New Blog

I have upgraded my blog and moved it to http://www.threehourtransformation.com.

Watch for all future updates and new information there.

~ Nancy

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Nancy Black, Organization Plus
http://www.organizationplus.com

Nancy Black's Organization Plus Blog: A Veteran's Experience at NAPO Conference

Nancy Black's Organization Plus Blog: A Veteran's Experience at NAPO Conference

A Veteran's Experience at NAPO Conference

A Veteran's Experience at NAPO Conference
Nancy Black, Organization Plus
(Excerpts from NAPO/NE Newsletter article with minor edits.)

This year I attended my 19th NAPO Conference.

While riding in the van from the airport to the hotel, I met a mother and daughter who have an organizing business in Bogotá. In one session, I sat next to an organizer from Hong Kong. In an elevator, I met the president of the Australian Association of Professional Organizers. Other attendees were from Canada, Japan, Bermuda, and The Netherlands. Obviously, people all over the world have organizing challenges!

The theme of this year's conference was "Innovate, Connect and Inspire."

Tim Sanders, former Chief Solutions Officer for Yahoo, shared his vision for innovation as it relates to our personal responsibility for social consciousness and business growth.

Gina Schreck, the Geek Chick, addressed connections vis-à-vis the value of technology and communications in the business environment.

Monica Wofford spoke about how "Contagious Confidence" can inspire you to be the absolute best you can be.

I also attended other sessions that have enhanced my professional growth.

The highlight for me was being recognized as a 20 Year Golden Circle member.

ORGANIZE YOUR WAY TO PROFITABILITY

PLAN AHEAD:

ORGANIZE YOUR WAY TO PROFITABILITY

Tuesday, August 10 —8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. FREE
As a business owner, are you spending more time fighting fires or sparking new ideas? Drowning in paperwork or making your business watertight? Getting lost in details or finding better ways to run your business? In this workshop you will learn organizing tips that will help you focus on your top priorities. We will discuss how you can organize your way to profitability.
Speaker: Nancy Black, Founder, Organization Plus
Co-sponsored by the Small Business Development Center
www.theenterprisectr.org

Blogging for Business

I heard Christa Terry speak on Blogging for Business at the North Shore Business Forum.

She was an excellent speaker, who presented the information in a very user-friendly way.

Christa is the author of "iDo:Planning Your Wedding with Nothing But Net".

If you would like to have a blog, but don't think you have the time to do it, contact Organization Plus so we can help you fit into your schedule.

Reduce Stress: Plan Ahead for 4th of July

Celebrate Independence Day - July 4th: Declare Your Independence

While most of us are celebrating this day with barbecues, parades, fireworks, etc., our armed forces are fighting to preserve our freedom.

Take a moment of silence to acknowledge their sacrifices to preserve our freedom. Whenever you see someone in uniform say "thank you."

Every year I attend the rehearsal of the Boston Pops Esplanade Concert. It is wonderful to see thousands of people celebrating the 4th.

Highlights of the evening are a sing along of "This Land Is Your Land;" the unfurling of our flag, with the music of "Stars and Stripes Forever;" and the exhilarating sounds of the "1812 Overture," with the cannons going off.

For more information visit http://www.july4th.org

~ Nancy

Real Results: Declare Your Independance

Declare Your Independence in time for this 4th of July

Clients who have declared their independence have told me...

"Being organized is so liberating."

"Working with us to identify where our time goes has been invaluable in scheduling work and personal activities that relate to our values."

"I am feeling very empowered, as if organization might be something I will be able to maintain in my life. You have helped me to feel lighter."

~ Nancy

As a professional organizer on the North Shore, I help people change their lives, reduce stress, and enjoy work! (yes, you can actually enjoy working!). Visit my website at http://www.organizationplus.com.

See how I transform people's lives in as little as THREE HOURS.

Recommended "Get Organized" Product - June 2010

Elfa® Freestanding™ Drawer System

While re- organizing a client’s desk and office supply drawers, I realized that items were getting stuck in the shallow drawers, and lost in the deep ones.

My solution was to create an Elfa® Freestanding ™Drawer System.
We selected a platinum frame, butcher block top, and silver mesh draws, so they would blend in with the decor of his office.

When I put things in them, I used drawer organizers so that small items have a specific home, and will stay neat.

