Top Ten tips

1. Wash all vegetables as soon as you get home from shopping and before you put them away in the fridge. Cut up carrots and celery in ready to go containers.
2. Have “master” shopping list. Make copies of the blank master and store in your 1to31 Organizing System™.
3. Prepare large portions of soups and stews and freeze in smaller portions appropriate to your family’s needs.
4. Make lunches the night before.
5. Plan meals for the week and put them on your weekly plan sheet. (Check out the 1to31 Organizing System™ for more information on this.)
6. Buy bulk nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Put together small portions to have on hand at work or for school lunch bags. Having snacks at works will stop you from being tempted by the vending machines.
7. Organize and fill your water bottles the night before.
8. Write the date on the lid at the time you open your condiments. This will really help you out when clearing out your fridge of expired items.
9. Take 15 minutes to clear out your spice cabinet of all old unused spices. Keep only the fresh ones.
10. Take 15 minutes and clear out your pantry of all old outdated items, any old junk food, any old partially opened packages and any items that you are not sure what they are.

For more detailed information on how to get organized or how to be more organized contact Rowena List.

Announcements

The Out-Smarts – Smart Strategies For Outstanding Internet Marketing Podcast

This podcast with Rowena discusses strategies that will help you stay on top of the tsunami of information coming at you in the form of email, voicemail and all those social networking updates.

Watch the Podcast Now

Referral Program

Whether you are a client or not, Rowena would like to thank you for your referrals by offering a referral fee for any new client you send her way.

She’ll give you a cheque for 10% of the total bill or that same amount off your next newly booked session with her. That means that if you refer a client who books an image organizing session worth $400, then you get $40. That’s a free night at the movies!

This offer is time limited so don’t wait…refer away.

The 1 to 31 Organizing System™

Have you ever wondered how Rowena keeps on top of her hectic schedule. The key to her success is the 1 to 31 Organizing System™. It has been the base for her business and personal life for over 20 years and has proven to be a great asset.

Because of this, she wants to bring this organizing system to all you Moms, entrepreneurs, business people or anyone who desparately needs to be organized.

One customer said:

“The 1to31 has helped me enormously. I used to have bills, invitations, cards, lists and reminders stuck all over my fridge. I felt overwhelmed by the clutter and would miss important dates. The 1to31 helps me feel in control of my life’s events and keeps everything together. I wouldn’t be without it.”

.

Amanda Baggett
Sales Trainer, Education Services
Research in Motion

The system is so easy to use, that it will become second nature within a few days. Once you get started you’ll wonder how you ever managed (or didn’t manage) without it. For more information click here.

The 1 to 31 Organizing System™ is available now by contacting Rowena.

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 article republishing permission, more information on Image Organizing™, on booking Rowena for a presentation or a one-on-one or on Getting It Together please contact her here.

Dedicated to all the people who
would like to simplify their lives just a little bit more

Have you ever suddenly remembered you had to do something or pay a bill, and couldn’t find the information anywhere in that pile of papers on your counter or desk?

It is amazing that in this highly electronic age we still receive physical, hard copy mail. But since we do, we thought we’d offer up some Together Tips on how to deal with those papers that seem to lie around and pile up.

When it comes to your mail you will want to adopt the “Deal with it, delegate it or dump it” philosophy.

Deal With It

Let’s start with the first one. Collect your mail from the box when you have 2 minutes to deal with it. Let’s face it you can not leave your mail in there all week so you may have to set aside time twice a week that you are going to collect your mail and deal with it.

Try to handle each piece of mail once if at all possible. Recycle all junk mail right away if you have not signed up for the “Red Dot” program. Next you will want to file your bills, birthday invitations etc in a system that you have set up for yourself.

If you do not have a system set up then I would recommend the 1to31 organizing binder. www.1to31.com This system allows you to file bills, birthday invitations, school announcements etc under the appropriate date that you will need to DEAL with them.

There is no need to pay bills until the day they are due. By being organized with your mail you will avoid the pitfalls of having piles of unopened mail all over your kitchen counter or top of your desk.

Delegate It

Can you delegate any of the mail tasks? Setting up prepaid authorization payments is the best way of delegating your bill payments. Is there someone in your household that can help you out with some of these tasks?

Dump It

Dump all junk mail. Better yet, sign up for the RED DOT program at www.reddotcampaign.ca and you will never receive junk mail again. While you are at it, why not sign up with Canada Post to have all your bills sent to you electronically. There is a link from the Red Dot site. You may also want to think about taking your name and address off store flyers/catalogues. So much of this information can be found online now. Just think of the trees and money you will be saving too.

Next time you go to your mail box try these simple tips and see how much time you will save. What will you do with that extra time?

For more detailed information on how to get organized or how to be more organized contact Rowena List.

