Renew Your Space

Making The Most Of Our Valuable Time

2012-01-11T22:36:00.000-08:00

Time is a commodity that we should be saving for the most important moments in our lives. We eat, we sleep, we take care of family and we work, but how we make use of this time is the glue that holds our life balance together.

We live in an amazing era where useful resources are lapping at our feet, as abundant as the tide. Think about the struggle our ancestors lived, with back-breaking work, laboring fields for food, wringing clothes out by hand, chopping wood, sewing fabric, wriding horseback or carriage days... weeks... months, to get where they needed to be.

This is where we should be so thankful for the ease of modern life. No matter what social class you fit into, the conveniences of our day pales in comparison to the labor folks relied upon so many years ago.

Managing your time can be simple, once you find the key players which can do the work "for" you. For example, we all know that multi-tasking has proved to be more of a time-waster for some who feel overwhelmed by trying to do it all. But if you let your machinery do double-time, you can free up your mind to focus on other tasks.

With a quick plan of action, here are some ways to let your home work for you:

- Let your appliances do double-duty by knocking out several chores at once. Run the dishwasher, charge your media, back-up your computer and self-clean the coffee pot with just a few clicks of a button. How many chores can you knock out with one fell swoop? (without knocking out the power) :) I always think about this when I know battery-life is running down on electric toothbrushes, etc.

- Keep your kitchen sink empty by re-loading the dishwasher first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening, and run it at a convenient time during your busy day.

- Dedicate one day a week to meal-planning. In just a few minutes, you can create a week's worth of healthy meals and know the ingredients needed when you head out to the grocery store.

- Be prepared for laundry day. Keep seperate laundry bins to pre-sort your family's clothing so that you don't have to waste time doing it all in one day. This way, you are ready to re-boot your laundry at your convenience instead of having to search for it.

- Don't rely on one set of sheets per bed. Change out your bedding every week without having to wait for them to be washed and made.

- Have your work go-bag and the kid's back-packs ready to go the night before, by creating a staging area of your home.

- Use the automatic feature on your coffee pot, and have it ready to go first thing in the morning.

Think of the unlimited ways you can sinc your resources and make them work for you. Let me know what your most valuable multi-taskers have been...

You can also have your own entourage of experts right at your feet!

101410

Renew, Reflect and Restructure

2012-01-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

What an amazing ride we have had in 2011 - I don't know about you, but I am ready to put that funky business behind me and keep reaching for the stars...

It was a whirl-wind year with many changes for me. As you well know, I had to put my organizing and writing aside while tending to family. This left me feeling lazy and unsettled as my ideas and creativity became stifled with passing time. It also sparked new passions and thought into my true purpose. My spirituality plays a huge part in everything I do, so as I sat back observing the world around me and my place in it, new life came to fusion.

{Renew}

Yes, I find it ironic to be an expert in time management, yet to be in perpetual search for my own life balance. But this is what propels me... in my own adversity and quest for truth, I find inspiration to create and teach. It is in these reflections, these quiet moments, which I can find the clarity within.

My creative outlets are very demanding, and when I lack discipline in dedication, my equilibrium flops in all directions making it impossible to focus on any. I am a photographer, writer, organizer, speaker, and teacher. I am spiritual and love to apply a little psychology and philosophy into everything that I present. So with that, I claim 2012 to be the year of restructure for the nature of my business. To gather my dreams, talents and passions together to honor my true purpose.

I just love new beginnings - a new year to make it all right again... As you can tell, I am in the resolution zone. Only, I stopped making resolutions a long time ago, and instead focus on my goal-setting throughout the year. One major inspiration to me is my mentor and fitness instructor, Chalene Johnson, who has just published her book, "PUSH". {----- Really, if you haven't heard of this book and want to create a clear vision for your life, this is a must-read! This is how I have been spending my holiday vacation - clearing my head and good old fashioned goal-setting :)

Then, there are these...

Photo Credit

Yes... I am yet another addict of the amazingly inspiring Pinterest {especially this little colorful brainstorm & quote at the bottom-left that reads "I love my life". - ooh, and they have some yummy stuff if you click on the photo credit above, too!}. I feel magnetized, hypnotized, yet empowered by its presence. But how truly life-changing a website like this one can be. I have actually found intriguing things to do just by searching my city on Pinterest. Talk about a creative way to reinvent date night!

I am fairly new to Pinterest, but while poking around there today, I found a fun freebie by Design Finch that I thought I should share with you. Just look at these fun print-outs... {Click Here For Website}.

Yep - pretty awesome :)

So with that, I bid you all a joyful, prosperous, glowing new year ahead. Look for some nice changes coming to Renew Your Space - a little more polished, focusing on articles, speaking engagements and do-it-yourself organizing projects and consultations.

