Energize and Organize
  • Welcome
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Home Office Organization
    • Residential Organization >
      • Are You Chronically Disorganized? >
        • Common Characteristics of Chronically Disorganized Individuals
      • Are you Situationally Disorganized?
      • Organizing by Learning and Action Style Preferences
    • Senior Organization
    • Student Organization >
      • Executive Function
      • Improving Your Child's Organizing Skills
      • Organizing by Learning/Sensory Preferences and Action Style Preferences
      • Organization and Time Management Strategies for Kids with L.D.
      • Student Organizing Tips - Internet Resources
  • Gallery
  • FAQ
  • Resources
    • Charitable Donation Information
    • Decisions, Decisions, Decisions ... To Keep or Not to Keep?
    • Green Tips from NAPO-New England Professional Organizers
    • Insightful Education Websites for Children and Students with All Kinds of Abilities
    • Inspirational Organizing Quotes
    • Interesting Readings
    • Junk Mail and Telemarketing Phone Call Reduction Resources
    • Miscellaneous Organizational Tips
    • NAPO Code of Ethics
    • NAPO-NE Tips for Adopting Green Organizing and Celebrating Earth Day
    • NAPO-NE Tips for Practical Ways to Get Organized
    • Outstanding Professional Organizer Websites
    • Organizing Product Stores
    • Resale Information
  • Testimonials/In the News
    • Testimonials
    • In the News
  • Contact
  • Blog

Energize and Organize:  Books, Books, Books

6/29/2016

 
Picture
                                                        Fun Facts for Bibliophiles

1.  When organizing your bookcases, think visual percentages.
75% books
20% decorative items
5% empty space.


2.   www.Biblio.com is wonderful resource site for locating rare books and learning the value of books/ selling books in your collection.



3.  The West Falmouth Library is hosting their annual library booksale this upcoming holiday weekend, July 1-4.  Dates and times are ...
Friday, July 1, 5 PM -7 PM
Saturday, July 2 from 9 AM - 2 PM
Sunday, July 3 from 12 Noon - 2 PM
Monday, July 4 from 9 AM - 11 AM

​
4.  The Falmouth Public Library is hosting their annual library booksale this upcoming holiday weekend extending into midweek,  too!  Dates and times are ...
Friday, July 1, from 10 AM - 4 PM
​Saturday, July 2 from 10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday, July 3 from 10 AM - 4 PM
Monday, July 4 from 10 AM - 4 PM
Tuesday, July 5 from 10 AM - 4 PM
Wednesday, July 6 from 10 AM - Noon


Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com​​​

Energize and Organize:  Standardize Your Hangars

6/27/2016

 
Picture
It's helpful to standardize your hangers.  It doesn't matter what type you prefer, just make them consistent and always hang clothes in the same direction.  This will help reduce visual clutter and allow you to review your clothes at a glance.  Wooden, padded or tube hangers, rather than wire ones, will keep your clothing in top-notch shape and avoid tangles.
© 2016 Posts on Demand

Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com​​​

Energize and Organize:  Leisurely Summertime Fun for Children of All Ages

6/24/2016

 
Picture
School's out for the summer and many parents/caregivers are getting their children organized for day and overnight camps, special enrichment programs, instructional sport activities and more.  These days life is often lived in the fast lane for little ones and their families.  The nonstop go, go, go can easily make the "lazy days of summer" a forgotten pleasure.

During their unstructured "downtime" children often ask, "What's there to do?" Encourage children to generate a list of their favorite activities to do individually, with friends and with family.  Ideas might include put on a skit, take a family bike ride, build a fort outside, play cards and board games, have a picnic breakfast/lunch/dinner at the beach, go strawberry picking ... Add a few of your favorite things to the list as well, gather and organize needed supplies and let the leisurely summertime fun begin!


Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com​​​

Energize and Organize:  Simplify Your Life

6/22/2016

 
Picture
The only way to truly "get organized" is by simplifying. This means focusing on the important things in life — ridding yourself of anything that merely takes up time, space, money, or energy without giving you any benefit.

• REDUCE UNSOLICITED MAIL: Visit the Direct Marketing Association consumer website at www.dmachoice.org and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. While you're on the website, follow the instructions to put yourself on the Do Not Call list, and then opt out of pre-screened credit card offers.

