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Welcome To Our Blog
Miscellaneous Quick Tips
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Posted on Friday, May 18, 2012 7:48 AM
WELCOME TO OUR FRIDAY FIND OF THE WEEK With Spring in the air and gardening on everyone's list, we turn our thoughts this week to the world of spring & summer flowers ... The Gardenia Who can't resist the smell of this fragrant and heavenly flower. Gardenias are a heat-loving evergreen also known as Cape Jasmine. Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 3 to 6 feet apart. Select a site with full sun to light shade and moist, rich, well-drained soil. Gardenias prefer acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. For maximum effect and enjoyment, plant Gardenias near a deck or window where you can enjoy the flowers' fragrance. The plants grow from 2 to 8 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety. Most gardenias grow into a round shape with dark green, glossy leaves and white, fragrant flowers that bloom from mid-spring into summer. Avoid planting gardenias near a concrete walk or foundation where the pH maybe too high for good growth. Gardenias love the heat, but still require at least an inch of watering each week. To help retain moisture and reduce weeding, apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch. Feed monthly during the growing season with an acidifying fertilizer. Prune in early spring to shape the bush, and deadhead after flowering to encourage more flowering. With a little care and alot of love, Gardenias can bring a wealth of fragrance and beauty to spring and summer gardens. Don't forget to pick a flower or 2 and bring indoors, where you can enjoy the beauty even on rainy summer days. |
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Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2012 12:41 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S But today is Wednesday ... Even as a Professional Organizer we sometimes struggle with the same issues as everyone else, lack of time. Over the years I have created habits and systems that keep me and my customers focused & successful. But let's be honest, sometimes life just throws you an unexpected curve ball that has to be played. The child who is sick, the car that breaks down, the family pet that dug under the fence you now have to scurry the neighborhood to find .... The important thing to remember is to get back ON TRACK the next day. Don't make excuses or allow yourself to start finding ways to escape from developed systems or routines that keep you on track with your goals. Be kind to yourself and remember that just because TODAY came with unexpected surprises, come TOMORROW.... you are back IN CONTROL again. |
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Posted on Friday, May 04, 2012 10:33 AM
WELCOME TO OUR FRIDAY FIND OF THE WEEK If you've ever been to a Salvage Center or Builders Recycling Center, you know the treasures you can find ... photo courtesy of etsy.com photo courtesy of todd baker @ flicker.com There are literally hundreds of Antique Door Knobs, that come in a variety of styles,colors, shapes & materials. There is no end to the fun, creative, and even elegant ways you can use old antique doorknobs to give your towels, coats, hats, and more a vintage feel. photo courtesy of: doorknobs.com This beautiful "pieces of the past" can be found at a local Salvage Centers as well as local Habitat for Humanity ReStore Centers that stock vintage building supplies. |
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Posted on Friday, April 27, 2012 12:43 PM
WELCOME TO OUR FRIDAY FIND OF THE WEEK Every woman needs a little black dress To stay organized with ... What woman doesn't have tons of fun and flirty jewelery they need to store, without the clutter of multiple jewelry boxes and the tangling of necklaces or bulky pieces that just don't seem to fit. Jewelry armoires are great, but finding space for yet another piece of furniture can sometimes be a problem, not to mention the clutter additional furniture can lead to. This little black dress by Umbra® is a stylish way to store earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The two sided organizer hangs on a rod or a hook to maximize space and swivels so you can see your jewelry collections more easily. This fashion forward and fun jewelry organizer features 39 vinyl pockets on one side and 24 hook and loop closures on the other. The Umbra TM Jewelry Organizer retails for $19.99 at local home organization stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and The Container Store. |
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Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 11:14 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Bins, boxes, cases, and containers ... They all work great, but are the products inside the real problem? image by: CoolFreeImages You may have found some great solutions for keeping your bathroom products organized, but most consumers forget to also keep their products healthy. Do you know what the shelf life is for the makeup products you store? When was the last time you checked the labels and expiration on prescription and over the counter medications? Most makeup products can be keep for up to one year, with the exception of faster dryer products like mascara, which maxes out at about 4 months. What about prescriptions and over the counter medicines? They too have a shelf life that needs to be disposed of in a timely manner. Where some medications may become less potent over time, there are others which actually increase in potency and can cause serious side effects or death. For this reason alone, keeping an organized bathroom cabinet, is a healthy way of keeping your home and family safe. image by: Real Simple It may seem like a great way to keep those household budgets down, but in reality, keeping expired products can be a costly mistake. |
