Do you need more than 24 hours in a DAY!!!

One of the greatest challenges many people face in their personal lives is that there never seems to be enough time to accomplish everything they need to do, let alone finding time for things they want to do, especially around Christmas time.

I have always envied those who are able to successfully fit work, family, personal, and other activities into their lives, with no problems... (Though it seems.) In reality we all have the same 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. But it’s how we choose to spend that time that makes all the difference.

To develop a time management system that will work for you, it’s helpful to write down a plan to help you compare the way you are currently living your life with the way you would like it to be.

Find the obstacles that are preventing you from managing your time wisely.

Here are 8 great suggestions by Janet Barclay…

1.-Organize your space and paper so you don’t waste time looking for what you need.
2.-Eliminate interruptions by closing your office door and letting telephone calls go to voice mail.
3.-Be prepared with reading material or small tasks you can complete while waiting for people or in line.
4.-Get tasks you find distasteful or overwhelming out of the way first. Better yet, consider delegating them to someone else.
5.-Set personal and professional goals to help you identify your priorities.
6.-Learn to say “no” and to focus on what’s important to achieving your goals.
7.-Find a calendar system you’re comfortable with, and use it for all your activities.
8.-Build flexibility into your schedule to accommodate the unexpected.

Don’t try to do all of these things at once! Changes to the way you manage your time should be implemented one at a time. Just like any other life changes, if you try to make too many at one time, you’re apt to get overwhelmed and discouraged..

Effective time management doesn’t happen overnight, but by determining what changes are needed and incorporating them into your lifestyle, you can take control of your time, instead of letting it control you.

Homework: Organize your stack of papers that are sitting on your counter (I know you all have one,) and find a home for them.

Is your Christmas tree organized???

Okay most of you said NO…because your GREAT PARENTS and let your kids do all the DECORATING!!!

My kids have their own 6 foot tree up stairs with all of there ornaments on it. Since our little ducklings were born we give them an ornament a year. So by the time they leave the nest they will have a box full of there own ornaments to put on there very own tree!!

However MOM has her very own tree that she gets to do what she wants with. (Okay mom is a little selfish.)

I still have 2 little ducks wanting and pleading to help me…so this year I gave them the very important task of organizing all of the decorations. So Mama Duck can put them on in an organized fashion. Here are some great tips on decorating your Christmas tree, and in doing so teaching your kids a little about organizing!!!!

1. Put the tree up where you want it in the room.
2. Put the lights on, and make sure they all work.
3. Place all the bows together, bulbs, berries, sparkly ornaments, and fruit filler together. In other words organize all ornaments into sections on the floor. (This is how kids can help!)
4. Place all the big ornaments on first, like bows or big bulbs. Then medium ornaments, last small ornaments. Make sure they are all spaced throughout the tree evenly.
5. Put any filler in like berries or sparkly sticks.
6. Last but not least place the TOPPER on!

Oh and don’t forget the Christmas music…that is a MUST!!!

Organizing your Health and Fitness Part #3

Last and final step…

3. Use your calendar to make appointments for your future check-ups, weigh-ins etc. If it even helps write your exercise schedule on your calendar, and stick to these appointments. Make sure you get a full body physical every year. The month of your birthday, might be a good idea, so you never forget.

You owe it to your future to get this part of your life on track. Enjoy it.

Homework: go for a brisk walk or run, and have a healthy and ORGANIZED weekend!!

Organizing your Health and Fitness Part #2

Okay here is the next tip for a new and healthier YOU!!!

2. Write down specific actions you need to do to achieve your goals. If your goal is to exercise 3 times per week. Write down and schedule which 3 days you will be working out, what time you will work out on those days, how long the workouts will be and exactly what you plan on doing during that time. I always make appointments around my workout schedule. STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE!!!

Will see you on Friday for the last TIP!!!

Organizing your Health and Fitness

Do you make time to take care of your most valuable asset? Because without it, you have nothing. There are some illnesses that you cannot control, but there are things that you can do to prevent a lot of the illnesses that are in your control.

Those of you, who know me, know that I have a passion for fitness!! Twelve years ago I knew I wanted to help others learn to love to exercise like I do…so I went and got my fitness instructor certification. Since then I hope I have at least touched one life for the better.

Here is the 1st tip to get you on the right track with health and fitness.

