San Diego Professional Organizer and Image Consultant

15 Simple Tips To help You Reduce Stress and Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-17T22:27:26Z

Make sure to take the giblets out of the turkey.
Set the alarm for the morning of Thanksgiving so you can wake up and put the bird in and go back to sleep.
Make as many of the sides before so all you have to do is ether warm them up if they are pre-cooked or bake them if not pre-cooked.
Another alternative is purchasing pre-made sides from the grocery store many are as good as homemade.
Have family and friends all make a dish similar to a “Pot Luck”
Another idea is have everyone bring a favorite Thanksgiving dish and you provide the turkey.
You provide the meal and ask friends to bring desserts and wine.
Invite friends that don’t have family in the area. If you have relatives coming they will be on their best behavior and it reduces stress.
Don’t feel obligated to invite family.
Pre-set the table 1-2 days in advance put serving dishes out so all you have to do is put the food on and fill the glasses. Visual: A beautiful pre-set table.
Purchase everything 2 weeks before. Items will be less expensive, less lines and you know the items will be in stock.
Don’t feel obligated to cook. All the grocery stores have Thanksgiving dinners you can order in advance.
Don’t do what you don’t like to do. Job it out — If you don’t like to do dishes order them from Party Plus and they will drop them off and pick them up and you don’t have to do the dishes.
If you have to go to multiple Thanksgiving dinners eat the entrée at one, veggies at the other and desserts at the last one.
Relax and have fun. Don’t feel bad saying NO or asking people to help.

Supercharge Your Image on NBC 7/39

2008-11-13T20:57:25Z

I will be appearing this Saturday on NBC and showing viewers tips to Supercharge Your Image just in time for the holidays!

Tune in this Saturday November 15th at 8:15 am on San Diego channel 7/39. For those of you who cannot receive this broadcast, I will post it on my website later.

Top Ten Tips for Organizing Your Medicine Cabinet

2008-11-13T21:00:23Z

Have you or someone in your family ever felt that “cold coming on,” late at night and all the medicine cabinet had was old, half-empty, probably expired medicine? Does the tiny area of the medicine cabinet seem like a hunt in a deep forest when looking for something in particular? Managing prescriptions, first aid, supplements, and cough medicine is important. Getting things organized can help you minimize the frustration of hunting for “those pills” or “that medicine.”

Here are ten medicine cabinet organization tips, in no particular order, that can help resolve some unhealthy chaos.

1. Get rid of items that you can’t use. Expired prescriptions, old bottles, old band-aid boxes, and old cough medicine can and should be thrown away.

2. Keep cotton swabs and bandages in glass surgical jars (found in medical supply stores).

3. Only store the items that are used most frequently in the medicine cabinet. Store things that are only used occasionally under the sink or in a drawer.

4. Resist the urge to fill up the medicine cabinet with things that you don’t use often. Examine the contents of the medicine cabinet every six months or so and get rid of anything that you don’t use or has expired.

5. Adjust the shelves in the cabinet to the size of the items that you keep in there. Place taller bottles at the bottom.

6. Use plastic containers for nail files, combs, tweezers and similar items.

7. Try storing drugs in another place in the home, like the kitchen.

8. Attach magnets to the inside of the cabinet door and hang small metal items like nail clippers and cuticle scissors on them.

9. Use drawers to store medicine and related items. Divide them into categories: bottled OTC medication, natural remedies, small sampler/travel packets, and prescriptions.

10. Always keep these things out of the reach of children.

Organizing your medicine cabinet will make it easier for everyone in the family to take care of their health. You will be able to find what you need quickly, whether it is a bandage for a paper cut or the cough medicine for your child.

Follow these tips to stay organized, and stay healthy!

Some Simple Guidelines For Men’s Fashion

2008-11-13T20:47:06Z

Looking your best isn’t hard if you follow a few simple guidelines. The man of today is concerned about his appearance - many people judge you by the image you present to the world.

