Modern*Simplicity

Review: Abe's Market Discover Natural Sampler Program

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:44:00 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to try out Abe's Market new Discover Natural Program, a new product sampling program that allows you to choose three products from Abe's sample section for a flat shipping fee of $2.00. Abe's offers more than 100 sample products to choose from, and they're neatly divided up by food, health, pet, bath/body and home categories.

My sample pack arrived nicely packaged, almost like a little gift, with recyclable Kraft paper cushioning the samples. The intoxicating scent of the Yerba Mate Exfoliating Blend bar by Wembe drew me in right away. The soap was tucked in next to a pouch of Burt's Bees Replenishing Body Lotion and small box of ginger treats from The Ginger People. There was also a post card in the box with motivating thoughts to share with friends.

The Yerba Mate bar is a nice size, easily lasting a couple of weeks. I liked being able to try the soap -- I'm not sure I would have bought a full-size without being able to smell it first. It had an energizing effect that I really like, so this sample was a hit.

The Burt's Bees Replenishing Body Lotion was sized for one use so I put it in my gym bag for an after-yoga treat. It went on smoothly and smelled nice, with cocoa and cupuaca butters that lasted all day. It was a nice treat. There was also a coupon enclosed for $1 off a full-size bottle.

My last sample was a box of six ginger chews from The Ginger People, ranging from "peanut" flavor to "spicy apple" and "double strength." I like ginger and tend to carry it with me when I travel as a natural motion sickness remedy. I tried the "hot coffee" one as a pick-me-up one afternoon, and it was so gingerly potent it made my eyes water! Since these are seriously gingery treats, I'm going to save the rest for an upcoming car trip.

Considering that many natural, organic products are a bit on the pricey side, it's nice to have the option of trying out the products before you invest in the full-size version. This program is also an inexpensive way to get some natural and organic products in convenient travel size for upcoming summer vacations. I've already found myself pursuing the sample selection looking for another round of treats to try out. If you like to try before you buy, Abe's new program can be an affordable way to expand your natural and organic repertoire.

10 Habits to Simplify Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:25:00 +0000

Simplifying can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it all at once. Changing one process or habit can make a big difference, so try taking baby steps to whittle your way to a simpler lifestyle. Here are 10 things that you can do today to start working on a simpler lifestyle. Choose one and try it today. Tomorrow, or next week, you can choose another. The important part is just to get started.

Reset your home each night before bed. Spend 10-15 minutes on a quick run-through of your home. Straighten books, pick up toys, gather clothes that didn't quite make it to the laundry basket, take dishes to the kitchen, and hang up jackets. Sort, open and act on your mail. This is just a quick pick up to keep the clutter at bay.
Do one thing each day. Pick a drawer, closet, or shelf that’s driving you crazy, and work on it for at least 10 minutes. By focusing on doing one little thing each day, you'll move closer to the simpler life you’re seeking.
Reduce the amount of "stuff" that you have in your home. Cutting back on the amount of stuff allows you to focus on what you do have and can also keep you from buying more stuff you don't need. Reducing consumption is one of the most important steps toward a sustainable lifestyle. As you shed your stuff, you'll have more energy and focus for "life" and you'll free up time to do things you really want to do instead of worrying about taking care of and accumulating more stuff. To get started, take at least one thing out every day. Walk through your home with a critical eye and look for things you don’t need, use or want. Keep a box by the garage or front door for temporary storage until you can drop the box at a local charity.
Load (and, if necessary, run) the dishwasher or hand wash the dishes. Dirty dishes on the counter, sink and anywhere else in your home are invitations to pests and bacteria, not to mention the distinct possibility of unwanted smells or the growth of new life. Additionally, they clutter up your kitchen and make preparing meals a pain. You’re more likely to save a few bucks and eat at home if your kitchen is clean and ready to be used.
Never leave a room empty handed. When you leave the room, for whatever reason, be sure to grab that glass that needs to go back to the kitchen, the trash on the table that needs to hit the bin, the shoes that need to go by the door, or the book that needs to head back to the office. This will also make your daily evening reset go much faster.
Drop one commitment. Think about all the things in your life that you’re committed to doing, and try to find one that you can let go. Is there something you dread doing? Something that takes up time but doesn’t give you much value in return? Decide today to drop that commitment. Make a phone call or send an email, and let the appropriate people know that you need to stop. You'll feel relieved, and you'll free up some time and energy for something that's more important to you.
Simplify your To-Do list. If your To-Do list is more than 10 items long, you can probably simplify it a bit. Try to find at least a few tasks that can be eliminated, delegated or automated. Shorten the list.
Schedule more time. We rush through the day, from one appointment or task to another, until we collapse on the couch, exhausted, at the end of the day. Instead, simplify your life by doing less, then schedule more time for each task. If you normally allow 15 minutes between appointments, schedule 30. If it normally takes you 30 minutes to drive to that errand, give yourself 45 minutes. Eat slower, drive slower, walk slower, work slower. Savor the slowness and the calmness that comes from not hurrying.
Single-task. Instead of multi-tasking, do one thing at a time. We've been conditioned to think that multi-tasking is THE way to work, but really it can be overwhelming and distracting. Resist the urge to check email or do some other habitual task while you’re completing a task at hand. Stick to that one task until you’re done. It’ll make a huge difference in both your stress level and your productivity.
Go to bed earlier. Most of us are sleep deprived, feeling draggy and exhausted all day and relying on caffeine and sugar pick-me-ups to feel even a little energetic. Make a point to go to bed a little earlier tonight, even if only 15 minutes earlier than usual. Keep it up for a couple of days, then move your bedtime back another 15 minutes. Keep this up until you find that sweet sleep spot where you can get to sleep quickly and wake up refreshed in the morning. Being well-rested and alert will make all your other simplifying tasks (and your most complicated tasks as well) that much easier to handle, since you'll have a clear head and some energy to tackle them.

Simple DIY Household Cleaners

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:55:00 +0000

I've combined my DIY household cleaner recipes here for easy reference. These items are easily accessible at any grocery store, and you probably have most of them already around your house. For liquid soap, I prefer to use Dr. Bronner’s.

Recycle an old Parmesan cheese shaker to store baking soda. Don’t forget to label your bottles!

To download a printable pdf of these cleaning recipes, head over to Scribd.

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner/Window Cleaner
You can use this one anywhere – kitchen, bath, floors, counters, car, etc. The vinegar is a disinfectant.
• ½ cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 tsp liquid soap
• 2 cups water
• 3-5 drops essential oil (optional, for scent)
*Mix together in a spray bottle and shake before each use.

Basic Soapy Cleaner
I use this one everywhere – it’s especially good for cleaning little spots on the carpet and upholstery.
• 2 cups water
• ½ tsp castile soap
*Mix together in a spray bottle and shake before each use.

Tea Tree Anti-Mildew Spray
This spray is fabulous in the bathroom – spritz after cleaning and let the tea tree kill mildew.
• 2 tsp tea tree oil
• ½ tsp liquid soap
• 2 cups water
*Combine in a spray bottle and shake well before each use. Do not rinse off – allow the tea tree oil to do its work.

Creamy Cleanser (Soft Scrub-Style Cleanser)
Another all-purpose cleaner you can use anywhere – great for the kitchen and bath.
• ½ cup baking soda
• Enough liquid soap to make a paste
*Combine with a spoon and apply with a sponge or rag. Rinse well. For a basic scouring powder, just use the baking soda straight.

Basic Wood Cleaner
This one is good for polishing wood furniture and moldings.
• ¼ cup white distilled vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• ½ tsp liquid soap
• a few drops of jojoba or olive oil
• 3-5 drops essential oil (optional, for scent – orange essential oil is great for this)
*Combine is a bowl and apply using a rag or sponge.

