The Posh Blog

In Texas this weekend, August 15-17^th, is a Tax Free Holiday on clothing and apparel.  IF you are going to brave the crowds here are a few tips to help make your shopping trip a more productive one and help you keep your sanity. 

1.  Visit Texas Sales Tax Holiday Site for a complete list of items that are exempt from sales tax this weekend. 

2.  Shop early.  Call your favorite stores now to find out what time they will open so you can arrive right when they open.  This will help save you time fighting the crowds.

3.  Know your child’s school requirements and restrictions.  Call your child’s school or visit the school district web-site to find out if certain clothing is not allowed before you make your purchases.  After all, we want to keep returns to a minimum with the high gas prices!

4.  Take a quick inventory of what your child currently has that still fits, is still in good shape, or that he or she will still wear.  Then make a list of the things you need to purchase.  Estimate how many pants, tops, sweaters, shoes, socks, etc. that you would like to find.

5.  Last but not least, determine a budget.  AHH…the dreaded “B” word!  Having something to aim for is a great way to keep you and your child focused on what is important and to keep from being easily swayed by the illusive “SALE” signs.   

One more bonus tip:  Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water and a few protein snacks like a protein bar or even Peanut M&M’s.   

Happy and productive shopping! 

P.S. Don’t forget to donate any clothing that does not fit your child anymore, this is critical to maintaining an organized home. 

Enjoy the good life,

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

Have you had a chance to be inspired by the Last Lecture:  Achieving Your Childhood Dreams by Randy Pausch?  If you are not one of the more than 5 million people who have viewed the Last Lecture on YouTube I hope I can inspire you to watch it.     

Randy delivered the traditional last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University in September 2007 after learning that his battle with cancer would soon be coming to an end.  In his lecture Randy talked about the life lessons he had learned and the importance of living your childhood dreams.  In fact Randy was passionate about inspiring others to live their dreams.   

Randy talked about how sometimes on the way to a dream we run into a brick wall.  He says “The brick walls are there for a reason.  The brick walls are not there to keep us out, the brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.  The brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough.  They’re there to stop the other people.”   

How have your dreams and challenges impacted your life?  Have you run into some brick walls?  How did you handle them?  What can you do today to make some of these dreams possible?   

Take a few minutes to think about what your childhood dreams were.  I did and it was fun and enlightening.  I thought about things that had not crossed my mind for years.  I update my goals annually and after revisiting my childhood dreams I realized how relevant many of my childhood dreams were to what I do today and what I want today.  Isn’t that funny?  All those tests you take in school to determine what you should be when you grow up are really relevant.  Who knew?!  So for me this has sparked me to add some of my childhood dreams, which have not been accomplished, to my current day goals.   

Are your dreams still relevant?  Can they still be achieved?  Is it something that you want to achieve?  What is one action you can do today to help you reach your dream?  Are you are brave enough to post a comment with five of your childhood dreams?  The first person to post a comment with five of their childhood dreams will receive one of my “Favorite Products Guides” (a value of $24.95).  If you are the second or third person to post a comment I will send you a Levenger Recpeit Holder (a value of $3.20).  

I hope you take a look at Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture; it may be just what you need to achieve one of your childhood dreams.   

In case you want a good chuckle, here are a few of my childhood dreams:

1. Become an Interior Designer (no surprise there)
2. Have two children and a wonderful husband-Yea!
3. To own a label maker (mission accomplished!).
4. Become a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader (I was going to audition in 2002, but decided to race in a triathlon that took place at the same time as the auditions-sometimes we find new dreams)
5. Become a New York City Rockette (do you see a theme here?).
6. Own a Gucci purse (I know it’s superficial, but that goes way, way back).
7. To surf in Hawaii
8. To be the woman in the “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan…Because I’m a WOMAN…” commercial.  I wanted to bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, wearing heels and look fabulous doing it. (Similar to I’m A Woman by Peggy Lee)
9. I wanted to be the first woman to own a major league baseball team.  (I know that one is not possible now, but maybe I could be the first Hispanic woman to own a baseball team).
10. To have a bear as a pet.  (not a teddy bear, a real live bear).
11. To be a public speaker (Go me!  I’m still looking to expand this if anyone’s interested)
12. To be an entrepreneur.  Although I didn’t know what an entrepreneur was or how to spell it for that matter, I was functioning as one at a very young age.

 Enjoy the good life,

Angela

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

I received an e-mail this morning that didn’t look quite right.  Here is what the message said:   

Subject: [RE] UPS Tracking Number 7779321199 

Unfortunately we were not able to deliver postal package you sent on July the 1st in time because the recipient_s address is not correct.  Please print out the invoice copy attached and collect the package at our office 

Your UPS 

What you see above is exactly as the message appeared in my inbox.  So what tipped me off that this was a scam?  My first clue that this was a scam was that I had just read about an almost identical e-mail by Rich Brooks on www.flyteblog.com.  The second clue was that I had not sent a UPS package (duh).  Clue number three was that there was no additional contact information for UPS, typically in an e-mail of this nature the company will give you many ways to contact them including web-site, e-mail address, phone number, etc.  The final clue was revealed when I hit the reply button and the e-mail address displayed was United Parcel Services and then included the name of a person at a software company.   