• BUY IN BULK: Think of how much time you spend “running errands.” Reduce that time by purchasing three- to six-month supplies of things you use on a daily basis — toothpaste, paper towels, postage stamps, etc. 

• SAY NO: Think about everything you say YES to: community involvement, errands for others, visiting, running around. Think about how they benefit you, your family, your business, your health, and your mind. If they do not benefit you, learn to say “NO!”

• GET RID OF THE CLUTTER: Start each day with a clean desk or tidy house. You'll be more efficient when things are in order. Get rid of the things you don't need. You'll be amazed at what you can do without.

© 2016 Articles on Demand

Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com​​​

Energize and Organize: Gardening Delights

6/20/2016

 
Picture
 Yesterday I spent six hours in my yard enjoying the brilliant sunshine and steady ocean breezes while tending to my lawn and gardens.   As a first time homeowner, I find it's endlessly delightful to see grass growing, flowers blooming, weeds disappearing ...  Perhaps you have experienced the same sense of wonder at nature's beauty, too.
 
Here are several gardening resource sites that you may well enjoy visiting as you organize your supplies and tend to your own gardens!   Have fun!
  • National Gardening Association: Gardening Resources
  • www.garden.org​
  • Gardening - Ideas, Tips, and Inspiration for Your Garden
  • www.gardening.about.com
  • Gardening - Better Homes and Gardening
  • www.bhg.com/gardening/​
Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com​​​

Energize and Organize:  Happy Father's Day!

6/17/2016

 
Picture
Father's Day is this weekend!   It's a great time to come together to celebrate the important men in the lives of families everywhere.  Happy Father's Day to grandfathers, fathers, Godfathers, step-fathers, uncles, brothers, brothers-in-law, male colleagues, neighbors and friends.  

This Father's Day, make dad's life easier by teaching the kids to be well organized.  Establish simple routines and remind everyone that there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to contribute to the family's well being and happiness!


Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com​​

Energize and Organize:  Teaching Children to Be Organized with Age Appropriate Chores

6/15/2016

 
Picture
Establish simple organizing routines that are age-specific.  Younger children will need more direction and simpler expectations than pre-teens and teenagers.  For example, saying "Clean up your room" is overwhelming to a kindergartner.  Instead, try "Please put the blocks in the shoebox and your books on the bookshelf."
© 2016 Post on Demand™

​Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  God Bless America

6/12/2016

 
Picture
God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home.

God bless America, my home sweet home.
-Irving Berlin, 1918

Energize and Organize:  Quick Email Clean-Out Tip

6/10/2016

 
Picture
Move everything more than two weeks old from your email inbox to a file marked "Holding".  Keep it for two months.  Then, delete everything you haven't needed in that time.  From here on out, take time to set up files where you can immediately move new emails.  As emails arrive, read and delete, file appropriately, or put in a "to do this week" file.
© 2016 Post on Demand™

​Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Your 70-20-10 Rule Action Plan

6/8/2016

 
Picture
Are your finances well organized?  Are you aware of the 70-20-10 rule?  Read on ...

70%
Use 70% of your take-home pay for regular monthly bills and living expenses including rent, mortgage, heat, electric, groceries, cable, phone, gas, clothing, medicine, etc.

20%
Save 20% of your take-home pay for your Emergency Fund, your Long-Term  Retirement (401K, 403B, IRA, Pension) and your Specific Goals (special events, tuition, vacation, etc.)

10%
Use 10% for debt payment including credit cards, student loans, car payments,etc.

“Save a little money each month and at the end of the year, you’ll be surprised at how little you have.” —- Ernest Haskins   When your finances are well organized, you are better able to live within your means and enjoy greater peace of mind. Best wishes!

​
Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com​

Energize and Organize:  Create a Children's/Community Garden

6/6/2016

 
Picture
This morning my neighbor invited me to take a peek at his recent vegetable garden plantings.  Nestled in neat and well organized rows, he has planted potatoes, carrots, parsley, radishes and more.  He and his wife warmly welcome family, friends and neighbors over frequently and through the summer everyone enjoys their delicious, bountiful harvest!

