Logistically Leah

A Favorite Motivational Speaker

Leah Eggers — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:52 +0000

Several months ago a friend shared a YouTube video that really resonated with me. Full disclosure: I’m not someone who has watched every YouTube video that has ever gone viral. In fact, I rarely watch YouTube videos. But in just sixty seconds, the pint-sized motivational speaker featured in the following piece touched my heart and sparked a sense of purpose and motivation in me. Perhaps you’ll appreciate his words of wisdom, too. Enjoy!

Welcome To Autumn

Leah Eggers — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:37 +0000

Folks, we are just two days away from autumn. Also known as fall. Also known as one of my all-time favorite seasons of the year. Welcoming autumn means a lot of things to a lot of people. For some, it means welcoming shorter days and cooler temperatures. For others, it means gearing up to enjoy fall festivals, hay mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards. For some, fall means browns, tweeds, jackets, and sweaters. And for others, fall can’t be captured in words and instead is captured by that certain indescribable something in the air.

And as we look ahead to fall, we can be grateful for the beautiful, vibrant foliage that awaits us. We can be grateful for the distinctive and spectacular fall-focused activities, foods, and experiences that we will get to enjoy during this season. And, of course, we can express an attitude of gratitude for the summer adventures that are drawing to a close. In honor of this lovely time of year, enjoy a few laughs with Victor Borge and Robert Merill as they welcome fall and all of those autumn leaves.

* Photo by D. Sharon Pruitt

Nested Bowls And Other Space Savers

Leah Eggers — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:12 +0000

Kitchen organization is an ever-evolving adventure. One thing I love about it is just how fluid it is, and how easily we can change things around in our kitchens to meet the needs of the moment. While helping a friend unpack after his move a few years ago, I marveled at how seemingly effortlessly he fit all of his kitchen items into his new space. A glance in his cabinets taught me plenty, and helped the hubster and me to organize our kitchen when we moved a few months later. Recently while cooking in our kitchen I realized what a difference these space-saving ideas have made in our home, and so I share just a few of them today in the hopes that they’ll be helpful in a kitchen near you:

Nest similarly sized bowls, pans, and pots. This may seem obvious, but it doesn’t always happen and it really makes a difference.
If you have a corner cabinet, consider installing a “lazy Susan” in it to ensure that items stowed in that space are easily accessible
Place spices, juice glasses, and small bowls in shorter cabinets
Consider placing cooling racks and cookie sheets in a vertical position along the side of a tall cabinet, or keep them flat and store them in the drawer under your oven
Consider hanging your pots and pans on hooks on the wall, or from a pot holder installed on your ceiling
Store kitchen knives in a wood block holder or on a magnetized wall strip

Happy cooking!

* Photo by ilker

Routine Appointment Bliss

Leah Eggers — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:03 +0000

From routine car maintenance, to haircuts, to everything in between, most of us have at least one routine appointment in our life. Usually these appointments can be scheduled in advance with a little planning. And so today we’re going to briefly look at three ways to stay on top of scheduling these appointments with ease, so you can free up your time for life’s more blissful and joyful adventures.

Whenever possible, try to schedule your next routine appointment before you leave your hairdresser, mechanic, etc, and add it to your electronic calendar pronto. Doing so helps ensure that you won’t forget to take the car in for regular maintenance. It also allows you – and your hairdresser – to plan ahead and it gives you some freedom to choose when would be most convenient for you, instead of getting squeezed in to your hairdresser’s already full schedule six weeks from now. The beauty of scheduling on the early side of things: your spot is reserved at a convenient time for you and you still have the freedom to change the appointment if necessary. After all, how many of us know today exactly what we’re doing at 5:45pm six weeks from Tuesday?
What works for scheduling personal care appointments also works for scheduling annual appointments – like the oil heater cleaning visit from your local oil company, or the annual tree care visit from your landscaper. Whenever possible, ask the service provider if they will contact you to schedule your next appointment. If not, make a note on your electronic calendar to call them six months before your desired appointment so that you can get on their calendar with ease.
Contact your service provider as far in advance as possible if you need to postpone or cancel your appointment. In addition to expressing courtesy, doing this will also free up time on the service provider’s schedule so they can assist another customer. Some service providers assess a cancellation fee if an appointment is cancelled less than 24 or 48 hours in advance. Know your service provider’s cancellation policy, and honor it.

* Photo by Asif Akbar

Gear Up For A Great Labor Day Weekend

Leah Eggers — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:13 +0000

Amazingly enough, the symbolic “end of summer” is drawing near. Yes, it’s hard to believe it, but Labor Day weekend will be upon us in just a few days. It seems like just yesterday that we were enjoying Memorial Day weekend, then Independence Day. And several runs, swims, and melon balls, and ice cream scoops later, Labor Day weekend is here.

For several people, Labor Day weekend feels like a way-mark of sorts. One friend recently mentioned that when she was a child, Labor Day weekend marked the last weekend before school started. To her, summer was over after Labor Day – even though the weather in her neck of the woods remained hot well into October. Another friend told me that in his family, Labor Day marked the last weekend that his mom or sisters would wear white shoes or pants, because they did not wish to irk the local fashion police. And a colleague recently mentioned that for their family, Labor Day weekend offered a great opportunity for one last hurrah before the bustle of autumn adventures began.

Looking for ways to spend the last holiday weekend of the summer? Perhaps a few of these ideas (posted on Logistically Leah around this time last year) will resonate with you. Wishing you and yours a joyous Labor Day weekend. Cheers!

* Photo by Horton Group

When A Bedside Table Is A Library

Leah Eggers — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:54 +0000

A few weeks ago while cleaning our house, I walked past my bedside table and realized – for the first time in ages – that it doubles as a library (think: combination book shelf and magazine rack, with an alarm clock, lamp, and cute photo thrown in for good measure). And I smiled to myself. After all, having good reads just an arm’s length away from my favorite reading perch is a great thing.

Today I write about my bedside table that doubles as a library, because for me, it’s a great example of the importance of each of us embracing our respective versions of organizational bliss. Sure, some fellow organization enthusiasts may say that a bedside table that doubles as a library is less than charming. But, quite honestly, I’m perfectly content with this so-called “clutter.” Of course, it’s great to place these books in an organized fashion, and to ensure that the magazines are neatly stacked. But regardless of the condition of the stacks, this space is comfortable. It adds to the depth of the room, exudes an element of coziness, and sparks joy in my heart.

Have a perch in your house that you have no desire to “declutter” because it offers you daily enjoyment? Tell us about it. After all, it’s okay to be thrilled about carrying out your own version of organizational bliss. Cheers!

* Photo by Paul Harvey

Rethink Your Family’s Morning Routine

Leah Eggers — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:51 +0000

Depending on where you live in the United States, the school bell is chiming or is about to chime for kindergarteners through high school students. And after the lazy days of summer, gearing up for a school day morning routine can sometimes take a few adjustments and require a little advance planning. Classroom attendance is taken fairly early these days, so how to establish a morning routine that will serve you well throughout the academic year? Perhaps one, some, or all of these ideas will be helpful in your household:

Wake up at the same time every weekday, and help family members to do the same. For me, this helps me be focused all day and fall asleep around the same time each evening. This concept is a winner for many people, and it may or may not resonate with you and your family.

Carve out some quiet time for yourself every morning before you leave the house. Always. No matter how impossible this may seem, do your best to make this happen every day. You can use this time for prayer, quiet reflection and contemplation, or whatever you’d like. It’s a great way to establish a sense of order and dominion before the day gets underway. Please do not use this time to take care of a few things on your to do list.

Make your bed, and encourage family members to make theirs. It takes just a few moments and establishes a calm sense of order in your room.

Pack everyone’s lunch, water bottle, etc. at night. There’s no reason to prepare food for the day ahead at o’dark thirty in the morning. Do it the night before. You’ll be glad you did.

Serving breakfast at the kitchen table or on the go in the car? Either way, prepare what you can ahead of time to minimize day-of cooking. Convenience is key, and a little advance planning will help make that happen.

Pack your purse, work bag, workout bag, etc. at night and have the kids pack their back-packs, satchels, etc. before they go to sleep. As we all know, there’s no need to hunt for a missing math assignment while the carpool is honking outside tomorrow morning.

Plan tomorrow’s outfit and accessories tonight, and have the kids lay out their clothes before going to bed. Bonus points if you check the weather so you know what layers are needed.

Use the same “leave the house” procedures every morning, and encourage your family to do the same. In time, you’ll rarely – if ever – forget your “standard” items. Case in point: When you pick up your work bag, pluck the kids’ lunch boxes from the refrigerator shelf, and grab your water bottle and keys as you walk out the door, you’ve begun to establish a bit of a routine. Do it for a few consecutive days and it becomes a routine without you even noticing. Do it for a month or so and you’ll likely never forget your water bottle again because picking it up will become second nature. If you walk out the door without it, you’ll likely realize that you’re forgetting something and you’ll take stock of what’s missing.

With a little advance planning and a willingness to carve out some quiet time for yourself every morning, the morning rush should be transformed during this academic year. Have additional ideas that help you avoid the morning rush? Feel free to share them here and they could be featured in an upcoming blog post.

* Photo by Jan Willem Geertsma

A Few Tips For College Freshmen

Leah Eggers — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:40 +0000

It’s that time of summer when those who are heading off to college begin packing duffel bags and purchasing a variety of electronics for use in their dorm rooms. Before too long it’ll be move-in weekend, and for these students, the beginning of a new life chapter. As a college student, I was a resident assistant in a freshman dormitory. I loved welcoming the freshman class during move-in weekend. For many of these students, that time period was a rite of passage as they left home – some for the first time – to begin a new, independent experience.

Know someone headed off to college for the first time? Perhaps one, some, or all of the following ideas (previously featured on Logistically Leah) will be helpful during their upcoming adventures:

Have additional tips to share? Tell us about them and perhaps they’ll be featured in a future blog post!

