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ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Prom Dresses

Thursday, March 11th, 2010
ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

Do you have a prom dress hanging around and are wondering what to do with it?
There may be a Fairy Godmother near you who will match your dress to the perfect Cinderella.

Fairy Godmothers, Inc. was founded in 2002 by Joyce Jesko in Pennsylvania. The concept has grown and there are other Fairy Godmother chapters and sister organizations throughout the U.S. Contact your nearest location to donate prom dresses and accessories.

Do you know a young lady whose family is hurting in this economy? Let them know where and when the dress fair will be held.

For Columbus, Ohio readers, Fairy Godmothers will accept prom dresses year round at the Talbots at Worthington Square Mall. They also are looking for strappy shoes (larger sizes preferably), jewelry, purses and wraps.

Then, the Cinderella’s Boutique will open April 10 and April 17 at the Worthington Mall located at the corner of Rt. 23 (High Street) and Wilson Bridge Roads, just south of I-270. Operation hours follow the operation hours of the mall. For more information, call: (614) 799-9280 or email the Fairy Godmothers at FairyGoodmothers@columbus.rr.com.

Only High School Juniors and Seniors are eligible to receive a free prom dress from The Cinderella’s Boutique. The student will fill out a short application and provide proof that they are a current student (valid student ID card, driver’s license, or report card.) Then a personal “Godmother” will help the student find the perfect prom dress.

Donating finery, spreading the word, or volunteering as a personal shopping assistant are all ways that you can be involved and make a very special dream come true.

More posts in this series:

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Are Good Things Crowding Out THE BEST?

Friday, March 5th, 2010

“But, this is still good.”

Meaning : I can’t part with it while it has utility. I invested money and energy into this.

Sadly, the gaggle of what is only “good” – whether that is information, possessions, intentions, pursuits, or desires – disguises and crowds out THE BEST until we can’t distinguish what THE BEST is anymore.

Does that statement sound too philosophical to be practical? Think about clothing in your closet or dresser as an example. How many are clothes you used to love that either don’t fit, are too ragged/faded from use, need alterations or repair, or are simply out of style? Odds are you will never wear them again, but they are “too good to give/throw away!”

When you look for something to wear, those leftovers are in the way, confusing your choices and slowing you down. What if you kept only the clothes that you wear constantly and make you feel great about yourself? You could shop your closet much more effectively and be more confident in your appearance every day.

Credit: Supagroova/flickr

Credit: Supagroova/flickr

Now think of that area in your life that is bugging you and seems overwhelming. In the same way, is there physical or mental clutter that is blocking your progress and success? These questions may help clarify your thinking:

What represents THE BEST for you in this area? Hint: What do you want to see in 10 years?

What things and attitudes do not support THE BEST for you? Will you have the courage to let go?

What three actions can you take to pursue THE BEST? Pick one. Start doing that today.

Is there someone who has experience in this area from whom you can learn? Don’t think you have to do it all yourself. Surround yourself with a supportive team. Trade time with a friend who can help you with something you aren’t good at and vice versa. Call in an expert to get you started.

Don’t let what is good rob you of THE BEST!

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Recycle and Reuse Toys

Thursday, March 4th, 2010
ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

Often children outgrow toys that are still good. Parents can check twice a year just before Christmas and the child’s birthday to see if they are ready to part with a few things. Sometimes the hint that new toys will arrive soon makes kids more willing to let go.

Gently used toys, newer video-game units with non-violent games, and clean plush animals will be welcomed by a women’s shelter or homeless shelter. Senior centers can use Beanie Babies for bingo prizes. The Salvation Army and Goodwill still accept toys that are intact and in good condition.

There are also a few groups that specifically ask for stuffed animals that are clean and in good repair.

Police units may keep small plush animals (less than 21″) on hand to help calm children found in traumatic situations. Check with your local law enforcement agency about their policy.

SAFE – Stuffed Animals For Emergencies sends plush toys around the world.