Every man should own at least one good suit. Look at the thread count to determine the quality of the fabric. Good wool comes in grades of super 100‘s, 110‘s, 120‘s, and150’s - the higher the count, the finer the wool will be, as the fibers are thinner and more threads are used to create a tighter weave. This is where you don’t scrimp; buy the best you can afford, and if you have to go with off the rack, budget in a little extra for a master tailor to customize it for you. A little adjustment to a good suit can turn it into a great suit!

Many modern suits have flat front pants which should not be cuffed. The classic suit pants with a single pleat in the leg can be cuffed, but keep it to an inch and a half at the most. Your tie should measure about three inches at its widest point, and its base color should match the suit.

You will have many options available to you in the way of shirts. Try to find a color that complements your hair or eyes, and experiment with patterns. If you like to wear an undershirt, make sure it is not visible - a crewneck is best, though a v-neck or tank can be worn under a heavier shirt such as oxford.

You should have one pair of shoes to match your suit, and a pair of brown shoes for punching up the style factor when you are in shirt and slacks. Make sure you have proper socks- they should match your suit or slacks rather than your shoes. For on the street, a pair of classic sneakers is fine, but save the cross trainers and high tops for the gym.

A good time piece is important. A streamline stainless steel watch looks as good with jeans as a suit. Another thing to consider is your billfold. The best option is to discard the bulky wallet and buy a leather credit card case instead. This will fit in your hip pocket without ruining the line of your slacks, and you can fold your cash in a classy money clip and keep it in the more secure front pants pocket.

If you attend a formal affair where a tuxedo is required, remember to match your tie to your tux. If the lapels are grosgrain, the tie should be too; if they are satin, you should wear a satin tie. Bow ties are usually worn with a peak-lapel tuxedo and straight ties with a notch lapel. Whatever the shape or fabric, unless you are really feeling fashion forward your tie should be black.

As long as you follow these simple guidelines, you will be well prepared for whatever comes your way.

Organize For a Stress-Free Holiday

2008-11-10T10:29:23Z

Once again the holidays are upon us. Planning a party or a family get together in honor of the season? Keeping organized is crucial to keeping your holiday-stress-o-meter in the ‘calm zone.’ A few simple tips can keep you from burning out and help you plan a fun get together that is virtually stress free.

Holiday Party Planning 101

Consider the following questions when planning a holiday party.

What type of party is it? You may want to have a formal dinner party, or an informal buffet-style get together. Your party might even be something in between these options. It is important to determine so that when people ask, “What should I wear?” you will know what to tell them.

How much space is available? Location is important to plan, even down to the room where most of the guests will be spending a majority of their time. For dinner parties, don’t overbook your seating. If your table seats 8 comfortably, don’t try to cram 12 guests. If it is an informal get together, a few extra people probably won’t matter, but do consider where people will sit if they get tired of standing.

Who will you invite? A range of ages is always appropriate for the holidays. Make sure your invited guests get along with one another and have similar interests. Arguments can create unwanted tension at a party, and it would only add to your stress, and spoil the mood for your guests.

What will everyone do? Planning some activity, and an alternate activity is a good idea. You never know, for one reason or another your first plan may not work out. Give yourself options so that people will stay engaged and enjoying themselves.

What will everyone eat? Plan your menu and make extra food for potentially large appetites. Consider your guests and any food allergies they have. If you are having a potluck, plan to cover parts of the meal that might be forgotten. You may want to have filler dishes for items that don’t feed everyone.

Will there be alcohol? Make plans for delivering your guests home or accommodating a sleepover if they are unable to drive. Plan on serving alcohol and most of your guests drink, make your guests aware ahead of time.

Party Preparation 101

Make a list: Write down a shopping list with everything that you will need for the event. Consider everything from meal planning to decorations when you create your list.

The food: If you are cooking, make simple meals that aren’t too much trouble. Use a nutcracker to open small bottles of ingredient bottles, like vanilla extract. There are options besides cooking yourself, like having the party catered, purchasing pre-cooked meals and desserts from the store, or having others bring food. Keep it simple, and have two dessert options as opposed to six.