Leather Furniture Polish
Perfect for leather furniture, leather jackets and shoes.
• ½ cup jojoba oil
• ½ tsp liquid castile soap
*Combine with a whisk, then apply in dabs using a soft cloth. Wipe away any residue.

To download a printable pdf of these cleaning recipes, head over to Scribd.

Two book recommendations for even more DIY inspiration:

Reduce Your Waste: Tips to be Green during Your Spring Clean

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:06:00 +0000

Today's post is written by guest writer Jessica Phan, a designer for Balsamhill.com.

As the cold winter months give way to warmer weather, we not only shed thicker clothing but also a year's worth of accumulated items. The arrival of spring means the same for many homeowners: spring cleaning. This year, change your routine and go green while getting rid of unwanted items at home. Here are some ideas:

Clean the non-toxic way.
Removing mold from bathrooms, deodorizing rooms, and cleaning stains off the carpet make the house look and feel brand new. Instead of using cleaning products from the supermarket, make your own from items the pantry and fridge. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemons are great alternatives to high-grade cleaning materials that contain toxic chemicals.

Use old fashioned elbow grease.
Give your electrical appliances a break and clean house the old fashioned way. Besides, you won't be able to get into every nook and cranny with that bulky vacuum cleaner. What's more, you can burn up to 400 calories an hour doing manual housework, and you won't even need to join a gym to get fit for spring.

Remember that when cleaning, you have to work your way from top to bottom. Start by taking the curtains down and setting aside all fragile items like vases, framed photographs, paintings and other decorative items made of glass. Using an extended broom, sweep the ceilings to get rid of cobwebs. Next, wipe the windows with a cleaning rag. From there, you can proceed to sweeping the floor and mopping it until it sparkles. Wipe the items you set aside earlier with a clean cloth before putting them in their respective places.

Source

Take advantage of the sun.
Exposure to direct sunlight is an excellent way to remove odors. Best of all, it's free! Instead of using the dryer on your washing machine, hang curtains out to dry. After dusting the carpet by whacking it with a broomstick or your son's baseball bat, leave it out on the porch railing or a heavy-duty clothesline while you clean the rest of the house.

Give old items to charity.
Giving old stuff to charity allows you to help other people and keeps your home clutter-free at the same time. Set up a charity box where you can toss in reusable items such as clothing, old appliances, and furniture. Get in touch with your local community for outreach programs or drop it off at your nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Recycle, recycle, recycle.
Sort through your belongings to check which ones can be recycled. Empty mason jars, for instance, can be used as decorative vases or storage for small office supplies like staples, push pins, and paper clips. Cut up and sew tattered shirts to make cleaning rags or maybe even a quilt. Use old newspapers and magazines to protect fragile items while in storage or shipment. You can also use newspaper to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Don't throw out those old toothbrushes yet -- use them to clean hard-to-reach corners in the bathroom or your running shoes!

Spring cleaning is hard work but the results are always rewarding. Make it even better by going green. This way, you reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your home -- and the planet -- a better place to live in.

Jessica Phan is a designer for Balsamhill.com a purveyor of high-end artificial Christmas Trees. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area is perfect for her because she has a wide range of interests, including Art & Design, Fashion, Photography, Painting and Thrift Store Shopping.

Spring Cleaning Guide: Tackle It in Zones

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:59:00 +0000

A clean, clutter-free home is more comfortable, and it can boost your self-esteem and save you money. When you can easily find what you need, you can avoid buying extraneous stuff, and you'll feel more confident in your abilities to stay on top of your world. Although cleaning and decluttering might seem like a daunting task, particularly when you're tackling "spring cleaning," you don't have to feel overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time. The first challenge for this year's spring cleaning was to grab a basket and go around the house redistributing items back to the rooms they belong in. Now it's time to make a game plan for tackling the whole house in an organized, strategic manner. I like to start by dividing the house into zones.

Challenge 2: Make a plan to divide and conquer.

Make a plan by dividing your home up into specific areas to tackle on separate days. I have my home divided into six zones, one for each day of the week, leaving one day free as a "day off" or to use as a catch-up day as needed. I suggest the following zones, but feel free to tweak your zones to fit your specific living situation: kitchen and dining, bathrooms, master bedroom, other bedrooms, living areas, home office.
Start with the area that bothers you the most. First pick the zone that's bothering you, then pick a space within that zone. It can be a small area, such as your desk or bed or bathroom cabinet. It's hard to clean an entire home at once, so breaking it into manageable zones and then smaller areas within those zones can help you focus and motivate yourself to get started. Picture the "after" by using photos of clean and organized rooms as inspiration.  
Give yourself a time frame, and mark it on the calendar. For spring cleaning, I recommend a few days in each zone. Once you get through the heavy decluttering and cleaning, you can start managing your zones on a weekly basis, with each zone having one day a week for maintenance cleaning and purging.

Tip: Write your zones down and post them in a prominent place, on the fridge or on a bulletin board that you refer to often. Mark a #1 by the zone you're starting in first.   

Welcome to The Spring Cleaning Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:51:00 +0000

One of my favorite scenes from Sex and the City

It's March, and as promised, this month I'm doing a series called The Spring Cleaning Guide, to declutter, organize and, of course, spring clean the home for the coming warm weather months. The goal this month is to simplify as much as possible (you know I always love working on that), and in the course of getting rid of the stuff we're not using, clear out all the dust bunnies, scrub away built-up grunge and freshen up the stale atmosphere that may have settled in over the winter. Unlike the 31-Day Fresh Start Series from January, I won't be posting challenges or tips daily, but 2-3 times a week to give you (and me!) a few days to tackle each area. Let's get started!

Challenge 1: Grab a laundry basket or box and, over the next few days, go from room to room, collecting items that don't belong in each room and redistributing them to their proper locations. The main goal here is to get everything back in the rooms they're used in so rooms can be decluttered, organized and cleaned most effectively. Carry a garbage bag with you as well to quickly gather any trash that needs to be disposed of and get it out of the way.

Tip: In the garage, basement, guest room or other out-of-the-way spot, set up some empty bins for purging items as you work your way through the house. Mark at least one bin as "charity," and if you like to sell unwanted items, mark another box as "to sell." This gives you a space to place items immediately when you decide to get rid of something. As the bins get full, drop items off at your favorite local charity or make time to post sellables to Craigslist, eBay or other sale options. Take trash and recycling out daily to get it out of the house!

“Spring cleaning is all about personal satisfaction. It is the time of year that triggers homeowners to revive their home and renew their lives.” ~Peter Walsh

10 Green Things To Do with Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:35:00 +0000

Photo by Sandy Kreps

Spring Break is coming up fast, so let's talk about some easy things you can do with your children to teach them about living more eco-friendly.