* Photo by Tiffany Szerpicki

Unpack With Ease Post-Vacation

Leah Eggers — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:00:10 +0000

Sometimes easing into routine life after vacation can feel challenging…so much so that unpacking can take a back seat to everything else, like bills that need paying, a lawn that needs mowing, and a refrigerator that needs filling. But having a packed suitcase hanging around the house can be a recipe for clutter and some early morning confusion when you can’t find your favorite shirt (because it’s still packed). I recently used the following four easy steps to unpack after vacation at a time that was especially busy. By breaking this process into easy steps, the whole experience took just 10 minutes and I was motivated to complete the task at hand. Perhaps these steps will be helpful to a suitcase that needs unpacking near you:

1. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Then open your suitcase on a table, bed, or other piece of furniture so the contents are easy to access.

2. Take any clothing that needs laundering directly to your designated laundry area at home. Bonus points if you start a load in the washing machine right away. Don’t dwadle, though, the clock is ticking!

3. Next, identify where your remaining clothes go, and unpack them accordingly. Take all the clothes that belong in your bureau, remove them from your suitcase, and immediately put them away in said bureau. Don’t just stash them on your bed or in a neatly folded pile on the stairs, or somewhere else. Next, take all of your closet items and stow them in their rightful spots within your closet.

4. Put the suitcase away! No need to have an empty suitcase hanging around your hallway for another week or two.

Congratulations! You’ve unpacked and now you can relax in a hammock, make dinner, or go for a run. Welcome home!

* Photo by Adam Ciesielski

When Cooking For A Crowd

Leah Eggers — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:00:24 +0000

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend time with my husband’s family. Our visit seemed to fly by and everyone enjoyed themselves. Several individuals were part of this gathering, and I noted with great interest how my mother-in-law (head chef and menu creator extraordinaire) kept tabs on everything while cooking for this crowd. A few quick tips I learned from this gathering that I intend to put to use when I next cook for a crowd:

Get creative with menu planning and enjoy the process, keeping in mind what your friends or family (the crowd) enjoy eating.
After planning meals, put menus for each day on separate pieces of paper for easy reference.
TIP: Write the cookbook title and corresponding recipe page number next to each dish on your menu so it can be easily found when it’s time to put on an apron.
When preparing your grocery list for this cooking adventure, use the aforementioned recipe lists as your guide.
Take a few minutes to organize your list in advance of the grocery trip. Doing so will be a huge time saver, and you’ll thank yourself when you’re in the middle of Krogers, Buellers, Safeway, Shaws, Shop ‘n’ Save, Schnucks, Dierbergs, Stop ‘n’ Shop, Aldi, Petrini’s, Mollie Stones, “Whole Paycheck,” Wild Oats, the farmers’ market, or wherever you may shop.
Once you and your groceries arrive home, place them in easily identifiable spots in the kitchen or pantry.
Before the activities begin each day, take a look at that day’s menu items. What can be prepared in advance? How can you involve those around you? How long does dinner take to make, and what time should you start cooking?
Relax and enjoy the process. Bon appetit!

* Photo by Jason M

Pre-Party To Do: Declutter the Fridge

Leah Eggers — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:17 +0000

In the summer months those who like to grill – or who have significant others who like to grill – may find themselves hosting one or more gatherings in which the featured fare is barbecued in the backyard. In some households, hosting gatherings on the barbecue social circuit is a requirement that begins on Memorial Day and ends the day after Labor day. While hosting a Labor Day barbecue as an apartment dweller a few years ago, I learned how helpful it would have been to have decluttered our refrigerator before our party preparations were underway.

Have you ever tried to put a platter of fruit kebobs in a small apartment-size refrigerator alongside a gallon of milk, a head of swiss chard, and assorted fruits and leftovers in food storage containers? It was quite a feat, and not one that I wish to repeat. And it was in that moment that I noted the importance of decluttering the refrigerator before hosting a barbecue, or any party or gathering that involves a substantial amount of food (think: Thanksgiving, graduation party, etc). So how to declutter the refrigerator without eating take-out all week before your party? Perhaps one, some, or all of the following three tips will mesh well with your version of organizational bliss:

1. Make note of what’s taking up valuable real estate in the refrigerator and use these ingredients to concoct creative meals for your family. You may be pleasantly surprised, and inadvertently introduce some new menu ideas into your cooking repertoire.

2. In the week leading up to the party be mindful of the groceries that you purchase, ensuring that your family’s day-to-day foods will easily fit in the refrigerator along with any large party platters or substantial party foods. This is especially important if you plan to chill a large sheet cake, a watermelon bowl filled with melon balls and sliced fruits, etc.

3. The pantry is your friend. In the days leading up to the party, making “pantry surprise” for dinner is always a great option. Assuming you already have whole wheat pasta, canned or boxed soup, beans, and tuna, you can easily create quick meals that require very few refrigerated ingredients.

Have some pre-party refrigerator decluttering tips to share? Let us know about them and they could appear in a future blog post! Cheers!

* Photo by Zsolt Zatrok

The Right Tools Make A Difference

Leah Eggers — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:00:53 +0000

Although I’ve been able to function in a kitchen since my elementary school days, it was not until a few years ago that I really learned how to cook. Today, cooking is one of the ways that I contribute to our household. It offers opportunities to express creativity and, of course, to test and implement a variety of organization-related ideas. And while working in the kitchen, I have found that the right tools can make all the difference.

A few weeks ago, my pink “onion goggles” arrived in the mail. Very. Big. Deal. After using them for about five seconds, I noted with great joy that I could chop onions without having to wipe my eyes! My onion goggles are quite nifty. In addition to being pink, they’re comfortable and serviceable and they make all the difference in my cooking endeavors.

On day one of using this wonderful invention, I was reminded of how smoothly and successfully our projects can progress when we:

1. identify the tools that we need before we begin our project

2. obtain said tools, and

3. put these tools to good use!

For my cooking activities, the needed tool was onion goggles. For someone else, their needed tool might be a storage bin for the basement, a hanging rack for the garage, or a shoe rack for the kids’ closet. Obtaining the right tools and putting them to use makes all the difference in completing our activities with ease. And the key, of course, is knowing what you need and having it on-hand before you begin your adventure.

Is there a nifty tool that makes a difference in your life? Tell us about it and it could appear in a future blog post!

* Photo by Lavinia Marin

Happy Independence Day

Leah Eggers — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:00:25 +0000

Welcome to Independence Day 2011 in the United States. I have always appreciated the expressions of patriotic joy and fun associated with this federal holiday. For the most part, commercialism has not taken over the festivities, and in every neighborhood in which I have lived, a genuine patriotic joy has permeated this three-day weekend. Over the years whether celebrating Independence Day on the West Coast, in the Midwest, or on the East Coast, I have been delighted to find joyous celebrations in my midst ranging from fireworks to picnics to fairs to parades to concerts to baseball games, and more.

As a youngster, I recall attending a parade in a nearby town and waving a flag while sporting the requisite red, white, and blue attire, of course. Swimming with my siblings and enjoying yummy foods added to the festivities in those days, as did watching the “Capitol Fourth” on television. To me, that televised special was always a very. big. deal. Fast forward a decade or two and I actually got to enjoy the Capitol Fourth in Washington, D.C. live! And there have been many other fun celebrations before and after that D.C. adventure.

This year, whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July party, serving up some delicious eats to family and friends in the comfort of your backyard, or planning Independence Day festivities to enjoy with others in your community, I wish you a fabulous and memorable holiday. Cheers!

* Photo by R. Firman

A Relaxing Three-Day Weekend

Leah Eggers — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:32 +0000

June has flown by, and amazingly enough, we’re just a few days away from celebrating Independence Day in the United States (cue the flags; red, white, and blue attire; fireworks; bbq fare; and strawberry shortcake). Perhaps you have travel plans or a staycation on your calendar this holiday weekend. Or perhaps you’re planning a picnic or pool party. Or perhaps you plan to have a quiet day as you lay on a hammock with a tall glass of cold lemonade and a stack of books nearby. To maximize your relaxation time during the upcoming holiday weekend, you may find it helpful to take just a few moments to…yes, plan ahead today! As we all know, a little advance planning goes a long way. Perhaps one or both of the following ideas will resonate with you:

1. Consider what absolutely, positively must be accomplished before your relaxation adventures can begin this weekend! Then act accordingly. Do you first need to do laundry or pack luggage or buy groceries? Identify when you can take care of these necessary activities and then take care of them as planned so that you can enjoy relaxation and spontaneity the rest of this holiday weekend.

2. Take a look at what’s on your calendar after the long weekend so that re-entry into your routine adventures is easy. Need to pack a lunch for work on July 5? Is that the day you’ll also need to wear your suit that’s at the dry cleaners? A few moments of advance planning this week will make all the difference next week. (For example, salad fixings purchased later this week will yield a hassle-free lunch come Tuesday. And a quick trip to the dry cleaner this Friday afternoon will allow you to get dressed with ease when you head back to work on Tuesday morning).

And once the necessities are covered, relax and enjoy your three-day weekend! No to do lists needed in the hammock or at the beach. Cheers!