Announcements

Referral Program

Whether you are a client or not, Rowena would like to thank you for your referrals by offering a referral fee for any new client you send her way.

She’ll give you a cheque for 10% of the total bill or that same amount off your next newly booked session with her. That means that if you refer a client who books an image organizing session worth $400, then you get $40. That’s a free night at the movies!

This offer is time limited so don’t wait…refer away.

The 1 to 31 Organizing System™

Have you ever wondered how Rowena keeps on top of her hectic schedule. The key to her success is the 1 to 31 Organizing System™. It has been the base for her business and personal life for over 20 years and has proven to be a great asset.

Because of this, she wants to bring this organizing system to all you Moms, entrepreneurs, business people or anyone who desparately needs to be organized.

One customer said:

“The 1to31 has helped me enormously. I used to have bills, invitations, cards, lists and reminders stuck all over my fridge. I felt overwhelmed by the clutter and would miss important dates. The 1to31 helps me feel in control of my life’s events and keeps everything together. I wouldn’t be without it.”

Amanda Baggett
Sales Trainer, Education Services
Research in Motion

The system is so easy to use, that it will become second nature within a few days. Once you get started you’ll wonder how you ever managed (or didn’t manage) without it. For more information click here.

The 1 to 31 Organizing System™ is available now by contacting Rowena.

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 article republishing permission, more information on Image Organizing™, on booking Rowena for a presentation or a one-on-one or on Getting It Together please contact her here.

Here we are – another year. Let us for once not talk about resolutions, instead let’s talk about the next stage in your life.

I have encountered many women who are searching for something more, something different than what their life offers them now. Your life circumstances or situation might have changed, and now you ask yourself, what do I really want for myself?

Are you ready to break out of your current image, and go beyond –  even if just a little?

Where are You at Now?

Take time to think about the direction you would like your life to move in. By answering the following questions you will be able to see if it is time to move on:

1. Do you lack passion for your job?
2. On a day-to-day basis are you just going through the motions?
3. Is something gnawing at you?
4. Do you have problems letting go of old beliefs?
5. Do you often ask yourself “there must be more” or “is this all there is?”
6. Do you admire people who have made a bold move?

If you answered ‘yes’ to even one of the above questions it may be time to look at your life and start thinking about making some changes.

Simple Techniques to Get You Going

1. Take some time (a vacation, a long walk) and allow yourself to really think about what your life would look like if ___________________ (make it up, what do you really desire?).
2. Seek the guidance and help of experts. There are countless programs out there to find out “who you are” and “what you want to do”.
3. Write the following on a slip of paper and put it somewhere you will see it often. This will encourage you every day to make the right changes and choices. “Life is not a dress rehearsal so go out there and give it your best shot. The pain of staying the same has to be greater than the pain of change.”
4. Jot down your thoughts and feelings to the following questions:

• Think about if money were no object, how would you spend your days?
• Ask yourself “what is holding me back from making a change?”
• Above all, ask yourself this: “If I knew I could not fail what would I do?”

This is the time of year that is best for you to go out and make a change. You are motivated, you are ready. Seek support amongst your family and friends, hire professionals to help you get organized, and most of all, trust in yourself. It’s worth it; you only have one lifetime to live your dreams.

For assistance with developing your thoughts a little more in this area feel free to contact Rowena at 604.436.6008 to book an Image Organizing™ session.

Announcements

Referral Program

Whether you are a client or not, Rowena would like to thank you for your referrals by offering a referral fee for any new client you send her way.

She’ll give you a cheque for 10% of the total bill or that same amount off your next newly booked session with her. That means that if you refer a client who books an image organizing session worth $400, then you get $40. That’s a free night at the movies!

This offer is time limited so don’t wait…refer away.

The 1 to 31 Organizing System™

Have you ever wondered how Rowena keeps on top of her hectic schedule. The key to her success is the 1 to 31 Organizing System™. It has been the base for her business and personal life for over 20 years and has proven to be a great asset.

Because of this, she wants to bring this organizing system to all you Moms, entrepreneurs, business people or anyone who desparately needs to be organized.

One customer said:

“The 1to31 has helped me enormously. I used to have bills, invitations, cards, lists and reminders stuck all over my fridge. I felt overwhelmed by the clutter and would miss important dates. The 1to31 helps me feel in control of my life’s events and keeps everything together. I wouldn’t be without it.”

Amanda Baggett
Sales Trainer, Education Services
Research in Motion

The system is so easy to use, that it will become second nature within a few days. Once you get started you’ll wonder how you ever managed (or didn’t manage) without it. For more information click here.

The 1 to 31 Organizing System™ is available at www.1to31.com or by contacting Rowena here.

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 article republishing permission, more information on Image Organizing™, on booking Rowena for a presentation or a one-on-one or on Getting It Together please contact her here.

