tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1324052117191741802024-03-13T00:49:55.338-04:00Tips To Organize For SuccessThere are only 1,440 minutes in each day, and this blog provides tidbits to achieve your goals in work-life integration: streamlined workflows, efficient workspaces, the best technology for your needs implemented in ways to help you and skills for proactively achieving your desired results. Use productivity tools that enable you to organize for success... Make every minute matter!™Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-41492595500050264332021-03-06T15:52:00.000-05:002021-03-06T15:52:50.021-05:00Everybody's Changing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJaB01Nz7dM/YEPq_5eUP_I/AAAAAAAAGZg/gVWqbUoQRuUOSHjiDUSApcgFYcaDu5wKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/This%2Blbo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJaB01Nz7dM/YEPq_5eUP_I/AAAAAAAAGZg/gVWqbUoQRuUOSHjiDUSApcgFYcaDu5wKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/This%2Blbo.png" /></a></div>Do you know the song "Everybody's Changing" by Keane that was released a little over 11 years ago? Although that seems like a lifetime ago, the title feels quite fitting for the season we're in right now. As a society, we're about to reach the 1-year mark of a global pandemic, many businesses are surviving or thriving by pivoting amidst the economic impact of that pandemic, we're finding our ways through climate change that has a great impact on our lives, and, all across the globe, communities are finally facing inequities head-on, taking actions to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion for everyone to have greater belonging. Even though it's not that way for everyone, many of us feel the vast changes of the past year and are evolving alongside the world in which we live.<p></p><p>My company is no different in that it's evolving alongside me as an individual. Last September, I embarked on an adventure with Annie Franceschi of Greatest Story Creative to refine the verbiage I use in explaining how Organize for Success® helps busy, multi-passionate business owners, executives and teams clarify their priorities and, then, efficiently accomplish what matters most. Part of that process was a new website with more clearly defined colors and a new logo. </p><p>The website will, of course, be continually evolving, including updates to each of my books and online courses. Yet, the most important detail right now for you as my blog's reader is to know that the blog has moved. Thus, from this point forward, you can find updates on Tips to Organize for Success at <a href="https://www.organizeforsuccess.com/blog">https://www.organizeforsuccess.com/blog</a>. I look forward to seeing you there, sharing all sorts of tips, tidbits, best practices and tools to help you while continuing our conversations about all things related to productivity, helping you to efficiently work toward effectively achieving results desired for all elements of your life. See you over there soon!</p>Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-18555901831366407442020-10-30T20:05:00.001-04:002021-05-18T11:20:29.099-04:00Final Friday's Finds for October 2020<p>In the United States, we are approximately 4 days from the polls closing in the 2020 Elections, and, y'all, many of us are truly struggling to focus on anything else. However, there are so many priorities still happening for home, work, community and self-care. For this final Friday's fab finds, here are a handful of what's currently helping me focus on what matters most and pursue my many passions.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upvey7tEHsc/X5yalD-8dhI/AAAAAAAAGV8/eUXc06PLglc2cSN5LceEcN28zO0NYJPMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2020-10-30%2B18.45.16.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black Momma Tea in White Peach Flavor" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upvey7tEHsc/X5yalD-8dhI/AAAAAAAAGV8/eUXc06PLglc2cSN5LceEcN28zO0NYJPMACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/2020-10-30%2B18.45.16.jpg" title="Black Momma Tea in White Peach Flavor" width="150" /></a></div>For years, I've been a coffee drinker; yet, when Berri of The Flo Academy started teaching me about why I needed to be drinking organic raspberry leaf tea, I started giving tea more of a chance. I have been thoroughly impressed with <b><a href="https://www.blackmommateas.com/" target="_blank">Black Momma Teas</a>, </b>having enjoyed every sip of spearmint, peach apricot & fruit, white peach, caramel peach with coconut, English breakfast, mango and detox flavors. Better yet, as Black Momma also offers vodkas, my purchases support Vanessa Braxton, the first African-American, female owner and operator of a Nationally Distributed Vodka in the United States. I love a purchase with a purpose. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1a7Rj4AJa4/X5yZuSEQ57I/AAAAAAAAGVs/0njrv_gVQ84PhiXxdY4O5d4HBE5TIAtyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2020-10-30%2B18.45.16.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7MXOKaDMQ8/X5yb4qLnR3I/AAAAAAAAGWI/cF25L-HVAXUu04f8FURJH8cQDcYZSGxUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/Mask%2BLanyards.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Everyday Neutral Mask Lanyard by Courtney Frye of The Painted Pearl" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7MXOKaDMQ8/X5yb4qLnR3I/AAAAAAAAGWI/cF25L-HVAXUu04f8FURJH8cQDcYZSGxUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/Mask%2BLanyards.png" title="Everyday Neutral Mask Lanyard by Courtney Frye of The Painted Pearl" width="200" /></a></div></div><a href="https://thepaintedpearl.com/collections/mask-lanyards/products/everyday-neutral-mask-lanyard-pre-order" target="_blank"><b>Everyday Neutral Mask Lanyards</b></a> from Courtney Frye of The Painted Pearl have been the answer to the issue we never imagined before 2020. If you worry about laying your mask down somewhere unsanitary when you take a sip to drink or stop for a snack, these handmade creations are the perfect way to have that mask easily accessible and safe while hanging from your neck. Since studies have shown <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/science/important-reason-you-should-never-22389216" target="_blank">slipping your mask down to your neck is highly unsafe</a>, this offers an alternative to keep you healthy and productive. Each well-made strand measures roughly 30" in length and features light-weight wooden beads with hints of matte gold and neutral blush tones, making it sure to compliment anything in your wardrobe. Plus, easy-to-use lobster claws are used to secure your mask, ensuring this lanyard can have a life after the pandemic as a necklace.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlEiK5i9diM/X5yhtOyJJgI/AAAAAAAAGWU/z9oUZuhgRZoA_xxJN0V9eXuWkQASfB6LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s752/The%2BPure%2BBag.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Pure Bag available colors" border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="752" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlEiK5i9diM/X5yhtOyJJgI/AAAAAAAAGWU/z9oUZuhgRZoA_xxJN0V9eXuWkQASfB6LQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h171/The%2BPure%2BBag.png" title="The Pure Bag available colors" width="200" /></a></div>I am a huge fan of containing similar items together in bags. For example, in my purse, there's a smaller bag for writing utensils, there's a smaller bag for medical items, like Band-aids, a travel size NEOSPORIN as well as a small bottle of Tylenol, and there's a smaller bag for tech tools, like charging cords, plugs and earbuds. During this time of protecting ourselves from COVID-19, I stumbled upon <a href="https://www.thepurebag.com/products/zip-pockets/" target="_blank"><b>The Pure Bag's ZipPockets</b></a>, finding a quality layer of added protection. Made of marine-grade, healthcare-quality vinyl, they offer durable, antibacterial protection and are available in a plethora of fun colors, like Jungle Leaf, Pool and Tangerine. An embedded silver component provides a natural, environmentally-friendly barrier against odor and stain-causing bacteria. Moreover, both the exterior and interior look good while feeling great.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zs3SYn-2d0k/X5ykhRqRqlI/AAAAAAAAGWg/ous4fl-ZqNwxgWyJrK3bfW1Q3x4h819VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s698/MOSISO%2BKeyboard%2BCover.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MOSISO Keyboard Cover on MacBook Pro" border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="696" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zs3SYn-2d0k/X5ykhRqRqlI/AAAAAAAAGWg/ous4fl-ZqNwxgWyJrK3bfW1Q3x4h819VQCLcBGAsYHQ/w199-h200/MOSISO%2BKeyboard%2BCover.png" title="MOSISO Keyboard Cover on MacBook Pro" width="199" /></a></div>As the letters on certain keys for my MacBook Pro had started disappearing from my keyboard, I think it's safe to deduce that I'm using my computer too much these days, but that doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Thus, I ordered a <a href="https://amzn.to/3eX5PvR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>MOSISO Keyboard Cover</b>,</a> and I've been super pleased with its look as well as its feel. After opening the packaging, all I had to do was lay the cover across my existing keyboard, and, voila, my keys were restored. Made with premium, engineering-grade, durable, non-toxic silicone, the keyboard cover is ultra thin and makes typing surprising easy while still be simple to remove or reapply as needed. It protects my MacBook keyboard against dust, liquid spills, key wear, contaminates and more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S96QUT3GK7o/X5ypHr6yMYI/AAAAAAAAGWs/jdAwaA6YXI83eIFu0UXAPiHlffkn5_LCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/ZitSticka%2527s%2BKILLA%2BKit.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ZitSticka's KILLA Kit" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S96QUT3GK7o/X5ypHr6yMYI/AAAAAAAAGWs/jdAwaA6YXI83eIFu0UXAPiHlffkn5_LCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/ZitSticka%2527s%2BKILLA%2BKit.png" title="ZitSticka's KILLA Kit" width="200" /></a></div>The acne caused by regularly wearing a mask or holding your chin while on a Zoom call is truly tough to battle, but I'm getting help from <a href="https://zitsticka.com/products/killa-sticka" target="_blank"><b>ZitSticka's KILLA kit</b></a>. First, you wipe the area with a CLEANA swab that's soaked in exfoliating, de-stressing ingredients; then, you affix the KILLA zit patch, which is powered by tiny microdarts that self-dissolve overnight to flood the epicenter of an early-stage zit with targeted ingredients, clearing the acne before it gets real bad. These little circles move my face toward clarity so much more quickly than anything else I've ever found. It's like magic but fueled by scientific advancements.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I’d love to know what you’re currently using, loving and finding can bring you a little comfort amidst the stress and hectivity of life. Add a comment here or email me, and maybe I’ll give your suggestion a try for an upcoming “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” post. Or do you have any feedback on prior months' fab finds that you've tried? Plus, as an update for those following along, I'm shocked to say that my Marble Queen Pothos purchased from The Zen Succulent back in June is still alive. Take care, folks, staying safe and sane amidst all that we're facing!<div><br /></div></div>Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-75638413635673199342020-09-25T22:11:00.000-04:002020-09-25T22:11:14.916-04:00Final Friday's Finds for September 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_k_iTRfWuk/X26bBdjMHrI/AAAAAAAAGUI/ETbHkp4ZrYoyeQs38CWIt_avnrRLSCRDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/September%2527s%2BFab%2BFinds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_k_iTRfWuk/X26bBdjMHrI/AAAAAAAAGUI/ETbHkp4ZrYoyeQs38CWIt_avnrRLSCRDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/September%2527s%2BFab%2BFinds.png" width="133" /></a></div>It's my favorite month! Autumn has arrived, and it's an ideal time to complete your Census, enjoy a football game, go apple picking, decorate pumpkins for your porch, jump-start holiday shopping, splurge on a pair of boots or educate yourself for the upcoming elections. For this final Friday's fab finds, here are a handful of what's currently helping me focus on what matters most and pursue my many passions.<p></p>With screen time having increased by at least 30% worldwide, 65% of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXwPMf27EUA/X26ILgIAD2I/AAAAAAAAGTw/NQXyI95Qn7EnDUixOfOGSACCPYNXOBbxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1060/Eye%2BJust%2Bfor%2BComputers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1060" height="128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXwPMf27EUA/X26ILgIAD2I/AAAAAAAAGTw/NQXyI95Qn7EnDUixOfOGSACCPYNXOBbxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h128/Eye%2BJust%2Bfor%2BComputers.png" width="200" /></a></div>American adults are reporting symptoms of digital eye strain, much of which is attributed to our overexposure to blue light emitted by our technological devices. Did you know that blue light emitted by screens can penetrate all the way to your retina, damaging vision and causing eye strain? Ophthalmologist-approved <a href="https://eyejust.com/" target="_blank"><b>Eye Just</b></a> blue light blocking screens are scientifically proven to reduce digital eyestrain and protect one's eyes, skin and sleep from harmful blue light effects. The screens include bacteria blocker, are scratch proof and prevent smudges. There are options for your iPhone, iPad and laptop alike. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRVNG1T9MmA/X26Wz68f5vI/AAAAAAAAGT8/Y04THZiCPJ0h_4Dn6ld9CATO_1sm8MlDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s648/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-25%2Bat%2B9.16.55%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="648" height="156" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRVNG1T9MmA/X26Wz68f5vI/AAAAAAAAGT8/Y04THZiCPJ0h_4Dn6ld9CATO_1sm8MlDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h156/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-25%2Bat%2B9.16.55%2BPM.png" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://tryshift.com/" target="_blank"><b>Shift</b></a> is the desktop app for streamlining your accounts, apps and workflows. Instead of logging in and out of various different email, chat, task management and collaborative workspace applications, simply connect them through your one Shift account, and work faster with browsing across all accounts' details. With Shift, you'll have one login to toggle between all of your Gmail, Outlook, Office 365, WhatsApp, Slack, Messenger and more apps, customizing which notifications make the most sense for your specific work needs. <br /><br />Mosquitos love me. I have no idea why, but, whenever I'm outside, they target my<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcC8BofgVXg/X26f3NLLnnI/AAAAAAAAGUg/wIR7Jnajl5sMdBo_klnq0uRY4gnq5YWPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/BBT_reflection_website_size_1080x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcC8BofgVXg/X26f3NLLnnI/AAAAAAAAGUg/wIR7Jnajl5sMdBo_klnq0uRY4gnq5YWPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/BBT_reflection_website_size_1080x.jpg" width="133" /></a></div> skin for all sorts of bug bites. This summer, I discovered the <a href="https://www.bugbitething.com/" target="_blank"><b>Bug Bite Thing</b></a>, and it's been amazing. This suction tool extracts the insect saliva and venom from under the skin to help alleviate itching, stinging and swelling. Removing the irritant makes the body stop producing the reaction causing uncomfortable symptoms, truly eliminating the problem. No creams, chemicals, ointments or anything but literally sucking the irritant out from under the skin. Created by a mom on a mission to alleviate her child's hurting, this product is backed by women entrepreneurs and making a positive impact worldwide.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArShorQsyu0/X26hccPDEZI/AAAAAAAAGU0/g_7ZeuxWXO4hIHMynV4ogqsBt9DMNwYvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CC10_dda86cee-02b5-49a6-aa42-de80cf4fa507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArShorQsyu0/X26hccPDEZI/AAAAAAAAGU0/g_7ZeuxWXO4hIHMynV4ogqsBt9DMNwYvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/CC10_dda86cee-02b5-49a6-aa42-de80cf4fa507.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://consciouscoconut.com/" target="_blank"><b>Conscious Coconut Oil</b></a> is Certified USDA Organic, is Fair Trade Certified™️, is cold pressed, comes in sustainable packaging and serves a higher purpose by donating to Feeding America with every purchase. Plus, the uses for coconut oil seem endless, including moisturizing skin, protecting hair from damage, improving wound healing, serving as a carrier for essential oils, removing stains, making wood furniture shine, soothing sunburnt skin, removing makeup and relieving chapped lips.<br /><br />I’d love to know what you’re currently using, loving and finding can bring you a little comfort amidst the hectivity of life. Add a comment here or email me, and maybe I’ll give your suggestion a try for an upcoming “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” post. Or do you have any feedback on prior months' fab finds that you've tried? Take care!<br /><div><br /></div>Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-4304627886914077282020-09-06T16:18:00.000-04:002020-09-06T16:18:26.825-04:00Fight Procrastination Today<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRUqwhTJrwY/X1U-FETdWHI/AAAAAAAAGJY/DB4-i0NixFITob4mF3Qw_2MRHRXhBUknwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Fight%2BProcrastination%2BDay.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRUqwhTJrwY/X1U-FETdWHI/AAAAAAAAGJY/DB4-i0NixFITob4mF3Qw_2MRHRXhBUknwCLcBGAsYHQ/w164-h164/Fight%2BProcrastination%2BDay.png" width="164" /></a></div>There's something truly fulfilling about today's Fight Procrastination Day falling on a Sunday. Tomorrow is the start of a brand-new week, giving a clean slate for a fresh start on your productivity, and it's the perfect time to attack those high priority tasks on which you've been procrastinating. However, it takes a little prep work. Here's where to start:<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Break projects into bite-sized actions.</b> No entire project can be completed at one time; instead, list them as tasks that can be completed step-by-step, checking each item off one by one from a daily, weekly, monthly or annual to-do list. When creating this list, start each item with a verb, and make sure it is broken down into the smallest increment of what is to be done so it's more feasible.</li><li><b>Gain clarity on what's unclear.</b> Vague priorities, unclear directions, lack of knowing how to do something and being unfamiliar with the order in which to move through the steps necessary for getting tasks done are all problematic. Ask questions to better understand the objective, your team's priorities, how to accomplish each step necessary and why it must get done; if you don't know how to do something, ask someone who does know it for assistance. Never be afraid to ask those questions, realizing that the result to not asking is far worse than any answer you could receive.</li><li><b>Set deadlines for each specific task. </b>I have yet to find a calendar that includes "someday"; therefore, when we say "I'll get to that someday" or "I'll work on that when I get some free time", we are usually setting ourselves up for failure. Instead, assign deadlines for each of the smaller, bite-sized actions within the projects to be completed, making it possible to block off time on your calendar for when each task will be completed. Every "what" assigned a "when" is more likely to get accomplished, leading to more wins.</li><li><b>Quiet any perfectionist tendencies.</b> One of my favorite mantras reminds me that, "Done can be better than perfect so focus on good enough." Perfectionism is frequently the cause of procrastination; subsequently, focusing on the desired results can empower us to get past waiting for "the right time"and get us to stop continuing our work on projects for perpetuity in the effort of achieving perfection. Stop comparing yourself with others; achieving your desired results usually has little to do with how the finished product compares with what others do or have done. Instead, focus on getting things done to the best of your ability, not necessarily in a perfect way.</li><li><b>Utilize a timer.</b> Maybe you prefer time-blocking with the Pomodoro Technique or the Rule of 52 and 17, but, regardless, a timer can be your most powerful tool for getting things done. Working in a focused manner for a short stretch can boost both efficiency and total output, particularly when you shutdown all potential distractions during that time... Anyone can do an undesirable action for a short spurt, and it's amazing how much more can get done in a shorter amount of time than if you think you have longer to finish. Most importantly, when the timer goes off, you may find that you are engrossed in the task and will keep at it, getting even more accomplished, or you had been distracted and need to refocus for another timed session.</li><li><b>Implement music's motivating abilities.</b> Some people are energized by fast-paced music while others get more focused via smoother tunes, both leading to greater productivity. Pick enough tunes in the tone you prefer to fill your set block of time, group them together as your productivity playlist and use that playlist to motivate desired output.</li><li><b>Spend time with folks getting things done.</b> For years, I've heard that you become like the people with whom you spend time. If you prioritize spending time with people in your life who are considered hard workers or go-getters, their energy will rub off on you and motivate similar productivity in yourself. As activity breeds activity, time with productive peers can inspire greater productivity within ourselves, even if it's across a computer screen.</li></ul><p></p><p>Which tasks have you been pushing forward? Are they actually projects that need to be broken down into individual action steps? Or are they tasks that need to be delegated or deleted? How can you make a little movement forward today?</p>Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-5051506081026082712020-08-28T17:23:00.001-04:002020-08-28T17:23:04.671-04:00Final Friday's Fab Finds for August 2020<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dkfGZdinIs/X0loTZnkTlI/AAAAAAAAGGU/vS-yJ630hrUpxrxx1j_te6rTgkvU_lJhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/August%2527s%2BFab%2BFinds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dkfGZdinIs/X0loTZnkTlI/AAAAAAAAGGU/vS-yJ630hrUpxrxx1j_te6rTgkvU_lJhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/August%2527s%2BFab%2BFinds.png" width="200" /></a>As we're over two-thirds of the way through the summer of 2020, the world around us seems both like an opportunity for growth, change and betterment as well as a hamster wheel of Groundhog Days in the middle of so much craziness that we can't control... Amidst the mental and emotional overwhelm, it's vital to fill our toolboxes with what will best boost productivity and help us cultivate the lives we want. For this final Friday's fab finds, here are a handful of the lovely things currently helping me focus in on what matters most and enthusiastically pursue my many passions.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WOHflgP3Hs/X0lrUChMdXI/AAAAAAAAGGw/sbulRru2w_Y1eERXMrUancLbBUG2v1LwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PureRadianceOil_Clear_ByrdieBadge_544x.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="172" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WOHflgP3Hs/X0lrUChMdXI/AAAAAAAAGGw/sbulRru2w_Y1eERXMrUancLbBUG2v1LwACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/PureRadianceOil_Clear_ByrdieBadge_544x.png" width="80" /></a>Back in July, my to-do list included the goal to "master face skincare routine", and my efforts at this uncovered a true gem. I've been using <a href="https://truebotanicals.com/products/pure-radiance-oil-clear" target="_blank">True Botanicals' Pure Radiance Oil</a>, and I absolutely love it. All of their products are certified nontoxic and sustainably made as well as vegan and cruelty-free; plus, there's a quiz on their homepage to help figure out exactly which products will best meet one's face skincare needs. As explained on their website, the "face oils deliver nutrients and antioxidants deep into skin, for healing from the inside out." I use the Clear option to treat and prevent acne while minimizing the effects of aging, but all the face oils provide great, clarifying moisturizers that balance skin, which is vital for smooth, hydrated and healthy skin.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXT9s5DNtmg/X0luGSpi3uI/AAAAAAAAGHM/XXnX4WwfpFQxLAXrXhiDDGrDsmyN7BohACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020-08-28%2B15.45.35-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXT9s5DNtmg/X0luGSpi3uI/AAAAAAAAGHM/XXnX4WwfpFQxLAXrXhiDDGrDsmyN7BohACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/2020-08-28%2B15.45.35-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As many folks are getting out and about more while wearing a face mask, waiting 6' apart and washing hands as often as possible, there's a continuing need for hand sanitizer. Back when it was nearly impossible to find hand sanitizer on store shelves, I went searching for an option that wouldn't dry my hands out so badly, and I discovered <a href="https://byhumankind.com/products/hand-sanitizer" target="_blank">By Humankind's Kindfill™️ Hand Sanitizer refill</a>, which is such a necessary assist these days. This moisturizing, alcohol-based hand sanitizer comes in a large, 8-ounce bottle that is designed to refill your travel-size plastic bottles, and it's surprising cost-effective. The gel formula consists of 65% alcohol, offers Eucalyptus or Grapefruit options that include essential oils and smells (and feels) so much better than other sanitizers I've experienced.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8t3BJeD5eE/X0lwJXU6DBI/AAAAAAAAGHY/eKlpUoRwqTETmJgXUCAVOYCYy74QfIM1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020-08-28%2B15.25.33-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="724" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8t3BJeD5eE/X0lwJXU6DBI/AAAAAAAAGHY/eKlpUoRwqTETmJgXUCAVOYCYy74QfIM1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/2020-08-28%2B15.25.33-1.jpg" width="90" /></a><a href="https://www.verbenergy.co/" target="_blank">Verb Energy Bars</a> are made with organic green tea, providing as much caffeine as an espresso with only 90 calories. They use exclusively gluten-free, vegan ingredients that are in most folks' kitchens, each bar is small enough to stash in a desk drawer or the pocket of your purse without worrying about anything melting, and you can test them out with a starter kit of Maple Blueberry, Coconut Chai, Salted Peanut Butter and Simply Cocoa. I truly enjoy the Coconut Chai version and appreciate how easy they make getting refills via texts.<br />
