Disorder2Order - keeping busy families organized

Summer distraction leads to procrastination...

Megan Spears — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:55:00 GMT

Summer time is an endless distraction for me. A million things to do, weeds to be pulled, parties to attend and kids to entertain, it's always something. Distractions... something to take me away from doing what I know what I should be doing but clearly am not (aka Procrastination). Although I have always put my kids first, I find myself feeling guilty enjoying an afternoon together when there are chores to be done or work to be completed. Guilt... I hate that word!

There are 62 days until school starts (yeah, you heard me), and I am loving the long days with my boys. We have been berry picking, swimming at the pool, walks to the park, bike riding on the trails, camping, swimming lessons and occasionally just chillin' in the yard. Distractions!

When I make the time to work on business related things (or even laundry), I do the bare minimum... hence the reason why it's been almost a month since I blogged last. These distractions are getting the better part of me and instead of fighting it, I am going to embrace what I have to offer and here is how I am going to do it...

1. Cut back. With my time being limited and knowing that things just aren't going to get done, it's time to cut back on some of the "fat". By examining what I have on my plate, I can see where I can start making the changes to relieve myself of some of the "extra" responsibilities. This is not a forever cutback, it's a temporary "hold" so that I can be more available for the things that I need to take care of (you know, my two little distractions).

2. Re-prioritize my goals. When looking at where to cutback, I have to start with my to-do list. If there are things that can sit idle for a while or be trimmed down, that's the first place to start. Less pressure to get so many things done means that when can actually dedicate the time to do the work I can be more focused.

3. Enjoy! We have to enjoy what we do. If we feel like everything is a burden, why do it? If I "feel" like I am getting things done, I am more inclined to press on. Life is too short!

FREE TELE-CLASS: Using Outlook

Megan Spears — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:08:00 GMT

I am shocked to see how long it's been since I posted. Where does all the time go?

It's been a crazy few weeks all in good stride, I have been busy wrapping up and gearing up all at the same time. I love being busy but as you can see, a few things have had to sit (like my blog) while other projects take the center stage. I am exited for the next few months, especially since a project I have been working on for a while has finally come to the surface!

Do you struggle with Outlook?

Do you wonder if there is an easier way to execute a specific task in Outlook?

Here is your chance. I will be hosting a FREE teleclass on Using Outlook. In this one hour call, you will learn more about your inbox, using your contacts, the keys to a to-do list and how your calendar can work for you!

Sign up here today! Did I mention that it's free?

Two FREE Fun activities for kids during the summer

Megan Spears — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:22:00 GMT

I am a firm believer that there is no better activity for kids than ones that are FREE!

Free is one of my favorite words in the English language. To me it means Fun-Relaxing-Easy-Entertained!! What better way to start my summer planning for than with TWO GREAT FREE activities! Be sure to check out my resources (especially if you are local to the Portland Metro area) for more fun (and FREE activities) for the summer!

Library Summer Reading Program
I just picked up the schedule and this summer there are six great entertainers coming to the library here in HR, plus a weekly creative club and open studio time. What's not to love about that? Be sure to check out your local library to see what kind of summer activities they have planned for kids.

Family Fun Festival - Regal Cinemas
This is one event that we just don't miss. FREE movies! What's nice is that this is nationwide so all you need to do is find your state and see what local theaters are participating! Who doesn't love to go to the movies... for FREE!

Four steps to getting back on track

Megan Spears — Mon, 25 May 2009 02:54:00 GMT

Do you ever get so busy that you wonder if you are really getting anything done?

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. I have been in a tornado of tasks, appointments and meetings, I am just barely able to keep my head above water. It's an interesting feeling being this busy and really, a little bit uncomfortable for me. I know that eventually, I will get past all the details and get back to "normal". Here is how you too can do it...

1. Documentation
Formulate a tracking system is critical to the success of getting back on track and staying organized. By using a task list or planner will help to identify what you can do and when. There are many methods of tracking, pick what will work best for you!

2. Do what I can (when I can)
There are 24 hours in a day. Always process the most critical task first even if it's not a fun task. The important thing is to allow those less critical things to be set aside for a time until you are caught back up!

3. Review and Repeat
It's important to spend as much time managing tasks as you do processing them. By reviewing regularly you know exactly what needs to be done and when. If you have a lot going on, sometimes reviewing your list three or four times a day will help you stay on top of what needs to be done.

4. Anticipation
Being prepared and planning ahead allows you to better anticipate future tasks. If you know of an up coming event or task, and you have a little extra time do it now. You will save yourself time in the long run and open up extra time for unexpected events.

