January 2019

2019
Time for WINTER...​

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A NEW YEAR FOR A FRESH START!​

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Freshen up your space with adjustable shelving & color coordinated containers to minimize clutter!

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Time to Actually Accomplish our Goals!

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Every year we think about what we want to accomplish; & every year we start out strong!  By week 3 or 4, goals start to slip if you don't have a support system put in place.  Life happens & we get sucked back into that rut or overwhelming feeling...Let's talk about getting started on achieving your goals, so that you can stay on track all year long! 

Although I feel it's great to think about "getting in shape" as a main goal, I am passionate about feeling more relaxed with less stress is important too! Decluttering your life of stuff, good space planning, & adding time management skills can help you achieve a good portion of your goals.  Of course, your lifestyle has a lot to do with stress as well.  

I'm going to add time management tips & tricks into the mix this year, showing how it affects us everyday!  Procrastination, exhaustion, overwhelming feeling, life in general, etc.; these are the reasons/excuses that we all give as to why we can't accomplish our goals each year.  Making a commitment to change is hard, & that's not just a cliche!  I have also given these reasons as well.  I don't know a person that has it together 24/7 & never gets into a rut.  We are all human, not Supergirl (or man for that matter)! 

Have high expectations, but be realistic!  Know your strengths & weaknesses.  Acknowledge them so you know what to work on, or when to call in the professionals.  For example: If staying in shape is a weakness, get a personal trainer to help motivate & teach you.  If budget is a strength, but investing isn't...bring in a professional investor/money manager to help guide you.  If clutter is an issue, but you are overwhelmed with the process...bring in a professional organizer.   Invest in your life & lifestyle! 

​Creating a less stressed, more relaxing lifestyle starts with accomplishing goals & learning how to do this quickly & efficiently!  This is where a professional is worth their weight in gold!  The quicker you can accomplish your goals, the sooner you can utilize your time doing the fun, enjoyable things in life!  Then, you can spend more time with family, say...hosting a party or just hanging out...

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Time for Decorating in winter...

Bring it on!!!

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​It seems there is a party or get together every month & for everything!  How do we fit it all in this year?  Think about your schedule before you decide on a plan of action...do you have time to host the party, or do you only have time to attend a party?  Do you have time for a party @ all?  A lot of people feel that because they have been invited, they must attend.  Not so, let them know that it's important to you; however, it just doesn't fit into your schedule.

​If your goal is to be more relaxed & less stressed, then don't over schedule yourself! Look @ your schedule realistically to evaluate your time.  Next, think about the type of gathering it will be, environment, atmosphere & mood, time of day/night, etc.  All of these elements factor into the questions, "Do I have time?" & "How much time do I have to enjoy this gathering or moment?".

​RSVP as quickly as possible no matter what you decide.  This helps the host become less stressed about how many guests to expect, & therefore, plan to accommodate them all accordingly.  

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4th of July Party by the Pool

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The level of time & effort that a BBQ party like this will take for the 4th of July is a commitment to say the least. The design or theme, food prep, organizing, & confirming RSVP's are just a few elements to accomplish for this party.  If this is your style & level of party, then ask yourself those same questions about time & scheduling.  If you have time, perfect; but if not, bring in a professional...a party planner, as well as, some professional organizers offer this as a service they can provide by either helping you plan the event, or they can take control of the entire planning process for you.  It gets accomplished quickly as a result! This looks to be a very festive atmosphere with lots of fun & stylishly coordinated items!   

Not everyone has the time, effort, or budget to dedicate to this level of party every time you want to get together with friends & family.  The formality of the party may not be your taste either.  Sometimes there's just not a special occasion, & a "get together" is informal in style & atmosphere.  

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Either way, decorating for formal or informal, there's a few elements to a great party!
*Mood: Formal/Informal
*Environment: Indoors/Outdoors
*Atmosphere: Music, Mingle, Theme
*Space Planning: Traffic Flow, Seating
*Food/Drink: Snacks vs Meals
​*Restrooms: Well face it, we all have to go!
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For more information on decorating for a party, click Jan. 2019 Newsletter!

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time for Organizing in winter...

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After throwing that party, you have to take it all down & store the items somewhere, right?  Evaluate the space available to store your leftover decor & supplies.  Limited space is usually the issue to solve.  Think about organizing before you have to store the decor!!!  Shop smart for needed accessories & supplies.

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​One solution is to utilize disposable items & minimize the amount purchased.  Many options of disposable can be recyclable, so don't let that stop you from using disposable.  Buy the amount that accommodates your guests & style.  Napkins, plates, & drinkware add instant style & color.  Most of these items will be used & tossed or recycled.  The remaining items can be placed in a large baggie or container; and then stored on a shelf, in a drawer, under a bed, or in a storage building.  

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Utilize items you own now & recycle disposable items later!

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Another way to limit the space needed to store leftover decor is to utilize what you already own.  The dishes you own already have a spot to be stored, so use them.  I have solid color dishes in neutral colors like white, black, clear & brown.  I can incorporate my own dishes into my party decor for a variety of themes or occasions easily because they are neutral.   The clear glassware, white pie plates, jute & ribbon are all items I store already.   

​The table decor can be natural like flowers & paper in coordinating colors.  I usually gather the table foliage & flowers from my garden, then display them around the house after the party!  Making the entire food table the focal point of a party is a great plan too.  Allowing guests to consume the decor is the best use of space to me!  

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Food Table Focal Point! Let the food be your decor...

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If you have no space available or maybe not enough supplies to accommodate the amount of guests, then renting a venue is the best option.   This allows you to let them clean up when they supply the decor.  Or, the decor you installed can be taken down & given to anyone that would like to take items home with them.

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time for Creating in Winter...

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Personalize your party with a banner, table decor, or hand crafted take home gifts.   Adding to the experience of your party, is the special touch that is your style!  Creating theses special touches yourself will impress your guests & make them feel special as well. 

​Focal points are an important element of the party experience.  The occasion may be about a person or couple.  The occasion may be about a theme like sports or a holiday.   The occasion may just be about getting together with friends & family to eat, laugh, & relax...each party needs a focal point!  

We already discussed the food table as a focal point or where the celebrated guests will sit.  How about making the gift table for presents or take home favors a focal point?   Who doesn't love a good selfie now-a-days, right?  So create a selfie moment  in a photo booth as your focal point!  You can make the props yourself or purchase premade props.  Some areas are lucky enough to have photo booth rentals to save even more time!

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Indoor Photo Booth Prop Table

Outdoor Photo Booth

Professional Photo's w/ Props!

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I hope you enjoy this month's blog about time management & parties! Don't forget to "like" my page & share it!  Look forward to next month!!!

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