Why Do I Need To Get Organized?

People always ask me, why do I need to get organized? And, why do I need your services as a professional organizer? Obviously there are several explanations that I give but first and foremost, organized people save time and money, make more money, and have lower stress and frustration levels. There is no one right or wrong way to get organized, and you only need to change what you're doing if you're not happy with how you manage your time, paper, information, and space. The amount of information available continues to grow at a rapid pace, as do the number of demands on your time. Organizing systems help you deal with everything from paper to professional responsibilities and give you parameters on what to keep, what to toss, and what to take action on.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to my blog. Here I provide an easy way for people/clients to find tips on organizational products and ideas, fashion trends and styles as well as lifestyle all in one place! My goal is to save you time and money and help you eliminate unnecessary stress! Please feel free to post comments, write in with questions/suggestions and provide your own tips that others may find useful. Enjoy! ~Rachel

The Holidays Are Over But Many Deals At Retail Stores Have Just Started!

Now that the holidays are over, you may be thinking you are free from shopping for the next few months, right? WRONG. If there was something you wanted for the holidays that you didn’t get or there is something you have wanted to buy for a while but didn’t, you might want to check out this list from Smart Money Magazine (http://www.smartmoney.com/)

Super Holiday Sales

Ann Taylor: Save up to 40% on all cashmere, and up to 60% on other select items.

Banana Republic: During the Winter Sale, save up to 50% on select items.

Barnes & Noble: Get up to 50% off calendars and select titles during the After Holiday Sale.

Bath & Body Works: The Big Semi-Annual Sale, with discounts of up to 75%, begins Dec. 27.

Best Buy: With a print-out coupon, take 10% off all accessories for home-theater systems, computers, camcorders, cameras and MP3 players. Coupon expires Dec. 30.

Drugstore.com: Save up to 60% on select items during the End of the Year Sale.

DSW: During the Winter Sale, save up to 30% on in-season footwear, and take an extra 30% off all clearance items.

Eddie Bauer: Get up to 50% off on select items during the Ultimate Winter Sale.

J. Crew: Through Jan. 1, take an additional 25% off already reduced prices (up to 50%) in the Winter Sale.

La Redoute: Take 20% off your entire order with coupon code 1651-03379-368. Offer good through Dec. 29.

Neiman Marcus: During the After Christmas Sale, save up to 60% on selected items. Plus, get free shipping on any order with coupon code SALENM.

Old Navy: Save up to 50% off select items during the holiday sale.

Overstock.com: Get free shipping through Dec. 31.

Red Envelope: During the Winter Sale, save up to 70%.

Victoria's Secret: Save up to 50% during the Semi-Annual sale.

New Years Is Right Around The Corner- How To Find An Evening Dress

With New Years Eve a few days away, many woman are scattering trying to find evening dresses for parties they are going to be attending. A great evening dress has to be unique, comfortable, and most of all, make you look like a goddess. Buying one can be stressful, though, because there are so many options out there.

- Focus Your Efforts: Look for a dress at a department store. You’ll need a lot of options, which boutiques don’t always have. If you feel these kind of stores are overwhelming, get the salespeople to gather everything for you. Or bring along a personal shopper (like myself!).

- Consider Your Frame: Every designer makes a dress differently, so plan on trying on a few. Bias cuts add curves to the body but can pucker weirdly on many woman, while A-line dresses elongate and slim. Plunging V-necks accentuate cleavage, and a sweetheart neckline works well on a small bust. Almost every gown reveals your arms to some degree, so bring a wrap if you don’t want to expose them.

- Fit In: Formal events require floor-to-ankle-length gowns. Cocktail attire is more casual and open to interpretation; I usually go for a knee-length dress. And instead of always choosing black (which can be tiresome), try softer shades, such as rose, in silk or satin. Skip the blinged-out silvers and golds, though.

- Make adjustments: Most stores include alterations in the price, but if you need to recut the dress or change the neckline, you’re better off just buying a different gown. Stilettos also change the line of a dress, so find a good pair and bring them with you.

- Wear it well: Spandex support underwear minimizes any unflattering areas. To pull everything in like corset, try and bodysuit. And unless we are talking about old-school seamed stocking or fishnets, I avoid hosiery altogether. Put some self-tanner on your legs instead- it look so much more chic!

January is GET ORGANIZED MONTH for the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)

NAPO (http://www.napo.net/) sponsors its third annual Get Organized Month in January 2007. Get Organized Month is a national industry-wide event dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of getting organized and of hiring a professional organizer (like me here at Rosey’s!).

“January is the perfect month to get organized and start your new year off right,” says NAPO President Barry Izsak. “Getting organized is one of the top 5 New Year’s resolutions people make and with almost 4,000 NAPO members ready and available to assist, it is easier than most people think. NAPO is gearing up for our largest Get Organized Month ever with 11 industry partners and a nationwide radio campaign. NAPO members will help over 10,000 people get organized during this month-long event.”

See NAPO’s latest press release to find out more. (http://www.napo.net/press_room/press_releases/Press_Release_Get_Organized_Month_2007.pdf)

Just in Time For Your New Year's Resolution of Becoming Organized

My favorite store for organizing products, The Container Store (www.containerstore.com) is having a huge sale on their Elfa storage systems. Elfa is now 30% off which turns out to be a huge savings. I use the Elfa system in my own home and in many of my client’s homes. It is great for any room or area in your house including all closets, laundry rooms, kitchens, home offices and bathrooms.