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Watermelon is a summertime fixture and one of my favorite foods. Even as I have certainly been enjoying my fair share of fresh-cut watermelon slices, I've become a big fan of cold-pressed watermelon juice, whether that's from <a href="https://wtrmlnwtr.com/" target="_blank">WTRMLN WTR®</a> or <a href="https://tsammajuice.com/" target="_blank">Tsamma Juice</a>. It's easy to keep a bottle handy while working from home, especially with how it's deliciously hydrating via natural electrolytes from watermelon. Every bottle of Tsamma contains over one and a half pounds of Frey Farms' watermelons, cold-pressed, gently pasteurized and cold-packed to protect essential nutrients. Both companies market that their juices include L-Citrulline + Lycopene. These options for watermelon juice are both tasty and healthy, which is a major win-win, especially with all that vitamin C to help me stay well amidst a global pandemic.<br />
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I’d love to know what you’re currently using, loving and finding can bring you a little comfort amidst the hectivity of life. Add a comment here or email me, and maybe I’ll give your suggestion a try for an upcoming “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” post. Or do you have any feedback on prior months' fab finds that you've tried? Take care, y’all!<br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-43790098384272204642020-08-18T23:40:00.000-04:002020-08-18T23:40:16.275-04:00Your Vote is Your Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz_SHfA34xA/XzydA1l8LxI/AAAAAAAAGF0/aJxigtGC524rwGZ1pYcgpI7XomEaDzQZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100%2Byears%2Bsince%2Bthe%2B19th%2BAmendment%2Bwas%2Bratified%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz_SHfA34xA/XzydA1l8LxI/AAAAAAAAGF0/aJxigtGC524rwGZ1pYcgpI7XomEaDzQZACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/100%2Byears%2Bsince%2Bthe%2B19th%2BAmendment%2Bwas%2Bratified%2521.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What does the right to vote mean to you?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">⠀</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">To me, voting means having a voice in the choices presented to us as a community. It's democracy in action and as much a responsibility as a right.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">For why 100 others vote, visit </span><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FVotingWhys%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2JN6MC4i5qLr3AsLp3oLdiujr21KzNIDsIc3KpXVBD5SNINm8eyccesrY&h=AT1afld2uQGGUnEy5269bl3vViUYeBi5LCN4TfncCTsXyRFmuB-l7_-_4rBNHfFhc0H67YFCy_n_oIOHte3IwuUCGvIdz0iDdeZQphGJjn11yCBe9HlHpVIta5oV8dgAomeIyQTbMFoUfM5X2mQ-v_cKbW6e" href="https://bit.ly/VotingWhys?fbclid=IwAR2JN6MC4i5qLr3AsLp3oLdiujr21KzNIDsIc3KpXVBD5SNINm8eyccesrY" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/VotingWhys</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />⠀<br />Today is the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting American women the right to vote; yet, similar to how the Declaration of Independence was simply the start of our country's fight for a more perfect union, this did not automatically guarantee voting rights for all women.<br />⠀<br />As we commemorate this historic milestone, celebrate how everyone wins when women vote, taking action to fulfill the responsibility of casting your own vote in this fall's elections:</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t39/2/16/1f5f3.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🗳</span></span> 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲. If you live in North Carolina, you can do this online, right from the DMV's website.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t39/2/16/1f5f3.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🗳</span></span> 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂. If you are a small business owner, maybe you want to make sure your future workforces are properly educated, that your community has the resources to keep your employees living here or ways to make healthcare more affordable. Maybe you are interested in transportation so you can get from home to work or entertainment easily or environmental protections so we can breathe and drink water safely. Use your values in your vote.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t39/2/16/1f5f3.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🗳</span></span> 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 with regards to the issues of importance to you. Rather than relying on ads, visit candidates' websites. For incumbents looking to be re-elected, review their voting records as well as the percentage of legislative sessions they were scheduled to attend versus how many they did actually attend, including lieutenant governor. Learn how each candidate will best support what you are needing and seeking from them. Take action now!</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Have you invested time in evaluating your options for voting on November 3rd? If not, when can you make that happen?</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-49947665825751449962020-07-31T17:38:00.000-04:002020-07-31T17:38:02.531-04:00Final Friday's Fab Finds for July 2020<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjWu4ej0lWs/XyRXXCWJOxI/AAAAAAAAGDc/NI7Zxto8K1YsnmlemNPfrtU19Wc4Lg3cACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/July%2527s%2BFab%2BFinds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjWu4ej0lWs/XyRXXCWJOxI/AAAAAAAAGDc/NI7Zxto8K1YsnmlemNPfrtU19Wc4Lg3cACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/July%2527s%2BFab%2BFinds.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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As the temperatures are rising now that we're over a month into summer and yet another hurricane is heading our way, there's still so much happening around us: the COVID-19 global pandemic continues, America's economy just had its worst quarter on record, our communities work toward racial justices, and we all try to balance commitments while focusing on getting done what matters most. Amidst the mental and emotional overwhelm, it's vital to fill our toolboxes with what will best boost productivity and help us cultivate the lives we want<span style="text-align: center;">. For this final Friday's fab finds, here are a handful of the lovely things I currently can't live without.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W147nIkFyqc/XyRaBxAk08I/AAAAAAAAGEA/RgIWde0m_tYVi5krHLCvy2vNqCxY_y6-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020-07-31%2B13.26.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W147nIkFyqc/XyRaBxAk08I/AAAAAAAAGEA/RgIWde0m_tYVi5krHLCvy2vNqCxY_y6-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/2020-07-31%2B13.26.07.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
While many air purifiers simply collect pollutants on filters where they can multiply and release back into the air, <b><a href="https://molekule.com/" target="_blank">Molekule air purifiers</a></b> are different. They actually destroy the pollutants instead, and, having added them to my home, I can really feel the difference in my home's air quality. As someone with both seasonal allergies and asthma, I normally have greater symptoms throughout the spring and into summer as well as autumn, but I've really experienced relief since bringing the Molekule air purifiers into my home, using two of the Air versions to make sure I'm covered. Plus, I have to admit that they've provided a little reassurance during the COVID-19 global pandemic, keeping out some of the world's viruses and VOCs to help me breathe easier.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNpK1iqMBTg/XySFxbqsRDI/AAAAAAAAGEg/gWJtvr38km4qS47xfvo_-XAW-fGAYdxoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Jubala%2527s%2BBatch%2BIced%2BLatte.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNpK1iqMBTg/XySFxbqsRDI/AAAAAAAAGEg/gWJtvr38km4qS47xfvo_-XAW-fGAYdxoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Jubala%2527s%2BBatch%2BIced%2BLatte.png" width="200" /></a>One of my favorite spots for amazing coffee in the Triangle area of North Carolina is Jubala Coffee, and, as a response to the COVID-19 global pandemic and folks not being okay with sitting in a coffee shop, they added the option of ordering <b><a href="http://www.jubalacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Jubala's own Batch Iced Latte</a></b>, which is 64 ounces of latte based on your preference for flavor and milk. Built on its relationships with coffee communities from which the coffee is sourced, Jubala has a deep dedication to the farmers and partnering with them to provide a top quality product. Every cup is fresh, offers a flavorful taste, supports the local community and has the world's greater good in mind throughout the entire production process. Better yet, there are two locations from which to choose so you can swing by whichever shop is more convenient to you.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyBDdzL4Z9U/XySKt6iTIwI/AAAAAAAAGE8/XM9J_zWFpyANx6pdKQMNFtOHf666ckCMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyBDdzL4Z9U/XySKt6iTIwI/AAAAAAAAGE8/XM9J_zWFpyANx6pdKQMNFtOHf666ckCMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/download.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As the world is taking 2020 to reflect on what matters most, there is great fluctuation and evolution in the routines that have been developing for me as well as my clients. I have found the <b><a href="https://streaksapp.com/" target="_blank">Streaks Productivity App</a></b> to be super powerful in turning behaviors into habits for routines that better enable us to get done what matters most. The app allows for choosing up to 12 tasks that you want to turn into daily habits, like exercising, meditating, drinking a certain amount of water, writing out that for which you are grateful, eating a vegetable, writing a personalized note or calling a friend. Each day that you complete a task, your streak is extended. Streaks is available for iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac so you can update your progress via any device, easily tracking your results to stay motivated.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpz0oXQGWQ0/XySLut_0erI/AAAAAAAAGFE/wRr6zJh6FW438N7mnknol9oytaiQ5UwiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/download-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpz0oXQGWQ0/XySLut_0erI/AAAAAAAAGFE/wRr6zJh6FW438N7mnknol9oytaiQ5UwiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/download-1.jpg" width="134" /></a>No list of fab finds for July 2020 could be complete without <b><a href="https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/movie/hamilton" target="_blank">the Hamilton film</a></b>. If you've not seen this yet, make time this weekend to access it from Disney+. You won't regret the two hours and 40 minutes invested in watching the movie. It is no exaggeration when Lin Manuel Miranda explains that "This is a story about America then, told by America now", and it's a must-see for for hope or inspiration. "Hamilton" blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway to convey the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton in a manner that is unlike anything I've seen before. Watching this explains how our country's founding fathers had a vision for a more perfect union, making Independence Day the start of our never-ending efforts at continuous improvement as we move eternally towards that idealistic vision.</div>
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As an update from <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2020/06/final-friday-fab-finds-for-june-2020.html" target="_blank">last month's fab finds</a>, I'm continuing my way through Michelle Obama's Becoming, thoroughly engrossed by her delivery of each and every story. Plus, the good news is that my Marble Queen Pothos from The Zen Succulent is still alive, which is quite the achievement. Did you get a chance to try any of my recommendations?<br />
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I’d love to know what you’re currently using, loving and finding can bring you a little comfort amidst the hectivity of life. Add a comment here or <a href="mailto:eparks@organizeforsuccess.biz" target="_blank">email me</a>, and maybe I’ll give your suggestion a try for an upcoming “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” post. Take care, y’all!</div>
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Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-44531780177885306682020-07-12T17:35:00.001-04:002020-07-12T17:35:40.324-04:00Seeking Simplicity?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCGyrvjUaSo/Xwt_xNWqI9I/AAAAAAAAGB4/NWh91-pWlY4HrrIWMTBpIm6Qv7kbJDySQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Simplicity%2Bper%2BHenry%2BDavid%2BThoreau.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCGyrvjUaSo/Xwt_xNWqI9I/AAAAAAAAGB4/NWh91-pWlY4HrrIWMTBpIm6Qv7kbJDySQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Simplicity%2Bper%2BHenry%2BDavid%2BThoreau.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Simplicity Day</td></tr>
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National Simplicity Day is observed every year on July 12th, honoring the life, work and philosophies of Henry David Thoreau, who advocated for living a simple life via poetry, in his books and as a transcendentalist.<br />
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In our modern-day world, life is complicated by so much: the pings and dings of technology, the clutter amidst our calendars and to-do lists alike, the avalanche of communications received via email, calls, texts, social media, snail mail, technology and mainstream media... The list goes on and on. Yet, amidst our current pandemic, I see so many refocusing on their truest priorities, people taking time to reconnect with loved ones while actually slowing down a bit, new routines being turned into necessary habits as well as an emphasis on listening to what our minds, bodies and spirits truly need.<br />
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Whether you think of "simplicity" in terms of being plain, natural or easy to understand, I believe this National Simplicity Day is an ideal time to really align our actions with what matters most to us, including the personal mission, vision, core values and life desired to cultivate for each of us. How will you choose to let go of life's complications to make room in each day's 1,440 minutes for what's most important to you?<br />
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Some ideas for slowing down and living deliberately include the following:<br />
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<li>Think deeply about what matters most to you.</li>
<li>Put things on your <a href="https://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2011/03/using-one-calendar-to-organize-for.html" target="_blank">calendar that align with your priorities</a> and the life you want.</li>
<li>Adopt a new attitude by being deliberate in how your time is invested.</li>
<li>Expend as much energy to reflect, live in the moment and appreciate life as you schedule for when to get things done.</li>
<li>Shift your focus from "all the things" to what you can actually control.</li>
<li>Utilize Do, Decide When, Delegate and Delete from <a href="https://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2017/03/utilize-all-available-resources.html" target="_blank">Eisenhower's Matrix</a> so your resources go toward what only you can do first.</li>
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Where will you choose to start in your efforts to celebrate National Simplicity Day?<br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-87171480913250811812020-06-26T15:41:00.002-04:002020-06-26T15:41:48.415-04:00Final Friday's Fab Finds for June 2020<div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltXphwnIaCY/XvZOsQVLxTI/AAAAAAAAF3o/FOrmt1dokUo06UIMO2iBsFp3ID3BFLu9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/June%2Bending.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltXphwnIaCY/XvZOsQVLxTI/AAAAAAAAF3o/FOrmt1dokUo06UIMO2iBsFp3ID3BFLu9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/June%2Bending.png" width="200" /></a></div>
While wrapping up the first half of 2020, can you believe all that has occurred? We're in the throes of the COVID-19 global pandemic, protests are ongoing as we call for justice and equality in the Black Lives Matter movement, articles of impeachment were approved, Australian bushfires ran rampant, Kobe Bryant died, the Iowa caucus broke down in chaos, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty in a case that helped fuel the #MeToo movement, the nation is struggling with how to safely educate the next generation amidst a novel coronavirus, there are regular developments in the current election cycle, and over 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HibaCKe2jME/XvZJE_bdnnI/AAAAAAAAF24/uxKZsMDLHPsZ8W-euwbgW9duM3sOQluqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Final%2BFriday%2527s%2BFab%2BFinds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HibaCKe2jME/XvZJE_bdnnI/AAAAAAAAF24/uxKZsMDLHPsZ8W-euwbgW9duM3sOQluqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Final%2BFriday%2527s%2BFab%2BFinds.png" width="200" /></a>When disruption strikes, small businesses feel the impact faster and harder than anyone else with the effects lasting much longer afterward. With that in mind, I’m continuing my “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” series with options that emphasize both the need to support small businesses via shopping local as well as a desire to amplify Black voices. Hopefully, you'll find these sources of hope, inspiration and greater productivity in cultivating the life you want to live. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAFlGFz3DXg/XvZJuB2PsuI/AAAAAAAAF3A/4RTYlwSOufgQbZIYU2y13WQ5-TezucY4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-26%2Bat%2B12.54.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1328" height="103" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAFlGFz3DXg/XvZJuB2PsuI/AAAAAAAAF3A/4RTYlwSOufgQbZIYU2y13WQ5-TezucY4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-26%2Bat%2B12.54.51%2BPM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Although <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81024100" target="_blank">American Son</a> started as a play on Broadway, it was made into a Netflix film starring Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee that is phenomenal. The story plays out in real time over 90 minutes. As time passes, tension mounts in a Florida police station as an estranged, interracial couple awaits news regarding their missing, teenage son, and the dialogue is amazingly moving. You feel like you're there with the couple, sitting on the edge of your seat. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8OHZuWUbFY/XvZJ-8DcuTI/AAAAAAAAF3I/kq5lojAEdd4A_vIjYIyKoGujftY9bTZfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/MO_bookshot_v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1092" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8OHZuWUbFY/XvZJ-8DcuTI/AAAAAAAAF3I/kq5lojAEdd4A_vIjYIyKoGujftY9bTZfACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/MO_bookshot_v3.jpg" width="138" /></a>As so many of us have experienced big shifts in life amidst the current global pandemic, there are lots of people adopting new routines, realigning priorities and really focusing on who we want to be as well as what lives we truly want to cultivate. The world is not the same as a few months ago, we may go through a few different iterations before we get to a “new normal”, and there is so much in this evolution that impacts our abilities to be productive. In the spirit of evolving, I began digging into the book <a href="https://becomingmichelleobama.com/" target="_blank"><i>Becoming</i> by Michelle Obama</a>, and I’m absolutely loving her approach to answering “What’s your journey of becoming?” I’ve been enjoying her reading of the book on Audible, and there’s so much inspiration in the life she’s leading, filled with meaning and accomplishment.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prvSNUoblLw/XvZL-gYXtsI/AAAAAAAAF3U/HplDDF4U9-U-vQAxKTBqMvxTSpCxuS_xACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020-06-26%2B15.24.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prvSNUoblLw/XvZL-gYXtsI/AAAAAAAAF3U/HplDDF4U9-U-vQAxKTBqMvxTSpCxuS_xACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/2020-06-26%2B15.24.23.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In my efforts to be more active in being anti-racist, I have been working to amplify the voices of those Black experts in our communities, and I stumbled across <a href="https://www.instagram.com/berrionlberry/" target="_blank">Berrion Berry</a>, who is a PMS and Period Educator based out of Florida. Y’all, I feel like I’ve found such a kindred spirit! Berri is an Enneagram 8w7 who self describes as someone who will challenge but inspire you; plus, she has 3 brothers and lost her father to lung cancer. So many similarities, and I am learning tons from this amazing rock star. Berri <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBt1EJLDivp/" target="_blank">expertly explains</a> how a woman’s menstrual cycle is set-up to help optimize her abilities for ideation, creation, execution and evaluation, helping me utilize my menstrual cycle as a tool for boosting productivity. Brilliant!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va5GYW61Dow/XvZMapPGtsI/AAAAAAAAF3c/rFWIr1LXtEEQcc5iP7pE5FzHyoQBddcEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/97999213_285980669245055_5112806254015676416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va5GYW61Dow/XvZMapPGtsI/AAAAAAAAF3c/rFWIr1LXtEEQcc5iP7pE5FzHyoQBddcEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/97999213_285980669245055_5112806254015676416_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>Finally, succulents and house plants are having a moment right now, and I’m well aware of the value plants bring to one’s home based off the stories from my dear friend Kelly, who has over 200 plants at her house. I was overjoyed to learn about Megan George, owner of <a href="https://thezensucculent.com/ourplants" target="_blank">The ZEN Succulent</a>, who is just as bright and joyful as her welcoming garden center. I have absolutely no green thumb, but I wanted to support local by adding a living thing into my space so I ordered two pothos plants from The ZEN Succulent. These appear to be exceptionally resilient, even with my low maintenance requirement, and I really like the Marble Queen Pothos that I purchased. Stay tuned for how long I can keep this plant alive.</div>
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I’d love to know what you’re currently using, loving and finding can bring you a little comfort amidst the hectivity of life. Add a comment here or <a href="mailto:eparks@organizeforsuccess.biz" target="_blank">email me</a>, and maybe I’ll give your suggestion a try for an upcoming “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” post. Take care, y’all!</div>