Do you get so stressed-out about the holiday season that you can’t even enjoy it?

Do you wish there were more hours in the day?

Do you wish there was more money in the bank (especially in January)?

Do you wish you could just run away from it all?

Do you feel bombarded by the commercialism of the holidays?

The holiday season need not be this way. As December gets closer you start to feel the pull of the holiday season. It is possible to think of it as a beautiful, precious time of the year – a time spent with family and friends. Let’s look at ways to embrace these festive times in a positive way.

Getting It Together believes you can have a stress-free, jolly, and peaceful holiday season. Here are four surefire steps to getting and keeping it together this holiday season.

Step 1 – Make a Plan and Prioritize

This plan will specifically state how you would like to spend the holidays. It may not be realistic to have everything you want or wish for, so make a plan and then prioritize each item.

For example, you may not be able to do all the baking or cooking; this is an area where you can ask for some help. Yes, allow yourself to get help. Why not do a cookie exchange with a few of your friends. This is a fun, stress free way to spend 2 or 3 hours catching up and visiting with friends while baking. This will create loads of extra time for enjoying your holiday entertaining and more time spent with out-of-town guests or relaxing.

Step 2 – Set Up a Master To-Do List

Now that you have your plan, make a Master To-Do List that is divided into subjects like shopping, a grocery list, menu ideas, activities and errands. Break your Master To-Do List down into small manageable “To-Do’s” and look at your priorities. What can you do? What can someone else do? What really does not have to be done? Let’s face it; people have way too many items on the never ending list.

Step 3 – Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

What on your Master To-Do List can you delegate?

For example, if they are old enough have your kids do the gift wrapping (not their own gifts of course!). Remember, it may not be perfect and it may not be the exact way that you would do it, but having it done for you frees up extra time to do other tasks. Plus, bonus…it will make the kids feel important and special.

Step 4 – Keep it Simple

No need to go overboard. The holidays are already special. Keeping yours
simple will allow you to have way more fun, more time, more money and less stress.

Gift Giving

Create a theme for gift-giving. The best and simplest one is the gift of time. Set up dates with friends and family members to go for lunch or a manicure or special holiday play. Get all of your friends and family on-board with this idea and they will love you forever. This will cut down on the pressure to buy and keep everyone clutter free.

As for kids, why not draw names. Most children feel so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of presents that they have a hard time focusing on one thing.

Food

Create a theme for your menus, pick a country or a culture and create all your meals around those traditional foods. This is a great way to learn about other countries and keeps your grocery shopping and meal planning simple.

Another great idea is pot luck. Many people shy away from this during special holidays, but it is at this time that you need it the most. You get tons of variety and what better way to experience a food theme! Encourage your guests to keep it simple and healthy.

Most important to remember: Less is more! Keep in mind the reason for the season, why you are getting together with friends and family and what kind of memories you want to make.

It is really only one or two days of the year so keeping it all in perspective will allow you to have a fun, stress-free, jolly holiday season.

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 great tips on getting it together and Image Organizing™ you can contact Rowena List here.

You have already finished your skin care routine, using the best skin care products on the market today – from Mary Kay of course – and now you only have 3-minutes to get your make-up done for the day.

Not a problem!

Step 1

Simply start with a small amount of concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes. Pat the concealer with your fingertips to make sure it blends into the skin well. Remember to be gentle with the delicate skin around the eyes!

Step 2

For an ‘all-over radiant glow’ is to brush some of Mary Kay’s Bronzing Beads all over the face and neck. Try adding a little more powder to your cheeks to emphasize your beautiful bone structure! Fashion models do this all the time!

Step 3

To ensure a professional yet feminine look for your eyes, smudge a little bit of Mary Kay’s fabulous eye liner or eye shadow onto the outer corner of your eye lids. Don’t forget to finish off with a rich coat of mascara. Your eyes will appear “brighter” in a matter of seconds.

Step 4

Finally, to perfect your look, dab your lips with any one of Mary Kay’s fabulous lip glosses.

Voila! You are now ready to put your best face forward for the day.

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 getting your 3-minute look, Image Organizing™ or Getting It Together please contact Rowena List here.

Less Stress, Frustration and…Dust

Is your closet a nicely organized one or is it one that looks like it has been hit by a tornado?

Everytime you go into your closet you look at the clothes and find yourself saying: “I have to get rid of these, I never wear them”, “It’s been so long since I wore this, maybe tomorrow or “I know I’ll fit into this next summer after I lose weight”.

Do you find yourself having a hard time choosing what to wear?

Are you having trouble finding items in your closet, or worse finding room for all your clothes?

With an organized closet you always find what you want right away – everything flows smoothly and quickly!

A disorganized closet can store a lot more than clothes and shoes. Stress, frustration, anger and a loss-of-patience can also be hiding in there. And don’t forget the dust!