Love you!!! ~ Renee Weatherford

Friday Favorites - Unique Storage

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today's Friday favorite is something I have had for a few years, and only recently stopped to appreciate how it's served me over time. It is simply a heavy duty draw-string shipping bag from Sephora - I had dozens of these from back in the day & I use them for anything from storing makeup brushes to my old video casette tapes {I know, WHAT are casette tapes, right?} But it just goes to prove, storage can be as simple as a bag.

This one is holding 24 videos and easily stores in my entertainment armoir for easy access when we want to walk down memory lane.

The Brides of Beverly Hills

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Forgive me - this has nothing to do with organizing, but I had the pleasure of working with a friend of mine on a few projects earlier in the year and I was invited to the set of a new reality show, "The Brides of Beverly Hills" for a few episodes she was appearing in. Now that the show has begun airing its' first season, I am excited to see it and really like how it's turned out.

Actress and wedding dress designer, Amy Michelson of amymichelson.com graced the set with Mamie Van Doren in a previous episode titled, "A film star proves it's never too late." And seriously... the glamour-girl is 80 years old and looks better than some 40 year olds that I know!

The show takes place at the posh wedding gown salon, Renee' Strauss Bridal Boutique in Beverly Hills, which has served the rich and famous for more than 30 years. Amy Michelson's gowns are just exquisite - as I helped carry them in, I fell head over heels in love with each design. They hang like a sexy mermaid and anyone with curves can appreciate their glamorous form-fitting flattering design - ooh la la! I soon understood why she lovingly refers to them as 'the girls', as they have such individual style and presence.

While waiting behind the scenes, I got to hang out with celebrity florist & Kevin Lee, who was also the inspiration for "Frank" on the movie "Father of the Bride". I got a shot of this amazing floral arrangement from his shop - it was "FAB-U-LOUS!"

Floral Arrangement by Kevin Lee

Mamie and Amy

The 'Girls'

A little bubbly at Renee' Strauss

And that's a wrap :)

The Brides of Beverly Hills can be seen Fridays on TLC. A new episode starring Amy will air December 9th at 7:00 pm PST. Special thanks to Amy, Renee', and the entire crew - they were very gracious hosts. All photos are the property of Renee Weatherford and Renew Your Space.

This is a not-so-typical Sunday in a city near me :)~ Check out Sundays in my
friends' cities over at Unknow Mami's:

Easily Organize Cords and Plugs

2011-12-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Have you needed a cord out of your storage or during a move and couldn't identify the one you needed? During my recent move, I found this to be a challenge, even with my organized system of banding & labeling them the way I always have. So I discovered a much more effective tool that worked like a charm. Follow this simple and organized way to keep your cords all together and clearly marked so that you don't have to go on an agonizing treasure-hunt for the right hardware:

1. Save up plastic bread clips that are used to keep your bread bag closed. As you collect them, narrow colors down to just a few & use each color for specific themes if you have that many cords to work with.

2. Store them in a nice {little} box to use for future projects. Do not hoard these - you really only need a few!

3. Use a fine tip permanent marker to write a brief description of each cord.

4. Gather your plugs together into a shoebox or basket for future access, or to easily re-install after your move.

5. For permanent storage, save up cardboard toilet paper rolls to store them in!

These little clips fit perfectly over the average cord & are strong enough to last for a long time. And I love that your ink won't run or wipe off through long storage.

All photos are created by Renee Weatherford & property of Renew Your Space.

Life Lessons: When the Teacher Becomes the Student

2011-11-21T12:20:00.000-08:00

What happens when the teacher becomes the student, and everything she knows suddenly becomes useless due to time restraints? She cuts a new path through life and teaches from her own struggles...
Many of my readers have asked where I have been hiding for the past few months. My articles have been repeats for the most part, and my editors are still patiently waiting for fresh contributions. If you have been following my Facebook or Twitter, chances are you know I have been busy moving. But I have also been helping my ailing father get back on his feet, so something had to give... My writing has had to take backstage while I sort my life and try to make sense of it.

A new home, new career, new community; have made it impossible to share the wisdom from my previous work. All of the organizing knowledge and time management gurus can't help when your world has been turned upside down. It is ironic how the subject I love to teach most {Life Balance} suddenly becomes the very thing I need to learn for myself. It was as if over night, the teacher became the student, and had to re-learn it all in new surroundings... new circumstances. But this blog is not called ReneW for nothing. With each new beginning, comes a rebirth of greatness and enthusiasm.

I've decided to cut back on my Organizing business to focus on my home life. But with that came new inspiration and restructuring my focus on Consulting and Public Speaking. Instead of giving local hands-on assistance, I am providing self help and education with a real-life example... me! I will soon offer books on balance, organization and time management based on my own experiences and struggles. You will also see more blogs personalized from my past move - challenges I have faced and how I have overcome those obstacles.

So as I stand back up, brush myself off and begin this ride again, I will be leading by example and giving you the tools to find your own path as well. Expect some real life lessons and goal setting solutions to work through them with Renew Your Space.