* Photo by Piotr Bizior

Welcome to Summer 2011

Leah Eggers — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:20 +0000

Summer officially arrives today, making this the longest day of the year. So how do you plan to enjoy Summer 2011? The possibilities are endless, and the warm outdoors beckon…so consider one, some, or all of the following options and then let the fun begin:

Have a picnic
Host an outdoor party with grilled items featured on the menu
Make s’mores
Go to the beach
Build a sandcastle
Add to your seashell collection
Install a hammock, then enjoy it
Go berry picking
Head out on a hike
Make homemade ice cream
Make a homemade fruit pie: berry, cherry, rhubarb, peach, nectarine…
Go camping
Go to the pool
Visit the zoo
Sign-up for a road race (and, of course, train for it)
Enjoy a bicycle ride
Make homemade lemonade
Grow herbs, tomatoes, and other vegetables for use all summer long (and beyond, if you preserve them)
Check out some great summer reads at your local library
Enjoy an outdoor play or concert
Stop by a local art gallery
Window shop, just because it’s warm enough outside and you can
Visit a small, nearby town and discover all that it has to offer
Shop at your local farmer’s market. It’s okay to be thrilled about doing this all summer long.
Use your melon ball scooper (Now is the time! After all, how many times a year can you actually use this item on fresh fruit?!)
Get out your slip-n-slide, invite your neighbors over, and let the fun begin
Run through the sprinklers…skipping and singing is optional
Enjoy iced food items (think: frozen grapes, homemade popsicles, chocolate-covered frozen bananas, and of course, ice cream sandwiches)
Go to a lake, pond, or the local swimming hole
Join a local dog-walking group
Take an outdoor art class
Send the kids to a day camp (or an overnight camp)
Go to a baseball game, or set-up your own baseball or softball game with family or friends
Play golf, soccer, and any sport that you can’t play outdoors in January
Go waterskiing, boogie-boarding, surfing, wakeboarding…
Go on vacation
Enjoy a staycation
Create a backyard or beach volleyball league…athletic skills are optional
Carve out some time each day for reflection, prayer, contemplation, or quiet. Moments of stillness are always a good idea…year-round.

Have a favorite summer activity not mentioned above? Share it with us and it could appear in a future blog post!

* Photo by Stephanie Berghaeuser

Managing Post-Vacation Backlogs

Leah Eggers — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:36 +0000

Most people I know love vacation time and they see vacations as an opportunity to rejuvenate, reflect, and be refreshed. Most of us probably have managed the post-vacation home and work backlog at one time or another, which can be beautifully buoyed by patience with yourself and others, and a light-hearted approach. So what are some ways to effectively re-enter the daily routine after summer vacation ends and a backlog of action items await you? Following are some ideas that have worked well for me or those in my professional and personal networks. Perhaps one, some, or all of these ideas will resonate with you, your family, and your co-workers this summer:

Pace yourself. Prioritize the most pressing needs and act accordingly.
Lists can be your friends. As you’re assessing priorities, you may wish to jot down a list of who you need to call, e-mail, respond to, etc. as well as what meetings you need to prepare for, events you need to plan for, etc. That said, be sure to follow your version of organizational bliss. If lists don’t tend to help you, no need to create one after your upcoming vacation.
Consider including in your top priorities those one or two activities that you’ll be especially grateful to finish. Accomplishing these hefty tasks early on may be just the encouragement that you need to accomplish other tasks on the radar.
Block out time to respond to voicemails and e-mails received in your absence. Respond in order of priority.
Keep tabs on new tasks. We all know that responsibilities in the workplace and at home do not come to a halt when we go on vacation. Be sure to block out some time during your first week back from vacation to ensure that you keep tabs on current activities. No need to fall further behind while playing catch-up!
Be kind to yourself and others. Sure, it may be appropriate to put in some extra time to ensure productivity and eliminate the post-vacation backlog at home or in the office. Just be sure to be kind to yourself, and use your time as effectively as possible.

Have some other practical tips for managing that post-vacation workplace backlog? Share your ideas with us, and they could appear in a future blog post!

* Photo by A Syed

Suitcase Packing 101

Leah Eggers — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:00:35 +0000

I enjoy traveling and experiencing fun adventures with family and friends in the United States and around the world. Despite my love for travel, there was a time when packing a suitcase would qualify as among my least favorite activities. And for one simple reason: I really did not know how to pack. While packing for a high school field trip to Washington, D.C. I recall bringing way too many books but not enough blazers. Early in my college years I’d get my duffel or suitcase all zipped up only to realize that my umbrella or hair dryer were not packed. Then a minor repacking process would ensue. After a few such adventures, I was impelled to create a general packing list that continues to serve me well today. But with the trusty packing list in-hand, I still found it difficult to fit the appropriate items in my luggage of choice.

There are plenty of perspectives about the “right” way to pack a suitcase so that you maximize the available space, minimize wrinkles in clothing, and get to the airport on time. And packing luggage is another great example of a situation in which you should always do what works well for you, even if it’s the opposite of how your neighbor or cousin packs their luggage. That said, before this summer travel season began, I hopped online to see what I could find in the way of packing tips. I came across this New York Times slideshow that I think would help me and any packing novice to ace Suitcase Packing 101. There are probably countless other ways to effectively pack luggage, but this presentation seemed especially user-friendly to me. And so I pass it on to you in the hopes that it will be helpful to you this summer and in the months and years ahead.

Have some packing tips that could benefit other Logistically Leah readers? Send your ideas to us and they could appear in a future blog post!

* Photo by Adam Ciesielski

Dust First, Then Vacuum…and Other Tips

Leah Eggers — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:39 +0000

House cleaning, which was not one of my favorite chores in yesteryear, has taken on new meaning for me. Spritzing, vacuuming, and scrubbing allows me to get things in order. And I like using the time while cleaning to express gratitude for what I’m sprucing up, and the space in which the hubster and I live. For me, cleaning encourages expressions of freshness. Spring gives way to summer in less than a month, and now is a great time to consider five simple approaches to household cleaning that can save time in the long run and allow for more moments of reflection and relaxation at the beach, by the pool, or in the hammock.

1. Ready to clean? Gather your cleaning products, mop, and other tools in one area. No need to waste time tromping up and down the stairs to get the various scrubbing items you need.

2. Dust first, then vacuum…also known as clean from top to bottom. Mary Poppins and the editors at Real Simple magazine will smile upon you if you follow this approach to cleaning house. And for good reason. The act of dusting first allows dust particles to fall where they may, only to be devoured by a trusty vacuum moments later. Brilliant!

3. Spot clean whenever possible. Spritzing as you go allows you to easily clean new messes instead of taking the time later to scrape away old dirt. It also encourages putting things away on a daily basis and helps keep clutter to a minimum.

4. Keep recycling bins in your kitchen and home office for easy and earth-friendly disposal of items.

5. Don’t forget spots like the window sills and tops of shelving units. Dusting these takes a few seconds and cuts down on the dust bunnies in your living room.

Have some favorite cleaning tips for a quick spot cleaning adventure or a deep cleaning extravaganza? Share them with us and they could appear in a future blog post!

* Photo by Antonio Jiménez Alonso

Adieu, Oprah. And Thank You.

Leah Eggers — Wed, 25 May 2011 08:00:10 +0000

The Oprah Winfrey Show airs for the last time today, and I’d like to briefly express my appreciation for Oprah and the good people who made this show possible for the past 25 years. I did not grow up watching Oprah and I do not regularly refer to her show in my daily conversation. But I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge how The Oprah Winfrey Show has impacted my approach to things organizational, and otherwise.

It was through The Oprah Winfrey Show that I first learned of the wondrous Nate Berkus, decorator and space organizer extraordinaire. And it was through this television show that I learned organization tips from renowned certified professional organizers, as well as folks like you and me to whom Oprah gave a platform for sharing their wisdom and expertise. After learning tips from Oprah and friends, storage bins and goodies at office supply stores took on entirely new meaning in my life. And for that I’m grateful.

And when Oprah was not talking about all things organizational and logistical, she shed light on a variety of issues and greatly contributed to the national and global conversation. And not surprisingly, now she is embracing the new adventure of running her own cable network. As one who is not a cable subscriber, I will miss the logistical and organizational wonderment that Oprah brought in to my living room from time to time. And I will remain grateful for the many organizational and logistical adventures I have enjoyed as a result of lessons learned from The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Is there a television show, celebrity, or individual who inspires you in achieving your version of organizational bliss? Tell us about them!

* Photo by Miroslav Sárička

Double-Sided Tape is a Beautiful Thing

Leah Eggers — Wed, 18 May 2011 08:00:39 +0000

I have never appreciated double-sided tape quite as much as I did a few years ago while en route to my brother-in-law’s wedding. Due to my work schedule, the then-fiance-now-hubster and I scooted into town on an early morning flight just in time to get to the wedding ceremony. It was a lovely, very intimate gathering and we were thrilled to be there and rejoice with the happy couple. I had purchased a beautiful dress for the occasion, which I had not worn until that morning. And it was while clip-clopping through an airport (as we all know, high heels and airport concourses aren’t a great combination for several reasons) that I noticed that the hem on my dress was falling down. Literally. The then-fiance-now-hubster marched along through the concourse blissfully unaware of my wardrobe malfunction, and I couldn’t help but double over while laughing. This little situation struck me as hilarious.

Somewhere between my laughing episode and the idea dawning on me that perhaps I should take a practical step or two to fix my hem, the then-fiance-now-hubster had the brilliant idea to ask a vendor if they had tape, a stapler, glue, or any combination thereof. Now, most people I know (yours truly included) do not walk around carrying a roll of tape in their purse. Or a stapler. Or crazy glue. Especially while traveling through airports. But, the need was met when a vendor came through with…drum roll, please…double-sided tape. It was truly a beautiful – and hilarious – moment.

I was recently reminded of this little episode, which still brings a smile to my face. And so today I’d like to touch on four everyday uses for double-stick tape and how it could help you. Hilarity is optional.

Double-sided tape helps with fashion fixes of all kinds. If you’re trying to affix clothing to skin, however, opt for wardrobe tape which will probably be a bit gentler on your skin.
Gift wrapping will never be the same again, thanks to double-sided tape. ‘Nuff said.
Arts and crafts just got even more fun. Sticking macaroni on construction paper is less messy when double-sided tape is involved versus Elmer’s glue.
Want to mount something on poster board for the science fair? Creating a special wall-based classroom exhibit? Double-sided tape to the rescue!