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Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-61643306096709925232020-06-10T06:00:00.015-04:002020-06-10T06:00:04.584-04:00To Where Do We Go Now?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMGmy35fXbM/XuAVkeKNv_I/AAAAAAAAF0M/qOaeZRtBVfMPGP5DQDt06-t9oxld1DGdQCK4BGAsYHg/s3240/2020-06-07%2B17.32.35.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="End Racism Now" border="0" data-original-height="2430" data-original-width="3240" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMGmy35fXbM/XuAVkeKNv_I/AAAAAAAAF0M/qOaeZRtBVfMPGP5DQDt06-t9oxld1DGdQCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h150/2020-06-07%2B17.32.35.jpg" title="End Racism Now mural in Downtown Raleigh" width="200" /></a></div>Something fantastic happened in Raleigh this weekend as this message was painted by volunteers in front of CAM Raleigh on Martin St.</div><div>⠀</div><div>It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure our young, black or brown girls and boys live long, full lives. I don’t tolerate hate or racism.</div><div>⠀</div><div>I cannot imagine not having a diverse inner circle of friends, a diverse base of clients, diverse committees with whom I volunteer and a diverse neighborhood in which I live.</div><div>⠀</div><div>Decisions made by diverse groups are higher quality, wiser and more apt to have a more positive impact than those made by like-minded groups. When interacting, “I see your color, honor you and value your input” is the goal, not “I see no color.” Y’all, I firmly believe we are better together, and, together, everyone achieves more; those are not just cliche phrases but, instead, are actual mantras.</div><div>⠀</div><div>In today’s world, if you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention, and we must take peaceful steps toward living together as equals. It’s never too early to start having these conversations with the next generation as well as our peers. As I heard recently, “Until all of us are somebody, nobody is anything”.</div><div>⠀</div><div>As my friend Jim Scott shared recently, those who are disparaging the character of George Floyd are completely missing the point of the recent #BlackLivesMatter protests; these aren’t about how George Floyd lived, but, instead, they’re about the far too many black and brown individuals who have died way too early in life.</div><div>⠀</div><div>We all must do better. As a white woman, I will be educating myself, listening carefully, proceeding with empathy and always taking action. Know that we are better together.</div><div><br /></div>Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-91190807104713309262020-05-29T06:30:00.000-04:002020-05-29T06:30:06.276-04:00Final Friday's Fab Finds for May 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we wrap up this month, it feels like we continue an emotional rollercoaster ride: fear, anxiety, excitement, stress, hopefulness, hopelessness and so much more. For each of us, there are daily challenges. Yet, I’m cautiously optimistic that we’re each finding sources of comfort to help us stay safe and sane.<br />
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When disruption strikes, small businesses feel the impact faster and harder than anyone else with the effects lasting much longer afterward. With that in mind, I’m kicking off this new “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” series with a few options from small businesses that have been helping me find comfort while trying to maintain my sanity amidst all the efforts to be smart and safe.<br />
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Fragrances from candles can be both calming and energizing so I keep finding myself lighting one atop my desk while I’m working from home. My current favorite is Sweet Grace, which is the signature scent for <a href="https://www.theflourishmarket.com/collections/curb-side-pick-up-candles" target="_blank">The Flourish Market’s candles</a>. There are numerous candleholder styles from which to choose, making it possible to find something for any space’s needs, and the fragrance lasts well after the candle’s flame is extinguished, meaning the benefits go on longer.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yv1kn5mAf1Q/XtA4whbDy5I/AAAAAAAAFzI/MC-jKpA6kBU_5FbkTdsT7mI1IQ2n1AIGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/North%2BRaleigh%2BFlorist.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yv1kn5mAf1Q/XtA4whbDy5I/AAAAAAAAFzI/MC-jKpA6kBU_5FbkTdsT7mI1IQ2n1AIGACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/North%2BRaleigh%2BFlorist.png" width="160" /></a><br />
I splurge on my mental well-being by getting a weekly flower delivery, and I love each week’s creation by <a href="https://www.northraleighfloristinc.com/" target="_blank">North Raleigh Florist</a>. They know I’m a huge fan of sunflowers so they incorporate that happy flower whenever possible. Each week’s arrangement is designed to fit on my home office desk, adds something natural to my workspace and puts a smile on my face as I settle into work. Such happiness!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Qh0jnLujAA/XtA7Quf3h-I/AAAAAAAAFzU/yC1CsdLzjikR5PEvKKqMpxfI-e6yynDnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/May%2BDesigns%2BSample%2BNotebooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Qh0jnLujAA/XtA7Quf3h-I/AAAAAAAAFzU/yC1CsdLzjikR5PEvKKqMpxfI-e6yynDnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/May%2BDesigns%2BSample%2BNotebooks.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
With all that’s happening in the world, my thoughts need an outlet, and I can talk through things to only a certain extent. Research shows that humans are <a href="https://www.pens.com/blog/the-benefits-of-handwriting-vs-typing/" target="_blank">more exposed to critical thinking when writing by hand</a> instead of typing, which is why I find myself being pulled toward journaling on paper. The <a href="https://www.maydesigns.com/shop/inside-pages" target="_blank">May Book from May Designs</a> provides an ideal solution, allowing me to choose a fun, colorful cover, pick the size that I prefer, personalize the cover text and customize the inside paper design. It pairs well with a nice, gel pen.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXM6nhfhgfo/XtA7XmeO8eI/AAAAAAAAFzY/ZAee2sDX2fYWkYIaPqdpHMWiPIq2Gn3twCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Emily%2BMcDowell%2BCards.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="786" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXM6nhfhgfo/XtA7XmeO8eI/AAAAAAAAFzY/ZAee2sDX2fYWkYIaPqdpHMWiPIq2Gn3twCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Emily%2BMcDowell%2BCards.png" width="172" /></a>Finally, as many of us are getting overloaded with back-to-back-to-back video conferences, I find myself sending more and more snail mail. The <a href="https://emilymcdowell.com/collections/empathy-cards" target="_blank">cards made by Emily McDowell</a> seem to say exactly the right thing in a fun, colorful way, and I’m hoping they send a ray of sunshine to each of my friends’ mailboxes. She covers everything from empathy to gratitude to congratulations to a simple “happy birthday” in a witty way with fun artwork, and her creations pair perfectly with this season of unpredictability and contact changes.<br />
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I’d love to know what you’re currently using, loving and finding can bring you a little comfort. Add a comment here or email me, and maybe I’ll give your suggestion a try for an upcoming “Final Friday’s Fab Finds” post. Take care, y’all!<br />
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Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-39538381697705617212020-05-19T14:00:00.000-04:002020-05-19T14:00:28.205-04:00Weathering a New Season for Productivity<div class="" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VALdYyENLes/XsQd3ZO4icI/AAAAAAAAFyw/pJ5VFhi5jisAkOXVQfjfbyJEhd84ZUSvgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Emily%2527s%2BCOVID-19%2Bcore%2Bvalues.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VALdYyENLes/XsQd3ZO4icI/AAAAAAAAFyw/pJ5VFhi5jisAkOXVQfjfbyJEhd84ZUSvgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/Emily%2527s%2BCOVID-19%2Bcore%2Bvalues.png" width="200" /></a><span style="text-size-adjust: auto;">Now that we are almost 10 full weeks into actively protecting ourselves from COVID-19, I know it’s continually difficult to find peace and happiness, particularly as the world is ever-changing around us.</span></div>
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The anxiety remains high as the future is unclear. Similarly, although “stay at home" initially sounded like it wouldn't be too difficult, it turns out that social distancing can be majorly challenging. As the world starts transitioning into this timeframe where we re-enter elements of our economy that have been slowed by fighting this disease while still trying to minimize the negative effects this dreadful disease for which there is no treatment or vaccine, I realize the emotional rollercoaster will continue, including fear, anxiety, excitement, stress, hopefulness, hopelessness and more. </div>
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⠀<br class="" />This period of uncertainty and fluidity has really brought me back to my core values for boosting productivity:<br class="" />🌻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲. You are doing the best you can in the most extenuating of circumstances. If you’re working remotely, you are not a “work from home” employee; instead, you are at home trying to work amidst serious stress.<br class="" />🧘🏻♀️ 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲. The more we roll with all the ups and downs of schedule changes, the better.<br class="" />👩🏻💻 𝗔𝗶𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. There is plenty of grief to go around, whether that's grief for a loved one, grief for a job lost, grief for plans changed or something else, and the emotional rollercoaster is distracting, taking energy from desired results. Things now are exhausting. It’s okay to expect less productivity than would be considered normal.<br class="" />⠀<br class="" />TAKE ACTION - While implementing these big-picture steps, there are a few tactics to adopt that can be super helpful:<br class="" />1️⃣ Visualize what matters most to you, committing time to those priorities. We must know our goals to get there.<br class="" />2️⃣ Internalize the belief that we all deserve joy, putting things on your calendar that bring happiness while staying at home. Maybe that's scheduling virtual hangouts with friends, achieving milestones with work goals, enjoying a tasty meal via takeout from a locally-owned small business, finding an organizational break-through for a troubling area of your home, self-care or something specific to your unique interests. Decide what you need and creatively go after it.<br class="" />3️⃣ Create structure. Protect your designated workspace, whether that's a corner of the living room that you've partitioned off with painter's tape or an actual office. Have a morning routine that sets you up for success, including an effort to get dressed in such a way that you feel better about yourself. Set breaks throughout the day for movement, eating and staying hydrated. Find tools for capturing tasks, time commitments and information, culling the details together so they can be better organized and make using those details easier. Establish an evening routine that is calming and creates a foundation for the next day's success, expressing gratitude and celebrating what went right that day.<br class="" />4️⃣ Determine what will hold you accountable. Do you need a carrot to work toward or something negative to avoid?<br class="" />⠀<br class="" />This season is not normal, but there are still ways to thrive. Even if it’s only 5 minutes of deep breathing each day, taking a tiny bit of time to invest in your own well-being can go a long way toward cultivating the lives we want. What action can you take today for which your future self will be grateful?</div>
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Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-80196868768916583162019-11-05T19:23:00.001-05:002019-11-05T19:28:14.424-05:00Step-By-Step Tactics for How to Thrive This Holiday Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPA1cwTQqy4/XcIPpc_cnfI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/xV3zilvxXNAQGfDQotiwgKS3VnmHd17WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Thrive%2BThis%2BHoliday%2BSeason%2Bblog%2Bpost.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPA1cwTQqy4/XcIPpc_cnfI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/xV3zilvxXNAQGfDQotiwgKS3VnmHd17WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Thrive%2BThis%2BHoliday%2BSeason%2Bblog%2Bpost.png" width="200" /></a></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial"; white-space: pre-line;">The sprint from Halloween to New Year's Day can be a blur, particularly without planning how you really want to enjoy each of the many holidays throughout this season... Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, Advent, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and more. Now that we are only 50 days away from Christmas, it's the perfect time to be proactive. Here are a few simple steps to get started.
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<b>Step 1: Detail your vision.</b> How would each perfect holiday look, smell, taste, feel and sound? With whom would you be spending time? What would you be doing? Consider every aspect.
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<b>Step 2: Choose your priorities. </b>Every what that has a when is more likely to get accomplished so schedule on your calendar what earns your time: holiday traditions, kids' performances, local events, gift-giving, new opportunities to celebrate.
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<b>Step 3: Integrate your holiday priorities amidst your existing commitments</b> for work, home, community as well as self-care, including what you need to keep your mind, body and spirit fueled. Work-life integration proves so much more productive than the dream of work-life balance. Which of your non-holiday commitments can you delegate, delete or delay? Should you use some PTO from work to address holiday needs so they cause fewer distractions?
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<b>Step 4: Create a budget. </b>Include everything for gifts, decorations, entertainment, food, beverage and travel, taking into account from where your resources will come to cover these additional expenses. Have you culled finances into a special account for holiday needs? Should you be aware of the limit for what credit card you'll use?
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<b>Step 5: Secure your travel details.</b> What are your desired travel dates, and will you be going by plane, train or automobile? Should you get your vehicle serviced? How will you book hotel or other accommodations? Can tech make your trip better?
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<b>Step 6: Outsource what you can. </b>Apps can enable automating certain functionality or you can delegate via sites like Fancy Hands, Task Rabbit and Thumbtack. Better yet, consider a local concierge service to help, such as Errand Girl, Consider It Done! or Metro's Other Woman. They do offer affordable options.
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What steps can you take now to worry less, avoid hectivity and savor every moment? A little work now will make the holidays less overwhelming and empower you to thrive while enjoying it all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial"; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-line;"><br /></span>Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-27707680743165220392019-09-07T16:26:00.002-04:002019-09-07T16:26:58.398-04:00Organize a Successful Tailgate Party<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0VeRpYiGEA/XXP4xsnm_II/AAAAAAAAFvU/3rOdwZwmxCIdOCrpyXmkWNm3Zi0o9bQTACLcBGAs/s1600/National%2BTailgating%2BDay%2Bimage%2Bonly.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0VeRpYiGEA/XXP4xsnm_II/AAAAAAAAFvU/3rOdwZwmxCIdOCrpyXmkWNm3Zi0o9bQTACLcBGAs/s200/National%2BTailgating%2BDay%2Bimage%2Bonly.png" width="200" /></a>Sports fans everywhere are studying up on their favorite teams' starting quarterbacks, injury reports and expected totals for wins as well as losses, but that's not the only conversation circling around football.<br />
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Pregame festivities are the ultimate excuse to gather with friends for cornhole, crack open a cold beverage and fire up the grill. Maybe you are an ACC fan celebrating the season for your <a href="https://godeacs.com/index.aspx?path=football">Demon Deacons</a>, <a href="https://goheels.com/index.aspx?path=football">Tar Heels</a>, <a href="https://gopack.com/index.aspx?path=football">Wolfpack</a>, <a href="https://goduke.com/index.aspx?path=football">Blue Devils</a> and <a href="https://clemsontigers.com/sports/football/">Clemson Tigers</a> or you're an SEC fan excited about the prospects for this year's <a href="https://floridagators.com/index.aspx?path=football">Gators</a>, <a href="https://georgiadogs.com/index.aspx?path=football">Bulldogs</a>, <a href="http://www.lsusports.net/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&SPID=2164&SPSID=27815">LSU Tigers</a> and <a href="https://rolltide.com/index.aspx?path=football">Crimson Tide</a>; maybe you're an NFL fan who's eagerly awaiting the start of the 100th season coming up on Thursday. No matter what logo is on your jersey, chances are good you'll be tailgating soon.<br />
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Whether you're planning a football tailgate for tomorrow, next week or next month, here are some tools to make the process of planning your pregame festivities a little easier:<br />
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<li><b>Make sure you bring the right supplies.</b> If you know right off exactly what you and your crew need, don't rely on your unreliable brain; capture the checklist for what to prepare, pack and bring within your <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a> account. If you are an Android user, you can use the already drafted list within the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jimbl.tailgatingplanner&hl=en_US">Tailgating Planner app</a>, which is easily customizable as your list evolves and syncs between all your Android devices. If you are an iPhone user, you can create food and drink menus as well as collect attendees' fees from the <a href="https://www.tailgate-nation.com/">Tailgate Nation app</a>, making it easy to host the party.</li>
</ul>
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<li><b>Efficiently answer your friends' "What can I bring?" question.</b> Whether you update the list built into the <a href="http://www.thingtobring.com/sign_up_sheet_faqs.html">Thing2Bring app</a> on your iPhone or you use an event list from <a href="http://www.signupgenius.com/">SignUpGenius.com</a>, having folks choose from a list will better ensure all elements needed are covered without too many folks bringing the same thing. Ice is important, but you don't want everyone bringing only a bag of ice, just like too many desserts won't cover all needs.</li>
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<li><b>Be weather aware before and during your tailgate.</b> Check the weather beforehand to be sure you dress appropriately as well as take whatever accessories will be needed for what Mother Nature is sending, like tents, jackets, umbrellas and sunglasses. Then, setup alerts from your preferred weather app to be notified when there are changes or a weather system gets nearby, whether that's via the app for your local TV station, what's built into your mobile device or from The Weather Channel.</li>
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<li><b>Ensure attendees painlessly find the party.</b> The Map My Tailgate app on Android as well as iOS allows hosts to share exactly where the tailgate is, choosing to share that with invited guests or inviting anyone with the app to come share your fun. Alternatively, if you used the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tailgate-info/id1244587502">Tailgate Info app</a> to plan who will be bringing what, it includes Point to Point Navigation for easily finding your precise location. Plus, whether stars, footballs or something else, a bundle of <a href="https://www.dollartree.com/bulk/Helium-Balloons?cnt=96">helium balloons from Dollar Tree</a> will last a long time, giving great visibility for those roaming the lot in search of your tailgate. </li>
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<li><b>Avoid FOMO by staying abreast of all the other games.</b> You could use an app like <a href="https://www.espn.com/">ESPN</a> or <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/">Yahoo! Sports</a> to get notifications of all the others' scores and important plays. Or you could <a href="https://rogueengineer.com/diy-tailgate-tv-stand/">setup an actual TV in your truck tailgate</a> to broadcast what's happening elsewhere.</li>
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Going beyond these basics, make sure to checkout BuzzFeed's <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/emofly/tailgating-hacks-that-are-borderline-genius">41 Tailgating Tips That Are Borderline Genius</a>. These best practices are guaranteed to take your pregaming from great to amazing in the snap of your finger, and you will certainly say "Wow!" when reading at least one.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7grzM3J97dA/XXQSUGR2uWI/AAAAAAAAFvg/rh20yXF7eNcFKjLZmYvMDTCk4x852AqYQCLcBGAs/s1600/DG%2Bat%2BTailgate%2BTour.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7grzM3J97dA/XXQSUGR2uWI/AAAAAAAAFvg/rh20yXF7eNcFKjLZmYvMDTCk4x852AqYQCLcBGAs/s200/DG%2Bat%2BTailgate%2BTour.png" width="200" /></a>Once you have nailed how to organize a successful tailgate party, if you are in the state of North Carolina, consider submitting your next tailgate to the <a href="http://davidglennshow.com/">David Glenn Radio Show</a> to win big prizes as the tailgate of the week or of the year via the <a href="http://bigtailgatetour.com/">Big Tailgate Tour</a>. DG will definitely bring even more excitement to your already fantastic celebration.<br />
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<b>What's your favorite way to prepare the ultimate tailgate? Which element is essential for your most fabulous tailgate?</b><br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-66043057918872768022019-08-29T14:28:00.000-04:002019-08-29T14:28:06.672-04:004 Ways to Integrate Life's Various Elements for Greater Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCOjRVytd_c/XWgTjNr9FmI/AAAAAAAAFuk/WEMSx-eo8nAfXbKclaMwS6rrwrxk3cdugCLcBGAs/s1600/Olalah%2527s%2Btestimonial.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCOjRVytd_c/XWgTjNr9FmI/AAAAAAAAFuk/WEMSx-eo8nAfXbKclaMwS6rrwrxk3cdugCLcBGAs/s400/Olalah%2527s%2Btestimonial.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Whether you're rebounding from vacation mode, barreling into new routines with back-to-school season, building a side hustle into something more, increasing the intensity of a countdown to a big event this fall, racing from the office to a nonprofit meeting or simply squeezing all you can into these last almost 4 weeks of the summer season, my client's words about the value of work-life integration ring true.<br />
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People often refer to work-life balance; yet, I believe work-life integration is more realistic. In thinking about "balance", I see a scale or seesaw, forcing a perception of costs needed for success, and I don't believe my "work" competes with my "life". Instead, the various elements regularly complement each other, each one adding value to the others with the ongoing mix of priorities. Although balance would be static, life is certainly not, and successful productivity requires flexible, fluid solutions to address one's ever-changing priorities for work, home, community or society and the realm of self-care for mind, body and spirit. As the various elements are layers on top of each other, the emphasis needed for each element continually fluctuates, and each layer enhances the others, making the sum greater than any part.<br />
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Here are ways to get starting putting work-life integration into effect for the results you desire:<br />
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1️⃣Account for your priorities in all elements of life via your one, individualized game plan on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.<br />
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2️⃣Aim for activities that accomplish wins (or improved performance) in multiple elements of life at the same time, like brainstorming a big pitch for work or listening to an audiobook at the same time as walking your dog.<br />
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3️⃣Acknowledge how the resources around you can help, like creating an organized workspace, outsourcing what needs to be done but not necessarily by you and utilizing any applicable technology tools that are available.<br />
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4️⃣Audit how you invest time regularly, making sure your activities align with your goals for greater success as well as less burnout.<br />
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Known as the Wharton Work/Life Integration Project, Stew Friedman's research at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania focuses on the interactions between all the elements encompassed in life, empowering each of us to be real, whole and innovative by integrating all elements to make each better.<br />
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The above from Joyce Chen of La Marca Prosecco gets to the heart of why work-life integration better enables crafting the lives we want to live. "I hate that 'balance' word. The reality is: It's a rhythm. We're in rhythms where it's high and it's low, it's high and it's low. And I think, in those rhythms, it's ok to let some things go for a little bit, and maybe you get back to it later."<br />
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As productivity is about efficiently working to effectively achieve results desired for all elements of life, the most powerful tools in the toolbox of highly successful individuals have been found to include flexibility, streamlining, resourcefulness and a focus on outcomes over the specific activities we "should" be doing.<br />
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What tools do you put to work for crafting the life you want to live, fueling what results you want, moving you towards achieving your priority goals and truly helping you organize for success?<br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-81615740547270961842019-07-17T15:39:00.000-04:002019-09-07T14:07:40.256-04:00Simple Tactics to Boost ROI from Your Investment of Time<div>
Each day offers only 1,440 minutes. Unlike dollars invested in the stock market that we anticipate will give us back more dollars to reinvest, each minute can be spent no more than once. Are you getting the desired return on investing your limited time?</div>
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If you're experiencing hiccups, consider these time management tips to boost productivity:</div>