Make recycling fun. We make recycling a game at our house. Whenever there's something to discard, while sorting mail, making dinner or just cleaning up, we'll hold each piece up and ask if it's recycle or trash. Kid who answers correctly gets to toss it. For obvious reasons, this game works best for little kids.
BYOB. Invest in a cool reusable bottle for each kid, something fun that they actually like to carry. Then encourage them to use it frequently. Headed outside to play? Here's your water bottle with some cold water. Running out for errands? Here's your water bottle. Let them know that planning ahead will save them from creating more trash later.
Go on a vampire hunt. Make a game of finding all the appliances and charging cables that are plugged in but not in use. Bonus points for using a Watt Meter to find the biggest energy hogs. Talk about ways to *kill* the vampires by unplugging unused items, using smart power strips or finding non-power-using alternatives.
Take a walk. Get some fresh air, talk about the trees, plants, sky and animals. Take a small trash bag, a trash pick or gloves, and pick up litter while you walk. You'll get some exercise and teach a little something about taking care of your neighborhood.
Make water savings a game. Who can take the fastest shower? Who can catch Daddy forgetting to turn off the water while he brushes his teeth? Who can collect more rain water to water the plants with? You'll be amazed at where this game goes -- kids can find water in the oddest ways.
Grow something green. Whether it's a few plants on the windowsill or a veggie garden out back, commit to growing something green, preferably edible, and give your kids the chance to help. My preschooler loves to garden and water the houseplants, and he just planted his own little bean garden, which happens to be doing better right now than my own veggie seedlings.
Make something clean. Try making some of your own household cleaners, and let your kids help. Since homemade cleaners are much safer than traditional toxin-laden ones, your kids can take a hands-on roll with mixing new cleaning concoctions and putting them to the test around the home. Littler ones especially love helping out around the house. You still have to supervise, but isn't it nice seeing the kids scrub the kitchen table and wipe down the mirrors? Help them start a journal detailing their cleanser "recipes."
Get creative about Reduce and Reuse. Before throwing something away, like a can or baby wipe container or paper towel roll, ask your kids if they can think of some other way to reuse it. Their creative imaginations can see treasure in what we think of as trash. Likewise, before buying something new, take the kids on a scavenger hunt around the house looking for something you can reuse in a new way. Maybe you won't need to go to the store after all.
Feed some worms. Kids love creepy crawly things, and a worm bin is an excellent way to indulge their love of all things ooky while teaching some valuable lessons about composting and reducing garbage. My school-age kiddo always sets aside his apple cores and banana peels "so the worms can have their dinner." Once you have some finished compost, let the kids help spread it around their garden or plants, and talk about how the worms have made something wonderfully nurturing as their gift back to us.
Play green. Get the kids away from the TV and video games, and play outside, exploring nature and getting their hands dirty. Ride bikes, make mud pies, feed the birds, and play tic-tac-toe in the dirt with sticks. Getting kids involved in the outside world gives them a new appreciation for what's "real." Do craft projects with found items and reclaimed items that were headed for the trash. Explore the library for "new-to-them" books, music and movies.

12 Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:13:00 +0000

Photo from House Beautiful

Having an eco-friendly kitchen is not just about eating green - it's also about energy-efficient food preparation, non-toxic cleaning habits, and careful, thoughtful use of foods and supplies. Here are a dozen suggestions for turning your kitchen into a planet-healthy gourmet haven.

Start by practicing energy-efficient cooking methods. Tailor your cooking style to make the most efficient use of both energy and time. When cooking on the stove top, match the pot size to the burner size and cover pans with tight-fitting lids to maximize heating. If you're buying new pans, check out copper and cast-iron options for the most conductivity. If you're cooking in the oven, keep the door shut as much as possible and don't preheat longer than necessary. Use ceramic, glass or cast-iron bakeware for maximum heat retention, and try to cook more than one dish at a time while the oven is hot. Microwave ovens are a highly efficient means of cooking food, using two-thirds less energy than an oven. They also heat food quickly without making the kitchen uncomfortably hot. One more tip: try a pressure cooker. Not only are they highly efficient, reducing cooking time by cooking at higher temperatures and pressure, they often produce food much more flavorful than standard oven and stove top cooking.
Maintain your refrigerator for efficiency. The fridge and freezer actually use less energy when they are full rather than empty - I keep extra ice and cold packs in my freezer to keep it full when I don't need the space. Check the seal on your fridge and freezer doors by closing a dollar bill into the door and pulling it out. It should slide out, but with effort. If it slips out easily, it's time to replace the seal. For maximum energy efficiency, your fridge should be set to 35° to 38°F and your freezer should be around 0°F. Don't forget to clean the coils underneath the fridge regularly -- use a vacuum or broom to sweep the dust off the coils and keep it clean.
Avoid Teflon-coated cookware - it contains perfluorochemicals that have been linked to female infertility and flu-like symptoms in people when heated in an enclosed area. Scratched teflon pans are a potential health hazard - if you have scratched Teflon, get rid of it ASAP! Teflon-coated cookware is also nearly impossible to recycle. As you buy new pots and pans, look for copper or cast-iron options for maximum durability and heat conduction.
Choose cookware and utensils that can stand the test of time and won't have to be replaced often. Low-quality wooden spoons can rot, and plastic melts if you leave it on the stove too long. Buy high-quality knives that you can sharpen by hand. Make the switch to reusable cloth and microfiber towels that you can wash instead of buying paper towels. Go for quality items you'll use often, and get rid of the gadgets that never see action.
Use the dishwasher instead of hand washing. A dishwasher uses only half the energy, one-sixth of the water, and much less soap than washing dishes by hand. Wait until the dishwasher is full before running it, and open it up to air dry instead of using the heat dry cycle. For your handwash-only items, fill a sink or dishpan with warm water and wash everything at once, then rinse everything all at once, instead of letting the faucet run the whole time.
Use natural, non-toxic cleaning supplies. Some of the most toxic household chemicals in the home can be found in kitchen cleaning products. Dishwashing liquids, dishwasher detergents and other cleaners can contain chemicals that are detrimental to water quality in lakes and rivers. Switch to natural, eco-friendly options, and keep the toxic chemicals away from your food.
Avoid purchasing prepared, frozen foods; make it yourself instead. You'll know exactly what is going in to your food, and, hopefully, where the ingredients came from. Buy local, and cut out the extra energy wasted in processing and transportation while supporting local farms and gourmet artisans. Grow some of your own fruits and vegetables, using your own composted kitchen waste as fertilizer. Cook with fresh, whole foods, and avoid preservatives and additives whenever possible for the healthiest, tastiest food.
Reduce food waste and promote a healthy diet by creating a menu, or meal plan. Having a plan in place for the evening meal not only saves your sanity, it will save you money and give you an easy way to ensure a healthy meal at the end of a long day. Plan menus according to what you already have on hand and what's local and seasonal to make the most of your budget and reduce waste.
Reduce your meat consumption. Livestock production accounts for almost 20 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and almost 25 percent of water used globally in agriculture. Even if you're not up for becoming vegetarian or vegan, simply try cutting back on the amount of meat you consume and try substituting one or two meals a week with vegetarian fare.
Avoid cooking too much food - unless you regularly consume all your leftovers, pare back how much you buy and cook to reduce food waste.
The kitchen generates the most waste of any room in your house, so take steps to minimize it. Buy out of bulk bins when possible, and take your own bags for buying fresh, unwrapped fruits and veggies (try reusable mesh produce bags or clean lingerie washbags). Reuse glass jars or bottles to hold leftovers and fresh foods instead of using plastic. Compost organic waste (including cardboard and paper), and use the compost to grow your own veggies and fruits.
Buy a packable reusable bag and keep it with you for impromptu shopping trips. Many stores will credit you a few cents for bringing your own bag.

Guest Post: Planning for Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:53:00 +0000

Editor's note: Today I'd like to welcome a guest post from Mary Ann Rosenthal from www.cybermondaydeals.com.

A former co-worker of mine set the bar high in planning for the February 14 holiday we call Valentine's Day. Because he grew up in a household of five sisters and no brothers, he's particularly tuned in to the women in his family as well as his women friends. Each year he saves and plans to make some really special treats for the people he cares about. It's the wonderful treats that he brought to the workplace for co-workers that really surprised and delighted us. One year it was strawberries dipped in chocolate that he had to carefully transport in a cooler. Another year it was hand-made chocolate truffles; another year it was fudge — I could go on and on. Although the traditional gifts of roses and chocolates are wonderful, if you don't want to go into debt as you are just recovering from the big December holidays, try some of these ideas to create a little loving kindness this year.

