Confessions Of A Professional Organizer: Part 2

Do you have items in your house that are weighing you down?

Do you have items that are decreasing your self-worth?

Everything in our home needs to spark some joy, happiness or have a purpose. Your toilet plunger for an example might not spark joy but it certainly would bring you happiness if and when you needed it most.

Check out this short video on Confessions of a Professional Organizer: part two

I have never owned a scale until recently when I brought one home from my mom’s place. I believe I have a love hate relationship with scales like most women. If the number on the scale is presumably good then that makes your day and you’re happy. If the number is not what you would like it to be then self-sabotage and disempowerment start to take over. This is not a good thing.

If you’re doing your very best to eat healthy, stay active and get plenty of rest you know you’ll be able to maintain a healthy weight for your body size and structure. If your pants are fitting comfortably you most likely know that you are within the range that you’d like to be in.

I vote for getting rid of the scale and keeping your self-worth positive and productive. What are your thoughts? Leave them in the comment box below.

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And check out www.gettingittogether.ca

By |2020-10-26T23:32:08+00:00October 26th, 2020|Self Care Organization|2 Comments

Slim Trim Weight Loss Ideas

One of the most frequently asked question I get is “what should I do with all my papers?” and the next FAQ is “how do you stay so slim?” We will talk about papers in another article. For today we will concentrate on slim trim weight loss ideas. You might be thinking what does this have to do with getting organized? In order to be our best selves we need to be organized. It affects all areas of our life doesn’t it?

Have you ever heard of the three major body types?

They are Ectomorph, Mesomorph or Endomorph.

An ectomorph is a typical slim person. Ecto’s have a light build with small joints and lean muscle. Usually ectomorph’s have long thin limbs with stringy muscles.

A mesomorph has a larger bone structure, larger muscles and a naturally athletic physique. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight.

The endomorph body type is solid and generally soft. Endomorphs gain fat very easily. Endo’s are usually of a shorter build with thicker arms and legs.

People can be a combination of the above body types.

Do you know which one you are?

I happen to be an Ectomorph.

With all that being said all body types can reach and maintain healthy weight loss. The key word here is HEALTHY.

Why not try Getting It Together’s Top 6 Tips on Slim Trim Weight Loss and see the results for yourself.

2Tip #1 Start your day with exercise or increase your daily activities. It takes good planning and organization to get to the gym every day. (We have talked about that in one of our past video blogs) Maybe you are in a situation where this in not possible. Small children at home or start work at 5 am. You can however increase your daily activities.

Take the stairs, park as far away from your office building as possible and walk to it. Run around the park with your kids. Do some stretching throughout the day. Walk on your lunch hour or have walk and talk meetings.

Tip #2 Start your day with a high protein shake. I love my hemp protein. In a blender add a banana, frozen fruit, yogurt, hemp protein powder, seeds, nuts and water. You will be full for many hrs plus all the protein goes right to muscle rebuilding. Protein shakes are also a great meal replacement for busy people on the go.

Tip # 3 Drink loads of water. How many times do we need to hear this? Cold water boosts your metabolism by up to 30%. I like to add lemon to mine. This acts as a natural cleanse and tastes good. The key is to always have water with you. This takes some organizing. Carry your refillable water bottle to the gym, to work, beside your TV, in the car and to the dinner table. The more water you drink the more daily activity you will have because you will need to be running to the washroom 🙂

By |2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00July 14th, 2015|Organizer, Self Care Organization|2 Comments

How To Slow Down And Savour Your Food

How often do you stand in the kitchen and eat your meals?

How often do you miss a meal? “I’m too busy to eat.”

How often do you get indigestion?

This is all crazy making. The fact that we are too busy, too rushed or maybe to disorganized to eat properly is crazy. Eating is one of the most important things we can do for our bodies next to proper sleep and shelter. Yes it takes time, planning and preparation in order to be prepared for meal time. These ideas take just a little time and a little organization. Your body is worth it. Isn’t it?

Check out this short video on how to slow down and savor your food.

Next time you are getting ready for a meal please try these top Getting it Together’s 5 tips.

Tip#1 Stop. For just a moment and really appreciate what is on your plate. Be grateful for what you are about to eat. (Hopefully it is something really healthy and yummy.)

Tip#2 Breathe. Take a moment and really examine your breath. Are you breathing short shallow breaths or are they long deep ones. If they are short, take a minute and do 3-5 really deep breaths. This will help you to slow down and enjoy your meal.

Tip#3 Chew. Chewing slowly encourages proper digestion. Chewing slowly allows you to really savour the flavours of the food you are eating. If you are a dinner guest chewing slowly shows your host or hostess that you are appreciating the tastes and effort it took them to make the meal.

Tip#4 Sit. Even if you are dinning alone sitting at the table is so very important.

You are important so set a place for yourself. No more eating in the car, eating on the run, eating standing up or worse yet eating in front of the TV. The experts say that sitting down to meals increases your chances of losing weight. (If indeed you need/want to lose weight.)