He now has an attractive set of drawers, clearly labeled, Office Supplies, Peter, Mailing Supplies, and Paper, where he can find whatever he needs within seconds.

The products I suggested are an example of my knowledge of the best organizing products available to get the job done.


These are available at The Container Store via my Recommended Products page.


~ Nancy

As a professional organizer on the North Shore, I help people change their lives, reduce stress, and enjoy work! (yes, you can actually enjoy working!). Visit my website at http://www.organizationplus.com.

See how I transform people's lives in as little as THREE HOURS.

What Would You Do With an Extra 10 Hours Per Week?

Do you dream of having another 10 hours a week?

One of my clients thought it could never happen.

Voila…I taught him how to break his projects down to manageable time segments and he now leaves the office at 5:00pm each day instead of 7:00pm.

Yes, he has another 10 hours a week.

That's more than 500 hours per year!

Just think you could get in a round of golf after work, get home for dinner on time, or make it to your kid’s little league game.

~ Nancy

As a professional organizer on the North Shore, I help people change their lives, reduce stress, and enjoy work! (yes, you can actually enjoy working!). Visit my website at http://www.organizationplus.com.

See how I transform people's lives in as little as THREE HOURS.

Clutter = Chaos and Stress

Are you overwhelmed by the clutter in your home office?

One of my clients, who is the CEO of a real estate development company, had her home office enlarged. Her first appointment was 10 years ago and she calls me whenever she needs an “organizing fix “. ( I have also worked with her staff in her corporate office.)

On April 26th I received the following email from her:

“Are you available Monday May 24th to organize the office. They have tentatively given me the week of the 17 for the installation and they say they will need the entire week. If that should move up at all and I am trying hard to get it moved up, I’ll let you know.”


Miracle of miracles, it was done by May 24th, (although we worked around the installer and the electrician for a few hours). Because I knew how her office had been set up, I was able to organize the new space in only one day.


~ Nancy

As a professional organizer on the North Shore, I help people change their lives, reduce stress, and enjoy work! (yes, you can actually enjoy working!). Visit my website at http://www.organizationplus.com.

See how I transform people's lives in as little as THREE HOURS.

Tired of tripping of your old electronics?

Saturday, May 22nd old electronics collection, Beverly, MA.

8:00am to noon, Beverly High School

See April 18th blog post for details.

Have you had a Iron Mountain pick up lately?

Recently I worked with someone, in a management position, to help him decrease the paper clutter, in his office.

As I looked around, I asked him questions about the different piles that I saw. He said that the reason there were so many piles was that they were long overdue for an Iron Mountain pick up.
However; the storage room that they needed to go in, for preparation to be sent out, was so full that you couldn't get another box in it.

I challenged him to set a deadline for an Iron Mountain pick up.
The good news is that, within a few weeks, he had sent 150 boxes.

Other departments were envious that his files were no longer taking up valuable space in his office, or in the storage room. Consequently, they are preparing their files for an IM pick up.

The long term benefit is that each department now has retention guidelines for how long files should be kept on site and when they should be sent to IM.

Do you know that clutter in your office causes clutter in your mind?

Contact us to help you clear your clutter.

~ Nancy

As a professional organizer on the North Shore, I help people change their lives, reduce stress, and enjoy work! (yes, you can actually enjoy working!). Visit my website at http://www.organizationplus.com.

See how I transform people's lives in as little as THREE HOURS.

Being a Mom is the Greatest Job in the World

Being a Mom is the Greatest Job in the World

Where else can you get a bonus paid in hugs and kisses? Of course, the salary isn't the greatest, but you're always assured of steady work.

Being a mom calls for the most diverse qualifications. Teacher (for homework); chauffeur ( for carpool); maid (for picking up messes); minister (to give those much-needed sermons); doctor ( for skinned knees); therapist (to dispense unsolicited advice); parole officer (for being grounded).

What other job description can offer so many challenging opportunities? And the greatest perk of all is job security - you don't have to worry about downsizing layoffs! A good mom is hard to find

Connie Meyer (from I Love You Mom)

This poem is for all the moms, whose full time job is being mom, and all the women who have two jobs; one in their home and one working in a business.

This poem was taken from a book that my oldest daughter gave me years ago.

Do you know what's in your file draws?