* Photo by Nathan Bauer

Send Military Care Packages with Ease

Leah Eggers — Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:44 +0000

Armed Forces Day is annually observed in the United States on the third Saturday in May. This year, it’s on May 21. And regardless of how you feel about war or the United States’ involvement with military activity domestically and overseas, in my humble opinion there’s something to be said for acknowledging those who put their lives on the line to protect our basic freedoms. The hubster and I know some people who are in the military right now, and when we looked into sending care packages to them, we found that we were in for an organizational treat. We were so grateful for what we learned that we’re passing along a few tips and ideas for sending military care packages with ease.

Make good use of the United States Postal Service’s program that makes the mailing process a cinch. Simply call 1-800-610-873 to request a USPS Military Care Kit. The USPS delivers this kit to your home at no charge, and it includes a variety of flat rate boxes.To send your care package, the flat mailing rates for these boxes are as follows: A small box costs $4.95, a medium box costs $10.95, and a large box costs $12.95. In my experience, it takes approximately 7 days for military personnel to receive care packages mailed from the United States. Of course, this can vary…but if you want to send a care package to a member of the armed services in time for Armed Forces Day, now is the perfect time to put together a lovely package.
Not sure what to include in a care package? The Internet is teeming with lists and ideas about favorite military care package items, as well as the items that should never be included. Yes, some items are prohibited. When putting together the care package, consider what the recipient would like and what items they might want to share with others. Games, snacks (individually wrapped to avoid having them mingle with sand), music, books, and magazines are all great ideas. We recently sent a bouquet of cloth flowers to someone…get creative!
Recognize that military personnel are in varied terrain and climates. Care packages should be packed with this in mind.

If you don’t know anyone in the military but would like to send a package to a deserving member of the armed forces, please visit the USO online for details!

* Photo by Robert Linder

Gear Up for Marvelous May Adventures

Leah Eggers — Mon, 02 May 2011 08:00:52 +0000

After a l-o-n-g winter for folks in my neck of the woods, the concept of May flowers, spring temperatures, and fun holidays is especially invigorating. May arrived without too much fanfare yesterday, and yet there are so many marvelous adventures yet to be had in May that it seems appropriate to take note of a few of them. Wherever you reside perhaps one, some, or all of the following May adventures will resonate with you:

May 3 – National Teachers’ Day: Did you know that this week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and that the first Tuesday in May is National Teachers’ Day? If you know a teacher who goes the extra mile (many tend to do that!), or if there’s a teacher who has made a difference in your or a family member’s life, share your appreciation with them. A card or gift is always a great idea, too!

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo: If you’re so inclined, you may wish to join in local celebrations of this national holiday in Mexico, which observes the victorious Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862). Stop in to your favorite Mexican restaurant in town, or host a fiesta at your house.

May 8 – Mother’s Day: Honor your mom, or the mother-figures in your life with a card, telephone call, e-mail message or letter, gift, flowers, or any number of other things. Gifts from the heart are always ideal.

May 30 – Memorial Day: This national holiday commemorates the men and women who have died in military service to the United States. Take part in local observances, parades, and gather with community members, family, and friends in commemoration of those who serve to protect our freedoms.

Wishing you a month filled with marvelous adventures. Enjoy!

* Photo by ColleenT

Declutter…Only If You’d Like To Do So

Leah Eggers — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:00:05 +0000

The end of April is upon us, and in advance of the spring cleaning extravaganza that often takes place in households and yards every May, I’d like to go on record as saying: “Declutter, organize, and clean up your house, yard, etc. only if you actually want to do these things.” If the words “should” or “feel like I have to” creep into a sentence about spring cleaning, then there is the possibility that you might not actually want to declutter or organize at that moment. And that’s perfectly acceptable. A-okay. Totally fine. The key here is that you should do whatever most closely aligns with your version of organizational bliss. Always.

Last year, I wrote about what happens when you capitalize on organization motivation. The logistical bliss experience that I shared in that post still rings true today, and it remains very instructive to me. And so I write today’s very brief post as a friendly reminder to do that which you are inspired to do – in the spring cleaning department, and in every aspect of life. And now I’ll get off of my soapbox. Cheers!

* Photo by Jean Scheijen

An Organized Observance of Earth Day

Leah Eggers — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:00:58 +0000

Earth Day is this Friday, April 22, and with it comes an opportunity to shed light on the importance of conservation, recycling, sustainability, and related efforts around the globe. Environmental service campaigns are cropping up on a local, national, and global level, and you can easily share your organization skills and global love in your neighborhood and beyond. During a recent online search for “Earth Day 2011,” I retrieved more than 27,800,000 results linking me to initiatives and activities in support of Earth Day. So how to decide where to put your efforts and how you want to get involved this year?

1. Decide whether you want to focus on nearby community initiatives, national efforts, international activities – or some combination thereof.

2. Identify the areas where you most want to improve or learn. Feel like you have recycling under control but don’t know where to begin with composting? Or feel like you know a lot about your carbon footprint but want to better understand sustainability practices embraced by Fortune 500 companies?

3. Interested in getting your kids, neighbors, friends, and family involved? Or want to go solo this year?

Once you have a good understanding of what would most appeal to you and how you most wish to expand your horizons this Earth Day, narrow your search to your interest areas and let the Earth Day fun begin!

After you complete your Earth Day service activities, consider serving friends or family “Dirt and Worms” in clean miniature clay planters. (You may know this dessert as chocolate pudding mixed with Oreo crumbles and whipped cream — topped with gummy worms, more Oreo crumbles, and a sprig of mint).

* Photo by Horton Group

Online Lists Make A Difference

Leah Eggers — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:00:18 +0000

A year ago at this time, the hubster and I were in the midst of unpacking moving boxes in our house. Cardboard was everywhere, and we took our time getting settled and putting things in their proper places. The big move gave me enough material for many a blog post (to be written at a yet to be determined time)…but today I’d like to focus on the online lists that made the packing and unpacking process doable.

If you need to do anything on the planet – give a hostess gift, create an energy savings plan for your household, get a good deal on drugstore makeup products, pack for vacation, prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for your in-laws, gather family contact information for the babysitter, go to the grocery store, plan a party…it’s likely that several free, fool proof lists on your chosen topic await you online. Right now!

Online lists are, indeed, a gift to the entire world. Seriously! You can peruse them at your convenience. They’re free. And they enable you to capitalize on many other individuals’ creative ideas and personal experiences. As a result, you can end up with the most comprehensive and robust information possible. I first became an online list enthusiast when one of these lists told me to be sure to stow a pair of scissors or a boxcutter in my purse so that I could actually open the sealed boxes when the movers brought them into our new abode. A novel concept, I know, but with everything else going on around the time of the move, I may not have thought of it. That tip really helped us start the move in process with efficiency, avoiding a scenario along the lines of “where are the scissors, and will those keys be able to cut through the packing tape?!”

Whenever I muster up the energy to think about our move experience in some detail, I expect that I’ll create a list or two of tips that helped at our house – and, hopefully, will brighten someone else’s move adventures. For example, my list will mention the importance of having toilet paper, hand soap, towels, water, and cups available to folks during the move out and move in process. And it’s my hope that those tips will really brighten someone else’s move-in process.

What online lists have helped you? Let us know!

* Photo by Rachel Spauldilng

Being Organized Can Save You Money

Leah Eggers — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:32 +0000

Over the past few months, some Logistically Leah readers have shared with me how being organized has helped them save money, despite the recent highs and lows of the stock market. All of us can try to be more frugal and resourceful in these economic times. And today I’ve identified five situations in which being organized has resulted in saving money. Perhaps one, some, or all of the following ideas will resonate with your wallet.

1. Be aware of what’s in your refrigerator and pantry to avoid overbuying, or purchasing unnecessary items at the grocery store. And when you write out a grocery list and stick to it while shopping, you only buy that which you need for your planned meals. Adios to trashing spoiled food (and your hard earned money)!

Planning your grocery store run and planning meals in advance does not have to be an arduous process. Perhaps these links from the Logistically Leah Archives will offer some helpful tips!

2. Save at the gas pump by taking just a few extra moments to plan out your errands. Instead of making multiple trips to the store in a week, plan on one grocery expedition. Better yet, if your dry cleaner is en route to the grocery store, pick up your clothes on the way to buying milk rather than making a separate trip for your shirts later in the week. With gas prices on the rise, every bit of savings helps!

3. When there’s a sale, stock up on the items you use most so you’ll never have to pay full price. There’s a balance to be had here, folks. After all, most of us don’t need 20 cans of stewed tomatoes. You can be reasonable with these purchases! And, of course, you can save even more cash when you clip those coupons.

4. Keep tabs on your finances and you can monitor your family’s spending, avoid late fees by paying bills on time, and ensure that you’re not paying for unauthorized charges on your credit card.

5. Pay attention to coupon expiration dates, and the whereabouts of your gift cards. These items offer you free money, and using them is a great way to advance your family’s savings plan.

* Photo by lolo_stock

Prom: Recycling Was Never So Beautiful

Leah Eggers — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:00:16 +0000

The hubster and I were recently at a local diner when four high school girls sat down at the table next to us. After they ordered their fruit plates (with a side of french fries), they proceeded to spend the rest of the evening giggling about the “cuteness factor” of the 20-something waiter overseeing our section of the restaurant. Prom-related comments came up, too. I wasn’t trying to listen to their conversation, but they were sitting just inches from us and laughing and talking at full decibel. Their lively conversation got me thinking about prom and the opportunity I embraced several years ago when I donated my prom dresses to a deserving organization so they could be enjoyed by someone else.

Prom is a unique event, to say the least. Some movies portray it as being theeeee highlight of one’s high school experience. Some individuals loved their prom experience, others did not, and for some, it was the ultimate “right of passage” before high school graduation.

