Vicki Norris' Restoring Order Blog

Favorite Organizing Apps!

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

We have compiled a few of our favorite apps for your smartphone or ipad that help you along your organizing journey!

Mint
Evernote
Clean Freak Cleaning Schedule
Remember the milk
Dragon Dictation
Inventory Buddy
Closet

What are your favorite organizing apps? We would love to hear!

Before & After Office

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Check out this recent Offie Makeover we completed:

Junk Drawer Makeover

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Do you have a "junk drawer" in your kitchen? Do you have multiple "junk drawers?" If so, check out these inspirational before and after pictures of a current projects one of our consultants just finished with a client!

I challenge you this week to take control of your junk drawer! Start by taking everything out....yes, everything. Next, determine the purpose of the drawer. Is is mainly a message station or is it more of a utility drawer? Once you have determined the purpose, reload the drawer with only those items that fit that purpose!

Common Organizing Mistakes- Part 8: Due Diligence

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Due Diligence

The alternative to taking shortcuts, of course, is going the full distance to reach our destination. Dieters who are tired of the ceaseless cycles of weight gain and loss must decide to get off the pills and bars and shakes and everything else they have tried to shortcut the path to healthy living. If they really want to change, they will need to change their eating habits and lifestyle. People who want lasting change must adopt a new mind-set and make disciple choices.

Those of us who have binged on organizing shortcuts also need a transformative change process. So what do you do know? You have the opportunity to finally get your organizing efforts right. Without due diligence, you will continue to try slapdash methods with unsatisfactory results. Through your due diligence, you’ll gain insight and become equipped for your organizing journey. Your change process will transform your thinking and your choices!

Common Organizing Mistakes-Part 7: Why We Cheat

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Why We Cheat

If buying products, rearranging, cleaning, stashing, tidying, and using cookie-cutter solutions haven’t worked for us yet, you would think that we would come to our senses. One would think that with all our failed self-help efforts, we would eventually make a decision to bail out of our cycle of disorganization. If we’ve tried again and again to get organized with products and labels and tips, yet none of those solutions endured, the rational approach would be to try something else.

We are in denial about our true problem: We want an easy shortcut more than we want to find the real solution. Until we come to terms with our failed self-help efforts and commit to engaging in an authentic organizing process, we will endlessly circle around and around in the revolving door of disorganization.

Shortcuts give us a sense of control over our unmanageable lives. Living an organized life in “three simple steps” sounds pretty appealing to those of us who are totally overwhelmed. But these perceived payoffs aren’t really payoffs at all. When we take a shortcut, we don’t make progress, we don’t get to the finish line faster, we aren’t really in control of our disorganization. Our perception that shortcuts offer a winning approach is false.

We need to stop cheating so that we can start winning! We cannot outsmart the system as we begin creating and sustaining order.

Common Organizing Mistakes- Part 6: The Cookie Cutter

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The Cookie Cutter

We so badly want a magic potion for our organizing challenged that we will try almost any solution. The last serious organizing mistake we make is applying a universal tip or method to our mess. This is the cookie-cutter approach to organizing. I have come to believe that no one tip or trick will work for every person. Each person needs and deserves organizing solutions designed with him or her in mind.

Just because open shelves work in your neighbor’s garage, for example, doesn’t mean they will work in your garage. Perhaps your neighbor needs open access to items but you like to store your gear behind closed doors. Your girlfriend might use a system for household chores that works in her family, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work in your family. Good organizing proceeds from good self-observation. Organizing systems that work are customized to the users, not borrowed from conventional wisdom.

We all wear different sizes and have different body types, and we look for attire that fits our type and style. One size rarely fits all. If you’ve ever been enticed to buy something that either didn’t fit or wasn’t quite “you,” then you know what I’m talking about. Cookie-cutter organizing solutions may seem tempting at the moment, but like an ill-fitting garment, they will end up in the bad idea pile before very long!

Reminder- Free Shred Day Tomorrow!

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Do you have bags of old credit cards statements in your garage or boxes of old checks that are decades old? If so, you should take advantage of this upcoming FREE Shred day!

Join the Shred-it Team as they pair up with the Better Business Bureau for a Community Shred-it Event at the U.S. Bank of Oregon in Beaverton, Ore.

Date and Time:

April 21,2012
9:00am to 1:00pm

Location:

4505 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton Ore

FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING: Drive up and drop off up to three bags or boxes per person. No cardboard or three-ring binders. Items will be securely shredded on-the-spot by Shred-it.

FREE CELL PHONE RECYCLING: Discard old cell phones to Verizon’s HopeLine, which wipes sensitive data and allocates phones to domestic violence victims.

Common Organizing Mistakes- Part 5: The Tidying Trick

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The Tidying Trick

Closely related to the cleaning cure-all is the tidying trick. We have all spent time tidying up our space instead of organizing. Rather than restoring long-term order, we’ve created a short-term neat appearance. This organizing mistake is especially easy to make because it feels so productive!

With good intentions, many of us have stayed late at work or come into the office on a weekend to deal with our messy cubicle. We tossed out old, stagnated paperwork and recycled some tattered files. We tidied and tidied until our office looked presentable. Returning home, we felt proud of our progress.

Sadly, within a couple of weeks we found ourselves sitting in a messy cubicle once again, shaking our heads in disbelief. Why does tidying never last very long? If you have not implemented good systems for capturing and processing incoming paper and information, you will be stuck in an endless cycle of tidying. If you have not discovered and eliminated your bad habits, your tidy space will be sabotaged. If you don’t understand your priorities, roles, and job description, you mat take on too many projects, neglect delegation, or work in your weakness instead of your strengths. An authentic organizing process takes all this information into account.

Once you have engaged in a viable organizing process and you’ve done the due diligence of discovery, you will reduce the amount of clutter in your space. Of course, being organized will not eliminate the need to maintain your space with daily and weekly processing.

Common Organizing Mistakes- Part 4: The Stashing Solution

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The Stashing Solution

Cleaning can actually create clutter. If we need to spray the kitchen counter with cleaner, we must first do something with the piles of paperwork. Since we are on a cleaning kick, we don’t want to redirect our energy to sorting the piles of paper, so we just slide the paper into a drawer or bag. We delay dealing with the paper so we can get the cleaning done. We toss bags filled with clutter into the hall closet and stuff loose ends into drawers to make room for cleaning. We have become victims of the stashing solution.

Stashing has given birth to the junk drawer. Our junk drawers are bursting with a collection of odds and ends, receipts, paperwork, and items we are saving “just in case.” Stashing also creates what I call “time capsules.” Time capsules are bags or boxes filled with stuff that we wanted to hide. Instead of dealing with the contents and putting things away, we applied a temporary fix: the stashing solution.

Unlike stashing, which offers a quick but detrimental fix, organizing forces you to stop, think, and made decisions about where items really belong. Organizing requires planning and space allocation to activities and items. Because it includes making decisions, organizing takes longer than stashing, but it’s worth it. Organizing also prevents loss of items, which costs you enormous time, stress, and frustration.

Common Organizing Mistakes - Part 3: The Cleaning Cure-All

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The Cleaning Cure-All

One of the most common mistakes we make in our quest for an ordered life is to substitute cleaning for organizing. The hair on my neck stands on end when people confuse cleaning with organizing. They call our company and innocently ask if we can come “clean up” their mess. Organizing shows on television like The Learning Channel’s Clean Sweep only add to the confusion by associating cleaning with organizing. Once people understand the difference between cleaning and organizing, they can focus on the real change they’ve been seeking.

Cleaning take the grime out of your living space. I love coming home to the smell of bleach or Murphy’s Oil. I can tell someone has been cleaning! Cleaning is a maintenance activity that keeps germs at bay. However, cleaning does not tell you what you should do with the clutter. It does not provide a way to discover the purpose of each room and its appropriate contents. It does not help you understand or change your behavior.

The good news is that you can have both and organized and a clean home. When your space is organized, it is easier to clean because you can confidently return nomadic items to their appropriate location, and surfaces aren’t clogged with clutter. Cleaning may bring you short-term relief, but an organizing process will actually liberate you!

Before & After Bathroom!

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Check out this exciting project we just completed with a client! This client was so overwhelmed with how her bathroom had become so cluttered with items that she no longer needed or used. I hope this serves as inspiration for anyone who is overwhelmed with a room in their home...this is proof that you can do it!

Secure Your ID Day- Free Shredding!

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Date and Time:

April 21,2012
9:00am to 1:00pm

Location:

4505 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton Ore

FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING: Drive up and drop off up to three bags or boxes per person. No cardboard or three-ring binders. Items will be securely shredded on-the-spot by Shred-it.

FREE CELL PHONE RECYCLING: Discard old cell phones to Verizon’s HopeLine, which wipes sensitive data and allocates phones to domestic violence victims.

Common Organizing Mistakes- Part 2 : The Rearranging Remedy

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Sometimes when we are really motivated, we roll up our sleeves and charge into a rom with the goal of conquering the clutter. Like a steely-eyed warrior, we attack our space with a vengeance. Fed up with disorganization, we madly begin sorting and purging.

We might begin in the family room by grouping our junk together in piles. We move furniture out of the way and discover lost game pieces and action figures underneath. We don’t know what to do with the game pieces and toys, so we put them in a pile. We circle the room de-cluttering and arranging the stuff within it. When we don’t know what yo do with something, we simply shuffle it to another spot of another room.

At the end of the day, the room may appear as though or hard work paid off. It may look and feel organized, but on crucial step was missing. We never made a decision about which items should be living in the room. We still don’t know the purpose of the family room and its

Common Organizing Mistakes- Part 1: Product Panacea

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0700

The organizing industry is big business. A recent Newsweek article reports that home-storage products are a $4.36 billion industry “with sales of objects like wire shelving and acrylic Q-tip holders up a prodigious 10 percent a year since 1998. This trend is an indicator that as a culture we are attempting to gain control of our surroundings. We rush to warehouse stores to fill our carts with plastic boxes, bins, and drawers, and we triumphantly return home to throw these products at the problem. We continuously collect organizing products, searching for the latest and greatest.

Now, I am not against organizing products, but I don’t like the mass-produced plastic stuff that is made from a mold. I believe that the right products at the right time have their place in the process of organizing. When I am working with a client on a pantry organizing, for example, I want to understand the family’s eating habits and favorite foods before we buy products.

The correct purpose of an organizing product is to meet an established need, not to simply contain stuff. Used independently of a process, products may be attractive and even functional. However, products cannot truly solve problems and help sustain change unless they are partnered with a useful discovery process. By containing, storing, stowing, stacking, and labeling our belongings, piles and paper, we feel like we are making progress, but we are only applying a panacea.

Spring Is Here!

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

When I think of Spring, I think of being refreshed! I love being outside smelling the fresh, almost new air! I wanted to share a piece of my latest enews called "Refresh." I hope you enjoy this and if so, be sure to sign up for my free monthly enews to get little bits of inspiration delivered directly to your inbox!

Refreshment is about focus. Pruning out the overage in our life helps us to do that. Is there anything you can cut back or streamline to subtract responsibility and stress from your life and bring fresh focus?

When you’re online, what do you do when a screen is frozen or stuck? Hit refresh! The refresh button brings things up-to-date. If you want to experience refreshment, you must live in the now! Living in the past will never let you enjoy refreshment. Neither will living for the future. Only in the NOW is refreshment accessible.

So, how can you find refreshment now?

• Ask for peace that passes all understanding and then seek to understand and walk in it; for, when apprehended, it is both a great mystery and victorious manner of living. Peace is the beginning of true refreshment.

• Begin looking for, or creating, places of sanctuary, like a reading nook, a welcoming front porch, or a cozy office breakroom retreat that offer a respite to you and others

• Capture moments of refreshment in real time, taking pictures of special memories or scenes, or writing in a journal. For example, I take pictures of my kids bare feet or things in nature that speak to me

Authentic refreshment comes from the inside, not outside. Even in the above examples, avoid simply rearranging space or taking more pictures; although there’s nothing wrong with either, that’s not the point of refreshment. Instead of the activity, authentic refreshment is about the access to internal space. It's an invitation to what’s inside to come out!

Refreshment is a special cocktail of subtracting, pruning, focusing, purposing, sanctuary, and celebrating. It’s not found in the hustle and hurry. It’s found in the focus of a life that’s bent on making earth life a bit more heavenly.

Reclaim Your Time!

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0700

If you would say that being an engaged, active parent is a priority for you, but quality time with your children does not show up on your calendar,you can question whether it is truly a priority for you. Perhaps you've been squeezing "quality time" in between dinner and homework. Only you will know if your priorities are evident in your use of time.

If you find a disconnect between the priorities you claim and the lifestyle you live, the good news is that you can begin now to audit and change your schedule. Get out your calendar and reclaim your time!

Instead of populating your calendar with all your commitments, meetings, and obligations,begin with a blank calendar. If being an active parent is a priority for you, schedule special time with each child on a weekly basis. You are the only one who can adjust the way you use your time and to put first things first.

Why I Started My Company

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0700

I wanted to tell you about me and how I see organizing which is much more than bins and baskets, tips and tricks. Order lets you reclaim your life. I want to help end hopelessness. Enjoy!

What About the Driver?

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Recently I was in a town car that was transporting me from Corona, CA to downtown Los Angeles for a meeting. This would be a great opportunity to catch up on reading and some nice quiet time to pray.

So I started praying for great opportunities for my meeting. The drive was quiet for at least fifteen minutes. I was praying for the day, for the business at hand. For doors to open. For favor. For opportunities to serve.

And then I heard in my heart "Vicki, what about the driver?" Oh, yah, Ken. My driver Ken. The polite town car driver with the Santa-like beard. I liked him right away. But I hadn't even seen the opportunity right in front of me. Thankfully I got another chance.

So we had a lovely chat for the remainder of the ride. I learned about his wife and son - just a few years older than my oldest son. That he was from my husband's hometown. That his wife had a broken ankle and he feels like a single dad right now. That he works on Sundays and never gets to go to church with his wife and son. It struck me how alike our jobs are...that we both get to drop into the middle of people's "life movie" and see a slice of their life. For the next hour I was able to take an interest, to ask, to relate, to encourage.

I almost missed the opportunity right in front of me. What opportunities are there right in front of you to seize that you may have ignored as you think, pray, and reach for the future?

Get Organized To Save Money- Assess your Pantry!

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0700

We all know EVERYONE is trying to save money these days. What amazes me when working with clients is how much waste occurs! The idea of getting organized to save money is about not just spending less, but using up what you already have!

One way we help our clients get organized to save money is to assess their pantry before they go grocery shopping. I recently challenged a client to go an ENTIRE month to use up what she had in her pantry and to only purchase perishable items such as milk, eggs, meat and veggies. She was not allowed to purchase anything that you would find in a pantry.

The result? She got creative! She started using up items in her pantry and in the process started creating much interesting and unique meals for her family all while saving money.

Are there items in your pantry that you could be using up? Why don't you take this 30 day challenge and see how creative you can get!

Get Organized Before Tax Time!

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0700

I know some of you are saying, "Isn't this early to be thinking about taxes?" And then you realized, that it isn't. The sooner you start getting organized and staying that way the less stressful tax season will be. Remember, organizing isn't about tips and tricks or bins and baskets. It's about a lifestyle that you reclaim.

Take an Organizing "Staycation"!

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Spring Break is coming soon! Will you be taking a trip to get away from all your clutter? So often I hear the excuse, 'I just don't have time to get organized.' Well...spring break is your chance! I challenge you to make the most of your time off this spring break and finally tackle that bonus room or garage.

We are here to help if you need a jump start on your Organizing "Staycation." Schedule your own "staycation" and reclaim your home or workplace!

We're filling up for Spring Break for OR & WA dates:
2012 Oregon Spring Break Dates: March 21st-25th
2012 Washington Spring Break Dates: April 5th-9th

To get started, give us a call at 503-625-5774 or fill out our online form.

Overwhelmed By Your Photos?

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Do you have photos and memorabilia stored in all rooms of your home? Are you overwhelmed by the thought of getting your photos organized? If so, check out this video on organizing photos and memorabilia!

Up Against the Guard Rail

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0800

One of the most overlooked ways that people become disorganized (and stay stuck in that place) is because they're living up against the guardrail. They are not allowing any room for error, no time for re-grouping, no MARGIN between the freeway of their life and the unforgiving metal barrier.

If you wonder why your house looks like a hurricane disaster, could it be that you're there only long enough to mess it up (and then you're off to the next thing)?