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Posted on Friday, April 13, 2012 12:35 PM
WELCOME TO OUR FRIDAY FIND OF THE WEEK Looking for something unique and shabby chic? Tired of boring bargain basement shower curtains?  image: Ballard Designs This excluxive burlap shower curtain with off white bullion fringe from Ballard Designs, is sure to capture the attention of family and guests. Burlap gives texture and a sense of natural beauty. Best of all you can dress it up, for a formal look, or play up the shabby chic earthy quality, for a customized look that is all your own. For details go to: |
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Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 12:08 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Do your photos crave color? Do you struggle with how to arrange photos so they tell a story? image: Decorating on a Dime Here's a quick tip for arranging those family photos, while also adding some color and fun. 1.) Choose a frame color and finish for your grouping. Choose a complimentary style like brushed nickel, and repeat that finish in different shapes, or for a more traditional look approach, select a repeating frame of the same style and color, like the photo above. 2.) Now that you have selected a frame, choose the colors for your photo mats. Note this process works best with B&W or Sepia tone photos. Choose colors that are complimentary to your room, but in a darker or lighter shade than your walls, or a more playful punch of varying bold colors. 3.) Select how you want to tell your story ... Do you want each line to tell a short story, or do you want the wall to tell a longer story like a book, that you read line to line filled with action and adventure? 4.) Layout your frames on the floor in the design pattern you have chosen and re-arrange as needed until you find that perfect style that says "you". 5) Measure, hang, and there you have it .... A customized, colorful, and creative wall that tells a story of the people who live there, and the road traveled along the way. |
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Posted on Friday, April 06, 2012 11:59 AM
WELCOME TO OUR FRIDAY FIND OF THE WEEK No matter if you are celebrating Passover in Blue or Easter in Pastels, this time of year is all about the celebration of festive color .. image: benjamin moore Few things have the instant makeover impact that painting a room can provide. What better way to celebrate color, than with quick drying zero-VOC paint by Benjamin Moore. With Natura Paints by Benjamin Moore, you can create new color and move back into the room the same day. |
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Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2012 6:42 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Need a new way to store all those beautiful tablecloths you just cant seem to find room for? Why fold, stuff, crease, and wrinkle beautiful tablecoths, when you can just hang them. By using a standard pants hanger found in stores, you can hang even your most treasured family tablecloths in less space, while keeping them iron fresh and ready to use. |
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Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2012 12:58 PM
A Centerpiece to Get Egg-Cited About image: BHG.com Bring Easter to your table in a fun and colorful way with this creative flower and egg centerpiece. Place a large drinking glass or thin vase in the center of a larger vase or wide mouth jar, and stack eggs between the 2 containers for a special effect that makes the eggs appear to be floating with fun and holding the flowers in place. |
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Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2012 10:15 PM
WELCOME TO OUR FRIDAY FIND OF THE WEEK Do you love to mix and match design styles? If you are a homeowner who cannot decide between rustic and formal, now you don't have to .... Check out the "Foucault's Orb Crystal Chandelier" from Restoration Hardware A gyroscope inspired openwork globe, encircling a multi-faceted crystal chandelier. |
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Posted on Monday, March 26, 2012 10:26 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Thinking of adding some Springtime color to your home, but worried it's still too cold outside? Don't let cooler temps discourage you from adding punches of color to welcome buyers and guest to your front door. Create a feeling of surprise with Springtime flowers like Pansies or Johnny Jump Ups, that tolerate those Midwestern Springtime temps. Place in colorful pots near front entrances, to create a dramatic effect that is unforgettable. With so many houses still winter time grey and boring, NOW is the time to give YOUR HOME that punch of color and surprise that says "BUY ME" ... I'm Fun, Colorful,and Unforgettable!! |
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Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:05 PM
WELCOME TO OUR FRIDAY FIND OF THE WEEK Who says beige has to be boring? The key to working with monochromatic color schemes, it to use texture and pattern, to give your room depth and feel. Here's a glimpse at Horchow's 2012 Spring Costal Collection. |
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Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 4:09 PM
 Springtime .... It's that time of year again when flowers are starting to bloom, and warmer weather invites you to open windows and let the fresh air circulate your home.