Avoid lines whenever possible. Go shopping in the morning during a weekday if you can. This will save you the mental stress of wasted time standing around.

Employ the children. If they are old enough to walk and talk, they can probably help you. Find little tasks that they can help you with, especially when it comes to keeping the house organized, and decorating for the party.

A really cool thing to do during your party is to ask each friend to write a letter that describes his or her personal wish for the coming year and seal it in a self-addressed envelope. Write this task into your schedule now and store these cards with your holiday decorations. Next year they will magically appear at the right time and ready to mail! Then surprise your friends by mailing the letters next Christmas or New Year’s.

This special treat only requires a few envelopes, paper and pens gathered in advance and grouped into a basket. Many of your friends will meet or exceed their goals next year and you will be amazed at the many thank-you calls and stories that come back to you from the letters!

Remember, it is important to enjoy your party and the holidays. If you are comfortable and relaxed, your party guests will be as well. Plan ahead and consider problems before they happen. Stay organized from start to finish, and you will have a stress-free holiday blast!

LEARN HOW TO SUPER CHARGE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL IMAGE FROM THE MASTER KATHI BURNS

2008-11-06T04:44:16Z

For Immediate Release October 30, 2008
For More Information: Lynn Pittman 619-542-1898

BEFORE AFTER

LEARN HOW TO SUPER CHARGE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL IMAGE FROM THE MASTER KATHI BURNS

Kathi Has Been Featured on Good Morning America and BC News and in Better Homes and Gardens.

Featured Speaker For San Diego NAWBO, The National Association of Business Women Owners Meeting Wednesday • November 19, 2008 • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. SHERATON MISSION VALLEY

San Diego, CA – Image is very important to how you present yourself to others in social and professional situations. If you feel good about how you look you will be confident and empowered to accomplish more in your life. Many times we get so busy that we don’t have time to shop or even clean out and organize the closet. It is easy to get stuck in a rut!

Kathi Burns is to the rescue. As the owner of addSpace to Your Life, a professional organizing and image consulting agency, she specializes in working with people to update or invent a new appearance. She also helps organize their life and space. Kathy brings order to chaos. She can put anything in order from home offices to garages. She was recently featured in Better Homes and Garden with tips on organizing a refrigerator. Her new book “Master Your Muck ~ Create Space, Organize, Live Your Passion!” will be released in January of 2009. Kathi Burns has empowered and transformed lives across the country.

Kathi creates a new image quickly, easily and on a budget. It may be as simple as adding a few new pieces of clothing or as challenging as starting from square one. Everyone’s requirements and style are different. Some offices are now business casual where others still require suits. And most offices have instituted “Casual Friday”. Now, with holiday parties on the horizon, how do you go from business attire to cocktail dress? Kathi shows men and women how to dress for their body shape and create lines to accentuate their best assets

“One of my favorite things is working with people to create a new more refined look. Image is everything! Whether you are trying to make a statement in your workplace or simply want to upgrade your wardrobe and style. Now, is the time to take the “bull by the horns”, get organized and create the image you have always wanted. The rewards of organizing and dressing your best, far out weigh the hard work, sweat and labor. Once people make staying organized a part of their daily routine, success and more free time will come their way! Get started organizing and creating a new you today. Visit www.addspacetoyourlife.com. for articles and tips on organizing and image consulting.

Kathi Burns, CPO, a Professional Organizer, Image Consultant and founder of addSpace To Your Life! www.addspacetoyourlife.com People can submit questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

Tips for Super Charging Your Image:

• Go through your current wardrobe and purge all of the outdated and unflattering clothing. This creates a cleared space that helps to awaken the new style and energy you wish to bring about. Then donate the items that are still wearable to a charity, you’ll feel good and get a tax deduction.

• Here is a quick way to go from the office to holiday cocktail party. Revamp your business pantsuit by taking off your blouse & buttoning your jacket all the way up or switching into a little glittery top. Accent this with a stylish necklace or a long string of pearls, patent leather evening bag & high-heeled shoes. Another option is to swap your slacks with a skirt, hose, high-heeled party shoes and sparkly, festive earrings.

