donnap, Author at Getting it Together

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So far donnap has created 44 blog entries.

How to Online Date

Who would have ever thought you needed a system or needed to be organized to online date?

Well, at Getting It Together. All things. Organized. We did.

Check out this short video on “How to Online Date” and then read on to get Getting It Togethers’ top 6 tips.

Let’s first look at some very important safety measures one needs to take before getting started.

Protect your privacy. When selecting an “online” name choose something that does not really relate to you so that if an ex lover was looking for you they would not be able to put 2 and 2 together.

For example: If you are a horse lover do not use this in your online name. Do not use your initials or a pet name that someone might have had for you.

When it is time to connect with the online person, ask them for their phone number.

Never give yours out (if you are a female reading this) and when you do call the person be sure to block your number until you have had at least one or 2 calls. There are ways to block from a cell phone and a landline. Cell: #31# and land line is *67

Know your objective. Do you want a long term relationship, just some fun, dating or a friendship? Be clear about this and make it clear in your online profile. What are your non negotiables? Be very specific with your profile.

You do not want to waste your time with people who are not a good match.

Set aside time to peruse the online site, a time to connect via the online email system and a time to meet. This is where good time management and great organizational skills come in handy. Designate say Tuesday and Thursday nights after work to connect and one or 2 lunch hours for the pursuing part. Don’t jump to reply every time you get a message. This is not the best use of your time.

Be organized. Have your little black book system. As shown in the video, you will want to have a system for keeping track of the people you are “talking” to online and the ones you are meeting. Post it notes are the best thing for this as you can move them around.

Have fun! Meeting “strangers” online is not for the faint at heart. Keep in mind that each person is basically feeling the same way. A little uncomfortable, maybe nervous or shy and certainly vulnerable. Make your conversations light hearted, friendly and engaging.

Follow the 4 agreements. Once you have started connecting be sure to keep the four agreements in mind. Don’t take anything personally. 2. Always do your best. 3. Be impeccable with your word ( online dating is not the place to lie or exaggerate…. No place is) 4. Do not make assumptions. This is where being clear and getting clear are extremely important.

If you haven’t read the book “The 4 Agreements” by: Don Miquel Ruiz I would highly recommend it. It is a fabulous read even if you do not online date. Great daily words to live by .

Here’s wishing you a life filled with love, joy, laughter and fun whether you are single, married, searching for a mate or not.

I am a sucker for a good love story. Please leave your comments in the box below on how you and your spouse/partner met.

PS: Feeling a little unsure about online dating? Treat yourself to a coaching session where we will discover your objectives, goals and needs. Contact me today at www.gettingittogether.ca

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00April 13th, 2016|Organizer|0 Comments

Estate Planning Made Simple

Personal estate organizing starts at the time we become an adult. Even if you think you have nothing of value there is still the question of your final wishes. Even if you think you have nothing there is still your bank account or your possible employment benefits etc.

We all know there is no escaping death, however we believe it will never happen to us. When we hear of a famous person’s demise we are usually in disbelief thinking that somehow they are exempt from death. And when it is a person close to us we go into shock, grief and sadness.

This is all real but somehow feels surreal.

Talking about death and dying does not mean it will come sooner. So why is it that we avoid the topic?

There are so many easy ways to be organized for your passing. This in turn will lessen the burden on your friends and family.

Imagine transitioning with grace.

Check out this short video on estate planning made simple and then read on for the Getting It Togethers Top 5 Tips.

Tip 1: Have a secure place for all of your digital passwords. Even if you use an online service like www.onepassword.com your loved ones still need to know how to get into that site.

Keep a copy in your safety deposit box.

Survivors need access to

Cell phone
Computer
Social media accounts
Home alarm with instructions on how to work it and the pass code.
Hidden spare keys and list of people who might have spare key to your home or vacation property.
Bank Accounts
Online accounts like banking, direct deposits, PayPal etc

Tip 2: Our stuff is less important to others. Are you saving stuff for your grown children? Do you even know if they want it or not?

I have heard of people having a family dinner where each person can claim certain heirlooms by placing a sticker on the bottom of the item with their name on it.

Or you might have special pieces of jewelry that you want to go to certain people which you will make note of in your will.

More has lost its appeal.

Less represents freedom.

Tip 3: Making special requests for your remains. Do your family members really know your final wishes?

