexy Mother

'You Sexy Mother' is the new book by Author Jodi Hedley-Ward which has been featured on Ch9's A Current Affair twice recently, and deservedly so. Jodi has hit the 'Nail' on the proverbial 'Head' covering topics relevant to all mothers who at some stage or other struggle to maintain a sense of 'Self' after having children. There's lots of practical info about how to - as I've always put it "Factor yourself into the equation."

For more info go to the You Sexy Mother Website.

For more tips on how to create more time in your day so you can have more me time you might like to read this article.

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

Make Up your Mind Day Dec 31st 2008

There are some interesting 'DAY's' out there and this would have to be one of them. There are many of a simialar vein relating to Organizing Your Life and making the most of your potential.

This particular day and the date it is on is about Making Your Mind up about issues that you may have been procrastination about all year and for your own good should Make your mind up about before starting a New Year. So go on start the year with a clean slate and leave any baggage behind. What are you going to finally make a decison about and move forward?

Accidently Organised

Wendy Davie - New Zealand's Organizing Guru has written a fabulous book called "Accidentally Organised." It's a great read for those of us who aren't born Organized and need a little permission to get real and do the best we can with what we've got and enjoy life at the saame time. Here's a Review I wrote for the book.

"Accidentally Organised is the most 'real' advice about Organising I have read. Most of us can't maintain the 'perfect' looking house 24/7. Wendy lets you know that it's OK not to strive for this impossible goal, giving you permission to 'have a life,' while giving you countless and importantly easy organisational actions and solutions for your everyday life." Claire McFee Organize Your Life

Organizing Christmas Lunch - recipe ideas

Unlike my sisters and Mum - I am not a 'Foodie' by any stretch of the imagination. Don't get me wrong I love food, just not spending hours making things from scratch. I would love your recipes for some easy, yummy Salads as I am hosting Christmas this year on my own for my husbands family. A weblink to some good recipes would be great. Look forward to your feedback.

You Tube footage of Professional Organizer in action

Having recently referred you to the website about an Organizing TV show Called Neat TV, I thought you may like to actually see some footage of Professional Organizers in action. There is lots you can view on You Tube. Here is a link I found simply typing in Professional Organizer Demo. Check it out at -http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=professional+organizer+demos&search_type=&aq=f

Organizing TV show called NEAT TV

I just heard about a Canadian TV show called 'Neat' hosted by Hellen Buttigeig, who is a Professional Organizer and Coach http://www.neattv.com/home.html

For those of you who haven't heard about Professional Organizers - they come into your home to help your re-organize and de-clutter your home. If in need of one you can go to http://www.napo.org/ or http://www.aapo.org.au/ to find one in your area.

The Neat TV Website has the best array of before and after organizing photos I have seen, so if you love a good home make-over like I do then go have a look.

If you need some more home, life, money or organizing inspiration check out all the organizational articles at our website.

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

International Buy Nothing Day

A Great International Organizing related 'DAY' is coming up on Sat 29th Nov called BUY NOTHING DAY to help people think about their usual, often excessive consumption of goods and 'stuff'. What a great idea!

There are lots of groups world wide getting together to promote it. To see what's going on in your area check out the official Website www.buynothingday.co.uk/

If you need to do some major organizing and de-cluttering at your house then you may like to read this Home Organizing Article below.


Six Good Reasons to Get on Top of Your Home Affairs

by Claire McFee Author of Organize Your Life

There are many reasons why it is a good idea to be better organized. Do not confuse being organized with being a perfectionist though, as most of us fit somewhere between perfectionism and total chaos!! The differences between us all have a lot to do with our personality types. This can be helpful when trying to understand our own behaviour, and the way we approach being organized. If you accept the fact that we are all very different, it helps to be more realistic with what we are capable of achieving and can help us not to be so hard on ourselves when we don't live up to our own expectations, or the expectations of others. Having said that, no matter what personality type we fit into, we are all vulnerable to problems if we let clutter get the better of us. It's good to be aware that there are some important life areas that can be negatively affected so that we can take control and do something about it. These include:

1. Health Problems

Living in chaos can be really stressful and all manner of medical problems can arise as a result. Whether it is annoying headaches or the beginnings of cancer, this reason alone is enough to stop making excuses!!