• Here’s what colors are in for Fall 2008….. Blue in all hues. Everyone can wear blue. Choose the hue that works for you: bright blue, clear blue, turquoise blue, and dark blue. Purple – all shades are hot but the deeper shades are more current. Green jewel tone emerald is this season’s pick. Red - tomato red this fall, perfect for summer complexions. For other season colorings: Strong warm colors of orange and yellow will also be available. The hue of red you select is key. If you look best in cool colors, try one of the pink reds or a purple red, instead of an orangy red.

• For men…. when buying quality shirts look for pearl buttons. All quality shirts will have mother of pearl buttons. These buttons wear longer than manmade buttons that tend to crack & discolor after a few visits to the drycleaners. Verify that buttons and buttonholes are sewn tightly, with no unraveled thread. In general, the more buttons a shirt has, the higher quality it is; spare buttons are an added plus.
It’s always good to wrap your buttons in tinfoil before dropping your shirts off at the cleaners and always ask them to scrub the collar

• 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. Remember, dress not for the position you are in, but for the position you aspire to attain.

Kathi Speaks Nov 19th at NAWBO San Diego

2008-11-06T04:35:34Z

Click here to register

Dressing for a formal Birthday party

2008-11-09T09:11:55Z

Hi there,

I read your article on Dressing For A Formal Event. I was hoping you could help me. My husband’s cousin is having a semi formal 30th bday party in the evening. I already have something fun and fresh to wear but we’re stuck on my husband. He’s 36 so he doesn’t want to dress like an old man but he doesn’t want to look like he’s trying to dress too young either. Wants to look hip, but not ridiculous. Help!!! What should he wear? Keep in mind; he’s a pretty big guy. Not fat, just thick, he’s a Pacific Islander so they tend to have big arms and legs.

Collette

Collette,

I would recommend that he wear dark washed blue jeans with a sport coat and t-shirt or open neck dress shirt. A nice tweed sport coat will serve him well on many occasions throughout the year, if he is a sporty young 36, he can wear a t-shirt with a cool graphic print on the front. Patagonia has a great selection of tasteful and environmentally friendly t-shirts

Since he is of a thicker build, he will have to buy the sport coat to fit his widest part and have the rest tailored to fit. No Matter what the size or shape, almost everyone will have to have some tailoring work on suit or sport coats.

As a side note, with the broad acceptance of the California ’business casual’ look; men are wearing jeans for business as well as leisure. Topped with a sport coat, this is now considered proper for many business occasions and lunches. Three piece suits are making a resurgence this fall. Combining the vest and suitcoat with jeans is also an easy way to dress up but remain cool and hip. Don’t wear a tie with this combo. For more formal meetings and dinners, a dress shirt and jacket or the full three piece suit may be more suitable.

Ties are not mandatory with suits anymore - in fact, a silk t-shirt under a well-fitted suit is perfectly appropriate in many circles. For more formal dinners, a white shirt and a tie are best, but unless it is specified in the invitation, a black tie outfit is not required.

Good shoes are always a necessity so watch what he wears on his feet. It can make or break the entire outfit.

Choosing Correct Colors For Your Skin Type

2008-10-29T22:10:28Z

Dear Advice,

Hello, I am writing because I am an actor and am gearing up for some new headshots. I don’t want to wear anything that detracts from my face, as the face is the focus of the headshot, however, I need help picking colors that work well with my fair skin (including completely bald head) and that bring out my green eyes. Can you help?

Glen A, Jr.

Glen,
I highly recommend that you wear a solid green shirt. If your background will be white, choose a darker shade of green, it is a dark background for your headshot, wear a lighter solid green.

When you choose your shade of green, make sure that the green you buy brings out the color of your eyes and creates a healthy tone to your skin. To do this, ask your in-store helper if it is complimentary. Also, look for the shade that most closely aligns with your eye color. If your eyes have green/blue tint, choose a blue/green shirt. If green/hazel, look for a browner or more earthy green. If your eyes are golden green, choose a warmer green with golden tones.