I’m somewhat surprised that in this age of text messaging and Facebook, the longstanding tradition of prom still seems quite important to some high school students. From the conversation near me at the diner, it was clear that dresses, shoes, dates, and corsages were a big deal to those girls. A very big deal! And that’s why I’m grateful for organizations like donatemydress.org and The Cinderella Project, among others, that encourage women throughout the United States to donate their gently worn prom and formal dresses for those who cannot afford them. These groups make it possible for girls who might not otherwise be able to pay for a prom dress to wear a beautiful gown while experiencing a well-deserved night out with their classmates.

Looking to free up space in your closet – or know someone who’s doing a closet clean-out this spring? Donate gently used formal wear to a deserving organization, and you could be the fairy godmother who makes prom night magical for a deserving high school student in just a few weeks!

* Photo by Jan Sundstedt

Everyday Special Occasions

Leah Eggers — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:00:25 +0000

Most of us have things that we’re saving for a “special occasion.” These items could be china, silver, a fancy outfit, an expensive perfume, or any number of other things. “Special occasion” treats are often used sparingly because we set them aside for some unknown future event that may or may not happen tomorrow, in the next three months, in two years, or ever. But there’s nothing like a bright new season to help us freshen our approach to daily life!

Spring arrived in full (albeit slightly chilly) glory this past Sunday. And while doing a bit of house cleaning that afternoon, I noted that I rarely use a beautiful glass vase that adorns one of our bookshelves. It’s quite striking and it’s a lovely room decoration. And when I asked myself why I never use it to hold flowers, I recognized that somewhere along the line, I had accepted the concept that I should save it for a “special occasion.” And that got me thinking about some other possessions that tend to only be used on “special occasions,” while gathering dust and taking up space the rest of the time.

And so today I encourage myself – and anyone else who feels so inclined – to enjoy some of those “special occasion” items more regularly. Whether I’m by myself or with the hubster or with friends and family, adding these “special occasion” items to everyday life can break up the routine, add some color and freshness, and inspire the creative joy that adds a spark to daily life.

Of course, by definition “special” items are “designed for a particular purpose or occasion” (thank you Merriam-Webster!). I recognize that using them on all occasions would reduce the “special” factor. And that’s why I suggest that we enjoy some of those “special occasion” items more regularly. Whether it’s beautiful place mats, lit candles on your dinner table, extravagant bath salts, or something else, enjoy it!

What types of “special” items do you plan to introduce more regularly into everyday life? Tell us about your favorites!

* Photo by Hannah Gleghorn

Your Version of Organizational Bliss

Leah Eggers — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:17 +0000

Last week, I returned home from a busy work trip during which I lived out of a suitcase for 11 days. While there are certainly creative ways one can keep organized while being a road warrior, I didn’t spend a whole lot of time making sure my luggage was in pristine order during this recent adventure. Adequate luggage organization was fine by me as the work presentations, meetings, conversations, and travels on my radar most definitely took precedence.

And I’m writing about this today because it’s important to address the misconception that being an organized person means that every possible aspect of life is organized, planned, sorted, filed, and alphabetized. Neatly. For me, that’s just not the case – and I’m genuinely okay with that! There are plenty of places where I’d love to be more organized in my life. We all know about my attempts to minimize magazine mayhem, and I’m not 100% there yet. And I have my fair of shelves, storage boxes, and drawers that could use some organizational support. And yet, for now, I’m fine with things the way they are. Even those non-organized, unplanned, and mismatched areas of life. After all, an organized life isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being peaceful.

My version of organizational bliss stems from my desire to savor the simplicity of stillness. It supports my interest in maintaining a sense of order that, in turn, allows me to carve out quiet time each day. And that means that some organization adventures happen with gusto while others may never appear on my bucket list (i.e. having the most organized suitcase that ever flew across the United States). So when you next take stock of your organization adventures, recognize that being an “organized person” really is however you define that phrase for yourself. The best part of living your best organized life is that you get to choose what being organized looks like. Choose the approach that works for you – not your neighbors, your family, or your friends – and you’ll be thrilled. I guarantee it.

* Photo by Tomasz Mazurkiewicz

Three Ideas in Support of Productivity

Leah Eggers — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:00:35 +0000

In my experience, productivity and organization go hand-in-hand. When I have a project that needs my attention, I like to be able to focus on the actual work on my radar, not on working around any barriers to productivity. From what I found when I had my first apartment after college, barriers to productivity can take on a variety of forms: a cluttered counter top when I want to put groceries down, a disorganized desk when I want to pay bills, unsorted mail on the kitchen table when I want to set it for dinner, dirty dishes in the sink when I want to cook for the week ahead, etc. I’ve learned that even in those moments when the kitchen sink is full of dirty dishes, we can still be productive by doing just a few things to support the activity we wish to accomplish. Following are three ideas that could be helpful to you or someone you know in tackling barriers to productivity.

1. Take it one step at a time, one box at a time, one pile at a time. For example, if you have every desire to exercise in your basement but the basement floor is too cluttered with “schtuff,” tackle this barrier to working out one pile at a time. Don’t try to overhaul the entire basement in a slap-dash manner or all at once. Be methodical, and again, take it one step at a time. Start with one pile of items that need to be put away, discarded, or donated. Then move on to the next pile. Then move on to a third pile. Before you know it, you’ll have decluttered your basement so you can enjoy your workout adventures without having to scale piles of “schtuff” in the process.

2. Set time limits for tackling barriers. Want to cook some meals for the week ahead but feel overwhelmed by the dirty dishes in your kitchen sink? It’s easy to tackle this barrier to cooking productivity! Set your kitchen timer and wash as many items as you can in 15 minutes. It’s okay to be thrilled about doing this – especially if you crank up your favorite tunes. When this 15 minute-period ends, stop and take stock of what you’ve accomplished. Do a happy jig. Then determine how much more time you’ll need in order to finish washing the dishes. Make the decision to finish them at that time, or at another specified time when you’ll again give yourself a time limit. And when is all washed, let the cooking begin!

3. Everything should have its own place. Mary Poppins is a huge proponent of this, and I’ve always loved this concept. When everything is in its right spot, there’s a sense of settled order and grace in your home. Put things back in their spots whenever possible. And if it’s time to pay the bills and you need to declutter your desk first, set a time limit for tackling the clutter. Assign spaces to items that previously floated throughout your home, and in no time your desk will have a sense of order that’s conducive to doing paperwork and keeping tabs on your piggy bank.

* Photo by Hannah Chapman

Coming In Like A Lion

Leah Eggers — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:00:18 +0000

Welcome to March – a month that can be filled with plenty of fun things to do around town or at home if you choose to seek out (or invent) some adventures. I’ve heard rumblings from a host of people that March can sometimes inch along with the speed of molasses, sometimes delivering less than fabulous weather. Regardless of what the weather is like, it’s time to identify some fun to be had this month! Today we’ll take a look at a few things you may want to put on your calendar this month. And I hope you’ll let me know of any out-of-the-box, fun plans you have up your sleeve!

March is Women’s History Month. Take a look at your local newspaper and media websites to learn about local observances of women who’ve done extraordinary things. Museums and libraries are fantastic resources for information, related projects you can do with kids, and activities that introduce the individuals we celebrate during Women’s History Month.

Tomorrow, March 2, marks Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Last year, I focused a blog post on children’s author and cartoonist Theodore Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), and I invite you to peruse it. While reading, consider how much Dr. Seuss gave to society and how his works helped shape your childhood memories or the experiences of those around you. Consider how you may wish to honor his contributions this month – and year-round. Green eggs and ham for dinner tomorrow night could be a creative start.

Daylight Saving Time begins at o’dark thirty (er…2:00 a.m.) on Sunday, March 13. This is the perfect – and requisite – time to “spring forward.” And it comes just one week before the official start of spring. Consider the hour of sleep that’s “lost” as one that gets you an hour closer to spring-like temperatures.

Saint Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, March 17. Depending on where you reside, your city may dye a large waterway green in honor of this occasion, or you may be offered special deals at local watering holes and restaurants. Or you may simply wish to prepare corned beef and cabbage at home for you and yours. Wearing green is optional.

Sunday, March 20 marks the first day of spring 2011. I’m hopeful that in many parts of our nation, crocuses will bloom in celebration of the end of a hefty winter. And even if I have to bundle up in my winter gear on the 20th, it need not dampen my enthusiasm about spring, and things like working in the garden, blooming flowers, and long walks in the great outdoors. At the very least, I’ll take some time on the first day of spring to take stock of the spring adventures that await me.

Wishing you a marvelous March!

* Photo by Andrea Kratzenberg

Organizational Bliss Ideas In Your Mail

Leah Eggers — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:00:03 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, getting organized doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. As nifty as all those amazing storage containers and closet shelving units are (truly!), you don’t necessarily need to invest in those contraptions to have an organized home. If you seek a calm space with everything in its right place, that’s practically at your fingertips at this moment (regardless of what your basement looks like right now!). How is this possible?! Read on!

Catalogs and the snazzy websites for Crate&Barrel, Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma, and similar stores are often quite a (logistical) sight to behold, in my humble opinion. And with good reason. The marketing professionals behind these glossy (or online) pages do an amazing job of making all of their products look coordinated and scrumptious so that we’ll spend, spend, spend. Yet, the frugal gal within is wise to their ways. Accordingly, rather than perusing these catalogs or websites with a shopper’s eye, I regard them as portfolios filled with free organizational bliss “how to’s” that I might wish to implement in our house. Did I mention that these beautifully photographed tips are all free?!

This concept was reinforced for me during a recent snow day when our trusty mail carrier delivered a springtime Crate&Barrel catalog. As I thumbed through this catalog and watched the snow globe effect swirling outside our kitchen window, the pages of this glossy portfolio seemed to burst forth with a variety of photographic wonders that tickled my organization fancy: pristine food storage containers stacked neatly on top of one another, nested mixing bowls (that happened to be in an array of bright springtime hues), crisp bedroom linens – all beautifully folded, books of varying sizes stacked in an interesting manner on a coffee table, and the list goes on.

