Ellen Hankes

Organize Ready in No Time Outfits

Most of us have our favorite outfits and complementary accessories which we turn to when the pace gets hectic. Just like good friends, our favorite clothes are the ones that the ones that help us when the times are tough.

Jill Kreiger Swanson in her great little book Simply Beautiful Inside and Out suggests pulling together outfits that are ready to go. Here's how it works: put all pieces that go together on one hanger, including accessories such as jewelry or scarves.

Here's one of my current favorite combinations. There is no searching for the black cotton sweater to go with the French blue collared shirt. The new longer length necklace with blue and green beads ads a bit of color and fun to the outfit. I can add jeans or black pants for casual or dressier wear. Having three pre-planned items together on the hanger streamline the decision-making in the closet.

Keep a couple these "Ready In No Time" outfits together and you will look pulled together with minimal time and effort!

What is your secret to getting dressed on the busiest of days? We would like to hear from you.

What's On Hold in Your Life?

  "Please hold. Your call is important to us."

One part of that response tells me that my time is not important and yet the other part of the answer says my voice is valued. These mixed messages can be a springboard to question what activities or intentions we put on hold.

What is on your "someday" list? It may be to call a friend, write a book, or organize your workspace. These may not be high impact items, but any one of them could change your life, not to mention another person's, life in unimaginable ways.

What's on hold in your life? What needs to happen before the hold is removed? Do you need the help of someone else or can you move forward independently?

Who and what are we putting on hold either intentionally or without thinking? Each new week brings seven days of possibilities. What's next?

We would like to hear what's on hold for you!

The Love Affair with Gadgets

  Are you in love with gadgets? There are gadgets that appeal to the cook, the quilter, the woodworker and just about every other hobbyist. Gadgets promise many things--ease of use, time saving tricks and unique results.

Gadgets can be very simple or have intricate moving parts. They can be found at the dollar store but high end retailers love to showcase their gadgets and lure shoppers with their wordy promises.

Some gadgets are more loved than others by their owners. Alas, some gadgets fail to make it out of their retail packaging after arriving at their destination. The moment passed. The desire for the heart-shaped phyllo pastry filled with unavailable ingredients faded.

Does a new gadget drive a new task or does the task require a new gadget? I am curious what you think about this question. I would love to hear your response!

Replace Negative Messages with Positive Self Talk

Do you ever listen to the recording that plays over and over in your head? Like the cassette tape in the image, the recording may be outdated and no longer useful.

Some of the negative messages that come from within may sound like these: "I can't get organized." "Everything I do turns out wrong." "I am just a messy person."

When we hear the same message over and over we begin to believe these inaccurate messages and our behavior follows in the same manner.

The start of a new year is a great time to banish the negative self talk and replace it with new messages. "I can take time to do it right the first time." " I can do things differently than in the past." " I am a creative person with multiple interests."

How are you using positive self-talk to move forward? I would like to hear about your experience.