To determine the color that will also work for your facial skin tone, hold it up to your face and see if your face recedes or moves forward in the mirror. You want your face to visually move closer when you bring the shirt up to it. If your face recedes, it is not a great color for you. This is tricky process, and where the skills of a professional image consultant are valuable.

To improve this skill on your own, choose two bold colors that are on opposite ends of the color spectrum. Hold each individually up to your face and watch what happens to your skin. The wrong color will make you look pale and emphasize the dark spots and imperfections on your face. The right color will make you look rested and healthy.

Your headshot is an important sales tool that will represent you in advance of your in-person meetings. There are many other variables to consider with your shirt other than the color. For instance, if the shirt you choose has a collar, does the collar work with your face shape? There are many collar styles, long and pointed, short and wide etc. You want to choose collars and necklines that compliment the structure of your face. The same applies to suit lapels.

If you are going with an athletic style headshot and you wear a collarless shirt, does the neckline flatter? What about make-up? As an actor, I am sure that you are aware of skin color correction techniques and eye enhancement tricks. If not, bring in a stylist for the session. Remember to have powder on hand during the shoot to reduce potential glare on your face and head.

Pay attention to your total look and make sure it highlights your best assets. Ask someone to help you as you make these decisions. A professional is always your best bet but if you are on a tight budget, enlist the help of an in-store sales associate as you select the perfect shirt.

Please email a copy of your new headshot when it is completed. I would love to see your finished product. Best of luck!

Three Steps To Organizing Your Bedroom

2008-10-31T22:50:01Z

If you want your bedroom to be a refuge from the busyness of life, you are going to have to tidy up. To make the most out of your room, you not only have to get rid of clutter, but you also need to remove dirt, trash, and smelly laundry. There are fairly simple ideas, and the effort will be worth your while. Take these three simple steps, and you will have a much more comfortable bedroom space.

Step One: Clean and Sanitize

Dust and grime are hardly inviting and relaxing. Allowing dust and grime to collect can cause allergies and bring down your mood. Take some basic cleaning supplies and wipe down all the surfaces of your room to be sure of dirt elimination. Clean from top to bottom. Dust about once a week, as well as vacuum or mop the floor regularly. Have a container of Clorox wipes handy for the occasional spot cleaning. You will notice the difference when you are done.

Step Two: Throw Away the Trash

The trash basket in your room should be emptied regularly, and cleaned. If the garbage overflows, it can give you a feeling of clutter and untidiness. You will feel even better about it if you dispose of the trash everyday.

Step Three: Use a Hamper

I must say that this is the most important organizational tool that you can have in your bedroom. If your clothes are dirty, put the in the hamper right away. Piles of clothes can be a real damper on your mood, and become downright irritating at times.

Another clothing tip is to never let your clean clothes lie around. As soon as your laundry load is done, fold your clothes and put then in drawers or hang your clothes in your closet. Choosing an outfit is much less stressful from a neatly folded or hanging section than a mixed pile of wrinkled items.

Get rid of that ever-existing pile of clothes today, once and for all!

With a dust-free room with an empty trash can and organized clothes, you will find your bedroom to be a much easier place to take a load off and ease into sweet dreams.

Bedroom Organization 101: Tame Your Closet and Manage Your Entertainment

2008-10-30T22:20:22Z

Bedroom organization is crucial to creating an environment that is soothing and conducive to relaxation. Many of us have the need to store things in our bedrooms and our closets. There is a way to make the most of the space that you have and still have a bedroom that feels like a place to unwind.

Your Closet

If your closets and drawers are stuffed or overflowing, it is time to get rid of some of your clothes. You will be more likely to put your clean clothes away if you feel that you have space for them.

Organize your shoes on the floor of your closet. if you must keep your shoes outside of the closet, try using a shoe organizer. Creating the open space on the floor can do wonders for your bedroom, and help you to relax.