It is also the time when Spring Cleaning gears up for a fresh and healthy start. If selling your home is on your Spring or Summer checklist, this is an even more important time to get those home repair and maintenance items taken care of, before your home goes on the market. Interior Maintenance: - Take out all refrigerator and freezer contents. Throw away old and expired items.
- Scrub down all interior surfaces, including rubber gaskets around the doors.
- Reorganize the contents as you put them back by dairy, meats,cheeses, produce, condiments and beverages.
- Wipe down cabinet doors and inside drawers
- Check pantry items for expired food, and items that may have gotten inhabited by tiny bugs. Now is the time to purchase airtight storage containers for pantry items for things like pasta, sugars, etc.
- Use vinegar rinse for dishwashers and cut up lemon wedges for your garbage disposal.
- Wash shower curtains, blankets, and specialty linens.
Exterior Maintenance: - Patch cracks in the driveway, patio, paths and sidewalk.
- Power wash wooden decks and surfaces.
- Lubricate the doors and windows.
- Have your chimney and furnace serviced.
- Caulk windows and doors.
- Trim tree branches that became broken or damaged from winter elements.
- Go through medications and first aid supplies, and toss any expired prescriptions.
- Steam clean carpets and furniture to clean and refreshen from pets and holiday entertaining.
- Change over wardrobe closets and/or donate unused clothing.
Miscellaneous: - Smoke detectors - test, clean, and change the batteries.
- Fire Extinguishers - recharge and check dates.
- Change the filters in the furnace
- Schedule any HVAC services now - don’t wait until the first really hot day.
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Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 11:24 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S If you have older lighting fixtures that date the look of your home, consider replacing them with newer & updated hardware, such as brushed nickel or stainless steel fixtures, that today's home buyers are looking for.  (photo by bellacor.com) Although many lighting fixtures can be expensive, lesser expensive alternatives are available, while still adding elegance and an updated appeal to your home. If replacing the fixtures in your home is not affordable, then selectively change out fixtures in key areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and exterior lighting for the best ROI, for that touch of updated warmth and elegance to your home. |
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Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:10 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S No room in your bathroom for installing towel bars, maybe the back of the door is a well designed place to towels to hang neatly and discreetly. Installing rods on the back of closet doors makes it easy to add needed space for hanging towels, as well as keeping other linens like tablecloths and runners free from wrinkles. Whether you're looking for more space, or simply need to find a way to keep towels and linens more organized, consider your doors to help with your home's need for function and organization. |
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Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 1:31 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Photo credit:: BHG.com Your fireplace doesn't have to be in the center of a room, to be the CENTER of attention. Many homeowners are frozen to creativity, by the warmth of an off center fireplace. Somehow knowing how to arrange furniture and accessories becomes a difficult challenge of direction. An offset mantel to balance the design and draw the eye the opposite direction along with carefully placed accessories, can make an awkwardly designed fireplace, appear as if it was intentionally designed just for you. |
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Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2012 12:36 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S No matter how beautiful the decor, a home with odors, is an instant turnoff for potential buyers. Make sure that toilet bowls, dishwashers, washing machines, garbage disposals, and other related items are crystal clean and odor free. Revitalize odors from dishwashers with a cup of vinegar and run it through an empty cycle. Remove washing machine odors with a cup of bleach and hot water, and citrus peels are great for grinding out odors in garbage disposals. Smoke is one of the most difficult odors to eliminate, because it can seep into walls, fabrics, furniture and appliances. Removing smoke odor from appliances can be done using common household items such as hydrogen peroxide, salt and vinegar. The less maintenance a potential buyer sees or smells, the better the chances of your home will sparkle in their eyes. |
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Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2012 11:34 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Houseplants are a great way to bring warmth and texture to a home, especially in winter when gardens outdoors are brown and grey, or covered in snow. Unfortunately most homes are also very dry in winter months, which leaves houseplants screaming for moisture, as well as becoming more prone to certain diseases. Overwatering is not the answer. The problem is humidity. Unless you are raising cactus, most houseplants need at least 50% humidity in order to survive. The best way to raise the humidity level and keep luscious leaves thriving, is to install a humidifier, or at minimum to mist foliage on a regular basis. Check your local Home & Garden store for Humidity Index cards that monitor the levels of humidity near plants. |
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Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 1:34 AM