Tell me - how are you? Have you ever taken a blogging hiatus and survived it?

Photo 1 credit / Photo 2 credit

Sundays In My City - Avacado Festival

2011-10-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

The crowd at the Carpinteria Avacado Fest is incredible for such a small town.

I was amazed at the magnatude of people.

I just about died when I saw hundreds of people gathered at the main stage where we were to perform a Salsa Dance routine... I have volunteered to "fill in" for a few of the Senior ladies from the complex that I manage, who couldn't make it - I was given one lesson and was told to learn it in time for the festival!

Hot and exhausted, this is my instructor (Diana Tere) and I after the show. I love salsa dancing, but I never thought I would be doing something like this in front of such a large crowd! I chose not to include photos of the group because I didn't ask for permission, but they were absolutely adorable!

(I used the My Sketch app for this - just a nice way to document a moment

without giving too much detail)

This is a typical Sunday in my City ~ Check out Sundays in my

friends' cities over at Unknown Mami's:

Tackling That Junk Mail

2011-10-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ever notice that junk mail seems to multiply when you don’t have a designated space for it? That is because junk mail only belongs in one place – the round file!

The simplest way to prevent mail pile-up is to attack it right as it crosses the threshold. There is no time like the present, and there is no reason to keep those outer envelopes once they are opened.

A few key moves that will help you eliminate paper that is really garbage:

Keep a basket or letter holder close to the front door and place only the bills, letters and legitimate mail.

Separate out any usable magazines or grocery ads that you USE and thow away those that you don’t.

Immediately open those pesky credit applications and solicitations – pull out the first page or anything listing your name on it. Then, thow away the outer-envelope and the rest of the information. It is best to shred anything that has your name on it – I keep a shredder right next to my bill box and destroy it then and there.

I used to keep an in-box on my desk where I would place my mail to sort through, but it didn’t prompt me enough to do it right away so I bought a simple small bill holder where I keep incoming mail in the back and outgoing mail in the front.

Here is the system that I use when it's mail-time:

I remove the outer envelopes to any bills and place the bill under the flap of the mailing envelope. I make a small notation on the right side of the flap when the bill is due. Then I set all of my bills standing up in date order (i.e. 1/17, 1/31, 2/1…).

I plan out one day a week to write the checks, address the envelopes and stamp them. Once they are sealed, I keep them in date order and send them out a few days before each due date. Some people prefer to use bill-pay through their online banking which is great, but I prefer to have the real deal.

If you are overloaded with junk mail and feel as if you have been placed on a mass mail list, there are some free things that you can do to prevent it. I have found a pretty good website that gives some basic information on how to do this yourself: Obviously.com . You can Google "Stop Junk Mail" to find more information about this.

There are many helpful ways to set up your bill-paying system. The important thing is to keep them in a place where you can see at a glance what has come in and what needs your attention. Without that cluttered mound of junk-mail, you are sure to have your bills paid on time and no stress of last minute emergencies.

If you or somebody you know is in need of Virtual Organizing Assistance, please visit my website ~ http://www.renewyourspaces.com

Sundays In My City - Renew My Soul

2011-09-25T00:18:00.000-07:00

My dad has been receiving treatments down in L.A. so as a special treat, we take Hwy. 1 home and enjoy a lunch with a view. It's become a nice tradition for both of us and a nice way to turn a bad day into a good one.

This is a typical Sunday in my City ~ Check out Sundays in my

friends' cities over at Unknown Mami's:

The Clipboard: Many Uses for This Overlooked Tool

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I “rediscovered” the clipboard. I found it in my old box of college junk. I don’t think I ever really used it in college, but I thought I would give it a second chance. I put it in my computer desk, and it just sat there unnoticed for another year. All of a sudden I found myself working a part-time job (in addition to my day-job of raising three young children), starting a MOMS Club, and creating a business from scratch. One day, I just picked it up when I needed to carry something around to make notes. That was the day my clipboard became my most indispensable tool.

Currently my clipboard contains the stuff of my life: my Menu Planner for October, my Menu Planner for September (for reference), my Weekly Planner for this week, my Weekly Planner for next week, my Halloween Party Planner for the get-together we are having at the end of the month, my notes on what I want to include on the agenda for my MOMS Club board meeting, a list of recommended books for the book club, an itinerary for last week’s houseguests, my Monthly Cleaning Schedule, a list of articles I’m planning to write, articles I’m editing for submission, and this article which I prefer to write freehand and then type into the computer later.

