Sometimes we get so busy with our lives we forget to look up. The view can be very refreshing!
Being organized will save you time and money. I know that I can always use more time can you?
Final Four Challenge!
Take the final four challenge
So what is the final four challenge?
Easy!
1. Take a picture of any flat surface near you. It could be your desk, a bathroom counter, kitchen bar or coffee table. This is your “before” picture.2. Move 4 things off this surface.
3. Put those things where the belong.
4. Now look at your after. That is it! You are done Take a picture if you want.
You might have started with 32 or maybe sweet 16, then you work a few minutes and you are at the great 8. Before you know it you have it down to the final four!
See here is the deal. You don’t have to do it all or do it all at once. If you break it down to four items per session you can do that easy. It only takes minutes.
Congratulations on completion of your final four challenge!!!!
Will you accept the challenge? Will you share this and challenge your friends? Have a great day
Just as promised….more helpful and handy tricks for around your home. This first is a must for doggie owners. I MacGyvered this in my yard years ago after seeing something like it at a doggie park. Rather than make daily trips to the trash can, I built this poop pipe. It’s just a large piece […]
A question that keeps popping up is how to contain the toys in the living room?
An answer is a piece of furniture that has closed storage. That might be your accent table with a basket below or a storage ottoman if you have room.
Don’t allow you living room to become the toy room. Limit the amount of toys allowed there at any time. There is no reason you can’t have your kids store their toys in their room or their playroom. They can bring toys into the living room and then take them back when they are done with them. Or you put them in a tote or basket and put them away.
Another thing I find frequently is kids have too many toy options. Limit their options. Try rotating their toys. Let them choose say 10 to play with and you put the rest in a tote. If you do this say every month your kids will feel like they are getting new toys without you spending any money. Plus you limit the amount of clutter. Kids don’t play with all their toys. Think about when you go to grandma’s house. She has limited toys and they play just fine with those.
I see lots of stuff you buy your kids when you are shopping as a bribe to “be good.” Stop doing this! You are wasting money and adding lots of clutter to your life. While they may scream and carry on that they want a toy in the store how long does that toy entertain them after you get it home? Right there is no need for this. Just say no. Your kids have trained you that every time they go with you they get a toy. Guess what you are not doing them or you any favors. So you buy them a cheap toy that is cheaply made. It breaks soon after they bring it home. Another melt down that it is broken. I bet if you added up all the money you have spent on cheap toys you would be able to pay a sitter.
Just like don’t shop when you are hungry don’t take your kids when they are hungry or tired. Give them a snack before.
Takesomething with you to keep your child engaged. Younger kids need one of their toys or a book. Older kids can help you shop.
I love the tips and ideas from creative with kids. I have attached a link
One of her tips is to Indulge in Grocery Store Fantasy – Good for when the “I wants” come up. You ask questions like: “OK, if the grocery store only carried three things, what do you wish they were?” “What if we could only eat candy? Wouldn’t that be funny? What would you eat for breakfast?” Of course you are not going to let them eat marshmallows with chocolate for breakfast but it is a fun game.
Another parent suggested that her kids love to guess how much fruits and vegetables weigh and then put them on the scale. As a result they eat more fruits and vegetables.
Now in most places you can do your grocery shopping online. You know that must be something that was invented by a mom, to which we say thank you.
What are your tips for living and shopping with kids.
Every since the first telephone call people have been using the telephone to reach out and touch someone. Many of those calls are welcome, but more often than not they are unwelcome, uninvited and very bothersome. In the U.S. we have the DO NOT CALL LIST. I have been registered on this list for years. I’m guessing you are too. But alas that has not stopped the calls for me.
I have tried blocking the numbers with no success. I have tried call blockers and have paid for this app or that app and frankly the callers always seem to find a way around it.
Now I’m getting text messages and voice mail and my phone did not even ring! Yes it’s frustrating. I pay for my phone as I’m sure you do too. Why should I have to pay for calls I don’t want, need and I specifically requested that my phone numbers not be used for this purpose.
So like you I absolutely wanted to find a viable solution.
First, if you have not registered your phone numbers with the Federal Do Not Call Registry do so immediately. By the way, once you have registered your numbers you don’t have to renew it. You can register cell phones at the same time and place. Yes, I heard the rumors about having to renew, but as of March 2019 that is not true.
Recent estimates that the number of robocalls increased by 57% in 2018, to nearly 50 billion calls. (Yes, that is not a typo… BILLION.) The FCC says that robocallers are the number one thing that consumers complain to them about, with over 200,000 robocall complaints per year, constituting about 60% of all the complaints they receive from consumers. And unfortunately, it’s expected that this year, as many as half of all cell phone calls will be robocalls!