If the bills aren't getting paid, mail isn't being processed, and papers aren't filed, could it be that you're simply never in your office longer than to check your email or put out the immediate fires?

By riding up against the guardrail, we experience a pretty constant screeching in our life...metal on metal. Those who feel overwhelmed by their chaos know exactly what I'm talking about. It's that feeling of alarm of having struck something that is our last stop before we head over the cliff. But sadly for many, this bumper pool of danger has become a way of life. We know we can't keep it up but we don't know how to stop.

Just stop. It's that simple. The guardrail is trying to tell you something. You're about to plunge into danger. You need more room for error, more time to think, to regain some sanity. Pull over. Attend to the scrapes in your side caused by living this way. Put some air in the tires. Give yourself a deep clean. Think about where you're even going so fast. Most people living without margin have actually forgotten where they're headed, what the point is, and what they want the outcome to be.

If you've stopped enjoying the road trip and sights along the way, it's time to figure out why and reclaim your life!
~Vicki Norris

Create Your Own Household Reference Binder!

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0800

A household binder can save you from the floating papers in your home that don't fit a typical filing system. These are often papers we need to get to regularly like school schedules, coupons, tickets, brochures, etc. Check out this video to help you get started:

Don't Move Too Fast!

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

I've seem A LOT of people fall off the organizing wagon because they simply went too fast or too slow. Move through your projects at your natural pace and in the best work style for you. If you set out at a frantic pace and wildly start tossing and purging, you may quickly give up when you realize you are, in fact, on a long-term journey. On the other hand, if you just pick at the problem infrequently, you may find that your motivation and momentum disappear.

If you are in the beginning stages of your organizing journey, I challenge you to set a goal for your projects to help keep yourself on track. Make sure and be realistic and give yourself enough time, but not too much time!

Organizing is not a Band-Aid!

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Organizing your life is not a Band-Aid; it's an antidote that, applied daily, will remedy your problem and prevent it from recurring. Disorganization can be remedied; I've seem it happen over and over again, and it can happen for you too! It's not a quick fix; it's a set of customized solutions that work. I have seen small organizing projects and epic-sized disasters, and every single one is surmountable with the correct perspective and methodology.

Once you understand that the true heart of organizing is about gaining your own freedom, not applying another tired trick, you will begin to claim the process for yourself. Join me in moving through your household room by room and beginning the rewarding process of establishing true and lasting order.

Join me March 9th and take control of your paper!

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

I would like to invite you to my Spring Paper Workshops on March 9th, 2012! I am hosting a morning filled with two essential paper workshops to help you prepare for tax season and take control of your paper!

Come out to Dream Acres (Restoring Order Headquarters) located in Sherwood, Oregon for a morning of fun and learning. For more information on topics, times and cost visit my webstore!

I hope you can make it!

Vicki Norris

What Is Important Now?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Many people, sadly, have a hard time moving on from the things that they used to love to do, might find a use for, things that their kids no longer use but their grandkids might.

They say to themselves, I used to love this, so I need to keep it. By living in nostalgia or in wishful thinking, people often keep way too much stuff, especially hobby stuff. If you suffer from the problem, determine what is important to you now. Resist what used to be important or what might be important and try to stay firmly in the present. You will greatly increase your enjoyment of your home when you can live in the present, and you will have a lot less stuff clogging uo your space!

Team Up For Success!

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

When people hire our company, they've decided to partner with someone who can guide them through the organizing process. They've tried to solve their problems on their own, and it hasn't turned out as they had hoped. I encourage you to figure out whether their style is to partner or work on your own. Working with another person like an organizing consultant or a capable, committed friend might be a good fit for you if you need guidance and accountability in your organizing journey.

I challenge you this week to find a friend to help keep you accountable in your organizing journey.

Connect With Vicki on Pinterest!

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Are you on Pinterest? If so, follow Vicki's Boards now! Get inspiration on "DIY Organizing", "Living Your Priorities" as well as "Creative uses for household items"!

Introducing "Playlists" on YouTube!

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

We are excited to introduce our new playlists on our YouTube Channel! If you are a Do-It-Yourselfer you are going to LOVE these videos!

Playlists include:

40 Days To Restore Order
Life Management
Storage Areas
Private Areas
Public Areas

Visit Vicki's YouTube Channel Now!

Organizing is Like Weeding?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Organizing and maintaining your home is a new lifestyle you are assuming, not a quick fix. Like weeding, it is a two-part process.

First, you must tackle the backlog...all that stuff o paper that has been building up and choking out your peace of mind. A backlogged home is like a weed-infested field.

Second, after you have the backlog under control you will want to set up systems to help you manage incoming items and paper. You will want to clarify the purpose of each space in your home and have a plan for routing and dealing with new stuff.

To gain victory over the disorganization weeds you will need to dig out from the backlog, set up systems that fit your life, and maintain what you've established. Like a vigilant gardener who keeps up her efforts to protect her hard work, you will gain momentum as you go and become committed as you progress. When you pull the weed of disorganization out by its roots, you will begin to reap the benefits and joy of an orderly home.

Imagination Organization

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

I learned from one of my first clients - almost a decade ago - that organization that works is organization that fits the person. And it's the cherry on top if your system can evoke your imagination.

We were organizing her craft room and I wanted a neat and tidy solution for her ribbons (and she had a LOT). She insisted on taking her favorite shimmery ribbons and spilling them about on an antique plate that was also scattered with her favorite buttons. She told me that seeing these accessories inspired her and made her want to take on the next project. She said seeing her ribbons displayed like that (like an "I Spy" book) was like "eye candy" to her.

From then on, I tuned in more closely to each client to see if they had the same aesthetic preferences. I want to help tap into all the senses and evoke imagination with each client.

So, when you think about getting organized, don't limit yourself to "containerizing" and labeling...thinking about what would evoke your senses and put a smile on your face. Here are a few ways I've tapped into imagination in my own systems:

I've arranged my son's metal airplanes under his bed. We call it his "hangar." I love watching him take friends and drag them up to his room to show off his "hang-ah". I can just see the wheels turning in his head as he imagines the runway and the planes taxiing. As early as 9 months his airport sound effects started developing!
Inside my linen closet, I've put an unexpected box of potpourri...so now the soothing smell of that closet is a little extra touch that inspires me to keep it organized.
I've become increasingly daring with my beloved teacup collection, stacking up to three cups inside one another and balancing the plates along the back rail to show off their fabulous designs. I've inserted everything from tattered doilies to pocket watches amongst my collection for a bit of family history. I just love to handle the china and arrange it and just savor all the associated memories. After all, that's what a collection is all about.

Too often, we don't enjoy our "good things" because we're afraid something will happen to them. During my recent move, I broke a handle on my forget-me-not and lilly of the valley cup. I was only fleetingly sad as I remembered the friend who gave it to me. The handle is just sitting in the cup, hoping I'll repair it soon. Even if I don't I'll still have the saucer. But you don't notice it amongst the overflowing pattern and variety that surrounds it. Just like shimmery ribbons and buttons, my teacup collection is organized in my own way....in stacked, gleaming, jaunty glory. It's my eye candy.

Here's to using YOUR imagination in your next organizing project,

Vicki Norris

Are You Ready For Tax Season?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Tax season is approaching fast and many of our clients are buried in receipts, 1099's and W'2! Does this sound familiar? If so, we can help! We are offering a Spring Paper Management Workshop March 9th from 8:30 AM-12:00 PM.

Paper Management Retreat
Friday, March 9th/ 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Just in time for Tax Season!

Retreat Schedule for March 9th:
8:30 am - 10:30 am: "5 P's of Paper Management"
10:30 am- 12:00 pm: "Financial Paper"

Regular Price $149 / Special Price $129
Capacity limited to 16 participants
No luncheon at this event, but coffee, tea, and snack service is provided

This is a great way to connect with others who are restoring order to their homes and lives!

Does Your Computer Need A Makeover?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Did you know that your virtual world needs just as much organizing as your physical world? If you have been losing documents and emails, watch this video for tips on how to organize your computer!

New Years Resolutions #FAIL

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Why do so many of us fail when we make New Years Resolutions? A study by the team at FranklinCovey found most 35% of resolutions were abandoned even before the end of January. Reasons cited for this included being too busy, having too many steps to do to complete the resolutions, and for some not even being serious about the resolution to begin with.

I'm not a believer in resolutions. I believe in living life intentionally. Thinking, feeling, and acting with purpose. We're in the third week of January and many of your resolutions have fallen by the wayside, but it's not too late to make a change in 2012.

There is a movement we learned about called "My One Word" which encourages the choosing of just one word for the year. One word. Simpler in appearance than a long list of resolutions; however, a much deeper process is called upon to determine your one word. This process is intentional. Purposeful.

"The challenge is simple: lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick ONE WORD. This process provides clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. One word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future. "

I encourage you to visit the My One Word website and choose one word for 2012. Once you have, I'd love for you to comment on this post and let me know which word you chose and why.

In case you're wondering, our One Word for the Restoring Order team this year is "Becoming."

Here's to living an aligned, purposeful life!
Vicki Norris

Permanent Donation Bin?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Sometimes in life to have a breakthrough we need to think in new ways. This is especially true when it comes to ordering your life. One area I like to help clients think differently about is the idea of pruning. Many people love the idea of spring cleaning because it forces them to go through their home and get rid of the things that are no longer useful to them. But, why does it only have to be once a year? I love the idea of having a permanent donation box in your closet and garage. This way, the idea of pruning becomes a regular habit of your every day life.

Creative Storage Solutions!

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Need some creative storage tips? Check out this video from Vicki!

Little Things Make a Big Difference

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Recently I had two speaking engagements back-to-back. Both groups had outstanding feedback on their response forms. But I noticed something very interesting....

When the first engagement was over I had a Q & A time with the audience. During the questions, the sponsor asked me in front of everyone "Vicki, how can people learn more from you? Where can they go for more resources?" I smiled with gratitude and shared my website and blog and how soon I'll be launching an Inner Circle - a membership community that will have access to all my content 24-7.

When the second engagement was over, I took questions, but none were from the person who introduced me or from that event's sponsor. And no request for more info....

I didn't think about it, really. Until I counted up the responses I got from each engagement. Forty three people from the first engagement opted to get more information from me and only eleven did so from the second event. Ironically, both groups reported that they were inspired by what I shared and loved the engagements. But the first group took action.

It occurred to me what a big difference it made to the audience to have someone they know verbally "put their arm around" me. It was as if the first sponsor was saying "Hey, I like Vicki, and I know you like what you just heard, so let's support her!" I felt like an insider.

As I've reflected on that feeling - sharing what I have to offer and being brought "into the fold" - I've looked for opportunities to do that for others...

Who can you "put your arm around" in business or in your personal life? If you appreciate what someone has contributed to your life, how can you open doors for them?

Greeting Card-Worthy

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Whenever I need a good laugh, I like standing in the greeting card aisle and reading the funny cards. I have no problem breaking out in hysteria in public...and somehow it's even cathartic for me.

Recently I've had a lot of opportunities to buy greeting cards...Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, sympathy, engagement, new baby...you name it and I've been in the market for the perfect card.

Like everyone else, I've noticed the skyrocketing price of cards (which makes me briefly and insanely consider making my own cards, but then quickly snap out of this Martha-moment in deference to reality). Yet, something else has also been laid on my heart as I stand there and read the heartfelt messages...

Have you ever tried to buy a card for someone, only to reject every one you pick up because the message didn't fit? Frankly, that person wasn't "always there for you," and they didn't always "show their support," or "make you feel special." Let's face it, sometimes it's hard to choose a card for someone (without feeling like a fake) because they haven't really lived up to your expectations.

I recently decided that I want to be a person that the really good greeting cards are about...Not that I want to live a sugary-sweet existence (anyone who knows me is having a good laugh right now) or that I expect people to say contrived things about me...but I want to live up to all that I'm capable of as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, as a friend, and even as an employer/businesswoman. Let me be clear: I'm not saying I want to live for others' expectations of me (because heaven knows that would be exhausting and mis-directed). However, I do want to be a woman of heart, character, passion, intelligence, and diligence who is worthy of a heartfelt card.

When searching for a card for me, I don't want people to go through card after card, putting each one down, l ooking for another that says less so they don't have to feel dishonest.

As I aspire to live my true priorities and be worthy of the GOOD cards, will you aspire alongside me?

~Vicki

Get Organized With 20% Off Products In Our Store!

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

In Honor of January being "Get Organized Month" we are offering 20% ALL Products in Our Store!

THIS WEEK ONLY (Jan. 9th-15th) use discount code "GETORGMO" at checkout to receive 20% off your entire purchase of organizing products and materials.

Our store features Books, DVD's, and Office Products for those of you who are do-it-yourselfers or those who are already receiving hands-on-help. Either way these materials and products are made to support your organizing journey!

The Finer Points

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

"Mommy, I want THOSE pens! They're MINE." (Toddler.)

"No, Nash, they are mine. I just put all the pens together in the same bin. So I can see why you thought they were your pens. But these other big magic markers are yours. And these fine point pens are mine. And so are these calligraphy pens." (The down side of "grouping like things together.)

"But Mommy, those pens have been in there FOREVER. And they're MINE!" (The law of posession.)

"Nash, you can have all these other pens. But Mommy's pens are going to get ruined if I give them to you now. Remember how you smashed the tips of the other pens in your art kit? These tips are the same. I will let you play with them when you're ready to handle them." (Looking for a place to hide Mommy's pens.)

Melt down.
Comforting.
Whining.
Explaining.
Slowing down.
Distracting.
Forgetting.
Smiling.

Quietly. "Nash, Mommy has to wait for some things too." (Realizing that this message on the "finer points" was really for me.)

"OK, Mommy, can I have some chocolate?"

And now I know why I haven't been handed some of the things I wanted in life, too. So I'm preparing my life to be ready to be trusted with the finer things, too.

LIVE Facebook Chat with Vicki!

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Open Mic - "Ask Vicki"

This is your chance to ask Vicki your burning questions. Just jump on facebook from 12-12:30pm on Tuesday, Jan. 10th for a fireside FB chat!

Free Electronics Recycling Day- Lake Oswego

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Free Electronics Recycling Drive

Do you have old electronics collecting around your home? Do you have stacks of used batteries in your garage that you don't know what to do with? If so, join Green Century Electronics Recycling for their FREE Electronics Recycling Drive!

DATE/TIME: Saturday January 7th (9 AM- 3 PM)
LOCATION: Lake Oswego Junior High School (2500 Country Club Road, Lake Oswego OR)

Items They Are Accepting:

Computers
Laptops
Monitors
Ink Cartridges
Cables and wires
Cell Phones
VCRS
Batteries
Cameras

For more information, view this PDF.

Get Your Toys Organized!

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:00:00 -0800

Did your kids get a lot of toys for Christmas? Are you feeling overwhelmed with where to put them? Check out this video from Vicki to learn how to get your toy room organized!

Are You Accelerating?

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:00:00 -0800

In want to order your life, you can start by taking stock of where you're at....

Are you accelerating, stalling, or decelerating in life?

If you're accelerating, you're moving forward. You're starting, or maybe continuing on your journey, or speeding up. You're making progress.

If you're stalling, you're in the middle of the status quo. There's no discernable forward or backward movement. You're high-centered.

If you're decelerating, you're slowing down, or maybe even going backwards. You could be slipping down a hill or slamming on the breaks. You're reducing your progress.

January is Get Organized Month. Wherever you may be in your journey...whether you're speeding up, high-centering, or slowing down, you can RECLAIM your quality of life by allowing the New Year to mark a new start for you...

It's time to put the pedal to the metal and get moving on your road to restoring order!

We're Hiring!

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:00:00 -0800

A professional organizer wears many hats. We help people figure out what is broken and how to fix it. We are forensic investigators, process specialists, planning technicians, and problem solvers. To our clients we are trusted advisors, advocates, and coaches. Above all, as professional organizers we are blessed to be invited into the fabric of other people's lives and entrusted with their problems.

For those of you who are interested in learning more, visit this PDF for more information.

Ending Holiday OVERwhelm: Avoiding Common "Overs" That Spoil the Season

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:00:00 -0800

No regrets this year. No stress with your tinsel.

Isn't it time we simplified our holidays and remember what they're really about?

Every year, folks run around like crazy people trying to do everything this time of year - the cards, the gifts, the events...the list of holiday "musts" heap a heavy burden on already disorganized lives.

