The Monthly Organizer, Issue #017 -- February 2008

I have a lot of fun stuff planned for 2008. I am currently developing a line of Tips to Organize Life merchandise to help remind you of your goals with a little bit of humor. The merchandise will be available on the website soon, but if you want a sneak peek, here it is.

I will also be adding interactivity to Tips to Organize Life. This is going to be especially fun for me because it gives me the chance to hear from you. There will be contests, questions and answers, funny stories and more!

Finally, the thing that I am most excited about for the upcoming year is the addition of a forum. I am really looking forward to creating a platform for this wonderful community to come together and share stories and inspiration, ask questions, get answers and, most importantly, get organized together.

Be on the lookout for the announcements about all of these new features. In the meantime, I hope you will continue to enjoy the site.

If you have a specific question or organization problem, please feel free to contact me. I love to receive email from my visitors and I am happy to answer all of your questions.

Monthly Motivation

Looking at an entire filing cabinet that is in desperate need of purging and reorganizing would easily make anyone feel overwhelmed, but pulling out one file folder to work on is much more manageable. Whether you organize one folder an hour, one folder a day or one folder a week, eventually, that cabinet will be completely organized. It's truly amazing how small steps add up to big results.

So stop looking at the big picture. Break your organization projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Spend as much time on those small tasks as your schedule allows. Stick with it and you will see the results you were looking for without becoming overwhelmed in the process.

Monthly Organization Tip

Monthly Money Saving Tip

I decided to do a little experiment. I purchased one roll of name brand paper towels that came in a select-a-size version with perforations that allow you to take a section of towel equal to one-third of the size of a sheet of the store brand.

I also purchased a 12 pack of 100% cotton, all white washcloths which cost $5.99. Each time I wanted a paper towel I stopped and thought about whether I could use a washcloth instead. When I decided that I could use a washcloth I simply tossed it in the washing machine when I was done. If I decided a paper towel was the better choice, I tore off only as much as I needed.

The system has been working wonderfully. I have been using only a fraction of the amount of paper towels that I used to use so even though I purchased a more expensive roll it is lasting much longer, saving me money and saving the environment by cutting down on my consumption of paper products.

For more great money saving tips, download one of the fantastic e-books from the Living on a Dime series.

Monthly Recipe

Tomato Pesto Puff Hearts

Ingredients:

2 (7 oz.) jars sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
6 garlic cloves
5 cups basil leaves, packed
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup freshly grated Parmeggiano-Reggiano cheese
1 puff pastry sheet, defrosted
1 egg

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Drain the sun-dried tomatoes and place them into the bowl of a food processor. Add the garlic cloves and process until smooth. Add the basil, salt and pepper to the processor bowl. Turn the processor on and slowly pour the extra virgin olive into the processor while it is running. Process until a smooth paste is formed. Add the cheese and pulse until well combined.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll the puff pastry sheet until you have a 13 inch square. Spread the pesto onto the puff pastry covering the entire surface. Fold two opposite sides of the puff pastry one-quarter of the way toward the center. Fold those same sides toward the center again so that the outside edges now meet in the middle. Now fold one side over the other so you have something that resembles a jelly roll.

With a sharp, serrated knife, carefully slice the roll into half inch slices. Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Mix the egg with 1 Tblsp. water and beat lightly. Brush each slice with the egg wash and bake for 10 minutes, turning each slice over halfway through cooking. Serve straight from the oven or at room temperature.

Monthly Entertaining Tip

Do you need Valentine's Day supplies for a party at home or at school? If so, check out this Valentine's Day party in a box. Get everything you need from invitations and thank you cards to plates and decorations, crafts, activities and more.