Send or pick up a pot of tulips or a beautiful pink potted orchid this year. They usually run a little less at the florist than red roses and have the added bonus of lasting much longer if nurtured in their container.
Speaking of containers, I am an unashamed recycler. Lately I have tried to think outside the box when selecting flowers for an occasion or a dinner party. I often pick up unusual vases at garage sales or the thrift store and then buy my flowers in bundles from a grocery store. If you are lucky enough to have all those you love within driving distance, arrange your own flowers from the grocery store in an unusual container and hand deliver it. The extra time you spent arranging and selecting your gift will show, and the fact that they were hand delivered will be appreciated as well.
Treat yourself to something new. If you don't happen to have a mini cupcake pan, treat yourself to one. They are great to have on hand for small children, and you can make an easy chocolate treat in the form of rich fudge brownies. The arts and craft store or even the grocery story may have decorated or pink paper baking cups. The brownies can be iced and sprinkled or topped with chopped nuts. Check out your favorite recipe or online source for easy or rich chocolate brownies and try your hand at decorating them!
Finally, how do you make something special for the family? If you are a busy working mom or dad, maybe you don't have time to bake or even make a trip to the arts and craft store, but your local grocery store is filled with special treats at this time of year. And if you are on a budget how about this — just purchase red sprinkles and serve on top of chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream. The sprinkles will keep for next year's holiday cookies if you don't already have them in your pantry and the extra effort will make your family smile!

Mary Ann Rosenthal is a grandmother to four beautiful children under the age of five. She is dedicated to helping her friends and family save money and works with her son Aaron at www.cybermondaydeals.com. She is also an artist, writer and aspiring photographer living in Saint Augustine, Florida.

"Simple Mornings" in Green Child Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:45:00 +0000

The new Late Winter issue of Green Child Magazine is now out, and it's fantastic! I have an article on page 31 on "10 Simple Habits to Manage Your Mornings," so I hope you'll spend some time checking out the issue and let me know what you think!

10 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:46:00 +0000

The bedroom should be reserved for relaxation and rejuvenation. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it makes sense to make your bedroom as eco-friendly and non-toxic as possible. Here are 10 tips for making your bedroom a green, restful sanctuary.

When choosing a new mattress, beware of conventional mattresses. They’re usually made with synthetic materials that off-gas toxic byproducts, including PBDEs and petrochemicals, and many mattresses are also covered in formaldehyde-based coatings to make them stain-resistant. Fire retardants are also often used to coat mattresses. Instead, look for natural fibers, which can be more expensive but are a worthwhile investment that can last a decade or longer. Options include organic cotton and natural latex mattresses.
If you can’t afford a new mattress right now, consider adding a pure wool or natural latex mattress topper to your current bedding, and encase your mattress and pillows in organic cotton barrier cloths to protect yourself from dust mite allergens.
The next time you buy bed linens, go organic. Cotton farming accounts for about 25 percent of worldwide insecticide use and 10 percent of pesticide use. Those chemicals leave a residue on the finished sheets that lingers. Organic cotton farming leaves no chemical residue on the finished material, which is much safer for you and the planet. Other natural fibers to consider include linen, silk, jersey and flannel – just be sure the material is organic and that it specifies that no chemical retardants or stain protection chemicals were added. Don’t just look at the content of your sheets – be aware of what all your bed linens are made of, from the mattress pad to the comforter. Avoid down comforters and pillows, particularly if you’re in a humid climate, since they draw moisture and can be slow to dry out, producing mold and attracting dust mites.
Choose your pillow wisely – again, look for organic cotton, wool, buckwheat hulls or natural latex foam pillows. Don’t forget to add a pillow protector, which can lengthen the life of your pillows and protect against dust mite allergies.
When decorating your bedroom, keep it simple. A clutter-free, simple bedroom is relaxing and can be a sanctuary from the chaos of daily life. If it's not restful or sensual, it's got to go. When shopping for furniture and décor, opt for eco-friendly materials or check out resale shops and antique stores. Not only are you avoiding the cost (both monetary and environmentally) of new materials and the waste that goes along with creating new products, you’ll avoid the off-gassing period from the manufacture process.
When possible, remove old carpeting, which is a breeding ground for dust mites and mold. Replace floors with hypoallergenic cork, ceramic tile or wood floors treated with a non-toxic finish. Use rugs that can be easily washed and air dried outside in the fresh air. Avoid paints, stains and sealants with VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and air out rooms and bedding regularly by opening windows to circulate the air.
Use all-natural cleaning products that don’t contain chemicals or additives to clean your bedroom. These are much healthier for you, as well as more eco-friendly.
Don’t use air fresheners – commercial fresheners are loaded with phthalates and are toxic! If you want a bit of scent, try making your own linen spray.
Replace your lightbulbs with eco-friendly CFLs or LEDs, and use the lowest wattage necessary. Opt for low-dose mood lighting and beeswax candles instead of harsh overhead lighting.
Keep the electronic items out of the bedroom, using only necessary items such as a lamp or alarm clock. Keep electronics turned off, and unplug them or use a power strip to shut them down when not in use.

Day 31: 7 Simple Tips to Go Green

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:20:00 +0000

Here it is, our last day in the 31-Day Fresh Start Series, so I want to hit a topic close to my heart: going green. Being more eco-conscious is a great way to simplify your life, because chances are that the steps you take toward being more green will also go a long way toward making your daily routine simpler, with less "stuff" and more "life." There are literally thousands of ways to reduce your impact on the Earth, but let's focus on just 7 of my best tips for going green the simple way.

Reduce the amount of "stuff" that you have in your home. Cutting back on the amount of stuff allows you to focus on what you do have and can also keep you from buying more stuff you don't need. Reducing consumption is one of the most important steps toward a sustainable lifestyle. As you shed your stuff, you'll have more energy and focus for "life" and you'll free up time to do things you really want to do instead of worrying about taking care of and accumulating more stuff. Dispose of unwanted and unneeded stuff responsibly, by selling it or giving it away to people who really need it and by recycling as much as possible what's unusable. Save the landfill for the last resort.
Find a good reusable water bottle and a good reusable mug and use them. Almost 75 percent of plastic water bottles are not recycled – they end up in landfills, litter roadsides and pollute waterways. Public tap water is subject to strict safety regulations, while the bottled water industry is not required to report testing results for its products. According to one study, 10 of the most popular brands of bottled water contained a wide range of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, fertilizer residue and arsenic. Brew coffee at home and use a reusable mug for taking it on the go, and take your reusable mug to local coffee houses – many places offer a small discount on coffee when you bring your own travel mug.
Plant a garden, whether you live in an urban loft or a suburban neighborhood. Growing your own vegetables is a simple way to bring fresh food to your table, and you might get some exercise as well. Growing at least a little of your own food, whether in a vegetable garden in the back yard or a planter box on the window, can give you healthy veggies and herbs and reduce your grocery bill.
Reduce your meat consumption. Livestock production accounts for almost 20 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and almost 25 percent of water used globally in agriculture. Even if you're not up for becoming vegetarian or vegan, simply try cutting back on the amount of meat you consume and try substituting one or two meals a week with vegetarian fare.
Audit your electricity usage. Many utility companies offer energy audits free or at low cost, so check with your utility company. Knowing where your power is going is the first step toward reducing your usage. To save energy, make sure your doors and windows are adequately insulated against air leaks, and unplug electronics when you're not using them. Use power strips to control banks of electronic gadgets. Switch out your regular light bulbs for CFL or LED options. Turn off lights when you leave a room, and bump your thermostat up a couple degrees in the summer and down a few degrees in the winter. Use cold water cycles on laundry washing machines to save the energy that goes into heating the water.
Save water by fixing dripping faucets and leaky toilets. Switch out shower heads for low-flow models. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth or soap up. Run dishwashers and laundry washing machines only when they're full, and choose the shortest cycle that will get the job done. Water landscaping responsibly, and catch rain water in a rain barrel for watering gardens and plants.
Keep a few reusable shopping bags in your purse or car, and don't forget to use them. Plastic shopping bags are a huge strain on an already overtaxed garbage system, and many blow into streams and waterways and make their way into the ocean. Bringing your own bag may also save you a little money too – many stores offer a discount if you have your own bag, and an increasing number of stores are now charging for every disposable bag you use if you don't BYOB.