Does everyone agree on them?

It is so important to have this in writing.

Advanced Planning- non legal organizing

Funeral, memorial service, celebration of life
Organ donation plan
Cremation or burial
Obituary ( be very careful about identity theft when publishing)
Eulogy
Asset Distribution
Estate Directory – friends, family ( have an up to date list of all their names and numbers)
List of Doctors, lawyers, financial planner, minister, accountant, insurance agent, employer, godparents, neighbours, kids school, babysitter, and daycare. Be sure to update these lists as things change in your life. I suggest reviewing this information once a year.
phone company
banks
credit card companies
volunteer organizations you belong to
Safety deposit box (with location of key) one way to insure smooth sailing is to have your bank acct and safety deposit box in joint name with one of your survivors.
Anything else you can think of that your survivors would need access to. Like passport, birth certificate and SIN # etc

Tip 4: Legal Essentials

Will
Power of Attorney
Representation Agreement ( living will)
Cash/life insurance, all financial documents
Business Succession Plan (if you own your own business) listing names of employees and their numbers, any contract workers or suppliers.
Any outstanding loans/alimony/child support

Tip 5: In order to process a registration of death for vital statistics and to process a death certificate, the funeral home will need the following

The deceased persons full legal name including maiden name if female
Date of birth
Date of death
Birthplace
Social insurance number
Health care number
Fathers full name
Mothers full name
Full name of surviving spouse
Occupation and for how long
Religious affiliation
Was the deceased a military veteran? This is important to have this information on file.

I am wishing all of my readers a long, happy, healthy, successful life.

When you do pass on, where will your affairs lie in the spectrum between chaos and order?

Please let me help you and your loved ones by making this transition smooth.

PS: Contact me today for a free 15 minute phone consultant on estate organizing. I’ll share with you your first next step.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00March 15th, 2016|Estate Planning, Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing Finances, Organizing to Move, Tax Organization, Time Management|0 Comments

Top 10 Tips To Being Organized And Put More Money In Your Pocket

One of the costs of clutter is money. Being disorganized can break the bank in more ways than one.

Do you catch yourself buying things because you

A) Cannot find them in your home or
B) Cannot remember if you have that item or
C) You were so rushed in the morning that you did not make a lunch?

Would it be great if everything had a home and you could find what you were looking for in 20 seconds or less?

Check out this short video on The Top 10 Tips To Being Organized And Put More Money In Your Pocket.

Then read on for Getting It Togethers’ Top 10 Tips To Being Organized And Put More Money In Your Pocket.

Tip #1. Take your lunch. Get yourself organized by making your lunch the night before. I know we have all heard this one before but it is worth repeating. When you are organized it takes as little as 3-5 minutes to make a lunch for yourself. Not only is it healthier it is also going to save you big bucks. (well over $75.00 a week)

Tip #2. Avoid late-payment fees. Let’s get you a system in place so you no longer miss payments and get charged late fees. Setting up the system will take about 30 minutes. Well worth it don’t you think?

Tip #3. Call your local phone company to see if you have the best plan possible. Plans are always changing and most companies are willing to negotiate a new plan for you at no extra cost. I was able to lower my phone bill be 10.00 a month. That is 120.00 a year back in my pocket. This will take less than 5 minutes as long as you are not put on hold J If you are put on hold, take that time to toss out some old papers that have been piling up.

Tip #4. Call your local cable company and ask them the same thing. Are you really watching all 500 channels? Can you get a better “package?” This will take about the same amount of time as the above tip.

Tip #5. Pay your credit card off in full each month. Be organized with your online banking so you do not miss a payment. This takes 3 minutes to set up and can save you hundreds of dollars in interest fees.

Tip #6. Plan your meals for the week. This avoids running into the grocery store several times a week. Not only does this save you huge amounts of time it saves on impulse buying. Take 15 minutes once a week to plan your meals and make your shopping list. And yes, I can help you with this by giving you simply easy dinner menu items for you and your family.

Tip #7. Plan ahead when traveling by taking your own snacks on the plane. Airport food is overpriced. Just think of what a bottle of water costs in an airport!

Tip #8. Be organized and save money by purchasing your sunscreen ahead of time. Tourist shops increase the prices for people who forget their sunscreen at home.