DVDs, CDs, and Books

Many people watch television, read or listen to music in their bedroom. Be sure to keep all movies and CDs in their appropriate cases, and neatly stack or arrange them. No need to put them into categories like genre or arrange them alphabetically, just make sure they look neat and are easy to access. This way you can avoid the subconscious guilt you get when they are all over the place.

Think vertically

Even though some bedrooms lack a tremendous amount of square footage, many offer high ceilings. If you install high shelves above head for things that you don’t need often (like off-season clothes) you are using your vertical space to your advantage. You can even create some recessed spaces for storage inside of your wall. This way you can avoid extending shelves into the space of the room. You may even want to add small doors to cover them.

If you don’t have very much space around your bed, use a headboard with cabinets rather than bedside tables. This can hold lamps, books, glasses, or any essential you want to keep near you at night. In the rest of the room, use a tall and narrow dresser and/or corner cabinets to add to your bedroom storage space.

Use a more compact entertainment center for your television and stereo and any related items. Another option is to purchase a DVD and CD tower that mounts to the wall.

Bedroom organization is very important. You will feel the freedom of having claimed a piece of your life back when you take the time to reorganize the rooms that you spend most of your time in. Most of us feel that we are too busy for organization projects, and we can’t afford to just hire a maid. Taking some time over the weekend to claim our lives back with a little organization is well worth the sacrifice. You will find that your stress level will be lower.

Creating a peaceful sanctuary in your bedroom is a start. Organization is the key. Make plans to fix it today.

Organizing a Study Space in Your Child’s Room

2008-10-29T19:29:49Z

A child’s room often needs to serve as both a play area and a study area. It is important to be able to organize so that the space is functional and clutter free. Here are some tips on how you can create a space in your child’s room that will give it a dual purpose without hassle.

The first thing to do is focus on what items your child likes to play with the most. If there are toys that take up the better part of the room, such as towering Lego constructions, talk to your child about taking them down and storing them. If there are items that are not used much but still take up space, discuss donating the toys to a less fortunate child. Talk about what activities your child will engage in the most, and work with that.

Consider reorganizing the closet. Your child’s closet is likely to be dual purpose in itself, holding toys and clothing. Hang clothes on the rod and consider small plastic bins or a draw unit for socks and other smaller foldable items. Bins are also good for keeping smaller loose toys and other odd and ends.

Leave a nice wide space for a television if your child enjoys video games. You can keep the games and controllers on shelves (which you can install easily if needed). This is optional, but it can open up space in the room itself, and if you have a boy, he probably doesn’t need as much space for clothing.

Your child’s study area will need approximately six feet of space. This is for the desk, books, a computer, printer, etc. To really save on floor space, purchase a loft bed. A loft bed will hold a twin mattress up above the floor high enough for a desk and shelves or drawers to go underneath. This will double the floor space in the room. The extra floor space can be used as a video game or play area.

Be sure to zone your child’s room. What I mean is, designate separate physical areas for different activities. For example, the study zone is where you child will study and keep all of his study related items (pencils, papers, books, etc.). A video game zone will be the area where your child plays video games and keeps the console, all of the controllers and discs together. Having zones will make it easy for your child to keep things where they belong, and will help them learn crucial organization skills.

Bonus option: If space allows in the rest of your home, you can create a small zone outside of your child’s room as a play area. That way their room can be set aside for sleep and study alone.

Spring Versus Summer Complexions

2008-10-29T19:30:06Z

I am not sure if I am a spring or summer, I have a fairly neutral skin tone when buying makeup the yellow undertone is too yellow and the pink too pink. I am a little over 50, my hair is now a drab darker blond (when having it colored I like golden accents the best) I never know if a white or off-white blouse looks best on me. I have had more compliments on a peachy pink sweater I wear and turquoise.

Thanks for your help!

Karen Doutre

Hi Karen,

Don’t feel too badly, Springs and summers are the most difficult seasons for me to decipher. It is fantastic that you pay attention to the comments you receive about the different outfits and colors as you wear them. Honest and spur of the moment comments are very indicative of what you should and should not be wearing. Even though people typically do not know why a color looks good on you, they do know that it does indeed look good. They don’t really need to know why.