If you receive an e-mail like this simply delete it.  If you did happen to mail a package around this time contact UPS directly.  Do not open the attachment. 

Does anyone else know of any other e-mail scams we should be on the look out for? 

A day with out the unnecessary stress of a scam, priceless! 

Enjoy the good life! 

Angela Ploetz 

I recently met with a client and he kept saying “I’ve tried everything before, but it never works out because nobody else knows where to put anything except for me.  I need everyone to participate”.   

What my client was talking about is getting buy-in from the entire family in order to create and maintain an organized home.  Before I start working with clients I always send them a form to fill out and one of the questions on the forms is “Who will be affected by getting this space organized?” 

If the answer is everyone, then it may be time for “Family Style-Organizing”.  This means getting the entire group involved in the process or at least part of the process.   If you are organizing a space that is being used by multiple people of different ages and heights then you have a lot of things to consider.  Start with a general brain-storming session to get everyone’s ideas on what kind of changes they would like to see happen in the space.  Ask each member of the family what the most important thing is for them to be able to do in the space.  If the family member is too young to speak, but can grab things off shelves, that’s something to take into consideration when planning the space.   

When it’s time to get organized get the entire family involved even if it’s just for a few minutes and then Grandma comes by to take them to see a movie.  Kids can definitely get involved in grouping like items with like items.  It’s like the match game.  You are simply putting all the canned goods together in one box and the snacks in another box.  It’s important for children to learn the process of how to get organized.   

Don’t forget to get their participation when it’s time to reduce and de-clutter.  If you can teach your children about donating and letting items go at an early age you will benefit by having fewer items to deal with later and have a child who is accustomed to reducing their items on a regular basis.  

When you start to determine where everything goes make sure the most frequently used items are easily accessible by those who use them the most.  Also be sure to label all containers so everyone knows where things go. 

As part of the organizing process don’t forget to take time to come up with a family plan to keep the space neat and tidy and working for you.  Write out a list of guidelines that need to happen regarding the space such as:  If a person takes something out they need to put it back where it goes; Mom (or Dad, or a child) will evaluate the space once per month and remove any items that are not being uses; and we will revaluate the space every Spring as a family.  

When family members get involved with an organizing process it helps them  understand the system better so they feel more comfortable using the system and feel a sense of ownership, which helps keep the space organized and functioning longer.   

An organized space that everyone can agree on, now that’s the good life!

Enjoy!

Angela Ploetz

I was recently working with a client sorting through her old medications.  Many of her prescriptions were expired and would need to be disposed of, and I recalled that there have been many reports  on the news stating that traces of prescription drugs have been found in the public drinking water supply.  There have also been reports regarding the rise of the abuse of prescription drugs among teens. 

With that news on my mind, I wondered “what is the safest way to dispose of expired prescription drugs”?  Coincidentally, I know someone who is in the medical waste disposal industry.  He told me the best way to dispose of expired prescription drugs is by removing the drugs from the original containers and placing them in a different container with old coffee grounds, kitty litter, or something that would discourage a person from finding and taking the drugs.  He also sent me a link to a Press Release from the Office of National Drug Control Policy regarding what to do with expired prescription drugs.  The Press Release also states that you should only flush prescription drugs down the toilet if the package specifically instructs that this is safe to do. 

 So as you are clearing out your medicine cabinet, keep in mind how you are disposing of your old medications.  You can still dispose of old or unused prescription drugs in a way that is safer for the environment and to your community.   Enjoy the good life,Angela  Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com. 

I wouldn’t say that I am a big baseball fan, but I have been to my fair share of baseball games.  Growing up with a brother (Hey Danny) who was a baseball fan and having a husband who plays in an adult baseball league I have been to more Little League, Minor League, College, and Major League games than I can shake a stick at.  But I really didn’t pay much attention to the rules.  So recently watching a College Game, I learned that there were different types of pitchers.  There are starting pitchers and closing pitchers.   

The starting pitcher is one who can really get the game going in a positive direction with a lot of energy.  You put him in for the first several innings, but he typically can’t make it all the way to the end of the game.  He just runs out of energy and that’s when they bring in the “Closer”.  The closing pitcher is great at finishing the job and leading the team to victory!  The “Closer” is typically only good for a couple innings.   

So are you a starter or a closer?  Do you come into a project full of excitement and energy and then fizzle towards the end?  Or are you reluctant to start a job but once you do you can ensure spectacular results?  Knowing this information can really be helpful as you are planning projects, organizing or otherwise.  If you are a “starter” you may need to have someone or something that motivates you to get the job done.  If you are a closer then you may need to have someone just to help you get over the hump and get started.  Knowing where your strengths and weaknesses lie can be the key to being more productive and getting the right kind of support to help you excel.     

Are you a starter or a closer?  If you tell me what you are I’ll tell you what I am.  I’d love to hear from you.

Enjoy the good life,

Angela   

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

This week I am at an organizing conference in Reno, Nevada. As an excited traveler I was preparing by getting all my items packed. My carry-on was packed with the essential items: toothpaste, underwear, make-up, and plenty of reading material. My suitcase was very lightly packed with plenty of room to spare. I actually thought that I may be able to get everything in two carry on bags, but quickly discounted that idea so I would have space to bring conference material back home.