Here it is the final day of January, and many of you who started New Year's Resolutions, will be looking back at the fire that originally inspired you, to be nothing more now than a slowly dwindling flame. Remember that instituting new habits and changes is an "Evolution" not a "Resolution". Resolutions.. even with the best of intentions, can sometimes create overly high expectations, resulting in unachievable goals. Evolutions ... on the other hand are gradual processes of changes, leading to a final goal of completion. Make the year ahead a time for change, but also allow yourself the proper amount of time and focus needed for that change, in order to ACHIEVE IT, BECOME IT, OR OVERCOME IT, once and for all !! |
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Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 11:00 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Small spaces require creative thinking when it comes to storage solutions .... An unused storage bench becomes a full capacity work center with the addition of hanging file folder frames, removable compartment trays, and even a handy cork board for posting notes, photos and more. A simple and inexpensive solution, to an everyday problem. A great idea for window seat benches too !! |
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Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 12:42 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Make your small space a functional space .... Try freestanding sinks with built in towel bars for added function, or great looking smaller sized pieces of furniture to help with storage of towels, and other bathroom supplies. Make sure the size of the furniture is not overwhelming and compliments the overall decor style of the room. |
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Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 2:16 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S  For busy families, refrigerators and freezers can sometimes bean un-organized mess of small unstackable items that take up space and become hard to find or sometimes even forgotten. Maximize your freezer space with heavy duty plastic bins to keep freezer selections handy and organized. Note: Heavier weight plastic will withstand freezer conditions and give you long term organizing assistance. |
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Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 12:26 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S The holidays are packed away and another year is upon us. For millions of Americans, January marks the beginning of a long and winding road of resolutions, repurpose, and reinvention. No matter what your New Year's Resolutions are, remember these tips to make sure your resolutions, do not end in relapse. 1. SET REALISTIC & OBTAINABLE GOALS Set small goals that can be reached within a short period of time, vs 9 or even 12 months down the road. If you want to lose 20 lbs, make a goal to lose 10 lbs, followed by 15 lbs, and then 20 lbs. Make a goal reachable, then once reached, move forward to the next level. 2. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS It's easy to lose your way, when you're not sure where you have been, or what you've done. Busy days and hectic schedules lead towards feelings of failure or misconception that small accomplishments are not worth noting. By tracking your daily or weekly accomplishments, you are not only proving to yourself that even in hectic times, small changes are possible, you are also seeing where the pitfalls and struggles that get in the way of your goals may be, so you can face them, or remove them. 3. CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Be a kid again. Reward yourself in small ways for accomplishing goals for that week, that month, or in whichever way makes you feel special, and the desire to keep going, a powerful tool. 4. RE-EVALUATE AND MOVE FORWARD If you have reached your short term goal, congratulate yourself and move onto the next phase of your goal. If you find you are struggling and not meeting your goals, try to re-evaluate where the struggles are and take that goal and break it down into smaller bites that are more attainable for you and your lifestyle. The most important thing is to KEEP MOVING FORWARD. Find balance between achieving goals, and living a realistic yet challenging and rewarding life. |
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Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 11:45 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S The holidays are almost over, and packing up the Christmas decorations can sometimes be just as time consuming as deciding how to arrange it all. So how to you preserve that creative spark and recreate the same excitement again next year? Take a photo of your greatest creations and displays, so you will remember exactly how it looked, and what items you used. Then pack that photo along with those items away for next year, so you can bring back memories, and save time re-creating the perfect holiday memory. |
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Posted on Monday, December 26, 2011 2:50 AM
The gifts have been opened, and all that beautiful wrapping paper is now is just a memory to be tossed away. Remember the days when Grandma would collect and save all that left paper to fold and reuse for next year? Grandma had the right idea, but that was before the dawn of paper shredders, and a whole new way of recylcing was born upon us. Take all that used wrapping paper and put it in the shredder, where it can be used for filling of future gifts and even storage of christmas items, protecting them for years to come. |
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Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 2:14 AM