Tip #9. Sell unwanted items in your home before they are no good to anyone else. Perfect example of this is items that get outdated like furniture and clothing. I know you are keeping them “just in case” however this is where you need to get ruthless and ask yourself “would I replace this item if it was lost in a flood or fire?” If not, then it is time to pass it on.

Tip #10. Repurpose greeting cards that are sent to you. Cut the front off (picture part) and glue it to a new piece of paper.Voila! a new card. Great way to repurpose your kids’ art work too. Use it for wrapping paper or make cards out of them.

PS: Are we connected on Facebook? If not, please head on over and click the “LIKE” button and then “SHARE” the page on your Facebook.

Thanking you in advance for spreading the love. I will do the same for you.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00February 17th, 2016|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing Finances, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Before Picture

Have you ever thought to yourself “why can I not get my closets organized?”

Do you dream of a walk in closet that looks like the ones in the magazines?

Getting your closets organized is a combination of things.

Firstly you might have too much stuff in too small a space or it could be that the design of the closet is not the best use of space or it could be a combination of both. What is your situation?

So let’s say you have downsized all of your closets and things are still not fitting in. Then what!

Is it time to bring in the big guns and get some custom closets installed?

You will be amazed at how the custom closet companies can make the best use of the space you have. You might even end up with double the hanging space.

I work very closely with a company here in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver. Their work is professional and guaranteed. If you are interested in hearing more please contact me and we can arrange a free estimate.

In the mean time check out this short video on The Top 10 Things To Consider When Designing A Custom Closet.

Here are Getting It Togethers’ Top 10 things to consider when designing a custom closet.

What is your closet being used for and who will be using it?

Is it your front entrance closet where you not only need room for you and your family’s shoes and coats but would you also like room for when guests come over?
Is it strictly for clothes?
Is it a storage closet for suitcases, airconditioner and or holiday decorations?
Is it in your home office?
Is it in the spare room or children’s room?
Is it your kitchen pantry or one of those tricky corner cupboards in your kitchen?

2. Do you change your clothes seasonally or do you like to have all of your clothes in one place?

3. Do you like to keep shoes in the same closet as your clothes?

If so, do you like your shoes in shoe boxes (I recommend clear ones) or do you like them on flat shelves or angled shelves? And what about purses?

4. Are you right handed or left handed? This makes a difference as to how you open and close things and how you work in say your office or the kitchen.

5. Do you prefer to hang your pants or do you like to fold them on a shelf? Same goes for your tee shirts.

6. Where do you like to have the dirty clothes hamper?

7. What are the heights of the people using the closet, as well as the height of the person putting the clothes away?

8. Do you like to have a dresser in your bedroom or would you rather small drawers in your closet for things like socks, underwear, workout gear and such?

9. What is your career? Do you need an area for long formal gowns, and if so how much? Do you wear a uniform? Do you need a tie rack or belt rack?

10. What, if any impediments are in the closet? The opening to your attic or crawl space, the door chimes, alarm system, plugs, or heat vents.

After picture

Now that you have your custom closets installed you will want to put your things away in the most organized fashion. Time to bring in the big guns again. That would be me 🙂

I’ll put everything away for you in your clothes closet, pantry, office , garage and kids room. It will look like the magazine photos.

Just think of how much more time you will have now that you can find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less. Think of how relaxed you will be because things will not be falling on your head. Think of the money you will save because you will be able to find what you need and will not be running out to buy a new one that you thought was lost. Sounds like paradise doesn’t it?

What are you waiting for? Call today to book your free over the phone session – 604-520-9550

PS: If you liked this article and found it helpful please share the love by sharing the link. And as always, love to hear from you in the comment box below.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00January 12th, 2016|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Live Simply So Others May Simply Live – Part 2

(just in case you did not read part 1 here it is)

Have you noticed when you are traveling how much stuff people have?

Do you catch yourself traveling with loads more than you need?

Or are you the type of person who travels with a carry on only to realize that indeed you can live a week or 2 with very little?

Wouldn’t you agree that we all have more stuff than we need?

Check out this short video on “live simply so others may simply – part 2”

If you like this video on live simply so others may simply live, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. Especially those who have a lot of stuff!

Here are some interesting facts about our stuff.