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1. <b>Stay true to your priorities</b>, intentionally aligning your actions with those areas of importance and better avoiding burnout. As priorities shift, it’s important to be flexible, shuffling how your time is invested to keep your actions focused on achieving your highest priority goals. It's important to regularly revisit this alignment, assessing how well you are staying focused on what matters most and investing your limited minutes in those priority actions.</div>
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2. <b>Learn to say "no".</b> What actions are being asked of you that don't actually need to be done? Are there tasks on your to-do list that could be delegated to someone else who can do them equally well if not even better so you open time for what only you can do? Alternatively, should you consider "not now" for something that can be delayed until a later deadline?</div>
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3. <b>Utilize work-life integration for more overall success.</b> Create harmony with goals for home, work, society and yourself by allowing them to complement one another rather than compete with each other. Focus on actions that can accomplish multiple goals at once, plan how you can invest your time with each of your most important priorities at the forefront of your emphasis and maintain pliability to easily address your priorities as they evolve over time.</div>
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4. <b>Cut back on distractions with fewer pings and dings.</b> When distracted, it can take us an average of 23 minutes to fully re-engage in the task at hand. Each time we receive a notification for a new email, social media update, text or voice mail, those are the distractions that steal our time. Stop bleeding minutes throughout the day! Turn off the notifications and schedule set times to check each platform. For folks requiring immediate responses, make them VIPs to utilize Do Not Disturb on iOS and Priority Mode on Android.</div>
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How do you make sure the limited number of minutes you have in each day is moving you forward in crafting the life you want to live? Make every minute matter!™️</div>
Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-36396603569497307032019-07-10T14:01:00.000-04:002019-07-10T14:01:33.797-04:00Ways to Keep Productivity Soaring Throughout the Summer Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the hours of daylight super long this time of year, it's the perfect time to take steps toward boosting productivity as you enjoy this sensational season...<br />
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<b>List out your goals. </b>It's only by knowing what you want to accomplish that you can best integrate all elements of your life for your greatest fulfillment and summer productivity. Therefore, take a few moments to jot down all your must-do activities, projects and tasks for this season. Think of it like a bucket list but take into account your goals for work, home, society as well as your self-care via mind, body and spirit. Once everything is culled into one place, it'll be so much easier to assign time for each and work through your checklist.<br />
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<b>Calendar the craziness!</b> Line up calendars for the months of July, August and September on your wall so you can see everything at a glance. These might be wall-hanging paper or dry-erase calendars; the key is to have all three months visible at once. Then, add vacation details for you and your team members, holiday celebrations, impending deadlines and personal or family commitments, including swim meets and camp registrations alike. Include all elements of your life, considering a different color for each bucket. When you know what is coming, you can more proactively invest your time in achieving all of your desired results for each area of life and address "all the things" that matter most for the life you want to craft to achieve your highest priorities.<br />
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<b>Establish your non-negotiables from the get-go.</b> As summer schedules tend to become a little more erratic than normal, you and your team need to know which items have less flexibility than others. For me, I absolutely must maintain my weekly strategy session and daily wrap-up, but the good habits that keep each individual on track productively will vary from person to person. Do you expect your team members to have certain hours during which they always work in the office rather than operate remotely? Is there an expectation for how team members should request vacation time or notify the rest of the team about a hiccup related to impending deadlines, which can be especially vital with varying schedules for summer vacations? This would be a good time to communicate leadership's expectations to everyone. Be as clear, concise and transparent as you can. Then, when looking at your personal commitments, which can't be shifted as they help you energize, stay centered and maintain some semblance of sanity? Make sure those are highlighted on the calendars you've hung on your wall and communicate their importance to those who can help you keep them scheduled. Is it getting outside daily or going to the pool? Maybe it's a daily yoga session or movement? Whatever you need, be sure to ask for and commit to those fuel sources.<br />
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<b>Focus your efforts on individual activities or tasks, not projects.</b> It's not possible to check a project off your to-do list in one sitting. "Plan a party" is not a single action item; instead, there are many actions that make up that project. As you are mapping out the next three months, take time to break larger goals into smaller, bite-sized action items that can be completed as individual tasks. Make sure these are actions that move you forward with regards to goals in the areas of your life that matter most, avoiding the "shoulds" so you focus on your priorities. Start each task with a verb so as to fuel action, break each task down to as simple of a function as possible, estimate how long each action item will take to complete so you readily know those tasks taking 10 or 30 minutes, and assign a deadline for each task's completion. It is only in the instances that we assign a "when" for each "what" to be accomplished that we get more done so move your "someday" tasks to a specific date and time. Your future self will thank you for this emphasis on crafting the life you want to live.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTT7-muyYlA/XSYkb9DzzNI/AAAAAAAAFtE/TndxsBJjpVATstAfUHQUYNpXsfJr9ND3gCLcBGAs/s1600/4B%2B-%2BInvest%2Bsome%2Btime%2Bto%2Breflect%2Binward..png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTT7-muyYlA/XSYkb9DzzNI/AAAAAAAAFtE/TndxsBJjpVATstAfUHQUYNpXsfJr9ND3gCLcBGAs/s200/4B%2B-%2BInvest%2Bsome%2Btime%2Bto%2Breflect%2Binward..png" width="200" /></a><b>Invest some time to reflect inward.</b> With erratic schedules during summer, many companies have fewer meetings that would otherwise be held at normal intervals; this can be the ideal time to review and reset some of your organization's key elements. When was the last time your team updated its mission, vision, values, goals, processes and workspace organization? If it has been awhile, block out time during the dog days of summer to look them over, adjust as needed and, thereby, boost productivity for what really matters most. Maybe you'll want to freshen up clients' experiences, update what messages you are conveying across all mediums and put yourself in the client's shoes. Further, this can be an ideal time for a personal audit, where you assess what you have learned and achieved thus far this year, what priorities need attention in the coming months and what "someday" actions need to be scheduled so they move from to-do to done. Do your goals for work, home, community or self-care need to be adjusted, and how can you realign your actions to focus on achieving each?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdET7P4lHCE/XSYkokjCFRI/AAAAAAAAFtM/3-b30Jr6cx4l_gTu7NjBto0pnAOlawAkACLcBGAs/s1600/5B-%2BMake%2Btime%2Bfor%2Bfun%2Band%2Bfrivolity.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdET7P4lHCE/XSYkokjCFRI/AAAAAAAAFtM/3-b30Jr6cx4l_gTu7NjBto0pnAOlawAkACLcBGAs/s200/5B-%2BMake%2Btime%2Bfor%2Bfun%2Band%2Bfrivolity.png" width="200" /></a><b>Make time for fun and frivolity.</b> If you block out time to truly enjoy the season, you'll be less distracted by what you are missing when you are focusing intently on getting things done. Brainstorm what cool things you can do to dive into summer enjoyment; then, once you've blocked off time for those activities, your mind will be less likely to drift from working towards wondering when you'll actually be able to celebrate summer fun. Plus, when you are taking time to enjoy all this season offers, you can truly take a break from everything else since you've planned for when those other goals will be addressed, boosting productivity overall.<br />
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What steps can you take today to get the ball rolling? With whom can you partner to hold each other accountable in creating your plan and, then, following through on that plan, even as things might need to be tweaked and your flexibility might get tested?Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-91814110373137453192018-11-20T06:00:00.004-05:002021-08-26T12:19:43.946-04:00Over 150 Gift Ideas to Eliminate Clutter for Loved Ones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOT4VcPbvwU/W-9KdSicU2I/AAAAAAAAFpw/qDjKpwYLByQ44qKuO3JTkm6JrxevWaRkQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BHoliday%2BGift%2BGuide.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOT4VcPbvwU/W-9KdSicU2I/AAAAAAAAFpw/qDjKpwYLByQ44qKuO3JTkm6JrxevWaRkQCLcBGAs/s200/2018%2BHoliday%2BGift%2BGuide.png" width="200" /></a></div>
The holiday season has snuck up on us again, and, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Boxing Day, chances are good that your gift shopping list feels endless. While giving the gift of your time, access to an experience or consumable items can offer excellent options, many gift recipients want a tangible item that can immediately improve life or solve a problem. When determining which such gifts to consider, it is important to think about lifestyle elements for the recipient. To eliminate some of the overwhelm, <b>here are some of my favorite, clutter-free gifts for folks on your list:</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Technology:</span></b><br />
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If someone on your gift-giving list is like me and many of my friends, that person makes a cup of coffee, gets pulled in 100 directions and, then, upon returning to that cup of coffee, finds that it's gotten cold. Such sadness! The <a href="https://ember.com/#">travel, ceramic and copper mugs from Ember</a> heat themselves so there's no worry about one's coffee, tea, cider or hot chocolate falling anywhere below the desired temperature. Alternatively, fend off sacrificing your cup of joe with the Bellemain <a href="https://amzn.to/2S4fQ1g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">desktop mug warmer</a> for coffee, tea, cocoa, soup, scented candles or wax, including effortless clean-up.<br />
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<a href="https://eyejust.com/products/banish-the-blues">EyeJust</a> blocks the harmful blue light emitting from just about any type of iPhone, helping prevent it from killing cells in the eye, causing sleep disruption and damaging skin. Oh, yes. And it protects your phone's screen, too, using scratch-proof tempered glass that's anti-microbial as well as smudge-proof.<br />
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Speaking of blocking bacteria, particularly with all time spent on our mobile devices, it's helpful to give the gift of easily cleaning our mobile devices. <a href="https://www.speckproducts.com/accessories/screen-cleaners/whoosh-screen-cleaner/SPK-ACY-WSH.html">Whoosh! Screen Cleaner Kit</a> includes superior, non-toxic cleaner specifically designed to not only clean screens but also make them shine like new and resist fingerprints. With about 250 sprays per bottle, it's possible to keep tech devices clean and shining like new, perfect for any carry-on or laptop bag as it's TSA compliant. <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/gift-wrap-wonderland/gifts-by-recipient/everyone/oxo-good-grips-electronics-cleaning-brush/123d?productId=10030161">OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush</a> easily cleans the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of everything from keyboard keys to camera lenses, including a retractable bush designed to brush away crumbs and dirt along with a silicone wedge designed to reach into crevices, grabbing dirt and fuzz, all in a pen-like shape that's easy to carry and use. <a href="https://www.phonesoap.com/">PhoneSoap</a> will keep anyone's smartphone disinfected as it charges, which works well to "house" one's iPhone or Android device overnight while sleeping.<br />
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Whether at home or on the road, being able to stream one's desired content can be helpful. Consider gifting the <a href="https://amzn.to/3otqnPy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon TV Fire Stick, </a><a href="https://www.apple.com/tv/">Apple TV</a>, <a href="https://store.google.com/us/product/chromecast?hl=en-US">Google Chromecast</a> or, particularly for those business travelers on your list, the <a href="https://www.roku.com/products/streaming-stick">Roku Streaming Stick</a> as it plugs straight into the TV's HDMI port to be good-to-go for streaming.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/smart-display">Lenovo Smart Display</a> is a voice-controlled device with Google Assistant built-in to help, adding an enhanced visual experience for greater ease of getting things done. It allows for keeping in touch with video calls, includes a privacy shutter and a powerful, 10W, full-range speaker with dual passive radiator that expands the low end bass range for clear, natural, balanced sound, whether listening to a playlist or communicating with loved ones.<br />
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With so many photos living in electronic form, it can be a challenge to keep them all organized, accessible and able to be printed easily when desired. Although many prefer Dropbox or Google Photos, <a href="https://www.thephotostick.com/">ThePhotoStick</a> is a safe, secure way to easily backup all your photos, videos, documents and music from across various mobile devices. Choose either the<a href="https://amzn.to/3oqLD8N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Lifeprint 2x3 Portable Photo</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3fnebMi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Video Printer for iPhone and Android</a> or the <a href="https://www.polaroid.com/zip-instant">Polaroid ZIP Mobile Printer</a> to capture and share photos in less than a minute.<br />
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For those with a newer MacBook from Apple, there might be a need to replace the missing USB plugs, particularly when trying to plug in USB devices, HTML cords or projectors. Consider the <a href="https://www.hypershop.com/products/hyperdrive-pro-8-in-2-hub-for-usb-c-macbook-pro-2016-2017-2018">HyperDrive PRO 8-in-2 Hub</a> for USB-C MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs, which might be the ultimate MacBook dongle with plenty of ports from which to choose.<br />
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If someone on your list of recipients is constantly suffering from a dead phone battery, there's no better gift than extra power. <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/gift-wrap-wonderland/gifts-by-recipient/everyone/twin-power-power-bank-station/123d?productId=11009131">Twin Power Powerbank Station</a> has 2 compact, lightweight, rechargeable powerbanks that are slim but impressive, offering power to recharge both iPhones and Android phones up to two times as well as give a power boost to iPads and tablets; plus, the charging cables and dock are included to recharge both powerbanks at the same time. If you're looking for something that offers even more juice, consider the <a href="https://amzn.to/3hAKjik">Anker PowerCore portable charger</a>, which provides high-speed charging at an ultra-high capacity, meaning it charges the iPhone 7 almost seven times, the Galaxy S6 five times or the iPad mini four times. Similarly, there are ways to build powering options into your gift recipient's space with <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simple-Designs-18-5-in-Gooseneck-Organizer-Desk-Lamp-with-Holder-and-Charging-Outlet-White-LD1057-WHT/303848942">Simple Designs gooseneck organizer</a> desk lamp that has a holder and charging outlet or the <a href="https://www.thegrommet.com/lamp-charger">LampCharger</a> that screws onto just about any household lamp to provide a USB power source for mobile devices and works even when the light is turned off. Or consider a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/267748864/oak-nightstand-valet-wooden-phone-stand">personalized nightstand valet with a phone-charging dock</a>.<br />
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For those that often have a phone or table sitting on their desktop while plugged into the wall, it can be an issue to have the cord fall off the desk each time the mobile device is unplugged; give them the gift of keeping the plug in place until the next time the device needs to be recharged by giving <a href="https://amzn.to/3uUftF4">BlueLounge CableDrop</a> cable holders, which easily mount to a flat surface with permanent peel and stick backing while holding wires up to 7.5mm in diameter.<br />
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Mark and Graham's wooden <a href="https://www.markandgraham.com/products/monogrammed-usb-charging-station-wood/?pkey=cview-all-stationery&isx=0.0.5200">Charging Desk Station</a> is a computer stand equipped with three USB ports for charging and one adaptor, supporting one's effort to stylishly keep clutter at a minimum. Plus, you can easily add a monogram or personalization.<br />
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As standing desks have lost a bit of their shine, current research shows that it's important to alter standing and sitting throughout the day, which makes options to offer this fluctuation more appealing. The design of the <a href="https://www.thegrommet.com/levit8-foldable-laptop-stand">Levit8 foldable laptop stand</a> was inspired by the folds used in origami, and the stand goes from flat to fully upright in seconds. It is lightweight, sturdy and built to keep up with you wherever you take it thanks to durable, high-performance fabric that is water- and stain-resistant. The <a href="https://www.target.com/p/adjustable-tilt-lap-desk-with-cushion-black-mind-reader/-/A-53607360">Adjustable Tilt Lap Desk from Target</a> is adjustable to eight different angles for easy, hands-free use and optimal viewing, saving space when it's folded flat, providing proper ventilation for any laptop and conforming to any user's lap with dual-bolster pillows underneath.<br />
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In this day and age, the gift of a device to make life easier is always welcome. The <a href="https://remarkable.com/">reMarkable Paper Tablet</a> has visually unlimited pages, days of battery, the ability to cull together all notes in one place, easy annotations of documents within the organized system, sunlight readable screen, ability to instantly share content via email, ways to convert multiple pages of handwritten notes to typed text, access from anywhere over the cloud, real-time syncing between devices and file transfer in a drag and drop functionality; it eliminates distractions by making users focus solely on writing, reading and sketching. <a href="http://www.irislink.com/EN-US/c1521/IRISNotes-3---Digital-Pen.aspx#Follow">IRISNotes 3 digital pen</a> converts handwritten notes to editable digital text, recognizing hand-writing in 30 languages along with graphs and drawings. With this tool, users can export digital notes to one's favorite text editor and, then, share notes, video memos and annotated photos anywhere. <a href="https://getrocketbook.com/">Rocketbook</a> offers endlessly reusable digital notebooks with symbols at the bottom of each page that allow for sending notes to specific locations in the cloud services already being used; plus, the associated app crops and enhances each page so digital notes are more crisp and vibrant than the real thing. With Rocketbook, put pen to paper, choose destination, scan to transcribe pages and blast notes to the cloud.<br />
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Once you know your gift recipient has the right tools, why not offer a complementary accessory? <a href="https://www.brookstone.com/pd/aftershokz-trekz-titanium-wireless-bone-conducting-headphones/314150p.html">AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Wireless Bone-Conducting Headphones</a> let users hear their music as well as their surroundings at the same time. With the <a href="https://amzn.to/3yj0CWX">Prynt Pocket instant photo printer</a>, photos are printed directly from your iPhone onto ZINK Sticker Paper with no ink necessary; after printing, simply peel off the adhesive backing to turn any photo into a sticker.<br />
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If your gift recipient is always misplacing things, <a href="https://www.xyfindit.com/">XY Findit™️</a> can help. XY GPS devices attach to items so users have up-to-the-minute tracking information from virtually anywhere in the world. The XY4+ Bluetooth Item Finder is the most powerful Bluetooth item finder on the market with the longest range, loudest sound and longest lasting battery.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.thegrommet.com/cyber-clean-germ-eliminating-cleaning-compound">germ-eliminating cleaning compound kit</a> is perfect for use in one's car, on smartphones and for any electronics cleaning. It squeezes into vents, ridges and nooks, picking up direct, absorbing it and eliminating more than 99% of germs along the way.<br />
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Particularly for new homeowners or folks that live alone, the <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nest-Hello-Video-Doorbell/381881630">Nest Hello Video Doorbell</a> replaces an existing wired doorbell, delivering HD video and bright, crisp images, even at night, showing the resident everything at the doorstep, including people head to toe as well as packages that have been delivered. Alternatively, you could gift the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ring-8VR1S7-0EU0-Video-Doorbell-2/dp/B072QLXK2T/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542652414&sr=8-1&keywords=ring+video+doorbell+2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ring Video Doorbell 2</a>, which lets homeowners see, hear and speak to visitors from a phone, tablet or PC.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">For Business Owners:</span></b><br />
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Whether founder, CEO or solopreneur, one must have the right tools to meet all business goals. The <a href="https://www.herspaceco.com/the-llp-system">Layered Living Planner</a> is more than a simple paper planner; it empowers users to lead the layers of their lives as they plan for the year ahead, live out those layers with weekly calls to action, lean into their layers as they assess progress and learn from those layers as they reflect on what happens throughout the year. A subscription to <a href="http://www.sparklehustlegrow.com/">Sparkle Hustle Grow</a> provides tools, training and community to help grow a business. Plus, Emily Ley has created a <a href="https://www.emilyley.com/products/playbook-masterclass-the-well-loved-brand">"Well-Loved Brand" playbook and online video masterclass</a> that pairs the video course with a printed Well-Loved Brand workbook that's shipped to homes.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Productivity Boosters and Sanity Savers:</span></b><br />
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One of the basic principles for bettering one's productivity is to "contain what you retain", and <a href="https://www.prettycleverwords.com/collections/tote-it/products/straight-outta-patience-zip-money-makeup-bag">zippered, canvas bags</a> can assist in this goal, particularly when they include entertaining phrases, like "Straight Outta Patience" and "Those first five days after the weekend are the hardest." Likewise, <a href="https://www.dagnedover.com/collections/heather-grey">backpack, carryall and Scout Pouch</a> options provide stylish solutions to contain what you retain from 100% premium neoprene that is a high-tech fabric, hand washable and quick to dry. It's insulating and shock-absorbent make-up boosts durability and versatility for all need.<br />
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When considering that "vertical is visible while horizontal is hidden", consider whether your gift recipient would implement a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076GXXNM7/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_U_x_40YGBbD26ZBNB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Godery 5 Pocket Hanging Wall Organizer</a>, which can contain file folders, individual documents, magazines and reference materials in a meaningful manner.<br />