This week I worked with the president of a company who called me because his desktop had an avalanche of paper piles.

Before we could start to go through the piles, to turn them into files, we needed to determine whether or not there was space in his file drawers for them.

As we opened each drawers, I saw: Dog treats
A sweatshirt
An assortment of cords and battery chargers.
Poduct manual
Snack food.
Just to name a few.

Do you know what is in your file drawers?

Together , we re-organized the files and created a color-coded system so that he could find things more easily. Note I said "we created". He needed to decide what he wanted he wanted the major and sub categories to be.

He was amazed at what we accomplish in only a few hours. He can't wait for me to come back next week to continue reorganizing his office.

Do you know what is in your file drawers?

~ Nancy

As a professional organizer on the North Shore, I help people change their lives, reduce stress, and enjoy work! (yes, you can actually enjoy working!). Visit my website at http://www.organizationplus.com.

See how I transform people's lives in as little as THREE HOURS.

JUMP START Your Productivity

Many people tell me they want to get organized, but they don't have time.

The solution our Jump Start Program.

With our Jump Start offering , we only need one hour ( 60 minutes) of your time.

In that one hour, we will define an action plan to get you on the road again -

de-cluttered, organized, prioritized.

For more information, e-mail : nancy@organizationplus.com or contact Nancy at 978-922-6136.

Client Sees Benefits of Being More Organized

Yesterday I worked with a client , who told me that since we have been meeting, he has seen the following benefits :

1) He is better at prioritizing and focusing on the most important tasks to do.

2) He is breaking projects down into manageable tasks, and making appointments on his PDA, to work on them in specific time slots.

3) Now that he schedules his tasks , he can see where his time is going, so he plans it more efficiently.

4) He has learned to assess which tasks take his skills and which ones can be delegated.

5) His office and storage room are no longer cluttered because he has sent over 100 boxes of files that need to be archived, to Iron Mountain storage.

5) He is most excited about the fact that he now leaves work closer to 5:00 than 7:00.

Click on: www.organizationplus.com to see how you can benefit from being more organized.

Cell Phone Do Not Call Number

Remember: Cell phone numbers go public this month.

You will be charged for these calls.

To prevent this call the following number from your cell phone.

888-382-1222

It is the National DO NOT list.

It will only take you a minute and will save you time and money.

Learn other ways that you can save time and money.

Getting Rid of Electronics

Electronics Collection Day
Beverly(MA) High School
8 AM to noon ---- May 22

Now is the time for Beverly residents to collect all of their electronics they are no longer using, that are tangled in a big plastic bin, taking up valuable desk drawer space, or worse yet, stored in valuable file drawer space.

Residents will not be charged for computers, keyboards, printers, fax machines, video cassette recorders, compact disc players, radios, microwaves, vacuums and telephones.

There will be a $10 fee for plastic frame televisions, $14 for console or woodframe TVs.
There will be a $3 fee for computer monitors, and a $5 fee for air conditioners,
refrigerators, dehumidifiers and freezers.

While you're sorting through these things, be sure to label the ones that are still useful to you.
Need help getting through this contact: http://www.organizationplus.com/.

DeClutter For Good Donation Drive April 2010: Beanie Babies!

From my colleague, Nancy Gallant, regarding DeClutter Good April Drive.

DeClutter For GoodTM Donation Drive April 2010: Beanie Babies!

Focusing your de-cluttering efforts on one topic at a time and contributing toward a collective drive for a worthy recipient organization is manageable, empowering and rewarding...

This month's DeClutter For Good donation drive is quite focused, and, I believe, quite worthwhile... Along the way, there's the opportunity to stop and reflect on the circumstances of children in war-torn parts of our world as well as the safety and well-being of our brave men and women in uniform putting their lives on the line to help those in need of peace and security. Beanie Babies?? Who woulda thunk it? Indeed, Beanie Babies are the perfect size for our soldiers to keep in their backpacks, ready to take out this gift of kindness at a moment's notice. Think of the smiles and joy these little stuffed creatures ~ of all variety of color and species ~ can bring to a child who has so little to brighten his or her day. And, the gift coming from someone in uniform delivers the message that our troops are there with kindness in their hearts and, indeed, hopes for a brighter future for these young children who have already endured so much pain and tragedy.

