(ARA) – “I just need to get organized.” How many times have you heard yourself recite this familiar refrain? With the coming of the New Year, now is a good time to resolve to actually do it. This year, instead of just thinking about ways to get it together, use some simple tips for organizing your home — and your life.

Get in the “Zone.”
Get in the organizing frame of mind by mentally dividing up rooms into various activity zones — this will help you create a basic plan of attack. For example, a kitchen typically has zones for food storage, food preparation and cooking, among others. Identify which zone needs to be organized from scratch, which zone needs an organizational tune-up and which zone, if any, works fine for now. With this information, begin choosing organization solutions.

De-clutter in chunks.
A first solution is to de-clutter the most critical zone. Start with the most visible items first, such as what’s on the countertops. Then go for the contents of that junk drawer, and so on. You’ll get a feeling of instant change and gain motivation to do the next chunk. Stay focused by seeking hidden treasure versus ditching the unwanted.

Divvy it up.
Now that you know what you want to keep and what to toss — at least in one area — consider how to divide it up. Today’s manufacturers are making this task easier by offering a variety of cabinetry products with built-in organization features, such the Diamond (R) Logix (TM) line. For example, if you want easy access cleaning supplies, but don’t want them to share a space with food or dishes, a Utility Cabinet is the perfect solution. At only six inches deep, the cabinet adds storage to an otherwise unused space at the end of a cabinetry run. Its four adjustable shelves allow for storage of cleaners and other small items while the broom holder ensures that brooms and mops stay in place.

Lay out a landing strip.
Designate an official “drop zone” where car keys, cell phones, sunglasses, and more can be placed without creating a pile on the counter. Line up beautiful baskets or colorful pottery to hold these items. Better yet, install a Mini Message Center cabinet. It has a hidden compartment for small items, plus a message board.

Discover drawers.
You’d also be amazed at what you can accomplish with an age-old storage solution that has taken on new organizational dimensions: the drawer. For example, a sink base cabinet is available with tilt down drawers to hold small items like sponges and dish wands; a kitchen/laundry deep drawer cabinet has the ability to hold large bottles upright, including full-sized containers of laundry detergent; and a bathroom vanity cosmetic cabinet is built with a two-tier, segmented drawer to hold makeup and small bathroom essentials. These ingenious drawer configurations can help you keep stored items neat and within easy reach.

Keep business at hand.
A home office, whether it’s a full-sized room or just a corner of a bedroom or den, can quickly disintegrate into a disorganized mess. Organize it with Diamond cabinetry such as solid-wood file drawer, a great help during tax season and throughout the year. For smaller office items, the corner cabinet is a perfect solution. Complete the workspace with a bookshelf to organize journals or photo albums.

Make organization part of your life.
Schedule a time for organizing in your daily routine, such as after the kids get home from school. Just 10 minutes a day can make that disorganized home seem “so last year.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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It is a new year and with a new year many times comes New Year’s Resolutions. Did you resolve to loose weight, eat less sweats, pray more, work less? Whatever the case or even if you didn’t make resolutions but maybe you set some goals then you have some things to keep track of, am I right?

A great way to keep track of things like this is to journal them. Journaling can be quite a rewarding experience helping you to track your progress, relieve some stress, and more. Not sure how to begin journaling? Then you should pick up this free ecourse: 7 Day Journaling eCourse from Beauty by Design Ministries.

Then, there is also a 30 Day Journaling Guide available as well to help make sure that you make journaling a habit. After all it only takes 21 days to make something a habit. With 30 you’re sure to develop a healthy habit of journaling in 2009.

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Special Guest Post from Dominique Goh

2009 a start to a new year. It is time to move forward and put aside all the worries and troubles that 2008 brought and start on a new slate.

As my computer starts on its auto monthly virus scan at the start of the month it got me thinking of how I too should be doing a virus scan on my own life. If I were to grow more positively this year I should be doing as my PC was doing, detecting threats and getting rid of viruses which could hamper my life and relationships.

I have come up with 3 tips on how to have a “virus” free life this 2009.

1. Remove toxicity.
Any toxic relationships with people who constantly try to belittle you by talking down to you, showing outright they disapprove whatever you do and that their approval on what you do should matter should go. Have a clean break mentally and physically with these toxins.

You are the person in charge of your life and don’t let others make you think otherwise. Evil gossip and people not seeing eye to eye with what you do can’t be avoided. However as at a personal level it is possible to distant yourself from these viruses and reduce its harmful effects on you through avoidance and keeping yourself surrounded with like minded friends.