FACTS

People keep 30% more paper than they need……. WHY?? Is it because of fear? Is it because you do not know what to do with the papers? Is it because you think you will need/use that paper/information one day? I encourage you to not print things off of your computer unless it is absolutely mandatory. Instead, set up files on your computer to store your important papers.

What is your reason for keeping papers? Please leave your comments in the box below.

A study done by the POC (Professional Organizers of Canada) found that 70% of Canadians feel dis-organized and 20% feel they cannot relax at home because of clutter.

Your home is meant to be your sanctuary. A place you go for peace and quiet. (except if you have children running aroundJ) A place where you can “run away” from it all. How sad if you feel like you cannot relax in your own home. A cluttered home usually means a cluttered mind. Start clearing your clutter and see how much more relaxed you are.

In an effort to live simply so others may simple live follow these top 5 Getting It Together tips.

Tip #1: Let go of anything that is collecting dust. If it is collecting dust chances are you are not using it. Collections are a perfect example. Imagine trying to dust this collection in the picture.You might not even be moving it from the place where it is collecting dust in order to clean in that area. For example: items sitting in a china cabinet. I know of a person who cleans their china cabinet in preparation for the Christmas holidays. She even polishes her silver! That is how she likes to spend her time and that is perfectly fine. Personally I got rid of such “high maintenance” items. How about you?

Tip #2: Let go of anything that dredges up unpleasant emotions. For example, photos of people you no longer adore. Items you are not using but storing from a deceased relative. These items are stuck energy. People often think that by tossing the items they are tossing the memories of that person. This is not true. You will always remember the people who are near and dear to you. (you’ll even remember the people who are not near and dear to you) You do not need to keep their stuff in order to honour them. You can always take a picture of the item before you give it away.

Tip #3: Let go of anything that no longer works. I am talking about electronics etc not husbands 🙂 Sadly we are in a disposable world. Most often it is more expensive to repair an item than it is to replace it.

Tip #4: Let go of anything that is uncomfortable. That goes for clothing that is to tight, furniture that you never sit in because of its comfort level or shoes that you cannot walk in. Keeping uncomfortable items does not bring back the money you spent on it. Pass these items on with love.

Tip #5: Let go of anything that is causing you stress. This might mean a relationship that was once great and has now turned to not so great. Toxic relationships cause a lot of stress and mind clutter. Is it time to look for a new job? Is yours causing stress?

PS: As we close 2015 off, I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your continued support. It was a full year at Getting It Together, with a face lift to our site and the addition of our coaching services. Entrepreneurs, stay at home moms/dads, corporate Canadians/Americans are some of the few who have taken full advantage of coaching with me this past year and have experienced more passion, harmony and productivity in their lives.

So my gift to you this Holiday Season is a discovery session. If you have not grabbed yours yet please do so, as a gift to yourself. Simply contact us at www.gettingittogether.ca to book your spot.
In the meantime, have a safe, happy, healthy and clutter free Holiday.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00December 15th, 2015|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move|0 Comments

Downsizing Your Memorabilia

Are you a sentimental kind of person?

Have you saved everything and I mean everything from your children’s past?

Would you like to get a handle on your memorabilia?

Check out this short video for some very quick simple tips on downsizing your memorabilia.

and if you like it please click the” like” button and then pass it on to your friends and family.

Then read on for Getting It Together’s Top 3 Tips on downsizing your memorabilia.

We all go through different stages in our lives. At one point you may have kept everything that had any sentimental value to you. Then as time moves on you may have thought that some of this “stuff” was holding you back. Or maybe like me you were forced to downsize and decided that you were not going to move all of your memorabilia with you yet again.

How many of us really even have the extra time to go through our memorabilia boxes? The only time I ever have is when I was getting ready to move.

Oh ya, I hear you. You are waiting until you retire or until you are in a senior’s home and then you will go through it all. I have yet to meet a senior who has any more time now then when they were working full time. Funny how that works isn’t it. Well that is because activities fill the time we allot them. You have 5 minutes to tidy up your kitchen before guests arrive and you can get it done. If you have all day you might procrastinate a little. This is human nature.

Tip: 1 Have one medium size rubber container per person in your household. That is the limit of stuff you will save for them or for yourself. If the container gets full then it is time to go through it and pull out some less important items. You will see as time goes on how certain items do lose their priority.