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I'm a sucker for a great bag, particularly the hand-made goodies created by <a href="https://hollyaiken.com/">Holly Aiken's team at Stitch</a> in downtown Raleigh, but I keep being reminded how backpacks are so much better for our bodies. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752DC1LR/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_U_x_46YGBb182YBZP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laptop Backpack from Beyle </a>offers anti-theft, water resistant capabilities with USB charging port.<br />
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A weekly <a href="https://www.emilyley.com/collections/simplified-planner">Simplified Planner from Emily Ley</a> pairs well with creating each week's game plan through the steps of my <a href="https://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/be-proactive-with-weekly-strategy.html">Weekly Strategy Session</a>, but you must hurry to order one of these as they are selling out quickly. Paired with the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005987DYE/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_U_x_7TZwBb19F1344" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marvy Le Pen 12-color set</a>, it's amazing how many big, hairy, audacious goals can be solved. Then, to simplify another aspect of the corresponding process, include <a href="https://www.ofakind.com/shop/product/4495-paper-tape?color=box">paper tape</a> to line up a list of numbers, checkboxes or days so your gift recipients' lists become so much easier to utilize.<br />
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As humans, it's often easier to utilize what we can see; therefore, it's important to make sure what is visible isn't misconstrued as clutter, remains contained and is labeled for easier reference later and that the piles don't spread. <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/kitchen/spice-racks-jars/magnetic-see-store-containers/12d?productId=10009862">Magnetic See and Store Containers</a> are made of food-safe polypropylene plastic with a magnetic backing and see-though top that features an air-tight silicone seal. <a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/gift-packaging/containers/three-by-three-magnetic-tin-bin-with-window/12d?productId=11003186">Three by Three Magnetic Tin Bins</a> have front windows for easily viewing what's inside.<br />
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<a href="https://www.dreamessentials.com/product-59/nite-note-beside-note-pad-white">Nite Note</a> offers a hand-held, light-up notebook that conveniently holds a pen and writing pad. Record your thoughts while laying down using this bedside notepad that "lights up"when the pen is removed and "lights off" when the pen is replaced.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">On-The-Go Necessities:</span></b><br />
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For those times when there's no hook but there's a need to keep a purse off the ground, <a href="https://www.bagnetcompany.com/">Bagnet</a> can hang from chairs, barstools, table bases, tabletops, gym walls, under bars, in restrooms and anywhere else needed.<br />
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Making sure to have the right beverages while on-the-go can become a major issue. Be the one who helps with the right tools! The water bottle has been reinvented with <a href="https://www.quebottle.com/products/que-bottle">Que Bottle</a>'s collapsible, leakproof, shockproof, lightweight option that matches your gift recipient's style; it is BPA-free, plastic-free, taste- and odor-free with a mouth wide enough for ice cubes and, most excitingly, dishwasher safe. Alternatively, whether the 14 oz, 22 oz or 35 oz option, the <a href="https://www.bubibottle.com/">Bubi Bottle</a> is a collapsible, silicone water bottle that's BPA-free, flexible, washable, reusable and, according to its website, completely indestructible. One of my personal favorite bottles is the <a href="https://www.swellbottle.com/products/collections/stone/green-jasper-traveler/">S'well Bottles</a>, and I've been particularly impressed with the new Traveler size. I like its wider mouth, that it holds 16 ounces, keeping cold beverages the desired temperature for 24 hours while hot beverages stay that way for 12 hours, and mine came in a beautiful Green Jasper, which is perfect. <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/soda-says-x-wacaco-minipresso-gr-portable-espresso-machine/4966527">Soda Says x Wacaco Minipresso GR Portable Espresso Machine</a> connects innovative construction with easy operation in a sleek, beautifully designed brewer that turns out rich, bold espresso anywhere at any time by combining ground coffee with hot water and pressing the semiautomatic piston. <a href="https://www.boonsupply.com/products/portable-blender-aqua">Boon Supply's Portable Blender</a> allows its owner to blend amazing smoothies in a minute and, then, easily take them on-the-go in the same container.<br />
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Does your list include a new mom who needs to clean her breast pump parts while at work or traveling? How about someone who wants to make sure their travel bottle gets the coffee cleaned out earlier in the day? Or a business traveler who needs some help cleaning bottles while traveling? The <a href="https://www.oxo.com/oxo-tot-on-the-go-drying-rack-with-bottle-brush.html">OXO Tot On-The-Go Drying Rack</a> is a portable, ventilated kit for quick washing and drying that comes with a brush and a drying rack; plus, it's easy to fill a travel-size bottle with dish soap as a quality complement.<br />
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Yes, an individual who owns a dog that sheds a lot will have to deal with fur sticking to their clothes, but the various things that cling to our clothing are endless. The <a href="https://meetflint.com/pages/on-the-go">Flint Lint Roller</a> offers super sticky sheets, retracts to stay clean, won't get stuck, fits in a bag or pocket, is easy to refill and offers a stylish, fun solution to the lint that black sweaters attract. Toss one of these in your vehicle and bag to have a readily available fix whenever needed.<br />
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For those of us who live in our vehicles or are hopping on planes between commitments, there's never easy access to all the beauty necessities needed. You could make your gift recipient super happy if you cull together a <a href="https://www.target.com/p/minnie-by-olika-charcoal-natural-hand-sanitizer-1oz/-/A-75566311">Minnie by OLIKA charcoal natural hand sanitizer</a>, <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/cocokind-15-oz-original-organic-lip-balm/1020381820">CoolKind Original Organic Lip Balm</a> and <a href="https://www.aveda.com/product/17759/16410/body/hand-care/hand-relief-moisturizing-creme#/shade/4.2_fl_oz%2F125_ml">Aveda hand relief moisturizing creme</a>, maybe putting them all in a nice basket.<br />
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<a href="https://7amenfant.com/product/warmmuffs-500/">Warmmuffs</a> are cozy hand-warmers that attach to the handlebars of a stroller or shopping cart, eliminating the "runaway mittens" that result from juggling so many different things.<br />
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<a href="https://hotlogicmini.com/collections/buy-now">Hot Logic</a> pyrex containers let you pack your lunch in a container that allows for reheating via an outlet or car inverter.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hypershop.com/products/pearl-compact-mirror-usb-battery-pack?variant=2109130243">Pearl</a> is a compact mirror with a ring of LED lights around it that's also a USB battery pack.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">For Traveling:</span></b><br />
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Many folks who travel frequently start complaining about their luggage once things start functioning in a less than desirable manner. If your loved one is itching for a new suitcase, consider gifting the <a href="https://www.ebags.com/product/american-tourister/lynnwood-16-underseat-spinner-carry-on-ebags-exclusive/355501">American Tourister 16" underseat spinner suitcase</a>, which slides right under the seat in front, or <a href="https://www.awaytravel.com/luggage/carry-on/green">Away Travel's The Carry On</a> with an ejectable battery to charge mobile devices while on-the-go.<br />
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The <a href="https://tourparavel.com/products/fold-up-bag/safari-green">Paravel Fold-Up Bag</a> offers a couple options: It its unfolded state, it's the prefect overnight duffel bag; alternatively, it zips into itself to form a compact pouch that can easily be tossed into a carry-on for an extra bag to haul back all the goodies found along a trip.<br />
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Whether traveling by plane, train or automobile, keeping all one's IDs, credit cards and travel documents together and organized is vital; if your gift recipient is often scrambling to quickly access what's needed, consider the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Zoppen-Multi-purpose-Travel-Wallet-Ver-4/dp/B07CLFX2V4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zoppen Multi-Purpose RFID-blocking Travel Passport Wallet</a>, which is a tri-fold document organizer available in a multitude of color options.<br />
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For carrying toiletries, pills or small items in ways that really work, no one thinks about the details, users' needs and the ultimate experience better than <a href="http://www.humangear.com/about/">HumanGear.com</a>. Consider the <a href="http://www.humangear.com/gear/gotoob">GoToob+</a> as the new standard in silicone bottles, which offer a variety of colors, come with a warranty, is easy to squeeze such that every last drop comes out, is designed for easier filling and features an exclusive LoopLock around the collar, which makes it almost impossible to accidentally open. Likewise, consider the <a href="http://www.humangear.com/gear/gotubb">GoTubb</a> to open with one hand for pills, knick-knacks, snacks, vitamins, change or anything that's little and loose but needs to be contained.<br />
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It can be truly frustrating to be on an airplane with AirPods or wireless headphones when you really want to be watching the movie that's projecting throughout the main cabin or unable to hear the gym cardio machine's audio. To aid your loved one with connecting those AirPods or wireless headphones into the wired headphone jack that is sharing the much-desired audio, gift <a href="https://www.twelvesouth.com/product/airfly">AirFly</a>, which uses Bluetooth, provides high-quality sound and offers easy set-up.<br />
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If your loved one has been using <a href="https://www.cocooninnovations.com/grid.php">Grid-It by Cocoon</a> with occasional difficulties, consider gifting the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BAGSMART-Universal-Organizer-Electronics-Accessories/dp/B017SKRY94" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BAGSMART Travel Universal Cable Organizer</a> electronics accessories case that stores various USB, phone, charger and cable needs in a similar manner but adds a heavy-duty, durable, water-repellent, nylon-molded case to contain items while protecting from scratches, dust and accidental dropping.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072F1ZPQ2/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_U_x_zZCwBb385BB54" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Secret Weapons' fold-up ballet flats</a> come with a carry bag to fit in one's purse, tote or airplane carryon so no one ever has to suffer form foot pain while racing between appointments, commitments or flights. Available in black or silver, these are super comfy. Further, if one's suitcase is filled with other types of shoes, the best gift might be <a href="https://www.amazon.com/YAMIU-Travel-Waterproof-Nylon-Zipper/dp/B01N4B7C9X/ref=pd_bxgy_201_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01N4B7C9X&pd_rd_r=DQJJHY5W5V5XD0JH46RQ&pd_rd_w=avOM0&pd_rd_wg=txXOS&psc=1&refRID=DQJJHY5W5V5XD0JH46RQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags</a>, which come in sets of 4, are made of waterproof nylon for appropriate protection, include a zipper for easy access and make it easy to keep shoes protected while tossing them from home to bag to destination.<br />
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Looking for something your frequent traveler will want to pack to take luxury along for their next trip? The <a href="https://www.parachutehome.com/products/travel-kit-1?variant=12509042016305">Merino Travel Kit</a> is ideal for frequent flyers, comfort seekers and backseat nappers alike, including a blanket, eye mask and carrying case all made from 100% extra fine merino wool so they are light, breathable, warm and super comfortable.<br />
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One of my absolute must-have items when traveling is a travel-size steamer. Yes, many hotels will offer an iron in the room, but nothing can beat the ease and productivity offered by either <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/joy-mangano-my-little-steamer-deluxe-hand-steamer/5164986">My Little Steamer's Deluxe Hand Steamer by Joy Mangano</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/PurSteam-Powerful-Steamer-Sterilizes-UltraFast-Heat/dp/B00MG2OOHK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1528313556&sr=8-5&keywords=pure+steam+portable+steamer&dpID=41q65K7kjUL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch&linkCode=sl1&tag=pur0e4-20&linkId=cc794be1930dbbca6c4561d6a762ab98" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PurSteam Elite Powerful 7-1 Clothes / Garment / Fabric steamer</a>, which remove wrinkles as well as soften, clean, sanitize, sterilize and defrost as needed. The functionality can't be beat for ease, simplicity and ability to meet desired results.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BONECO-Travel-Cool-Ultrasonic-Humidifier/dp/B001JL4LZ4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BONECO Travel Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier</a> makes any environment more comfortable, particularly for those of us with breathing issues, and includes an adapter for users to simply utilize conventional plastic bottles while on-the-go, whether in a hotel room, while an overnight guest at relatives' homes or in your own office. Along those same lines of boosting comfort, <a href="https://hgillermanorganics.com/product/natural-rest-travel-remedy/">Travel Remedy</a> essential oil blend is a grounding as well as refreshing scent that helps your loved one adjust to shifts in temperatures, climates or time zones, making the transition to a new location go much more smoothly.<br />
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Traveling with kids can take some effort. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Go-Happy-Travel-Tray-Attaches/dp/B07DBYX6PV/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&dpID=31Wl5AH2E0L&dpPl=1&keywords=go%20happy%20travel%20tray&qid=1533926860&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_6_a_it&sr=8-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Go Happy Travel Tray</a> gives kids a clean, contained space to play, create and eat while on-the-go. Its removable, food safe, easy to clean silicone liner welcomes food, drinks and baby products atop a clean surface. Its firm surface gives the ideal space for creating art or building with Legos. Its raised border means that no more toys, crayons or food will end up on airplane floors while the entire tray fits securely atop the built-in airplane tray table.<br />
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Whether your gift recipient has little ones that need separating in the backseat or simply wants to keep the inside of one's vehicle better organized, the <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/high-road-reg-back-seat-cooler-play-table-in-grey/3331482">High Road® Back Seat Cooler / Play Table</a> offers an insulated cooler to keep drinks and snacks cold, has multiple storage pockets for everything that needs transporting alongside passengers and features a convertible plastic lid for an instant tabletop that offers an ideal flat surface to play games, eat snacks or rest supplies being used.<br />
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When four-legged family members are in the vehicle, there are specific supplies that can be most helpful. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018Q8GFOM/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_U_x_lNtwBb3C17A74" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl</a> is lightweight, sturdy, leak-proof and food safe. <a href="https://www.treatadog.com/products/pupprotector-car-seat-cover">PupProtector Car Seat Covers</a> allow dogs to come along without any fear of water, dirt or hair being left behind while protecting seats from any scratching damage; the cover is waterproof as well as equipped with seat belt openings, straps to fit head rests and rubber non-slip backing.<br />
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For the road warrior, frequent flyer or travel aficionado, it can become increasingly difficult to keep track of all the places that have been visited. Consider gifting the <a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/scratch-map">Scratch Map</a>, where scratching off areas visited reveals adventurous pops of color that turn traveling into a treasure hunt, or the <a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/cork-globe">Cork Globe</a>, where travelers add red pushpins to mark cherished destinations or attach pictures, tickets and mementos to relive the thrill of each trip over and over again.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Support Health:</span></b><br />
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We all need a little rest and relaxation to be able to successfully battle what life throws at us each day, and <a href="https://www.ahalife.com/product/149000057331/ahalife-exclusive-aromatherapy-herbal-wrap-set">AHAlife's Exclusive Aromatherapy Herbal Wrap Set</a> heats up easily to melt away stress while easing muscle pain. This gift is like wrapping your loved one in a hug whenever daily stress becomes too much.<br />
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If your gift recipient suffers from congestion, allergies, breathing problems or air sensitivity, consider <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AmuseNd-Humidifier-Cactus-Bedroom-Shutdown/dp/B076GY4J6P/ref=as_at?creativeASIN=B076GY4J6P&linkCode=w50&tag=pur0e4-20&imprToken=znC2BT8za4O0bSmqokERfg&slotNum=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AmuseNd USB Cool Mist Humidifier</a> that's in the shape of a miniature cactus to add a pop of color to one's bedroom, office or car. Prevent dry, stuffy air while fending off flu / cold germs and preventing dry, chapped skin with noise-free service that includes automatic power-off protection after 4 hours have passed.<br />
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One of the most well-received gifts can be a basket of goodies that make the recipient look and feel better for many moons to come. Consider filling a basket with some of your favorites or you can use these that are some of my favorites. <a href="https://www.ofakind.com/shop/product/4551-restorative-treatment-mask?color=multi">Restorative Treatment Mask</a> by North Carolina's own Virtue Labs actively rehabilitates hair in need of extra care for an instant infusion of shine, moisture and resiliency without weighing it down. This product delivers an immediate and intense hydrating and conditioning boost for silky-soft hair that's reinvigorated with health and nourishment. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY5A0CN?ascsubtag=.NTI1NjUtMA.50dbed14-ec48-11e8-86ef-0fbd867de278&tag=rewardstyle-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr Dennis Gross' C+ Collagen Brighten + Firm Serum</a> helps even out skin tones, smoothens fine lines, lessens wrinkles and addresses the loss of firmness as well as elasticity; alternatively, <a href="http://www.neocutis.com/product/detail/23">NeoCutis' RéACTIVE Anti-oxidant Serum powered by VITAPLEX C</a> offers one of the most complete anti-oxidant defense systems available to help neutralize free radicals and promote anti-oxidant regeneration to promote energized skin while limiting the signs of skin redness related to oxidative stress. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/RoC-Anti-Aging-Moisturizer-anti-wrinkle-Discoloration/dp/B00CWY8OC8/?tag=136095-over40skincare-20&th=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RoC Multi-Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer</a> provides amazing hydration while fighting multiple signs of aging, including discoloration. Most importantly, <a href="https://www.dermstore.com/product_UV+Clear+BroadSpectrum+SPF+46_20567.htm">EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46</a> is recommended by dermatologists everywhere for a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen to protect sensitive and acne-prone skin alike.<br />
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As we near the winter months where folks are desperate to fend off extra germs, <a href="https://www.ofakind.com/shop/product/4009-jao-refresher?color=2-oz">Jao Refresher</a> becomes an increasingly desired gift; it is an all-purpose fix for any germy skin thing.<br />
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Sleep is necessary to maintain one's health, and there are tools to be gifted that will make achieving better sleep much easier. <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/slipsilk-pure-silk-queen-pillowcase/vp/v=1/1522447264.htm">Slip's Pure Silk Pillowcase</a> provides a gentle, hypoallergenic surface to protect users' hair and skin. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Contoured-Comfortable-Adjustable-Sleeping-Travel/dp/B072QX77TY?th=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sleep Mask by Mingtong</a> is a contoured, comfortable, lightweight and breathable sleep mask with adjustable buckle that's helpful for sleeping, traveling and easing stress.<br />
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Whether your gift recipient loves working out or is looking for an easier way to get moving each day, there are two ideas which put technology to work in making life better. <a href="https://www.ahalife.com/product/149000018371/led-embedded-smart-jump-rope">LED-Embedded Smart Jump Rope</a> displays user's fitness data while in mid-air and can be synced with the free mobile app to track jumps, calories burned and workout times, get recommended training intervals as well as keep motivated by unlocking rewards while competing with friends. <a href="https://www.yoyomats.com/">YoYoMats</a> are self-rolling, stay rolled up while on-the-go and have edges that stay flat during any workout.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/HemingWeigh%C2%AE-Complete-Acupressure-Pillow-Bonus/dp/B00ECEQEE6/&tag=ev01008-20?th=1">HemingWeigh Complete Acupressure Mat and Pillow</a> increases energy levels and improves sleep while relieving stress, aches, pains and muscle tension. Gift the benefits of acupuncture without requiring your loved one to actually go anywhere.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZPW19Q/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eufy Smart Scale</a> includes two pairs of super-sensitive sensors that ensure precise and correct measurements for users to instantly learn 12 insightful measurements of body health, including weight, body fat, BMI, bone mass and muscle mass.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hammacher.com/product/mold-and-germ-destroying-air-purifier-650-sq-ft">Mold and Germ Destroying Air Purifier</a> from Hammacher Schlemmer eliminates up to 99.9% of airborne bacteria, mold, viruses, pet dander, dust mites allergens and pollen, all without making a sound. With no filter to replace or clean, the anti-germ air purifier uses natural convection to silently draw airborne impurities into its patented ceramic heating chamber that instantly destroys the microorganisms with 400℉ heat and, then, releases the clean air into the room. This tool works quickly and efficiently to replace all the air in a standard size room in about 4 hours, remaining cool to the touch while the heat it produces does not affect room temperature.<br />
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Since night driving is the top cause of auto accidents, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Myiaur-Oversized-Driving-Polarized-Nighttime/dp/B07B8XTWQM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Myiaur® night driving glasses</a> make an excellent gift, helping the recipient see enhanced color and clarity just like high definition TVs at a fraction of the price of designer glasses while providing a durable, lightweight and stylish solution. Even better, those already wearing glasses will have no problem adding NightGuide HD as it fits easily over prescription lenses and is designed to overlay glasses while driving, all with a polarized lens.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">For the Kitchen:</span></b><br />
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The gift of extra storage space can go a long way toward improving functionality in the kitchen. The <a href="https://amzn.to/3jgFE4h" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Instant Range Top Shelf </b></a>is a 30"-wide magnetic shelf that snaps directly on a stove's top range, allowing items used frequent while cooking on the range to be easily accessible as needed. Y<a href="https://amzn.to/3ilEVPV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>amazaki Home Over-The-Sink Dish Drainer Rack</b></a> is made of steel and wood with an adjustable bottom so it fits easily in different sizes of sinks; it holds a variety of items that need drying right there by the sink, such as dishes, bowls, cutting boards, utensils and glasses, which saves valuable kitchen space.<br />