The guests are arriving, the kitchen is full of goodies simmering away, yet how do you do it all and still smile -DELEGATE !! Have a list of easy tasks prepared for guests that offer to help. Allow others to pour the wine, refill drinks, or make the announcement for dinner. Having someone else do little things for you, can actually help you concentrate on that all important Holiday Dinner presentation, you want everyone to remember throughout the year. Remember that Family gatherings usually involve small kids. Appetizer trays meant for adult guests, are a sure invitation for little hands and sloppy messes. Create a kid friendly appetizer tray with cheese sticks, apple slices, animal crackers, etc, to keep them focused on their own delights. If nothing else remember this- Even the best of chefs, have set off a smoke alarm or two in their days. The most important thing about the Holidays, is to enjoy family and friends, and be thankful for the love, support, and most of all bravery, for enduring whatever comes out of the kitchen !! |
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Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 10:19 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Have alot of gift to wrap this Holiday season? Try selecting a specific color or theme of wrapping paper for each family member, to make gift wrapping easier and more personalized. To wrap something soft like a scarf or pashmina, place a piece of cardboard inside the item so that you have a sturdy structure to help keep its shape and prevent paper from tearing. |
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Posted on Wednesday, December 07, 2011 2:53 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Looking for an attractive way to keep entryway floors clean from winter boots and slushy messes? Here's a great low cost idea for Open Houses, Family Gatherings, or everyday seasonal messes. Take a large tray metal baking pan, and line it with medium sized river rock or other colorful stone to compliment your decor. To finish the look and also keep stones in place, add a pre-made picture frame or pieces of wood trim in a color that matches your decorating style. Whether it's framed or unframed, large stones or small stones, these boot trays will add style and sophistication to any laundry room or entry way. |
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Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 6:53 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Lack of space does not mean lack of organization or function. Consider a stackable washer and dryer, and install a shelving unit in the space next to the unit. Ultimately you will achieve more storage space that is also easier to reach than traditional storage shelves or cabinets installed above full size washer and dryers. |
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Posted on Monday, November 21, 2011 11:22 PM
WELCOME TO
QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S
The holidays are here and so is gift giving season. Are your ribbon spools unwinding your patience?
Try stacking them on a paper towel holder from largest to smallest. Use
a small piece of scotch tape to keep ends neat and tangle free.
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Posted on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:25 PM
Welcome to Quick Tip Tuesday's Does your busy home have a bathroom where towels are constantly being used? Do you wish your family would take the time to properly hang or fold a towel? Do you have children that never seem to hang up towels after they are used? You can easily solve these problems and more, by installing hooks instead of towels bars, making it a quick and easy to keep bathrooms free of messy towels and clutter. For homes with children, install hooks at a level where children can easily reach them. |
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Posted on Tuesday, November 08, 2011 11:02 AM
Welcome to Quick Tip Tuesday's Don't let recycling plastic bags become a nightmare of clutter throughout your kitchen. Be green the easy way by using an old tissue box for dispensing bags without clutter. |
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Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2011 4:50 PM
It's that time of year again when we turn back the clocks,giving us that extra hour of daylight, as we awake to start our day. As we countdown the final days of 2011, now is the time to use that "power hour" to decide which habits you will NOT FALL BACK ON. Give yourself a goal that once you turn back the clock, you will only move FORWARD towards your goals. Sometimes even with the best of intentions, life can temporarily distract us from personal & professional goals. By keeping a consistent check on your goals, helps you to spot distracting actions or habits, and eliminates time wasters, in order to travel the road towards success. 1. Whenever you find yourself drifting, don't beat yourself up over it. Simply shake it off, get back your direction, and know for next time, what it was that got in the way, and prevent it from distracting you again in the future. 2. Be realistic in your goals. Take small but foreceful steps in driving closer to your goal each day. 3. Be consistent and focused. Pick 1 goal and be relentless at achieving it. Once you have conquered that goal, be ready to move onto the next one. Being too scattered in your efforts, can burn you out, before you have reached your destination. 4. Research your goal, and change direction when necessary in order to achieve success. Sometimes what we start out driving towards is not what we originally set out to find. There is no shame in re-routing your map in order to achieve pinpointed succcess. Today is a great day to move FORWARD, by turning the clock BACK. |
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Posted on Saturday, June 25, 2011 10:49 AM
 Ceiling Fans
Outdoor temperatures are on the rise!! Don't forget to adjust your ceiling fans to summer mode. Most fans are reversible, allowing the blades to change with the seasons. Common myths are to push air down in summer to create a cooling breeze below, when actually warm air rises. Therefore the best way to adjust blades is to “raise cool air up” in summer, and “push warm air down” in winter, allowing you to adjust your thermostat to save fuel. Homebuyers also love ceiling fans in bedrooms and family entertainment areas, yet are sometimes a forgotten area of maintenance. Make sure fan blades are clean and dust free for maximum appeal. |
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