As professional organizers, we're in homes every day. We see firsthand the "overage" caused by the seasonal crush. We see the overage manifested in piles of receipts, returns, memorabilia, undone to-dos, and clothes that don't fit come January.

That's why our team at Restoring Order has labored over a special holiday offering we've prepared just for you. It's a FREE week-long inspirational email series called "Ending Holiday OVERwhelm: Avoiding Common "Overs" That Spoil the Season."

In this series, I'll cover common "overs" to avoid:

Over-Committing
Over-Looking
Over-Spending
Over-Consuming
Over-Achieving

We hope you'll take a moment to opt-in using the link above (we never sell or share your info.) and join us in this journey to take back your holidays and Reclaim Your Life!

Wishing you a delightful time filled with wonder and the true Peace of the season!
~Vicki Norris

Habitat For Humanity- "ReStore" Open in Beaverton!

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:00:00 -0800

The ReStores raise funds to help Habitat for Humanity build affordable homes in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan areas. The goal is to keep usable materials out of the waste stream and into home building, remodeling and creative arts projects. With the help of shoppers, donors and volunteers, we have raised over $1 million for Habitat, and we're keeping about 4.2 million pounds of materials out of the landfill each year.

Do you have items in your garage or storage shed that could be used by someone else? If so, I challenge you this week to gather up all these items and take them to one the Portland Area ReStores. Check out their website www.pdxrestore.org for locations and hours.

'Tis The Season!

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 -0800

Do you get overwhelmed just by the thought of your holiday deocrations, let alone getting them out and then...putting them away? If so, watch this video on how to get your holiday decorations organized once and for all!

Organizing Product Abuse!

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 -0800

"Organizing Product Abuse" is a common phrase our consultants use with clients while working! When we go into a client's home or office for the first appointment, it is inevitable we will find massive amounts of organizing products that either are not being used, or not being used appropriately. Check out this video to hear more!

Can you be TOO organized?

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 -0800

Check out this video to see how having TOO many organizing systems can backfire!

Thankful Tree

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

This Thanksgiving I wanted to do something different with my boys to help them understand what Thanksgiving is all about. I ran across this idea of a "Thankful Tree"...and I LOVE it! Everyday we sit down as a family and each write something we are thankful for on a little piece of paper. Then we tie each note of thanks to the tree. I am so thrilled with this new tradition we are starting and look forward to reading each note as a family on Thanksgiving Day!

I challenge you this week to take time to sit down with your kids and help them understand the meaning of Thanksgiving. You might be surprised at what they are thankful for!

Re-Sync Button

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

I was at a speaking engagement last week and my laptop didn't want to agree with the projector. The host smiled, "No problem, Vicki, I'll just hit the re-sync button." I exclaimed; "I want a re-sync button!"

Wouldn't it be cool if life had a re-sync button?

If you wake up and came downstairs to a chaotic kitchen, starting your day off facing a dreary, piled up mess...wouldn't it be nice to hit that button and start over?
If you get into one of "those fights" with your spouse where you fight over the same stuff you have for years (the one where no one wins and you'll never see eye to eye and both lose)...and you could just eject from that slippery slope with the re-sync button?

Now, here's the best news you've heard all day (maybe all year)...there IS a re-sync button! It's called restoration.

Maybe it's time to "restore order" to your household so you won't have to "pay the piper" every day, having your mess drain your energy time, and money. By restoring your space and setting up systems, you're making your home right again...or perhaps for the first time.
Maybe it's time to call a marriage huddle and set some new ground rules about fighting and which topics you're just going to drop. By showing your spouse you value them too much to continue the strife, and asking forgiveness where necessary, you're restoring the relationship.

So, why don't we all use the re-sync button we have access to? It's so easy to stick with the painful status-quo. It takes no effort to continue as-is. When you change something big, something that matters, it requires something of you. In the case of organizing, it takes commitment and some time and new ways of doing things. So, we resist hitting that re-sync button because we don't want to do what it takes. Sadly, we'd rather pay the piper every day - frustrated with our life - instead of doing the work and making changes. When it comes to relationships, change requires humility, self-assessment, putting everything in perspective, forgiveness, and a lot more...and whew, that's HARD! So, we'd rather fight the same old fight than re-sync.

I don't know about you, but for me, it's usually pain or gaining perspective that helps me to decide to re-sync. What do you need the re-sync button of restoration for?

Get Organized To Save Money- Gift Wrapping Station

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:00:00 -0800

We all know EVERYONE is trying to save money these days. What amazes me when working with clients is how much waste occurs! The idea of getting organized to save money is about not just spending less, but using up what you already have!

When we first start working on a project with a client (no matter which room of the house we start in) we inevitably come across gift wrapping items placed all throughout the house. We will find some wrapping paper under the guest bed, ribbons and bows out in the garage and tissue paper and gift bags in the office. Does this sound familiar?

As we go through each room collecting all the gift wrapping supplies, clients share how they can never find the tissue or gift bags so they just go out and buy more. Does this sound familiar too?

There is hope! For many of our clients we suggest a gift wrapping station so they can have one place to keep all gift wrapping supplies together. The great part about this is that you don't need a lot of room and it doesn't need to be in a prime location. You can use an small closet that is underutilized or some cupboard space that has become a "catch-all".

So start gathering up all of your gift wrap from all corners of your home and start your own gift wrap station!

Low Effort

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

A long time ago I created an anti-superhero. His name is "Low Effort Man". (But you have to say it like this in a radio announcer voice: "Loooooh Eeeeeffort Man!" to get the full effect).

Low Effort Man does only enough to keep his head above water. He doesn't unload the dishwasher when the dishes are clean; it's easier to just let the new dishes pile up on the counter. He doesn't change out the toilet paper when it is almost out...in fact, he leaves at least one square of toilet paper on the roll so that it's therefore someone else's responsibility to change the roll. It can't be his, he has better things to do. He waits until he is completely out of his anti-superhero shorts before he attempts any laundry. Most things just get the smell test.

As much as we hate to admit it, we are all guilty of Low Effort Man habits sometimes. Myself included. It is much easier to be lazy than to be vigilant.

Ironically, though, we are buried by our own low effort habits. While it may seem like liberty to let ourselves off the hook from the chores of life, what appears to be freedom actually becomes bondage.

If you suffer from LES (Low Effort Syndrome), your organizing efforts will be short-lived at best. In order to break-through this wrong thinking, you'll need to face the facts: organizing takes time and effort. It's not a glamorous truth, but it will set you free.

Clothes Closets Organization

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Our clothes closets are supposed to contain our wardrobe, shoes, accessories and (we hope) not much more than that. Many people put off organizing their clothes closets because it can be painful. A clothes closets an intimate space. In it we store our memories, hang our good intentions, stow our beliefs, and catalog our image. If you go into your closet-organizing project knowing that you will face some of these hang-ups, they will be less startling for you.

Clothes can be the more sentimental that other items in our home, so our advice is to part with them in a manner that will make you fell good and eliminate separation anxiety. Here are some ideas:

Give them to a friend who is your size who can't afford new clothes
For women's clothes, give them to The Portland Rescue Mission
For maternity clothes, find a charity that passes them along to women with crisis pregnancies such as The Pregnancy Resource Center.
For professional clothing, find a charity like Dress 4 Success

Get ready to prune down your closet and take back control!

Plaque Problem

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

I love words. They move me. I savor them. I love to wrap just the right description around something I esteem. I enjoy acquiring vocabulary and I not-so-secretly relish stomping my husband in Scrabble.

My favorite are inspiring words. I hung a piece of artwork in the playroom that reads "How great would life be if we lived a little of it everyday." I justified buying it because it has a vintage plane on it and my son loves planes. But I really bought it for me...to remind me to unplug and remember to LIVE life today.

In my kitchen hangs a wooden plaque that bears this reminder: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." I have an unshakeable sense of belief, not only in what I'm doing but I love to believe for others as well. That's how Restoring Order was born, after all...because those who are in disarray get shortchanged by their chaotic life and rarely seize their dreams - what a tragedy! This plaque gives me an boost when I need it.

This weekend I bought yet another saying...a shabby chic mirror with "Cherish Life's Simple Pleasures"etched into the gilt...I'm going to hang it by my desk this week.

Can you see a pattern? I am inspired by words and I buy too many plaques.

When I came to the realization that my plaque count was mounting, I also began to see why I keep greeting cards too long. I just love to enjoy people's fond words and revisit them. If someone took the time to say something kind or if the card memorializes someone's handwritting, I just can't let it go. I'm not too sentimental about stuff, but words are treasures. Words are my love language. I have kept every card my husband has ever written me in 9 years of knowing each other...now don't get too worried, that's probably only about 12 cards; not an overwhelming pile. LOL.

So, before getting too hard on yourself for collecting stuff, think about your reasons for keeping. Of course, some clutter is just backlog and it's holding you back. But maybe it's hard to let go because you're inspired by some of it. Sort out which it is and ditch the deadwood clogging your space. Then take that which inspires you and give it a place of honor.

~Here's to enjoying life more everyday!

Easy Toy Storage Solution!

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Do you find that you have toys all over the house? Are you kids too young to read written labels? Recently when working with a client organizing her toy room, we decided to print out tags with pictures of the toy that belongs in that bin!

Now, it makes it super easy for her girls to clean up the toys and put them away!

Filing System Tip!

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0700

When working with clients to create a filing system, one of my favorite easy tips is to make sure and use only ONE hanging file per file folder. Here is why:

Ease of movement: The files more more easily when they are stored one per hanging folder
Ease of replacement: As a file is removed for use, its empty hanging file will indicate where the missing file needs to be returned.
Prevents hiding: Files of the same tab position can "hide" behind each other if stored in the same hanging file. We therefore use hanging files to provide seperation between files.

Hope this tip helps!

Before/After: Art Studio

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Check out a recent project with one of our clients! We turned part of her garage into an art studio! Now, she has all of her paint and art supplies accessible for projects! We utilized the rolling racks she already had in her garage, and containerized all like items (brushes, colored pencils, and sponges).

Update- No Shopping For 30 Days!

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

For those of you who missed our previous post, Cathy is a client that has decided to do something drastic in order to reclaim her home and her life…she did not shop for 30 days! (Check out the original post here if you missed it).

I wanted to give you all an update on Cathy and let you know she stuck to her challenge! Her family has been doing a great job of keeping her accountable and supporting her.

Cathy shared, “It is hard when Fabric Dept sends me a 30% off coupon, but I just decided I’m not even going to go look. Also, with Borders having a going out of business sale, I have been very tempted to go down there and just check it out. I know however, that if I go, I will end up buying something that I don’t need…so I just haven’t gone! It hasn't been too painful so far, especially because I have been staying away from stores and garage sales. It is actually nice not to have to worry about shopping!"

The past few weeks Cathy has:

Spent time with friends
Went to coast with husband- did not go into any stores (this was a big change for Cathy!)
Took a walk
Didn't’t even open emails from stores she likes to buy items from promoting sales
Been able to finally tackle the clutter in her garage

Cheers to you Cathy and the wonderful changes you are making in your life!

Seasonal Project Planning

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0700

One project I like to do with clients (and for myself) is to create a Seasonal Project Plan. It is a birds-eye-view of all the project they want to accomplish together or on their own . The small amount of time it takes to create this plan really helps to create a sense of peace about knowing when projects will be accomplished.

Here is an example of a Seasonal Project Plan:

WINTER:

Hobbies & memorabilia systems
Tune-ups
Year-end archiving and pruning
Holiday:
- Prep
- Recoup
- Holiday Reference Binder

SPRING:

Pruning back overage
Prep for tax time
Paper management
Systems for running the family

SUMMER:

Outbuilding (sheds, storage units)
Big Projects (basements, garages)
Kids Projects

FALL:

Nesting Projects:
- Master bedroom makeover
- Guest bedroom beautification
Set up closets:
- Activity
- Supply
- Storage

I hope this inspires you to create your own Seasonal Projects Plan!

Self-defeating Habits

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0700

I cannot even tell you how many clients I have worked with through the years who have unrealistic expectations about what they can read. Magazines seem to be the biggest culprit for making women feel like they will never have enough time.

A few months ago, I was working with a client. I asked her how many magazine subscriptions she had, and she said, "About 5." As we went through sorting her magazines, we discovered she had 15 magazines subscriptions! This was a client who owned her own business and had three children. You do not need to know much more about her life to know she probably did not have enough bandwidth to keep up with 2 magazines a month, let alone 15!

Through our work together, she was able to realize she was supporting some self-defeating habits and unrealistic expectations for herself. She was able to let go of the 15 magazine subscriptions along with the guilt that came from not having time to read them!

I challenge you this week to count how many magazine subscriptions you have and answer these questions:

Do you regularly have time to read each magazine, each month?
Do you feel guilty when you don't get a chance to read one of your subscriptions?
Do you feel bad if you toss a magazine you had not yet read?
Do you often forget which months you have read and which you have not read, resulting in the need to keep them all?

By taking the time to do this exercise you will be able to tell if you are practicing self-defeating habits or not!

Forget Self-Improvement; Self-Management is the Key!

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Gurus and motivational leaders have us convinced that self-improvement is a good thing. That we should all undertake the necessary and life-changing steps to improve our inner and outer selves so that we may thrive/grow/succeed.

I, however, just don’t buy it.

First of all, the central beliefs of self-improvement cultivate dishonor, while self-management operates in honor.

Self improvement assumes that you need improvement. It begins with the idea that we are inherently flawed and we must work to correct that state. This is a premise of dishonor.

I start from a different belief system. I believe that we are all unique, awesome, powerful creations who have been set in motion to bring our gifts to the world. Our whole life starts to make sense once we realize that we are, in fact, a treasure chest to be opened to the world. Our primary goal in life should be to take care of (or “steward”) that treasure and ensure that it is properly cared for, entrusted, and managed. So, to me, good life management is really good self-management. Self management assumes you are worth managing – it starts with a premise of honor.

Self improvement focuses on what you can DO that will enhance your life, while self-management focuses on what you ARE that is worth handling carefully.

Improving yourself aims to better your condition while managing yourself aims to steward your worth.

The motivation source for self-improvement is external, while the motivation source for self-management is internal.

Interminably looking for things to correct about yourself is not only exhausting, it’s a reactive state of living that attempts to fix everything in a constant search for affirmation. These constant, draining self-improvement efforts leave you feeling like a liability, stuck with a never-ending fix-it list.

Yet, self management is a proactive state that looks ahead to see what activities deserve your involvement and attention because you know that you are an asset. You realize that while you do have limitless possibilities, you choose to make selective choices.

Self-improvement draws from the external sources of gurus and experts (and even what your neighbors, co-workers, spouses, and friends, think) while self-management draws from your own priorities and purpose in life.

The activities of self-improvement are “above ground;” while the activities of self-management are “below ground”

The way we approach organizing our space and life will reveal whether we are practicing self-improvement or self-management.

Self-improvers are trying to enhance the appearance of their space or life. Organizing becomes an end in itself; a goal. On the other hand, self-managers are ordering their life to empower their priorities. Organizing is a means to an end; an equipping tool for a meaningful life.

The self-improving organizer will seek tips and tricks and better, more clever ways of doing things. They love bins and baskets and the latest products. The self-managing organizer will seek the “best fit” for their life. They realize that an ordered life is one that is congruent, not simply contained!

I hope you will join me in giving the self-improvement approach to organizing (and to life) the boot! If you’ve followed that route in the past, you know that it only leads to a longer to-do list, self-condemnation, and feeling like your efforts are never enough.

Allow this reality to really sink in: YOU are already enough! You are a treasure worth caring for; managing yourself honors the gifts within. As you begin to steward your time, your space, and your very presence, you will find that life will become more rewarding and you’ll be empowered to fulfill your purpose!

Receipts: Why Keep Them?

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Do you keep your receipts for everyday purchases? Do you know why? Many people tend to keep their receipts from the grocery store, the gas station, or from Target, but really don't know why they keep them!

If they are a consumable item and you paid cash, you can throw it out immediately. If it is a consumable item and you paid with a credit or debit card, keep it until you can check the amount came through and they get rid of it!

Now, there are some receipts that you SHOULD keep:

Proof of payments or purchase
Support deductions
Returnable items
Big tickets items to establish value

I challenge you this week to be thoughtful about what receipts you are keeping! Start pruning through your old stacks of receipts in shoe boxes or wherever you have them stashed. Notice how many receipts you keep that you never needed!

Tracking vs. Budgeting?