Tip: 2 Ask yourself the purpose of keeping each item. Is it sentimental? Is it from a family member who really wanted you to have a certain item? Is it from a vacation? If you do not have a concrete purpose of keeping the item then it is time to ask yourself why. Why am I keeping it?

Tip: 3 Keep your memorabilia box up high on a shelf. You do not want it to get water damage if you happen to have a flood in your basement of crawl space.

How about you? Where do you stand on the sentimental stage? Love to hear from you in the comment box below.

Enjoy your precious memorabilia items. I sure do.

PS: Did you know I offer over the phone coaching services? If you would like to live more on purpose and passion or would like a better handle on setting boundaries then please contact me for a FREE 30 minute discovery session.

Go to www.reclaimsession.com to book your session now.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00November 18th, 2015|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Travel Organization|0 Comments

How To Make Good Habits

Have you vowed to get organized once and for all?

Do you dream of impeccable time management habits?

Is this the year you will exercise, eat better, get more sleep, stop smoking or make some other positive change?

Why is it that some people can make good habits a habit and others can not?

Check out this short video on how to make good habits

And then read the Getting It Together’s Top 5 Tips on how to make good habits.

Tip #1: Visualize. In order to move forward with new habits you need to see yourself already there. Visualize yourself as a non smoker or as eating healthy whole foods. Think about how this new habit will improve your life.

Tip #2: Journal. Once you have visualized yourself already in the new habit now you will want to keep track of it in a journal. Write out all the benefits of achieving this new habit like increased energy or that you will be able to find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less once your home is all organized.

Tip #3: One step at a time. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to organize your whole home in one day? In most cases this is impossible however if you set up small baby steps you can accomplish it. Take 15 minutes a day and work on one small area. For example your sock drawer. Take out all the odd socks and holey ones. Donate any extras if you have too many pairs and leave the rest. Easy to do in 15 minutes for sure.

Tip #4: Grab a buddy. Things are always better with a buddy. Who do you know who would like to get in better shape? Team up with them for long walk and talks. Make it a habit to meet once twice or even three times a week. Make each other accountable. Leaving a comment in the comment box below is a great way to becoming accountable. Tell us what your new habit is and we will hold you to it.:)

Tip #5: Have a plan. Know what you need to do in order to reach your goals. What daily habits do you need to instill to keep organized, eat better, get in shape, or stop smoking?

PS: Enter to win!

Getting It Together has just had a makeover and we want to hear from you. Please leave a comment in the comment box and your name will be entered into a draw to WIN a purse Organizer.

Check it out www.gettingittogether.ca/products

Share the love by sharing the link. Thank You

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:36+00:00October 28th, 2015|Home Organization, Organizer, Time Management|3 Comments

Holiday Travel Tips. How to be organized and ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Do you love to travel?

I sure do.

That is why I created this short video on holiday travel tips.

I want you to be organized and ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Many of you know that I love to travel. I have been blessed to travel with my golf clubs. I have been blessed to travel with my skis. This type of travel requires good organizational skills.

This is a funny picture of me after skiing all day.Then we came across a golf course. If I had my clubs I could have done a round!

For more holiday travel tips please contact me.

I provide a 30 minute FREE phone consultation to give you up to 5 holiday travel tips. You will be the envy of your Friends.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:52+00:00August 23rd, 2010|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Recipe Organization.

I know what you are thinking.

Ya right! Rowena you have not seen my recipes. I have every recipe I have ever cut out. I have recipe cards and I have recipe books. I have them everywhere.

Check out this short video on recipe organization.

I trust the tips will give you hope.

Let me help you with getting your recipes organized. Call for a free 30 minute phone consultation to learn the best way to recipe organization.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your homein 15 minutes or less.

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By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:52+00:00August 23rd, 2010|Home Organization, Organizer|0 Comments

Renovation Tips- Organizing For Reno’s so that it is smooth sailing.

Every person I know who has ever had renovations has a story to tell.

How would you like some renovation tips?

How would you like it if renovations were made easy?

Check out this short video on renovation tips.

See how to get organized and ready for renovations.

Yes it can be smooth sailing………or can it?

How did you like the chart?

Do you wish you had somethng like this in place for your up coming renovations?

Contact me today and I will give you a few more tips plus help you with your chart for all your trades people.

Do you have a great renovations story? Please leave it in the comment box below.

in the mean time if you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your homein 15 minutes or less.

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