And while reveling in some unexpected moments of free time that snow day, I looked at the photos that most appealed to me and considered what I liked most about the set-ups displayed in the images. Of course, I also considered what ideas would be effective and – this is key! – realistic in our humble abode. And then I did a brief walk around our house and made a few changes here and there that helped neaten things up a bit and get things more organized in almost no time at all.

So next time you get an armload of catalogs in the mail (to which you did not subscribe) – or the next time you’re meandering along online, consider whether you’re looking at free organization tips that mesh well with your version of organizational bliss. The ideas you discover could help you express logistical joy in a room near you. Happy perusing!

* Photo by Bart Groenhuizen

Plows, Shovels, and the White Stuff

Leah Eggers — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:00:56 +0000

For a West Coast transplant on the East Coast, the act of “snow removal” has created some fascinating sightseeing in recent weeks. Think: dump trucks zooming by hauling snow to a “snow farm.” Yes, that’s an actual place. According to news reports, the piles at one “snow farm” are now more than five stories high. Think: gargantuan orange municipality trucks plowing residential streets while simultaneously depositing snow in driveways that were just shoveled. Think: the sound of snow blowers at 7am. On a Saturday. Think: actually seeing a snow blower in action. Think: my gratitude (so much gratitude!) for the hubster who shovels our driveway (the snow blower of our dreams is, yes, currently out of stock). And as I’ve watched these scenes over and over again in recent weeks, I’ve been thrilled to recognize that each happens as a result of organization: municipally, residentially, and logistically speaking.

As our nation learned from the lack of snow removal in New York City after a hefty December 2010 snow storm, the activity of having a municipality remove snow, plow streets, and otherwise “shovel out” requires a level of organization akin to planning the Super Bowl, a university graduation, or a similar large scale event. Well, not really. But it does require plenty of advance planning, back-up plans, a robust store of supplies, skilled people power, flexibility, and in some states, pickle juice. Last month, in response to the December snow mishaps, New York City put GPS trackers in trucks assigned to plow out the city so they could dispatch them to the neighborhoods where they were most needed. The city had extra people on-staff and trucks widely dispersed. And, according to some friends who live in New York City, these doubled-up efforts made all the difference.

In my neck of the woods a few hours from New York City, I’ve found that individuals have their own ways of organizing a “shovel out” experience on their private properties. Some choose to remove snow from their driveways methodically, from left to right. Others choose to snow blow or “shovel out” from the end of the driveway in, and others simply choose to fling snow any which direction – as long as it’s reasonably out of the way. As with anything, with snow removal you have to find what works for you. And when you stick to what works for you, all is well with the world and the white stuff that’s enveloping everything around you. And yes, that could mean hiring a landscaper to plow you out, doing it yourself, or having a loved one do it for you while you take care of things inside your house.

Although he’s not a professional snow plow contractor or certified snow remover (I don’t think that’s an actual certification, although he really has earned this certification with his snow removal activities this winter), the hubster offers the following tips for people like me – transplants who could use some nifty snow removal tips right about now:

Wear waterproof gloves, a hat, layers of warm clothing, and a good pair of boots
Consider buying a snow blower if you reside in an area that regularly sees snow storms packing more than a few inches of snow. Tip: make this purchase before the first big storm of the season. As we have learned this season, when stores are out of stock, they’re out of stock.
Take breaks while shoveling. And work methodically.
If the snow is heavy, don’t try to lift too much at once. A little at a time will go a long way.

* Photo by Mattox

Share the Love

Leah Eggers — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:00:23 +0000

Last year before Valentine’s Day I wrote about ten ways you can share Valentine love on a daily basis. And as Valentine’s Day approaches this year, I continue to feel that sharing the love on a daily basis is the most authentic and sincere way to live life. Instead of doing something special for someone on a certain date in February because protocol suggests that you “should,” all of us can share the love with others year-round by allowing the thoughtful factor to win out every time.

As we all know, sharing the love is about so much more than gifting a bouquet of roses or a box of chocolates. We share the love every time that we call a relative who lives far away, bake cookies for a friend, drive the carpool, express kindness to a service provider, write a thank you note, tip generously at a restaurant, do our best at work, etc. Same goes for when we cheerfully take out the trash, prepare a meal, or joyfully carry out other tasks that benefit those residing in our respective households.

As Valentine’s Day approaches this year, I’m thinking about this love day in two ways. First, I’m acknowledging that it’s a great reminder to take time out of a busy schedule to do something special for a significant other, close friend, or family member. Secondly, I’m using this time of pink and red-filled marketing hype to thoughtfully consider what I can do to share the love with those in my midst on a daily basis – long after the flowers have wilted.

Do you have some out-of-the-box, share the love-type plans for this Valentine’s Day and beyond? Tell us about them!

* Photo by Andrew C.

Spontaneity Works For This Super Bowl

Leah Eggers — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:00:34 +0000

Last year, I wrote about Super Bowl Sunday and the variety of ways you could plan for welcoming a big group of your nearest and dearest. If you’d like to go the party planning route, those tips and ideas still hold water and can be found in the Logistically Leah Archives. They will enable you to kick up your heels and have a grand time, making the party planning process a step-by-step easy adventure. That said, if you’d like to participate in more spontaneous Super Bowl plans this year, more power to you!

One of the things I’ve greatly enjoyed in the past year is underscheduling myself so that I can embrace spontaneity. This is not to say that planning is bad (it’s not!), but I’ve found that spontaneity helps bring a cheerful balance to life’s planned activities and it allows me to embrace activities that I might have otherwise had to pass by. An example of this proved to be meaningful this past holiday season. The hubster and I returned home from visiting his family, and we had purposely planned no activities for the following day. On the night of our return, we received a call from close friends telling us that they had welcomed their baby girl while we were away. By choosing to have a spontaneous day upon our return from traveling, we had freedom in our schedule to cook some meals for our friends, deliver the food, and greet this joyful baby. It was a treat for us, and a reminder that underscheduling so as to embrace spontaneity is never a bad thing.

So if you’re not inclined to host a Super Bowl party this weekend, and if you’re not eager to attend the football extravaganza being hosted by friends, revel in the freedom of being able to do whatever you want come Sunday. You’ll be glad you gave yourself permission to be spontaneous in your activities this weekend.

And whether you’re the hostess with the mostest this Sunday or whether you spontaneously embrace the adventures of the day, here’s wishing you a super Super Bowl Sunday! Enjoy!

* Photo by Michal Zacharzewski

Here’s To A Fabulous February

Leah Eggers — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:38 +0000

Welcome to February – a month when we get to celebrate groundhogs, football, love, and plenty more. As you consider your plans for a fabulous February, you may wish to observe one or more of the following special days:

February 2: Groundhog Day (tomorrow!) will find the eyes of our nation falling on Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as we wait with collective baited breath to see if the groundhog sees its shadow. And if a shadow appears, that means six more weeks of winter. (Read: snow shoveling.)

February 3: Chinese New Year. Also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. Check your local newspaper to learn about observances in your neck of the woods.

February 6: Super Bowl Sunday. Football, good snacks, great friends and/or family. Let the fun begin!

February 14: Valentine’s Day. Share the love! Check back in the coming days for at least one more post about this lovely occasion!

February 21: President’s Day honors the birthday of our first U.S. President, George Washington. It also honors all of the U.S. Presidents since then. What are you doing to honor these leaders?

Wishing you a fabulous February!

* Photo by dave gostisha

Three User-Friendly Storage Spaces

Leah Eggers — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:00:11 +0000

If you have limited storage space at home, you probably already know all the storage tricks in the book. Thanks to numerous retailers, there are a plethora of items that thrill storage fans – one square foot of storage space at a time. Today we’ll take a look at just three of my favorite storage spaces and explore why they mesh well with my version of organizational bliss.

Luggage is a fantastic multi-functional storage space.

When not being used for travel, luggage is akin to a gold mine for those storage space seekers among us. Sure, it’s sometimes tricky to stow suitcases in an inconspicuous place. And sure, luggage can often be bulky, but it can also provide wonderful storage spaces for you if you:

1. Nest your luggage, storing smaller pieces within the largest piece.

2. Use your luggage to store out-of-season wardrobe items.

3. Stow your down comforter, extra sets of sheets, or extra afghan in your luggage for easy, yet out-of-the-way, access.

If you already have the luggage, you might as well put it to good use every day of the year – and not just when you’re heading to the airport.

Under-bed storage bins help declutter your bedroom in a big way.

1. They free up valuable bureau and closet real estate, providing an inconspicuous place for out-of-season apparel.

2. They enable you to group stored items by bin, allowing you to be an organized storage champion who can easily find what s/he’s seeking.

3. By design, these bins are slim and sleek. Accordingly, they require you to be choosy about what you store – subtly encouraging decluttering as part of your storage process.

Trunks that do double-duty as a storage space and a coffee table go a long way toward supporting your storage needs.

1. If it’s cedar-lined, your trunk is the perfect place to store placemats, cloth napkins, blankets, afghans, sweaters, and textiles of all kinds.

2. If it also serves as a coffee table, your trunk should be used for stowing those items that you need only sporadically. No need to regularly interrupt gatherings where this trunk is being used as a table so that you can pull out your favorite sweater.

3. From what I’ve ascertained, it seems that trunk storage is right up there with window seat storage, and the creation of hollow ottomans that double as storage spaces. Use these spaces wisely, and enjoy!

If you have other favorite space-saving storage areas, tell us about them and they could appear in a future blog post!

