Archive for January, 2009

Does the thought of updating/redoing or improving your image overwhelm you?
Do go think you’ll have to sell your first born in order to pay for a new look?

Here are some simple easy tips to improving your image. If you continue to follow the Getting It Together plan for Success Without Struggle™ you will also benefit from all of the rewards that come with this.

Top 5 Step-By-Step Together Tips

For Getting Your Image Together

Tip #1: Hair

Your crowning glory…your hair. This is one of the quickest and most reasonable methods of updating or improving your look.

• Be sure you have a hairdresser that you really respect and know. If you don’t then start asking around. When you see someone with a simple, easy stylish hairdo, ask them who their hair dresser is. Women will travel a long way to go to a hairdresser they really trust.
• Have a consultation first before they start to cut and colour.
• Ask for a style to suit your current lifestyle. Simple, easy, fun but up to date.
• Don’t be afraid of something new. That’s what renewing your image is all about!

Hot Tip: If you don’t like it…it will always grow back.

Tip #2: Make-Up

Why is your face important? Well, you may not be looking at it all day, but other’s are. And no matter how much we say, it is what’s inside that counts, it is human nature to take note of a person’s face. So, put your best face on, every time you leave the house!

Set-up a complimentary, try-before-you-buy, skin care and makeup lesson. Mary Kay offers casual sessions, in a group or individually where you are shown which skin care products are best for you and how to apply cosmetics. You will also learn which colors are appropriate for you and which colors are in style now. You are sure to feel more confident about makeup after one or 2 lessons. For more on this, take a look at Getting That Together Look in 3-minutes or Less.

Keep in mind that you do not have to spend a lot of time and money to have a polished up-to-date look. At Getting It Together, our rule of thumb is that you do not leave home without lipstick and mascara on unless you are off to exercise class. These two cosmetic items could cost you less than $30. If you look at this over 3 months – that’s 35¢ a day!

Tip #3: Eyeglasses

Do you want to look distinguished, intelligent, funky or frumpy?

If you want to improve your image you’ll want to consider having the latest in eyewear. Glasses can make or break a look. This is part your image makeover that could be the most expensive. You may have to save for this one but it will be well worth it in the long run. Be sure your eyebrows are professionally shaped to suit your new look and to show off your eyes and glasses.

Hot Tip: To save money, figure out which frames you like by going to a retail store. Write down the name and model, then go online and search for online discount eyeglasses stores. The same designer brands can be purchased at a fraction of the regular price. This can also be done with contact lenses.

Tip #4: Clothes

Wardrobe is probably the biggest challenge people face in updating/redoing or improving image. The key is to start out small. Have a clearing the closet organizing session from Getting It Together or speaking with us about image.

You will want to start with clearing out the old clothes, the ones you do not wear and the ones that do not fit. Getting It Together will:

1. Speak with you in depth about what you want in your new wardrobe.
2. Show you how to mix and match what you already have.
3. Advise you on what to let go of.
4. Advise you on what you need to complete your new look.
5. Give you tips on where to shop for the look you want.

Be sure to only go clothes shopping with a trusted friend and go to a boutique or store you know and respect. We will even go shopping with you. You will save time and money in the long run. Never buy because of price. It is better to buy a few high quality items than many low quality mismatched items. And always be sure to have your lipstick on!

For more information read our article 7 Top Together Tips For Getting It Together For a Shopping Spree.

Tip #5: Accessories

Accessories are jewelry, purses, shoes and scarves. It is amazing how an accessory can really update a look.

• Keep it simple.
• Be sure your purse and shoes are in peak condition. This will finish off your look.
• When in doubt leave it out.
• Less is better when it comes to accessories.

So you want to be a HOT MAMMA for your upcoming grad reunion, friend’s wedding, husband’s office party? Learn all the latest tips on Getting It Together for a Shopping Spree.

Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.

For more information on Image Organizing™ or on Getting It Together, contact Rowena List here.