What a great use of the Beanie Babies that many of us ~ yours truly included ~ purchased in excess for our kids because it was the "in" thing!

Here's a link to some great photos on the Beanies for Baghdad website, the organization we will most likely be working with on this DeClutter For Good effort. So, if you got 'em, dig 'em out from the closet, under the bed, in the attic... No Beanie Babies in your home? Please share this news with the people you think of when you think of Beanie Babies!

DeClutter Beanie Babies For GoodDrop-Off Day Sunday, April 25th10am-4pm @ Time Well Spent's Pre-Launch Office(click here for directions)

Reply to this email if you'd like to arrange an alternative date/time. In addition to the drop-off day on the third weekend of the month, Robbie and Jeffrey are this month's service learning students working on taking the collection to the townspeople of Ipswich and surrounding communities. So, locals can watch for more details in the newspaper and on flyers.

For more information go to www. Time Well Spent.com

Sign up for MA License Renewal Reminder

Did you know that the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles is no longer sending reminders to renew your license through the mail?

Many people are concerned that they will forget when the renewal date is.

You can sign up for RMV Reminder Service online.
Click on Residents
RMV Transactions
Other Services....more
RMV Service Reminder

Another Organization Plus suggestion to simplify your Life Management.

Looking for other ways to simplify your Life Management? Post a comment and I'll respond.

Organizing Product Handy Hold-All

Handy Hold-All

It's a smart way to utilize your vertical space to keep accessories visible - and can help save time in the morning rush!

Keep handbags, jewelry, belts, scarves and hats neatly organized with our Handy Hold-All. You can hang it on a door with the removable overdoor hook or on a hanger, thanks to the small grommet at the top. Made from cotton
Seven loops can each hold up to four items, depending on the size of the items

Visit http://organizationplus.com/organizingproducts.html and click on The Container Store.

LIFE 101 - EMAIL Overload and EMAIL Management Advice

LIFE101 – Questions & Answers with Nancy Black, Organization Plus (organizationplus.com)

Q: Nancy, I’m suffering from email overload and it was even worse after a recent vacation. Do you have any email management advice?

A: First, let me assure you that you are not alone. Many people are now asking Professional Organizers for help dealing with email overload and email management in general. Here are some ideas:

Have someone retrieve your email for you, or login to your account, and delete junk email and unsolicited offers (SPAM).

Limit the number of newsletters you subscribe to.

Get a separate or “alternative” email address at Google (GMAIL) or Yahoo! for email newsletters.

Be very careful who you give your personal or private email address to. Give out your “alternative” email address more freely.

Talk with your email provider (Verizon, Comcast, webmaster) or technical support person to discuss the best ways to reduce junk email and SPAM based on the email client software that you use (i.e. Outlook, Thunderbird, Eudora, etc.).

Use your email software to “report” SPAM and junk email. How you actually do this varies from one software package to another, but most have it.

I hope this helps. These things have helped my clients who had the same concerns.

~ Nancy

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About Nancy Black

Nancy Black is a Professional Organizer in the Boston area, with more than 25 years of experience helping people get organized, manage the clutter in their lives, and "turn their piles into files." Visit her website at http://www.organizationplus.com or call her at (978) 922-6136 to learn more about how she changes people's lives in only three hours with a "3 Hour Transformation."

2010 Cenus Due April 1st.....

How It Affects the Nation - 2010 Census

Be sure to mail in your 2010 Cenus by April st.

It only takes a few minutes to fill it out.

Only 45% have been returned to date
You can help this increase this percent.

April 22nd 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

April 22nd is Earth Day.


It is hard to believe that this year is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

It seems like it has only been promoted in the last 5 to 10 years.


Many magazines feature articles on recycling and ways to conserve energy. They also promote organizing products that make recycling easier and that are made with recycled material. Check out See Jane Work and The New Essex Office, and The Container Store at: http//:www.organizationplus.com /recommendedproducts/html for eco-friendly products.

Looking for a product that you can't find?Ask me about doing product research for you.



Do you recycle, plastic, metal?


How many recycling bins, do you fill up on your recycling collection day?


Do you know that the more you recycle, the more money your community will save?


Have a brainstorming session with your family and friends on what you can do to make your community and the world cleaner and more sustainable. I'd love to hear your ideas.