* Photo by Matthew Trow

Managing Your Owner’s Manuals

Leah Eggers — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:00:43 +0000

Almost every appliance in existence comes with a trusty owner’s manual. Usually said publication is a flimsy gray paper booklet with instructions for what to do if the appliance bursts into flames, otherwise malfunctions, or decides to call it quits. And, depending on the manufacturer, it’s likely that your owner’s manuals provide the same information in a variety of languages for an international readership. For me, this offers a valuable opportunity to do some light reading in French, Spanish, and German in the event of a toaster fire. So how to keep your owner’s manuals handy, yet out of the way? Perhaps one or more of the following ideas will resonate with your version of organizational bliss:

Dedicate a hanging file folder (or two) to your owner’s manuals. Within this folder, store the manuals any which way you’d like (indiscriminately, alphabetically, by appliance type…the possibilities are endless!)
If you have an aversion to filing things, or if you don’t have a filing cabinet, store each manual in a plastic sleeve within a three-ring binder. Group the manuals any way that makes sense to you.
Or store each manual in its own envelope. Then use this envelope to store your receipt of purchase, any warranty paperwork, and spare parts that may have accompanied the product when you purchased it. If you do this step, gold star for you. I have a lot to learn from you!

Tip: Many companies make owner’s manuals available online. Consider going the paperless route, and you’ll find that your hanging file folder will shrink dramatically.

Whenever you toss an appliance, recycle the hard copy manual so it’s not hanging around your file cabinet five years down the road.
If you give your appliance away, the owner’s manual should go with it.

The key with owner’s manuals is that they should be kept handy, yet scarce. Store them where you’ll find them, but in a place that’s out-of-the way enough to not intrude with daily activities. Have some other tips for storing owner’s manuals? Let us know about them, and they could appear in a future blog post.

* Photo by tomdavies

Organization Toys That Make Your Day

Leah Eggers — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:00:47 +0000

Last Wednesday while enjoying a snow day, I received a message from a friend who wanted to know my take on “the FlipFold.” I had never heard of such a thing until that moment. And as I cozily watched the snow fall outside while I tapped away on my computer keyboard, I started thinking about those wonderful inventions that keep me organized, and can help each of us achieve our individual versions of logistical bliss. There are plenty of them in my midst. And so today I share a list of some of some of the standard organization “toys” I’ve come to love and appreciate. Do you have favorite organization items in your life? Tell me about them, and they could appear in a future blog post!

Plastic storage bins: Perfect for cobweb-free items in your attic, basement, and garage.
Food storage containers: Lunch never tasted so good.
Silverware organizer: Self-explanatory plastic wonderment.
Shoe holders: Great for stowing shoes and more.
Quicken financial software: Keeps tabs on my piggy bank.
Electronic calendars: One of the most amazing inventions. Ever.
Month-by-month accordion files: Rounding up receipts is now a piece of cake.
Shower caddy: Helps you make a splash every morning.
Quilted cases: Grandma’s china can be dust-free year-round.
Tote bags: The greatest multi-use canvas creation of all time.

* Photo by Michal Zacharzewski

Being Organized: A Passport to Travel

Leah Eggers — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:00:48 +0000

With this new year underway, some readers will need to renew (or purchase) passports in the coming months. The hubster and I recently did this and found that the process required a level of organization akin to a visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles or our Certified Public Accountant. Well, you might not have to be that organized – but close enough! The process cost us a good chunk of denero, and required us to complete some exciting government forms in a very specific manner – with a few nuances thrown in for fun (i.e. if you want to change your last name on the passport or if you want to renew a passport that was purchased before you were age 15) . And so in this brief post, following are three tips to help make your passport renewal process as easy and breezy as possible in 2011:

Carefully read the State Department’s website about your passport renewal situation so you know exactly what forms, method of payment, and other items you’ll need. They spell everything out so the key here is to invest the time that’s needed to read the nitty gritty details and instructions.
Next, download the State Department’s forms and fill them out exactly as asked. It’s okay to rely on the nitty gritty instructions for clarification, if necessary.
Assuming you need new passport photos, find a quiet post office nearby where they’ll take a lovely photograph of you, akin to a driver’s license Kodak moment. Or bypass the lines at your local post office and get your passport photo taken at a local drugstore (most CVS locations on the East Coast offer this service) or through AAA, if you’re a member.

Happy travels to you and yours!

* Photo by Benjamin Earwicker

Eliminate Your ‘Hide & Seek’ Moments

Leah Eggers — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:00:13 +0000

I’ve discovered that you can easily help yourself out, organizationally speaking, by routinely stowing items in the same places. In my experience, this has dramatically cut down on bouts of hide-and-seek with a hidden car key, an elusive smart phone, and a small pair of earrings. And I’ve found that routinely stowing items in the same places comes in handy with purses, gym duffels, briefcases, messenger bags, and the like. Recently while heading downtown for a meeting, I perched on my train seat and went through my work bag in search of a few business cards for said meeting. I hadn’t made the time to put cards in my work bag before leaving the office. And gratefully, the business cards that I needed were at my fingertips when I retrieved them from the pocket where I routinely stow them. And that’s when I was reminded that routine approaches like consistently putting items in the same places can help us achieve logistical bliss without exerting any real effort.

Not surprisingly, this concept rings true withyour trusty gym bag, compartments in your car, and almost any other place where you routinely store items for specific uses. In my experience, I’ve found that routinely putting my shampoo and towel in specific pockets within my gym bag enables me to find these items with ease after some elliptical machine activity time. And by routinely storing that pack of gum in the same compartment in my car, I can enjoy a minty fresh flavor whenever I’d like without having to organize a search party.

If you already routinely store items in the same places in your bags, car, home, etc. gold star for you! And if not, consider adopting this approach for a week or two. I think you’ll find that it supports an organized way of life with practically zero planning or effort on your part. And then you can focus on life’s more important things – like family and friends, volunteering, eating dark chocolate, a visit to the library, or shoveling snow off the driveway. Again.

* Photo by Jason M

Declutter In A Few Moments Every Day

Leah Eggers — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:00:57 +0000

The word “decluttering” often conjures up images of Nate Berkus and crew rescuing some hoarders from the scary confines of their basement while a dumpster gets piled high outside their house. Or it may conjure up images of you kneeling in your attic surrounded by boxes and piles of “schtuff.” Everywhere. But decluttering does not have to be a big event, a televised experience, or even a noteworthy part of your day. Following are a few ideas for how you can declutter your home over time, in just a few moments each day:

Declutter a kitchen drawer while water is brewing for your herbal tea or while you’re waiting for the oven to pre-heat
Organize your refrigerator while inventorying what’s on hand for your grocery list. No need to buy broccoli if you already have some!
Take 30 seconds to organize the items on your living room end table during a television commercial
Declutter as part of an existing activity. Did you plan to dust today? Consider getting rid of at least one tckotke in the home office while you dust the bookshelves.

By consistently decluttering one shelf, drawer, or small area at a time over a period of several months, you’ll find yourself on the track toward a decluttered house. No dumpsters needed.

* Photo by Martin Zager

Early January Odds and Ends

Leah Eggers — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:00:11 +0000

Early January is a great time to take care of odds and ends that have been overlooked during the holidays, or could help things run more smoothly throughout the new year.

For the hubster and me, that means it’s time for the annual file fling. As you may recall, this is a participant-friendly home office organization adventure. It allows us to gather up tax-related paperwork, shred unneeded documents, and once again make room in our filing cabinet. In my humble opinion, it’s worth the time it takes because it makes a world of difference the whole year through. And file fling or no file fling, you may wish to use this first week of the new year to take care of a few other odds and ends, along the lines of the following:

Replace the battery in your watch, which stopped a few weeks ago. Now you can stop telling people that the time is “half past a freckle!”
Install those hooks inside your coat closet door
Return any overdue library books lurking around the house
Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights, and thermostat (if it’s battery operated, of course!)
Rotate your mattress. (When was the last time that happened?!)
For cold weather climate residents, consider taking steps to prepare for winter storms.

There are a million and one odds and ends to do at any given time. Take care of the ones you’re impelled to address. Being organized in the areas that are important to you will allow you to focus your attention on loved ones and things besides batteries throughout the year.

* Photo by Iwan Beijes

Welcome to 2011

Leah Eggers — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 09:00:20 +0000

Happy New Year, and welcome to this first day of 2011! New Year’s Day means different things to different folks. For some, it’s just a “normal” day with no special factor attached to it. Others love January 1st because they can spend the day napping on the couch watching sporting events and eating cheesy eggs and the remnants of their gingerbread house. The logistics and organization enthusiasts I know like that New Year’s Day often invigorates people. (Case in point: individuals who might not otherwise want to declutter their attics decide that today is the day they’re getting rid of those high school prom dresses from 1975.) And other people I know find that January 1st of each year is a natural time to establish resolutions and set personal goals for the new year.

As an organization enthusiast, you’d think that I’d be the first to have a new year’s resolutions list taped to my refrigerator. But, full disclosure, I am not keeping a written list this year. Resolutions aren’t a bad thing, per se. In the past I’ve found that identifying resolutions has supported all kinds of growth. Interestingly enough, I found that the resolutions that went the distance were those that reflected a deeper desire for growth and lent themselves to practical footsteps. The resolutions that I did not keep focused on surface things, which fell by the wayside relatively quickly.

And so whether today finds you grasping gingerbread, organizing the attic, purchasing a gym membership, or doing laundry, I wish you and yours peace, hope, and expectancy of good in 2011. Cheers!

* Photo by Melissa Balkon

A Thoughtful End to 2010

Leah Eggers — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 09:00:15 +0000

Last year around this time I wrote about a generous end to 2009, and the importance of philanthropy. And because I believe that being generous of spirit leads to generosity with time and resources, today I wish our readers a thoughtful end to 2010. According to Merriam-Webster, some synonyms for “generosity” include philanthropy, unselfishness, bigheartedness, bountifulness, and liberality. Whether we give of our goodness, our time, or our financial resources, today and year-round we have the opportunity to express thoughtfulness and generosity. And that’s what we’ll take a peek at today as we bid adieu to 2010 and welcome 2011.