We collect various items such as stuffed animals, toys, books and baby blankets to benefit children during emergency situations such as fires, illness, accidents, neglect, abuse, homelessness and even weather emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. We also donate the items we receive to other children’s organizations, military organizations, libraries and even nursing homes.

SAFE is now collecting specifically for U.S. deployed troops in Afghanistan and Iraq as well for children in Haiti. Email Jennifer at  jenalloy15 at gmail dot com for drop-off points in Ohio.

Beanies for Baghdad is another group that collects Beanie Babies, school supplies, and toys that are then distributed by soldiers in Iraq.

Most people don’t know what to do with their Beanies anymore and this organization has been sending Beanies overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan for seven years! The troops use the Beanies to help develop relationships with the people in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as to put a smile on the face of a child who probably has never had a stuffed animal of their own.

Cash donations are also accepted to help with shipping costs.

A toy that is still in the original box is welcomed by the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.  The toys are then distributed at Christmas to low income families.

It is never too early to have children experience the thrill of giving. Knowing that another child doesn’t have toys can become a lesson in thankfulness as well.

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On Being Content and Giving Away the Excess

Friday, February 26th, 2010

My nursing-major daughter, Emily, joined a medical mission to Quito, Ecuador two summers ago. One of the things that impressed her most was the attitude of the people she helped. Their homes were shacks with dirt floors and meager furnishings. Emily said, “These people don’t have running water or electricity, but they are happy!”

What a convicting statement for us in the U.S. who have more than we need! Are we happy with simple food, shelter and clothing, or do we find ourselves looking for the latest great thing? What hole are we trying to fill with this excess? When does contentment kick in?

ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

Professional organizers usually are called in to work with folks who have too much “stuff.” Many times we find that this excess is choking our client and must be cut down a bit. As a result, we are always looking for people and places that will either recycle or route used goods to people who need them.

I want to pass the resources I have found on to my readers. I am starting a series of “ThuRs Recycle and Reuse” posts to do just that.

Letting go of belongings you don’t need or love is a great way to help someone else. It feels good, too! Next Thursday will be the first installment on recycling toys.

More posts in this series:

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Organizing Your Dream Bedroom

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Your bedroom is a cluttered jumble. Whatever you had in mind when you put furniture in there, what you have now is not it!

Perhaps you want a room that soothes frayed nerves and gets you ready to snooze. Maybe like my husband, you need a man-cave where you can watch football while you work on finances. Or you just want a pretty retreat that pleases your eyes and makes you feel beautifully feminine.

Why not start now? Follow these steps to customize your room to your personal taste.

  1. Take time to dream!
    Close your eyes. Pretend you are Jeannie in the bottle and you can blink your eyes to make your dream come to life. What would your new bedroom look like? Make your vision in Technicolor. Put your favorite colors on display. Will you want candles burning; what scent can you smell? You can feel the comforter, the rug, the throw on your chair. Are they silky, cool cotton, or faux fur? Is there music playing in the background? Do you have water next to you on a nightstand?
  2. Plan activity zones
    Now that you know the feel and overall purpose, of your bedroom, you are ready to make some practical decisions. What activities will you invite into your room? Make this a conscious choice. You are the designer, the manager of this “hotel” room. Whatever you say goes. Where is your dressing area going to be? Do you want to do any writing, reading, or paperwork here? Will a television help or hinder your purpose? What about music?
  3. Decide on furnishings / storage
    Can you see how these choices will then translate into furnishings and storage? If sleeping is your main activity, what size bed do you want? Will you have a chair, bookcase, and ottoman for a reading area? Do you want a media center? Will your clothes be stored here in a dresser or armoire?
  4. Finalize a floor plan
    Measure your bedroom. Know what furnishings and/or storage will enable you to live your dream. (Hint: Less furniture translates into more free space that feels expansive. Keep is simple!) Use graph paper or an online design program to rearrange until you find a workable floor plan. Two online design programs you can use are SeeMyDesign.com and the icovia® Space Planner.

