February 15, 2008
The Monthly Organizer
March 2008
Last month I told you about some of the fun stuff I will be adding to my site this year. One of the things I told you about was the addition of interactivity, a way for you to share your stories with me and the rest of my visitors. Well, let the sharing begin! In this month's Monthly Motivation section you will find out how you can contribute to a wonderful community where we can all laugh together, learn from each other and provide support to our friends with common interests.
Also, Tips to Organize Life is getting a face lift! You will begin noticing a whole new look over the coming months, but don't worry, all of the information will still be there for you to access during this time of transition.
As always, 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
Recently I have had conversations with many people who have told me that they are so embarrassed by the disorganization in their homes that they never, ever have company. There seems to be a common thread with each person I have spoken to. They all seem to feel as if they are the only person in the world with this problem. They feel alone and frustrated. That got me thinking.Everybody has had an embarrassing moment. To motivate us all this month, let's get together and share the stories of our home organization most embarrassing moment. I've already shared mine and you can read it here. What better way is there to make somebody else feel better than to show them that they are not alone? What better way is there to make yourself feel better by the reading the stories shared by others and knowing you are not alone?
After you share your own story, leave comments for the stories of other visitors to show support, empathize or let them know how their story has motivated you. Are you ready to share? Click here to get started.
Monthly Organization Tip
Are you recycling? The world is going Green and we should all be doing our part to save the environment for our children and their children and grandchildren. Recycling is not a difficult thing to do, but is sure is a heck of a lot easier when you are organized!Set up a recycling center in your home. Decide on a convenient location for your recycling bin and start practicing each and every day to get yourself into the habit of recycling.
Check with your local government to find out if they offer curbside recycling and, if so, what their guidelines are.
If you do not have curbside recycling where you live, find out where the nearest recycling center is and schedule a drop off day for yourself at least once per month.
Talk to your family and be sure they understand the guidelines. If you will be separating your recycling get one bin for each category and clearly label the outside of the bin. This will ensure that everybody will know exactly where to put each item they recycle.
Help save the environment in an organized way.
Monthly Money Saving Tip
Don't throw away those leftover Valentine's Day cards you bought for the kids to pass out in school. Save them in a labeled shoebox. After a couple of years you just might have enough leftovers to avoid having to buy new cards that year and it doesn't matter if they are not all the same. Just encourage your child to choose the card that best fits the person the will give it to.Monthly Recipe
After all of the Valentine's Day indulgences, you may be looking for a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet. Well, I have the perfect recipe for you! These sweet and crunchy snacks are an absolute cinch to make and are low in fat and high in fiber. If you follow Weight Watchers, for instance, these snacks are only 1 point per serving. But the best part is that they taste delicious.
Crunchy Chocolate Bites
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Fiber One cereal
- 1 (12 oz.) bag, semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In the microwave or over a double-boiler, melt the chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl, being careful not to burn them. Add the cereal to the bowl and mix to combine well.
Drop the mixture by the rounded Tablespoon onto the parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened.
Monthly Entertaining Tip
Sometimes life gets so busy and we get so caught up in our obligations outside the home that we don't leave enough time to stay connected with those who matter most. Reconnect with your family this month. Have a family picnic. If you live in a colder climate or if you are looking for a way to entertain the family on a cold, rainy day a carpet picnic is just the ticket. Lay down a blanket on the living room floor, gather up some snacks and finger foods and pretend you are in a beautiful field with the sun shining down on you. Play board games, listen to music or just catch up with each other through a good conversation. A carpet picnic is a great way to change things up, make things fun and spend some good quality time together.If you will be entertaining for St. Patrick's Day, here are some St. Patrick's Day Entertaining Ideas.