I am still about waist deep but I feel a little better in control. It's takes time to get back on track. Sometimes you just have to let go.

FRIDAY FINDS: Clear the clutter with Gazelle

Megan Spears — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:29:00 GMT

Welcome to your Friday Finds... here I will share a new product or service that I think is helpful, practical and a good use of organization!!! Today's focus is clearing the clutter!

I love a good web resource. A place I can get information that will improve our quality of life and our planet! When I read about Gazelle, I thought, "no way... this is genius!" A one stop shop to get rid of those unwanted small gadgets and electronics that we all have (don't kid yourself, I am sure there is something laying around your house you could ).

Gazelle helps you SELL or RECYCLE your gadgets, quick, easy, fast at little to nothing. They actually send you the box and pay for shipping. I like that they coin their site as "getting paid to be environmentally responsible." It's a WIN/WIN!

I have a few little things laying around I just might have to give it a test run! Always looking for a way to live with less...

Helpful travel tip

Megan Spears — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:26:00 GMT

Are you directionally challenged? I have a good friend (who's name shall not be named Lizard...) who has a hard time finding her own driveway. For years we would tease her about being the designated driver thinking that we would never make it to our destination of choice. Without fail and many missed turns we would always get to where we were going.

I have always considered myself to be good with direction. I love to watch where I am going so I know where I have been. Anymore with all the GPS hardware we take advantage of doing the footwork of knowing where we are going... hence my helpful travel tip for today!

About 15 or so years ago a good friend of mine (not Lizard) gave me a helpful tip that has stuck with me to this day.

Did you know that (almost) always, no matter what city you are in, the even address numbers are always on the NORTH or WEST side of the street and the odd are on the SOUTH or EAST side.

Today, I was driving to a client appointment and as I glanced at my notes to look for the address (which was 2010) I immediately thought... "the street is an East/West street so the house is going to be on the RIGHT (North side). I can't tell you how many times this little nugget has saved my bacon!

Got a nugget to share?

What would you do...

Megan Spears — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:37:00 GMT

The idea of minimizing our expenses was something my husband and I started doing about six years ago when I left the corporate world. I am still drawn to news headlines about how to save more money and reduce expenses. It's reassuring to know that we do (pretty much) all that we can to cut our costs!

Anymore we have to evaluate how we spend money. I have seen more often the "What would you do with an extra $100?" question. It just keeps popping up... everywhere!

I see it in just about every issue of Real Simple and now I see it on blogs and in the paper. It's crazy... 16,800,000 hits on Google crazy.

So I have to ask myself, what would I do with an extra $100?

I would probably find a babysitter ($30-$40) and take my husband out for sushi ($60-$70). A night out for sushi and no kids is a real treat for us and we just don't get to do it as much as we would like. As you can see, a night out for us starts at $100 so you can see why we don't do it that often.

So, you guessed it... I am going to ask. What would you do with an extra $100.00?

FRIDAY FINDS: Who doesn't love F-R-E-E?

Megan Spears — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Welcome to your Friday Finds... here I will share a new product or service that I think is helpful, practical and a good use of organization!!! Today's focus is free easy organizing ideas!

In an effort to keep with the Earth Day theme, I remembered this great list of easy organizing ideas* from Real Simple that I wanted to share with you.

Here are 17 of my favorite suggestions, oh, and did I mention that they are all FREE. Ready, here it goes...

Use a wooden ladder to hang magazines or cloths.
Store your spices in a drawer and label the tops for easy retrieval.
Re-purpose ribbons from gifts by wrapping sets of sheets together for storing in the linen closet.
Rolodex can be used in a kitchen for recipes or website passwords and log-on names.
Use a desk organizer in the bathroom for those small storage items.
Organize your email messages with either adding a number before each message or an (*).
Ice cube trays can be used for drawer organizers.
Use a tray on your desk to corral such items like a stapler, post-its or tape.
Use an empty tissue box to store your plastic bags.
Use a three ring binder to store instruction manuals.
Wine racks can be also used for magazines.
Use a cardboard box inside a tote bag and you can use it to store garden tools.
Use a three tiered hanging basket in your closet for the random items.
Group medicine into bags by category (head, allergy or children's) and keep in one bin.
Use a lazy susan for everything... it's so versatile!
Use pictures of toys on the front of kid storage bins so they can learn to be organized.
Use velcro or cable ties to manage all the cords and cables.

*All of these items came directly out of the June 2008 Real Simple Low-Cost Organizing Ideas article. If I could find it online, I would totally share it with you! Enjoy!