Thank you for sticking with me for the past 31 days! I would love to hear about how you're doing with your efforts to simplify and create your own Fresh Start. Please email me at FreshStart@modern-simplicity.com with what you're working on, and feel free to include photos. I'll feature them in a future project I'm working on! I'd love to hear about how your simplifying is going, so emails and comments are always appreciated!

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 30: 10 Simple Tips for Better Health

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:25:00 +0000

As we wind down our 31 days of Fresh Start tips and tricks, I'd like to share a few simple tips for better health. Life is simpler when you feel well and have lots of energy, so let's look at a few ways you can tweak your routines to feel healthier and more energetic.

Eat fruits and vegetables daily -- they're a rich source of antioxidants which may help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. Berries are particularly good sources of antioxidants, so try a fruit smoothie for breakfast or as a snack.

Eat foods high in fiber -- fiber can keep your cholesterol in check and aids in digestion. It keeps you full and helps prevent overeating. Get fiber from whole grains, veggies such as spinach and broccoli, fruits and beans.

Overall, eat real food -- skip the highly processed stuff and eat high-quality meats, veggies and whole grains. You'll naturally eliminate most sugar and refined carbs, and quite frankly, real food tastes better.

Drink water and skip the sugary sodas and coffee drinks that add empty calories to your diet. Dehydration can lead to illness and fatigue. Skip the fancy bottled waters and get a good reusable bottle that you love, and fill it regularly.

Get regular sleep. Set a regular time to go to bed and wake up daily, and aim for a solid night's sleep every night. Sleep allows our bodies to regenerate and fight off illness, and it's a natural, free way to deal with stress.

Take a brisk walk every day, at least 30 minutes at a moderate intensity level. It improves cardiovascular health. If possible, head outside for that walk and soak up some fresh air.

Take a few minutes each day to stretch and work your muscles. Regular physical activity can also help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep. Even if you aren't up for the gym, try to get some sort of physical activity in every day.

Think positive thoughts -- research shows that optimistic people feel better and often live longer. Try developing an attitude of gratitude, and spend a few minutes each day thinking of experiences and people you're thankful for.

Forgive. If you're harboring feelings of resentment or anger towards someone, take conscious steps toward forgiveness. It can improve your mood and lower your stress.

Say "no" more often. Don't be afraid to say "no" to obligations, particularly if you're already feeling overwhelmed.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 29: Easy Breakfast on the Go

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:58:00 +0000

From Zesty Cook

The experts say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I’ve never been good at sitting down and eating a healthy breakfast. I’m just not a fan. However, I am willing to nosh on a morning meal if I can grab something and go, particularly back in the days when I still had a long commute to work. Here are some tasty, healthy breakfast ideas that are easy to grab and go.

Apple, cheese and nuts – either chopped and combined in a container or eaten separately, try a nice, juicy apple, an ounce or two of cheese (try Sharp Cheddar) and a handful of walnuts or almonds.
Peanut butter toast – instead of butter and jam, try some peanut butter on a piece of whole wheat toast (or on a waffle). Toss on some raisins, bananas or dried cherries for a little sweetness.
Fruit smoothie – my go-to breakfast most days is a fruit smoothie, usually a handful of strawberries and blueberries (fresh or frozen), some ice cubes, a dollop of yogurt and a splash of milk. Blend until mostly smooth. I use a single-serving size mini blender which doubles as a to-go cup, simplifying the preparation and minimizing the dirty dishes.
Green smoothie – my other go-to breakfast is green juice, either juiced myself in a juicer using kale, romaine lettuce, an apple and some carrots, or my favorite bottled version, Naked Green Machine.
Try combining string cheese with whole grain crackers and a hard-boiled egg.
Use whole-grain English muffins to make your own breakfast sandwiches with bacon or sausage and eggs you batch cook in the evening. Or spread on peanut butter and fresh fruit preserves.
Make breakfast burrito wraps with whole wheat tortillas. Fill with turkey and cheese, scrambled eggs and diced peppers and onions (or salsa), scrambled eggs and bacon crumbles, or peanut butter and banana.
Make your own muffins – blueberry, cranberry, oatmeal or your own mix-in muffin concoction.
Yogurt, precooked or instant oatmeal and cottage cheese all make easy-to-carry breakfasts.

What are your favorite grab-and-go breakfasts?

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 28: Streamlining Kids’ Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:51:00 +0000

Toys and kids' clutter are some of the most frustrating areas to keep clean and organized, which can add stress to the family when toys are scattered all over or when a beloved stuffed animal goes missing among the clutter. With two small boys, we struggle with toy clutter too. Here are some tips and tricks I've learned for reigning in the toy chaos.

Bring all the toys and games to one room and sort them out by kind. Make piles of books, board games, Legos, dolls, stuffed animals, etc. Grab a box or trash bag and immediately get rid of anything broken. Box up anything that your children definitely don’t play with or have outgrown. Don’t keep anything that isn’t loved and played with regularly. If you have older children, you definitely need to include them in the process. For little ones, you can probably get away with doing the sort/purge on your own as long as you don’t toss any beloved toys.
For young children with a lot of toys, consider setting up a toy library. Use a storage bin to box up a selection of toys to be swapped out at a later day. Consider it a “rainy day” box, and swap out these toys with other toys that have lost their luster when your children start complaining that they’re bored. The stored toys will be fresh and interesting again since they’ve been out of sight, out of mind.
To organize the keepers, contain the small parts first. Store toys with tiny parts in their own boxes, such as Legos or Barbies with their clothes and shoes. Consider separate bins or boxes for toys like blocks, cars and video games.
Bins and boxes are an easy way to set limits on the number of toys – when you can’t fit any more toys in the bin, it’s time to let some go. You can also control the number of toys out at any one time – setting rules like “you can’t play with the cars until the Legos are back in their bin” ensures that the playroom never gets too out of hand.
Keep a bin handy for “stuff” – not every bin needs to have a specific purpose. You’ll go crazy if you try to dictate where every single toy goes (trust me, I’ve been there!), so having one or two bins that the kids can use as a catch-all can save everyone’s sanity. The purpose is to make things simple.
Have regular clean-up times so the mess never gets too out of hand. Have the kids do a quick clean up before meal times, before bed or before moving from one activity to another.
Organize on the child’s level, putting the most used toys and most loved belongings on lower shelves and in bins or baskets on the ground.
Keep the decor of the kids' rooms simple, so you can make changes as the kids' hobbies and tastes change.
Give the kids lots of options for displaying their favorite toys and collectibles. We use open shelving for our son's extensive Lego collection, because he likes to display the items he builds.
Use labels to help kids keep organized. Make simple graphic labels for young children, and attach them to bins, shelves and drawers. Pictures of blocks, cars and dolls (with the words written underneath in large, clear letters) can remind children where those items belong and can help them put their own toys away without as much help from you.
Teach your kids to do things for themselves – this will simplify your life greatly if you don’t have to micromanage everything your child does. Teach your kids how to put their toys and books away neatly, in their proper locations, and make clean-up their responsibility, not yours.
Do a toy declutter before Christmas and birthdays – help your children understand that to make room for new things, they need to part with items they no longer use and love.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 27: Organizing Kids’ Clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:35:00 +0000

Daily labels from Living Locurto

If you have kids, you probably have a lot of kids’ clothing. Not just the clothing they’re wearing on a day-to-day basis, but other stuff too, like outgrown clothes, clothing that’s waiting to be grown into, costumes, special occasion clothes. Here are some tips and tricks for organizing kids’ clothing.