Are you finding that having a goal that excites you and has such positive benefits is a wonderfully motivating force? Are you are finally ready to clear out all the “stuff” that got dumped there because you didn’t know what else to do with it or company was coming?

  • Take action to clear the clutter. Learn how to take action in my three-part series.  Also, don’t forget to register to receive my free “60 Tips to Organize Your Life.” and how to use the L.I.F.E. method.
  • Use decorative containers that enhance your desired look and feel. Perhaps double purpose furnishings can add useful storage as in storage ottomans, a headboard with shelves, sidetables with 2-3 drawers.
  • Add colorful accents, accessories, drapes, cushions to complete your vision for your new space.

You can make your bedroom line up with your personality, your goals and needs. After all, you will be the beneficiary of this labor of love. As the L’Oreal commercials say, “You are worth it!”

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Benefits of Downsizing BEFORE You Have to Move

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Coconut Postcard

Should I keep Aunt Agatha’s prized gravy boat and platter? What will I do with the coconut postcard (written ON a coconut!) my dad sent from Hawaii? Something has to go!

Usually the term downsizing is used in terms of moving to a smaller dwelling. That move forces home owners to reduce the contents of their current house.   You may face selling the home you have lived in for 5, 10, 20, 30 or more years. That is why I suggest that folks start early weeding out possessions they don’t use or absolutely love.

I like to think about downsizing the amount of belongings in a home as a worthy goal even when no move is pending. Very few folks (in North America especially) keep only those things they use or find beautiful. The extra stuff becomes physical, visual, and mental clutter. Clearing our homes of these distractions can only add to our quality of life.

So, when to begin downsizing? Ideally now, but certainly during the period 6 months to 1 year before an expected move.

Downsizing BEFORE you have to move offers great benefits!

  • You save $$$.  Moving companies typically charge by weight. The cost of rental trucks is based on volume needed.  Moving less means less money spent on the move itself.
  • You save time by not packing & unpacking extra stuff. You don’t move what you don’t need or truly love.
  • You have the luxury of making decisions before the time crunch of moving. Retirement, job change, illness, or moving ailing parents can force a move you weren’t expecting.
  • You are able to donate/recycle rather than throw things in the trash. How do you find out your neighbors are moving? There is a huge pile of good stuff on their curb and people are getting out of their cars to check it out. Don’t advertise that your house will soon be empty.
  • By downsizing early, you gain space and enjoy living clutter-free.
    Have you prepared for a move and enjoyed for 2-3 months the changes you wish you had made 5 years earlier?
  • As you de-personalize and de-clutter room by room for a pending move, you are able to paint and make necessary repairs. You will be ready to put your home on the market quickly when the time is right.

Any time is the right time to reduce the amount of things that own your time and occupy your thoughts. Shedding possessions that require maintenance and repair and take up precious space in your life can be quite freeing! Start downsizing now and you will be ready for that move… whenever.

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Pretty Post-its – New Organizing Solutions

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Some days it pays to be a National Association of Professional Organizer (NAPO) member. This week I received a packet from 3M with samples of the new Post-it offerings we have been seeing on commercials lately. The not so subtle hint read, “6 Great Blog Topics for 2010.”

OK, I will share the love. These are my 3 favorites.

1. Durable Filing Tabs – 2″ square tabs that attach securely to any file folder, can be used for creating subcategories in hanging files. At Office Max, four assorted colors, 24 total tabs, $2.99.

2. Removable label pads- have full adhesive backs, are repositionable, and remove cleanly. Use these to label any size storage container. My favorite is the 225 piece neon assortment from Amazon at $9.40.

3. Post-it pockets – Lightweight plastic sleeves that peel and stick on the wall. These are pretty, antique floral prints in three sizes- receipt, bill, and letter.  I want the letter size pockets, 1 pink and 1 blue, $6.99.

It always helps to have more options for paper management and labeling storage. Thanks 3M for the presents.

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