Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

It has to be done. The Holidays are over and I am definitely taking a half hour to clean out my fridge. Plus, as soon as I do I can have a treat in my crisp spring dress. Here's how:

Maeve's Five Steps to a Fresh Fridge:


1. Expiration Date: If it is past its prime toss it. Especially condiments. They may look ok, but...

2. Clean with a mixture of vinegar and water. Use a fresh sponge. Remember, this is where your food lives. Treat it with respect.

3. Store food by frequency of use. Is milk a mainstay in your household? Give a home front and center. Use soy sauce only once a month? Put it on your door's lowest shelf.

4. Wipe down the front and sides of your fridge. Remove sticky fingerprints, stains and residues.

5. Place an open box of baking soda inside your fridge to soak up smells and replace every three months. Mark today's date on the box so you don't forget.

Now go stock up on fresh foods! And don't forget your daughter's matching bobby socks!

Don't Throw That Out

Just my luck. We are in the midst of a cold spell and my heat is out. Thanks to my hearty Vermont blood I've been able to withstand it for three days, but last night was bad. Like a child I stood in my bedroom ready to tantrum (arms flailing, pointing towards the walls of neighbors with working radiators) thinking, how can I get warm?




Which is when I remembered the hot water bottle. I picked it up at an antique fair outside Madison, WI. It could have cost $20, it could have cost $50. The moment I saw it I had to have it because it reminded me of the one my Grammy tucked under my covers when I'd visit her in chilly Boston. It cost $5.

Out of pure dedication to the memory I used it one winter, but my apartment is generally warm, so I put it in a closet.

Each year during my annual New Year's pitch-a-thon I look at it, think about it, wonder if I should move it to basement storage or toss. And then I remember that the night will come when I just want to be warm.

I am back in love with The Best Hot Water Bottle Ever. Together we slept, keeping each other warm. Ok, it was keeping me warm because the truth is, even hearty Vermont blood is no match for really, really hot tap water encased in incredibly reliable rubber.

The Best Soup Stand in Manhattan

51st & 7th, NYC

Yesterday was freezing. Bitter cold. I left an early morning meeting in midtown and stumbled into Sahki and his Soup on Wheels Stand at 51st & 7th. Tomato Bisque, Chicken Gumbo, Split Pea, Pasta Fagoili, Chilli con Carne all homemade and piping hot in industrial kettles.

What does this have to do with Home Organization? Everything. I ran out of the house at 7 a.m. with $5 in my pocket, no time for breakfast and my hat accidentally dropped on the floor.

Sahki saved me. For $4.50 I got a 12 oz. bowl of steaming hot lentil soup - the best I've ever had in NYC - which filled my tummy, warming me long enough to make it home and pick my hat up off the floor.

Sometimes haste pays off.

I Refuse to Participate in a Recession

There's a groundswell in the NYC business community. Entrepreneurs, like myself, are using the economic downturn to our advantage by leveraging Social Networking. There are events going on all over the city (BNI, The Real Deal, Ladies Who Launch) that bring together entrepreneurs to talk about and sell services in fun, social settings. This is great for business and great for our brains.

Busy people need to keep busy and Social Networking forces us to get out and be social. Everyday provides an opportunity to make a new personal or professional connection. The recession has, in fact, forced our hands. Business owners can't afford to sit at desks fretting about falling stocks. And why would we want to when their are boundless opportunities to get busy doing business in unique and socially acceptable ways?

Social Networking events and mixers are cheap with many comped. No more swag bags with free pens, hats, T-Shirts and branded keychains. But that's ok, we've got stacks of shiny business cards and cash-bar drinks in our hands. After all, it's the recession, stupid.

Social Networking is extremely, well, social. You can do business AND get a date. True story: I attended The New York Times Small Business Summit in November and during the speed networking mixer met a man who owns a moving company. We exchanged business cards over drinks. I got asked out on a date - two birds with one stone.

Social Networking is a recession-proof strategy for professionals who want to stay on top of their game. After all, if we don't keep each other in business and engaged, who will? Find an event today.

Swap 'til you Drop

Last weekend my friend Anna and I went to our first clothing swap of '09 (see post below on how to throw your own). It was loaded up with designer clothing and accessory treasures. Anna made a clean sweep. Check it out:



In this jumble of heels...














which I straightened,














Anna found...














Oscar de la Renta shoes!















And on the coat couch...

Anna Sui!

Of course we made offerings. I LOVE this Jade necklace but decided to give it up. Sarah, 25, Lower East Side snatched it.