Clean it out. Start with the kids’ dresser and closet, and take some time to purge the outgrown clothes and shoes, items they don’t wear, and things that are stained, ripped or otherwise not fit for wearing in public. Don’t keep anything that isn’t loved.
Set aside clothes that you're unsure of fit, and have your kids stage a fashion show where they can try on the clothes and strut their stuff, giving you a chance to gauge fit and style.
Keep the dresser and front of the closet reserved for clothes and shoes that currently fit and that are in season. Life is a lot easier when children can reach their own clothes and learn to get dressed without help. Ensure children can reach hanging clothes (use drop-rods as needed) and that they can reach into dresser drawers. Use child latches to secure dressers to the wall so they don’t fall on climbing children. Use baskets or a shoe rack to organize kids’ shoes at their level.
Use bins to box up outgrown items that you’re saving for younger children, and label each bin by size, gender and season. Likewise, box up clothes and shoes that your children haven’t grown into yet, and label them by size, gender and season. Store the bins either in the back or top of the closet, away from current clothing, and make sure the labels are clearly visible. I like to keep the bin of size-up clothing in my older son’s small closet, and the bins of outgrown-waiting-for-little-brother-to-wear clothing in my younger’s son larger closet.
Make simple graphic labels for young children, and attach them to their dresser drawers. Pictures of socks, pajamas, shirts and pants (with the words written underneath in large, clear letters) can remind children where those items belong and can help them get dressed faster and without as much help from you.
If you’re keeping items to sell in a garage sale or consignment shop, as well as items you’re keeping for sentimental reason, box them up and remove them from the child’s room.
Choose clothing for your children that mixes and matches easily. This will help the child learn to dress himself and save you from battles over matching up outfits.
Go through your kids’ clothes every few months, such as at the change of the season, and get rid of stuff that no longer fit, is ratty, or is no longer seasonally appropriate.
Teach your kids to do things for themselves – this will simplify your life greatly if you don’t have to micromanage everything your child does. Teach your kids how to choose outfits and dress themselves, how to put their dirty clothes in a hamper, and how to put their clean clothes away appropriately and neatly. Involve them in choosing their clothing – if they like it, they’re more likely to wear it – and encourage them to let you know when something no longer fit or needs repairs.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 26: Simplify Your Workspace in 5 Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:44:00 +0000

A cluttered desk doesn’t help you work. Piles of paper, lots of photos, knickknacks, tech gadgets, pens, staplers, tape – how many of these items do you really need to handle all day long? Chances are good that very few are needed to help you do your work. Today, we’re going to simplify and minimize the number of distractions in your work area, so you can think more clearly, find what you need when you need it, and generally feel more calm and collected. Here are five steps to simplifying your workspace.

Gather up your papers, pile them up, then deal with them. On Days 23 and 24, we talked about paper piles and filing systems. If you still have papers piled up on your desk or stuffed into “deal with me” files, take some time to sort them, purge them and file what’s left.
Declutter your knickknacks and desktop office supplies. If you have a lot of “stuff” on your desk, try a little experiment and box up everything except your favorite photo. Get rid of the stuffed animals, funny signs, candy bowls and desktop toys, and put the pens, stapler, paper clips and other office supplies in a drawer or nice box you can leave on the desk. I don’t have drawers in my desk, so my trinkets and supplies are organized in cubbies against the wall so that my desktop itself can stay clear. Try working with a sparse desktop for a few weeks – I bet you’ll love it.
If you have drawers on your desk, go through each drawer and get rid of unused items. Keep only the supplies and gadgets you actually use. Organize each drawer according to its “purpose” and make sure each item has a home. Get in the habit of putting things away when you’re finished with them instead of leaving them out on your desk all day.
Try decluttering your computer’s desktop as well, removing all the unused icons and filing documents into folders within the My Documents folder, instead of leaving everything out on the desktop. I keep my most-used programs in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen, and all my files are organized in folders either in My Documents or my Dropbox.
Make some time to sort through your filing system and purge old documents that are no longer needed. This will make space for you to keep up with current filing and make it easier for you to find documents when you need them.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 25: Simplify Bill Paying and Budgeting

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:46:00 +0000

Bill paying and budgeting are areas where simplifying can have an immediate positive impact on your stress level. By simplifying your accounts and setting up a regular budget and bill paying strategy, you can know where your money is going and find ways to keep more of it.

Keep all your bills together in one place. As soon as you get your mail, sort through it, separating your bills from all of your other mail and placing them in one spot all together so when you’re ready to pay bills, you know where to find them.
Use online billpay instead of writing and mailing checks. The time it takes for the payment to be applied to your account is reduced, and you can save on checks and stamps. I prefer to do all my online bill paying in one place, from my bank’s web site, so I can see all payments on one screen, as opposed to going to each company’s website individually to pay bills. Paying bills now only takes me a few minutes each week.
If you haven’t done it already, think about going paperless. Instead of receiving bills in the mail, you’ll get emailed statement notifications that allow you to log in to your accounts and see your statement online. To keep a record of statements, open the electronic version when it becomes available and save it as a PDF file on your computer.
Create a monthly spending plan, either on paper or electronically. I prefer Mint.com, a free service that lets me consolidate all my financial accounts in one place to review, and I can set up budgets that Mint automatically tracks and categorizes for me. Mint can also send you bill reminder alerts and can alert you if you’re going over budget in an category. Having a spending plan in advance helps you spend your money with more purpose and less “oops, where did all my money go?!” I highly recommend checking out Dave Ramsey’s books and website for more information on how to set up a budget.
Consolidate accounts as much as possible. Roll over IRAs and 401Ks from previous employers into investment accounts in one financial institution, which makes it easy to keep track of them. Likewise, consolidate checking and savings accounts if you have several in different banks. Consolidate credit cards down to just one or two (or even better, get rid of the credit cards completely!)
Make savings automatic. If you use online banking, you can usually set up automatic transfers between your own accounts, and that makes it easy to transfer money from your checking account to your savings account. Set up an auto transfer to regularly transfer money to savings, such as on each payday. Some banks, such as Bank of America, offer to “round up” your debit card transactions each day and transfer the change into savings automatically. These tools take the thought out of saving and can grow your bank account much faster with little effort on your part.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 24: Creating Simple Filing Systems

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:48:00 +0000

On Day 23, we talked about conquering paper piles. Today, we’re going to talk about what to do with those papers you deemed important enough to keep. Simplicity is key when you set up a filing system – if it’s complicated, you won’t do it. Staying organized, particularly with paper, can save you time and money and keep your stress levels down, so taking a bit of time to sort through your paperwork and get it under control is time well spent. Filing systems are an individual preference – it doesn’t matter how you file as long as everything has a place and you know where to find it when you need it. Here are a few tips and ideas for filing your important papers.

