Advice
Welcome to our advice section. Every week I answer new questions submitted
by readers on Organizing, Image, Fashion and Event Planning.
You can read my "AddSPACE To Your Life!" column every week
in San Diego's “The Coast News" or read the archived columns
below.
E-mail your questions to advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
10.21.04
Cleaning house doesn’t
have to take forever
Kathi,
I hate to clean but can’t afford a housekeeper. How can I clean
in as little time as possible? It seems to take me at least 10 minutes
just to get started and find my cleaning supplies.
Marissa, San Marcos
Marissa,
Ready to clean but can’t find the scrubber brush?
Keep a separate bucket of cleaning products in each major cleaning
area, i.e. a complete set for kitchen & a separate set for each
bathroom.
Each bucket should contain sponges, gloves, cleaner sprays & separate
specialty items such as toilet bowl cleaner, shower door spray or
oven cleaner.
When you are ready to tackle the job, simply pull out your bucket
& begin cleaning! Once the job is completed, put it back in the
cabinet under the sink and you’ll be ready to go again.
Dear Kathi,
All of my friends are confused about attending parties with our children.
When the party is held at a home, we have a hard time deciding whether
we are required or expected to stay for the entire party.
What is the proper way to let parents know if they must, should offer,
or don’t need to stay for a 5 year olds’ birthday party?
Vicki, Oceanside
Vicki,
Invitations should state clearly whether parents should plan on attending
the event. An easy way to let parents know they are off the hook is
to include wording on the invitation that says, ‘ childcare
provided’. Or if it is optional, you can state ‘parents
stay is optional, there will be ample child care’.
If the invitation does not indicate that there will enough adults
to oversee the event, this usually means that the parents are expected
to stay to help watch their child during the party.
It is appropriate to call after receiving the invitation to clarify
if you are expected to stay or if you can drop off your child and
return at the end of the party.
Thanks for asking this question.
Dear
Kathi,
Is it optional to wear nylons at work these days? I work at a bank
and would love to forgo the pantyhose ordeal.
Christy, Del Mar
Christy,
The business environment in Southern California is more casual than
most other cities. With the warmer climate, women often wear sandals
and open-toed shoes 6-9 months of the year. In my opinion, with the
proper shoes, you can dress very professionally without hose.
With this in mind, if you are still doubt about your particular bank,
ask a trusted manager. If this isn’t possible, pay attention
to your superiors. Does everyone wear hose every day?
It pays to dress similar to your superiors. It makes it easier for
them to see you as a pier and your chances for advancement are increased.
Some banks are still very conservative and you don’t want to
jeopardize your job advancement.
Remember, dress not for the position you are in, but for the position
you aspire to attain.
Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner
based in San Diego California.
Please
submit your questions to:
advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
.
San Diego Professional Organizer