**this awesome image was found at www.iwasateenagewebsite.com/.

10 uses for a fork

Megan Spears — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:14:00 GMT

Sometimes I just wonder if I should embrace the idea that I love Martha Stewart. I read her magazine (religiously), I blog about her a lot and I actually use her ideas and projects pretty regularly.

Okay, okay, I love Martha. You don't have to hit me in the head.

In the April issue she shares in her Good Things 10 (more) things a fork can do. Awesome... who would have thought it... enjoy!P.S. I just love those good things... they really are good!

10 (more) things a fork can do
1. Reaming - insert the tines into a halved citrus fruits to extract the juice.
2. Pricking - making holes in pie crust or potatoes before baking.
3. Crimping - decorating raw pie crust by pressing tines along the edge.
4. Whisking - whip eggs for omelets or other drinks.
5. Mashing - crush berries for sauce or bananas for banana bread.
6. Decorating - make a crosshatch pattern on cookies or sides of cakes.
7. Dipping - lower nuts, fruit or cookies into melted chocolate.
8. Scraping - carve out spaghetti squash.
9. Spearing - lift pickles out of the jar and waffles from the waffle iron, hold meat while slicing.
10. Testing - check if boiled potatoes are cooked through.

Do you notice a theme here... these all relate to food. Do you suppose the reason why I love her is because she loves food?

FRIDAY FINDS (on Monday): Task Mug

Megan Spears — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:49:00 GMT

Welcome to your Friday Finds... here I will share a new product or service that I think is helpful, practical and a good use of organization!!! Today's focus is to-do's!

I know, I know, it's Monday and Friday Finds usually comes out on Friday. I am not trying to make excuses, but here is the deal. Last week was crazy busy for me and the family. I had back to back appointments, meetings and classes which left little to no time for some of the less critical to-do's on my list (aka my blog posts).

I talk about this very subject in my time management class... you have to evaluate priorities and do the most important first... it doesn't mean that I don't get to the other tasks... hence, Friday Finds on Monday!

In the past few weeks I have found a whole bunch of fun products that I can't wait to share with you... all in due time, all in due time! My focus this April has been time management and what effects our time the most? To-Do Lists!

I ran across this mug in the April issue of Real Simple. I love it! So handy, so practical and would make a fun gift for anyone who struggles with remembering the to-do's for today. Who doesn't think about their To-Do list when they are drinking coffee or morning beverage of choice?

The Task Mug comes with a small pencil (again, another reason I love this mug, it uses a pencil) you can write out your to-do's for the day and then erase and use tomorrow. What's not to love about that? Task Mug comes in three different styles... I found it at a super cute website called FredFlare... fun, unique products for your everyday needs, check them out (it's bookmarked in my favorites).

Task Mug
Retail: $16.00

Menu Planning: What to do with leftovers

Megan Spears — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:43:00 GMT

I hope that you all had a nice holiday weekend. We enjoyed a nice quite day with family at our house. I am excited to get dinner started this week... for all the yummy leftover ham!

We normally are at my in-laws for Easter, but this year I asked everyone out to our house! I got a HUGE ham because I love to use the leftovers in various different meals, and especially to make up a batch of split pea soup! Yum!

Here is just a few yummy meals on my agenda this weeks:

Ham & cheese Omelette's
Cheese Pizza
Grilled shrimp and cornbread
Chicken cutlets and smashed potatoes with ham
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Tri-tip steak and veggies
Ham and split pea soup
Grilled chicken fingers
Turkey burgers and fries
Beef burritos
Sweet and Sour Pork

FRIDAY FINDS: Buttoned Up Mail Sorter

Megan Spears — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Welcome to your Friday Finds... here I will share a new product or service that I think is helpful, practical and a good use of organization!!! Today's focus is mail management!

For the average person, mail is often a difficult thing to manage. Is it because it come six times a week and it can be easily overlooked, or if it's because when it comes, usually somebody wants our money? A question I have often pondered.

Either way, if you have a desire to get your mail in order the first thing you really need to do is get a system into place. It could be your best investment when trying to get organized.

Buttoned Up, by Franklin Covey (I found it at Spoon Sisters for only $16), has a great mail sorter that I must share with you! It's simple, easy to use and compact for any space.

Not only does it sort your mail by "notice me," "respond to me," "read me," and "pay me," but there is a nice little section for stamps, envelopes and a few writing instruments.

All Buttoned Up Mail Sorter
Retail: $18.95

How do you sort or manage your mail?

Eco organizing awards over at Get Organized!