2. Weight Problems

Many of us fall into the trap of eating when things get on top of us. The concern is that if you never get around to controlling your clutter rather than it controlling you, then the overeating cycle may become a very serious issue.

3. Relationship Problems

When we are surrounded by stuff and can't sit down and look around even one room and see nice clear spaces with no junk, a feeling of unease can stay with us without even realising it. Our interactions with people can therefore be affected by this negative energy, within us and our homes. Get rid of the clutter and re-energise yourself and your home and get rid of all the draining forces within. You will be amazed by your attitude change and therefore the way you relate to others, particularly your partner and your children.

4. Wasting Time

Life is too short to constantly feel bogged down by clutter. If you live in chaos, then chances are you waste a lot of time searching for things (or the rest of your household does, even if you see it as organized chaos). Imagine how much more time you could have for yourself, or to spend on quality family time if you saved 5 mins here and 10 mins there on a regular basis. This really can equate to hours, believe me!

5. Poor Finances

If you are disorganized on the home-front, you are almost definitely disorganized when it comes to handling your money. Most of us put off working out our ins and outs every month or so, but having no system when it comes to a savings plan and debt repayment scheme means trouble with a capital T. Also, try to set a good example for your children by showing them how to look after their money wisely.

6. Depression

Depression can be caused by a number of different issues in your life, and not feeling in control is often one of them. The state of our household often directly relates to the state of our mind, so if your home is drowning in paperwork, half broken toys and clothes that no-one wears anymore, then your mind is more likely to feel overwhelmed as well. Depression can be debilitating, so be aware of it and do everything you can to prevent it, before it happens.

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

Julie's Pole Dancing Birthday Surprise

Julie (my business partner) has a birthday coming up soon, and her gorgoues daughter Haley Organized a Surprise Get together for her last Saturday night - of all places at a (Learn H0w to) Pole Dance establishment. We had no idea what to expect having never taken a class before. Thoughts of a seedy, dark, sex focused place came to mind but we were all pleasantly surprized to find a light filled, airy, clean, fun filled environment to have a joint lesson in some pole dancing moves. It's more about excercise than sexing things up for your love life and was an absolute hoot. It was a credit to Haley for Organizing such a great night that will be remembered forever.

Organize Your Life to be Featured in New Organizational book

I had a call out of the blue a little while back from a published Author who is writing a book on....you guess it Organization. I will let you know Who, What and Where down the track. We had a great chat about all things Organizational, including the Psychology of Organizing and how different Organization is to all of us depending on your personality types. There are of course a lot of similarities but definitely lots of differences too. That's why it's important for you to find systems that work for you, which may mean one bit from one system and another from a different one. What ever works! What do you do that works well when it comes to your organization skills? Just remember to stick to only a few systems or you'll end up in one big dis-organized mess.

Julie, Deb and I have a book or two 'in us' for the future, but due to current demand for our new Interactive Organizer it may be a little while before we get a chance to put pen to paper! All in good time.

For more life Organizing tips and hints got to our website.

Claire McFee
Organize Your Life Author

Organize Your Life Pendant Gift

The new Organize Your Life Team had a photo session at Julie's place the other day for some upcoming publicity in the Herald Sun, which was a bit of fun. Julie's Mum, Dad and Sister happened to be there later on and Julie's Dad Gary surprised us with a beautiful present to celebrate the successful launch of Organize Your Life.

He hand made us each a beautiful gold pendant in the shaped of our cubed logo complete with an engraved lady and our tag line. We were all so touched - Jules to tears. What a gorgeous gesture!! It all made us feel doubley blessed to be working together at Organize Your Life, as our whole families become closer and are as excited as we are about helping people get organized.

To read articles about Organizing your life, organizing your home, organizing your money and organizing your family click here. We have over 100 organizing articles on the new site for you to choose from in your own time.