It is unfortunate (maybe, depending on our confidence level) that we receive less feedback when we wear colors that are not right for us. If you listen closely though, you can hear negative feedback as well. It usually sounds like this, “Are you feeling OK? Are you tired? Didn’t you get much sleep last night” If you receive these remarks and you feel fine, it is probably a result of wearing the wrong colors for your complexion, hair and eyes. The wrong colors will make you look washed out and tired.

There are a few rules of thumb used by industry experts. They go like this:
1. If your veins are blue toned, you are probably a Summer complexion. Summers also typically have blue skin undertones that might appear pink.
2. If your veins are green toned, you are probably a Spring complexion.

Summer palettes wil usually begin life as a blonde and turn brown (either light brown or darker ash brown) as they mature. Eye colors will run the gamut from green, blue, soft hazel, aqua or grey. Summer complexions look best in soft greys, navy and deep lavenders.

Spring complexions typically have golden blonde hair and green eyes. Springs look best in colors that are clear, golden and warm. Deep chocolate brown and ivory are the best choices to avoid wearing black or pure white.

Can you now guess your complexion? If you want to explore a new concept in color, check out the new book Life in Color written by industry experts Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo. They provide a fresh approach to color analysis with new palettes called Sun, Moon Earth and Star. This book also will help you determine your style type be it, classic, chic, avant-garde, whimsical or bohemian. This is a very enlightening and fun book! To order a copy or learn more. [ Life in Color by Jesse Garcia and Joe Lupo ]

4 Tips to Eliminate Clutter and Create Positive Feng Shui in Your Home

2008-10-28T06:39:00Z

There are two very popular interests related to the home: getting rid of clutter and improving feng shui. I receive questions on one, the other, or both often. It is incredibly important for everyone to have good energy (feng shui) in their home, and clutter can take away from that energy in a few different ways. Naturally, one way to improve the feng shui (energy) of your home is to eliminate clutter. Let’s explore the four different types of clutter and how each can hinder a positive feng shui feel in our homes.

1. Unused, unloved items

If you don’t use it, and you don’t love it, you don’t need it. Sort through the items that fill your space and ask yourself why you still have them. There are two main reasons why people hang on to things that they really don’t need: guilt and memories. Trust me, you will not forget your momentous times if you let go of a particular relic that represents a special time. If you feel guilty about throwing something away even if it serves no purpose, you might want to do some introspection to find out why you feel the way you do. The continued damage these items cause to your feng shui will be worse than the temporary guilt of letting these items go.

2. Disorganized or untidy items

Your home is an extension of your own personal energy. Disorganization and untidiness are direct results of carelessness and a lack of attention. Do you feel that your environment isn’t worth cleanliness and organization? I often find that individuals with this type of clutter also have a physical appearance to match. Cleaning and organizing your living space can cause you to put more effort into your own appearance as well. This can quickly boost self-esteem, and improve your feng shui.

3. So many items, so little space

Where I live, in Southern California, small living spaces that are overflowing with belongings are common. Living in a smaller space than you are used to can be a good thing if you have learned to simplify your life. For most of us, however, clutter is created because we have trouble letting go of enough items to fit a smaller lifestyle. Have you ever read Chic Simple? They say that our quality of life doesn’t come from accumulating things, but trimming down to the bare essentials. I am inclined to agree. Open space is a necessary element of quality mental health. That’s why my company (and my column) are called addspace To Your Life!

4. Projects we never get around to

One feng shui principal expresses that unfinished business in your home means unfinished business in some area of your life. These unchecked issues in your life may haunt the back of your mind and drain your energy. As your conscious mind suppresses your problems and things let undone, your energy is robbed from you. Completing those things in your life that are not complete will give you a surge of energy and heighten your spirit.