So, with robo callers there are 2 trains of thought..
1. Stop them.
The Wall Street Journal reported:
Don’t answer and don’t call back. Answering a robocall or returning the call indicates to a scammer that they have reached a working number and potential target.
Put your number on the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry.Adding yourself to this database is free and your registration never expires, but doing this alone is unlikely to stop all automated calls.
Download a call-blocking app. Nomorobo and Hiya are among the hundreds of applications that monitor and block phone numbers used by robodialers.
Call your phone company. Ask what tools or products they offer to block scam calls. The FCC keeps a handy list.
File a complaint to the FTC and FCC. The agencies use unwanted-call data to track trends and bring enforcement actions.
What if you could make robocalls a moneymaking opportunity? Well, you can. I must admit it was a head slap moment for me. Why had I not heard about this before. I mean I was a paralegal for years and years, so I am very familiar with the process. I had to hear about this on my local news. I immediately went to the website and started the process. I’m excited to be an affiliate of robocalls.cash.I f you want to find out more information and you are sick of the annoying robocalls I have provided a link: https://robocalls.cash/ref/Beeorganizedwithpamela
Which ever way you choose to deal with the annoying robocalls I wish you luck. I’m actually looking forward to the process. I always enjoy seeing your comments.
I get them too. There may be something else that we can do about it. I’m also doing research on the subject. I am looking into some very interesting stuff. I’ll be posting my results.
So it’s time. You have talked about this and you are all in agreement you have to move yourself or your senior family member into a smaller possibly senior housing. I know you are both looking forward to the day and a bit nervous. Not to fear I want to share some of the best tips to make your move in day the best it can be.
Check with the facility for its recommended packing list and exact space measurements. Find out what items are already provided in every resident’s space, so you don’t bring duplicates. Be sure to ask whether there are rules against anything — it’s not uncommon for communities to prohibit coffeemakers or even expensive jewelry collections. Also note that most communities recommend labeling every item (including clothes) with the owner’s name.
But how are you or your mom going to make it in 400 square feet? Remember that the living residence itself, and the size of the room, suite or apartment is not the most important thing in any senior living residence, including assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing. If the “stuff” will fit and the adult child and their mom or dad is happy with the space available, then the actual size doesn’t matter! It’s how the space is arranged and what quality of care is delivered that really matters.
However, that being said this is a few things to keep in mind.
Furniture
Bed (rent a comfortable hospital bed, or bring a bed with a familiar mattress)
Nightstand (ideally with drawers and shelves)
Seating (small sofa, chairs with arms, rocker; avoid chairs on casters)
Small table(s) with storage, such as shelves or drawers
Small kitchen table or drop-leaf table (a standard dining table is usually too big)
Dresser (second dresser for storage may fit in closet for extra storage; drawers are often easier than hanging everything
Clothes
Also, think comfort for class clothes and shoes. Perfect examples are solid tanks, comfortable flats, and a comfy pair of pants. Mix and match will be your friend. Remember that scarves can really change an outfit.
You will not need lots of dressy outfits. Think a basic little black dress with a jacket and dressy slacks outfit and shoes for more formal affairs.
Work-out clothes, pajamas, a bathing suit, bathrobe and shower shoes & sneakers
If you are going to an area where it gets chilly you will need a light jacket. Heavy coat, mittens, hat, and scarf *(if you’re going to be in a colder climate) Maybe rain boots and an umbrella. Don’t forget a comfy pair of slippers.
Remember your entire space will be small. So don’t bring lots of shoes. No more than 6. But you can plan on one each: flats, dressy low heel, sneakers, slippers. It’s hard but really you will not wear every shoe in your home closet and more importantly, you don’t have room for them all.
Don’t over pack.
housewares
Microwave
Mini fridge
Dishes and glasses to use every day (but probably not settings for 10 or 12)
Pots and pans (large and small pots and frying pans may be sufficient)
Coffeemaker
Hot pot
Mixer
Nice serving dish (if your loved one likes to cook, there will be entertaining and social opportunities)
Bedding (two sets sheets, blankets, pillows, comforter — easier than a separate decorative bedspread)
Bath towels
Hangers
Trash can(s)
Wall décor (photographs, paintings)
Curtains (check ahead; blinds are usually already in place)
Lamps, lightbulbs
Clock
Vase
Dish soap
Dish towels
Surface wipes
Window cleaner
Bathroom cleaner
Laundry basket
Laundry detergent
Dusting cloths
Basic toiletries
Medications
Small file or other storage for medical, legal, financial paperwork
Photographs to display or look at in books (digitize everything else to store)
Special heirloom or memento to give a sense of home
Small safe (but don’t bring jewelry, etc., that’s not regularly used.)