In just a couple of weeks, schoolchildren here in Massachusetts and around the country will begin their summer vacations.  Consider organizing and planting a vegetable and/or flower garden with your little ones and/or creating a community garden for neighbors and friends to enjoy together.   Children of all ages love tending to and watching plantings grow.  Enjoy!


Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Simple Living

6/3/2016

 
Picture
You’d think with all the great technology and gadgetry available today, we’d have more time to enjoy life. After all, aren’t cell phones, leaf blowers, cappuccino makers, and computers supposed to make our lives more convenient? In theory, they sound like time savers. But somehow, they just seem to create the need to “do” more, and they often make our lives more complex.What would happen if you put away these time savers for a weekend? Imagine two days without the blaring ring of your cell phone. Imagine raking leaves by hand, enjoying the sounds of crispy leaves and nature sans the roar of the leaf blower. Imagine warming water for a cup of simple herbal tea, rather than dragging out that huge coffee-making contraption. Imagine reading your favorite book cuddled on the couch rather than hunched over your computer. Living simply sounds inviting and compelling!

By paring life down to its essentials — the things, activities, and relationships you either truly need or genuinely cherish, you unburden your life and live with fewer distractions. When you live simply, you determine what is important, or enough, for you, and discard the rest. 

Millions of Americans are consciously practicing this “new” way of living. Reasons to move away from complexity and over-abundance and toward simplicity vary. Some people want to save money, eliminating their debt and living within their means. Others want to help the environment by reducing and reusing things rather than purchasing more stuff. Others simplify to find more time — less stuff to maintain means more time for family, friends, and hobbies. Some see it as a spiritual journey.  Others view it as a way to reject consumerism or embrace social justice. No matter what the reasons, simplifying your life makes simple sense. Research shows that the more people fill their lives with things, the more empty they feel. Give simple living a try instead and discover its life-changing benefits.
© 2016 Articles on Demand™

​Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com

Energize and Organize:  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

6/1/2016

 
Picture
I hope that you are enjoying reading and learning about how to get and stay organized with these diverse Family Life, Home and Office Energize and Organize blog postings!  Since January 1, 2016 I have shared a daily blog, some 150 blogs,  with you.  It's fills me with delight to know that I am helping to support you and your loved ones in your organizational endeavors and accomplishments!

Starting today through the end of summer, I will post new Energize and Organize blogs for you on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  On Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, you may choose to revisit some of my previous blog postings in the Family Life, Home and Office categories as the writing content, almost without exception, is timeless.  Enjoy!

Thank you for sharing favorite Energize and Organize  blogs of yours on Facebook,  Twitter and your other preferred social media.  Every time you do, you are providing organizational insight and inspiration for your loved ones and getting the word out that I have a professional organizing service that may be of use to your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues!  Thank you very much!

​Remember, if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office organization,  you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts     Contact:  617.640.2366    www.energizeandorganize.com​​​​​​​

    Archives

    February 2023
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All
    Family Life
    Home
    Office

    RSS Feed

Welcome
About Us
Services
Gallery                                                         
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Testimonials
Contact 
Blog
Phone:  617.640.2366