Reduce, reduce, reduce. The most important part of paper organization is getting rid of what you don’t need. Be ruthless, and only keep what’s really important – information you must have for financial, tax, medical or other reasons, information you can’t find easily in another location (such as on the Internet), and information that would be difficult or impossible to replace.
File by kind, according to your needs. I don’t keep receipts in a file folder – I keep them in a rectangular basket. I don’t keep paid bills in a filing cabinet – I keep them in a tickler-style file box which gets transferred to an accordion file at the end of each calendar year for easy tax preparation. Tax receipts and donation information goes in a folder in the same system as the paid bills, also for easy location during tax prep time. Each child has their own box of artwork and memory pieces, not located in my filing cabinet. Our filing cabinet is reserved for items needed for long-term storage, such as home owner’s insurance, medical files, etc. This system has been working for us for years and we no longer need to think about it. Think about how you use your information and set your system up according to your needs.
Store information online when possible. Most banks have online banking, with easy access to not only bill paying options but online statement storage, which means you don’t have to keep paper bank statements on hand. You can view statements online, or if you prefer, save them as pdf files and file them electronically.
Stop printing copies. Save files on your computer or online, and reduce the amount of paper you file. Very few emails need to be printed – if you need to save them, organize them into folders and keep them tucked into online storage. Bonus is that by storing them digitally, you can use the search features to find what you need much faster than sorting through file folders.
When you sit down to do your filing and organize your papers, make sure you have plenty of supplies on hand: your preferred type of file folder, labels or a label maker, stapler, pens, a recycling bin, a shredder or shredding box, etc. Allow plenty of time, and don't feel you have to conquer it all in one sitting.
Going forward, don't let the filing pile up. Keep a small To File folder or box with a limit that requires you to file regularly.

Next up: Bill Paying and Budgeting

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 23: Conquering Paper Piles

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:07:00 +0000

Confession: Paper piles are my nemesis (my son loves that word, nemesis). I've always had a tendency to read through papers, stack them up to deal with “later” and then leave them in piles for weeks on end. Last weekend, out of necessity and a wee bit of shame, I gathered all my various paper piles and tackled them in one marathon afternoon of purging and filing. Having consulted on many organizing projects, I know I’m not the only one who battles paper clutter.

It’s a common problem that even the most organized people face. Paper clutter leads to stress and costs both time and money. If you’ve ever had to track down a missing permission slip before school or misplaced bills that led to late payment fees, you know that one little piece of lost paper can be stressful. Here are some tips for dealing with paper piles and ensuring you don’t have to deal with paper clutter again.

Select specific areas for dealing with paper and put a system in place for organizing it. I’ve created two areas for handling papers – one in the kitchen, where I read mail and collect papers my son brings home from school, and one in my home office, where the filing cabinet and my desk are. In the kitchen, I have a three-tier mail sorter I created, with one pocket for bills to pay, one pocket for school work that needs action, and one pocket for papers that need to go upstairs to my office for filing. The mail sorter conveniently hangs right above a recycling bin, so junk mail and unneeded papers can be immediately recycled. In my office, I have another recycling bin, a box for papers that need to be shredded, and several filing systems for organizing the papers we need to keep (more on that on Day 24).
Be ruthless when dealing with paper, and recycle as much of it as possible.
Reduce paper clutter before it even gets in the door by removing yourself from mailing lists, signing up for electronically delivered bills and bank statement notifications, and cutting back on magazine subscriptions that you don’t read.
Decide what to do with each piece of paper the first time you handle it. Does it require action, like a party invitation needing an RSVP or a bill to be paid? Is it informative, something that was strictly meant for your information, and now that you’ve read it, can it be recycled? Is it junk that can be immediately recycled without reading? Is it something important, such as tax information, that needs to be filed so it can be found again easily?
If a paper needs to be filed, file it as soon as possible to avoid letting it pile up. If you keep a “to file” stack, put a limit on how much will fit before you’ll run out of space and be forced to file. I used to keep a three-inch inbox tray, but that lead to a six-inch document box, which lead to one almost nine inches tall. Since I hated the thought of tackling that much paper, I kept transferring it to a bigger bin to avoid dealing with it. Now my kitchen To File pocket is only about ½ an inch thick and doesn’t hold much, so I’m forced to file more often.
Go digital when possible. I transfer a lot of the paper I feel like I want to keep for informative purposes into digital files using Evernote, which I can access from my iPhone, my Color Nook and any computer connected to the Internet. Even easier, most of the time I transfer the paper to Evernote by simply taking a photo of it with my iPhone and uploading to the Evernote app. Then I can toss the paper. Evernote files the papers into “notebooks” that I can search, categorize and sort, and if I find I don’t need the information after all, I can delete it easily.
For calendars, addresses and phone numbers, digital is key again. I remember in the 1990’s using a binder-style organizer and carrying it with me everywhere, although I was in a constant state of anxiety over possibly losing it and forever losing my calendar, address book and notes. Not anymore. Transfer calendar events and appointments directly to your digital calendar (I love Google Calendar, viewable online and on most mobile devices) and recycle all those little appointment cards, reminder postcards and scraps of paper. Keep contacts in a digital address book (Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo!, etc.) and shred your old paper address book. Never worry about losing important info again.

What are your best tips for conquering paper clutter? Share them with me!

Next up: Creating Simple Filing Systems

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 22: Getting Help Around the House

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:50:00 +0000

Sometimes, the simplest trick for kick starting a new habit or gaining some relief with necessary tasks is to get some help – whether you ask a friend to lend a hand or hire someone. Just about any task you can think of can be outsourced to someone else, usually for a reasonable price. Getting some help, whether for the long-term or as temporary relief, can be a practical way to fill in the gaps during busy work times and holidays, or a productive, educational way to jumpstart you on a task you’ve been dreading.

I’m a big fan of hiring extra help when needed. I occasionally hire a cleaning service to help me clean my house before hosting events, or to help with deep cleaning in spring or fall. When I was working outside of the home full time, I hired a neighbor’s son to poop-scoop my backyard a couple of times a week, ensuring my kids had a clean place to play when the weather was nice. I recently found both a neighborhood babysitter (for nights and weekends) and a drop-in playcare (for school days) to help me with the kids so I could more freely schedule meetings and date nights. When I was having trouble writing meal plans for my family full of preservative-free, fresh foods, I turned to a service that specializes in healthy cooking, and now I have six months of meals to rotate through.

Help doesn’t always have to be bought. Think of tasks you could share and swap with friends. Cooking, child care, house cleaning, decluttering, car pooling, shopping and errands, lawn care – the options are limitless for swapping time and talent with friends. I’ve gone to friends’ homes and offices to help them declutter and organize, and I’ve offered my writing and graphic design skills in exchange for help with freezer cooking, painting rooms and extra eyes for book editing.

Take a look at your To Do List and goal sheet, and think of ways you could swap or hire for extra help. Perhaps a couple hours of babysitting could free you up to organize your home office or deep clean your kitchen. Maybe scheduling a housekeeper to come for a couple hours next weekend would motivate you to declutter your living spaces this week. Maybe inviting a professional organizer (or a super organized friend) over for a day could help with that declutter. Is there any way you could get some help to kick start your new habits?

Day 21: Keeping Up With Routine Appointments

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:34:00 +0000

We all have regular appointments that we need to take care of, from doctor’s check-ups to haircuts to visits with the tax accountant. One way to simplify your calendar is to schedule these appointments well in advance, particularly if you’re in charge of coordinating several people’s schedules. Booking appointments early can help you nab the best timing for your calendar, plus since the appointment is already made, it’ll ensure that you actually make it in for important meetings that might be otherwise delayed or missed entirely.

