The Posh Blog

 Many of us have a love hate relationship with office supplies.  We love them and have to have them, but where do we put them?  Even if you have a home office you may not have much room to spare.   

One thing I have found to work well are clear over the door shoe organizers.  Shoe organizers are not just for shoes!  This fantastic tool is versatile, affordable, and easy to install.  The pockets hold just the right amount and can be used to hold things from highlighters, pens, note pads, batteries, staples, push pins, binder clips, cords, you name it!  I like using the clear organizers shown in the photos because you can see exactly what you have and if you need to buy more.  If this does not appeal to you there are also opaque organizers that are made of canvas or other fabrics.  If you decide to use a fabric organizer then be sure to label each pocket so you don’t forget where things are.   

 You can get over the door shoe organizers at The Container Store, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Target. 

Finding a Sharpie® when you need it…now that’s the good life.

Enjoy, 

Angela

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

For some people when it comes to organization space is really a problem.  But working with my clients I have fount that many people are not using their space to its maximum potential.   

One of the areas that I repeatedly see not being utilized is the back of the door.  There are so many ways you can use the back of a door for organization that I have decided to write a weekly blog on this topic.  Each week I will feature a different area of the home and how you can use the back of a door to help you get organized, I call it doorganizing^TM! I will be featuring photos from some of my clients’ spaces or sharing other photos and articles I find.   

If you have a photo, tip or a way that you have used the back of a door to help you stay organized send us an e-mail at info@theposhspace.com.  We would love to share your tips!

Enjoy the good life,

Angela

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

I have a client right now who has inspired me to create a gift giving binder.  I really like this idea and with the holidays sneaking up on us I have started to do this myself.  As I am flipping through a magazine if see something I like for a friend or family member I tear out the page and insert it into a clear sheet protector in a binder.  You can ad a post-it note to the page if you need to or simply write a note on the page itself.  If you would really like to go over the top with it you could organizer your binder by family member or by groups such as:  your immediate family, your family (your parents etc.), your in-laws, and friends.  Part of the key to making this work is to have a binder ready with empty sheet protectors ready to be used.  That way you don’t have to add a new one to the binder each time you find something new. 

If you don’t like the idea of a binder or you don’t have a place to store a binder you can create a folder or multiple folders.  You can store the folder in your filing system or in your action system. 

The main purpose is to have a place to collect the ideas so when the time comes for you to start your holiday or birthday shopping you are not stumped.   

This is also a great place to keep a list of the sizes of your family members and their likes and dislikes.  I also keep a spreadsheet of what I purchase for each family member each year.  This has been so helpful so I make sure not to give someone the same thing two years in a row! 

Not struggling about what to get someone for the holidays, what a relief! 

Enjoy the good life,

Angela  

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

  I was listening to a teleclass the other day on the topic of time management.  It was an excellent call and I wanted to share one big thing that really struck me.   

Time Management expert and former Franklin Covey Coach Bill Zipp, talked about having a hypothetical “Stop Doing List”.  He said that many people spend too much time doing too many low priority tasks.  What we should be doing is eliminating the low priority tasks all together and focus on the high priorities.  Bill also said that many people “confuse activity for accomplishment”, meaning that people feel like they are getting more accomplished simply because they are busy.   

I have talked to many clients who say that they feel a sense of accomplishment when they check something off their “to do” list.  I’ve said the same thing myself!  But, I think we need to translate that to our Stop Doing list.  We should feel a huge sense of accomplishment when we remove something from our to do list and not just when we check one more thing off our list.   

I know this is a difficult concept for many people to embrace.  I have been using a similar method for over a year now and I still find it difficult to decide what item is getting “kicked to the curb”.  But I do it each week and I have found that it makes me feel better because I can let go of any guilt associated with not completing a certain task.   

The week is almost over, it’s the perfect time to think about what is really important for this week and what you can banish from your list.  Just typing the words “banish from my list” makes me feel better already!   What is one thing you can strike from your to do list today?   

A smaller to do list, that’s the good life!

Enjoy!

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

  Did you know that September is Self Improvement Month?  So what better time to make an investment in your self?  I am always looking for ways to do things better and one way that I am constantly trying to improve myself is by reading and learning from books.  Of course, most of the books I like to read are related to organizing (no surprise there!), business, time management, and self help.  One of my all time favorite books is The Success Principle’s by Jack Canfield.  It is an extremely long book, but very worth it.  If you are interested in self improvement it is a fantastic book filled with ideas and strategies you can begin to incorporate into your life.   

Some ways you can improve your life may include: getting organized, eating better, being a better listener, being more patient, being more present, being more courteous (yes, it’s also National Courtesy Month-who knew?), and having more fun!  And much more I’m sure.  

I know it can be difficult to take time to do something for ourselves, but now that it is Self Improvement Month, it’s your chance to do something for yourself guilt free!  Big or small, make a bold claim today to do something to improve yourself this month.   

Here’s what I’m planning on doing this month:  I will read one new book that I have been wanting to read, but have not been making the time for.   I’m so excited to finally give my self permission to do this! 

What will you do to improve yourself this month?  Choose one thing to focus on and put it on your calendar.  Take steps everyday to help you to reach your goal.  You have 21 days left to get it done.  Good luck! 

Enjoy your new and improved good life!

Angela

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

   Are you looking to save a little time in the kitchen and spend more time with your family?  If you are looking for ways to simplify dinner time on an occasional basis or on a weekly basis a nice alternative to cooking or going to a restaurant is to have your dinner delivered with chef prepared meal delivery services.  Options range from a predetermined meal to a personal chef who can create masterpieces to suit your taste.  Ooh la, la!  What a treat! 

How it works:  Many services have a set menu that is posted on their web-site weeks or months in advance.  Each service is different, but typically you will receive a predetermined amount of meals per week.  Check each service to find out the number of servings you will receive.  In many cases orders must be placed on a Friday and your meals will be delivered the following Monday.  For delivery you are asked to leave an ice chest with ice on your front porch and when you get home just like magic your food will be there.   

Despite how fancy this may sound the cost of such a service is more reasonable than you may think.  Prices in Austin can range from $70-90/week.  With the price of groceries these days, that’s a great deal!  Also consider the time it will save you from having to shop! 

Personal Chefs are different because they are creating meals specifically for you, shop for the needed groceries, and preparing the meals in your home.  The chef can leave meals in your refrigerator or in your freezer.   

Here are some links to highly recommended meal delivery services and personal chefs in Austin.  If you don’t live in Austin then you may want to consider doing a google search on “meal deliver services” for your area. 

ATE Foods:  512-300-4252, http://www.atefoods.com/

Dine by Design Catering:  512-323-9002, http://www.dinebydesigncatering.com/dinnerclub.php

Toni Scott:  512.826.8816, http://www.dinnermadesimple.com/    

Debra Cantrell:  512.879.7751, http://www.browniepointspcs.com/

Eating scrumptious food and more time with family and friends…that’s the good life! 

Enjoy! 

Angela 

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.