Megan Spears — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:45:00 GMT

Earth day is coming and it's a great time of year to remind us of ways that we can live better for ourselves and the earth!

My good friend Carmen over at Get Organized is hosting a 2009 Eco Organizing Awards event. Here, she is not only promoting organizing, but reminding us to think of our mother earth.

Those who participate can share their earth friendly organizing story, idea, product or resource on her blog comments and win a prize. Winners will be announced on April 22nd.

You can check out the official rules here if you like. Come and join in on the fun...

YES TO LESS: Update

Megan Spears — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT

I haven't done a post in quite a while on the Say Yes to Less crusade. What I have found so ironic about this whole lifestyle, is just how much I see the word LESS. In magazines, I frequently see advertisements for "using less," or an article in the newspaper (or a segment on television) about how to "spend less." I don't know if it's that I am paying attention to the idea of less, or if everyone else is really starting to get it too? What do you think?

In the beginning of my quest for LESS in 2009, I came across Leo's book, The Power of Less. I of course, added it to my must read list for this year. After being on a "long wait" at the library, I finally got my copy last week and I am LOVING this read! It's a fantastic book and so practical in how Leo breaks down the pieces of our lives that create the EXCESS.

A few points from the first few chapters (I don't want to give the whole book away) that I wanted to share with you...

1. It's really all about limits! If we haven't defined a limit to what we can handle, how do we know when to stop? This applies to, and for, just about E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G in our life!

2. Simplicity comes down to two steps: Identify the essentials, and eliminate the rest (if only it was that easy, right?).

3. His six principles for productivity are:
- Set limits
- Choose the essentials
- Simplify
- Focus
- Create habits
- Start small

I really do love this list and wow, how simple it really is! However, when I stop and think about it, for some people, it's just a bunch of words that may or may not have a clear understanding or meaning. Sometimes it's not easy to know where to start, how to set limits or what really is essential in our lives.

Another thing that really hits home for me is that Leo shares his personal story of how his life was prior to creating LESS in his life. I think anyone can relate to being overwhelmed and not knowing where to start... but what I like is that he did, and really shares how you can too!

Back from vacation blues

Megan Spears — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:33:00 GMT

I have the Monday blues! I took last week off for our spring break vacation.

We headed down to San Francisco California and enjoyed some long over-do relaxing, WARM WEATHER and SUNSHINE! We got a chance to see the bridge, walk the wharf, shop in Chinatown and of course, visit the Jelly Belly factory (which was the highlight of the trip for the kids).

We came home Thursday, and it has taken me this long to get myself organized and back on track.

The first order of business was getting my meal plan down and off to the grocery store. Check.

The second order of business was to sort through the 150+ emails and get my to-do list in order. Check.

It's hard for even organized people to get back into the swing of "reality" after being gone for a week. It feels good to have a handle on what needs to get done in the coming week.

I wasn't feeling very creative when planning out my meals for the next few weeks. After eating out for a whole week, it's nice to get back to boring old home cooking again! Here are just a few of my meal ideas for the coming weeks...

Megan's Menu Ideas
Baked Potato Skins

Chicken Baked Steak with Smashed Potatoes
Kielbasi with Risotto and Broccoli
Pork Loin with Black Beans
Vegetable Soup
Chicken Enchilada's with Spanish Rice
Turkey Meatloaf with Noodles
Pork Schnitzel
Turkey Burgers and fries
Pasta Primavera and garlic bread
Baked Chicken with grilled veggies
Tri-tip roast with onion sauce

FRIDAY FINDS: Dryer Ball

Megan Spears — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to your Friday Finds... here I will share a new product or service that I think is helpful, practical and a good use of organization!!! Today's focus is laundry...

Who would have thought laundry would have anything to do with Friday finds? Wednesday is usually my laundry day, and for some reason, I have had it with the dryer sheet. Not only are they a pain in the you know what, but the create clutter in my laundry room. They find their way between the machines, under the mat and they stick to my socks... argh!

I personally like fabric softener over the dryer sheet, but it can be spendy (and I often wonder, does it works?) and I still get static cling... argh, again!

Any way that I can use less, improve the environment and save money in the long run makes me a happy laundry do-er. Enter the dryer ball.

Nellie's Dryer Ball is at the top of my shopping list (as soon as I use up finish up these dryer sheets)!! This product naturally softens the fabric WITHOUT CHEMICALS, reduces your drying time and lasts for about 3-5 years. Does it get better than that? It really equates down to about $.o1 per day! whaaaa... take that Downey!

If you haven't seen ReusableBags dot com... you gotta check them out! It's like the ultimate online store for sustainability!