Real Results: Email from a client.

Real Results

Email from Client Letter:

Many people ask me if they will be able to maintain the system after I create it for them.

Recently I received the following email from a client. According to my records, I had organized her office 14 years ago.

“How many years has it been??? And even in another office I can still do what you said to do way back when!!! Good news is that I do not have those humongous number of boxes stored on those tall shelves anymore in that back room - somebody else is fulfilling orders these days ;

] and my new office only has two offices. But I DO still find myself amidst piles of papers even though I got rid of the 18,000 paper file cabinets! I am down to one file cabinet and keep it pretty lean most of the time ;-].

I left NSBF this morning with renewed impetus to clean off the desk - have been trying (occasionally successfully) to maintain a clear surface ever since I moved (and even before I moved) 18 months ago. Today was THE DAY!!! Got most of it done. Still working on it, however. Recycle paper bin is FULL!!!! And the next pickup day is NEXT Friday ;-[.

I have a nancy-angel on my shoulder whispering sweet somethings about where to put this and that. I sometimes have even put everything from the desk on the floor to filter through!!! Arrruughh, that is tough to clean up!!!

Thought you should have a reminder of your impact - even maybe decades later and still going!!! Could we initiate a Nancy Bunny???

Catheryne (Cathy) Draper
The Math Studio, Inc.
Creator and Publisher of The Algebra Game

What systems have you maintained for over 10 years?

Daylight Savings Time Begins March 14th

Daylight Savings Time Begins March 14th

Remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour. Spring forward.............

You will loose an hour of sleep, but you will gain daylight at the end of the workday.

Only 6 days later, March 20th, Spring begins.

Those of us who are not "snow bunnies" are happy to that it is almost spring. WE look forward to the birds chirpping , the forsythias blooming, and the flowers budding.

Evening At The Museum March 18th 6-8:30 pm

Charitable Event to Benefit Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation

Mayor Kimberly Driscoll scheduled to welcome attendees to event.

On March 18th, WINGS (Women in Networking Giving Support) is hosting its 2010 Networking Event at the Peabody Essex Museum, “Evening at the Museum”.

WINGS is a non-profit organization which aims to enhance the lives and provide resources to empower women across the North Shore. WINGS is comprised of women professionals, entrepreneurs and women owned businesses.

All net proceeds of this event will benefit Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation a non-profit, working horse farm that has been successfully helping children and adults with physical, emotional, and learning disabilities since 1964.

Special guest speaker for the event will be Victoria Block, a long-time member of the 7NEWS and Emmy Award-winning general assignment reporter who has covered a variety of subjects from breaking news to investigative features, from education to politics, and from neighborhood crime to global warming.

Mayor of Salem Kim Driscoll will welcome attendees. Silent Auction, cash bar, music and hors d’oeuvres. Doors open at 6:00pm.

Advance ticket sales only at www.wingscares.com. The cost of admission is $35 advance sale, $40 after March 12th.
For more information, contact Cheryl Wogan or DawnMarie Corneau, President 978-299-3035.

Hope to see you there. Nancy

Life Management 101

Life Management and Organization Basics

With more than 24 years of experience as a Professional Organizer it's clear to me that people often forget about the fundamentals of time management and organization.

With that in mind, I thought I'd use the next few editions of my newsletter to "Get Back to the Basics" of life management and getting organized.

The Why

When people don't understand the purpose behind doing something, the "why," they can quickly drift away from their intentions.

So here is the "why" behind managing your time and getting organized:

Being organized and managing your time effectively will help you to reduce stress, reduce feelings of anxiousness or feeling "out-of-control," and generally have an all around IMMEDIATE positive impact on your life.

Being organized and managing your time effectively will make you feel better about yourself, feel better about the work you do, and allow you to spend more time doing the things YOU want to do for YOU.

Here are some things to consider:

Keep a Calendar

Keeping a schedule, or a calendar, is the only way to manage your time. It will help you plan your time and appointments more effectively.

There are so many different "calendar systems" available it can be overwhelming when looking for one. Whether electronic or paper-based, find one that you like; the style, the layout, the size - and you're more likely to stick to it. Set a goal to use it every day for a minimum of 60 days. I think you'll be very happy with the results!