If YOU have Swap photos, email them to me and I'll post: maeve@organizemyhouse.com.

Confessions of a Clothing Swapper

'Tis the season for shopping, right? Not anymore. But how about swapping? And I don't mean bartering goods. I mean willingly laying your stuff on a table for anyone to pick up, and for you to do the same.

I was introduced to the art of swapping by veteran swap producer, Victoria C. Rowan, known to New Yorkers as writing coach extraordinaire and Creatrix-in-Chief of Ideasmyth (Victoria is up for a Daily Candy Sweetest Things 2008 Award - VOTE!). Victoria's swaps are legendary, combining an endless stream of shoes, bags, jeans, dresses with great women and great fun. At my induction swap I gave away a pile of painful, pointy-toed shoes and nabbed a pair of size 10 rubber duck boots.

I went to my first swap of '09 this past Sunday. But, before I share those photos, Victoria is here to inspire us all with invaluable trade secrets. Thanks, Victoria!

I'm a native New Yorker who knows that fashion is fleeting, so why pay for it? Since I've remained the same size since high school, there's little practical rationale for buying new clothes. What's good for practicality, however, is bad for a girl's inner fashion-lust. Swapping saves one from the fashion doldrums. And, swapping is shopping for free - WITH a guaranteed good karma booster shot! What more can a budget-conscious material girl hope for?

I hate shopping, I hate the fluorescent changing room lights, the guilty time away from more important things. It's far more fun to combine 'acquiring' with quality girl time. And how nice to share clothes among your favorite folks, or friend-vetted friends?

Swapping is great for my closets: the methodical culling reconnects me with my full wardrobe and I start wearing a wider variety of my remaining clothing. Getting dressed starts to feel like I'm shopping in my own closet.

And, it's amazing for my morale: swapping encourages me to LET GO. For whatever psychological reason, it's easier for me to give away really great items when I know the end beneficiary. The hardest ones to admit to yourself they no longer fit or flatter - no matter how much you spent on them - those items usually find a happy home with a friend who's thrilled.

After every swap I feel an emotional high, particularly from shedding things imbued with negative stories. When I give away clueless family gifts gone are the reminders that my family still, after all these years doesn't understand my taste. Instead, I'm left with the relief of knowing I never again have to figure out how to wear things I never want to wear, under any circumstances, even at family reunions! When I give away terrible bridesmaid dresses, I also lose all the fury that I had with friends who chose styles that highlighted my worst physical features, and memories of how much fun we had together that weekend resurface. The joy that other women express - especially after releasing themselves from bad ex-mother-in-law or ex-boyfriend gifts - is sheer jubilation by proximity.

Some of my best swap scores: new rollerblades, the PERFECT cut pair of black business slacks, fantastically beautiful damask napkins, a slinky baby-blue and lace nightgown and a crimson crushed velvet turtleneck that is the most comfortable and sexiest thing in my wardrobe!

Ah, there are so many reasons to love swapping, the challenge is containing my enthusiasm to something of manageable length. To really grasp the swapping thrill, you'll have to attend or throw one yourself!


THE GROUND-RULES:

• Invite people a month in advance with weekly reminders to start combing through their homes (I have a SWAP bag I'm always adding to at the back of my closet.)
• Encourage people to bring non-size centric things (fashion accessories, small-sized home decor items) so everyone will be able to go home with something
• Only bring items you don't want to see again or ever hope to make money on consignment. No money is exchanged
• Swaps do not have to be equal exchanges of goods - anyone can take anything that fits or suits them. The golden rule is fairness - if one person already has lots of stuff, then someone with less should get the item in question
• Come ready to try things on! And bring your stuff in a bag that you can use to bring home scored items
  

WHAT'S SWAPPABLE:

• Clothes in good condition (no stains or holes)
• Accessories like jewelry, bags, scarves, new-ish shoes
• CDs, books, DVDs
• Small home accessories: file racks, African masks, dishes, tablecloths, vases have all found happy homes from swaps of yore

WHERE DO THE REJECTS GO?

Find a charity; the tax write-off goes to the schlepper and/or hostess. Last time my swap sent everything to a NYC women's shelter. On previous ones, we've sent rejects to a village in Latin America. (Many charities, like Housing Works Thrift Shop, will give receipts for tax deductions which often can be of legitimately high amounts)

Happy swapping!