With this mental stress offloaded from you it will be easier for you to face each day more positively and in better spirits.

2. Make a routine and make sure you stick to it.

This part of making and following a routine is something that I personally find difficulty in carrying out.  However this is a must if you were to ever get all the items listed on your list done within the datelines that you set.

For the new year I am setting small monthly goals with certain goals that may have a 2-6mth frame. I see it as a bonus if I am able to achieve my longer term goals within a shorter time frame.

3. De-clutter frequently

My new mantra for this year would be – ” if you don’t need it – delete/remove it!” This is the case for the tons of stuff that I download into my computer for further reading each day. Physical or Digital clutter will only distract your workspace and make you less  productive. A clear and organized desk does wonders in inspiring you and boosts your creativity and productivity.

With these three tips I’m sure you will be able to face 2009 with a greater zest in life.

Brought to us by:
Dominique Goh, elementary school educator, mom to two young boys, freelance writer, cake decorator, budding web designer. See more of Dominique’s latest at Best Budget Travel Cebu and Best Budget Travel Cagayana

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Guest Post from Carrie Lauth

Becoming a mom – it’s the most life-changing event we go through. Our children become the center of our lives, and we must make adjustments to in our schedules and priorities make sure they’re cared for. Instead of hiring nannies or using day care services, more and more moms are choosing to start their own online businesses so they can be there for their kids and still contribute to the family income.

This is especially true right now during the tough economic times we’re living in. Even if you’re comfortably existing on one income, you may find yourself on no income soon enough if your husband gets laid off, downsized, rightsized, outsourced or whatever they’re calling it these days. Do you have the recommended 6 months’ living expenses tucked away in savings in preparation for this event?

Statistics show many of us do not. This is all the more reason for mom to look for ways to make money online before the disaster strikes.

Starting an online business has a number of advantages for moms. These include:

* Start-up costs can be kept low. So even if you are not currently working outside the home, starting an online business is usually within reach with small adjustments to the budget. Setting up a website means acquiring a domain name and hosting space – and with tools like WordPress available at no cost, you can literally be up and running for around $20. You will also want to invest in some education. Learning the basics of how to market your website online are not difficult, but be careful where you get your information.

The Natural Mom Business Guide is one solid source of info. It includes an ebook with detailed information about researching your target market, the various ways to make money with a website, and how to get the traffic you need to earn income. It even has video and audio tutorials as well as printable “cheat sheets” you can keep by your computer to remind you of the essential steps you need to take in your business to build traffic and make more income.

* Doing business online doesn’t require one to keep regular hours. You can work early in the morning before the kids get up, during the baby’s nap, or late at night when everyone is in bed. And with the automation that the Internet has to offer, orders can be processed and virtual products delivered while you are sleeping or taking care of the kids.

* You can get some work done with the kids right by your side. Older children may even be able to help you with simple tasks. Did you know that the IRS allows you to deduct wages (up to a certain amount) paid to a child who is age seven or older to work in your home business from your taxes? I have even trained my oldest son to add articles to my websites. He earns a nice wage for doing so, far more than an allowance, and is providing a valuable service to me.

There are all sorts of online businesses that are great for moms. You could sell your crafts or start a recipe website, or you could start a podcast. You might offer services such as writing, transcription, web design or virtual assistance to customers around the world. Or you could create and sell information products. Even blogging offers impressive money-making potential. The possibilities are many, and there’s sure to be something out there that’s just right for any mom.

Moms make up a large portion of the people who are making money online. This allows them to take a hands-on approach to raising their children while still making money to support the household. They don’t have to count on a sitter to take care of their children’s needs, and they don’t have to make a commute part of their daily routine. It’s no wonder that the number of moms starting online businesses is growing in leaps and bounds.

If you need some assistance choosing a niche, get some coaching from an experienced online marketer. Take the leap – you’ll be glad you did!

Carrie Lauth is an internet marketing mom who loves to help other moms launch profitable websites. She created the Natural Mom Business Guide for women who want to market to the “natural family” niche. To learn about how she can give you one-on-one coaching, visit Carrie Lauth today.

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Setting New Year’s Resolutions is all about self-improvement. What do you want to accomplish in 2009? What do you want to do differently then you did in 2008? What goals would you like to reach? While all of us are constantly working to become more, to have deeper relationships and to reach higher goals – New Years is a great time to stop and ask yourself some questions before you set those goals for 2009.