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Having the right tools to clean what you've used in cooking such deliciousness is imperative, which makes <a href="https://amzn.to/3rZdheY"><b>OXO Good Grips Kitchen Appliance Brush Set</b></a> an ideal gift. This set keeps every crack and crevice of small appliances clean with sturdy nylon bristles and an angled design to sweep away food, while cleaning out tight spaces or small crevices. The two pieces snap together for simpler storage.<br />
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The <a href="https://amzn.to/2WSSv5a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Easy Speed Salad Maker </b></a>offers the quickest and most convenient way to make one's favorite salads. It's a matter of chop, chop, chop, rinse, toss in a bowl, add dressing and eat. Super speedy!<br />
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As a huge fan of watermelon, it's always a good time to stock up on tools that make enjoying this fabulous fruit easier.<b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3Aadkan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aremazing Watermelon Slicer</a></b> is stainless steel with a sharp blade to help cut watermelons into consistent size pieces with no watermelon juice left on anyone's hands or the countertop. This popsicle shaped slicer adds some whimsy to the process and encourages kids to help.<br />
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I can't think of a kitchen appliance that uses as little space to perform as many functions as the<a href="https://amzn.to/2WRl9Uh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b> Instant Pot Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker,</b></a> which is convenient, dependable, safe, fast and easy to use. Plus, it's an excellent time-saver as it offers set-it-and-forget-it options for cooking.<br />
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Since the kitchen is one of the most powerful places to eliminate clutter, there are storage solutions worth gifting, particularly to your loved one who is environmentally conscious. Consider <a href="https://amzn.to/3iP0jxm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beeswax Reusable Wrap</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3skYawx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reuseable Food Storage Bag</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3yTSewY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colorful Beeswax Food Wraps Reusable</a>, Sustainable, Plastic Wrap Alternative.<br />
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Make sure your loved one is never without the ice needed for truly cold drinks with <a href="https://amzn.to/3xTk4Iq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ice Cube Storage</a> solution, which replaces the traditional ice cube trays to hold 3 batches of ice in a handy to use, clean and store option. Made of high-quality silicone rubber with a unique double chamber design, the outer chamber freezes the ice cubes while the inner cylinder stores them. It's airtight lid keeps cubes fresh and odor free, and it can be washed on the top rack of any dishwasher.<br />
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The <a href="https://amzn.to/3k33ctG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ice ball mold</a> enables enjoying one's favorite drink without diluting the flavor. Users fill the mold, let it freeze and, then, remove the ice sphere with no rinsing required.<br />
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Whether your gift recipient likes to cook, enjoys a hot cup of tea or prefers good, ol', southern biscuits, everyone needs honey, especially with all of its amazing health benefits. Some of the greatest honey options are the <a href="https://amzn.to/3suxrO3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meluka Australia Premium Raw Honey</a>, including avocado and orange blossom options.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">To Better Enjoy Living at Home:</span></b><br />
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As explained on its website, the <a href="https://amzn.to/3yULdf9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Intelligent Alarm Clock</a> "is your ultimate bedside concierge." Give the gift that allows waking up refreshed with a light that simulates the sunrise, setting an alarm to one's favorite music that gradually increases in sound, receiving weather and traffic reports upon waking up, sleeping well with soothing white noise, communicating from a bedside table with other smart devices throughout the home and rapid charging of smartphones or tablets.<br />
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Being a huge fan of music for motivation, I love starting my day by singing in the shower, and <a href="https://amzn.to/37QrRMl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kohler's Moxie Showerhead with Wireless Speaker</a> offers a great tool to add some jams to my morning routine. It enables streaming music wirelessly with any Bluetooth-enabled device, and the speaker can easily be removed from the shower-head for recharging.<br />
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Bring both magic and function to any space with <a href="https://amzn.to/3AHOYFk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Photo String Lights</a>, which pair bright illumination with clips to hold photos, drawings, letters and mementos. Each light is a clip to be more creative in displaying your loved one's keepsakes while creating a warm environment.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3sA3ix3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trade Secret Wood Furniture Care Solutions</a> camouflage nicks, cuts, dings and rings in wood while being more eco-friendly than similar alternatives, and the results are amazing. If you left your calling card on a friend's side table or heard them complaining about a stubborn issue on wood around the house, this might be the perfect gift to give.<br />
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As the temperatures drop, folks with traditional fireplaces or fire pits need creative solutions for getting that fire properly lit. <a href="https://amzn.to/37Lxtr9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinecone Fire Starters</a> are molded from a mix of pinecones and wax, burn with a high, powerful flame and make it simple to light a fireplace or campfire.<br />
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Whether a cold evening or a snowy afternoon, it feels divine to snuggle up with a <a href="https://amzn.to/3m9MlZ6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heated Throw Blanket</a>, which features an EliteStyle II Controller and comes in brown or white.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Entertaining:</span></b><br />
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If your gift recipient is "the hostess with the mostess", she probably would love an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Andaz-Press-Personalized-Engraved-Bachelor/dp/B01J6MTG84?th=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andaz Press Personalized Laser Engraved Small Bamboo Wood Cutting Board</a>, which makes quite the statement when bringing out the carved meet or a great mix of cheese and accompaniments.<br />
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Whether your gift recipient likes serving guests a custom punch, sweet tea, water or something else, presentation can matter, both for how it is perceived as well as how it functions. Consider gifting <a href="https://amzn.to/2UHEjv7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circleware Hobnail Glass Beverage Despenser</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/3DeEj70" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circleware Cranston Beverage Dispenser</a><br />
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If your gift recipient has incredible glasses but fears guests getting too wild and crazy such that someone commits the party foul of dropping (and breaking) one of those beautiful glasses, the best gift might be <a href="https://amzn.to/3gtefLX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silicone Wine Glasses</a>. These work well for parties at home, picnics in the park and traveling or tailgating options. Allow your gift recipient to say goodbye to broken glass and get ready to have a great time anywhere with these 100% BPA free, food grade, silicone glasses that are dishwasher safe, flexible, freeze proof and clumsy proof.<br />
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For the gift recipients who host happy hours, cookouts and tailgates where attendees mix and mingle, carrying their food around, consider gifting <a href="https://amzn.to/3zeJwcC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Food and Beverage Plate</a>, designed for freehanded eating and drinking where the plate has separated compartments for different parts of the meal and fits over most consumer bottles, cans or cups. Plus, they are available in packs of 10 or 20 to make hosting even easier.<br />
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In anticipation of overnight guests, consider gifting <a href="https://amzn.to/3khqZq2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bedside Night Carafe Pitcher and Tumbler Glass Set</a>, creating a welcoming environment that enables those staying in a guest room to more easily fend for themselves and better stay hydrated, which is super important during dry, winter months.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Clothing:</span></b><br />
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If your gift recipient craves dependable sweatshirt warmth and durability but prefers something a little more different than the same old sweatshirt, consider the <a href="https://amzn.to/3sX9JKI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Quilted Snap Sweatshirt</a>, which is sewn from two equally soft jersey layers and filled with just enough insulation to fend off frigid breezes or cool conditions.<br />
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Women who are out and about, doing things and moving around, often struggle with tanks that inch up in the back, leading to constant tugging and battling. Gift <a href="https://amzn.to/2Y0N7gX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elastic tank tops for women</a> to solve this problem. It's available in a plethora of colors, and the extra length prevents overexposure.<br />
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Although Spanx offers plenty of powerful options for meeting one's style needs, consider gifting <a href="https://amzn.to/3gDfQyC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shapermint</a> for an excellent alternative. This supportive technology is effective shape-wear that hugs one's curves to better boost confidence.<br />
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Whether your gift recipient prefers hiking, climbing, exploring trails or participating in the athleisure trend, <a href="https://amzn.to/3B6kPjk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ODODOS</a> high rise cargo yoga pants offer convenient pockets to hold your items.<br />
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When you think about the human body, remember that your entire weight rests on your feet, making socks super important. Consider gifting <a href="https://amzn.to/3ktJSpS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Physix</a> anti-odor comfort socks that are also anti-blister and anti-fatigue, <a href="https://amzn.to/3jjtWab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bering</a> that line the interior heel, sole and tongue of the shoe, providing a complete no show solution with moisture wicking fibers that eliminate odors while keeping you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, or <a href="https://amzn.to/3yeDVlu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bombas' absolutely amazing socks</a>, which are engineered for greater comfort while gifting a matching pair to homeless shelters for each pair sold.<br />
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Many people hear "medical compression socks" and have negative thoughts, but the <a href="https://amzn.to/3yoSAdQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DocSocks</a> are actually attractive while supporting all foot sizes and improving circulation. Foot pain, no matter how great or small, is alerting that person to underlying health issues, and these compression socks have a positive outcome on users' results, improving circulation of blood flow so feet get enough oxygen.<br />
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The buzz about <a href="https://amzn.to/2XZt7eC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LeMoutonWool Runners</a> is for real and doesn't appear to be lessening anytime soon, but I'm not surprised as these sneakers are fabulous: flexible, supportive, astonishingly soft and cozy, wool upper, recycled laces, padded insole, lightweight sole, cool in the heat while warm in the cold, wicks moisture, minimizes odor, machine washable as well as low carbon footprint.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Preparedness:</b></span><br />
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Have you noticed the havoc that Mother Nature has been causing across our nation?!? From hurricanes to fires and everything in between, there's never been a better time to make sure you and everyone around you is thoroughly prepared for whatever might strike.<br />
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One of the greatest finds I've encountered for preparedness is the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/d/Camping-Lanterns/LuminAID-PackLite-Supercharger-Portable-Charger/B07BKSPT7V/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542655400&sr=8-3&keywords=luminaid+packlite+max+2-in-1+phone+charger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LuminAID PackLite 2-in-1 solar lantern and phone charger</a>. It's lightweight, inflatable, portable waterproof, shatterproof and durable, offering 5 brightness settings (including SOS flashing mode) with approximately 100 hours of light on low mode when the battery is fully charged and two ways to recharge (solar and USB).<br />
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<a href="https://www.containerstore.com/s/gift-wrap-wonderland/gifts-by-recipient/everyone/nite-ize-3-in-1-led-mini-flashlights/123d?productId=11004121">Nite Ize 3-in-1 mini</a> offers modes for a hanging lantern, SOS signal and flashlight, which is perfect for stashing in backpacks, emergency kits, glove boxes, office desks or home gadget drawers, keeping the necessary light at arm's reach wherever you might lose electricity.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.sharperimage.com/si/view/product/6-In-1+Emergency+Auto+Tool/204995">6-in-1 Emergency Auto Tool</a> from Sharper Image is a must-have no matter where your gift recipient lives, works, plays and drives around. It includes a white LED flashlight, emergency flasher, emergency whistle, safety blade seatbelt cutter, automatic glass breaker and digital tire gauge.<br />
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Loaded with over 20 items that could mean the difference between life and death, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BCB-ADVENTURE-Ultimate-Survival-Kit/dp/B000TGGKJA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Survival Kit</a> can be stashed in a camping bag or glove box so your loved one is always prepared should disaster strike; it includes a water bag, nylon cord, night light, flint and striker, compass, fishing kit, mini multi-purpose tool, book of matches, sewing kit, water tablets, safety pins, single edge blade, salt sachets, mayday mirror, gold wire, pencil, distress whistle, tampon to use for tinder, wire saw, lock bag, cable ties, micro torch and silicone tubing. Can you think of anything it's missing?!?<br />
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Because no one should fear venturing out alone, <a href="https://unboundbabes.com/products/whistle-necklace?variant=40563810255">Unbound's Whistle Necklace</a> is like gifting your recipient with a shield of armor and an extra layer of confidence, which are both always a good idea. This chic necklace features a pendant that conceals an effective whistle, which can be used to keep anyone safe even when riding solo.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Enjoying the Great Outdoors:</b></span><br />
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One of the greatest boosts to productivity is getting outside, breathing in fresh air and absorbing some powerful vitamin D directly from the sun; however, those that are out in the elements need the right gear to make being outdoors its most enjoyable. The <a href="https://www.filson.com/dry-backpack.html">Filson Dry Backpack</a> keeps one's gear dry by rolling the top closed, even when fully submerged. Its high-density foam back panel provides comfort while on a long hike just as balancing the weight of one's load between both shoulders is so much better for back health; plus, it comes in one of my favorite shades of green.<br />
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If you want to enhance the gift of a bag to go out and about, try including an essential tool for camping, travel or backpacking, which is the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Full-Windsor-Lightweight-Multitool-Backpacking/dp/B0755GMPML/?tag=114497-travelsegment-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muncher Titanium Multi Utensil</a> by Full Windsor, which is a lightweight multi-purpose tool featuring 10 different functions: spork, serrated butter knife, fire starter, bottle opener, peeler, can opener, cord cutter, screwdriver, pry-bar and box cutter.<br />
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For folks who bike to destinations and, then, want to actually live their lives in those destinations before heading back home, the <a href="https://www.morpherhelmet.com/products/morpher-folding-helmet?variant=12397617938541">Morpher Folding Helmet</a> is an excellent gift option. Its lightweight material makes it easy to carry, and it folds flat for ultimate convenience as well as portability; it can slip easily into a small bag, backpack or briefcase. Plus, it is as safe as a normal helmet, being made from eps and polycarbonate, which are standard helmet materials. It offers excellent ventilation, suitable for use in all weather conditions, a magnetic clasp for comfortable fit and a range of colors.<br />
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Another great gift idea for those recipients who like to ride bicycles is the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Avantree-Bluetooth-Speaker-Resistant-Portable/dp/B01HI1908Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1493819617&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=bike+speaker&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=fathersdaygiftideas05-20&linkId=af2a829d9298b4b4da32e0a9a390e299" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avantree Portable Wireless Bike Speaker</a> with bicycle mount and an SD card slot. Its powerful sound enables cycling, hiking or even sailing to one's own distraction-free soundtrack with an IPX4 splash-proof, shock-proof, rubber exterior, bike mount, belt and snap hook design, which offers input from wireless, micro SD/TF card and AUX line options.<br />
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One of the greatest balancing acts required for enjoying the great outdoors is getting enough but not too much direct sunlight, and there are plenty of gift options to assist with this. Consider <a href="https://www.dermstore.com/product_Glow+Stick+Sunscreen+SPF+50+_75841.htm">Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50</a>, <a href="https://www.dermstore.com/product_Organic+SPF+30+Makeup+Setting+Sunscreen+Spray_74904.htm">COOLA Organic SPF 30 Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray</a>, <a href="https://www.coolibar.com/sun-blanket-upf-50.html">Coolibar's Sun Blanket with a UPF 50+</a> that doubles as a wrap in an array of stunning colors, the <a href="https://www.hammacher.com/product/instant-sun-shade">Instant Sun Shade</a> from Hammacher Schlemmer that is a portable umbrella with a telescoping pole which sets up quickly for instant shade on the beach, at the campsite or along any youth sports sidelines as well as <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/herbivore-botanicals-after-sun-skin-soothing-aloe-mist/4377685?siteid=v4zY1jeSUlM-O6TXp6sfwjWvlIqMqSwnug&origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&color=none&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=v4zY1jeSUlM&utm_content=1&utm_term=595085&utm_channel=affiliate_ret_p&sp_source=rakuten&sp_campaign=v4zY1jeSUlM">Herbivore Botanicals' After Sun Skin Soothing Aloe Mist</a>.<br />
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As a big fan of fun, festive, upbeat tunes, I firmly believe that being outdoors is made much better with some great music, and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076VQBZPR/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_U_x_TwsBBb0TXSZ1B" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SunnyLIFE Portable Beach MP3 Speaker with AM/FM Radio and Smartphone Holder</a> is an ideal addition to anyone's beach supplies. Its fabulous greenery pattern simply screams spring, summer and time by the ocean, soaking up some sun.<br />
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Many of my friends and family members who prefer the great outdoors enjoy an adult beverage while out hiking, camping or simply spending an afternoon over a picnic in the park. While all 25 ounce <a href="https://www.swellbottle.com/shop/collections/bottles/?filter=1&pa_size=25oz&really_curr_tax=56-product_cat">S'well Bottles</a> will hold a full bottle of wine, it is the <a href="https://www.bottlekeeper.com/">BottleKeeper</a> that works best for beer-loving folks.<br />
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Similar to the balancing act regarding sunshine, there's an equally pressing battle against rain, snow, sleet and any other water element falling from the sky. The <a href="https://www.thegrommet.com/rainscarf-reversible-hooded-scarf?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv6Oi5pnh3gIVgkoNCh1JHQH0EAQYAiABEgL02vD_BwE">RainScarf</a> is a reversible scarf that includes a waterproof hood, 2 pockets and a generous length of soft, comfortable protection, all of which is machine washable so upkeep is so easy. The <a href="https://foxsmarts.com/products/reverse-umbrella">RAINAWAY™️Double-Layer Reverse Umbrella</a> closes inside-out, which prevents it from getting blown out, destroyed or leaving puddles and water marks wherever it gets placed indoors. Further, <a href="https://thegreenglovedryer.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fthegreenglovedryer-tan">TheEcoDryer® Floor Dryer with Sanafor®</a> is a non-electric shortcut for drying gloves, mittens, boots, shoes, hats and wet garments, which works particularly well drying items overnight after a busy day sledding or building snowmen.<br />
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Handmade by Tilley Endurables, <a href="https://www.hammacher.com/product/better-winter-hat-2?promo=search">The Better Winter Hat</a> protects against wind, rain and snow while horseback riding, canoeing or working outdoors. This phenomenal hat is handsewn with lock-stitch seams from a lightweight technical fabric blending Merino wool, polyester and polyurethane. A windproof membrane laminated to the interior reacts to changing temperatures, keeping the wearer warm in cool weather and comfortable when the temperature rises. The interior crown has a layer of closed-cell foam for insulation and comfort while knit earflaps extend from either side or easily tuck away for storage.<br />
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Lastly, no matter why your loved one is headed out into the cold, you can help with <a href="https://ravean.com/">Ravean Heated Down Jackets and Gloves</a>, allowing the wearer to control the temperature whenever and wherever needed. Plus, the same cord that heats the jacket can charge a mobile device, making sure no one suffers from a dead battery when hiking through the woods or skiing down a black mountain hill. As an addition or alternative, consider the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/EnergyFlux-Rechargeable-7800mAh-Portable-Flashlight/dp/B00Q7Q2KFO">EnergyFlux Enduro Rechargeable Hand Warmer</a>, which doubles as a USB portable charger power bank to make sure your hands stay warm while keeping your mobile device charged, and it includes a built-in flashlight as an added bonus.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Your Significant Other:</b></span><br />
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Whether you're newly dating, someone who's been dating the same person for years, a newlywed or in a couple that is celebrating 50 years of matrimony, making time for one another is imperative, but it's easy for other priorities to supersede that time commitment, resting on the fact that the other person in your relationship will still be there when things calm down in other areas of life. Plus, when you do make a commitment to a weekly date night, it's easy for ideas to get stale. Proactively keep things fresh by gifting your partner the <a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/date-night-bucket-list">Date Night Bucket List</a> from uncommongoods, which offers date night-invigorating prompts printed on a cute collection of birch wood sticks, running the gamut from romantic to intellectually stimulating. Or consider Bonding Bees' <a href="https://bondingbees.com/">subscription of date night boxes</a>, which offer unique activities, custom-made games and awesome products to help you connect, have fun and delve into new experiences together.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Meeting the Needs of Babies, Children and Teenagers along with Their Parents:</b></span><br />