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:00:00 -0700

When working with clients on financial and paper organization, often the topic of budgeting comes up. Many times when I ask client's if they budget, they say, "Yes." When we actually dig and and review their system, I quickly realize what they actually mean is that they "track their purchases," not "budget."

I started to realize that the idea of tracking vs. budgeting can be very confusing! Hopefully this information below will be helpful for distinguishing the two actions.

TRACKING: "Rear View Mirror" Approach - Recording money "after the fact"

Online Tracking
Credit Card
Checkbook
Receipts

BUDGETING: "Trip Planning" Approach -Purposing money with a forward-looking view

Trending: where money has gone
Evaluating: how much is coming in
Dedicating: giving & saving
Allocating: based on priorities

Now that you understand the difference between the two, I hope you can start to sense why budgeting is so much more in depth and purposeful!

What is it costing you to be disorganized?

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

When working with clients, I always ask this question during our first appointment. It is so important to completely understand the financial costs to your disorganization. I will warn you, this can be painful! For many clients, they have been disorganized for a long time, which means they have been bleeding money for years.

Here is a list of examples of how many people waste money due to disorganization:

Late fees
Interest rate increases
Canceled insurance policies
Un-captured deductions
Lost receipts:
- Inability to return items
- Can't support deductions
- Can't prove cost basis
Extreme cases: collections

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to get in control of the driver's seat and to start investing in getting your life, home, and finances ordered. If you are finally reclaim your life, we want to help! We offer do-it-yourself options as well as hands on consulting for anyone ready to jump-start their organizing journey.

Bulletin Board Abuse

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Do you have a bulletin board in your home that is covered with memorabilia, kid's artwork, baby shower invitations and items paper from 5 years ago? If you answered "yes" then you, like many people, suffer from bulletin board abuse.

The good news is...there is hope! You can reclaim your bulletin board so that it can actually be useful. Now, the only way that I have ever seen a bulletin board actually be useful, is to have it be purposed for only ONE type of paper. (Yes, only one type of paper!) An example would be pictures, cards, or a calendar. If you only allow one type of paper to be posted on the bulletin board, it will look purposeful and pretty instead of cluttered and ugly!

I challenge you this week to reclaim your bulletin board! Start by taking every single piece of paper off the board and purpose it for only ONE type of paper. Now, if you cannot seem to get your head around using your bulletin board for only one type of paper....just take the whole thing down! There are many times when working with clients, we have just removed the temptation all together! Either way, this is your week to do something about it!

Make Paper Work For You!

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:00:00 -0700

I could write an entire book about home offices and paper! In my workshop, "5 P's of Paper Management", I discuss the 5 types of paper systems: Permanent, Projects, Processing, Perpetual and People. These essential systems must be established to tame the paper pileup and allow you to work on one thing at a time. Successful paper management must include a way to process actionable paper, store projects, and access a customized permanent filing system.

Recently, one of our organizers helped a client begin a filing system. They were only a few appointments into the project when the mom was unexpectedly taken to the hospital for an illness. Because her teenage son had been observing out organizer help his mom file her medical paperwork, he could direct his dad to his mom's important records. Gutting your filing system (or creating one for the first time) can be a lifesaver!

Without proper paper management systems to anchor their home office, people struggle in a sea of confusion, ill-equipped to capture information and documents. Whether you are running a household, a business, or both, investing in the process of organization will bring you more productivity, satisfaction, and freedom!

For a more on how to organize your paper, join us September 30th for my Paper Management Workshop Retreat! Find out how to sign up now!

870 Pounds of Clothing?

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Thank you to all who came out to The 2011 Simplify Sale! We had beautiful weather, fun music and a great chance to connect with some local charities! Thank you to The Portland Rescue Mission, Pregnancy Resource Center, and The Union Gospel Mission for partnering with us for this event! If you are unfamiliar with these organizations, visit their websites (linked above) to learn about the life changing work they are doing in our community!

We wanted to let you all know that they charities were thrilled with all of the clothing, household and baby donations they received on Saturday:

The Portland Rescue Mission received 870 pounds of clothing!
The Pregnancy Resource Center received many much needed baby and mom items!
The Union Gospel Mission left with a FULL truck and van of items that will be able to sell at the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store.

Thank you all who participated in clearing your clutter and giving well!

Back To School: Create a Homework Area!

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

I am sure by now your kids are starting to bring home homework from school! Do you have a designated homework area for your kids? If not, you may want to start planning a space for your kids to daily complete their homework. Every household needs to have a good homework station! Here are some tips on how to get started:

Take into account your child's natural habits and personality. Do you they like to have a quit place to work, or do they like to be close to you? If your child is the latter, you will want to create a space in the kitchen for example as opposed to their bedroom. If a child is very social, they most likely will not want to be isolated in their room by themselves.
Make sure you can see the computer screen. Always position the computer screen so that you can see it when you walk into the room where the homework station is located.
Give them their own "home office". Make sure they have their own stash of office supplies that they are responsible for.
Take into consideration your child's interests. If they really enjoy music, make sure they have a place to store and play their ipod. If they are enjoy art, give them a space to stash their art supplies.
Purpose all desk drawers. (If you don't they will fill with clutter.)
Implement new habits. It is important to help your kids learn habits such as cleaning out their backpack once a week and cleaning off their desk every night.

I challenge you this week to start a homework station for your kids if you do not have one!

Is You Filing System Full of "Dead Wood"?

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Is your filing system full of old documents and out-dated information? Are your files organized in a way that would make it easy for family members to find important documents in the event of a financial or medical emergency? If not, check out this video for tips on how to create an effective filing system.

For those of you in the Portland Metro Area: Check out our Half-Day Paper Management Retreat on September 30th for a more in-depth look at organizing your paper!

Get Your Car Organized For Back To School!

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Every mom knows that sometimes you feel like you live in your car! Start this new school year off on the right foot by getting your car organized! Check out this video for some of my favorite tips and products to help you achieve an ordered car!

Getting Ready For The Simplify Sale!

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:00:00 -0700

We just hung the last sign on the Barn for the 3rd Annual Simplify Sale! For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Sale, check out this You Tube Video!

We are so excited to be partnering with Portland Rescue Mission, Pregnancy Resource Center and The Union Gospel Mission for this event. We would love to see you all out supporting these great charities by bringing items (baby clothes, adult clothes, household goods, etc.) to the Sale to donate directly to these charities. I challenge you all to take an hour to go through your home to prune out the items that are taking up space!

Bring your car full of donations to Restoring Order Headquarters tomorrow (Sat, Aug. 27th) from 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM! I would love to see you all!

Craft Closet Miracle!

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:00:00 -0700

Craft supplies can run amuk more than kids toys! Watch this video to see how we put a craft closet in order making everything accessible and easier to put away!

Break Out Of Your Home Enslaving You!

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Organizing That Lasts- Free Workshop!

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:00:00 -0700

I am so thrilled to announce my free workhop following this year's Simplify Sale on August 27th at 4:00 PM! For those of you in the Portland area, I would love to see you all there! Here is a little information about the workshop I will be presenting called, "Organizing That Lasts":

Have you tried organizing product under the sun, yet still feel disorganized? Often, our organizing efforts don't last because we are force-fitting a solution that isn't customized to our unique situation. This workshop
will equip you with a discovery process so that you can evaluate your own habits and build successful systems!

You'll Learn:

What authentic organizing really means
Why shortcuts don't work
5 ways to make organizing a lifestyle and not just an activity
The importance of allowing margin in your life

Visit www.SimplifySale.com for more information!

Why can organizing be painful?

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Organizing can be painful because it can cause fear, it makes us slow down, and it requires commitment. Of course, some people are organizing junkies, and no mess or or pile is insurmountable. However, many people have never learned organizing skills and struggle to find answers to your organizing problems. Organizing makes you feel frustrated and overwhelmed, so you push it to the bottom of your to-do list.

If this sounds familiar, you need to examine why you're not addressing the problems that are compromising your lifestyle so you can reclaim your quality of life!

Prescription for Change

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Many people are quick to medicate their ailments. We pop a pill to treat our symptoms rather than try to discover and eliminate the root causes of our disease. We take the same approach to organizing. We reach for quick tips, hoping for an immediate remedy for our symptoms.

Recently, a client called me and canceled the series of appointments she had scheduled. She said she just couldn't take the time to get organized. I could hear the phones ringing off the hook in her office in the background. she sounded upset and panicked. I could tell that she really needed help.

If I had a little prescribing notepad like a doctor, the first prescription I would scribble out for clients like her would be the advice to slow down! The next prescription would be for intervention, rehabilitation, and maintenance. Wouldn't you be surprised if your doctor wrote you a prescription like that? Don't we all want the latest and greatest pill? We would look at our doctor with confusion or annoyance and demand a quicker, better solution? This prescription, however, will allow us to invest in our own recovery.

Social Disorganization

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:00:00 -0700

The other day, I drove past a storage unit near where I live. The sign said, "If you can't find your lawnmower, bring your garage clutter here!" I couldn't believe the message that the sign was sending! It was encouraging readers to ignore their mess by simply relocating it. Instead of dealing with and eliminating the mess, the sign recommended a stashing solution.

The sentiments of the storage unit sign reminded me of the attitude behind the bumper sticker we've probably all seen: "He who dies with the most toys wins." Our culture encourages accumulation. So of us wear our stuff ie a badge of honor. We think that if we have more stuff than other, we are better or smarter or richer. We want to have name brand stuff so that we can show the world our financial status. We get more and more stuff, yet we are more and more unhappy and stressed. We are socially disorganized.

You can now make a conscious choice to reject the social pressures that surround you. If you can say no and stop accumulating, you will begin to restore order.

No Shopping For 30 Days??

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:00 -0700

While working with a client this week, Cathy, we decided she needed to do something drastic. We have been working together for a while digging her out of the clutter that has controlled her life for years. Although we have been making great progress with what is in the home, we discovered one of the roots to the clutter: her shopping habits!

Cathy would go shopping “just for fun” as a way to relax and escape from her life. When she did this, she would always bring home items that she really didn't need or even want.

This is how we came up with the 30 Day No Shopping Challenge.

    The Goal: Stop the inflow of clutter into the home

    The Challenge:
        o No garage sales for 30 days
        o No shopping as a leisure activity for 30 days
        o No visiting craft stores for 30 days
        o No visiting book stores for 30 days
        o Don’t open emails from retailers having sales online
        o Only purchase the necessities: food, gas, etc.

    The Payoff:
        o By going “cold turkey” my client will be able to get more creative and start using up things she has.
        o She will have more time to truly enjoy her family and friends!
        o She will have more money to save for a trip she has been wanting to take for a few years.
        o She will be able to shed her addiction to buying things needlessly.
        o She will eliminate unnecessary clutter in her home.
        o She will have more time and energy for exercising, being outside, and studying her new love of aviation!

Cathy shared her thoughts, “I feel a little nervous and excited at the same time. In the back of my head I am worried that I am going to go to a store and find something that I really want. But I know that I don’t need anything…I have plenty of shoes, books, craft supplies, so I know it will be good. The hardest part will be when I go to the supermarket they have so many magazines that I will want to get. I am very impulsive! I wanted to share my challenge with others so they can see it can be done!”

Stay tuned for updates throughout the next 30 days!

This is a guest post by Restoring Order Professional Organizer Katie Johnson

Do you have multiple time capsules?

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Clients are always a little embarrassed when we discover "time capsules" as we are organizing a space. "Time Capsules" are those bags and boxes that get stuffed full of unopened mail, receipts, old bills, and your children's homework right before your friends come over for dinner. Does this sound framiliar? If this does, then I challenge you this week to start locating these time capsules throughout your home and go through them one by one. You will be surprised by how easy it will be to sort and prune the contents as most of it you have lived without and didn't even realize it!

What is it costing you to be disorganized?

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:00:00 -0700

This is a question I always ask clients during our first appointment. Usually when I ask this, my client becomes silent. Most people never really take the time to think about the price they are paying for being disorganized, they just know they want to be organized! What I mean by this is, how much time or money are you wasting by being disorganized? How much sleep are you loosing by being disordered and how many relationships are affected? By identifying the specific costs to disorder in your own life, it will give you the momentum to start ordering your life!

Recyled Riters?

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Do you have boxes of old crayons from when your kids were little...or you just have too many? Before you throw them away, check out this company: Rebecca's Recycled Riters. They take unwanted crayons and create new crayons! They will even send you new crayons for every 100 old crayons you send in!

There is information about how to donate your old crayons on the company website.

What Are Your Priorities?

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:00:00 -0700

I ask clients who want to get organize, "What are your priorities?" Many are startled by the question. Almost everyone asks for clarification: "What do you mean, my priorities?" Many believe that organizing your environment is simply about sorting, labeling, storing, and tidying. They've heard that organizing is a controlled process of setting goals and agendas, breaking tasks into manageable parts, and keeping lists. Organizing your space or time may involve some of these strategies, but true organization is much more. Those who want to order their life in a meaningful way will begin not with strategy but with their priorities-the things that truly matter to them.

A priority is an expression of your guiding beliefs and values. Attending your child's soccer games is a goal, but being an engaged, attentive parent is a priority. If you live by goals, you may feel as if you are ceaselessly striving, because once on goal is reached, it is invariably replaced by another goal. If you live by your priorities, you can experience true contentment.

I challenge you this week to sit down and write out your priorities. Do they line up with how you spend your time and money?

Knickknack Purgatory

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:00:00 -0700

During my childhood, I found that other people stored a lot of collectible and knickknacks in their living rooms. My friends' parents seemed to have the same affection for knickknacks my own parents had. Maybe our parents decided to fan their special belongings out in rooms they didn't want us playing in. Perhaps they kept a lot of delicate items on the surfaces so they could tell us: "No roughhousing! Just look at these things. I don't want you to break anything!"

During my career as an organizer, I have been in hundreds of living rooms, most of which were relatively unused. In these quit rooms I've observed that people love to display their possessions. Perhaps these items are hand-me-downs they don't know where else to store. Perhaps these items are indeed too breakable to be stored in more frequented rooms.

Of course, to store collections, we purchase special furniture. We buy lighted curio cabinets, shelving systems, sideboards, and hutches. Pretty soon, our living rooms become museums of things we rarely look at in a room we rarely visit.

I should clarify that I'm not against having collections or displaying for favorite things. As a matter of fact, I have a teacup collection! When I have guests over, I invite them to choose cups that catch their eye for their own special cup of tea. Other that teacups, I do not collect anything else. I have learned that if you home is overflowing with collections and knickknacks, it will look cluttered and disorganized very quickly.

Do you have multiple collections or groupings of knickknacks around your home? Have you ever tried to clear your living room and start fresh with only those items you use and/or love? I challenge you this week to do just this!

The Freedom Factor

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 -0700

Disorganization enslaves us to an existence of confusion, anxiety and separation. Our disorder as mastered us. We are stuck in gridlock, and we spend most of our time putting out ires. If we manage to address our enslavement at all, we usually only muster up enough conviction and strength to attempt shortcuts out of our slavery. In order to find out way to freedom, we must throw off the shackles of our disorganization.

If you feel tied down by your disorganization, now is the time for you to break free. Will you allow your chaotic environment and schedule to keep you in a prison of frustration forever? Will you continue to do the same things you've always done with unproductive results? Or will you decide that you want to be delivered from the darkness of disorder? Though the change can be painful at first, it will get progressively easier as you go. Your momentum will propel you forward.

Frederick Douglas, a famous American slave, said, "I have observed this in my experience of slavery, that whenever my condition was improved, instead of increasing my contentment, it only increased my desire to be free, and set me to thinking of plans to gain my freedom." If you are tired of being bound by you chaotic life, I invite you to respond to liberty's call and claim your own freedom.

Organize Your Move!

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Are you or a loved one moving? I know how stressfull this is for so many people...but it doesn't have to be! Watch my video on how to organize your move!

Is Your Laundry Room a Black Hole?

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0700

What do you have stashed in your laundry room? Do you have books, batteries, candles or light bulbs stashed in your laundry room? Check out this video to learn some organizing tips for restoring order to your laundry room!

Where is Your "Catch-all"?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0700

It is inevitable when working with clients that at some point we will uncover a “catch-all" drawer, a “catch-all” closet or even a “catch-all” room! (So for those of you out there with a "catch-all" room…yes there are other people out there with "catch-all" rooms! )

When a space is not purposed, it will simply become “dumping grounds". To purpose your space, simply assign a limited intention for that space. For example, you can designate a hall closet as a “gift closet” and inside can be gifts-to-give, cards, and wrapping paper.