Victoria Rowan,
Creatrix-in-Chief
www.IDEASMYTH.com

Tip of the Day - Get Rid of Unwanted Holiday Gifts ASAP

The holidays are for giving, yes, but that doesn't mean we must LOVE everything we receive. Do yourself a favor and get rid of holiday gifts you don't like ASAP. This means the thoughtful but not your style candle, frame, juicer, self-help book, gift certificate, sweater, scarf, child's toy. Bring things to your office, offer them to your colleagues, friends, tourists standing in line at Starbucks. Bring them to the trash or laundry room of your building with a note that says, 'I work, please take me, Happy New Year!'.

Don't let unwanted December gifts become January 2009 clutter.

PS: And yes, that's my Buddha. I own this exact one so I passed the gifted one on. Actually, good kharma, don't you think?

The World's Longest List of Clutter

I sent my previous post as an email and my
inbox is now flooded with things
people have tossed/are tossing.
(see Happy New Year 2009!)

This begs a follow up... What did you/are you getting rid of???

Comment and forward this question
to everyone you know
with that little there email icon below.

Let's Go Global.

Happy New Year 2009!

Even the organizer needs inspiration...

I dumped 1,000 emails
3 bags of paper
1 bag of misc. stuff
And tacked up this note.

Happy New Year!

Maeve's apt. Self Portrait: Scrap Paper on Motivation Mirror 12.29.08

Reduce Holiday Stress

With a little effort you can breeze through holiday stress triggers:

Foods To Avoid: Many of us have foods we know we can't eat (wheat, sugar, dairy, caffeine, soy). They trigger energy spikes, induce cravings and affect our mood. So what's a holiday reveler to do? Be disciplined: sit out cookies, cakes and alcohol for at least one party.

Accept Your Cluttered Home: Entertaining in a cluttered home can be stressful. Kindly remind yourself that guests are not there to judge - they've arrived for drinks and cheer! Do cursory dust-busting, toss blankets over piles and wipe surfaces with citric cleanser. Abundant candles, bowls of snacks and a dazzling outfit will keep visiting eyes on the prize (you!).

Be Charitable: In this economy, the need to help others is greater than ever. Make gifting easy with a charitable donations on behalf of family and friends and save the presents for the kids. Visit www.charitynavigator.org for a list of organization, or purchase gift cards so recipients can pick for themselves.

Last Minute Gifts

Gift Cards: Major retailers and pharmacies carry gift cards starting at $15. Walk in or log on to The Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, CVS and others. Buy the gift that lets them choose.

One Size Fits All: Save time by giving the same thoughtful gift to everyone on your list: from home-baked cookies to a best-selling DVD or novel (with gift receipt). It’s one stop shopping.

Take Time for You

Wish List: Think about what will make your home more livable: Perhaps fresh paint or reduced clutter. Write it down.

Goal Plan: List practical things you can do each week to keep your house in order: sort photos, toss voluminous kid art projects (!).

Write a Letter: Address it to yourself. List your dreams for 2009, then tuck it in with holiday decorations to be discovered, reviewed and updated for 2010.

Home Office Transformation

My friend Kristin Duarte called last week and said, "I'm sort of organized but if I have to sit here and look at things they way they are, it will drive me crazy." Sort of organized? Kristin is one of the most highly effective people I know. Nevertheless, with the changing economy and a couple of careers, she's working a lot from home these days.

In two hours Kristin journeyed from chaos to total home office control. We locked down her priorities, reduced paper volume and re-arranged existing furniture to build out an airy, motivating work space. I left Kristin with a list of to-dos before our one-week phone check-in. She called 24 hours later: "It's Tuesday. I scheduled five client appointments today. That's my goal for the entire week. Thought I'd give you a quick share!"

The secret to Kristin's success? "We put everything where I need it. The visual and mental clutter is gone. There's no excuse for me to mess the place up."

Congratulations, Kristin! We'll check up with you in a couple of weeks. See before, in-process and 'I'm working!' photos below.

Love The Way You Live

Every home should be a haven. A place of serenity for you and your family. Make peace with yourself and learn to love the way you live:

What I Love: Name activities that nurture - like dinnertime or bedtime reading.

What's Missing: Name activities you'd like to introduce - like game night or a stress free way to get your kids to school.

Next Steps: Honor and contain the things that work. Grow one new activity that will foster the relationship you have with the place you call home.

Clutter Out, Not In

Remember, your goal is to reduce volume. A clutter free New Yorker is a happy New Yorker. Try each of these tips this week and let me know how it goes:

Toss Five: Toss five expired items from your fridge, kitchen or medicine cabinet. Renew your home, body and spirit.