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With nieces and nephews that range in age from 3 to 31 years in age, I am a big believer in the power of getting up, moving around and being active. It's good for physical health, but it also helps connect people, creates positive energy and aides in staying active as "activity breeds activity". Two of my favorite gifts for achieving the goal of getting young folks moving are <a href="https://www.target.com/p/little-tikes-174-pogo-it/-/A-52128852">Little Tikes® Pogo-It</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-Dance-Mat-Bluetooth-Technology/dp/B0779GRS9S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kidzlane Light Up Dance Mat</a> and <a href="https://www.target.com/p/roxs-real-life-gaming-console-kids-active-play-set/-/A-51926168">ROXs Real Life Gaming Console Kids Active Play Set</a>.<br />
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Equally important to incorporating movement into play, I believe, is including creative crafts, coloring and hands-on experiments. <a href="https://pinholepress.com/">Pinhole Press</a> creates beautiful, customized, photo gifts, many of which help engage kids in activities to bring the entire family together. Likewise, Seedling offers gobs and gobs of fun and unique activities, like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seedling-Littles-Adventure-Costume-Toddlers/dp/B06XCF7Q4Y">Galaxy Rocket Adventure Cape Costume Kit</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seedling-Design-Your-Marble-Maze/dp/B07456JLSV">Design Your Own Marble Maze Virtual Reality Game</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seedling-Disneys-Through-Looking-Design/dp/B01M3P7G1S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass Clock Kit</a>. The <a href="https://www.thamesandkosmos.com/index.php/product/category/science-kits/sensors-alive-bring-physics-to-life">Sensors Alive STEM experiment kit</a> brings physics to life with a pretend bioengineering lab inside a game, which is super cool. Still, sometimes, kids simply want to draw, but there's extra energy that will need an outlet; for those instances, consider <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ArtCreativity-Flexible-Functional-Bendable-Classroom/dp/B07DCBSYRL/ref=as_at/?creativeASIN=B07DCBSYRL&linkCode=w50&tag=pur0e4-20&imprToken=5cu-qaR8I-QxGMng-vUNSw&slotNum=15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ArtCreativity 13" Flexible Bendy Pencils</a>, which are fun, functional, long, bendable, writing pencils. Finally, consider <a href="https://www.educationalinsights.com/product/sculptapalooza.do">Sculptapalooza Sculpting Party Game</a> for teams to race against the clock in sculpting their way through hilarious challenges that create laugh-out-loud family fun.<br />
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Ice cream is a winning dessert year-round, which makes <a href="https://amzn.to/3hF2y67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prepara Super Scooper Kids Ice Cream Scoops</a> a great fit for kids of all ages. The set of four scoopers comes in an assortment of colors, and it's easy to add some sprinkles atop the smaller portion for a special treat.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.thegrommet.com/cargo-seat-2-in-1-travel-booster-seat">2-in-1 Travel Booster Seat</a> by CarGo Seat goes from colorful carry-on bag to car seat seamlessly, making it an empowering addition for little travelers to pack and roll their own suitcase, which fits in most overhead compartments and eases the hectivity of a trip to visit relatives or vacation.<br />
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If you're buying for a newborn baby or the parent of an upcoming arrival, consider the <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/vtech-video-baby-monitor-with-4-3-screen-white/6205902.p?skuId=6205902">VTech Video Baby Monitor with 4.3" Screen</a>, which has a portable parent unit that enables viewing live footage within 1,000 feet of the camera and has a built-in intercom for two-way communication. Another option is the <a href="https://www.itzyritzy.com/products/milk-boss-feeding-support?variant=47840276300">Milk Boss Infant Feeding Pillow</a> from Itzy Ritzy, which provides infant feeding support, a burping pillow and an arm cushion all in one, soft solution. It is ideal for positioning the baby at the perfect angle while bottle feeding or breastfeeding to help reduce the chance of reflux or gas; then, when feeding is over, it acts as a rest for baby while on his or her tummy getting burped. The Milk Boss is firm enough to improve the caregiver's posture while holding or feeding the baby and also helps to prevent strained arms from feeding or cradling; plus, its compact size makes it ideal for use while out running errands, traveling or visiting others. Simply slide it on or off the arm as needed.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.knotgenie.com/products/knot-genie?variant=6713672964">Knot Genie™️Detangling Brush</a> was created for every mom that has endured the foot stomping and screaming matches that come from brushing children's hair. With this tool, even the curliest, most knotted up hair will practically slip through the unique bristle configuration, gently and painlessly, virtually stopping breakage and split ends.<br />
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The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 film camera is simple to use so anyone (including that hard to buy for tween on your list) can easily achieve crystal clear, vibrant photos in no time, including built-in flash and a fun, colorful package. With the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-Instax-Camera-Sheets-Accessories/dp/B074WH86Y2">available accessories bundle</a>, you add to the camera 2 instant film 20-packs, camera case with adjustable strap, 64-photo album, selfie lens, 4 colored filters, 10 hanging frames, 10 clips, 60 sticker frames, 5 plastic stand-up frames and a microfiber cleaning cloth.<br />
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Any budding artist on your shopping list will love <a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/my-comic-book-kit">My Comic Book Kit</a>, which contains everything needed to turn original comic book drawings into a bound book. It includes a booklet of instructions, inspiration and helpful tips. Once your gift recipient's illustrated story is complete, it gets sealed in the pre-paid envelope and slipped in the mail; shortly thereafter, a professionally-bound copy of taht original comic book will be sent back, complete with an "About the Author" page.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Give The Gift of Better Living</span></b><br />
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Feel free to utilize these ideas for the holidays or throughout the entire new year. There are plenty of opportunities for gift giving, including birthdays, thank yous and so many different types of celebrations. Still, since it is hard to go wrong with <b>gift cards and gift certificates</b>, keep in mind options like <a href="https://www.cardpool.com/">Cardpool</a>, <a href="https://www.giftcardgranny.com/">Gift Card Granny</a>, <a href="https://www.gyft.com/">Gyft</a> or <a href="https://www.raise.com/buy-gift-cards">Raise</a> to buy, send, organize and redeem discounted gift cards while the <a href="https://app.yiftee.com/gift?start_with=gift&_ga=1.49677606.1448167780.1467390371#/merchant">Yiftee app</a> will let you send certificates for what's local to any recipient via text or email.<br />
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Keep in mind the value of giving <b>experiences</b>. Depending on your recipient's interests, there are so many options: tickets to sports events, theater productions, food tours, art exhibits, special events at museums, airline travel vouchers, zoo passes and spa packages. Or you might want to consider restaurant gift certificates or gift cards to hotels in cities that might be of interest. Sometimes, though, the greatest value is in giving your own time, like to help with childcare while your gift recipients go out for a date night or to jump in on some household chores that are tasks you really enjoy.<br />
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<b>I recommend culling together all your gift-giving ideas, what you've bought from whom, where each present is stored and whether it has been wrapped thus far.</b> I'm a big fan of <a href="http://www.evernote.com/">Evernote</a> to organize these details amidst all the other information I must remember; however, if your information is primarily based in G Suite, you might want to consider <a href="https://www.google.com/keep/">Google Keep</a>, and, if your information is primarily in Microsoft's tools, it might be best to use <a href="https://products.office.com/en-us/onenote/digital-note-taking-app">OneNote</a>. Alternatively, if you are seeking an app designated for tracking only your gift-giving activities, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-christmas-list/id340779800?mt=8">The Christmas List</a>, <a href="https://www.gifted-app.com/">Gifted</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/giftplanner/id479882306?mt=8">GiftPlanner</a> are excellent iOS options while <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=iwuana.xmaslist&devicetype=desktop&pguid=35f9cac510fa5507c0e8108e&viewguid=vzbvQAmEf-wjRVp8tz7hvEdhmxLaEtJiCRwz">Christmas List Gift Planner</a> is equally good for Android, and <a href="https://www.christmaslistapp.com/">Christmas List</a> works cross-platform.<br />
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Above all, realize there are 12 days until Hanukkah and 35 days until Christmas; there's plenty of time to pull together all the loose ends. <b>Take a deep breath, remember to take care of yourself amidst the craziness, break the big projects down into manageable action items and see what resources can help. </b>You can stay sane while addressing all your priorities.<br />
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Finally, make sure you are getting the best deal possible. If you are shopping in stores, you can compare prices with the <a href="https://www.buyvia.com/">BuyVia</a> and <a href="https://flipp.com/home">Flipp</a> apps; if you are shopping online, use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/BIT">Amazon Assistant</a>, <a href="https://camelcamelcamel.com/">camelcamelcamel</a>, <a href="http://coupons.com/">Coupons.com</a>, <a href="https://help.joinhoney.com/article/39-what-is-honey-and-how-do-i-get-it">Honey</a>, <a href="https://www.promotioncode.org/">PromotionCode</a>, <a href="https://www.retailmenot.com/">RetailMeNot</a> and <a href="https://slickdeals.net/">SlickDeals</a> to find ways of saving money instantly. Plus, with <a href="https://www.ebates.com/">Ebates</a>, you can earn cash back by shopping at the stores you love while seeing the best coupons and deals available.<br />
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<b>What gifts do you have in mind to help your loved ones boost productivity, squeeze every minute out of the day, limit clutter and best craft the life they desire? What are your go-to gifts that are functional for those on your list of gift recipients? I am always looking for more ideas!</b><br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-10954342074804202382018-08-27T19:46:00.001-04:002018-08-27T19:46:31.391-04:00Are You Prepared for an Emergency or Natural Disaster? 10 Tips for Your Business' Productive Preparedness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtu_Ggdcl68/VW4x6e1rwGI/AAAAAAAAEgU/5k26fnX1v68JVhhFGbBNqLMTGq6D4_L_ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Preparedness%2Bfor%2BYour%2BBusiness.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="466" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtu_Ggdcl68/VW4x6e1rwGI/AAAAAAAAEgU/5k26fnX1v68JVhhFGbBNqLMTGq6D4_L_ACPcBGAYYCw/s200/Preparedness%2Bfor%2BYour%2BBusiness.png" width="189" /></a></div>
Each September, we are reminded of the need to review how prepared we are for emergencies and natural disasters as National Preparedness Month rolls around. The need to be prepared is increasing, evidenced by how the <a href="https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2018/01/24/478246.htm">insured losses from the 330 natural catastrophes that occurred during 2017 reached an incredible $134 billion</a> per a report published by Impact Forecasting. This included a very active Atlantic hurricane season, severe weather events from convective storms as well as many wildfires. It can feel overwhelming to prepare for such disasters, but here are steps each of us can and should be taking to be prepared, minimizing our negative repercussions:<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Plan for what makes most sense for your location. </b>Whether you face hurricanes, tornadoes, snow blizzards, thunderstorms with lightening or another type of natural disaster, there are differing steps to take. Determine what <a href="https://www.ready.gov/be-informed">types of disasters</a> are possibilities for your area so you can customize your approach, planning for those specific risks.</li>
<li><b>Gather necessary supplies.</b> Visit <a href="https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit">Ready.gov/build-a-kit</a> for what to include in your company's disaster supplies and, then, cull those items together where they are easily accessible. Add a recurring appointment to the electronic calendar of whichever team member will be accountable for maintaining the kit so it's reviewed regularly.</li>
<li><b>Create your communication plan. </b>Establish from where employees, customers and vendors can obtain updates during an emergency situation, especially when and where team members need to return to work. Decide where folks will go and with whom to connect for check-in should your team have to evacuate. <a href="https://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2015/06/communicate-for-preparedness.html">Be sure to communicate the plans.</a></li>
<li><b>Address potential gaps in what tech will provide. </b>Verify all computer programs, data and documents are being automatically updated as well as backed up from each computer to a remote location. Include a hosted exchange server, VoIP, updated apps and a cybersecurity strategy in your <a href="https://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2015/06/prepare-your-business-for-data-issues.html">steps to prepare for data issues</a>.</li>
<li><b>Prepare for lack of electricity.</b> Power outages are often a by-product of disasters, particularly if there are strong winds. Be sure you have cash, back-up batteries for all mobile devices, flashlights to see without office lights and an emergency radio supporting multiple power sources. Fill gas tanks for personal and company vehicles alike.</li>
<li><b>Get ready for the risk of a fire. </b>Locate all fire extinguishers, making sure there are enough to cover your entire facility, and ensure everyone learns how to operate them. Find out where your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are located; mark the calendar of whichever team member will be responsible for replacing batteries so they are alerted when that recurring commitment arises, and learn which sounds indicate what. When possible, prepare and maintain adequate firebreaks and green spaces around your property. Consider installing fire glass in windows and doors. Locate your sprinkler shut off valves so first responders can easily access them and prevent residual flooding; routinely test your sprinkler systems to keep them in good working order. Also, know the location of major HVAC, piping, gas and water lines to aid in preventing the domino effect of damage being done to your facility. Keep emergency exits clear and marked with plenty of signage to direct anyone through that area.</li>
<li><b>Know what to do if evacuating is required.</b> Decide where all team members will go in an evacuation and who should be contacted should you have to evacuate. For example, will you notify senior leadership who will relay the message to their teams or will there be a mass communication sent out via email, automated calls and text messages? Make a list of what essential equipment must be taken from your business' premises at that time, and designate who will be responsible for removing each item on that list. Cull together items that you need to grab when leaving, and store them in a quick-grab bag.</li>
<li><b>Verify your insurance coverage.</b> Make certain you have proper insurance and it is up-to-date. Ask your insurance agent, broker or underwriter if you are adequately covered for potential property damage as well as what business interruptions you could possibly face.</li>
<li><b>Consider how to continue beyond an emergency. </b>What functions need to continue no matter what sort of craziness is happening? Decide how you will facilitate payroll if you are displaced, lose power or have intermittent Internet connectivity.</li>
<li><b>Have your plan documented.</b> Keep your business' policies and procedures in writing to be accessed from anywhere at anytime. Include within this documentation how contact data for employees, customers and vendors will be kept up-to-date for facilitating the aforementioned communication plan. Upload your documentation to the cloud so folks can access the necessary information during an evacuation or relocation. Then, be sure to review your plans and supplies every 6 months; you'll want to incorporate updates as things change</li>
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<b>Is your business prepared for what natural disasters might strike your area? If not, which of these steps can you take to boost how productive your preparedness might be?</b></div>
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Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-57612834708146404342018-07-30T12:26:00.001-04:002018-07-30T12:26:21.594-04:00Top Tips to Simplify Your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we near the first week of August, plan how you'll celebrate "Simplify Your Life Week" with baby steps you can take to streamline, cut out the clutter, make life easier and better invest your limited resource of time. With a few tweaks to how you get things done, you can better focus on what matters most, making greater progress on your priority goals to achieve your desired results.<br />
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Per Dictionary.com, simplify means "to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier." Invest some time in simplifying to limit stress, more quickly find what you need when you need it, have a clear grasp on what needs to be done at any moment and stop wasting precious moments of time. Make every minute matter!Ⓡ<br />
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Here are tactics to jumpstart your efforts at simplifying your life:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Deliberately choose how you invest your time.</b> Develop habits such as a <a href="https://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/be-proactive-with-weekly-strategy.html">weekly strategy session</a> and <a href="https://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/daily-wrap-up-to-stay-on-track-with-productivity.html">daily wrap-up</a> to map out a specific game plan and stay on track.</li>
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<li><b>Learn to say "no". </b>What actions are being asked of you that don't actually need to be done? Are there tasks on your to-do list that could be delegated to someone else that can do them equally well if not even better so you open time for what only you can do? Alternatively, should you consider "not now" for something that can be delayed until a later deadline?</li>
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<li><b>Stay true to your priorities. </b>When you know what matters most, you can more intentionally align your actions with those areas of importance, avoiding burnout. As <a href="https://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/filter-tasks-through-priorities-for-must-do-list.html">priorities</a> shift, you can be flexible and shuffle how to invest your time so you keep your actions focused on your goals.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Utilize work-life integration for greater overall success.</b> By studying research by <a href="http://worklife.wharton.upenn.edu/">Wharton's Work / Life Integration Project</a> along with my experience with clients' best practices, I know first-hand how you can create harmony with goals for home, work, society and yourself complementing one another rather than competing with each other. Focus on actions that can accomplish multiple goals at once, plan how you can invest your time with each of your most important priorities at the forefront of your emphasis and maintain pliability to easily address your priorities as they evolve over time.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Respect the value of your space.</b> Whether it's in your physical space, electronic files or calendar, keep only what is accurate, applicable, useful, bringing you joy and not just as easily found with a quick Google search. If something filling your physical space, electronic files or calendar no longer meets those requirements, remove that clutter.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Plan to have the tools you need nearby when needed.</b> Do you utilize a smartphone, tablet or laptop? If so, you are well aware of all the accessories needed, especially when you are working on-the-go, like charging cords, earbuds and the like. Rather than depending on whether you remember to bring "all the stuff" with you whenever you work outside an office, keep multiple sets of accessories (one for the office, one in your vehicle, one for your bag), bundling your tech tools together with the <a href="https://www.cocooninnovations.com/grid.php">GRID-IT</a> or a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quotable-Makes-Happy-Quote-Zippered/dp/B00JQREJT6/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_200_bs_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PQ9CTK3KT8QRPVMC61B1">canvas pouch</a> that's easily portable.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Address email. </b>Unsubscribe from eNewsletters you are no longer reading, consider bundling subscriptions that you do read via <a href="http://unroll.me/">Unroll.me</a> and shift from checking to processing newly received messages, moving to-do items to your task management system, adding requests for your time to your calendar, shifting retention items from your inbox to personal folders and using delete as your friend to remove trash or junk.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Save time with forms, templates and checklists.</b> If you regularly send the same reply, create a template that can be easily plugged in and tweaked as necessary, saving time by not starting from scratch each time. Create a packing checklist so you don't forget anything needed for travel. Design a form for your grocery shopping list so you remember to restock the essentials each time and save valuable minutes by listing the items in order of the aisles at your store.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Automate daily processes. </b>"Set it and forget it" may be the greatest time-saver. Investigate options such as <a href="https://ifttt.com/">IFTTT</a>, <a href="http://www.podbox.com/">Podbox</a> and <a href="https://zapier.com/">Zapier</a> to find the best solution for your needs. In addition, add an automated cloud back-up solution, such as <a href="https://www.backblaze.com/">Backblaze</a>, <a href="https://www.carbonite.com/">Carbonite</a> or <a href="https://www.crashplan.com/en-us/">CrashPlan</a>, and consider which social media management solution will allow you to automate putting the right message in front of the right audience at the right time.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Cut back on distractions with fewer pings and dings. </b>When distracted, it can take us an average of 23 minutes to fully re-engage in the task at hand. Each time we receive a notification for a new email, social media update, text message or voice mail received, those are distractions that rob us of valuable time. Turn off the notifications and schedule set times to check each platform. For folks that do require an immediate response (like key account clients or your direct supervisor), make them VIPs so you can utilize <a href="http://www.quepublishing.com/articles/article.aspx?p=2181691">Do Not Disturb on iOS</a> and <a href="http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/use-androids-priority-mode-so-notifications-dont-wake-y-1681095117">Priority Mode on Android</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Where do you see excess in your life or time being wasted? How can you take action in tiny steps that will assist in simplifying your life so you get to your goals more easily?<br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-65353406509318937802018-04-23T06:00:00.001-04:002021-05-18T12:00:55.915-04:00Does America Have an Unhealthy Focus on Labels?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czL8kRlwy4E/Wt0xTyQ-EjI/AAAAAAAAFpA/vbZhOmd0mUsqZpklfDNir9AIor5KwmCAQCLcBGAs/s1600/Words%2BMatter.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czL8kRlwy4E/Wt0xTyQ-EjI/AAAAAAAAFpA/vbZhOmd0mUsqZpklfDNir9AIor5KwmCAQCLcBGAs/s200/Words%2BMatter.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/7NGU2YqBue8?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Pro Church Media</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Recently, I was an attendee at a non-profit gala; when I was unable to hear the speaker due to attendees talking and poor audio technology, I tapped my knife against my glass to get folks refocused on the speaker, hoping to not miss anything important being said. Unfortunately, by trying to wrangle in the crowd such that I could benefit from a little less background noise, I got labeled as a control freak, which surprised me. The person who said it was simply joking, but the experience did get me thinking.<br />