Think about in your own home where you have “catch-all” storage areas? Have you ever purposed these spaces for a specific activity or item? I challenge you this week to take back that space! Whether it is a drawer, a closet, or a room don't wait any longer to purpose it!

Is It Worth It?

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0700

An easy trap for a lot of people to fall into is buying things just because they are on sale. You know what I'm talking about. Some people just get giddy for a trip to the Dollar Store. Others accumulate way too much overage at warehouse stores like Costco and other club stores. Many of us just get weak in the knees for a bargain. We pick up little plastic storage containers for practically nothing at the dime store, thinking they will come in handy even though we have no use for them now. Items like these often collect dust, we trip over them, and ew save them for an unidentified date in the future.

If you buy things just because they are on sale, think twice about this reasoning. Consider this: The more extraneous stuff you buy, the less money you have for the things that really matter to you. The more items you pack into your room, the less access you have, and your clearly defined activity centers might soon become buried under a stack of plastic boxes.

What do you have hanging around your home that you purchased on impulse because it was such a good deal? I challeneg you this week to only purchase items that you have a purpose for!

Mark Your Calendars- 3rd Annual Simplify Sale

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0700

We are so thrilled to announce we will be hosting this year's Simplify Sale on Saturday, August 27th! For those of you who have never experienced this event, check out this Channel 12 News Story from last year's sale.

Our mission for this event is to help the community clear out their clutter and provide an easy way to donate items to local charities that will be on-site (Portland Rescue Mission, Pregnancy Resource Center, and Union Gospel Mission).

We are adding a few new elements to this year's event, so be sure to stay tuned for more information. If you are interested in reserving a table to sell household goods visit our Events Page.

What do you need to let go of?

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 -0700

One of my clients recently called me to come and help her organize her scrapbook supplies…FUN! I am always so impressed by the women who can be so creative and put together scrapbooks. When I showed up at her home we started by discussing the vision for her craft room and how she would use the supplies. She had been collecting these supplies over a number of years and felt that she never really used them because she never had an organized space to be creative.

While we started sorting all of her supplies into cutting tools, paper, decals, pens and embellishments my client asked me how I like to store pictures. I told her I actually create digital scrapbooks through snapfish.com where I upload all my pictures. Then, something magical happends. Snapfish.com sends me a bound book with all of my pictures and captions! She looked at me with wide eyes and said, “I didn’t realize there were other options besides using all of these supplies!”

After a long conversation she confessed that she actually did not like to scrapbook at all and in fact wanted to get rid of all of her scrapbook supplies! What do you have floating around your home taking up both physical and emotional space? What can you let go of?

Organizing Products Abuse!

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Do you find that you have dozens of organizing products....but aren't organized? If so, you should watch this video!

Are Books Taking Over Your Home?

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0700

For many people, books are a good thing! However, sometimes too much of a good thing can be a BAD thing! This week while working with a client, she was sharing how much she loves to read and re-read books! She is in four different book clubs and is a researcher by trade. You can probably imagine how many books she has accumulated through the years. Books to her represent knowledge, life and fun. For this client in particular, books started also representing a lack of time, a lack of energy, and a lack of order. They had begun to take over her home. She no longer wanted to have friends over...or even family.

Good thing for her I knew we could create an alternative to her compulsive hoarding of books. After an extensive intake assessment, we created a solution! She would create a binder separated by genres of books where she could list the books she wanted to read. So instead of running out the purchase Oprah's new favorite book or her best friend's newest discovery, she can simply record it in her book binder. Then, when she is ready to start a new book, she can review her list and pick the one that sounds the most interesting!

The second part to this life change was to donate the books she has already read to the local library. Now, if she ever does want to re-read a book she no longer has to store it, but still has access to it!

Do you have a category of "stuff" that is taking over your home? I challenge you this week to come up with a creative solution so that you can restore order to your home and life!

Overwhelmed with the idea of meal planning?

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:00:00 -0700

I have to admit...so am I! I know many of you work full time, have kids and still want your families to eat healthy, home cooked meals. This is why I asked Hot By 6 to do a workshop for me and the entire Restoring Order team at our June team meeting!

Hot By 6 is a budget meal planning website that allows you to create customizable meals for the week or month and generates a shopping list based on those recipes! A few of the highlights they shared at the workshop:

All of the recipes found on their website are freezable
All meals can be assembled individually or with a group
Americans throw out at least 14% of the food they buy because they do not have a meal plan
Planning meals in advance can save you at least 34%

It was so fun to have Hot By 6 at our meeting to show us just how easy it is to follow the recipes and how quickly you can make healthy meals! To learn more visit www.HotBy6.com

Lesson From Oprah's Final Episode!

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:00:00 -0700

I am sure you all enjoyed Oprah’s final episode where she shared her “love letter” to us all. The one thing that specifically stuck out to me was her lesson on finding your “calling”. Specifically she said that everyone needs to figure out what they can do that “helps people” and “makes your belly burn”.

Out of all the things Oprah has shared over the years, this is my favorite one yet! I relate to Oprah so much in this way, as I am able to do what I love each and every day. Helping people restore order to their lives, families and homes makes my belly burn! Can you relate to this?

I challenge you this week to:
a) Watch Oprah’s Farewell Episode online now if you missed it.
b) Give thanks if you have found your calling.
c) Start figuring out what your calling is if you have not figured it out!

Cheers to you Oprah!

How You Can Help Tornado Victims in Joplin

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

While working with a client this week we discussed the heartache she felt for all of those children and families affected by the tornados in Joplin. She has been working hard on getting her finances in order and getting out of debt. She wanted so badly to be able to send a chunk of money over to Joplin, but she did not know how she could come up with it! This is where it gets fun! I suggested she have a garage sale to benefit Joplin! This way, she could clear the clutter from her guest room and be able to support the families in need.

I challenge you to get creative about ways you can help not only the families in Joplin, but those in need in your own city. What do you have hanging around your home that could be utilized by someone less fortunate?

Before and After Inspiration!

Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Don't get discouraged if your family room looks like this "Before" picture...there is hope! This before and after is a recent client project where we reclaimed her family room!

This client had been overwhelmed by different life events and did not know where to start. She was discouraged, frustrated, and ready for change.

Through our work together we were able to reclaim her family room so that she could get her life back! She now enjoys having her family and friends over for events and holidays.

What area of your house are you overwhelmed by? Maybe its just a cupboard or closet...or maybe it is an entire room.
I challenge you this week to reclaim that space!

Clear Out & Give Well- Music Instruments

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

This past week when working with a client clearing out her basement, we stumbled upon 5 large boxes of her 30 year old daughter’s belongings. Her daughter now is married with a home of her own, but still has these boxes stashed at her mom’s house! As we were sorting through these boxes we found a violin, clarinet, and stacks of old sheet music.

At this point, my client called her daughter to see if she wanted any of our findings. Her daughter was swift to proclaim she didn’t know these items were still in the basement….she thought she got rid of these boxes years ago! Although it was easy for my client’s daughter to part with these instruments, it was not so easy for my client. She remembered the years of lessons and performances…and the money spent!

After talking out the options of what she could do with the instruments, I told her about an organization called, “Ethos Music Center”. This organization’s mission is to provide music based education for youth in underserved communities. They love receiving instrument donations from the community so they can lend them out for free to low-income students who otherwise would not be able to have access to them.

My client and her daughter were so thrilled to be able to not only clear out the clutter, but pass on the amazing gift of music to children less fortunate. What instruments do you have lying around your home that are not being used? I challenge you this week to go through your basement, attic, or storage unit and see what you find! For more information on Ethos visit www.ethos.org

Teach Your Kids While You Teach Yourself!

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Do your kids every surprise you by how smart they are or how quickly they pick up your habits (good and bad)?This week while sorting mail with a client, her 6 year old daughter came into the office and begged to help us! She was so eager to learn and absorb the information I was sharing with my client about how to sort with paper. She helped us open the mail and put the shred items in the shred bin!

This was a great reminder to me about how intelligent our little ones are and how there brains are like sponges!I challenge you this week to get your kids involved in your organizing activities. Whether you are clearing out your garage or organizing the toy room take the opportunity to spend time with them and teach them! Especially with the summer approaching, start planning activities that they can help you with. Teaching your children healthy habits of pruning and order are a wonderful gift to give them!

Overwhelmed By Your Recipes?

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

What I love about organizing is that it is about so much more than before and after-it’s about managing your whole life.

One thing that might help you organize your life is to finally deal with all of those recipes you have been printing off website and cutting out of your "Real Simple". I challenge you this week to create your own unique recipe binder!

Organize your own binder based on your own interests. For example, if you love potatoes, give yourself an entire category for potatoes! You no longer have to use the predetermined categories that recipes are usually sorted by. If you don’t poultry, you don’t have to have that category.

Another tip is to put new recipes in the front sleeve of the binder and only once you try it and love it does it get filed in the binder. Remember: the key to sustainable organization is to create customized systems!

Clear Out & Give Well- Wedding Dresses

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

While going through the "pruning" process with our clients, it is very important to our company that we educate clients on how to not only give...but give well! I like to show clients they don't just have to take the pruned items to a resale shop or local Goodwill, but they can donate them to organizations that they are passionate about!

I recently was working with a client in her master closet. She was frustrated by her lack of space and large amount of clothing in the closet. As we were taking each and every item out of the closet I was surprised to see her wedding dress shoved in the back of the closet (especially since she has been divorced for over 20 years).

After a long conversation about whether or not she wanted to keep the wedding dress, she decided that she needed to let it go. I told her about an organization Adorned in Grace located here in Portland, OR. This organization resells wedding dresses and formal wear to provide support and safe shelter for children and teens victimized by human trafficking. It was so much easier for my client to let go of her wedding dress knowing that it was directly going to a cause she was passionate about herself!

Are you keeping your old wedding dress from a previous marriage or your old formal wear that is two sizes too small? I challenge you to go through your closets to see what is taking up space that could benefit this amazing organization. For more information about Adorned in Grace visit their website.

Perfection vs. Order

Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Creating a healthy distinction between perfection and order is critical to truly becoming organized. It is important to operate out of efficiency in our lives…but we don’t need perfection!

Often times when working with clients they are afraid to start a project because they know they wont be able to do it perfectly, or they are waiting for the "perfect" time to dig in. Perfectionism often distracts us from what we are truly meant to do and how we are meant to spend our time.

Have you been putting off a project because you want it done perfectly or you are waiting for the perfect time? Don’t wait for tomorrow for what you can do today. I challenge you this week to pick that project that you have been putting off and just get started!

Get Organized To Save Money- Take Back Returns!

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We all know EVERYONE is trying to save money these days. What amazes me when working with clients is how much waste occurs! The idea of getting organized to save money is about not just spending less, but finding ways to make money along the way!

I am always surprised when working with clients how many items in closets we find with the tags still attached! Often clients tell me, "I bought this item, but I never really liked it. I was meaning to return it but it was passed the time limit for returns." Does this ever happen to you?

How often do you have items that you purchase (online or in-store) that you don't really love and think you will return? Just think about all of the items you have laying around your house that are in the shopping bags ready to go back. Think about how much money is represented in those bags!

Dealing with your returns is one easy way to not only save money...but make some money! When working with clients I often help them create a "returns zone". This is a place where they only put items that need to be returned or exchanged. I help them get into the habit of checking the returns box or basket before they head out to do errands. This way, they can save time if they are going to the same store or right by it. It is important to regularly check the bin as many stores are only accepting returns within 30 days of purchase.

Do you have a designated space where returns go? I challenge you this week to go through your home room by room to collect all of your returns. Then, be strategic about taking items back. Map out the stores and make sure you group stores together that are in the same areas. Don't be discouraged if your items are passed the normal return period. Often times stores will work with you and give you store credit. Just remember, it doesn't hurt to ask!

Free Shred Day-April 30th

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Don't miss the "Drug Take-Back Day and Shred Day" at the West Linn Police Station, 22825 Willamette Drive, on Saturday, April 30, 2011 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

EnviroShred NW will be onsite to collect and shred paperwork. Up to three boxes per person will be accepted. Staples, paper clips, hanging folders, and rubber bands are fine. The shred event ends at 2:00 pm or when the truck is full. Also, the Drug Enforcement Administration will be onsite to collect old pills or medications.

For more information, please call 503.657.0331 or email sshroyer@westlinnoregon.gov

This is a great chance for you to clean out your medicine cabinet and get rid of all of those expired medications. This is also a great excuse to prune through your old archival files and get rid of anything that you no longer need! For more information on how long to keep tax documentation visit http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p552.pdf

Common Organizing Mistake- The Cleaning Cure-All

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

One of the most common mistakes we make in our quest for and ordered life is to substitute cleaning for organizing. People often call our company and ask if we can come "clean up" their mess. We have to educate them that cleaning is different than ordering! Once people understand the difference between cleaning and organizing, they can focus on the real change they've been seeking.

Like many women, I LOVE the smell of a clean home. I enjoy disinfected surfaces, dirt-free floors, and sparkling sinks. However, cleaning does not tell you what you should do with the clutter. It does not provide a way to discover the purpose of each room and its appropriate contents. It does not help you understand or change your behavior.

The good news is you can have both an organized and clean home. When a space is organized it is easier to clean! Just remember as you are spring cleaning this month: cleaning may bring you short term relief, but organizing will liberate you!

Living Better at 50 + Launch Event

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Thank you to all of the wonderful women I met this weekend at the Living Better at 50+ Launch Event! We had such a great weekend celebrating the launch of this exciting publication! Check out their website at LivingBetterat50.com for articles on health, beauty, travel, and much more!

Thank you also to Misty Talkish Photography & Design for capturing this event! You can visit Misty's website at MistyTalkish.com

Organize Your Memorabilia!

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

What are you doing with all of those pictures of your family trips or daughter's high school graduation? Are they stuffed inside boxes in the garage? Are they shoved inside shoe boxes in your closet? Are they buried under old books in your storage unit…or worse…are you unsure where they are?

When working with clients, memorabilia is one of the last projects clients like to tackle. For many people (moms in particular) going through the pictures and memorabilia brings up feelings of guilt. Guilt because the kids of grown up so fast, guilt that these precious memories are just thrown in a box, and guilt because their kids are adults and still they have no scrapbooks to their name!

I challenge you to take your memorabilia head on! Don’t let the guilt hold you back any longer. Start with something easy such as creating a digital photo book from snapfish.com of your last family trip. This website makes it really easy to put your memories in an easy to share book. Go for it!

Get Organized For Good- Avoid Shortcuts!

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

There’s no place worth going in life that we can get to by a shortcut! One piece of advice I always give clients is to stop buying all the magazines that promise "order in a hurry" or "three quick tips" because these tricks are disillusioning and don’t work! So often these articles end up creating guilt and frustration.

We must face our disorder realistically, rather than applying tempting (but empty) solutions. To truly get organized for good we must make it a lifestyle and not just an activity. This means spending more than just 20 minutes a week "organizing", but creating new habits to use daily.

Get Organized To Save Money- Organize Your Money!

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We all know EVERYONE is trying to save money these days. What amazes me when working with clients is how much waste occurs! The idea of getting organized to save money is about not just spending less, but using what you already have wisely!

One reccurring theme between a number of our clients is that they want to have a budget and track expenses...but it just seems so overwhelming! It is often hard for clients to know where to start or put the time in the track their purchases.

This is why one of our new favorite FREE organizing tools is www.mint.com. This website actually tracks all of your bank, credit and investment accounts and gives you a financial overview that is up to the minute! Besides the fact that it's free, the best part is that you can set up a budget and it tracks your purchases for you (so you don't have to do any math or tracking yourself)! Now, there is no excuse not to budget and track your expenses!

Get Organized to Save Money- Ditch that Storage Unit!

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We all know EVERYONE is trying to save money these days. What amazes me when working with clients is how much waste occurs! The idea of getting organized to save money is about not just spending less, but looking at where you are wasting money.

According to NAPO.com- At year-end 2009, a total of some 50,000 self storage facilities have been developed in the United States. There is more than 2.35 billion square feet of self storage in the U.S., or a land area equivalent to three times Manhattan Island under one roof.

Do you have a storage unit that is filled with stuff you really don't need? When working with clients, this is one topic that ALWAYS comes up. So often clients get storage units to store the "stuff" that doesn't fit in their home or the "stuff" that is to difficult to deal with.

Are you spending $50, $60, or $70 a month for a storage unit? If so, my challenge to you is do what it takes to clear it out this spring! Just think about the money you could save (around $700 a year)!

