Quick Tips for Getting Organized

Volume 5 – September 2007

Laundry
It’s back to school time and keeping WHITE clothes stain free is next to impossible, right? Well, if you know some simple tricks those stains don’t stand a chance!
1 –Wash white items EVERY time they are worn even if they don’t look dirty. Sweat and body oils are there even if you can’t see them.
2 –Pretreat any stains with a stain remover – don’t use soap and water first, it doesn’t break down the stain as effectively as a stain remover.
3 –Don’t use bleach too often as it breaks down the natural fibers and can cause yellowing over time.
4 –When you do use bleach be sure to use the HOTTEST setting on your water temperature. The hot water helps the bleach be more effective.
5 –However, when drying use the coolest setting and don’t over dry to keep whites their whitest! As the weather turns to Fall try line drying your whites for a crisp, clean look.

Home Keeping
As we wrap up another hot summer and look forward to the coolness of Fall, take the time to “Fall Clean” your house before all the holidays begin. Consider going more “green” in your choice of cleaning products (both for the environment and your family).
1 – There are some great alternatives on the shelves of your local grocery and mega-center…Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers are biodegradable, plant-based, hypoallergenic, non flammable and non chlorine products safe for anyone to use.
2 – Another option is to make your own. Baking soda mixed with distilled white vinegar is great for the bathroom toilet, tub and sink. If you have hard wood floors try distilled white vinegar mixed with warm water to clean them. Even a vegetable based soap with a few added drops of lavender essential oil makes a great antiseptic cleaner.
3 – Air out your house. Let the wind blow through and give your space a good airing out. Do this especially while cleaning so any chemicals don’t linger in the air and go into your lungs.

Paper Trail
We all have to deal with the papers that pile up on our desks and various places of the house. The trick is to stay on top of it. You have to decide if that is daily, weekly or (yikes) monthly but be encouraged that everyone has to file, shred and toss papers regularly or they will take over your space! Here are two tips to help you keep in under control:
1 – Take whatever time you have and go for it. If you have 15 minutes or 5 minutes take the opportunity to go through a stack. You will be surprised how doing a little here and there will add up to a clean space. Don’t think you have to have a day to clean out you desk or a weekend to organize your office. Use the time you do have and jump in. Better to get started than not start at all.
2 – When you start on a pile of papers, turn it over! Start from the bottom and work your way up. Most likely the older “stuff” is on the bottom that is likely to be an easy decision to “toss”. Think about it, if you have a stack of papers and the bottom has information from 2003 it’s safe to think you will not need it or read it so TOSS IT! The psychological benefits of this exercise are that you will be tossing right away and probably clear our more trash than treasure. This gives lots of motivation when cleaning out!


Home Decorating
Consider putting a clock in each room of your home. If you have children this is especially helpful as they loose track of time while playing or working. I have also found having a small clock in the bathroom is helpful for staying on task when getting ready and getting out the door on time. Clocks come in every price range and style so have fun picking out a very useful decorative piece for every room in your home.

Family
Slip some extra family time into your day by getting your kids involved with you in the kitchen. Whatever their age there is something for them to do. Older children can help with the food preparation and cutting; toddlers can wash the vegetables (which may help them want to eat them J) or practice their scooping and pouring skills with uncooked rice and plastic bowls; babies can “organize” the plastic containers and drum on bowls.
In our house we have a lower cabinet that became my daughter “cabinet.” It didn’t get a child lock and she could play, climb and stack while I cooked and cleaned the kitchen. She’s almost 3 and still enjoys going into her cabinet for a bowl or container for snack time. Rather than make the kitchen off limits to your kids, give them a designated safe place to play and enjoy each others company. It’s better than TV!

Nutrition
Here are 5 quick and healthy breakfast choices for those on the go! After all it is the most important meal of the day, jumpstarting your metabolism and giving you the mental energy you need to make it through the morning.
Fruit and Cheese
A balanced, easy-to-assemble make-ahead morning meal: Grab an apple, wrap 1 to 2 ounces of Cheddar in plastic, and toss 1/4 cup of fiber and protein rich walnuts into a plastic bag.
Peanut Butter Waffle
Instead of dousing a whole-grain or bran toaster waffle in syrup, cut the sugar and boost the protein and fiber by spreading it with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. You can also sprinkle on 1 tablespoon of raisins, sesame seeds, or extra peanuts for even more fiber, which helps deliver the meal's nutrients slowly and steadily.
Morning "Pizza"
You could have a slice of last night's pizza in the morning (it's preferable to filling up on sugar or skipping breakfast). Or you could try a more sophisticated spin: Take a slice of crusty bread, spread it with 3 tablespoons of low-fat ricotta, and add tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) and a little salt and pepper. Broiling is optional.
Protein Shake
In a blender, combine a scoop of protein shake (your choice of brand and flavor – I use Arbonne’s vegan chocolate protein shake, $26.50 for 14 servings), ice and skim or soy milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a “to-go” cup and head out the door! For added fiber, toss in a scoop of a low gylcemic index fiber shake like Arbonne’s vegan Orange fiber, $26.50 for 14 servings.
Cereal "Sundae"
A bowl of fiber-rich bran flakes (about 1 1/2 cups) with 8 ounces of low-fat milk is a good start to the day. But, make it portable by replacing the milk with lemon or vanilla yogurt and mixing it in a to-go container. Increase the fiber and vitamins by adding 1/4 cup of nuts or fresh or dried fruit, such as chopped pecans or blueberries.

Cooking & Kitchen
With the seasons changing it’s fun to mix up your regular repertoire of recipes with something new. Instead of potatoes or rice as the starchy side give corn a try! Ever the symbol of fall it evokes a feeling of holiday in all! Don’t laugh at my attempt to rhyme. J

Corn Casserole
1 can creamed corn
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
2 eggs, beaten
8 oz fat-free sour cream
1 stick of butter, melted
1 Tbsp sugar

Mix the above ingredients together and pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 F for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until golden and springy. Serve warm.

Relationships
As the summer ends and school begins be sure to tell your kids how amazing and special they are. Even if they are seasoned in the classroom there is always an adjustment period for them. Give you and your family grace to find your rhythm and remember how quickly these years will pass. “To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today” - Anonymous


If you like to send me your tips for consideration please email me at
kim@smartmoms-smartbusiness.com.