Plan Each Day

Planning each day ahead of time will help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life and work. I've worked with people who do this the "night before" and others who do this first thing in the morning. Whatever your choice, planning ahead is a good thing and fairly simple. Write out a to-do list but avoid putting too many things on it!

Prioritize Your Tasks

Not everything can be a "top priority" and time-consuming but relatively unimportant to-do items can quickly be overwhelming and eat up your day.

Prioritizing is very important. You have to choose which items must get done first and which items can wait or be done after the more important tasks. Prioritizing is the cornerstone of time management and getting organized.

Have a System

Having a "system" in place is another critical component of effectively staying organized and managing your time.

Why do so many people lose weight with Weight Watchers?

Because it is a system. If you follow it, it works.

If you fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, as they say, without a system, you will create unnecessary stress and anxiousness for yourself.

There are residential systems and there are office systems. There are filing and paperwork systems and there are mail management systems.

Without systems managing your life becomes more difficult.

Without systems getting and staying organized turns into a clutter control problem - I guarantee it.

http://www.organizationplus.com

MassPay Got It Done!

Congratulations to Jason Maxwell, President of MassPay, and Sarah Harwood, Security Coordinator, they completed their WISP by the March 1st deadline.



Jason learned about this law at a seminar given by Laurie LaBrie, President of Integrated Staffing and then worked with Nancy Black, Compliance Coordinator of the Get It Done Team.



On March 1st Laurie and Nancy presented Jason & Sarah with a Get It Done cake deigned by
Kelly Delaney, Owner of Cakes for Occassions.

To see the great cake watch for the Beverly Chamber Newsletter and The Salem News. Sorry
photo wasn't available when this was posted.

MA Data Security Law Effective TODAY!

Massachusetts business owners (all) are required by law to protect their customer's information - in any form, electronic or otherwise -
starting TODAY March 1, 2010.
The new standards are pretty stringent. Penalties are significant.

Did you complete your WISP? Do you know what a WISP is? If you aswered NO to either of these quesions call 978-922-6136 noto ask how you can get it done.

Nancy Black, Compliance Coordinator, GetIt Done Team

and owner of Organization Plus

www.organizationplus.com

Vote for Time Well Spent for Pepsi Refresh Project Grant.

Vote for Time Well Spent for Pepsi Refresh Project Grant.

One of my colleagues, Nancy Gallant, has applied for a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project.
She is a March Grant Candidate.


Time Well Spent will be an Eco-Arts & Creative Repurposing Community Enrichment Center. The mission of Time Well Spent is to help people live with mindful awareness of the impact of their daily lifestyle & consumer choices on the quality of their life, the lives of those in need & the environment. Inspired by the need to rid ourselves of the clutter that creates barriers to our best life, we'll put our collective clutter to use in service to our mission!

To find out more about PEPSI contest and to VOTE: http://www.refresheverything.com/timewellspent
It only takes a minute!

Organizing An Art Studio

Today I worked with a client to organize her art studio.

Her goal was to de-clutter an area that she would be comfortable working in it. After determining which part of the room would give her the best natural light, we repositioned some of the furniture to use the space most efficiently.
It was important to have the supplies for her current project easily accessible

Getting organized saves time and money. We sorted her supplies so that she knows what she has and will not spend money buying duplicate materials. We put all of her picture frames in one area. Imagine her surprise when she realized that she had over 60 frames.

In the 25 plus years that I have been an organizer, I have worked with a number of artists . People have asked me if they require a different approach to organizing. The key to working with creative people is helping them set up visual systems so they can see a specific place for supplies to go.

Clutter stifles creativity. If you are tired of working in your disorganized studio, help is only a phone call away. Contact me at 978-922-6136.

When was the last time you cleared the clutter out f your studio?

Do you have trouble finding containers to keep your supplies in?

What is the greatest obstacle to working in your studio?

Skating Party Saturday February 20th 1-3pm

Skating Party

Our Foundation Celebration Skating Party 20 February 2010

The Ipswich Museum in conjunction with the Alexander Knight House (AKH) Team invites the public to a skating party to celebrate the completion of the foundation for the re-creation of the CA 1657 Alexander Knight House foundation.

Bring your beach chair for changing into your skates and skate with us on Sally's Pond next to the Whipple House between 1-3 PM on Saturday 20 February 2010.