Do you have "Printing Disease"?

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

While working with a client this week she said, "I have a confession...I have printing disease"! She took me into her office to find stacks of paper that had accumulated on her desktop. This paper included recipes, items she wanted to purchase, groupons, and articles.

After discussing the causes behind her "printing disease" we discovered a great solution. We sat down at her computer and created and organized bookmarks on her computer that were customized to her own interests. This way, when she comes across an interesting article or recipe that looks delicious she can just bookmark it in the correct file so she doesn't have to print everything!

Does this sound familiar? Is your printing out of control? Do you have "printing disease"? If so, I challenge you to take control and hold the presses! Carve out an hour to sit down and create folders in your bookmarks so that you can easily file and find the web pages you are interested in!

Women's Retreat!

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We are still basking in the glow from this weekend's women's retreat at New Horizon's Church! Thank you ladies for having me to your powerful event!

Here is what some of the women who came shared with us about what they learned:

“Dealing with the “root” of disorganization. No guilt in reclaiming my space to accommodate our season”
Sandra Lawrence

“Vicki taught us how to get organized (by looking at) from the inside out and motivated us (to look at) our final purpose and destiny – for being our reason to clear the way”
Joy Newman

“I am not alone! Dig in/dig out; get started. It’s a process. Don’t allow guilt and shame to keep me stuck. Don’t wait for “arrived” until I take care of myself and enjoy rewards”
Lorie Wooldridge

Thanks ladies for sharing these great insights! For those of you who were not able to make it, we recorded the presentations and they will be available for download shortly. Stay tuned!

Kitchen Inspiration

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

We spend most of our waking hours in just a few rooms of our home...the kitchen being one of them. We all know the kitchen is where craft projects are done, mail is sorted and where kids do their homework.

The key to creating and sustaining order in your kitchen is customizing! It is important to set up your kitchen around your unique interests and needs. This is what we accomplished with a current client's pantry organization. She has always had a hard time keeping her spices organized in her pantry. She had a universal spice rack filled with spices she never used.

We discovered her natural habits to learn the best way to organize and store her spices and baking supplies. We decided the best solution was to remove the 24 jar universal spice rack and customize glass jars for only the spices she uses! Now, our client not only has a beautiful pantry, but saves time finding spices and baking supplies!

Remember, when you work within your natural habits, pace, and work style, you'll find that you can achieve your own definition of organizing success!

Dairy Farmers of Oregon

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

I just got back from a workplace training of "5 P's of Paper Management" with a great organization- The Dairy Farmers of Oregon! Part of there mission is to educate children and adults about nutrition and the nutritional values of dairy products.

We had a great time learning and the different types of paper. Here is what a few participants shared with me after the event:

“Clear and easy to understand tips for organizing life and work.”

Carissa Sauer

“Very simple, and clear. Lots of take home lessons; can apply these readily”.

Pete Kent

To learn more about this great organization visit: www.dairyfarmersor.com

Come Dump Your Clutter on Us!

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

It's true. Restoring Order will be the site of a massive clutter dump this weekend.

The good news is: we planned it!

Join our Simplify Sale - a HUGE YARD SALE (9 am to 2 pm), charity event, BBQ, outdoor concert, and free organizing workshop (3-4 pm).

It's an opportunity for anyone (that's YOU) to get a station to sell the clutter clogging up their life & space, make money, and do good for charity all at once.

That's because our station vendors can leave behind anything that doesn't sell to our selected onsite charities. Portland Rescue Mission, Pregnancy Resource Centers, and Community Warehouse will all be accepting items and providing tax-deductible receipts for our vendors. They will all also be glad to receive direct donations from the public.

We've posted the items needed by charities, event schedule, and all the details at www.SimplifySale.com. I hope to see you there!

~Vicki Norris

The Simplify Sale- Practice Giving Well!

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

As a professional organizer one of my favorite principles I teach clients is about “pruning”. The pruning principle is this: We will flourish in our personal, spiritual, and physical life when we expose ourselves and environment to frequent pruning. I get so much joy out of watching clients go through their house room by room to remove the excess stuff clogging their mental and emotional world, creating a more peaceful and healthy environment.

When it comes to pruning, our goal is to help our clients not only de-clutter, but also to teach them how to give well. This is why at this year’s Simplify Sale - which will be held at our headquarters in Sherwood, OR on Sat., Sept. 18th from 9 -4 - I have asked three charities to participate that are doing amazing things in the community.

Each of the three charities (Community Warehouse, Portland Rescue Mission, and Pregnancy Resource Center) will be at the sale to collect specific items that they need from attendees and those participating in the sale.

Imagine all of the old baby clothes the attic, blankets and coats that are collecting dust in your basement or the clothes that no longer fit you taking up space in your closet. Now imagine going through your house room by room to unclog your space (and your mind)! How amazing would it feel to bring a car full of items to the sale (item that are cluttering your home) and give them to others that do not have enough…that NEED these items?

I challenge all of you to do just that! Join us and get a station to sell the stuff clogging your space! An amazing thing will happen in the process…you will cut off the dead wood and allow for health and growth in your life!

Love Workshop

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Sighing while snuggling into bed: "Mommy, when I grow up I want to do your business."

A moment of pure joy: "I would LOVE that, Nash."

Pleadingly: "Mommy, can I do your next workshop?"

Laughing: "What would you teach everyone, Nash?"

Without missing a beat: "I would teach everyone to be good and kind and love everyone."

Humbled: "Sounds like the world should take your workshop instead of mine!"

"Mommy, can I have the scones from the workshop?"

Will You Serve in the Kitchen?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

So I haven't blogged in a while. That's because my mind has been overflowing with things to say and I'm in the process of sorting them out. And I promised you that I wouldn't blog just to hit a "recommended target" of blogging or just to blather. Suffice it to say (for now) that my vision for Restoring Order is expanding. And it's very exciting.

My dear Friend (capital "F" friend - the kind that comes early, stays late, prays for you, and loves you no matter what) recently shared her desire to serve within her church. So we've been praying and hoping for BIG ways that she can be used because she has many gifts and lots of experience that can be leveraged for good.

An opportunity arose. "Great", she thought! Where could she plug in? Leading a study? Planning an event? Heading up a project? Not quite. She was asked to serve in the facility's commercial kitchen, since she has knowledge of the food handling laws. Ouch.

We laughed about how when we really open ourselves up to be used in our highest capacity and seek God's best for our life, we place a lot of unspoken expectations on the answer we might receive. Because we want what we want. Maybe because we place a higher value on the seen than the unseen service.

So I've been thinking about her situation and how it applies to me - my business, personal life, and ministry to others. I heard quietly in my heart "Will you serve in the kitchen?" (In the simple, humble, practical places.)

Can you relate? Have you presumed - in life, at home, in business or ministry - that BIG is better and have you overlooked the modest opportunities right in front of you? Join me in committing to starting small. I'm beginning to notice that opportunities to serve are everywhere!

Be Urgent for the Right Things

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

I admit. I'm a driven person. My Strengths Finder assessment (you should try it at www.StrengthsFinder.com) says I'm an "Achiever". That means I have to get something done every day. And something significant. And by "every day" that means every week day, weekend, evening, holiday, vacation, etc. I feel lousy if I don't have anything to show for my day.

Despite the fact that I have an inborn sense of urgency to accomplish, I want to be sure that I'm urgent for the RIGHT things.

I've been thinking about how ironic it is that people will spend hours planning and strategizing for their business, home improvement projects, finances, hobbies, vacations, etc, but not spend ANY time investing to that level in their marriage or parenting - two of the greatest blessings and resources a person can have. And then we wonder why things are stale or frustrating.

So this year I want to practice the discipline (I'm saying "practice" because I don't FEEL it yet, but I know I will once I practice it) of applying my urgency strength to the things that really matter to me.

I want to practice a sense of urgency about investing in my marriage. That means re-instituting our date night. That means finishing a chapter in a book we're reading together. That means putting him ahead of my work and other plans.

I also want to practice urgency for investing in my children. So often, I find myself just doing my own thing while they are doing theirs, rather than interacting in a quality way. (After all, dishes and laundry and work has to be done!) I want to be instructing them and training them and being conscious of what I am inputting into them, rather than just focusing on behavior.

Practicing urgency for the things that matter is going to be a new skill for me. I want to focus this year on getting the LITTLE things right in my life so that I can be prepared for the BIG things ahead. Perhaps we miss opportunities in life because we haven't cultivated the discipline or perspective to be ready for them.

When I look back on my life I want to be glad that I was more URGENT for a quality life and interaction with my husband and children than my to-do list.

Have you been urgent for the wrong things? Bigger bank accounts? Promotions, projects, or plans or anything that is less important in the eternal scheme of things than your TRUE VALUES? I invite you to join me in practicing urgency for the things that really matter this year. Here's to a blessed 2010!

~Vicki Norris

Dumpster Diving

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Tonight I went dumpster diving.

In the Goodwill truck.

Earlier today my dad inadvertently donated my mom's old (and treasured) Christmas decorations. Even the hand-made ones from me and my brother. Yarn candy canes my Granny made. Wooden ornaments hand-painted by my Grandfather. A picture of me circa 1979 surrounded by pipe cleaners and glitter. All gone.

I was there when my mom found out over dinner. Her eyes welled up with tears, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing when she sighed with resignment, "what's done is done."

I wanted to know where he had dropped them off. I couldn't get out the door fast enough - at 7:45 pm. I told my husband he'd have to put the kids to bed as I raced off to the Goodwill trailer.

As I pulled up the Goodwill guy was in his car keeping warm. The big truck was closed up but the sign said they were open till 8 and I had 5 minutes to spare. Bawling, I told him the story. My husband had told me that they never let people in the truck. They never let you take anything once it has been dropped off, he said. It's against the rules. I guess it's a good thing that I never really think rules apply to me. If they were open, I would get in.

Well, prayer works. He opened the doors and I was in the trailer digging through humongous cardboard boxes looking desperately by lantern light for the treasured decorations.

The man said that at 10 am they got a fresh trailer and anything dropped off before then would be gone. I was about to conclude that our stuff was in the first trailer when I saw it. That shag needlepoint rug my grandfather made. I guess that was in the mistaken pile, too. I had to find the decorations, too. At last, I found the two precious boxes buried in another box filled with lights. I trembled and bawled and hugged Goodwill Guy and thanked him over and over.

I showed up at my mom's door in the rain holding the boxes and she was incredulous. Through our tears I said, "there's ALWAYS a way."

This Christmas season, may you remember that it's the simple pipe cleaners and glitter, the love for your mother, the sentimental memories - not expensive presents, endless commitments, and commercial myths - that are worth going after with all your heart. I'm reminded on this winter night that the best Gift of all time came hidden in rags. And when we look for it, we WILL find it!

Yours,
Vicki Norris

True Confessions

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

If you are someone who thinks that "organized" means perfectly coiffed and put-together, I have some "insider information" for you....I'm wearing the same clothes today that I did yesterday and my naptime pillow left me with a bed head hairdo.

If you've imagined that a professional organizer must have a slick color-coded (or electronic) system for productive shopping trips, you'll grin when you learn that I took the kids to Target today and wrote my list in the car on the back of a business card I had in my purse.

"Organized" might not look like you thought, after all. It's not - at least in my view - about having a Martha Stewart home or perky June Cleaver preparedness. It's about making room for the things that matter....it's about LIVING a restored life; one where you are focusing on first things first. Of course, an orderly home and work life helps clear the way for purposeful living, but "organized" is a means, not an end.

So, today, let yourself off the hook for what you thought "organized" meant and just relax into real, satisfying life where you get to play with your kids, step over the blocks and toys for now, and enjoy a nap on a rainy day...even if you're left with bed head and pathetic grocery lists.

Fitting the Pieces Together

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Yesterday I pieced Dora the Explorer's head together.

I explained to my son Nash (almost 3 now) that when you're putting a puzzle together, you look for similarities on the pieces and then join them together. I told him that it's easiest if you start by assembling the edge pieces and frame the puzzle and then work in from there, putting characters and butterflies and flowers together. I smiled as I explained this "puzzle protocol" as it occurred to me that it's the same system I use to organize.

That's right; organizing is just like puzzle assembly. Good organizing is not only for the glossy and privileged few that have it "all together" like Martha Stewart or photo designers of Real Simple magazine. You don't have to (and rarely will) have the outcome figured out before you start.

The root word of organizing is "organic" and from start to finish GOOD organizing is just that...it progresses as it goes; it's a natural and fluid process. If you want your organizing efforts to last, it is essential that you engage in a disovery process and accept that your project(s) will develop as it goes. You begin with what you DO know (so amidst all that you DON'T know, just find the one thing you DO know...like how to "restore order" to the junk drawer). Then begin with that one thing.

As you do what you know, what you know begins to grow. And what you don't know begins to shrink. It works every time. I've been doing this for 10 years and this "start with what you know" policy has NEVER failed me.

People think that as a professional organizer, I must have a secret master plan for every project. Special insight that no one else has. Not true. Instead I have a faith that when I do what I know (and am faithful with that) that I will grow in my knowledge and understanding and that then the next step or solution will present itself.

Try it. Begin your puzzle and see the pieces start to form a beautiful picture.

~Vicki

Wicked Wicket

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Thursday night my husband and boys were home playing croquet in the yard. My 14 month old Brock somehow managed to pull a wicket out of the ground, took a few steps with it, and promptly impaled it into his eye. Seriously.

My husband flew the truck to the ER. I'm not sure who was screaming louder, Brock in pain, blood streaming down his face, Nash in fear, or Dad in agony.

On the way to the ER, all we could think of is if our son would be blind.

In short, the wicked wicket narrowly missed Brock's eye and landed in the tissue beneath. Praise God. We've never held our boys so close.

We got a little glimpse of heaven's intervention, and I'm wishing you the same...and the power to see them. An angel to bump wickets and a healing touch. May you hold your babies closer and be THANKFUL for what you DO have.

~Vicki

Simplify Sale Savvy Shopper

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Meet Portland Sparks. This young lady attended our Aug. 22nd Simplify Sale. I met her as she was darting between the stations, acquiring new deals and squealing over her "finds" at the FREE table. Here she is pictured in a free blazer and sunglasses plus a Tweety bird bag containing a hand-held vacuum. It was fun to see her - and hundreds others - enjoying this special yard sale and all its unique elements.

I hope you'll join us for our LAST Simplify Sale of 2009: Saturday, September 26th form 9 am to 2 pm. And if you're local to the Portland, OR area and you want to lighten up and make some money, join us as a station vendor. We've already sold half the stations and we have 9 really cool life-simplifying service providers you'll get to meet when you attend.

See you there!
~Vicki

Trade, Don't Buy!

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

I love discovering life simplifying service providers that really work. I just signed up for a national online bartering website: www.Tradia.net.

It's a site that allows you to trade what you have for what you need. For example, I could do an organizing project for a Tradia member and earn Tradia credits in the dollar amount of my standard rates. Then, I can cash in those Tradia credits to purchase something I need, like a new roof, siding, a vacation, signage, printing...anything for my business or personal life that I'd rather not pay cash for...

It's good stewardship and it's practical. Plus, it keeps the cash in the bank.

Sound good? If you have skills, services, or products of value you can barter, check out www.Tradia.net. If you're in Oregon, give Cari or Ken at the Portland franchise a call at (503) 625-5100. If you sign up with them tell them I sent you and they'll give you a free dinner out!

Cool Pilot and Alligator

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Monday my husband was rushing the boys out of the house to go flying. It's his passion and it's becoming an almost daily occurrence around here. Nash said to him "Daddy, Brock coming too?" Trevor said, "Yah, buddy, Brock's coming, too. He's the navigator and you're the co-pilot."

Nash hurried along behind him talking to himself excitedly, trying not to trip. I was behind him and heard him repeating his daddy...."Brock the alligator and I'm the cool pilot!"

I could hardly stop laughing and had to fill my husband in on why I had collapsed in hilarity. Don't forget to stop today and enjoy the funny moments of your day. Laugh more and scowl less. Slow down and savor. Hug those alligators and cool pilots.

Fave Furniture

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

It's a changing station. It's a landing strip for small aircraft. It's a place to put your drink, your guitar, your magazine. It's a foot rest, an extra seat, and a serving station. It's lightweight, boy-proof, and it's even slipcovered. It's my favorite piece of furniture and it is my ottoman. Talk about multi-tasking! What is YOUR favorite piece of furniture and why?

The Simplify Sale Rocked!

