Stock up to keep up
STOCK UP. Stocking your paperwork processing area with envelopes, return address labels and plenty of stamps will encourage bill paying and reduce procrastination!
Month: January 2009
How to stop being addicted to stuff
Clutter, disorganization and unhappiness. Sound familiar? If yes, it might be time for an intervention. Here’s my prescription: Watch The Story of Stuff, an informative way to spend 20 minutes. It will get you thinking about your own role in the consumerism cycle. Stop watching television. TV makes people want more things. People who live … Read moreHow to stop being addicted to stuff
A call to service
Everyone’s been talking about President Obama and the enormous problems he needs to fix to get our country back in shape. Instead of sitting back and waiting for change to happen, let’s all step up and do our part to help out. It can begin tomorrow with a volunteer opportunity on MLK Day. Check out … Read moreA call to service
Get your e-mail inbox into shape
This week, my friend Julia attended a workshop called “Reboot Your Work: Modern Methods for Productivity, Sanity, and Control”, presented by productivity consultant Matt Cornell. (Oooh! I wish I could have gone too!!) I thought Matt had a good suggestion for people whose e-mail inboxes are out of control. One not-so-productive workshop trainee (we’ll call … Read moreGet your e-mail inbox into shape
Clutter is a choice
I really like the candor of Danielle LaPorte’s post on Unclutterer today, which gives the Top 4 By-Default Clutter Choices. These are choices we make, she says. Clutter doesn’t just happen: My [insert name of well-meaning relative] gave it to me and I just can’t throw it out. This is tricky. But it gets down … Read moreClutter is a choice
Guide to donating and recycling
Hey Sparkleize readers, think environmentally responsible organizing! If you live in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area North Carolina, please check out the new Crystal’s Triangle-Area Guide to Donating and Recycling. I’d appreciate any comments or feedback you may have. With the input of others, I’m hoping it will become more and more comprehensive and useful over … Read moreGuide to donating and recycling
Three (very) simple habits to change in the New Year
Three simple habits to keep your life tidier and more organized in 2009: Clear out the trash. Every time you step out of your car (e.g., when you arrive at home, the office, the store, etc), make it a habit to collect any trash from inside the car (no matter how small!) and dispose of … Read moreThree (very) simple habits to change in the New Year
How to travel (in comfort and style) for 2 1/2 weeks with only one small backpack
The hubby and I just returned from a very relaxing 2 1/2 week vacation to Puerto Rico. We decided to travel with a minimal amount of stuff, by packing only one small backpack each. The advantages were numerous, including saving a ton of time and money, increasing our travel flexibility, and helping us to enjoy our … Read moreHow to travel (in comfort and style) for 2 1/2 weeks with only one small backpack
Buying wrapping paper after Christmas
I know you don’t feel like doing this right now, but you’ll be really glad you did when the holidays come around again: Now is the time to go to your local drug store and buy holiday wrapping paper that is on sale. Sometimes you can find it for up to 75% off. You’ll never … Read moreBuying wrapping paper after Christmas
Basic car maintenance every driver should know
Angie’s List* recommends these 5 easy steps to keep your car in cruising condition with basic maintenance: Change your oil! Oil changes are like giving your car a steak dinner—only better. A typical oil change reduces wear and tear on an engine. If you don’t change or check your oil regularly, you could have engine … Read moreBasic car maintenance every driver should know