Email:  
 donna@energizeandorganize.com


Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth    © 2023

Photos used under Creative Commons from jimmcsweeney, walknboston, frankieleon, tdlucas5000, marneejill, Larry Lamsa, Rina Pitucci (Tilling 67), tdlucas5000, wizardofozgurl, Rennett Stowe, kimblomqvist, cote, Hugo-90, likeaduck, jasleen_kaur, wuestenigel, Clint Mason, ЕгорЖуравлёв, dalecruse, tdlucas5000, tdlucas5000, cafecredit, Montgomery County Planning Commission, hellotidy, jerryrauth, Jeffrey Camphens, Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos, Princess Ruto, Scioto Photos, AcrylicArtist, Bennilover, David Meurin, nahid-v, Eduardo Deboni, Swallowtail Garden Seeds, torbakhopper, avrene, roseannadana, quinn.anya, dalecruse, Bennilover, krossbow, (Imagine) 2.0, fontplaydotcom, Muffet, William_Doyle, tdlucas5000, LadyDragonflyCC - >;<, stockcatalog, David Paul Ohmer, SurFeRGiRL30, TurtleCreek-Branson, ThoroughlyReviewed, dullhunk, Michael Khor, susivinh, Kirt Edblom, anitakhart, zhaffsky, Giuseppe Milo (www.pixael.com), mnapoleon, wuestenigel, The Simpsons (Lee, Shirley, Luke and Rachel), homethods, vijay_chennupati, Gail Frederick, Kurt Stocker, Gail Frederick, (Imagine) 2.0, themostinept, Bennilover, cattan2011, cattan2011, frankieleon, FootMassagez, melissa richards photography, Kirt Edblom, Doolallyally, Topu Saha, Bennilover, tdlucas5000, cattan2011, Bobby McKay., amanessinger, blumenbiene, tnilsson.london, France1978, okchomeseller, ajay_suresh, njhomepictures, dee_dee_creamer, Bennilover, Ravi_Shah, macieklew, Jeffrey Camphens, Goedeker's, kennethkonica, cattan2011, e27182818284, vwcampin, dMaculate, Orchids love rainwater, PLeia2, David Paul Ohmer, ThoseGuys119, scootergenius02, judithjackson957, Scouse Smurf, Feathering the Nest, tdlucas5000, closet factory, cattan2011, Senior Guidance, kennethkonica, watts photos1, tdlucas5000, kennethkonica, Artur Malinowski, vwcampin, ЕгорЖуравлёв, Tobyotter, inbounduk, Diana Parkhouse, Paula R. Lively, tdlucas5000, France1978, Kirt Edblom, Gail Frederick, hellotidy, Digital Magic Photography, Infomastern, kennethkonica, Ani Carrington, spbda, Soupmeister, tdlucas5000, UnknownNet Photography, ancasta1901, wuestenigel, torbakhopper, tdlucas5000, State Farm, Bennilover, marneejill, tdlucas5000, Jeff Kubina, amslerPIX, joiseyshowaa, Angelbattle bros, r.nial.bradshaw, Goedeker's, Antrell Williams, majolie46, symphony of love, wuestenigel, theglobalpanorama, cattan2011, tdlucas5000, pureplanetrecycling, Ruth and Dave, wuestenigel, Rawpixel Ltd, Got Credit, romanboed, Kelly Hunter, kud4ipad, Ozzy Delaney, Doolallyally, MICOLO J Thanx 4, 2.4m views, P_Linehan, taymtaym, steve p2008, mariaronnaluna, Nic's events, DaveCowieMT, Jocelyn777 - Celebrating Europe, Anders Ruff Custom Designs, michaelmueller410, kennethkonica, scriptingnews, Pictures from GTB, CJS*64 "Man with a camera", romanboed, POP'S PIC'S, judy dean, garlandcannon, Harold Litwiler, Poppy, Goedeker's, Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, Luciano Belviso, theanthonyryan, r.nial.bradshaw, PickComfort, Robert.Pittman, Goedeker's
  • Welcome
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Home Office Organization
    • Residential Organization >
      • Are You Chronically Disorganized? >
        • Common Characteristics of Chronically Disorganized Individuals
      • Are you Situationally Disorganized?
      • Organizing by Learning and Action Style Preferences
    • Senior Organization
    • Student Organization >
      • Executive Function
      • Improving Your Child's Organizing Skills
      • Organizing by Learning/Sensory Preferences and Action Style Preferences
      • Organization and Time Management Strategies for Kids with L.D.
      • Student Organizing Tips - Internet Resources
  • Gallery
  • FAQ
  • Resources
    • Charitable Donation Information
    • Decisions, Decisions, Decisions ... To Keep or Not to Keep?
    • Green Tips from NAPO-New England Professional Organizers
    • Insightful Education Websites for Children and Students with All Kinds of Abilities
    • Inspirational Organizing Quotes
    • Interesting Readings
    • Junk Mail and Telemarketing Phone Call Reduction Resources
    • Miscellaneous Organizational Tips
    • NAPO Code of Ethics
    • NAPO-NE Tips for Adopting Green Organizing and Celebrating Earth Day
    • NAPO-NE Tips for Practical Ways to Get Organized
    • Outstanding Professional Organizer Websites
    • Organizing Product Stores
    • Resale Information
  • Testimonials/In the News
    • Testimonials
    • In the News
  • Contact
  • Blog