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

It has been a busy week and a half since our first Simplify Sale on July 25th!

We had overwhelming success with our newest business venture! Over 500 people attended, with 40 participant stations, live band, yummy BBQ, and a gloriously sunny day. The snowcones took the edge off the sizzle.

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue fire men and women brought two engines and shared the shiny trucks with kids and adults alike.

Station vendors sold their wares - everything from cowboy boots to ceramic roosters to jewelry to holiday decor to shabby chic goodies. I was impressed at the variety of items at the Sale and BARGAINS I found. (I personally bought 5 things....including a fab dish dryer and chair!)

KPTV Channel 12 was there covering the story....since the Simplify Sale is such a unique new way that people can lighten up and clear out the clutter.

I can't wait for our next Sale August 22nd!

The Simplify Sale is Here!

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Have you ever had one of THOSE ideas that are so good you can't say no, but so BIG you just hold on for the ride? That pretty much sums up the last 2 months.

In my last blog I was literally just birthing the Simplify Sale. Now I've brought the "baby" home (the Simplify Sale is the first event of our new Events division). Like any new baby, I've been staying up late with it and learning a lot!

And Saturday, July 25th is our first Simplify Sale ever! If you haven't yet heard about it, I haven't done my job in marketing. It's a gigantic vintage yard sale (over 30 stations of bargains!), outdoor concert (a really cool band call Cry of Stones), BBQ (our workshop caterer AB Catering) and charity event (unsold goods will go to Love INC).

Highlights: A chance to win an organizing makeover worth over $1000! A visit from the fire truck! A huge FREE section!

At these Sales, I aim to:

1. Bless the needy with useful and needed household items (the beneficiary of unsold goods will be Love Inc.)

2. Provide station-holders a chance to lighten up, simplify, and make money (they don’t have to advertise their own sale nor deal with the stuff left over)

3. Give attendees the opportunity to buy bargain re-purposed stuff and enjoy a fun day with live music, BBQ, and a fair-type atmosphere

4. Introduce the community to a handful of local small business owners (sponsors) who help people manage home and life.

It's not too late! If you're looking for an organizing outcome for cheap, clear out your clutter, load up your car, and join us as a station vendor!

If you're just looking for something to do this weekend, please come out to Dream Acres in Sherwood and enjoy fun in the sun with great deals, food, music, and community!

Committed to creating new ways for YOU to get organized,
~Vicki Norris

New Ventures Are Brewing

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Sorry I haven't written in a while. I promised not to blog just to chatter and my brain has been on overload for the last month. I've transitioned in a new organizing consultant to our organizing team, been working on the relaunch of my website/blog/webstore, I've been working on building my workshops, and my NEW venture...so read on.... Tonight I'm playing with designs and colors and patterns...all for the identity system (graphic design package) for our new farm property "Dream Acres" and its future adventures. It's an aesthetic experience, like rolling around a new taste in your mouth or feeling a silky shimmery ribbon. It has to fit the simple but inspiring perspective I'm trying to offer through everything I do (consulting, books, products, speaking, events). It has to be classy and snappy and speak to people. In one glance it all has to capture and give hope and draw people in. I am hoping to have the signage up by the end of summer. I'll let you know what I come up with... The first series of events at Dream Acres are going to be my "Simplify Sales"--unique community yard sales. In addition to tons of tables of great stuff you can buy (acquiring previously-loved items is savvy and affordable), I'm going to have a live band, a yummy barbeque, snow cones, and vendors that can help you simplify your life. These will take place the 4th Sat. of July, August, and September. Contact us if you're in Oregon and want to get a table at Info@RestoringOrder.com.

"I Gotch You"

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

"I GOTCH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!" he screams in my ears as he presses his two year old face into mine with wild vigor. So much for my makeup. But I don't care. I'm just lapping up this toddler love.

I guess he learned that from all the cute little games we play where I proclaim"I got you!" (usually followed with a tickle) as he dissolves into giggles.

My heart aches to think about the day when my babies don't want me to snuggle them close anymore. I'm already seeing signs of this impending day with the emphatic "Do it my OWN self, mommy!"

And I'm reminded how blessed I am to be the object of his affection.

I wish for you a life - amidst paying the bills and the daily grind - where you can clear the way for the things that truly matter. If you're living on the edge of sanity, buried with clutter and overwhelm, (like so many are) you are likely turning inward and forgetting to SAVOR the screams in the face. If you're stressed out, you bark at the family, are quicker to anger, and are less thankful for the little things.

It's time to make room for savoring the simple things. Who do you gotch and who gotch you?

Wandering Items

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Tonight I spied my belt (which I didn't know I was missing) in the TV armoire behind a stack of DVDs. Later I was searching for the black television remote and found it a half hour later in the dog's bed. I am a professional organizer. I have a toddler.

-Vicki Norris

Finally FB

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Thanks, Stacey Wilson. For telling me I can "poach" your friends on Facebook. Thanks for taking pity on my pathetic 30-something FB fear. Or is it malaise?

I think I figured out how to add a network. I've tried 10 times to add who I am married to and FB won't record it. Weird. For the record, I'm married to Trevor Norris, who is my best friend, a brilliantly talented craftsman and pilot, and a defiantly disorganized man! God has a funny sense of humor.

Not sure why I've resisted FB so long...perhaps I've been too busy doing things to stop and tell people what I'm doing. I need to get over the time commitment obstacle. I can do this! I am a college graduate! With honors! (Whatever that means.) I run a small business in the midst of an economic crisis and I am my own economic stimulus. I am a woman for heaven's sake. What can't we do?

Vicki Norris

My Shabby Life

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

I like to buy furniture that is already distressed. That way my son's array of tools don't add any discernable damage. Almost every piece of upolstered furniture I own is slipcovered...good for Charlie the Dog's lovely "moments" and the pen my husband bought that looks like an airplane and is therefore irresistable to my son.

When we moved into our dream home, I actually hired someone to make my kitchen walls look old. It's the vintage look I adore. I love to be surrounded by the comfortable...the mushy gushy couch covered in yummy fancy fabric that invites snuggling and the red wood stove that I love to gather around and get toasty.

But it's more than the vintage, comfortable "look" that I can't live without...it's a throw-back, true-to-basics, deeply comforting way of life that I can't live without. You see, if my shabby chic farmhouse burned down, I would still have my shabby life.

My shabby life has gathered some nicks and scars along the journey...but it has been those marks that I've allowed to make me richer. A life where I've learned to anticipate and accept the bumps and bruises that will be coming my way in life and plan for them so I don't let them break my spirit. Instead of expecting life to be perfect (which a lot of mis-led folks mistake for "organized"), I am learning it to live in the present and consider it a gift.

More thoughts on my shabby life in my next blog...stay tuned!

~Vicki Norris

Traffic Jam

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

My shoes are stuck in a traffic jam.

We have been remodeling our office since we moved into our new home last fall. It is all done except for a few things. My husband put hooks up in our mudroom and we still have to install the shoe bar when we get a little time (which is in short supply with two little ones!).

Yes, I did say "shoe bar"....I am sooooo excited for a fabulous place to display and store all of our shoes. I've decided that ALL of our shoes (except the muddy boots) will live in our mudroom, not our bedrooms.

You know the problem of a two-story house...some shoes live by the front door, some live in the bedrooms (no one knows which ones), and some live in the garage, etc. Many just are just transients and clutter up the floor wherever the owner kicks them off. And, remember, I'm raising three (I mean TWO) boys!

So, anyway the shoe bar has not yet come into its glorious existence yet. But I've already cleared my shoes out of the master closet to make room for my husband's clothes. So, my shoes are lined up in awkward rows on the floor in the mudroom and my husband's and son's shoes are still scattered about and it slays me.

My shoes are in purgatory and it isn't pretty. I'm sure you have experienced something like this...a traffic jam of household disorder. Until the mudroom gets resolved, our shoes shall remain frustratingly nomadic. It's a back up and I'm laying on the horn!

Fortunately, I know that this situation is temporary. If you are having traffic jams in your own household, resolve them one at a time as soon as you can in order to avoid a downward spiral. And if your jam is temporary like mine (though nonetheless annoying) do what I'm doing: havea glass of wine and dreaming of my shoe bar (insert your dream here) just off the next exit!

Here's to shoe bars,

Vicki Norris

Workshop Success!

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Yesterday - Saturday, January 10th - was the launch of the first-ever Restoring Order workshop series. It was held at the NEW Restoring Order headquarters, right here at Dream Acres. We had a packed house and everyone was brimming with excitement. Our first topic was the "Five P's of Paper Management", which kicked off the first six months of our series--all of which will cover paper management. The second six months of our series will cover space management.

Pens and pencils were furiously scribbling notes on the new clipboards. With each advancing PowerPoint slide, these 20 star students gained an invaluable filter through which they can now view paper. Instead of being overwhelmed by the paper on their desk and floor and surfaces, workshop participants are now equipped to discern between different types of paper (Which is actionable? Which needs to be filed? Which is reference?).

Feeling empowered, the participants practically begged for homework at the end with hands raised with the query "What should I do first?!" I was so thrilled by the packed house but especially impressed by the workshop participants' desire to learn and APPLY.

Thirteen of the 20 participants stayed for the BOOK CLUB that followed. This year we are covering my first book "Restoring Order" (also known as "Reclaim Your Life".) It was a white-tablecloth fancy-dancy luncheon. We sipped on our spritzers and coffee and nibbled on our fab salads and gourmet sammies. We shared our organizing successes and embarassments. Even in our first session (I covered Chapter One - Life Management and Chapter Five - The Freedom Factor), participants felt free to share what they struggle with and how they are addressing their mess so that they can live a life of purpose and meaning. We concluded by discussing how we are all determined to invest in our quality of life this year and what we must tackle/face to do so. It was a special time shared and we are all committed to learning together and living with purpose in the coming months.

If you haven't already done so, and you live in the northwest, won't you consider joining our very special "Second Saturday" events? I will be adding a second workshop due to interest. It will be from 1:00-2:30 pm and we may likely add another book club (an afternoon high tea, I think) directly following from 3:00-4:00 pm.

If you're interested, send an email to Workshop@RestoringOrder.com with your full name, address, phone numbers, and email and you'll be personally contacted.

These workshops and book clubs are the fulfillment of NEW POSSIBILITIES within the Restoring Order brand of offerings. I am thrilled that they are already practically and affordably meeting the needs of regular people like you and me...helping folks who want to TAKE BACK THEIR LIFE to make 2009 the year that they INVEST IN THEMSELVES.

Your friend in this journey of life,

Vicki Norris

"Stand White Dare"

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

“Stand White Dare!” Bleary-eyed and fighting off sleep, my two year old son orders me to stand at the end of his bed and wait for him to fall asleep, to “stand right there.”

Apparently my husband told him a few nights ago that he would “stand right here” until little Nash fell asleep. Well, this tenacious toddler doesn’t miss a beat and now he knows just how to articulate what he wants.

Now this isn’t going to be a parenting opinion/advice blog about “to stay or not to stay.” We’ve tried both strategies and frankly we don’t have the formula figured out.

What I DO know is that Nash wants us to reassure him. He wants his final moments of awake time to be filled with us…impatient, tired-out, imperfect US. What a wonder. What an undeserved honor. What a treasure I want to live up to….

Are there people in YOUR life you need to “stand right by” at this time? Folks in financial trouble? Friends in need? Girlfriends who need an encouraging word? (Recently my best friend told me “you’re a good mom, Vic.” And I just bawled. We all need it sometimes.) Who can you stand right next to at this moment?

Remember, Christmas is about the One who came and stood in the gap for us. Imperfect us. What a wonder. What an undeserved honor. What a treasure I want to live up to….

Living with "Ish"

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

I got my Christmas tree half decorated. My two year old "helped" and you can imagine how productive that was! After getting everyone settled into bed way past their bedtime, I "fluffed" the things in the dryer for the 99th time and collapsed into bed before I could fold. I got up the next morning and got the kitchen half cleaned. Then I unloaded the dryer (finally) and realized everything in the washer needed to be re-washed (for obvious reasons) before setting that smell forever by drying those clothes.

These days it seems like I'm not able to do more than part of a job before the baby needs to be nursed or the next conference call or appointment. Quite frustrating for a "get it done" kind of girl like me.

This working mom, half-done, sleep-deprived state has FORCED me to live with "ish." I tell my friends I will be at their house "five-ish". I get the house "clean-ish" (aka: presentable enough) and lately my vacuum has been hanging out in my living room so that when I walk by it I can quickly spin around the house when inspiration strikes. There are hundreds of projects that need to be done in our new house, and I know they will get done soon-ish.

The bad thing about living with "ish" is that I am constantly disappointing my own standards of timeliness, cleanliness, and even organization (!) But that is also the good thing about living with "ish." I am giving myself the grace to ACCEPT that for this season of life, I must do what I can when I can. I'm sacrificing my old standards so that I can put first things first.

Instead of seeing myself as a victim of "ish" (wherein I would feel mighty peeved that children and other "distractions" were causing this ishy-ness) I am choosing to accept "ish" and I'm daily trying to be content with the "undone."

The tree is still half-decorated and Christmas is in one week. I've decided that it looks nice and less cluttered that way. :-)

Dream Acres

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Have you ever had a dream (or a collection of dreams) that is SO big you don't ever know how it could come true? During the last six months, I've realized a host of lifelong dreams all at once. It's so overwhelming, nostalgic, and beautiful, my heart is just seized with a breathless pain...the kind of pain you experience when your heart is bursting with gratitude. I can't even list all of the dreams that I've harbored in the far nooks of my heart and mind over the years that are now coming true.

I've always been a sentimental person, loving "old things" because they all have a story. Things from the past evoke simpler times, and I - as you know - am drawn in by the beauty of simplicity. (For example, "The Night Before Christmas" house was just the time period I imagined myself living in....the Victorian house laced with velvet, red plaid, and sugarplums just tickled my fancy.) My friends, I'm living in just such a house...a home that just welcomes you in with warmth.

Trevor and I received an enormous gift and we moved into our dream home this October. Our property is five acres, complete with barn and shop and garden and orchard. There's even a play structure for our boys. Just yesterday I climbed up in the loft of the shop and swept out the planks, dreaming of all the wonderful shipwrecks, space crafts, and cowboy hideouts my boys will have here. I thought back and remembered how -since I was a girl- I have been captivated by spaces like this. I wandered through the dirt floors of the barn, envisioning the farm fruit stand I will have here come spring. I'm dreaming of where I'll put the Christmas trees next winter and the apples in the fall. How will I organize the space and make it feel homey and warm for visitors? I then walk across the drive to the garden and I imagine where the big fire pit will be and the picnic tables and....I just keep walking and dreaming.

I guess I just want you to know that dreams really do come true. Dreams that were planted in your heart when you were little are there for a reason. Your affinities, your hopes, your imagination - all these are part of what make you uniquely YOU.

I drove past this house for TWELVE YEARS and admired it from afar. For some reason (heaven knows even when we don't) I had an affinity in my heart for this particular house....and now I live here.

Friends, don't give up on YOUR dreams. Don't let the economy or your retirement or your stressors hold you back from dreaming. Reach back into the attic of your mind, all the way back to your childhood. Trace your dreams from then to now and follow where they lead.

Those who live a purposeful life are far more likely to recognize and seize their dreams. Join me in dreaming outlandish dreams. Who konws, they might just ALL come true!

~Vicki

Eight Weeks Under

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Talk about a blog break...this has been more a like a blog break-up!

If anyone is wondering where I've been these last few weeks; I've been dealing with more than my share of LIFE CHANGE!

In the last eight weeks, my husband and I have closed on (and moved into) our dream home on five acres. My folks bought the adjoining five acres, so now my sons will get to grow up next door to "Nana and Papa." We are calling it Dream Acres, and I can't wait to tell you all about it...we're living our priorities every day.
As a result, we moved our household and my business Restoring Order. I had lived in my home for 12 years and Restoring Order is about to celebrate its tenth year in business, so this was no small feat. It was an organized move, but it was peppered with visits to the hospital....read on...
Concurrent with this move has been a family medical crisis. My mother had back surgery, which resulted in complications, a second surgery, and over a month in the hospital. She remains in the hospital. Hers is a case for Dr. House because no one can figure out what is going on with her blood pressure.
In addition, I became violently ill myself over the last three weeks and have since given this epic cold to both my sons. I am just now surfacing.
Lastly, in order to move my business into its new building, a total remodel was required. One wall was torn down, another erected...flooring was torn up and new flooring put down. Sheetrock, paint, electrical, you name it. Thankfully, I'm married to the world's handiest man.