A clipboard doesn’t require holes to be punched in the paper it holds. Pages and notes can quickly and easily be added or removed. It is portable, sturdy, comes in a variety of colors, and has a handy spot for my pen when it is time to get to sleep. A clipboard allows my inner preschooler to manipulate pen and paper. I may go where electricity may not be found and give my eyes a rest from the bright lights of a computer screen. Surely a woman who needed to prepare her daughter’s birthday party between doing several loads of laundry and bathing her children was the original creator of the clipboard. Maybe she had a letter to her Kindergartener’s teacher to write while her 3-year-old played on the playground. It is highly likely that she had grocery lists, to-do lists, and Christmas card lists to compile while waiting in the Dentist’s office. That woman knew she needed a firm, dry (non-sticky) place to write that she could carry with her as she went from one task to the next. Mrs. Clipboard, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

—————

Jennifer Tankersley is the creator of ListPlanIt where you can find more than 500 printable lists, checklists, and planning pages to tote around on your clipboard and put your world in order.

Would you like to free up your time for more important things, like spending time with your family? Do you have trouble managing your paper clutter? How would you feel if somebody could take a weight off your shoulders with a little advice? I can help you get organized ONLINE and bring balance back into your life? ~ Visit my website Renew Your Space for a full list of services and details.

Sundays In My City - Longboard Competition

2011-09-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ventura Longboard surfing competition - Surfers' Point

Apparently I have a thing for Surfers' Point, as I have been shooting the sunrises and sunsets nearly every day. It is no secret I am biased to snapping sunsets, but this is getting ridiculous :)
Every morning I walk my dog, Roxy, at the beach and occasionally I run into a surfing competition.

This is a typical Sunday in my City ~ Check out Sundays in my
friends' cities over at Unknow Mami's:

Friday Favorites - Modern Family

2011-09-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

For today’s Friday Favorite, I thought I would do a post on my favorite home featured in ABC’s TV Show Modern Family.

Jay and Gloria’s colorful, simplistic retro look is right up my ally. As a fan of both modern architecture and this comedy, my eye is constantly being fed with décor candy.

Those simple touches of zebra print against the neutral walls and cabinets give a nice option of a surprise "pop" instead of the usual pop of color.

The bold color blocks throughout keep it modern and lively.

The stainless steel and frosted glass in cabinetry create clean lines.

Weathered couches and collections from travels or special bric-a-brac

warm up the space.

A glassy dark-bottomed pool continue the theme outdoors.

Perhaps my favorite piece in their collection on the set is this kitchen scene painting of a woman wearing red sweats and flip flops.

I tracked down the artist, Nathan Rohlander from L.A. whose contemporary work is displayed nationally and internationally, features two of his masterpieces on the Modern Family set. You can see his amazing talent at http://www.rohlander.com/.

Just a little insight to my love of design. I always see these things and think how nice it would be to refer back to them when I'm redecorating.

What TV sitcom sets have been eye candy for you?

Four Creative Ways to Organize a Move

2011-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Since I moved my dad for the second time in under six months, I thought I would share with you some lessons I picked up along the way. I wrote about Senior Downsizing in Planning for the Golden Years at that time because there was so much more to it than just a move.

I have organized many packing plans and relocations, I have come up with a simple strategy to alleviate some of the stress. Utilizing a computer and online resources can give you the tools to make it all come together, and here are some of my best tips:

1. Create an information book

My information booklet is something that I have perfected over the years. It is a compilation of my important paperwork to keep the move organized. I love these little clear view executive report covers (these are made of hard plastic - see below) you can find at office stores. Whenever I create a new form or information sheet, I add it to my "book". This keeps everything in one place, and I am never searching for phone numbers or resources.

2. Use your basic Microsoft calendar creator

This doesn't have to be anything fancy, although you may want to jazz it up to keep yourself inspired. I simply use my MS Publisher program with the most basic calendar. It's best if you begin planning a few months ahead, but print at least two - for before, during and after the move.

Adding goals to the calendar as I go, for example; Begin by writing in the day/days of move & consider travel time, Dates of mover's arrival or moving truck pick up/drop off, Packing deadlines, etc. I staple them together and keep it with me whenever I am making important phone calls or shopping for supplies. This way, I always have my timeline at hand.

3. Create your own forms

The forms I like to create are basically old information v's new information. For example, I make a grid listing all of the bills, their contact info. and account numbers. In the second column I leave it blank to fill in the new location's account number, contact info., etc. (think of all that may change - your phone number, cable provider, doctors...). Here is a sample form that I have created for you: Download

4. Make an Inventory List

This list has been my saving grace in my relocation from California to Oregon and back to California, as I had a lot of summery items that I did not pull out until we got back to a warmer climate. Keeping the inventory list on my computer saved me a lot of time, as I could easily run a search on the item and instantly know where to find it. This worked with my business inventory as well. Here is a sample form that I have created for you: Download

As you are packing each box, use a marker and number each box 1-____. Then log the basics on your inventory sheet. Transfer it to your computer so that you can run a "Ctrl/F" in your document when you're looking for the box of lightbulbs when you arrive, and vola!

Utilize the Web:

Just another tip that has helped me so much through the process - Just about everything can be done online now. Gone are the days of wasting endless hours on the phone trying to get a live person to confirm your address change, or submitting numerous change of address forms by mail, hoping that they have reached the right department. If you create a personalized email address just for your move, (for instance - MoveToLAInMay@aol.com) you can check in to ensure confirmation and you won't miss out on important notifications on your personal email address).