Hot cocoa and snacks will be served. Event runs weather and ice conditions permitting.

Parking in the Town lot adjacent to the Police Station. FREE!

Can't find time to have fun? I help my clients find time to have fun. http://www.organizationplus.com

Free College Funding Workshop February 24th

One of my colleagues, Dick Joseph, is conducting a Free College Funding Workshop on Wednesday, February 24th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Osgood Landing at 1600 Osgood Street in North Andover . I would love to have you and your family attend.

For more details visit: http://www.mvpcollegefunding.vpweb.com/

Telling you about this workshop is an example of how I can save you time and money.
To learn more visit: http://www.organizationplus.com/

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Every year on Valentine's Day I made liver and onions for dinner.

Believe it or not, that is what my husband and I ordered for dinner on our first date. It was 47 years ago at the Harvard Grill, in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

Treat yourself to spending time with someone you love.

What are you doing on Valentine's Day?

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Every Valentine's Day I make liver and onions for dinner. That is what my husband and I ordered for dinner on our date.

What are you doing to celebrate Valentine's Day?

Plan to spend sometime with someone you love

Stuck in the snow? Work on your taxes.

If you are in the house because of the snow, it is a good time to work on your taxes.

I am going to walk my talk and work on mine. It is my top priority today.

Having trouble prioritizing? Visit http://www.organizationplus.com/ to see how I can help.

NEW Location of Newburyport Ma Data Security Law Seminar

The Newburyport Chamber Ma Data Security Law Seminar

NEW LOCATION: Newburyport Public Library Community Room, 94 State Street
** Please enter through back door off Prince Place. Parking on State and in municipal lot off Prince.

See previous post for details.

MA Data Security Law Seminar Feb.17th

Seminar planned on new security law
NEWBURYPORT — The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry will be presenting a seminar on the New Massachusetts Data Security Law.
This law requires all Massachusetts companies, whether they have 1 or 1,000 employees, to implement a Data Security Plan by March 1. It requires all companies — large or small — holding in any form: a Massachusetts citizen's name combined with any one of the following: credit card number, Social Security number, driver's license number/state issued ID, or financial information/account number to protect it according to stringent laws. Substantial financial penalties may apply for non-compliance.
The speaker is Laurie LaBrie of Integrated Staffing. It is sponsored by The Institution for Savings and will be held at the Institution for Savings Lending Center at 93 State St., on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 7:45 a.m.-10 a.m. Parking is available on State Street and in municipal lot.
The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.
For more information and to register, contact Patty St. John at 978-462-6680, ext. 14, or visit http://www.newburyportchamber.org/events.shtm.

Time Saving Tip: Voice Activated Software

My husband gave me the greatest birthday gift, a gift of time, Dragon Naturally Speaking software.

I had been listening to the ads for Dragon and saying to myself " I need that." So you can imagine how excited I was when he gave it to me.

Because I am a slow typist, I can already see that it will save me time. I use it with Outlook,
Word, Excel, and Quicken. It also works on the Web, searching, accessing info, and navigating Web pages by speaking URLs and links.

Have you used voice activated software? How do you like it? Do you think it saves you time?

To learn other ways that I can save you time visit:www.organizationplus.com/.

Wear Red Save 20% Now-Sunday, February 7th

Wear Red Save 20% Now-Sunday, February 7th at Macy's.

Show your support for national Wear Red Day.

Wear red, or purchased a Red Dress Pin, for $2.00, at any register and get the extra 20%
( 10% in some departments).

Macy's will donate all Red Dress proceeds to American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement.

Just think you have the fun of shopping in the fulfillment of donating to the American Heart Association simultaneously. Enjoy your shopping spree!

For more ideas on how I can save you money and time visit my website at http://www.organizationplus.com/.

NShore Jazz ProjectConcert My Funny Valentine

Love jazz...Float on dreamy vocals of Sandi Bedrosian, John Hyde, and friends.
Drinks, snacks, cash bar.

My Funny ValentineFriday, February 12, 20107:30-11 P.M.

John Archer's home10 North StreetDanvers, MA

$20 at the door $17 in advance Hear a music sample >>

John Archer opened our fund-raiser with three songs and was so excited to see the response to the NSJP that he is opening his house to for a "My Funny Valentine" party on February 12th.