Some people just ask for it, eh?

I'm back in the saddle and wanted to break the blog silence with an update. I have learned so much in this time, and I have much to share with you. Stay tuned!

Weathering life's changes alongside you,

Vicki Norris

Socially Under-Networked

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In 2007, my friend invited me to join Facebook. He posted some pictures of his adorable family and asked me to write on his "wall." I followed the link and did my best to fill out a rudimentary profile. Up until today, I had never updated that ancient profile. Today, I sorted through 14 invitations to be a "friend." Kind of pathetic that I only had 14 people offer to be my friend in over a year, but that's another story. (Maybe people don't realize how fun I really am. Ha.) Now, I have an odd assortment of friends, some of whom are acquaintances and others who are near and dear. Not sure it's very representative of my inner circle....My husband Trevor doesn't even know what Facebook is, and he is my best friend.

I feel stressed by the hundreds of others I should be extending and accepting invitations to and from to be friends. What if they see me on there and think that I'm not their friend? I spent more than half my day doing all of this. I had to complete my basic information including personal information (oh, dear, what shall I share?), contact information (what about all the weirdos out there in cyberspace?) and my education and work information (what for? So my alumni association can track me down and ask me for money? So that people can send me resumes?) Wow, this is taking a lot of commitment.

I felt sort-of stupid for being SO behind-the-times and slow to "catch on" to this not-so-new, apparently essential form of community. Yet, conversely, there seemed to be something kind of ego-centric about the whole thing, as well. Some people post several times a day, I learned, and a lot of it is just random musings that they think others want to hear....their up-to-the-moment state-of-being. I can think of a lot of other things I can and should be doing with my time. As my dad would say, I think I have "bigger fish to fry."

I also belong to Linked In. True confessions, though: my web designer updates my invites and groups. I simply don't have time to explore this virtual world. I'm busy living in the physical world of being a mom of two boys, a wife, and a small business owner.

An old sorority sister friend just invited me to join her in Linked In, and her invite is sitting in my Inbox and it's making me feel guilty because I really do want to re-connect with her. Another good friend asked me to make him a referral on Linked In, which I am happy to do after I get my Inbox below 100. He's a very good corporate attorney. If you want his name just call me. :-)

My question is: what about my database? That's what I use when I want to ask someone smarter than me a question or get connected to a person or an opportunity. Am I boorish and old-fashioned to just pick up the phone and call them or should I be poking, inviting, and writing grafitti on their "walls"? And do we simply phone those in our database, or network, or sphere of influence, or friends, or contact list, or whatever you want to call it, and just catch up anymore?

While we're on the subject, does anyone walk across the street anymore and talk to their neighbors? Here we are, citizens of the world, with hundreds of friends on Facebook, but do we even know our next-door neighbors? How do we have time to hang out in the cul-de-sac if we are glued to the screen?

It's really no wonder that our time management is out-of-control these days, we're getting carpal tunnel and eye strain from being on the computer with our virtual network.

It's kind of overwhelming to think of dedicating a part of each day -which is already full - to posting pictures, issuing invitations, and searching for friends. If so, I better create a time management seminar especially dedicated to scheduling these activities and I should be the first to take my own seminar!

I have a little theory here: my "friends" will be the ones who show up on Moving Day, which is in two and a half weeks and counting. Our family is moving to our dream house, and I plan to feed, thank, and spend time with those friends. Hopefully they won't hold it against me that they didn't get a formal e-vite.

I may be socially under-networked and woefully e-literate, but I'm thankful that I'm blessed with friends in the world I in live in day-to-day. Perhaps there's still hope for me in the virtual world, too.

~Vicki Norris

Whoa-ses

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"Mommy, whoa-ses..." Nash said to me with imploring eyes.

"You want to go cut the roses?" I asked.

"Uh-heh."

"Ok, let's go cut the roses."

I have been teaching my toddler how to prune back the rose bushes almost every night. We go outside into the front yard with the clippers and the bucket and stand in the warm fading sunlight and trim back three beautiful rose bushes that frame my front window. He carries the bucket. I clip the dead roses and we talk about cutting out the ones that have died to make more room for the ones that are budding. Meanwhile he plays on the stump nearby, runs in the grass, and helps me weed.

I had just finished cutting out the deadwood and I stood back and looked at the roses that remained. I wondered why I don't bring more of the GOOD ones inside. Perhaps because I know they will wilt very soon after. But they wilt pretty fast on the bush as well....I began to realize. I guess I just get out there and "get the job done" on auto-pilot. It would be trite to say I don't "take the time to smell the roses," because I AM out there enjoying the evening sun and experience with my son. But, what I'm NOT doing--that I WANT to start doing more of--is ENJOYING the fruits of my work. I want to bring the GOOD ones inside.

Are there other areas of my life that I am doing this to myself? Where I am depriving myself of the beauty in life because I'm moving to fast?

The night I realized all this, there weren't very many good blooms left. So I brought Nash over to the hydrangea bushes and asked him which ones he liked best. He pointed them out and I cut them. We loaded them in our metal bucket, brought them inside and arranged them in vases. Every time I look at them (ironically) I am thinking of my "whoa-ses" and how glad I am that I'm bringing the outdoors indoors and enjoying the blooms life has to offer, no matter how fleeting.

May you bring some blooms into your life today!

~Vicki

Motherhood Times Two

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

If you're wondering why I haven't blogged for 8 weeks, there's a very good reason! I worked up till June 30th and then bailed out of this speeding train known as "running your own business" and drove to the hospital the next day and had a baby!

On July 1, 2008, Trevor and I welcomed our second son into our lives. Meet Brock Patrik Norris.

And now, after an 8 week hiatus (sorry, I should have mentioned that I'd be gone for a while!) I am back!

Baby Brock and big brother Nash are doing well. Colic and concern are fading, being replaced with more grins all around. I am so blessed and thankful to be a mother to my boys. I am trying to savor every moment. The time is going so fast!

I am sharing a picture of us in the hospital (now you know what I look like with no makeup!). Soon I will share more photos of our growing boys and family since we are ever changing! I am excited to share with you as time goes by how I'm adjusting and working hard to keep my priorities in focus.

For those of you who want to know, my home is crazy during the day, but by nightfall I sweep through and pick it up so I don't get depressed by morning! I'm enjoying our changing home and trying to keep things in perspective.

~Proud Mom Vicki Norris

Live Like You're Moving

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

I may be moving. My home is up for sale right now, and if we move, it will be close by....

I have to say that getting my home ready for sale has been a treat. Now, that may sound disgusting to those of you who live in FEAR of ever having to move...with all the organization and staging you'd have to do...you'd rather jump out the window. But, read on and learn WHY I am going to try to live in this state of transition for the rest of my life!

Here are some of the benefits I've received from having my home on the market:

I'm living in my home the way I've always wanted to...

I'm cutting fresh roses and bringing them inside each day and arranging them in my vintage jars
We're actually watering our annual flowers daily and maintaining two beautiful hanging baskets...things are looking better than just plain bark dust!
I'm making my bed EVERY day
I've purposely tried to keep the laundry below the tops of the hampers by doing a load every evening
I'm opening the windows to the summer breeze and turning on the jazz music, so that it is wafting through my house along with the sweet smell of summer
I'm viewing my home as a welcoming place of hospitality-in-a-hurry...I've always enjoyed having guests at any time, but now I'm proud to have people stop in at any time with no preparation

Best of all....my husband has found new inspiration....

He is CLEANING UP AFTER HIMSELF EVERY DAY, including socks in the laundry, dishes washed and PUT AWAY, and even scrubbing the counters!
I am finally getting my husband through his "honey-do" list...at least a third of it is done...and supplies have been purchased for the remaining projects!!!

And here's a testimonial: yesterday, a Realtor called and wanted to preview the home and I was ready for her visit in 5 minutes (other than my own appearance!)

Friends, please hear my heart on this topic...I'm not advocating living in sanitized perfection. Nor am I suggesting that you should really put your home on the market unless there's a very good reason...especially in this economy. What I AM noticing, though, is the delightful state of mind and home (and yes, some habit changes) that are taking place with our home up for sale.

I think that after my home sells (or not), I will picture the "for sale" sign in my yard and try to remind myself of fresh roses on the nightstand.

Giving Well

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

You know, this "going green" buzz phrase has gone a little far. People are using it to sell everything from clothes to homes these days. Sadly, for some it has become about adjusting our consumerism to products marked in a certain way rather than limiting it and being savvier about the choices we make.

Last weekend, I received the "new" crib from my girlfriend Jen. You would think it was right off the shelf. It had practically everything but the box it came in...there was a ziploc bag filled with spare parts and even the manual. Leave it to Jen to have filed away the manual and then reunite the manual with the item when giving it away...you can see why she's "my girl"! While assembling it, my husband said, "I love getting all these great things from Jen, they are always in "like-new" condition!"

I was thrilled I didn't have to buy something new and she was happy to let it go to a good home. Plus, I didn't have to deal with all the packaging, boxing, and superfluous stuff that comes with store-bought items. Best of all, when I'm done with the crib, I will try to find another friend I can bless with this furniture. Now, that's giving well, practicing good stewardship, AND green living!

GIVING

Next time you have something you'd like to part with, ask around before tossing, recycling, or dropping it off at a donation center.
Send around an email to friends and family or your network and see if anyone is interested in your cast-offs.
Give well. Ensure that the item is clean and, if possible, re-unite it with its instructions and spare parts.

RECEIVING

Next time you need something for yourself, family, home, or business, clarify between "need, want, and desire." Do you really need to acquire something else that you will have to pay for, store, dust, insure, etc.?
When you are begin your search, check with your network first and then with Freecycle and Craig's List and any other re-purposing communitites in your area.
Receive well. Express your thanks. Resolve to be a good steward of your own belongings so you can bless others when you're ready to let go.

Here's to giving well!

~ Vicki

Tackle Your Tangle

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Friends, I thought I'd share my recent household organizational challenge with you in the hopes it will inspire YOU to tackle your own projects.

With a baby coming soon, I'm in the midst of purposefully revising my household. Actually, the baby's nursery is ready, my main challenge is relocating the contents of my guest room and creating a "big boy" room for my toddler son.

Items that were stored in the guest room were: photos/memorabilia; sewing; gift wrap; and books. Here's my progress so far:

I bought some fabulous book shelves and created a "library" in my dining room. In our small home, I had to examine every square inch of wall space to determine where it would be best to carve out space for this library because it was important to me that all our books lived together rather than helter-skelter throughout the house.
I "pruned" the contents of one of my bedroom dressers (mostly serving as a valet for my husband's pocket contents!) and created a "gift wrap center" in it. In my ideal world (and ideal-sized home) I'd have a gift wrap center in a public space (like a spacious laundry room or mudroom or bonus room) rather than a private space (ie: my master bedroom) but in the real world, I made my space (and furniture!) work for me.
Cleaning supplies in my laundry room were re-located to pedestal drawers under the washer and dryer, creating space in the upper cabinets for my "sewing supplies." I like having my material, buttons, sewing kit, and sewing machine all together, and it makes sense to me to live in my laundromat!

Now my final challenge continuing to prune my photos and memorabilia and finding a destination for them. (Note that I'm using ongoing verbs like "continuing to" and "finding"....because I recognize this will be a process, not a one-time activity!) I saved the biggest challenge for last (following my own principle of "Do What You Know First") and there are a LOT of boxes associated with this category. I'm sentimental and I've kept a lot of photos and keepsakes over the years. The good news is: it's organized by year and now I just have to streamline the contents and figure out a place to store them.

Fortunately, my key priorities have been tackled, and I cannot describe the emotional and physical impact these changes have made. I feel lighter and like things are right again. I've made enormous progress from my torn-apart household to where I am now....and the "big boy" toddler room is looking good!

What is YOUR household tangle that you need to resolve? I encourage you to get after it so that you can experience the same RELIEF I've experienced in the last few days now that my home has begun to sync again!

~Vicki Norris

Trickle-Down Effect

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Recently my husband installed new tile into our bathrooms and laundry room upstairs. The project took much longer than we thought and by the time he was done, we had grout on the carpet, tools laying everywhere, and a fine layer of dust covering every surface. The good news is: we were finally "done" and he even installed a warming pad under the tile in our master bath...so nice on the toes on cold mornings! Just when we thought the project was complete and he was nailing the last finish nail into the molding to re-attach it to the wall, he inadvertently hit a water line. Except we didn't know it. Thankfully, three hours later he heard a hissing sound and hunted it down. He pried the molding off the wall and we were both instantly doused with a jet of water.

The water leaked into our walls and ceiling over our dining room. Fortunately, I'm married to the handiest man on earth so he was able to tear everything apart (in the middle of the night), replace and soder the damaged copper pipe, and get water running again in our home. Yet, a week and a half later our wood floors still had sheetrock shmear, buckets, and paint drips on them. You can probably imagine the emotional crisis I experienced with my home ripped apart, first by the tile project, and then by the leak.

I--like many of you--experienced "situational disorganization." That's when a life event (move, divorce, remodel, illness, new baby, or any life transition) causes turmoil in your space. The good news is: with a little effort (and deep breathing), situational disorganization is entirely recoverable. The key is to tackle the problem before a new one is added. In my case, our tile project clean up was not quite finished before the leak incident. This meant that I had TWO problems causing disarray in my home before I knew it. Add to that the headache of a toddler running around screaming "SAW!" and "WATER!" as he sped around our bedroom "exploring" the sharp tools and buckets of standing water. Luckily we all survived, there was no blood shed, and my house is back together again (save a few pieces of molding!)

So, if you have some disorganization in your home you need to deal with, chances are some of it was caused by a life event that imposed itself upon you. After you've traced it to its root, resolve to unwind that mess before new ones have the chance to assault your space (as those unexpected situations often do!). Going forward, commit to eliminating this "trickle-down effect" of situational disorganization by tackling those unpleasant circumstances QUICKLY so they don't take over your space and life.

~Vicki

Too Much Going On?

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It's the Friday before Memorial Day 2008 and my blog has officially launched!

I don't know about you, but I have too many things going on today. My husband and I are trying to get out of town tomorrow morning for the holiday weekend, we're moving furniture for the new carpet that's going to be installed, and I'm shuttling out-of-town family around for a last-minute visit to my grandma in the hospital...how did life get so busy? Oh, and did I mention the four loads of laundry in queue in my laundry room? Moreover, I'm juggling my career and an 18 month old who has just discovered "dumping" (from his tool box to puzzles to emptying drawers, he loves to get to "the bottom of things"...literally :-). One other minor detail: I've also got a baby on the way, due in 6 weeks, which means that the "waddle" has arrived.

So how can ORDER exist in my crazy busy life? I bet you're waiting to hear my "insider secrets from a professional organizer mom"...and I truly wish there were a quick tip or silver bullet I could share, like: "I only require four hours sleep," or "My morning energy drink helps me get infinitely more done in 24 hours!" but I think we all know deep down that living a life of order is more about a COMMITMENT than a series of tips and tricks. In my view, organizing your life is really about self-management and the choices we make to honor our priorities on a daily basis.

So, today I stayed in my pink robe a little longer so my son could snuggle into it as he had is morning bottle as I stroked his bed-head curls. I ran a load of laundry while I problem-solved with one of my employees. I ate my breakfast with the plastic dog from my son's toy fire engine as I checked my email. I surveyed the scene of my busy day and remembered to count my blessings. I have a beautiful life. My husband is caretaking for my son, my business is buzzing along, and so what if I have a lot on my plate? As my husband (my complete opposite) always reminds me, "It'll get done, babe." And he's usually right.

For me, living a life of order is NOT about having all the latest bins and baskets or being "neat and tidy," it's about investing myself in things of far greater consequence...it's about putting first things first: quality time with family, striving to live to my full potential, taking care of my business and all those who work with me . It's about loving the life you have and taking care of it, realizing that our days are short. It's also about forcing myself to slow down when my Type A instincts are to speed up. I don't want to miss the way my son is learning to count as I help him down the stairs "tree, for, f-eyeve, SiX!" or forget to kiss my husband as they head out the door. I don't want to build a business and forget to build a life or get so stressed about personal conditions that I neglect the mission at work that I feel I've been entrusted with...

As your Memorial Day weekend arrives, I hope you can take a deep breath and ENJOY it. In addition to remembering those who serve, let's remember to slow down and reclaim the things that really matter.

-Vicki