Tip#5 Set the stage. Get yourself a nice placemat, light the candles, turn on some nice music. Turn OFF the TV. And above all please do not answer the phone unless you are expecting an emergency call.

So often I will call a home and the person claims on the other end of the phone that they are right in the middle of dinner. I have never understood why people answer their phones when they cannot talk. (That is a whole different article). I was in a home the other day and they have a big sign on the fridge: “No phones one hour prior to dinner or during.” What I love about this message is that it was written by the young daughter. Do you think she might have been frustrated by the lack of communication at her family dinner table?

Whether you are dinning with yourself or your whole family these tips are a great way to slow down, connect, savour and enjoy your food and meals.

Give these TIPS a try and let me know some of your most favourite dinning experiences.

By |2020-06-07T20:52:40+00:00September 1st, 2014|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Best Bran Muffin Recipe

How would you like to have 6 weeks’ worth of bran muffin mixture in your fridge?

How would your family like hot, fresh muffins in the morning?

We all know that one of the best organizing tips is to cook or bake in bulk. It takes no more time to make a huge pot of soup as it does a small one. You still have to cut up the veggies, etc. Each time I make this best bran muffin recipe ever I think of you, my readers. You might have seen this recipe in the past or maybe you are seeing it for the first time. Either way, I have updated it, made it healthier and added a twist. My mom says “she thinks she could sing after eating one because of all the nuts and seeds.”

Try this simple recipe and be ready to make it again and again. It is LOW fat and no added sugar.

Best Bran Muffin recipe ever

2 cups All bran cereal

2 cups Boiling water

1 tsp Salt

Bran muffin recipeCombine in a large bowl or plastic tub (remember it needs to fit in the fridge for up to 6 weeks)

Next

In a mixing bowl cream together:

1 cup Cooking oil

4 Eggs

4 1/3 cups Buttermilk (equals the 1 liter container) I use the low fat kind.

Add this mixture to the above cereal mixture

Lastly

Add these remaining ingredients to your above big bowl of mixture

5 cups flour (I use spelt or whole wheat)

4 cups Natural Bran

3 tbsp Baking soda

Let this mixture stand overnight in the fridge.

When you are ready to bake some muffins, simply put a small amount of the mixture in a bowl (the large batch might separate while in the fridge. Not to worry just give it a good stir).  Add whatever you like. For example: cinnamon, dried fruit, hemp hearts, flax seeds, nuts, applesauce. Get creative. No two batches need to be the same. Make sure it is muffin recipe consistency. Not too moist and runny. Bake filled greased muffin cups ¾ full at 400 F (200 C) for about 20-30 minutes or until your toothpick comes out clean.

Bran muffin recipeI love the new silicone muffin cups. You do not need the grease or the paper liners. They are the best invention.

I would love to hear what you put in your muffins. Please leave me a comment below.

For quicker, great bulk cooking ideas please contact me for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. I will give you ideas and suggestions on how to move forward in a more organized bulk-cooking way.

 

By |2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00September 10th, 2012|Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Best Way to Wash and Store Berries by Rowena List Professional Organizer of Getting it Together

the best way to wash and store berries Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Just a few of the fabulous berries we can get fresh in the summer time. Which ones are your favorite? Creative Commons License photo via Sharon Mollerus

I love blueberries.I’ll go to our local farm and buy pounds of them. You never want your berries to go bad.Why not watch this short video on-

The best way to wash and store Berries

I love to freeze berries. It is so handy to have them for my protien shakes in the winter. It makes the work of discovering the best way to wash and store berries worth it! How about you? What things do you do with your berries? Are you a jam maker? A pie maker? Do you like to can?

A great berry bush can produce a prolific harvest, it’s a good thing the list of uses is so long! I knew a woman whose raspberry bushes but out so many raspberries they stored them in gallon ice cream containers and handed them out to everyone who visited. She was in need of advice on the best way to wash and store berries for certain.

What is the best way to wash and store berries that you have found?

Please leave your comments below.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

 

By |2020-06-07T20:52:46+00:00July 24th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer|2 Comments

Weight Loss and Organization by Rowena List Professional organizer and Speaker

weight lossWeight loss tips and suggestions are everywhere we turn. Eat ten fruits and vegetables a day, drink ten glasses of water, exercise. We have heard it all. One thing we never seem to read about or hear about is how being organized fits into this picture. The more organized we are the more time we have to prepare all these salads,get to the gym and have a clear mind so we remember to drink water.

 

Check out this short video to learn more about organization and    weight loss.

What is one idea you will put in place right away to help with weight loss?

Please leave your comments below but not before you have a BIG glass of water!

If you like this video on organization and weight loss, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.  And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list.  You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

Getting It Together FAQ’s – Part 2

Thank you for all of your questions. You know I love hearing from you. The interesting thing is that most people share very similar questions and concerns when it comes to clearing the clutter and getting organized.

Please keep those questions coming. Together we can help each other.

