The Story of the Grunions By Regina Leeds, The Zen Organizer NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert Grunions are small fish who appear once a year off California beaches. It is possible to catch them in containers the way children back East might capture fireflies in a jar. Many years ago a friend of mine told me this story. “When I was 18 I took a girl to my high school prom in my father\’s brand new Cadillac. After the prom my date wanted to go to the beach and capture grunions. Like any dutiful 18 year old boy, I took her and we quickly scored a bag of the tiny fish. We... Read More

The Beauty of a Quickie: Rock your world in 8 minutes a day! By Regina Leeds, The Zen Organizer NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert “Those who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps.” ~~ St. Gregory the Great You live in a world that feels at times as if it\’s moving at hyper speed. You have the best intentions when it comes to making your home a sanctuary, streamlining your To Do list and creating more \’me time.\’ But then the doorbell rings, your Instant Message dings, the baby cries, your spouse is cranky, your boss needs a transfusion... Read More

Summer Parties By Regina Leeds, The Zen Organizer NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert After Memorial Day Weekend the weather cooperates and we all dream about an outdoor party. We\’ve been cooped up all winter and it feels like time to release \’ye olde BBQ\’ from its winter slumber. You know me: I need a plan. Here are some things to consider before you send out your Evites or pick up the phone. The Devil is in the Details The idea of a party is always exciting, isn\’t it? And here I am about to throw cold water on your plans with mention of the dreaded \’B\’... Read More

Now That Tax Season Is Over… Time to Set Up A Better Filing System for NEXT Year By Regina Leeds, The Zen Organizer NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert We all know four letter words that are guaranteed to get everyone’s panties in a bunch when uttered in public. One begins with a b, another with an f and then there’s the c word.  I would argue there are equally powerful phrases that can clear a room, cause profuse sweating or even the use of one of those four letter words. ‘Like what?’ you ask. Well, let’s see.  How does the phrase ‘income tax’ grab you?  See what I... Read More

Welcome Grandbaby! By Regina Leeds, The Zen Organizer NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert Your baby, your way OK so your baby (or maybe even his baby!) is now an adult having his or her own children.  You want to share your wisdom without coming off as everybody’s meddling nightmare mother-in-law or Grandma Nightmare… What’s a boomer to do? I’ve got your answer: give the newly pregnant in your family my newest book One Year to an Organized Life with Baby! Babies are precious gifts and we’re all captivated by the many items created just for them.  Unfortunately tiny clothes,... Read More

How to Make 2011 a New Year By Regina Leeds NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert Here are some important steps to get you organized for the year ahead. Start with Work It\’s always important to have an organized workspace.  But now with downsizing and job loss spreading throughout the work sector like a fever, being organized is a great insurance policy.  You can use your organizing skills to demonstrate to your employer how invaluable you are to the day-to-day operation of the business. If you are the owner of the establishment, you can just as easily show your employees by example... Read More

Think Ahead this Holiday Season By Regina Leeds NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert At this time of year most people are trying to keep their heads above water.  The TV airwaves and newspapers are full of ways to celebrate.  What if we did something a bit radical?  What if we looked beyond the holiday and found a few ways to save time, space, energy and money before the clock strikes midnight and it’s 2011? Here are some ideas to get you started. Chances are good that you store your holiday decorations in the attic, the basement or the garage. As you take them down this year, why... Read More

Holidays on the Horizon! By Regina Leeds, NABBW’s Organizational Skills Expert As a nation we’re all feeling the pinch financially.  It’s difficult to find the line between all out celebration and being responsible, isn’t it?  I don’t think we have to have an either/or situation. We can celebrate this festive time of year and keep a lid on spending.  How?  With an organized plan of attack and a well crafted budget. Are you ready to begin? I have a few questions for you. Why not grab your Zen Organizing Journal or just a few sheets of 8 ½ by 11 paper, your writing tool of choice... Read More

The Guest Room By Regina Leeds If you’re lucky enough to have a guest room, you’ll want to take some time to make your guests feel welcome. Now that seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? You’d be surprised!  Here’s what I find in most guest rooms I’m asked to organize: The room has become a dumping ground for items no one in the family uses but can’t seem to part with like outdated office equipment, toys and clothing. Someone had the brilliant idea of a multi-purpose room and now gym equipment all bur crowds out the bed. Family members have been interested in ... Read More

No matter what stage of life you’re in, the end of summer is a time of transition. During the month of August parents will be getting children ready for the new school year. Many folks will be on vacation thinking about the return to home, work and ‘real’ life. Lots of teens will be leaving home and heading off to college. And still other folks may be dreaming about how to use retirement to enrich their lives come fall. What do they all have in common? An organized plan will make all these transitions a bit easier. Let me ask you a few questions: Is your environment chock... Read More