Entertainment
Television (if used; make sure your loved one knows how to operate it)
Music system (if used; make sure your loved one knows how to operate it)
Desktop, laptop, or tablet computer (if your loved one will use it)
Tool kit (some communities have workshop areas)
Hobby supplies (needlework, paints, craft materials within reason, cards, books, sporting goods such as golf clubs or bowling ball)
Whatever you think you need edit out 40% of it.
Oh, by the way, if you are sharing a bathroom you might not be able to leave your stuff in the bathroom.
You will have to carry it from your room to the bathroom and back again. Bring your own shower supplies. You’ll want a small bag or carryall that is easy to hang up where you can reach your soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
What should you bring with you if you are sharing a bathroom?
A waterproof shower caddy – either a plastic caddy or a mesh bag
Towels and wash cloths
A robe – for covering up after you shower – It might be a bit chilly in the halls even if you are not modest
Shower shoes – either flip-flops or crocs
Shampoo and conditioner – if you can use the 2-in-1 kind, you’ll save space
Razor and shaving cream
The shower gel is really easier than bar soap.
Which brings us to Laundry.
You may be doing your own. So you will need to bring your own laundry detergent, softener, stain remover and quarters. You will need a laundry basket or bag to get your stuff to the laundry.
I lose my glasses, cuss and mutter, but my worst quality is clutter! I have a drawer just filled with socks I never wear. And pans and woks, old dishes, fondue pots and skewers, a fourteen-year-old bottle of Dewars not one friend drinks, much less myself, sitting there upon my shelf. Everything I buy just clings. I can’t seem to part with things! In boxes on my garage shelves are all my former castoff selves.
The slides from art shows long ago? I dreaded sorting them and so they remain in plastic crates, labeled with their types and dates. Old letters, class notes, tax returns? I’ve heard that paper easily burns as well as shreds, yet still I wait. Years pass as I equivocate. They might be needed someday so, get rid of them? I just say no! With finite space in drawer and bin, I buy new things and…
Paper work. Paper avalanche. Paper chase. Whatever you call it I know papers they are the downfall of many of you. What to do what do you need to keep?
Most financial papers fit in to one of 3 categories
Keep indefinitely
Keep for 7 years
Keep for a year or less
Keep For A Calendar Year Or Less
ATM receipts and deposit slips – when you receive your bank statements you can shred them.
Charge slips (unless it is for a major purchase), for minor purchases once you are satisfied with the purchase. Shred the receipt when your credit card statement.
If you do not have a home office you don’t need to keep your utility bills, monthly mortgage statements or quarterly investment reports.
Keep your pay stubs, credit card statements and investment reports until you receive the W-2 or year-end summaries. Once you have those you don’t need the monthly statements.
Photo by Mari-Helin-Tuominen
Keep Seven Years
Year end credit-card summaries, along with your W-2s and 1099s.
If you itemize your tax return you need to keep all documents you utilized to determine your deductions. These additional documents you should retain include: canceled checks and receipts for all deductible business expenses (such as those for entertainment, home-office equipment, and professional dues), retirement-account contributions, charitable donations, child-care bills, out-of-pocket medical expenses, alimony, and mortgage-interest and property-tax payments.
After 7 years you should scan the actual tax returns or the year-end summaries of your investment accounts as they can come in very handy for future financial planning. Then you can store them on a flash drive or a CD in a safe place.
Infinitely:
Keep receipts for major purchases and receipts that show how much you’ve paid for home improvements as long at your own your home. This will satisfy three things: Insurance claims, potential buyers and when you sell your home to reduce possible capital gains.
Keep beneficiary designation confirmation and purchase price slips that show beneficiary designations and the purchase price of stocks, mutual funds, and any other investments you hold.
It goes without saying that you need to keep your will, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, property deeds, and other permanent records in a safe but accessible place near your other financial documents, so you and your heirs will always be able to get to them quickly, if they need to.
Invest in a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box for your forever documents.
I suggest scanning and digitizing your important personal documents as a back up copy. More info on this by News Leavitt Just remember a digital copy is not the same as a paper copy but it is much easier to obtain a replacement copy of you have a photo copy.
Also, invest in a shredder. In today’s world you really don’t want personal information floating around out there. You can find them for not much money.
Now that you know what to keep and what to shred, I have a post on how to deal your paper as it come in the door. If you would like to read it here is the link Did you get Stacked?
I hope this helps you let go of your papers. I love your comments.
Being organized will save you time and money. I know that I can always use more time can you?
2. Move 4 things off this surface.
Happy Sunday, spring is in full bloom here in Arizona. I am surrounded by the smell of Orange blossoms while hearing the bee’s buzzing about.
#spring #flowers # organized #arizona
