 Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth 617.640.2366 www.energizeandorganize.com  Winter Safety Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers
www.care.com/c/winter-safety-tips-for-seniors Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/cold-weather-safety-older-adults Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  It’s the beginning of February, and couples across the United States are gearing up for Hallmark’s biggest holiday of the year: Valentine’s Day. Dinner reservations are being made, candy hearts eyed in drugstore aisles, and visions of ceremonial intimacy flicker in the backs of lovers’ minds.
But…one thing standing in the way of achieving a social media–worthy February 14th? The stack of clean laundry on the stairs waiting to be put away. A sad reality of adulthood is that we spend our time in environments that unconsciously remind us of tasks that need to be addressed. When we live with a romantic partner, it may be ideal if those tasks are shared equitably, but that is not always the case. So our homes not only remind us of labor that must be completed but ALSO can breed tension with—and resentment against—anyone not helping get those things done. Sounds really sexy, huh? Clutter and unequal distribution of its management sometimes reach crescendo levels during peak periods of distress (a sudden illness, a change in school or employment status, etc.), but more often they exist due to a difference in behaviors and beliefs around:
Many of these behaviors are learned from our families of origin, particularly from the parent-child dynamic. But as adults in partnership with other adults, we want a different relationship to one another—especially if love, sex, and intimacy are shared values and activities we hope to experience together. If we don’t address these underlying behaviors and beliefs around clutter with our partners (and get aligned on what to do about them), it is unlikely that real, sustainable change to our environments at home will stick. So, this Valentine’s Day, instead of a dozen roses for your partner, try these strategies to organize a more loving, sexy, and tidy future together: Often, a root cause of clutter buildup and difficulty starting and completing tasks to put things away is tied to brain-based conditions (ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc.). Notice if your partner (and/or you) is receiving the support they for any health conditions like these. Do they need a ride to their doctor’s office, a better system for taking their prescribed medication regularly, or a swap of childcare duties so they can attend a virtual therapy appointment? See what you can offer to make sure these concerns are addressed, just like any other medical situation that deserves to be prioritized with compassion. Dinner out on Valentine’s Day could be just another night together, OR you could use that quiet time to go deeper on some topics that might have been initially glossed over when you first swiped right. Pretend you are on an early date again and leave judgment behind, so each person feels comfortable being vulnerable as you ask each other these questions.
It’s hard to be in the mood for romance and intimacy when your environment constantly reminds you of tasks to complete and spaces to organize, and research shows that visual clutter raises cortisol levels (our stress hormones), especially in women. PLAN AHEAD: Instead of a one-day intensive cleaning spree on February 13, commit to shorter, more regular time periods to tackle decluttering, organizing, and maintenance projects in your home to keep stress at bay. Even 30 minutes a day, on three workdays each week, focusing on high-impact decluttering and maintenance tasks, can get you to a more peaceful home by the time Friday evening rolls around. This intentional practice sets a better mood for the weekend ahead—one less focused on cleaning and with more space for cuddling and connection. Don’t let clutter become an emotional barrier between what you have and what you want out of life and your relationship. By choosing to address the underlying reasons and behaviors affecting clutter at home with your partner, you are giving one another the best Valentine’s Day gifts of all:
If you and/or your partner want a neutral, third-party expert to help create personalized systems that align with your shared vision, we’re here to help. Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Happy New Year! Tick Tock ... it's the end of January and there is no time like the present to lighten your mental and physical load by energizing, organizing, and making 2025 your BEST year yet!
Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth Use These 3 Steps to Steal Back Time Guest Post: Teresa Hawthorne, www.thawthornelifesolutions.com  Are you being robbed? Willingly?
