The Posh Blog

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. 

Here’s a quick tip to help you simply your life a bit.  When I first moved into my home I was throwing a party and I created a document in Microsoft Word with directions to my house.  I had two sets of directions one for people traveling from north of town and one for people traveling from south of town (that’s just what worked best for me and the location of my home).   

This was one of the best things I could have done.  I have used these directions countless times!  Rather than having to write out directions each time someone needs them I simply cut and paste the directions into an e-mail and hit the send button.  It takes about 15 seconds.  It has been such a time saver!   

Be sure to include your address at the top of the directions, the directions, repeat your address, and then include your phone number.  This way, you and the person you are giving the directions to have everything in one place. 

Enjoy the good life with a little more time,

Angela 

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

  I just learned about this product and wanted to pass it on to my readers who travel or who frequently use a laptop.  The MoGo Mouse BT is a wireless Bluetooth® enabled mouse the size of a business card.  When not in use you can store and recharge this tiny mouse inside your laptop computer’s PC card slot.  

  Now you will never forget your mouse again and what’s even better is that it does not take up any additional room in your laptop bag or carry on!  Love this!  There are two different versions of the MoGo Mouse and the price ranges from $69.00-$89.00.   

Never forgetting your mouse on a business trip, how sweet it is. 

Enjoy the good life,  
Angela  

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

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