An Organized break from the kids - Bliss

My husband Neil and I just had a four day 'sexy weekend' in Sydney - (I don't like the term 'dirty weekend' - sounds.... well dirty!) Anyway we had the best time relaxing and doing what couples do when there's no kids interupting you!

The trip was relatively easy to Organize. My mum - god love her - looked after the kids - so we could enjoy our break knowing everything was under control at home.

Not having to organizing what to cook when you go away, is one of the best parts of a break forn the kids I think. We went to some great restaurants - some 'cheap eats' and others quite classy. The food was divine!! We had the best position to 'people watch' at one restaraunt, where all sorts of interesting people were walking past including X- Prime Minister Paul Keating and X-Olympian Debbie Flintoff King. I had heaps of ideas for future Organizing articles during the trip - the creativity really flows when you don't have the usualy worries to think about and a zillion and one things to organize!

If in need of a but of help to spice up your sex life then you might like to read this article.

Organize Your Sex Life…..Yes you heard me right!
by Claire McFee www.organizeyourlife.com.au

Bit personal for some of you I know, and if that’s the case for you stop reading now. But perhaps think for a moment - if it is too personal, even in the privacy of your own home – maybe there are some issues that need addressing? I must admit I’ve had fun writing this article - the first one I’ve written on this topic of SEX. Generally you only need to organize your sex life if you don't have much of one, which we have all experienced at one stage or another….. for way longer than many of us would care to admit, but hey, that’s life. With the ridiculously long working hours most of have and if children are added to the mix it’s not really any surprise is it?!!

Sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands – literally – as well as figuratively (sorry couldn’t resist) - and do something about it. So onto some solutions for these sex, (or lack of sex) issues :-

Book it in
If you are out of the habit to a large degree some of the best advice on the topic I read once said something like “You need to sometimes have sex when you aren’t really in the mood just to help you get back in the swing of things.” To expect to be in the mood with a regular partner when it’s been an age isn’t realistic, so as boring and unromantic as it sounds setting a specific time to do the deed for want of a better phrase can actually help get you back into the swing of things. Put it in your diaries and actually stick to it and hopefully your libido will kick back in and it will turn into the spontaneous and enjoyable act it should be.

Raunchy Reading Material
A raunchy book or magazine may do the trick to put you in the mood,. If you are in the category of a partner who is wanting more sex but you don’t, (and their usual methods of arousing you are not working like they used to), you can read a chapter or so of one such book to give you a head start without your partner even having to know it wasn't all them if you think it will adversely affect their confidence. I promise they won’t be complaining!

Off-the-shelf Libido Enhancing Products
I wouldn’t go down this path unless you have a good naturopath or Kinesiologist who knows your history and whether the mix of ingredients and importantly the quantity of each is going to have a positive effect anything for you and your sex life. Otherwise they could be at best a waste of money or at worst actually making the situation worse and even masking what may be the real problem.

Hormones gone awry?
Look at your hormone levels (more closely than a simple one off blood test result will give you) – but rather - again -with a good Naturopath/Kinesiologist, who can tell you if any of your hormone levels are too high or too low and can give you something to rectify it. Otherwise you may be fighting an unwinnable battle until you do – with no more sex in the meantime.

Sex after a baby
A tip for those who have recently had a baby and you are a bit apprehensive about going ‘there’ after what your nether regions have been through- a great way to ease yourself into action in the area is to use a vibrator or the like so that if it is a bit uncomfortable at first then you don’t transfer this unease onto your partner. Now why don’t they have this great tip in any pregnancy before and after books it’s a real gem!!

Sex Creams/Pills/Potions
There are some products out there that focus on female arousal which is great, (considering how heavily weighted it is the other way – little blue pill and all) but you need to be aware that there are no regulations with these sorts of products and using them on your private parts is at your own - potentially great risk. I know of a case where a woman used one such pleasure inducing cream which was great for her but unfortunately for her parent had a burning effect on him– ouch!

Sex Shops
You don’t even have to go through the potential embarrassment (you know it’s all only in you head) of buying sex related items such as the funnily but in many cases aptly named ‘Marital Aides’ in a store – you can simple do it anonymously from home.