Friday Favorites - the Glass Pavilion

2011-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am enamored by great design and architecture, so I thought my spin on a Friday Favorites meme of favorite organizing products could also include interior design. Some of the best interiors are right here in Southern California and occasionally I have the amazing opportunity of stumbling across incredible cribs. There are also those times when I will be watching a movie and think to myself, "Wow - that ______ was a great idea!"; (insert - kitchen, closet, bathroom, coffee table arrangement, storage closet... you get the picture). So I thought this would be a creative outlet for me to share my eye for quality arrangements and ideas. I will also share with you an array of products, places, resources and tips that I run across in my organizing that I feel are a worthy mention.

For my first Friday Favorite, I want to share the Glass Pavilion of Montecito. This structure, designed by Steve Hermann is an ultra modern glass and concrete masterpiece of simplicity. Built in 2010, this mansion spans 14,000 square feet and is nestled amongst the tranquil hills and trees of Montecito. The home is located at 780 Ashley Road in Montecito, California and is listed at a cool $28.5 Million.

This is {so me} - everything about this place is my style, from the colors to the details in this retro stereo with the round speakers - I am in love with this design. My favorite palette is black and white with subtle touches of red green or seafoam green throughout. I have a thing for simplistic living and the clean lines of modern design. Now, if this were mine, I would surround the property with lush tropical gardens (um, and probably install a ginormous curtain) to ensure my privacy.

I could picture a long narrow swimming pool with fountains and a dark-bottom finish. Maybe a few Buddhas strategically placed throughout the grounds would be nice too :)

Would you live in a house like this?

Put Together A Home Emergency Closet

2011-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

With the recent scare of Hurricane Irene and the possible threat of a random natural disaster, I couldn't help but reminisce of the colossal storm we lived through in Oregon a few years ago. We resided in the very small town of Astoria for a couple of years and I owned a little Boutique called LaDeDog! Things were rolling along quite smoothly until this massive gale hit the town and pretty much halted business for over a week, (Scroll down to see the video at the end of this blog). Three nights of up to 120+ mph winds blew roofs, shingles, trees and power lines through the streets. No electricity, no food, no heat, no shoppers... it was not only devastating, it was incredibly unnerving for a California girl like myself to bear. And this all happened with pretty much NO warning!

Thankfully the community rallied together and re-built the surroundings. An otherwise touristy town did not see much action during that holiday and as a new business, I was crushed to have this happen just a few weeks before Christmas. But we all survived - we held neighborhood BBQ's, a friend brought over ice from his store, we offered up one of our showers since our gas water-heater was able to work and we slowly began re-restoring our newly remodeled home, (yes, that's my husband to the left assessing the missing pieces to our front porch).

Needless to say, we were thankful to be alive but it was a miserable three nights hunkered down with the dog and the cat in front of a little fireplace. Being the organizer that I am, I did have an emergency closet with a few items at hand. We were able to stay entertained with a loooong game of monopoly with candles to light up our living room. Thankfully we were able to close off the rest of the house so that we could preserve the heat to one room, and we soon learned the importance of old school electronics.

With that being said, I thought I would share with you my necessities during that week of agony...

Some things that I never knew were so important:

1. A battery powered radio was my number one saving grace through it all. At the time, I did not have one radio that ran without power. By the time we got to the store, all of the regular radios were sold out BUT I did find a walkman :) Hey - don't knock it! LOL that thing was a major source for news and we were finally clued in to what the heck happened, and I was amazed they actually had them for sale.

2. A good old fashioned telephone that is not electric. I know, what in the world does that mean? Well, if you don't have power but the phone lines are working, you can actually make what they used to describe as a "phone call". Yeah, I am totally being sarcastic here but it was one of those "duh" moments as it was happening.

3. If you are on a coastal town, (even on the West Coast where hurricanes aren't supposed to happen) it is a good idea to have some plywood available. We just happened to have a pile of sheets in our basement, as we were in the middle of restoring our 1918 Craftsman home. As the windows were sucked out one by one, that plywood was a God-send!

4. Install gas appliances that do not have an electric starter. This was an amazing discovery - when all of our neighbors weren't able to take a hot shower or cook, we had both options, (although most of our food had to be tossed out after the 2nd day, but we could make coffee!)

5. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a generator, this is something you will want to have if you're faced with a week-long power outage.

6. Gas up the car if you have time: We heard there "might" be a big storm coming, so we had the fore-thought to fill up both of our vehicles. Many others did not and we ended up being the go-to neighbors for emergency pick ups/deliveries because the gas pumps ran out right away.