How To Get Started Getting Your Closet Together

Step 1

Would you agree that we generally wear our newest clothes; the clothes that fit us comfortably and the outfits we feel good in? In a disorganized closet, these clothes usually only add up to about 20% of our wardrobe! So why are you keeping the rest? For those “when I lose weight” or “I know I’ll wear it someday” excuses?

A simple way to clear your closet clutter is to first ask yourself:

1. ”Would I buy it again?”
2. “Have I worn it in the past year?”
3. “Does it fit?”
4. “Do I feel fabulous in it?”

Any clothing item that received a “No” answer has got to go!

Step 2

Take it out of your closet and pass it on, with love, to a charity, to a friend or even bring it to a consignment store and have it sold for you. (When giving clothing to a charity, please keep in mind that if you wouldn’t want one of your friends to be seen in that clothing, in public, it might not be suitable for charity either). Eveningwear and/or special-occasion outfits are the only exception to the “one-year” rule.

Step 3

For the items you are keeping:

• Ensure that outfits can be coordinated with the littlest effort possible. Try to make sure that most of the items remaining in your closet can be paired with at least three other items.
• Separate your wardrobe into tops, bottoms and jackets so that you can quickly and effortlessly mix and match the items to make a variety of fabulous outfits. If you choose to organize your clothes in this fashion, your closet will appear clean, tidy and full – but not overstuffed! Just imagine how fast and easy getting dressed will be?

Together Tips

1. Use the same style of hangers throughout your closet and have them facing in the same direction. You’d be surprised at the difference this makes!
2. What about purses, belts and shoes? How many black bags and black strappy heels does a girl need? That depends on your lifestyle. Just make sure that all handbags, purses, belts and shoes that you keep are in good shape, are comfortable and are in style. A good quality handbag and a pair of shoes can really complete the look of an outfit.
3. When buying new clothing take out three items from your closet for every new item that is purchased. Why three you ask? Because if your closet is not organized, there are definitely three items that are good to go!

So what are you waiting for? We all know how valuable free time is in today’s world. Free time is time when you are feeling NO STRESS and NO FRUSTRATION – only calmness & confidence!

The more organized your closet is the less stress you will feel. You won’t catch yourself getting frustrated because you can’t find anything in your closet, or because you simply can’t decide what top to wear with what bottom…and then what shoes and purse to match with it!

Organizing your closet can be fun and fulfilling. However, if after reading this article, you just don’t know where to start or it is too overwhelming and you would like some assistance, please contact Rowena here or call (604) 436-6008.

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™.

Suc-cess (sək-ses)

1. A favorable or desired outcome of something attempted.
2. A successful person, enterprise, etc.
3. Attainment of wealth, etc.

Success is a journey, not a destination.
It takes 25 years to become an overnight success.
—Rowena List

You have heard them all, but what are the TOP secrets to success?

First Steps

Lets find out where YOU are in relationship to these secrets:

• Take the next few minutes and read through this list.
• Rank each one from 1 to 10, where 1 is NEVER DO IT/EXPERIENCE IT and10 is THIS IS MY WAY OF LIFE/THIS IS WHO I AM.
• Note: You can write N/A if it doesn’t apply to you.

12345678910	1. Be passionate about what you do and you’ll never feel like you are working.
12345678910	2. Stick to one thing. Too often people give up too soon.
12345678910	3. Associate with people who have already achieved what you want to achieve. Read motivational books, listen to tapes and attend workshops in your field.
12345678910	4. Success is comprised of 85% attitude and 15% product knowledge. People want to be around, purchase products from or be serviced by individuals that have a positive, upbeat attitude.
12345678910	5. Have great time management. A good question to ask yourself is: “Is what I’m doing right now contributing to my goals?” This could be done for business goals or personal goals.
12345678910	6. Have a balance. Work when you are working and play when you are playing. Never use the word “should”. For example, when you are at the gym don’t say to yourself “I should be working”; and when you are working don’t say “I should be with my kids”. When you have a balance you will not feel torn.
12345678910	7. Fake it till you make it. People want to be around successful people. So when you are starting off in business you need to “act & feel” your way to success.
12345678910	8. Walk the walk & talk the talk. Be true to yourself. Successful people do what they say they are going to do.
12345678910	9. Be a master with money management. If you are not an expert in this area then hire someone to help you out. Learn all you can about money & finances.
12345678910	10. Have a mission, purpose and goals.

Next Steps

Now that you have ranked them all, take a look at the numbers.

• For your 10’s, ask yourself: “What am I doing that makes this so easy?“
• For the 9’s ask yourself: “What one thing could I do to bring these up to a 10?“
• Then, choose one that has the lowest number and see what you can do TODAY to raise it up even one notch.

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 please contact Rowena List here.

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.

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.