Dear Readers: 2012 is going to be the year of "The Shift".  Folks are ready to  change for the BETTER!! I know, I know we all have had grand plans for New Year resolutions and feel like losers when we didn't make them happen for one reason or another. Many of us have struggled with financial issues over the past few years and it can be scary business indeed.  This year be kinder to yourself. Allow yourself small goals so that you can reach them. Make your list of My Goals for 2011 and give yourself a pat on the back as you check them off. Here's 3 small feel good organizing  ideas to get started: make room in your linen closet by recycling worn out linens for clean up tasks, clean out the "junk drawer", and replace your old door mat.  Happy New Year and thanks for visiting.

Dear Readers, As this year begins it's final countdown, do you find that some, many or even all your 2011 goals  never happened? Reflecting on the past year's unrealized dreams does not need to bring you down if you know how to try again from a new viewpoint.  Take inventory of what did not work and do a turn around approach. Remember, it's important to ask for help when it's just too much to do on your own. Sometimes we just need a gentle kick in the pants. Thanks for visiting. Susan

Dear Readers,
They're back! Those fun but hectic weeks of Holiday preparations. This year what will you be doing differently? Will there be more guests at your dinner table? Are you hosting a Holiday Party? Who exactly will be doing all this work? This year, do yourself a favor: ASK FOR HELP. Why should you be the one who always fights with the  tree lights every year? Sit back with a little eggnog and give a pat on the back to your "volunteer" for a job well done. Hey-it's all in the Spirit of the Holidays. Oh by the by: did you clear out a room for your favorite visiting Auntie yet? Call me ASAP! PS: I do  tree lights and gift wrapping. Just so you know. Thanks for stopping by. Susan

Dear Readers, Recently I've been watching the TV show "Downsized".  Talk about making some difficult choices! We all can relate to having to make some choices today that we didn't need to make last year.  Tell me what new choices you are making and how it is working in your life. I always appreciate your comments and feedback. Don't worry - I won't and can't track you down and besides that is soooo very tacky anyway. As an afterthought: if you want a good laugh on the cooking channel---watch Nadia G.  Hilarious! Thanks for visiting.

Dear Readers,
Here is something fun to do. Take the "what style are you" test on the Home Goods website.  They also have a great "Inspiration" section. This store can always cheer me up-even if I don't buy anything.  They have lots of great ideas for organizing your home. Check out their blog! Thanks for visiting. Susan

Dear Reader,
I'm always on the look out for new organizing and "making clutter go away" ideas and information. Here is a little book I came across called: "101 Ways to Clean Out the Clutter" by Emilie Barnes. I may have mentioned her before. A good  idea she has is to pretend you are moving and can only take items that will be worth the moving charge and effort. If you answer "no" to most of the following questions, you need to let it go. 1) Is the item worth the cost of moving it? 2) Is it worth the time and effort it will take to pack and move it? 3) Do you have the energy to carry it out of the moving van? 4) Is it worth the time and energy it wall take to unwrap it at the new house? 5) Will you have a place for it at the new house or will it take up precious space you could use for something else?  Here are somethings that I have learned from personal experience  and did not follow any of the above guidelines-I learned that hard way! I have moved from California to Rhode Island and back again lugging the following: a very heavy upright piano which no one had played for years and have kept  only for sentimental value, boxes and boxes for books I will never reread, boxes and boxes of magazines, saved for articles and decorating ideas. Today I  have the piano in storage and wondering why I didn't like it go, the books got moldy and had to be tossed and the magazines become old and outdated. Remember the old Sunset magazines with the black and white photos??  Try everyday to release your hold on something that is making you uncomfortable or stressed. Donate or toss. It will be OK.

Ever wonder why friends and family always congregate in the kitchen?  It's because it is considered the Heart of the Home and a symbol of Wealth. To improve the flow of Chi (energy) your kitchen should be well organized. Here are a few good Feng Shui tips for your kitchen:

* Have good overhead and task lighting.
* Keep your kitchen and counter tops clean and free of clutter. Store small appliances out of sight.
* Keep fresh flowers or aromatic herbs  in your kitchen. They will bring good energy and lift your spirits.
* The color yellow is a good Feng Shui choice for a kitchen because it is good for digestion.

The cost of getting organized is now lower!  My hourly rate is now $30.00 with the same great service.  Make a small block of time to take inventory of what you want to see happen and  remember: CHANGE IS GOOD.  Thanks for stopping by!

I have discovered that when you get organized it feels like you have lost weight!  You just feel lighter. Your mind is less fuzzy. You can take a deep breathe.  You begin to have hope. 

Since the End of the World has been postponed (again), there is still time to
clear out that back bedroom and transform it into something useful. Maybe a Man Cave or a craft room. Or rent it out and make some money.

Just some thougths.

This idea comes from "Secrets of Getting Organized" published by Better Homes and Gardens magazine. A clear plastic over-the-door shoe holder can be used as a catchall for your odds and ends. All those small items that keep getting lost can be stashed here and will be easy to find. Sometimes that is half the battle-just finding what you need for a project. Knowing you have 2 rolls of tape and finding them quickly is such a great feeling! I can't count how many projects I've started-only to be stymied because I couldn't find what I needed in "The Pile".  Use this idea in the kitchen, garage, office, craft room, or anywhere little tools are used. Maybe you can even make a Mother's Day gift from this idea.