7. Pre-ground coffee - OMG! This was such a major dilemma because we had a giant bag of whole coffee beans with no grinder. And I cannot live a day without my coffee, much less through a hurricane. Helloooo hammer :)

Other things you should have in your emergency closet:

- Lots of batteries
- Flashlight
- Candles / matches
- Extra bottled water (or a teapot if you can use a stove to heat your tap water)
- Hand-crank radio/flashlight (I bought one of these at Costco right after this happened!)
- List of local radio channels/weather/disaster reports
- Emergency first aid kit
- Clip on reading light (for all of those books you may have time to read)
- Board games
- Extra keys
- Emergency phone numbers
- Thick headband (think snow-skiing - keeps your ears warm)
- Tool kit
- Hand can opener
- Wine opener (ha!)
- Don't forget to bundle up your pets
- Your wits!

- What am I forgetting? Do you have any great ideas??

Your emergency closet doesn't have to be elaborate. Just one shelf that your family knows where to go to in the event of an emergency. With a few of these necessities at hand, you are sure to provide your family a little comfort while you plan for the next steps of your situation.

Astoria Before:

Astoria After December 3, 2007:

Preparing your Child for Back to School

2011-08-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

As the first day of school approaches, parents and children alike begin to run the gamut of emotions: excitement, fear, anticipation, anxiety. For those who will be experiencing a child’s very first day of school, you may feel torn between the joy of leading your child through a momentous milestone and the sadness of knowing that your child is taking yet another step out from under your influence and protection. However, preparing your child for school can have the beneficial effects of soothing nerves and strengthening bonds. Here are a few ways to help you and your child transition easily into the next important step

Make a big deal out of gathering school supplies. Set aside time during the evening or weekend to focus on the needs of your student-to-be. If possible, arrange time alone to dig together through items you already have or to make a trip to a local store for a little back-to-school shopping.

• Celebrate the last hurrah of summer. Choose your favorite summer activity and make a point to say goodbye until next summer. Take some pictures of your child in front of a recognizable object, such as a tree in the front yard or the swing set in the back yard for an opportunity to see the dramatic progress and growth from summer to summer.

• Get into the academic mindset with an inspirational movie about life in school. There are flicks from every stage of learning. Talk about what you see in the movie that relates to students, teachers, homework, and school spirit.

• Begin a few weeks early to adopt the routine of a school day. Help children get back into the habit of early wakeup and early bedtime. Add some more structure to the day by assigning an activity/reading time. Everyone grabs some type of reading material or workbook and works quietly on their own.

• Give your child a proper sendoff. Whether it is a favorite activity, a party with family and friends, or a special dinner, let your child know how special each new stage of education is and how proud you are of his accomplishments

The start of the school year is a time to start fresh. Children wipe the slate clean of the previous year and begin anew. Communicate your expectations and offer your complete support as your child prepares to embark on her next great learning adventure.

—————

Jennifer Tankersley is the creator of ListPlanIt where you can find over 400 lists and planning pages including a Back to School Planner, Homework Schedules, Calendars (all found in Student Planning) and many more.

Would you like to free up your time for more important things, like spending time with your family? Do you have trouble managing your paper clutter? How would you feel if somebody could take a weight off your shoulders with a little advice? I can help you get organized and bring balance back into your life? ~ Visit my website Renew Your Space for a full list of services and details.

Life Balance

2011-07-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Balance - One of my favorite topics. It's always on the tip of my tongue at the start of a new year, and although I have helped numerous clients find the balance in their own lives, I am always striving to fulfill the balance in mine.

Life balance is not set in stone - it is ever-changing, always evolving into the next phase or the next fork in the road. If we could just predict those curve balls life throws our way, there wouldn't be the need to get back on track as often. But there is always something...

There are seven pillars of balance which I like to follow, as written in Jack Canfield's book, "The Success Principles":

Work and CareerRecreation and Free Time

Health and Fitness

Relationships

Personal Goals

Contributions to the Community

These are the essential categories which will help guide you toward the balance you can create in your life. It has helped me to keep that wheel turning whenever I feel a spoke breaking.

Which spokes aren't being supported in your wheel? It needs constant re-adjustment and assessment to stay functioning and well.

Free up your time for more important things, like spending it with your family!! Take the weight off your shoulders and hire me!! I can help - even VIRTUALLY to get you organized and bring balance back into your life ~ Visit my website Renew Your Space for a full list of services.

Sundays In My City - Surfers Point Ceremony

2011-07-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Presentation of the new bike path & ribbon cutting after beach clean-up

A look back at what happened to Surfers Point and what they are doing to help it...

This is another look at Sundays In My City ~ Please visit Unknown Mami's blog to see more fun cities!

Learning To Unplug

2011-06-17T05:00:00.001-07:00

As the new summer days get busier and my schedule grows fuller, I have found myself taking stock of my own time. Time management is one of my specialties, and I work at it in my own life very carefully to ensure that my family stays at the top of my schedule. But as the weeks fly by, I find myself at a cross-road with so many things. Projects, community, new career opportunities... they have consumed my days that turn into late nights, and I find myself working myself out of personal time. When one aspect of life takes over, it steals away from another that is equally important. Life balance can be very tricky and deceitful.