For so many people, generosity is a part of everyday life. It’s volunteering for church. It’s driving the car pool as a favor for a friend. It’s baking a batch of cookies for the neighbors. It’s the weekly volunteer gig at the local animal shelter. It’s the annual fund gift made to an alma mater, and monthly contributions made to a favorite non-profit organization. It’s the cheerful smile exchanged with a stranger at the grocery store. It’s being kind to other drivers during the morning commute. It’s an attitude of kindness expressed “just because.”

For me, the best part of generosity is that it’s an opportunity to give from the heart. We don’t need to spend a penny to be generous (although if we have some extra denero, it’s wonderful to share it with a worthy cause). And so I wish you and yours a thoughtful, generous end to 2010 and a gratitude and joy-filled 2011. Cheers!

* Photo by Allen Pope

Merry Christmas

Leah Eggers — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 09:00:26 +0000

Despite the economic challenges in our nation, once again the hubster and I were struck by how strangers went out of their way to help each other this holiday season. From televised segments we saw on the news to acts of kindness we witnessed around town, we were grateful to see how the holiday season seemed to again draw out goodness and an abundance of love all around us with neighbor helping neighbor.

And neighbor helping neighbor is, in part, why this blog exists. Through the tips and ideas that are shared with readers, this blog is written with the intent of simplifying life’s organizable activities so we can focus on the important things, like living more fully the goodness we saw this holiday season; loving others as ourselves; living unselfishly; and, in general, being thoughtful citizens of our communities and the world.

Wishing you much joy on this Christmas Day. Let’s continue to live the true spirit of this holiday season year-round!

* Photo by Dave Dyet

Last Minute, “Green” Gift Ideas

Leah Eggers — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 09:00:32 +0000

Christmas is just two days away, and now is a great time to finish your shopping (and for some, this is a good time to start!). If you’re looking for last minute presents, and you want to “go green” or shop locally this holiday season (read: avoid the shopping mall), consider some of the following gift ideas for your family and friends:

A gift certificate to a local organic farm or grocery store.
A delicious assortment of fair-trade, organic chocolates.
A monetary donation to your gift recipient’s alma mater or favorite non-profit, made in that individual’s name (you can do this online or via telephone!)
Your own bouquet-of-the-month club. Find a florist near your gift recipient’s house and ask if they’ll deliver a florist’s choice bouquet to the gift recipient each month, charging your credit card an agreed upon amount. The recipient will enjoy flowers each month while you support a local business…
…or go the eclectic route! Reusable cloth tote bags, seeds in an attractive container, soy or beeswax candles, and antique jewelry or handbags all make for lovely gifts.

A last minute present doesn’t need to lose the thoughtful factor. Enjoy your gift-giving adventures this holiday season!

* Photo by canna_w

Welcome To Your Winter Wonderland

Leah Eggers — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:00:05 +0000

Welcome to the first day of winter! As one who grew up on the West Coast and now resides in a snowy region, the idea of welcoming winter has taken some getting used to over the years. But as with any situation, blooming where we’re planted and expressing an attitude of gratitude make all the difference. And so I dedicate this post to anyone whose favorite season is spring, summer, or fall, and anyone who enjoys the chilly blasts of air that make winter so unforgettable for West Coast transplants living in snowy regions.

Ah, winter. For me, this season evokes images of snow-covered trees, mugs of steaming hot chocolate, scraping ice off the windshield and shoveling snow (this can be hard work!), and never leaving home without the gloves until April (or May, in some years). My West Coast friends remember snow skiing in Lake Tahoe, enjoying Christmas on the beach in San Diego, and walking on styrafoam snowflakes used by some Christmas tree lots to create winter wonderlands. And friends from the Midwest and the East Coast recall snow days spent with friends; ice skating in downtown Chicago, New York, and Boston; and snowball fights and sledding galore. Regardless of where you reside, today is the perfect time to consider how you’d like to enjoy this winter. As I’ve learned in recent years, it doesn’t matter how you think you feel about this season called winter. It’s here for awhile so we might as well identify some fun ways to enjoy it. Grab a mug of cocoa, a notepad and pen, and an afghan, and let’s get started!

Consider your daily routine in the winter and identify how you want to mix things up a bit. Do you want to be adventurous? Travel? Read all of those books stacked on your night table? Be NetFlix’s best customer?
Discover the great indoors. Museums, independent or art film theaters, community playhouses, and library reading rooms are great places to discover this holiday season and all winter long. A trip to your local library will likely net you DVDs, good reads, and museum passes. For free. What are you waiting for? Root around for that library card, and let the fun begin!
Don’t give in to the suggestion of the winter blahs. If you want to express vitality, productivity, and activity this winter identify the projects you wish to tackle and the activities you wish to do, roll up your sleeves, and get started. Schedule time to do said activities, follow through, and productivity will ensue.
Take time for yourself this winter. Carve out some time each day for reflection, prayer, contemplation, or quiet. Moments of stillness are always a good idea. This winter and year-round.

Wishing you a winter filled with laughter, hot cocoa, good reads, thought-provoking films, and a snowball fight or two if you live in a region in which styrofoam snowflakes are unnecessary.

* Photo by Alfred Borchard

Tips From a Novice Gift Wrapper

Leah Eggers — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:00:05 +0000

I am a gift wrapping novice. ‘Tis true. Recently a friend expressed great surprise when she learned that gift wrapping is not among my finest talents. While I love giving gifts and I enjoy looking at attractively wrapped packages, I have yet to express the artistic abilities that create a truly beautiful wrapped package. And I’m okay with that because the gifts I wrap are wrapped with love, and while they may not look like Martha Stewart wrapped them, they reflect good effort and look acceptable. Over the years, the following tips have helped me offer wrapped packages to those I love. And so I’m sharing these ideas today in the hopes that they’ll provide you with wrapping joy in the days ahead:

1. Gift bags and tissue paper are your friends. I can’t say enough good things about these gift wrapping options. Some of the many reasons why I love them:

Gift bags can be re-used by the recipient (yes, they can re-gift your gift wrap!). You’re green in other parts of your life. Why not go green with gift wrap, too?!
You can create soulful color combinations with purple and red tissue paper, or hunter green and silver.
If you’re traveling this holiday season and the TSA wants to unwrap Uncle Harold’s present, gift bags make the process super simple and Harold will never be the wiser on Christmas morning.
And if your recipient is an Alexandra Stoddard fan, come January they’ll be thrilled to tote their lunch to work in your gift bag.

2. Sharp scissors are a must. If you decide to wrap gifts with actual wrapping paper, sharp scissors will help ensure that your cutting is precise and as straight as possible. Sharp scissors are also helpful for curling ribbons beautifully.

3. Four hands are better than two. When it comes to wrapping large packages, four hands are hugely helpful. Grab a pal and some trusty tape, blast your favorite holiday tunes, and you’re good to go.

4. Want to get those corners even? Instructions (complete with photos) are just a click away. Gift wrapping experts understand that those of us who are novices need all the help we can get. I was shocked to find a number of Internet sites with step-by-step photos and tips on how to wrap the perfect gift. Who knew?!

5. Thought counts. During my childhood, my siblings and I used to create our own wrapping paper by drawing on butcher paper and cutting it to the size we needed. We had a ball decorating our wrapping paper, and the recipients enjoyed the original artwork. A former roommate loved using newspapers to wrap her gifts – especially when presenting gifts to news hounds and history buffs. You’ll find what works for you!

Enjoy your gift giving experiences this holiday season, and don’t put pressure on yourself. Truly, it’s the thoughtful factor that counts.

* Photo by Klaus Post

The Wonders of White Elephant Gifts

Leah Eggers — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:00:38 +0000

Today will find me participating in a white elephant gift exchange for the second time in my life. For those who have not yet heard of it, a white elephant gift exchange (also known as a Yankee Swap) typically calls upon each participant to wrap an inexpensive used item from around the house to give to another exchange participant. The game is simple: Each participant takes turns choosing a gift. The first person picks a gift, opens it, and shows it to everyone else. The second participant then picks a gift and either chooses to unwrap it, or to exchange it for the previously unwrapped gift. And so it goes. I’m looking forward to this unique gift exchange. After all, it’s always okay to be thrilled about giving things away when someone else could put them to better use.

Last night as I was selecting a white elephant gift for this holiday gathering, I got to thinking about the joys of these gift exchanges and our family’s experiences with them. As you know, I have had just one experience with them. However, in previous years when the hubster has participated in these exchanges, he has returned home with useful and “interesting” items. A few years ago he brought home a wooden photo frame that looks great in our basement and is still in use today. Last year he brought home a brown felt headband with reindeer heads waving from wires sticking straight in the air (a kitschy item you have to see to truly appreciate). Something tells me it’ll make an appearance every December for the foreseeable future.

And although I’ve only heard of these gift exchanges happening during the holiday season, from my perspective there’s really no reason why they can’t happen any time of year, like on a Saturday in March or a Tuesday in August. It could be fun to host a gathering sometime this spring or summer and encourage everyone to bring a white elephant gift after their spring cleaning adventures are finished. Who knows what might be exchanged?! When decluttering, it’s always great to create a pile of items that you’ll later gift to others who will appreciate them. And a white elephant exchange could be a great depository for these things. Of course, when participating in a white elephant exchange, you give an item away and bring something home with you. While this doesn’t necessarily support decluttering, you can always choose to share the item with a friend or a local service agency if you can’t put it to good use in your home.

And so today I look forward to sharing my white elephant gift with someone else. And I look forward to whatever the white elephant exchange has in store for me. Could there be a new reindeer headband in my future?

Ever received something fabulous or downright odd in a white elephant gift exchange? Tell us about it!

* Photo by Kym McLeod