Here’s how you can tell. Are your thoughts filled with words like later, tomorrow, someday, or eventually? If so, a thief could be carrying away one of your most prized possessions. Do you often wonder how it could be that you’ve been busy all day, but haven’t completed much on your to-do list? If your answer is yes, a thief may be running off with a valuable asset. The thief—procrastination. Your precious commodity—time. Procrastination is the intentional choice to avoid or put off doing something that you know should be done. That’s right, it’s a choice. And if chosen often enough, it becomes a habit. The procrastination habit comes at a cost. In addition to stealing your time, it negatively impacts your emotions and leaves you feeling overwhelmed, unproductive, guilty, and full of regret. It’s also a barrier to your success because it delays the steps toward your goals, causes you to miss opportunities, and results in stagnation. You’re likely already paying the cost if the procrastination habit has found its way into your life. So here is some good news. Habits can change. Before you willingly allow this time-waster to rob you again, arm yourself with these three tactics to help you arrest procrastination and reclaim your precious time. Be On The Lookout It’s often said that acknowledging a problem is the first step toward a solution. That being the case, the next step with procrastination is becoming aware of why. Procrastination shows up for a variety of reasons. Look for these common causes:
Identifying why you avoid or put things off is key to overcoming the habit. To do this, be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Is your mind filled with what-if scenarios? Do you believe the task is too challenging? Are you unsure of where to start? Do you think you lack the skills? Do you dread what will result from you completing the project successfully? Once you’ve recognized why you do it, you’ll need a way to fight procrastination when it tries to break its way in. Plan Your Defense Taking time to create a plan is your best defense against the procrastination habit. Having a plan gives you a structured approach, helps to identify a starting point, and provides a guided route from beginning to completion. When developing your plan, it’s important to consider your why. If the reason you procrastinate is that you are overwhelmed, for example, your plan should include breaking a project into smaller, more manageable pieces. If your why is that you’re challenged with time management, your plan could be to block time on your calendar and commit to working on your task or project. Of course, your plan will be foiled if you don’t execute it. Your next step is to take action. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” Amelia Earhart Jump In and Attack In the words of Amelia Earhart, “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” You can fight off the time thief by simply getting started. A good way to jump in is to start small. Commit to working on your dreaded task or project for five to ten minutes, then add another set of minutes when you’ve reached the end. Successfully working for short periods will give you momentum to keep going, and before you know it, the task is done. Stealing your time back from a long-standing procrastination habit will take your focused and deliberate effort. Arm yourself with these three actions and you’ll be ready to identify and fight off this time thief when it attempts to creep back in. Procrastination is a time-waster that, left unchecked, can cost you your goals and dreams. Don’t let it! Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Regina Brett, is a New York Times best selling author and was named the 2023 Best Columnist by Ohio Associated Press Media Editors. Her immensely inspirational and positively wonderful new book titled "Little Detours and Spiritual Adventurers" is inspiration to help you find the awe in the awful, they mystery in the mistakes, the magic in the mess to turn every life detour into a spiritual adventure.
Regina writes an exceptional weekly column for the Cleveland Jewish News www.clevelandjewishnews.com The following is an excerpt from her Dec. 20, 2024 post. When you have a moment, gift yourself with reading her entire post. It will nourish your soul and bring you joy. Thank you sharing for your beautiful gift, Regina! The Gift of Giving to Yourself ... Time: Give yourself time to breathe. Practice the power of the pause. Quiet: Practice being comfortable with silence. Give yourself the gift of stillness. Rest: Sleep longer and nap more often. Create a sacred schedule that includes more sleep. Beauty: Adorn yourself. Create pockets of beauty everywhere in your life. Nature: Every day, stand on this beautiful planet and suck up that Earth energy. Ground in it. Acceptance: The kind that feels like you are a winner in this body, this home, this life. Passion: What do you love to do? Make a list of hobbies, passions or activities you love. Listening: Listen to the music of life. Then do it. Every. Single. Day. You can read Regina's awe-inspiring writing at reginabrett.substack.com and www.reginabrett.com Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzza to all!   The happy holidays are quickly approaching!
If you and your loved ones need help organizing for the fun and festivities, make your season bright by contacting Energize and Organize!  Thank you Veterans and families for your great service for our country!
God Bless America  "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all."
- Emily Dickinson "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." - John Quincy Adams "Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today's mighty oak is yesterday's nut that held its ground." - Rosa Parks "Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender." - Keith Ellison "With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." - Eleanor Roosevelt  "Advice from a pumpkin: be well-rounded, get plenty of sunshine, give thanks for life's bounty, have thick skin, keep growing, be outstanding in your field,
think big. - Anonymous And ... before the happy holidays begin and the snow flies, eliminate the clutter and chaos in your life by getting and staying organized.  "Ceiling fans are an efficient option for keeping cool. The breeze from them can help you feel up to 4 degrees F cooler. That may not be enough on very hot days, but if you have A/C you can set your thermostat higher and stay comfortable.