Social networks have a way of sneaking into my day, evening, whenever I peek at my iPhone, and even 10 or 11 at night when a text wanders in. Instead of helping, they can become intrucive, making me want to pull my hat over my eyes. I love to go above and beyond for my clients, and a fan of anything that connects me with my tribe, but when I get an emergency midnight eMail from a client I feel as if I can never really contain my personal life from my career when always being connected.

Do you unplug when you go home from work? What makes you want to draw the line and set limits with your network?

I have been in deep contemplation about my organizing career, and have made the decision to limit my Home Organizing sessions in order to focus on my true love in Executive Assistance and Time Management Consulting. To stay true to my mission, I am going to practice what I preach with keeping my priorities in check. I am changing my title to Organizing Consultant, and will frequently be reserved for more long-term projects with my ongoing clients.

Although my focus has changed, I still love to write about Home Management, and will continue to produce articles for networked groups and this blog. And when I can, I will add personal details or photos about public projects I am working on with celebrities or high profile businesses.

To my local clients who have been amazing and become friends - thank you for understanding. To my blog readers & networks, see you in the Blogosphere... but not at 10:00 a night! :) ~ Renee W.

Have you had to make a cross-road decision recently? Please share!

Make Over Your Closet In 8 Easy Steps

2011-06-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Closets can be challenging on any level... Not enough room, too much room, not enough shelving or weird angles. It doesn't have to be.

Here are a few simple steps to get you on the right direction to a better organized closet:

Think in Terms of Real Estate
Do you know the square footage of your closet? Maybe it's time to find out. Begin by clearing out everything down to the paint and rods. Remove all hangers and boxes. Once you have measured out the walls, shelving and over-head clearance, you will have a blank canvas to experiment with.

Draw Up Some Plans
Grab a piece of paper or if you're technical, use graph paper, (can be found online & printed on your home computer if you do not have some) and draw to scale. Figure in corners and any wasted space that immediately jumps out.

Take Advantage of Unused Property
Many times there is space that goes completely overlooked. For instance, walls above the top shelf can be the perfect stow-away for out of season bags, backs of doors and awkward angles as well.

List Needed Hardware
You will find a slew of hooks, racks and varieties of creative storage at your local hardware store. You don't have to shovel out a lot of money to create your dream closet - get creative. Fashion a tie organizer on an unused wall for long jewelry storage, command hooks for scarves or pegboard to hang small accessories.

Purge, Donate and Repair
The items in your closet should be flattering, properly fit and in good repair. If they are any less than that, be kind to yourself and purge them. Any out of season items can be bagged on the spot for donation, and the ones you simply cannot live without should go in the repair pile. Go with your gut and don't second guess which bin you toss them in... if you toss those old tank tops you bought for that summer cruise of 07 into the donate pile and then find yourself fishing them back out because they're "good", remember why you initially thought to purge them in the first place. Chances are you haven't worn them in the past year and that is valuable space you're missing out on if you bring them back in.

Find the Proper Hangers
Hangers can be the source of your closet woes. Using outdated plastic hangers don't give your fabric the proper material to cling to, can take up more space and make it look weighted down, and with so many new options you can really change the feel of your dressing room. These huggable hangers from the Container Store are light and efficient. Use clamp hangers for wrinkle-free trouser storage, and this swing-arm skirt hanger is great for maximizing space.

Maximize Floor Space
Use clear, stacking bins or baskets to containerize shoes and accessories. Re-purpose containers from other areas of your home that may serve you better in your closet.

Replace
Enjoy the process of placing everything back onto the rods, racks, hooks and bins. Think about how you dress in the morning and the most efficient space to keep them. You may need to relocate your purse hanger or laundry basket to create a better flow.

Don't forget to color-code your clothing so that when you are searching for that corral tunic you know exactly where to find it!

Want Renee to give you a personalized DIY Organizing online? Check it out!

Coo Coo For QR Codes

2011-06-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

These funny little boxes keep popping up all over the internet, in store windows and on bulletin board fliers... what are they you ask? Well, as with anything these days - there's an app for that. If you happen to have a smart phone, and install the free app called "Scan", you can quickly swipe any scannable QR code (definition) and it will lead you to a website, text or coupon. I was really intrigued when moo sent me their special business card offer with links to my professional portfolio page. I'm not quite sure how often I will be using these, but I do think they're pretty cool to send / receive informaiton or discounts just by pulling out my iPhone. And I'm all for new technology and anything that makes my life simple. So go ahead - scan me... I'm already getting hooked on these and have my wheels turning for a fun, creative project ahead.

What do you think of them? Have you found any interesting "Easter eggs" using this new twist on advertising?