1. GET A CHECK UP!!! Determine your current state of health. Check your weight, blood pressure, vision, dental health and full body. It’s important to know where you are and where you should be and know what your body can handle for your future workouts!! Set achievable goals based on where you should be. If your doctor tells you that you are 20lbs over weight, the goal is fairly clear, lose 20lbs. Break it down into smaller goals that you can track and achieve. Write all your goals down and be as specific as possible.

Come back on Wednesday for the next tip!!!

An Organized Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is meant to be a time of remembrance, family and thanks, not a holiday of stress and chaos!!

Okay I have to admit I have never cooked a Thanksgiving dinner!!! I once had it at my house but my Mother-in-Law did most of the work…I just did the cleaning, and the rolls, which yes I am good at both those, (but that’s about it!!) So I wanted to give you some great advice for this special occasion so I found an article by Marcia Garcia and she gave 9 great steps to help make Thanksgiving a little less stressful!!

1. LEAVE COOKING AND CLEANING BEHIND. These days, many people opt to go out for Thanksgiving, instead of cooking and cleaning at home. If you’re an extremely busy person, this may also work for you. If you don’t want to miss the feeling of being at home, perhaps you might have the main course at a restaurant, and later have pie at home. In addition, lots of supermarkets and restaurants offer fully cooked Thanksgiving dinners. You simply pick everything up and place it on your table ready to be served, and if you must add a personal touch, make one special dish of your own.

2. PREPARE FOR TRAVELING. If you’re traveling this Thanksgiving, be sure to make your packing list well ahead of time. Check items off as you’re putting them into your luggage. Bring this list with you and use it to repack when you’re ready to return home. By the way, I usually suggest that you travel a few days before Thanksgiving and come back a few days after the Thanksgiving rush. Otherwise, you’re going to spend a lot of time in airports, on the road, in line, etc.

3. LET'S TALK TURKEY. First, determine how much room you have in your freezer and refrigerator, and how many people you will be serving. Then, order your turkey. If you need more storage space, perhaps a neighbor or relative can help you out. Rather than defrosting a frozen turkey in water on Thanksgiving Day, defrost it a few days ahead in your refrigerator instead. This saves tons of time!

4. INVITE GUESTS IN A SNAP. If you haven’t already sent out invitations, you may consider simply calling possible guests instead. You won’t have to spend a ton of time writing and mailing, and you usually get an RSVP immediately.

5. CHECK YOUR INVENTORY. Check your supply of chairs, tables, dishes, glasses, pots, pans, serving plates and utensils. Arrange to buy, rent or borrow anything you don’t have.

6. PLAN YOUR MEAL. Plan your meal from appetizers to dessert on a piece of paper. Make a list of all ingredients needed. Bring your list when you go shopping and check items off as you put them in your cart.

7. COOK AHEAD. Make any meals that you can well ahead of time, and freeze them. On Thanksgiving Day, just defrost heat and serve. You will save tons of time, plus you’ll be able to join in the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.

8. GET READY THE NIGHT BEFORE. You’ll be happy you took care of a few things the night before. Set the table. Get the good silverware out of storage. Lay out your wardrobe--and your kids’ wardrobes.

9. DON’T FORGET THE IMPORTANT STUFF. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be thankful for health, family, friends and all that life has to offer. Some people choose to say a prayer. Others prefer to simply have a moment of silence before dinner and football. Still others like to make time to read a Thanksgiving Story or a poem. Make a list of the things you want to do to make the day a special one and reference your list so you don’t forget them.

Homework: Have a Great and Organized Thanksgiving weekend!! Come back on Monday for some more great and helpful tips!!

Is your Jewelry in a tangled mess???

When you go into your closet to put your jewelry on do you have to take 5-10 minutes to untangle your necklaces?? It is so annoying and wastes time (which is very precious and what we need more of.)

Let’s organize all your jewelry…Here are 4 tips to get you started!!!

1. Separate all your jewelry into categories. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, watch, etc.

2. For necklaces, I bought an inexpensive men's tie rack (under 3 dollars at Wal-Mart or Target) I hang it in my closet where I hang my necklaces and bracelets on the hooks of the rack.

3. I use Ice Trays to store my earrings, rings and watches in. Each tray holds 16 pair so they are stacked and easy to locate without having to go through your jewelry box each morning.

4. Make sure each piece of jewelry has a HOME.