Do you constantly hear yourself saying : “Hurry up”, “We’re going to be late”, “How many times have I asked you to __________”?

Do you feel stressed when this happens? Well, chances are, your kids do too!

Is This You When It Comes to Getting Your Kids Together?

You don’t need that added strain. So here are a few tips.

1. Be ready yourself

If you are ready to walk out the door with your purse in hand…the kids will surely follow soon enough. If you find mornings particularly difficult (who doesn’t!) ensure everything is prepared the night before – lunches, breakfast on the table (whatever can be), clothes laid out for you and your kids, and school bags packed. This will take less then 15 minutes if done the night before and probably an hour in the morning.

Together Tip: Have your kids sleep in the clothes they will wear the next day! I know it sounds strange, but it works. It will take the stress of getting dressed away immediately.

2. Ensure you have correct storage

Children don’t necessarily know where to put their toys, so ensure they have adequate and easy-access storage in their rooms and playroom. Label them with drawings and words so that your child can understand what goes into each storage container. This goes the same for the grown-up items. If children learn “a place for everything and everything in it’s place” from an early age, they will grow up to understand the value of a clutter-free environment.

3. Make it a family affair

When it comes to cleaning the house, make a list of your daily and weekly “To Do’s” and let each person pick what they will be responsible for. Get everyone involved. Put some funky kid’s music on and most importantly reward them for a job well done! Whether it is extra praise, a special letter to Grandma about how well they helped Mom/Dad, an unusual family activity, or even an extra 25¢ in their allowance, recognition is the key to cooperation.

Together Tip: Don’t give them too much to do at once. For example: Saying “go put away all your toys” is too large a task for children. Instead, ask them to put away all the red toys first, then, when they are done that task, ask them to put away all the lego, and so on. Better yet, give them some power and ask them what they would like to organize first.

4. Donate, donate, donate

If you find there is not enough storage for your children’s belongings, it means it is time to purge. Donate anything that your children have grown out of: toys, clothes and furniture. Keep your kids involved so they understand the power of passing it on. If you keep those things around, even if in your basement, your kids will learn that clutter is ok. If you prefer to sell your unused items try eBay, craigslist.org or even your community newspaper. Be sure to pass items on before they are of no use to anyone.

5. Schools notices and artwork

This is often a disorganized part of a child’s school life. They bring notices home and they stay in school bags until…oops…it’s too late and they miss the fieldtrip.

Together Tip: Have a special basket/box for each child. Teach your child to remove their lunch bag, artwork and notices from their own school bag as soon as they get home and put it in “their basket”. Then you can empty the lunch bag, review their notices, sign their permissions and admire their artwork with lots of time to spare.

6. Teenagers…an entire subject unto itself!

First thing I would say is…don’t make them clean up their room. Most kids will sneer and make it very difficult for you. You may end up driving them away from you. Teenagers need to express their individuality more at this age than any other. Their room is helping to form who they are…believe it or not. Also remember, even though they live in “your” house, it is still “their” room and always has been. Take that literally because it is really important. Common areas are different though.

Together Tips: Keep their door closed when they are not home so you don’t have to see it. Create a quick and easy schedule by which they can live and clean the common areas! Ensure they clean their room once a month…to keep it hygienic. Same tips apply here as do for children with regard to family areas of the house. Make it fun to clean and make it a family affair. And teenagers, more than anyone (except Moms of course) need rewards. Note: teenagers should be monitored while at home what with easy internet access and early sexual encounters. Tell your teenager to keep their door slightly open. This is especially important when friends are over.

7. Don’t try to be superwoman!

If you get tired asking for help from your kids, try a different tactic. Don’t give up and do it all yourself…you will only resent yourself for it. Talk to your kids one-on-one and make them feel important and part of the solution instead of part of the problem. And remember don’t threaten to take something away if they don’t do it, instead offer reward and recognition for a job well done.

Teaching your children that “everything has its place” and that “less is more” are simple and concepts important. It will make everyone’s life much easier and you will have less stress.

Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.

Rowena is available for keynote speaking engagements, workshops and one-on-one professional organizing and Image Organizing™.

For more information on Image Organizing™ or on Getting It Together please contact Rowena List.

Do you have the URGE TO PURGE?

Spring is almost here and so if you are thinking about clearing the clutter, then you are certainly not alone.

While you are at it you may as well do some spring cleaning. The best time to start your spring clearing and cleaning is when you stop using the heat in your home.

The hardest part is always getting started so let’s look at five great “Together Tips” to help you get on your way.

Together Tips

Tip #1

Make a list of all the things you would like to accomplish in your spring clearing and cleaning. Go from room to room and in a notebook write down all the things you would like to have done in each room.

Tip #2

Break your list down into tasks as this project can seem overwhelming and huge.

For example in your bedroom:

1. Closet

• Take out all the clothes that are not seasonal and place them in a pile on the bed.
• Separate this pile into clean and dirty. Send the dirty clothes for cleaning/washing and store the clean clothes in a different closet or storage area.
• Take out all the clothes that you haven’t worn in a year or that do not fit you any more. Pack them up for donating or selling in a consignment store.
• Clean the closet shelves and walls and vacuum the floor to remove dirt and dust that accumulated during the winter.

2. Dresser

• Perform the same tasks as you did in #1 above. Be ruthless with old tattered under clothes. Just because nobody sees them does not mean they have to be old and worn out.
• Do you store your jewellery and accessories in your dresser? If so, is it time for an update. Do you still wear all the items? Are they your style and do they still go with your cloths. If not then it is time to purge. Ask your self “would I buy it again?”.
• What a great time to change the drawer liners and add a little essential oil to freshen things up.

3. Night tables

• This can be a catch all area. Take inventory of what you really need in your night table.
• If your night table has a drawer dump it out on the bed. Ask yourself “do I need this in my night stand, do I use it and do I want it?”. If the answer is “no” to any of these questions then it is time to toss it out or pass it on.
• Does your night table have every book or magazine that you have ever read on it? Pass on the ones you are finished with and organize the rest in your book shelf. Keep only current reading material on your table.

Once your room is complete, move on to the next room and go through this system again. If your entire home needs a spring clearing/cleaning you may need to get help.

If you have a lot of clutter, call a relative or friend or better yet a professional organizer to help you sort through it all. If you can’t stand doing the cleaning part, hire a cleaner. If you end up with no clothes in your closet after the clearing, an image consultant can help you find new or gently used clothes to replace your old ones. And you’ll have a new image to go with it!

Tip #3

Get your family involved. It is no fun doing this alone and chances are it’s not all your stuff.

For example:

1. Spend a day in the garden together clearing out all the debris from winter and cleaning all the cement walks and driveway. Borrow a power washer from a friend or neighbour (the kids will have fun with this one).
2. Get small children to go on their hands and knees and dust all the floor boards and behind hard to reach furniture. Don’t forget to get them involved in their own rooms too. They can clear out old toys and clothes to make room for the new season.Reward them with a treat or special activity at the end of the day.
3. Make a “honey do” pot. Write out all the chores you would like for your husband to do. Write one chore per piece of paper and place them in the pot. Every Saturday morning he gets to pick one job out of the jar. Reward him at the end of the day too! If you do not have a husband or he is not the “handy man” then make a list for the local handy man in your area. Some areas have “husbands for hire” companies.

Tip #4

Turn on your favourite music, open the windows and take it step-by-step. Stay focused and don’t get distracted by those photo albums! Doing this all before summer means you don’t have to think about it during the best part of the year.

Tip #5

The best tip of all is “an organized home takes 40% less time to clean”. What will you do with all your spare time?

If you just can’t fathom tackling your urge to purge alone, contact Rowena for Spring Clearing help.

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Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.For more information on Image Organizing™, on booking Rowena for a presentation or a one-on-one or on Getting It Together please contact her at rowena@gettingittogether.ca.