Tackling... Time

2011-06-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

Isn’t it always fascinating to learn just how much time it really takes us to accomplish something great? To me, cleaning my chaotic kitchen the morning after a crazy day in just 15 minutes is truly something great – in this time, I also prepared dinner and made my oatmeal breakfast which is a miracle!

No, it wasn’t already perfect – in fact, it was a complete disaster! As I walked into the room this morning, I was completely unmotivated. There were dishes in the sink, stains on the counter and the floor needed to be swept, (Hey – I am organized, I am an organizer… but I am only human. I don’t let myself fall into this calamity often, so I call it a slight relapse.) After a very crazy day yesterday, it was just too much to even think about domestic chores, so I settled in knowing I would have to muster up the energy tomorrow.

So tomorrow finally came, and I decided to test the waters and see just how long it really takes to tackle these annoying little chores. I pulled out my cell phone and tried out that little stop-clock that I have never had a use for. One thing became perfectly clear – it doesn’t take nearly as long as you might think. One of the first things I have trained myself to do is to make the bed right after I get up. No excuses! I have come to realize that if I procrastinate on this one little task, my day just does not flow very easily for me. Remember, I am a woman of routine – I just work better and more productively this way. So I timed the bed-making… and would you believe I got it done in less than a minute!? Yes! That was with tucking in the sheets and fluffing the pillows – impressive, eh?

Then, I did my daily “Febreze-ing” as I call it (this is my word of the day ~ feather duster in one hand and my favorite Febreze in the other) . Since I routinely straighten the house right before bed, there are traces of husband left after he scurries out the door every morning, so I quickly go through with my basket in hand and return everything to its place. Picking up paper, freshening, opening the curtains and emptying garbage cans as I went, this took me a total of 10 minutes.

So back to the kitchen and my amazing 15 minute epiphany; Tackleing the mess in small increments gives a sense of underwhelm. By not looking at the big picture, you can envision an end in sight. Just like a runner focuses on the next tree to keep up motivation, you too can cut your projects down into bite-sized pieces.

I unloaded/reloaded the dishwasher, wiped down countertops and appliances, reloaded the coffee pot for tomorrow, threw chicken and misc. veggies into the Crockpot, all the while my oatmeal spins in the microwave… and, Vola! I love being able to look back into a room and feel like I can go on with my day and be done with it.

Big progress can be made in small segments of time. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task to get the simple things in life in order. Every step you make towards a goal moves you closer to where you want to be. So write down your major goals, make a “To Do” list, and take action by doing three small things that will bring you closer to fulfilling them.

What is on your list that you have accomplished today?

020210

Sundays In My City - Love Mob

2011-06-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

We took a little time out of our busy weekend for the filming of Dave Koz' video, "This Guy's In Love With You" Love Mob in Downtown Ventura.

Dave is an incredible jazz musician that we adore, and he created this movement in support of gay rights. I love that he chose Ventura for this. Here is the script...

All for love, and love for all!

Figueroa Plaza Fountain

It was looking like rain...

Filming in progress in front of the Downtown Mission

This is another Sunday in My City

Check out other amazing cities over at Unknown Mami's!!!

6 Quick Summertime Productivity Tips for Work at Home Parents

2011-06-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Now that Summer is upon us, there are going to be changes in your household. If you are a work at home parent, our favorite list-maker ListPlanIt has some great tips for you!

We know work at home moms and dads are busy so this quick read (only 5 pages) will show you how to stay productive in your business while the kiddos are home on summer break.

Click HERE for your free download!

What are your Summer time plans? Regardless if you are a work at home, stay at home or work away from home parent, do you have a system or new routine to share that has helped you make the most out of your Summer time productivity?

Never Forget Another Birthday

2011-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Do you struggle with remembering to get the holiday cards out on time? I have gotten my share of birthday cards from my own family (days after my birthday), so I know on the receiving end how that feels. I want to share a little secret that can put a stop to your recipient's birthday blues.

When I worked for the American Cancer Society, one of my many jobs was to make sure all of the volunteers that our field office housed, got a birthday card. It was just one of those little details that made our volunteers feel special, and one of my favorite parts of my job. People were always so amazed that we remembered their birthdays (we had 40+ office volunteers) but I had a special tool that ensured their arrival...

Birthday Alarm is an online reminder service that allows you to enter all of your friends and family, special dates, and details. You don't have to use this service just for birthdays - you can plug in anniversaries, holidays and special milestones; (I have my dog's birthday, the day my husband & I met and the date we moved to Ventura just to name a few). The best part about this is that you can time it far enough in advance to remind yourself to buy a card.

My general rule for holiday cards is to write in my planner exactly one week from the date of the event. On the nearest date to my usual grocery shopping trip, I will add the card to my shopping list and then mail it out as soon as I purchase it. It never hurts to receive a card too soon... it stings a little when it's received too late.

Want to learn how to keep cards and important dates organized? Click this link to read how!
Renew Your Space