Fortunately, my organizing efforts paid off, but unfortunately my flight was canceled three times and rescheduled four!!! “The Airline” as we will call it, canceled 500 flights that day throughout the U.S. Needless to say, I was stuck in DFW for the night. I was one of the lucky ones who actually got a hotel room.

Lessons Learned:
Lesson 1: Pack your PJ’s. Although I had my essential make-up and toiletries I had not packed my pajamas or a second set of clothing. Not a problem if you’re traveling alone, but I had an organizing buddy who I was sharing a room with. So we got creative and got bought some lovely leprechaun t-shirts at Bennigan’s where we had dinner. Now we had pajamas!

Lesson 2: Pack some munchies. I had packed all my snacks, except for a package of gum, in my suitcase. After being at the airport for 7 and a half hours there comes a time when you want a small snack and you are tired of paying for the usual overpriced food and snacks at the airport. So next time I will pack a few of my own snacks on my carry on.

Lesson 3: Find out the location of your hotel.

After waiting in line to rebook our second canceled flight and to try to get a hotel voucher our booking agent was able to work some magic and find us a room for the night! Thank goodness!! The problem was that she called the hotel, held the room for us, and then told us which courtesy van to look for. We were too mentally drained to ask what the location of the hotel was and when we tried to get on the courtesy van he asked “which location are you going to?” We looked at each other dumbfounded. In the end we made it to the right hotel after calling them both and waiting another hour.

Lesson 4: Have a good attitude.
What struck me the most about this unpleasant experience was the attitude of everyone from the ticket agents to the people in line. Most people were handling the whole thing with patience and a little humor.

So, next time you are set to travel learn from my travels woes and be prepared for all the possibilities.

Enjoy the good life.

Angela Ploetz

   Don’t forget this weekend we will turn our clocks forward because of Daylight Saving Time.  The change happens on Sunday, March 9^th and at 1:59 a.m. you should move your clock to 3:00 a.m.  If you are not planning on partying like it’s 1999, then you should just move your clocks forward one hour Saturday night when you go to bed.   

You can also visit Time and Date to find the current time anywhere in the world!  

Enjoy the good life,

Angela   

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

Last Thursday I had a recurring theme of support through out my day.  One of the situations was a meeting I attended in which we were talking about how we benefit from the support of others.  Another situation was when I was working with a client who told me that her husband was in support of her efforts to get organized.  When I later thought about these situations I started to link the importance of communicating that we need the support of our network of friends and family.  

When you are trying to get organized and you are physically going through the process you may feel like the act of getting organized will keep you organized.  But if you don’t change your habits and let people know about your new desire to be free from the clutter you may be sabotaging yourself.  Time and time again, I talk to clients who are dealing with what I call clutter cast-offs.  That is; items that someone else has giving you because they do not have enough space for it in their house any more.   

You have to break the clutter cycle whether it is by not purchasing new items yourself or by telling family and friends that you absolutely do not want them to give you any items for the next year.  The point is that you have to get people on board with your efforts to get organized.  If you don’t they will continue to keep bringing you their clutter cast-offs or purchase new items for you that you simply don’t want or need.   

Are the people in your life supporting your efforts to get organized or not?  Do they realize how important organization is to you?  Let them know how having too much stuff makes you feel.  You don’t have to call them out on that garden Gnome they bought you last Christmas, but you do need to let your feelings be known.   

A Christmas without getting any items that need to be regifted; now that’s the good life!  

Enjoy the good life,

Angela     

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

   “One less bag a day keeps clutter away”.  If you are like many households you are losing the battle of the bags!  From shopping bags to grocery bags they seem to multiply over night and are easily one of the most common causes of clutter.   

One way to dramatically reduce the number of bags coming into your home is by purchasing reusable shopping bags.  Whether you’re a tree hugger or not these bags are great for many reasons.  Using reusable bags versus plastic bags cuts down on the plastic bags in your home.  I know that may sound obvious, but I was shocked at the result in my own home.  It’s great!  I used to have a wad of plastic grocery bags that lived in our laundry room awaiting our next trip to the grocery store so we could recycle them.  Now, we typically can get all our groceries in 5-6 bags instead of 10-15 plastic bags and we don’t end up with more plastic bags cluttering our space.  These bags are also easier on the hands when you are carrying them, they are extremely sturdy, and can hold a ton.  Did I mention these bags can be used for more than just groceries?  We know one person who used them to move!   Once you have emptied your reusable shopping bags, don’t forget to take them back to the car for your next trip. 

The bags seen in the photo above can be purchased at Whole Foods Grocery Stores and H-E-B Grocery Stores for about $0.99.  The Container Store also has reusable bags available.  The reusable bag is the MUST have item for 2008!  If those are not good enough reasons, just think of all the bags you are preventing from entering the landfill.  There is definitely a “Green Movement” going on and what could be better than helping the environment and keeping the clutter down in your house. 

Enjoy the good life,

Angela Ploetz