Overall, having space and order in your environment create a path for energy to flow, and a place for new beginnings. Just about everyone would like something new to begin in their lives. Clearing out clutter will change the way you and your family think about things and give you new experiences. Do you see the connection between clutter and feng shui? I wouldn’t be surprised if you released yourself from clutter today!

Organizing Your Child’s Playroom

2008-10-27T01:39:37Z

Our kids accumulate belongings starting at birth and continuing throughout the rest of their lives. Organizing a child’s room or playroom is crucial for this reason. Without a good organizational plan for your child’s room or play area, chaos will soon arise, if you aren’t already tripping over or stepping on toys thrown about the room. If you have experience with the almost frantic search for “the other piece” to a game or toy set, these tips are for you.

Organization takes planning. Budget your money and time to plan the play space well. Dual purpose furniture, such as an armoire, can be used throughout several years serving different purposes. Having furniture that is also storage can keep more space open for your kids to play. If the storage outlives its purpose for your kids, you can then use it for storing other things in your home.

Get your children involved early on. Organization is something that has to be taught. If you set a place for everything to go, your kids will put things in their places. That is, as long as you show them how and do it yourself first. Make a game out of it and they will catch on quickly.

Organize the toys by category. There may be dolls, action figures, blocks, kitchen toys, art supplies, books, musical toys and more. Make a list of the categories and sort the toys accordingly.

The next thing to do is determine what type of storage is best for each category. Use cabinets, baskets, shelves, plastic containers, and other things that best fit each type of toy.

Use a measuring tape to see exactly what storage items can fit where. Do this before you go shopping for bookshelves or storage bins. Measuring first will eliminate wasted money on items that don’t work out in the space you have.

Set everything up for storage. By now, each toy should be categorized and ready for its new “home.” With this system in place, having your child clean up their room usually only takes about five minutes. Additionally, when you ask your children to take their toys home, instead of putting them away, toys are much more likely to go back to where they came from. After all, away could also mean under the bed! Taking things home is much more specific and children are more likely to put their things away properly if they know exactly where their home is.

Clean up with them the first few times and they will get the hang of it. Even very young children can learn to be organized. Another tip is to teach them to put one set of toys away before they pull out another set of toys. This will keep things from piling up.

Mailman Blues? Piles & piles of mail to sort through daily?

2008-10-25T18:47:45Z

Solution: Sort your mail before you bring it into your home. Discard all junk mail & outer envelopes into a trash can on the way into your home from the mail box. Once in, designate a place where the mail always goes once it enters your home. Bonus Tip: Visit this website & ask them to remove you from mailing lists you don’t wish to be on: www.the-dma.org/consumers/offmailinglist.html

Can’t leave home because you can’t find your keys?

2008-10-25T18:40:39Z

Seriously folks, it’s as easy as hanging a hook by the door. Once installed, deposit your keys as soon as you enter the house & right before leaving, pick them up off the hook & dash out the door.
Bonus tip for women: Keep your keys on a large ring so they can easily be found in your purse.

Overwhelmed by Clutter?

2008-10-17T19:29:28Z

Solution: Start with the most visible eyesore piles in your life. Dedicate 15 minutes to making one pile disappear & you will instantly feel better! You will also develop a sense of personal mastery. Once you’ve killed off a few small piles, you’ve paved the way to successfully tackling more challenging jobs.

The missing sock syndrome – it happens to all of us!

2008-10-17T19:28:52Z

Solution: Keep an old pillowcase in your laundry area. When a lone sock appears, toss it in the bag. At the end of the month, most socks will be reunited as pairs when you open the bag.

Have a hodgepodge of collections throughout your house?

2008-10-17T19:27:30Z

Solution: Store with style. Create or buy attractive storage containers suited for your specific items, whether it is old photos, CD’s or your sunglass collection.

For CD’s consider using a three ring binder with drop-in pockets. Discard the jewel cases and place the cover and CD inside the pocket.

For trophy collections, Stagger ledge shelves over one wall and place all trophies on these shelves, up and out of the way!

Comment with your solutions for storing collectables. I am sure you have figured out a creative solution or tow!