Q- What should I do with those plastic bags that a set of sheets comes in? I hate to toss them because they have the zipper closure and look so handy.

A- You are right! They can be handy. I have used those bags to store my good round baking tins. I find by putting them in the bag they do not get scratched. They are easy to see and store. I have also used those bags with my clients. We put all electrical cords in one. Again easy to see.

I don’t know about you but I have NEVER been able to get the set of sheets back in those bags. Have you?

Q- How can I tell my friends and family to stop buying me presents? I just do not need anything and I am trying to downsize.

A- Most grownups do not “need” anything. We are all so blessed. Many years ago I sent a letter to all my friends explaining that I was no long going to give gifts. Instead I wanted to make memories with them. They were all so happy to get this letter because they never knew what to buy me or their other friends. Now we get together for lunch, a movie, or have our nails done. Anything that is memory making and consumable. Be the first to start a trend. Think consumable!

Q- How many sets of towels should I have?

A- This depends on the number of people in the house. I would recommend 2- 3 bath towels per person, 1-2 hand towels per person and 5-7 face cloths per person. Most homes have a washer these days. If you go to the laundromat then you might want a couple of extras. Use one bath towel per person per week. It is better for the environment and laundry bill. Use one face cloth per person per day. The common used hand towel can be changed every few days.

I can never figure out how the hand towel can get so dirty when we are drying our clean hands! I keep a few “older” towels on hand for when we are heading off to the pool or beach.

Q- What can I do with all the recycling my local garbage company does not pick up?

A- Do you live in the Metro Vancouver Area? If so, you know your local company only picks up plastic, tins, glass and paper. Here are a couple of options. Call BC Recycling Hotline 604-RECYCLE (604-294-7972) or take your items to a local recycling depot. There is one in Burnaby at 4800 Still Creek Ave or once a month you can go to Britannia Center in Vancouver. Check out their site at http://www.pacificmobiledepots.com/Mobile-Depot-Info-Rates.html

Treat yourself to a nice coffee after.

Q- How can I tell if I am disorganized?

A- The rule is if you cannot find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less you are considered disorganized. This might sound harsh. What it means is that if your keys are on the hook you’ll find them right away. If they are not then you might go searching. If your eye glasses are always put away in the same spot you will be able to find them. If they are not, it might take you longer than 20 seconds to find them.

What is your burning question? What is your biggest organizing obstacle? Inquiring minds want to know. Please leave a comment below or contact me at www.gettingittogether.ca for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your burning question and how you can move forward with clearing the clutter.

One bowl eating habit to weight loss By Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

weight loss

Many years ago I attended a fund raiser in Burnaby BC. It was to raise money for the people in our community that go to bed hungry,wake up hungry and/or go to school hungry. In this day and age I have yet to understand how this can still happen. We live in a country of abundance. So much that weight loss can happen just by eating with portion control. picture via Creative Commons License Ben Seidelman

At the fund raiser we were all given a hand made pottery bowl. The idea was to go around the room and fill it with different food items to enjoy for our dinner. It was the perfect size bowl. Around the size of a soup bowl.

At the same time I heard about a fellow that ate every meal out of one bowl for a whole month. Weight loss was a side effect. His goal was to teach himself about portion size. In the mean time he lost some weight.

Check out the video for all the tips.

What do you think of this idea?  Are you going to give it a try?

Do you think it will aid your weight loss?

Love to hear your opinion below. What is your best weight loss strategy?

If you like this video on weight loss, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.  And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list.  You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By |2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00February 1st, 2012|Organizer, Self Care Organization|2 Comments

Healthy snacks for weight loss By Rowena List Professional Organizer and Speaker

weight lossA personal trainer once told me that I ate like a garbage can. Can you imagine ever saying that to anyone? My goal was weight loss. image Creative Commons License Kevin Dooleyt

 

He asked me to keep a food journal for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks he came to this conclusion.

My weight loss wouldn’t happen with these eating habits!

 

What he meant was that I snack on small amounts of food during the day. He wanted me to have 3 meals and 2 snacks to aid my weight loss.

This way of eating has actually helped me to maintain a better blood sugar level. I find I only need an afternoon snack as my protein shake holds me till lunch.

What one idea will you try right away on weight loss?

Please leave your comment below.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.  And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list.  You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By |2020-06-07T20:52:49+00:00January 25th, 2012|Organizer, Self Care Organization|0 Comments

Getting to the Gym!


Getting to the Gym.

Do you wish you would jump out of bed and head right to the gym?

Are you organized to do this? Would you like the number one tips on how to do this?

Check ou this short video on getting to the gym.

I think these tips will help you bounce out of bed and head straight to the gym.

This video on getting to the gym will give you something to talk about at the gym.

Will I see you there?

Getting to the gym is my number one task of each day. Treat it like you would any other appointment. You’ll be so happy and healthy starting your day off at the gym.

 

 If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.  And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list.  You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your homein 15 minutes or less.

By |2020-06-07T20:52:51+00:00January 31st, 2011|Home Organization|2 Comments

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