According to Energy Star by raising your thermostat only 2 degrees and using a ceiling fan, you can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent." Source: Consumer Reports, September 2024 As you know warm air rises so in the winter you want to turn your ceiling fan blade to spin clockwise (left to right) so that the warm air blows down. In the summer, turn the ceiling fan blade to spin counterclockwise so air is pushed down and the room has a cool breeze. To check, stand under the ceiling fan and see if the blades are turning from right to left (counterclockwise). Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Source: Falmouth Enterprise  Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Does this crazy chaos garage storage nightmare look familiar? Let's work together to create peace and tranquility in your life and home environment!     Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  It's summertime, it's hot and humid, and sheds/garages typically are not temperature controlled spaces. When making decisions about what to and what not to store in your sheds and garages, this informative list written by Lisa Milbrand for Real Simple is an excellent resource and guide. 1. Pantry Foods (food spoilage and damage from moths, mice, other pests) 2. Clothing and other Fabric Items (mold, dust, pests, unwanted moisture damage) 3. Propane (gas buildup and potential fire/explosion if tank leaks) 4. Important Papers (damage from pests, dirt, moisture) 5. Wine and other Drinks (quality compromise) 6. Electronics (temperature extremes could wreck havoc on the electronic wiring) 7. Refrigerator or Freezer (huge energy use in hot weather) 8. Books (damage from moisture, pests, dirt) 9. Valuables (temperature extremes, lack of adequate security) 10. Batteries (high temp causes batteries to lose some of their power and/or could spark) 11. Wood Furniture (warping or cracking in high temps, weakening of the joint glue) 12 Paint (requires temperature controlled environment to avoid paint separation) Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Have you heard of the organizing acronym S.P.A.C.E.? Developed by professional organizer Julie Morgenstern, S.P.A.C.E. is a wonderful acronym to keep in mind while getting and staying organized!
Source: www.juliemorgenstern.com It's springtime and you know what that means. It's time to get your S.P.A.C.E. organized for an exceptional summer! Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Source: Falmouth Senior Center Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Dave Karas, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (C.A.P.S.) and professionally licensed/insured remodeling contractor, spoke at the warm and welcoming North Falmouth Congregational Church "Speaker and Soup Series" today. He discussed a wide range of important and invaluable safety ideas and implementation suggestions to make residences safe for aging in place.
Some of Dave's excellent recommendations included having a plan, making a commitment to accept change, making simple and complex home modifications, getting exercise, eating a good diet and nurturing and sustaining friendships and social connections. interesting facts ... An AARP survey found that 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day. Almost 90 percent of them want to stay in their residences for as long as they can. And, Dave noted that only 1% of homes in the USA are ready to age in place. Dave is available for Aging in Place group presentations, individual on-site home safety assessments and residential safety enhancements work throughout Cape Cod. Dave Karas' website is www.aginginplacecapecod.com. He can be reached at 508.418.4443. It was a pleasure to meet Dave and to learn about his wonderful aging in place and home safety knowledge, expertise and services! Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Source: Falmouth Enterprise Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Busy life? Tight time schedules? Novice or experienced cook? Lots of favorite recipes on bits and pieces of paper scattered about? Culinary chaos in your kitchen?
There are many wonderful recipe apps online. Here are a few for you to explore and enjoy as you bring order to your culinary chaos! Bon Appetit! Paprika Recipe Manager Organize your recipes. Create grocery lists. Plan your meals. Download recipes from your favorite websites. Seamlessly sync to all your devices. (Many thanks to my dear friend Monica for introducing me to this wonderful culinary organizer!) Yummly The smart cooking sidekick that learns what you like and customizes the experience to your personal tastes, nutritional needs, skill level and more. Allrecipes Everyday recipes with ratings and reviews by home cooks like you. Find easy dinner ideas, healthy recipes, helpful cooking tips and more. Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ... Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366 Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth  Wishing You and Yours a Very Happy Valentine's Day!
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