The easiest way to keep on top of routine check-ups, such as with primary care doctors, specialists and dentists, is to make your next appointment while you’re there. If you’re at the dentist and they want to see you again in six months, go ahead and make that appointment before you leave their office, and add it to your calendar right away. As the appointment approaches, it’s much easier to reschedule an appointment you already have than it is to remember to make it in the first place. Chances are good that since you know so far in advance and were able to select a convenient time (before work, over lunch, etc.), you won’t need to reschedule anyway.
For kids’ appointments, scheduling in advance can ensure that you get your first-grader in after school and your toddler in before her morning nap. Considering scheduling kids together for back-to-back appointments to reduce the number of trips you have to make.
Haircuts and the like can be treated the same way, particularly if your salon fills its schedule quickly – book your next appointment when you check out. This works well for pet grooming, car oil changes and similar tasks as well.
For appointments too far out to schedule (such as an annual meeting with your tax accountant), set a reminder in your calendar for two or three months before your desired appointment, then call to schedule when the reminder pops up. If your doctor’s office won’t let you schedule your child’s school physical until summer, make a note in your calendar in June to call and schedule.
For routine household appointments, such carpet cleaning, house cleaners, spring window cleaners, quarterly pest control, etc., ask your service provider if you can preschedule appointments. For appointments that can’t be scheduled in advance, make an entry in your calendar to call at the appropriate time.
Take some time this week to schedule any appointments you may be behind on or have been postponing.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 20: Clean Out Your Car

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:07:00 +0000

If you drive a car regularly, it can become a home away from home, your household on wheels, subject to the same clutter and mess that your home is. It's much more pleasant to drive when you're not wading in trash. Cleaning out your car doesn't have to take long, and you can keep it clean by removing items each time you get home, regularly emptying out the trash, and making time periodically to wash and vacuum the grunge out. Here are 10 steps to get your car clean and organized, which can reduce your stress and help make your commute (or your mommy taxi-service duties) simpler and more pleasant.

Weather permitting, wash the exterior of your vehicle. The simplest way to clean a car is to pay someone else to do it. It's also the most expensive. The cheapest way is to do it all yourself with a bucket of suds at home, which may not be an option in the dead of winter. We've been fortunate to have a mild winter here in Texas so far, so today I was able to run the car through the $5 express wash, then I used the free vacuums on site to clean all the Goldfish Crackers, dirt and other odds and ends out.
Empty everything out of the vehicle and trunk, trash the obvious garbage, and return water bottles and travel mugs to the kitchen for washing.
Sort the remaining items by type, such as auto maintenance supplies, kids' toys and gear, music and videos, manuals and maps. Remove any items you absolutely don't need, and organize necessities. Items left on the floor and seats can become projectiles in a crash, so secure loose items as much as possible.
Clean the interior by vacuuming the floors and seats; wiping down the dash, doors and cup holders; cleaning the windows and mirrors; and shaking out the floor mats.
Put a trash bag or bin somewhere convenient - I keep a cup-shaped bin in my front cup holder. A trash bag can be tucked into the side door pocket or hung over the back of the seat - try reusing an old zipper bag or shopping bag. Empty the trash receptacle whenever it gets full or when you fill up with gasoline, whichever comes first.
Stash kids' toys, books and travel games in a behind-the-seat organizer, within reach of backseat passengers. Periodically rotate items in and out to keep kids interested. I also keep a few bagged snacks and a water bottle, plus extra mittens in the winter.
Stow CDs and DVDs in visor organizers, or transfer your music to an MP3 player that can be stashed in the glove compartment when not in use.
Store the following in the glove compartment: owner's manual, vehicle registration information, auto club information, accident report form, notepad, pen, disposable camera, flashlight, list of emergency contact names and numbers, a few napkins and any other frequently needed items.
Purchase or make an emergency kit for your vehicle and store it in the trunk or rear of the car. Include battery cables, a tire gauge, a window ice scraper, flares, reflective tape, a help sign, a screwdriver, pliers, a first aid kit, work gloves, a blanket, an old towel or rags, a jug of water and motor oil.
Consider putting together a survival kit, especially if you live in a cold-weather climate. Include candles, waterproof matches, energy bars or candy bars, large plastic garbage bags and rubber bands. Keep larger items, such as cat litter (for slippery roads), a collapsible shovel, an extra blanket and heavy socks, hats and mittens (enough for several passengers), in a sports bag or tub in the trunk or rear of the car.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 19: Stop Telemarketing Calls

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:20:00 +0000

Like Day 18's tip to reduce unwanted postal mail and unsolicited email, this tip is designed to reduce unwanted phone calls to your home or mobile number. By registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, you can stop most telemarketers from calling. The service is free, and your number remains on the list until you remove it or you discontinue phone service. Unfortunately, the Do-Not-Call registry doesn't prevent all unwanted calls - it doesn't cover calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship, calls for which you have given prior written permission, calls that are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements, or calls by or on behalf of tax-exempt non-profit organizations. Register up to three phone numbers online at www.donotcall.gov or call toll-free 1-888-382-1222 (you must call from the phone number you wish to register).

Most states (like my home state of Texas) also have a statewide Do Not Call List. Find it by Googling "Do Not Call List {STATE}"

One final tip: you can also further reduce calls by telling telemarketers who call to take you off their list before you hang up on them.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.

Day 18: Reduce Junk Mail and Unwanted Email

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Kreps) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:20:00 +0000

If you spend precious time every day dealing with unwanted advertising, preapproved credit card applications and other unsolicited mail, whether it's in the postal mail or your email inbox, today's the day to put a stop to it. Your name, address and buying habits are a commodity that is regularly sold and traded on the open market. You can cut down the number of unsolicited mailings you receive by "opting out" with just a few phone calls or web visits. Here's a few tips on getting rid of unwanted postal mail and emails.

Postal Mail

To opt out of receiving prescreened offers for credit or insurance, you can call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. This service is operated by the major consumer reporting agencies, and you can choose to opt out for 5 years or permanently. They'll ask you for a bit of personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth, and this information is used to process your opt out request.
The Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) Mail Preference Service lets you opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail from many national companies for five years. When you register with this service, your name will be put on a "delete" file and made available to direct-mail marketers and organizations. This can reduce most of your unsolicited mail. Unfortunately, registration will not stop mailings from organizations that do not use the DMA's Mail Preference Service. The DMA regularly updates its list, but the companies it notifies may not update their lists as frequently, so it can take up to six months for all the lists to be updated. To register with DMA's Mail Preference Service, go to www.dmachoice.org.
If you’re getting swamped with mail order catalogues, including those from companies you’ve never ordered from, it’s probably because at some time you made a purchase or requested information. Your name and address were likely handed over to Abacus, an alliance of catalogue and publishing companies. Abacus members routinely swap customer information. To stop individual catalogues from reaching your home, contact the specific company in question. To stop en masse mailings, send an e-mail to optout@abacus-us.com with your name and address.
“Resident” and “Occupant” mailings, such as flyers offering various goods and services, can be opted-out by contacting ADVO, Inc. Call 1-888-241-6760 or online at www.advo.com/consumersupport.html.

Email

The DMA also has an Email Preference Service to help you reduce unsolicited commercial emails for up to three email addresses. To opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial email from DMA members, visit www.dmachoice.org. Registration is free and good for six years. You’ll need to confirm within 30 days your receipt of a notice sent to each e-mail address you submit.
If you regularly receive email from company you've done business with before (sale notifications, newsletters, etc.), check the bottom of the email for an "opt-out" link. Most mailings have a one-click opt-out program that takes care of unwanted emails quickly and easily.
If you're getting random spam mail, do not open it or respond to it. Send it straight to your email program's spam folder for deletion. Many of these spam emails contain trackers, and if you open them or click on any links within them, you'll confirm to the company sending it that your email address is live and they'll send you more unwanted email.
The best way to avoid spam email is to avoid using your real, primary email address anywhere on the Web. Instead create "disposable" email addresses you can use that forward email to your real inbox. You can delete a disposable address at any time, and you'll no longer receive messages from it. Many services, including Yahoo! and Google, offer disposable email addresses from your primary account.

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.