Sexual Positions
Varying the good old ‘normal’ position you ‘do the deed’ can mix things up enough to peak your interest sexually. An interesting product on the market that can be used by pretty much anyone (even George Clooney I’ve heard) is the Loving Angles mini couch/bed all in one, enabling you to get into some more sexually charged positions with relative ease. Check it out at www.lovingangles.com.au

Psychological Sex Issues
Counselors or Sex Therapists to be even more specific can be a great way to jump start things in the bedroom if there are underlying Psychological issues/resentments that you cannot resolve yourself. Look at it this way ‘Would it be better to put up with the same problem for goodness knows how many years or actually make a stand for the quality of your life and do something about it, putting any embarrassment or pride out of the way? Which lifelong reality would you rather have on your death bed?

Get a lock on the bedroom door!
If you have kids you know about the fear of being sprung in the act, which can end up being a conscious and sometimes unconscious reason for not getting intimate. A great way around this is to put a lock on bedroom door. Explaining to the kids that you need some privacy sometimes can only be a healthy thing. So get down to the Hardware store ASAP! Just be sure to put the lock up high if you have young children so there are no ‘children locked in the bedroom’ accidents.

Medical Sex issues
Sometimes no sex drive is a result of a more serious sexual issue that may need medical intervention. Having a good rapport with your doctor is vital here. As with any profession there are good and bad doctors and a prudish doctor if may result in a road block in this area and the solutions you need. Like anything – shop around making sure to put your ego in your back pocket for a while and get on with it. Putting up with no sex life is not healthy for you physically or mentally, with very few being able to do it successfully - even willingly. So source the help that is out there and find what is right for making a difference to you personally. Patience and persistence will get you there.

AAPO Professional Organizers Conference in Sydney

Julie, Deb and I just got back from the Australasian Association of Professional Organisers Conference in Sydney, which was fantastic. So well organized - as you'd expect!! There were attendees from all over Australia, New Zealand and even some University Lecturers from Indonesia as well - so a mixed bag of interesting Organizing type people.

I will go into more detail about some of the great Professional Organisers/Organizers we met in future posts, as there is too many to mention in one go. We have lined up several interviews with experts in various Organizational fields - covering book publishing/promoting; the Psychology of Organizing/Organising; Organizing your home for sale; Marketing your Organizational business and so on - to post on our site in the future. We were known as the 'Three (Organising) Musketeers' or as Julie's Husband has coined us - the 'Three Marketeers'. Attending our first Professional Organizing/Organising conference together really showed us what a great team we are and how well we work together - each with our own business area we focus on and love.

We have lots of new Organizing Professional Affiliates lined up from the Organizers Conference which is exciting for both us and them. They can help spread the word to people and we can help their Organizing business grow - with a great resource for their dis-organized/dis-organised clients. Win - win - got to love it.

So our new Organize Your Life site is LIVE and the feedback has been brilliant. The first step to becoming the 'Umbrella' for all things Organized! watch this space.

Claire McFee
Author Organize Your Life
http://www.organizeyourlife.com.au

Organize Your Life ready for take off!

Well we have offically clicked the 'live' button for our our new Organize Your Life website. It may still take another 48 hrs to be seen by the public, but it is still really significant to us after the blood sweat and tears that has gone into it in the past several months - plus some!

I am really enjoying being able to get back into 'Publicity Mode' now that our New Organizer is ready. I had two interviews today: one with the Herald Sun and the other with the Geelong Advertiser. I must say I have only ever had positive experiences with the Media over the (almost) 10 yrs I came up with the idea for Organize Your Life, and have found them to be very helpful & professional.


With the prospect of some more Organize Your life TV publicity coming up we, would love to hear from you if you would be happy to go on camera to talk about your 'before' and 'after' experiences. Don't worry - your house doesn't have to look perfectly organized! It's more about the improvements in your life both externally and internally.

Email me if you would like to discuss this further -claire@organizeyourlife.com.au">mailto:further-claire@organizeyourlife.com.au

If you need help Organizing Your life click here for some inspirational Organizing articles.