Nellie's Dryerballs
$17.95/set of two

Menu Planning: meal ideas and why I do what I do...

Megan Spears — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:50:00 GMT

I have talked with so many people recently about menu planning and coupon clipping that I am starting to get the feeling that people think I am kidding on the amount of money I save.

This last grocery trip, I had a whopping $71 savings (that would be $22 in coupon savings and the rest in grocery discounts).

I know lots of gals that do a meal plan of sorts, and they all say the same thing... it's worth the effort and investment!

Why do I do what I do????
1. I save a ton of cash.
2. It takes about a hour or so to plan out my meals, but I save hourS in deciding each day what to make.
3. It forces me to think outside the box on meal ideas.
4. One shopping trip every two weeks.
5. I alway use what I have first when planning.
6. My kids are eating healthy balanced meals.

Do I need to keep going??????????

I am heading out of town this coming weekend (I actually will be gone when this post hits the airwaves) and I had to get a jump start on my planning...

My focus for the next two weeks - - - wait a minute - - - Spring Break is two weeks away... Can I get a WOO-HOOO! Anyways... sorry I got distracted. My focus in the next two weeks is fast and easy (like when is that ever not my focus). We have wrestling classes at night and only a short window to eat so it's got to be something the kids really like and will eat quickly...

I was happy to know that St. Patty's Day is right around the corner... I just love corned beef and boiled potatoes. It reminds me of eating dinner at my grandma's house when I was a kid. No, we weren't Irish, it just reminds me of her.

Enjoy!

Meal Ideas
Soup and Sandwiches
Broccoli and Cheese Quiche
Grilled Chicken and Lime Chili Sauce
Fried Shrimp
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Roast Beef with Veggies
Corned Beef and Boiled Potatoes
Tuna Casserole
Chicken Kiev
Plenty More in the Kitchen

FRIDAY FINDS: desk blotter

Megan Spears — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

I can say without a doubt that I was a daddy's girl! I have such fond memories of my childhood and spending one on one time with my dad.

He was an English teacher and newspaper adviser for a neighboring high school. I loved to go with him to work, and spy on all the high school kids. Back then, if I had a day off from school, I could go with my dad to work and hang out in the press room all day, coloring books and journal in hand. I don't know if it was the job, or just a side passion, but he had a love for anything paper... maybe that's where I got it?

At home, he had this huge desk with a type writer on one side and stacks and stack of papers and journals on the other. In the center of his desktop (oh, the desktop I am referRing to would be the desk surface, this was years before computers came into play) he had this massive blotter. It was covered mostly with stacks of paper, but I remember it had these two leather side panels that ran along the edges, and there tucked in the corner was a picture of my mom, and then one of me and my sisters.

I love the desk blotter. It's so practical and purposeful on an office work surface. I remember in my previous life, I always had a clear desk blotter at my workstation. This weeks Friday find is the Artistic Krystal View™ Non-Glare Desk Pad, 12" x 17", Clear. It's so affordable and such a useful item, especially if you need to reference information regularly.

Phone lists, contact numbers, web log-ins and passwords, weekly reminders... the list is endless on the information you can post under a clear blotter surface just by sliding your reference materials underneath the blotter. Did I mention that they are affordable? I added it to the Disorder2Order Store... it's just that cool!

Clear Desk Pad
Retail: $10-15

Documentary: Seven Dumpsters and a Corpse

Megan Spears — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:37:00 GMT

Yesterday, my husband and I enjoyed a nice quite day at home. After spending a lazy morning reading the paper, I camped out on the sofa and channel surfed...

Who would have thought we would come across this little documentary. The title got me interested, so my curiosity got the best of me and we proceeded to watch. If you have any curiosity about the issue of hoarding, you can check it out on YouTube here...

Here is my recap:

I have an amazing amount of respect for the two brothers who so graciously documented their process of dealing with not only the loss of their mother, but the daunting process of her lifestyle as a hoarder.

This process always brings a set of mixed emotions for me, sadness for the family and curiosity for the reasons why.

What was truly impressive what their ability to, day after day for over two weeks submerge themselves in the process of sorting. Heavy story for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Win a Home Office "Start Up Kit "over at The Home Office Organizer...

Megan Spears — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:37:00 GMT

Wanted to give you all a heads up...

Brandie, over at The Home Office Organizer is hosting a giveaway for a home office start up kit, sponsored by Office Depot. Check out her giveaway post and enter to win... looks like a great giveaway!

It includes...

notebook computer
all-in-one printer
shredder
data back up
storage service