To learn more about the North Shoire Jazz Project visit: www.northshorejazzproject.org

February 5th is National Wear Red Day

February 5th is National Wear Red Day

By doing so you'll help save women's lives -perhaps the life of someone you know.

Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women?

Wear red, and/or the GO RED FOR WOMEN sticker and speak up about the risk of heart disease in women.

Our Hearts. Our Choice.

For more details visit www.GoRedForWomen.org

Tax Preparation Is Less Taxing

NEW! Income Tax BinderOrganize Your Tax Documents in One Spot with our pre-packaged binder, tabs and binder envelopes!

Tax preparation is less taxing when you have all your paperwork in one place.

With this NEW! Income Tax Binder, it’s easy to collect and organize your tax documents throughout the year and avoid the last minute tax time rush.

You can also organize your previous tax returns and create a valuable resource for future tax planning. Plus, with your documents in order, you’ll be ready for the unexpected audit.The

Income Tax Binder includes:
your choice of a 2- or 3-ring Bindertek binder
six pre-printed index tabs that follow the IRS 1040 form to fit any tax situation
one Blank-Write On Tab
two Binder Envelopes to store loose receiptsPRICE: $20.00Buy TWO & SAVE $5.00!

To order click on Bindertek at: http://www.organizationplus.com/organizingproducts.html

Travel Size Items Simplify Your Life

I just discovered that Bed, Bath and Beyond has a great selection of travel size items. From make up wipes, soap to Hello Kitty band-aids , the selection is great. Stock up on your favorites and keep them in a "ready to go" cosmetic kit. Happy travels!

MA Data Security Law January Seminar Dates

MA Data Security Law got you feeling overwhelmed?

Have you attended a MA Data Security Law workshop,

presented by Laurie LaBrie of Integrated Staffing, Inc. ?

If not, be sure to sign up today! Attendees have given this workshop rave reviews.


The MA Data Security Law requires ALL companies holding in any form: a MA citizen's name, credit card number, social security number, driver’s license number/state issued ID or financial account number to protect it according to stringent standards.

The law requires ALL Masachusetts companies to implement a Data Security Plan

by March 1, 2010. ******** Less than two months away.

MA will issue substantial financial penalties for non-compliance.

Choose from one of the following dates and times:

January 12th, 8:30 - 11:00

Colucci Norman

900 Cummings Center, Beverly

January 13th, 8:30 -11:00 am
Waterfield Business Center
12 Alfred St, Woburn, MA

January 20th, 8:30 -11:00 am
Peabody Chamber, Main Street
Peabody, MA

DUE TO LIMITED SEATING RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
$99 Workshop fee includes exclusive CD with documents that will protect your business.
Payment is due at time of reservation.
To reserve your seat, please call 978.531.2103 or email laurie@integratedstaffing.com

Refreshments will be provided

January is GO (Get Organized) Month

January is *GO (Get Organized) Month.

Being organized enhances the quality of your life. Would you like to be happier, healthier, and
less stressed? If you answered YES, now is the time to get organized!
You need organizing systems, not just for this year, but that you can maintain for years to come.

People say they would be organized if they had more space. Organizing is about systems, not about space. I have organized people who live in studio apartments, mega mansions, and everything in between. I have organized offices that are a section of a room, to penthouse executive suites.

What area of your life would you like to organize?

Your office? Paper piles? Planning your time? Shrinking the Email Elephant?

Your Home? Piles of mail? Home office? Kitchen? Linen closets? Storage?
Planning your time?

Many people say they want to get organized but don't have time. It takes less time than you think. I can change your life in 3 hours, only 180 minutes.

Make 2010 the year that you get organized. To see how I can help you do that click on
http://www.organizationplus.com/. For information call 978-922-6136.


*Sponsored by the National Association of Professional Organizers.

United Way Campaign still going strong.

This morning I attended a Beverly Chamber coffee connection at the United Way office.

The 2009/2010 United Way Campaign is still going strong thru March 31st.

The services that they provide funding for are more critical than ever.

Help them , help the important agencies that they fund.

To donate click on http://www.nsuw.org/

FYI: I maintain charitable contribution records for my clients throughout the year.
They just have them over to their CPA's for tax prep. It saves them time and money.
Click on http://www.organizationplus.com/ to learn how I can save you time and money.