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According to a quick google search, control freak is defined as "a person who feels an obsessive need to exercise control over themselves and others and to take command of any situation." Likewise, the Learning Mind explains "<a href="https://www.learning-mind.com/control-freak/">10 Signs You Are Dealing with a Control Freak</a>" as (1) They always correct people when they are wrong, (2) They always criticize and judge other people, (3) They are leaders, not team players, (4) They take full credit for their successes, (5) They will never admit when they're wrong, (6) They know what's best and try to change others to fulfill own agenda, (7) They spend a lot of their time trying to prevent bad things from occurring, (8) They never delegate tasks to others, (9) They always have to have the last word, and (10) They have no time for anyone who makes a mistake. I will happily admit that I do spend a good deal of time trying to prevent bad things from occurring, hence why I own a productivity consultancy, and I dislike wasting time with folks who consistently make the same time-wasting mistakes over and over again; however, there is a big difference between committing each day to making the world a better place and being a control freak.<br />
<br />
Lately, in the media, there has appeared to be a movement toward "You do you", including an awesome book entitled <a href="https://amzn.to/3yhFVdU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Do You </a>that was published in November 2017 by Sarah Knight. Yet, as a business owner and community leader, I find it's important to be cognizant of others' perceptions of you because they directly lead to how those making assumptions about you will respond to your needs, initiatives or offerings. <b>The tricky part is that no one can get inside another person's head, and human nature is to fill in the blanks of what's not been shared verbally or visually; usually, how we fill in others' blanks is not how those folks would fill in the blanks for themselves, but we can base our fill-in-the-blank answers on only our personal experiences, perspectives and thoughts. </b>Similar to deeming someone to be a control freak would be the label of perfectionist or saying that someone lacks time management skills. They are assumptions, and we've all heard the saying about what assuming makes us.<br />
<br />
Since humans can't get inside each others' heads, how do we know that our definition of perfect does or doesn't match someone else's definition of perfect, how can we determine if someone's longer hours working on a project are because they are trying to get it "just right" and aiming for perfection or simply trying to figure out how to get it done at all, how can we decide that someone is late because they have poor time management skills versus simply having had a more pressing priority pop up to deviate a timely arrival and who are any of us to determine another person's delegation skills if we don't know for certain who is actually getting everything done that we are attributing to that person?<br />
<br />
Teams are made stronger, more productive and far better at achieving greater results by bringing together diverse individuals with varying experiences, perspectives and thoughts; however, the power behind including diversity within any group is limited by the communication skills of all team members. Are we subconsciously sabotaging our teams? How do we speak up so others don't make inaccurate assumptions about us? Or how do we ask questions to get others' true answers instead of filling in the blanks incorrectly?<br />
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When presenting a team-building workshop to a client earlier this month, we focused a good deal on embracing varying perceptions as we cling to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5vz6iwV38U">wisdom from Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" song lyrics</a> that we can change only ourselves, not others. In other words, we have to be "starting with the man in the mirror", and I find the Serenity Prayer helpful in knowing how to react to any given scenario... "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."<br />
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<b>Are the assessments we make of others helpful as we attempt to focus on what we can change about ourselves? Moreover, as humans, how can we reign ourselves back and stop making such assumptions of others? How does the human impulse to apply labels impact our success in teams?</b><br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-18461221273544368292018-03-06T14:55:00.001-05:002018-03-06T14:55:23.158-05:0010 Tips to Safely and Successfully Spring Forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7a_cJYCddbo/Wp7iUZrACvI/AAAAAAAAFoU/LVvwLx3hckU7wxBP1EIY6HkRV6FJ8XUWQCLcBGAs/s1600/Daylight%2BSaving%2BTime%2BSpring%2BForward.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7a_cJYCddbo/Wp7iUZrACvI/AAAAAAAAFoU/LVvwLx3hckU7wxBP1EIY6HkRV6FJ8XUWQCLcBGAs/s200/Daylight%2BSaving%2BTime%2BSpring%2BForward.png" width="200" /></a></div>
As explained by WebMD, "Losing an hour of sleep to gain an extra hour of sunlight... interrupts your circadian rhythm or your sleep-wake cycle", and <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/how-daylight-saving-time-affects-your-health">the act of springing forward can be stressful for our bodies, affecting our well-being in both positive and negative ways</a>. Losing an hour of sleep in March is especially hard on those not following <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/arianna_huffington_how_to_succeed_get_more_sleep">Arianna Huffington's advice</a> and already getting less sleep than needed. As routines are tools to boost productivity, they can also assist in transitional times like this. During these days counting down to the start of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time">Daylight Saving Time</a>, there are steps to be taken for optimizing the good and minimizing the bad of the upcoming time change. Here are some actions to take this week:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Prepare your sleep-wake cycles. </b>Gradually shift yourself into the hour earlier sleep upcoming by adjusting your bedtime before the time change gets here. Go to bed 15 minutes early on Wednesday, 30 minutes early Thursday, 45 minutes early on Friday, and, then, an hour early Saturday. That means you'll get your normal amount of sleep once Sunday's alarm goes off.</li>
<li><b>Caffeinate strategically. </b>As you'll be headed to bed earlier in the upcoming nights, it's increasingly important to fall asleep easier, working towards those goals for your bedtime. Reduce your caffeine intake earlier than usual each day leading up to the start of Daylight Saving Time so it's out of your system earlier and has less effect on when you get to sleep.</li>
<li><b>Fine-tune your bedtime routine.</b> Start preparing for bed by eating dinner earlier. Then, drink a relaxing, sleep-inducing tea to make falling asleep come more quickly, like chamomile, lavender or some combination of similar herbs. Lower lighting and activity levels for an hour before bedtime.</li>
<li><b>Be active during the day. </b>Especially on Saturday, be sure to get some vigorous exercise. If it's sunny, get moving outside and soak in that vitamin D, which advances the body clock.</li>
<li><b>Nap selectively.</b> Normally, power naps can be a good way to catch-up on missed sleep; however, on Saturday or Sunday, an afternoon nap might make it too difficult to go to sleep earlier that night. Avoid taking a nap anytime this weekend.</li>
<li><b>Stick with Sunday's normal wake-up time.</b> While the aforementioned earlier bedtime approach is helpful for those with the chronotype of "night owl", many "morning person" types benefit from waking up in the same increments of increasing earliness; however, when it comes to Sunday morning, everyone needs to get up at what is considered a normal wake-up time. Sleeping in on the morning that the time change takes effect will make adjusting all the more difficult.</li>
<li><b>Power up on morning sunlight.</b> Letting the sun shine over your face first-thing each morning resets your body's natural clock. With Daylight Saving Time, you'll be waking up when it's a little darker outside so consider swapping your alarm clock for a light box to wake up more easily. Take a morning walk outdoors to get moving in the sunshine, even if it's for only 15 minutes. If there's not enough time for a walk, soak in the sun's rays from your porch, patio or sunniest window, allowing the warmth to better jumpstart your day.</li>
<li><b>Add essential oils to your springtime morning routine.</b> A little peppermint in your morning tea will help kickstart your energy level, especially the first week of Daylight Saving Time. </li>
<li><b>Implement the same changes for kids, too. </b>Children having a hard time falling or staying asleep after the start of Daylight Saving Time are listening to cues from their bodies, making it equally if not more important to help them through this same process of proactively adjusting to the time change.</li>
<li><b>Drive more attentively.</b> The morning is already the most dangerous time on the road; when you add in the fact that it will be darker during your morning commute along with potentially greater exhaustion, it's important to be even more careful and alert as you drive to work, especially during the first few weeks following the start of Daylight Saving Time.</li>
</ul>
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Take action with these tactics to cut down on the stress and sleep deprivation associated with Daylight Saving Time; you'll be grateful for the results. Do you do anything special to make the time change less impactful or stressful? Please share in the comments.<br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-36739480874067478682018-01-31T11:37:00.001-05:002018-01-31T11:37:20.802-05:00Visualize Your Ideal Life to Make It Happen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoQjWJgytG4/WnHqP2FZ5KI/AAAAAAAAFn4/H4Olhan7RpAjuqgI-7mGD8_oW_3LU9UwACLcBGAs/s1600/Visualize%2BYour%2BGoals%2Bfrom%2Bgiphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoQjWJgytG4/WnHqP2FZ5KI/AAAAAAAAFn4/H4Olhan7RpAjuqgI-7mGD8_oW_3LU9UwACLcBGAs/s200/Visualize%2BYour%2BGoals%2Bfrom%2Bgiphy.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
The fundamentals of productivity build upon one another... You <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/know-your-priorities-and-what-matters-most.html">clarify what matters most</a>, utilize those priorities to <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/be-proactive-with-weekly-strategy.html">create a game plan for proactively addressing the week</a>, utilize a <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/daily-wrap-up-to-stay-on-track-with-productivity.html">daily wrap-up</a> to stay on track and, yet, sometimes, still miss out on attaining your loftiest of goals. The missing link might have more to do with visualization of your goals than the tactics you use to get through each day.<br />
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Have you ever heard the saying that "Seeing is believing"? As the Huffington Post explains, "<a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-niles-phd/visualization-goals_b_878424.html">Before we can believe in a goal, we first must have an idea of what it looks like</a>... This is where visualization comes in, which is simply a technique for creating a mental image of a future event." It is through visualizing our experience of desired results that we can see, feel, smell, taste and hear all that success offers, fueling even greater emotional drive to meet goals.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qD6czQobTdw/WnHqc48-DHI/AAAAAAAAFn8/fgbXaT6WHDwNBOeUXCsWHazpjY-uatFrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Visualize%2Bideal%2Blife.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qD6czQobTdw/WnHqc48-DHI/AAAAAAAAFn8/fgbXaT6WHDwNBOeUXCsWHazpjY-uatFrgCLcBGAs/s200/Visualize%2Bideal%2Blife.png" width="200" /></a>One of the most successful methods is <b>outcome visualization</b>, where you create a detailed mental image of the desired outcome using all of your senses, putting yourself in the situation of achieving your goal to envision every little detail. This could be drawings, words, diagrams or a vision board, but the key is dig into the details as you create a visual representation of that outcome.<br />
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Another of the most successful methods is <b>process visualization</b>, where you envision each of the actions necessary to achieve the outcome you want, focusing on exactly how to complete each steps needed to achieve your goal rather than the end result.<br />
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At the end of this year, how will you have spent your days? What will be your gross revenue? How many of what types of clients will have hired you? What new things will you have tried or what helpful habits will you have developed? What did you stop doing?<br />
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<b>Write out your answers; then, determine exactly what needs to occur to make your vision a reality. </b>What resources do you need to procure? What partnerships do you need to initiate? What marketing efforts do you need to schedule? What sort of training do you need to acquire? With whom do you need to interact more?<br />
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Need help? <a href="http://jackcanfield.com/blog/visualize-and-affirm-your-desired-outcomes-a-step-by-step-guide/">Try Jack Canfield's step-by-step to get started.</a><br />
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<b>What is your vision for your ideal life? What needs to occur to make that vision a reality? Share your experience with these visualization techniques and share your successes.</b><br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-50972928902137190192018-01-30T14:22:00.000-05:002018-01-30T14:22:10.629-05:00Delegate and Automate to Get More Done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tasks are thrown at us each day via calls, emails, meeting conversations, texts and people stopping by our office. With our limited time, it often feels as if there are never enough minutes to get it all done; yet, our inability do it all on our own does not eliminate the never-ending to-do list. Until cloning becomes a realistic option or we can get our Inspector Gadget tools, we need alternative solutions.<div>
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<div>
When evaluating tasks requesting your attention, think this way:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Does this task need to be completed at all? If not, can it be deleted, totally removing it from my to-do list?</li>
<li>If the task must be done, does it need to be done immediately? If not, to when can it be deferred?</li>
<li>Does this task require my unique skill set? If not, can someone else learn from doing it or does someone else have a skill set that will get it done better, more thoroughly or more quickly? To whom can it be delegated?</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
In any instance where a task can be completed by someone or something else, you open up time in your schedule to allocate towards getting something done that only you can accomplish.</div>
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<div>
Resources for delegation are not limited to existing member of your team, whether those at your company, members of your household or volunteers on a committee you chair. There are endless options for delegating the different types of tasks on your to-do list: <a href="http://www.errandgirlofdurham.com/">Errand Girl</a>, <a href="https://www.fancyhands.com/">Fancy Hands</a>, <a href="https://www.fiverr.com/">Fiverr</a>, <a href="https://www.gigsalad.com/">GigSalad</a>, <a href="http://www.guru.com/">Guru</a>, <a href="http://metrosotherwoman.com/">Metro's Other Woman</a>, <a href="https://www.moonlightingapp.com/">Moonlighting</a>, <a href="https://www.outsourcely.com/">Outsourcely</a>, <a href="http://www.redbutler.com/">Red Butler</a>, <a href="https://sweeps.jobs/">Sweeps</a>, <a href="https://www.taskrabbit.com/">Task Rabbit</a>, <a href="https://www.thumbtack.com/">Thumbtack</a>, <a href="https://www.upwork.com/">Upwork</a>, <a href="https://99designs.com/">99Designs</a>. Likewise, consider delegating the task of grocery shopping to options such as <a href="https://www.instacart.com/">Instacart</a>, <a href="https://www.shipt.com/">Shipt</a> or <a href="https://primenow.amazon.com/onboard?sourceUrl=%2F">Amazon Prime Now</a>. Or think about how personal assistants can help, like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=201549920">Amazon Alexa</a>, <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17214/windows-10-what-is">Cortana</a>, <a href="https://www.easilydo.com/">EasilyDo</a>, <a href="https://store.google.com/product/google_home">Google Home</a> or <a href="http://www.apple.com/ios/siri/">Siri</a>.</div>
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<div>
Automation is a form of delegation where you delegate to technology and can massively expand how much you get done concurrently. Set what rules apply to your needs in automation tools like <a href="https://ifttt.com/channels">IFTTT</a>, <a href="https://www.podbox.com/">Podbox</a>, <a href="https://zapier.com/">Zapier</a> and social media managers like <a href="https://bufferapp.com/">Buffer</a>, <a href="https://meetedgar.com/">Edgar</a>, <a href="https://www.falconsocial.com/">Falcon Social</a>, <a href="http://www.hootsuite.com/">Hootsuite</a>, <a href="https://www.socialoomph.com/">SocialOomph</a> and <a href="http://sproutsocial.com/">Sprout Social</a>. These "set it and forget it" solutions fulfill your desire to do two things at once while not hiring a human-being to help.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What are some tasks on your to-do list that could benefit from deleting, deferring or delegating? Which of the aforementioned tools might be a positive addition to your productivity toolbox?</div>
<div>
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Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132405211719174180.post-8711165437915363442018-01-29T18:18:00.001-05:002018-01-29T18:18:44.823-05:00Practice the Power of One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDnZcoq_SRo/Wm-rszRuWVI/AAAAAAAAFnY/0PMEm_Jw8VsMVw7X6naG5yVjnPoUUXGlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Power%2BOf%2BOne.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDnZcoq_SRo/Wm-rszRuWVI/AAAAAAAAFnY/0PMEm_Jw8VsMVw7X6naG5yVjnPoUUXGlgCLcBGAs/s200/Power%2BOf%2BOne.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Although <a href="http://threedognight.com/">Three Dog Night</a> might've wanted to convince folks that one is the loneliest number, I believe wholeheartedly that <b>one is the most powerful number for productivity</b>. There can be power in the masses, meaning a team collaborating in harmony makes greater progress than an individual; however, when it comes to certain organizing tools, it's more impactful to practice the power of one. When you have one place to look for information, one place to update content and one place from which data feeds, it is easier to quickly find what you need when you need it, keep content updated as it changes and verify information is processing correctly. Here are a few examples:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Address Book</b> - For contacts' names, phone numbers, emails and snail mail addresses as well as any notes gathered via interactions with that person, keeping everything centralized within one system better enables it will stay up-to-date and be quickly accessible whenever or wherever needed, rather than having the business card left elsewhere or the phone number locked in another tool. It is best to have your solution sync across devices, meaning you don't have to manually enter details' changes on computers as well as mobile devices.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Calendar</b> - Whether it's paper or electronic, a single place to track all time commitments (personal and professional) makes it less likely that appointments will be forgotten or you'll double-book yourself. If you choose an electronic option, you can still benefit from the power of one principle with various calendars for different elements of life, like one shared with your spouse, one shared with folks at work and one for volunteer commitments, as long as you have a viewing option to see everything at once, letting conflicts be visible easily.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Cloud-Based, Automated Back-up</b> - Computers crash. Fires can destroy all your devices. Emergencies happen. It is with an automated, remote storage of all data from your hard drive that you can truly be prepared for anything. There is a difference between an online file repository and a cloud-based, automated back-up, which means both are necessary, and it's important to <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/cloud-solutions-for-online-document-storage-and-electronic-file-management.html">be strategic in managing electronic files</a>. Unlike a hard-drive that you attach to your computer for backing up data, a cloud solution isn't at risk of natural disasters in your physical proximity, doesn't require you remembering to hook it up for activating the back-up and has multiple points at which your data storage is duplicated as well as protected.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>"Data Dump" of Information</b> - Human-beings are inundated daily with information, like meeting notes, ideas, reference articles, checklists, process steps, voice mails, blog posts, emails, texts and inspirations. Since our brains are meant for thinking, not remembering, it's important to <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/stop-depending-on-brain-to-remember-document-everything.html">document everything</a>. Keeping it all in one place limits the places you must check when trying to find whatever's needed. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>File-Naming Structure</b> - Whether paper files, electronic documents or saved emails, having each folder and individual file follow the same naming conventions will allow you to <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/organize-files-to-quickly-find-what-need.html">know what goes where and more easily retrieve each item later</a>. If you have to ask "where should I file this?" when assigning a home to newly received or created content, how will you ever be able to find it later? Make sure you have enough folders for all the content to be retained while not having so many folders that any one item could go into more than one; then, keep your file-naming structure simply while avoiding "miscellaneous" so it's easy to replicate across the various retention platforms.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Password Manager</b> - There's no doubt that our list of websites and software solutions requiring logins is continually growing, and <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/protect-yourself-with-better-password-management.html">we must protect ourselves with better password management</a>. Listing all usernames and passwords in one place saves time as we're frantically trying to get logged in, and an electronic solution is more secure, allows easier access while on-the-go, creates more secure passwords, can alert you automatically when any site has been hacked and works cross-platform so you always have the right login information, no matter which device is being utilized to access your account.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Strategy for Attacking Priorities</b> - Proactively create the direction in which you will proceed each week rather than living in reactionary mode by completing a <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/be-proactive-with-weekly-strategy.html">weekly strategy session</a> to develop a game plan for tasks, communications, time commitments and development opportunities in advance. Use your weekly strategy to ward off time stealers and others priorities since <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/weekly-strategy-can-ward-off-time-stealers-and-others-priorities.html">knowing where you're headed helps in getting there</a>. Then, implement a <a href="http://organizeforsuccess.blogspot.com/2018/01/daily-wrap-up-to-stay-on-track-with-productivity.html">daily wrap-u</a>p to stay on track throughout the week, avoiding deviations from curveballs that life will throw your way while addressing what matters most.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>To-Do List</b> - When jotting tasks down in different notebooks, on meeting agendas, using sticky notes atop your desk or on the napkin you grab in the drive-through line, it's more difficult to know what needs to be done when. Alternatively, keeping all the action items needing your attention in one place makes it more likely they'll get completed, aides in prioritizing and allows for divvying out must-do items across each day of the week. If you opt for an electronic task manager app, it adds reminders, easier carryover, recurrences and useful integrations.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Where do you see the power of one boosting your productivity currently? How can you streamline your toolbox to have one tool for each listed function? </b><br />
<br />Org4Successhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15485700901451029938noreply@blogger.com1