Re-Gift: Give away a gift you've been hanging onto (because your mother gave it to you) but that you'll never use. A re-purposed gift is better than one that has turned into clutter.

Donate: Bring quality clothes, books and toys to a local charity. Enough said.

The Easiest Kids' Party on the Block - Moey's Music Party

Yesterday I did what every single, 35-year old New York City girl should do on a Sunday afternoon: I rocked out to a concert for tots.

The 1-7 year olds dancing in the aisles at the Daryl Roth Theater where no match for my audience-participation maracas but they expended more energy which made me think, what's the easiest way for a busy NYC parent to throw a spectacular and unique kids birthday party?

Bring in Moey and her fabulous Moey's Music Party.

Programming a child's birthday party can be stressful, so leave the heavy lifting to a pro. One phone call is all it takes to book Moey who will arrive at your home or venue with costumes, pom-poms, toys and the catchiest repertoire of new and classic songs seen north, east, west of south of Central Park. Moey will even custom write a song for your child (check out the above authorized bootleg of ‘The Birthday Party Song’).

Moey original sing-a-longs like "I Gotta Go Potty" and "I’m a New York City Kid" will leave your children and their friends bopping and rockin' to a new set of tunes. And her production value is so top notch it inspires fresh ideas on dress up for girls and boys alike.

Moey is a pro so watch her real videos at www.MoeysMusicParty.com. For bookings contact Moey at 917-680-6739 or MoeysMusicParty@gmail.com.

Two plastic container lids up to magical Moey (a.k.a. award-winning Off-Broadway songwriter Melissa Levis) for turning NYC kids entertainment on its head!

Pssst: I edged out a kid for the below purple-tiara photo with Rocker Mommy Moey.

Look Beyond the Mess (otherwise known as 'go easy on yourself')

Every home has something to love. Look beyond perceived household mess and discover the treasure within:

Comfort: Notice things that without fail make you smile, as simple as morning sun across the kitchen floor.

Color: Locate colors that frequently appear in your home. You chose them for a reason - embrace this instinct.

Display: Find the rhythm behind how you display your things. Don't think of it as mess, but as inspiration.

Musings by Maeve - Daytime Notebook

Today I'm at Half King in Chelsea just below the High Line. As you can see it's a gorgeous fall day. Sit down lunches are rare for me but my mind is on overload and I need my Daytime Notebook.

For me, blank paper is like the adult version of a binky. I drain my brain onto the page and feel better. Today all I have on me is an itty-bitty book but it's doing the trick. I don't expect you to care about my list but I thought I'd share the scrawl anyway:

1. Blackberry software
   
2. Plumber
3. Sarah's visit
   
4. Biz card entry

My burger and fries are here and food is my other binky so blogging stops, but the notebook stays because I am most certainly not done.

Moving Made Easy

Facing an upcoming move? Perfect, because moving is the best time to declutter. Pack with intention and you'll save money on moving costs (fewer boxes, fewer hours):

Here's how to get down to brass tacks:

Like Things Live Together:

Before you box, gather like items into piles: books with books, office supplies with office supplies. Don't worry about the mess - you're moving. If your pile of electronic equipment reaches the ceiling it will do the same in your new home. Downsize.

How to Downsize:

Like Things Live Together revealed 5 staplers, 2 vacuums and a box of tape cassettes (with no tape cassette player). Avoid packing excess (or useless).

Be Attentive As You Pack:

There are three choices: Keep, Toss, Not Sure. Pack 'Keep', throw out or donate 'Toss' and put 'Not Sure' in a pile. The sheer volume of boxes and furniture as you approach moving day will force your hand on items where you are ambivalent.

Reduce before you pack and avoid cluttering up your new home.

I offer a great moving package - here's more info: www.organizemyhouse.com/making_moving_easy. Or, call me. I'll answer what I can over the phone: 212-627-4279.

Mail Phobia

Avoid scary piles by reducing the volume of your incoming mail. Take control of your burgeoning, bulging inbox with these simple tools:

Eliminate Junk Mail: Let your garbage can be your friend. Toss junk mail as it comes in - before it turns into clutter.

Go Paperless: Register online for credit card, bank and financial e-statements. Watch the volume of envelopes in your mailbox reduce each month.

Stop Catalogs: Remove yourself from unwanted lists with a toll-free call to customer service. Locate the number and customer code on the catalog's back cover.