1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day. Take time to reflect on what you really want out of life, and out of this coming year. What things will matter at the end of 2009 and for years to come?

2. Should I really change?
Examine your motivations. There are positive reasons to change things about yourself and your life – but there are negative reasons. For example: are you losing weight to live longer and healthier? Or, are you loosing weight to fit in with the supermodels in your favorite magazine? One of the keys to successful resolutions is having a motivation that is both healthy and positive right from day one.

3. What’s the bright side in all of this?
If you’re in the middle of a crisis or a difficult situation right now, your New Year’s Resolutions may reflect this as well. Make sure to step back and consider the bigger picture. What are the positive effects or outcomes you would like? What can you do to enjoy the journey from where you are now to the end of the current situation? Try to set goals that will not only get your past the current situation, but do it with joy and a positive outlook as well!

4. Am I comfortable with what I’m doing?
There’s always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding to do. Can you accomplish the goals you are setting without compromising your values or yourself?

5. Have I done enough for myself?
Have you, or is there something more you want to do? As moms, many of us are guilty of this. Did you take time for yourself in 2008? Did you set any goals for 2009 that will provide personal fulfillment? Setting goals that benefit your family, friends and business is wonderful – but make sure you set some goals for yourself as well. Have you always wanted to spend a day at the spa or take an art class? Maybe 2009 is the year to do it!

6. What parts of my life am I happy with?
Why do we think resolutions are all about changing the things we don’t like? Make sure you take time to look at the things you are happy with and want to continue doing in 2009! Not only will this give you some great 2009 goals, but it will also give you a more positive outlook on the past year and the coming year as well.

7. Am I appealing to my spouse?
Yes – your spouse should love you just for who you are, and most of our spouses do. Still, take a moment to think about what one thing you could change to please your spouse. Maybe a new haircut or a great little dress would add a little spice. Maybe a date night is in order if it’s been a while. What is something you could do in 2009 to grow your relationship with your spouse?

8. How much could or should I have?
I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it’s more on how badly you really need it. Yes, a million bucks would be great – but do you NEED it and are you willing to do what it would take to get it? What costs are you NOT willing to pay to get more? Maybe it’s time with your children? WAHM’s deal with that decision often – many of us could have much more reliable incomes if we took a 9-5 job but are not willing to sacrifice being at home with our loved ones. What are you NOT willing to give up? Are you setting goals you can accomplish without sacrificing things that are more important?

9. What motivates me?
What motivates you? It’s an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. We are all motivated by different things. Some of us are motivated by rewards or money, others are motivated by personal pride. Whatever your motivations are, identifying them will help you set goals motivated by things that will keep you interested and active longer.

10. What Really Makes You Tick?
So? What really makes you tick? A lot of these questions are about examining what you want, what your motivations are and what is important to you. Setting your resolutions is not just about physical or philosophical change, it’s about knowing what you really want and doing , or sometimes not doing, what it takes.

Exhausted from Trying to Be It all and Do It All? Get the help you need for finding balance in your life at Real Life Coaching

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2008 has been a frustrating and overwhelming year for many of us, especially with the downturn in the economy. As we enter 2009, many of us are reflecting back on 2008 and making goals to improve our lives in 2009. For many of us, even those who have had a very good 2008 – we are entering 2009 looking for ways we can improve and take better control of our lives.

Positive thinking is an important part of this process. Positive thinking allows us to focus on our strengths and the things we have accomplished in the past year. This will increase our happiness and motivation to begin 2009 with a positive outlook. This allows us to spend more of 2009 making progress and less time feeling down and stuck! Here are 10 practical suggestions to develop a positive, successful 2009!

1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It’s much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.

2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don’t seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.

3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member’s bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them. Don’t waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.

4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner “You’re ALWAYS late!” or complained to a friend “You NEVER call me!”? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.

5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can’t hold any power over you if you don’t judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don’t follow it.

6. Squash the “ANTs”
In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” – Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like “Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!” When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

7. Practice Lovin’, Touchin’ & Squeezin’ (Your Friends and Family)
You don’t have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn’t touch!

8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!

9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.

10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It’s never productive, because it’s not rational or solution-oriented, it’s just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment – go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.

YOU CAN BE FINALLY ORGANIZED, FINALLY FREE IN 2009

Declutter your home and your life, simplify and find more time for the things you enjoy. It’s time to get organized!

Get 2,175 simple organizing ideas to help you organize every room in your home, every minute of your time, and every aspect of your personal life.

Finally Organized, Finally Free For The Home by Maria Gracia

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