Organization Tips Archives - Getting it Together

Top Tips For Safe Sun Exposure

Are you as confused as the next person about how much sun is too much and which sunscreen is necessary?

Have you ever stood in the store feeling so overwhelmed by all the choices you have, or by the price or SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number on the bottle?

Read on to find out what’s good and what isn’t when it comes to protecting the largest organ: your skin.

Read the Label

Beware of the cheaper, and still unregulated, American brands of sunscreen which are a cocktail of toxic chemicals and not regulated by the FDA. Look for brands of sunscreen that use either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These protective ingredients are mineral based – not chemical based – and therefore are better. Canada has these regulated.

Look for a sunscreen that is waterproof, sweat-proof and safe-for-sensitive-skin. Always check the expiry date. After the expiry date, the SPF level of the sunscreen will decrease.

An SPF of 30-50 is a total block from the UVA & UVB rays of the sun. If you burn (unprotected) in ten minutes, an SPF of 30 will protect you 30 times longer. You will then need to reapply.

Facts & Fiction

Getting it Together has come up with some facts and fiction to help you have a sun-safe fun summer or a winter vacation that takes you away to find the warmth of the sun.

FICTION

When it is cloudy you are safe from the sun’s rays. False.

15 + 30 = 45. Putting one SPF on top of another doesn’t add up. If you want SPF 45 you’ll have to use SPF 45.

Money talks. The more you pay for your sunscreen, the better it is.

FACTS

One in every three people gets skin cancer!

Even mild sunburns can lead to wrinkles or even skin cancer down the road.

90% of premature aging and skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.

5-10% of all skin cancers appear on the eyelids.

The lower lip is especially susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma – a type of skin cancer.

The skin never heals 100% after a burn, so best to avoid getting one.

There is no such thing as a healthy tan

You may look and feel it, but sun exposure isn’t healthy. If you must go to a tanning salon, wear sunscreen. Or better yet, use a sunless tanning lotion on your body and bronzing powders on your face.

Sunscreens protect your face and body from the harmful UVB rays

Use the right one with the right SPF for your skin tone.

For example:

Fair skin burns in 10 minutes without sunscreen on. If you were to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you would be protected for 15 x 10 minutes = 150 minutes. After 150 minutes it would be best to get out of the sun. If you plan on being in the sun longer, wear an SPF of 30 – which would give you 300 minutes of sun protection.

Where do those rays come from?

Ninety percent of the sun’s rays bounce off water, sand, concrete and snow. It is best to wear sunscreen all year long; especially on your face and neck.

Clouds block only 20% of harmful UV radiation. And it has medicinal effects.

Moderate, unprotected exposure to UV rays (from 10 to 15 minutes a day) is actually good for you as it helps generate Vitamin D – which strengthens bones, muscles and your immune system. It also, ironically, helps to prevent the growth of cancerous tumors. Sunshine also regulates serotonin and tryptamine levels – which are the neurotransmitters responsible for your moods and body temperature.

Make the most of your summer and/or your vacation. Enjoy the sun, water sports, boating, biking and whatever activities you choose. Just remember to always have sunscreen on; carry it with you. Don’t get caught off-guard and end up with a really bad, irreparable burn…or worse – skin cancer. Always practice good sun safety with children. We get more sun exposure by the time we are six years old than what we need for a lifetime. Protect your children and you’ll help towards protecting their future.

Together Tips

Having your sunscreen handy in the car, beach bag and bathroom cupboard so you are never caught without it. Buy one bottle for your vehicle, one for your beach bag and another for the house. That way, you never need to remember to bring it; it’ll always be there. You know how the weather can change from one minute to the next.

Make a habit of putting your sunscreen on every morning no matter how much or little you will be outside. Ensure you cover all exposed skin.

For more information on this or any other subject, contact Rowena.

Rowena would like to thank you for your referrals. They are always graciously appreciated.

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch today. rowena@gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2025-07-22T00:37:44+00:00July 22nd, 2025|Organization Tips, Uncategorized|0 Comments

What To Do With Your Old Greeting Cards

Do you love to save every greeting card you have ever received?

What plan do you have for them?

Do you have boxes of greeting cards that you have received?

Check out this short video on “What To Do With Your Old Greeting Cards

https://youtu.be/IWOsNytoa9w?t=50 and then

read on to get the TOP 5 Getting It Together’s TIPS on What To Do With Your Old Greeting Cards.

Tip#1 Decide if you are an Ecard person or a paper card person. Pick one method and stick to it. Some people are NO card people. Maybe as a family they have decided to not send any cards. (You might decide to put the money you would spend on cards and donate it to a charity of your choice) Then there is the “send out card” company. They do all the work for you once you have given them all your details.

Tip#2: Purpose. What is the purpose of keeping a card? If you give someone a card do you expect them to keep it FOREVER? Probably not. Just like if someone gives you a card, they do not expect you to keep it forever. I heard of a lady who kept every card she had ever received. She thought she would re-read them all one day when she was in a care home. She wanted to remember all the kind things people had said to her. I visit an extended care home once a week, there is no room in those places for a lifetime supply of greeting cards.

Tip#3: Keep the very special ones. You decide that yes indeed you would like to keep the very special cards. After each Birthday, Anniversary, festive holiday season sit down with a cup of tea. Look over all your cards and select your 2-3 most precious ones. I put one or 2 of my most special greeting cards in random places in my “working” binder. When I open a page, I get a warm fuzzy feeling from the person who sent me the card.

Tip#4: Store them properly. Once you have narrowed down your cards, store them in a plastic shoe box. It would be fair to have one box per person in the household. If the box is overflowing, it is time to revisit the cards and purge some. This is not the time to buy a bigger box. J

Tip#5: Recycle, repurpose. Please be sure to recycle all greeting cards you are not keeping or repurpose them. One way is to turn your old greeting cards into gift tags. Cut out part of the pretty picture, punch a hole in the upper corner and put a ribbon through it. Check in with your local school or senior center to see if they would like cards for craft projects. I knew one lady who could take a greeting card and turn it into a box. She then put small candies or a piece of jewelry in it and gave them away.

PS: This picture is of the system I use to store new greeting cards. This box has dividers in it for all of the special occasions. Once I buy my cards, I simply file them under the appropriate occasion. I also use my perpetual calendar

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch today. rowena@gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2024-08-15T20:32:18+00:00August 10th, 2024|Home Organization, Organization Tips|0 Comments

Top Three Common Mistakes Noted by Professional Organizers

Do you feel like you are the only one who is disorganized?

Is your clutter causing you stress?

Would you like to downsize?

Check out this short video on the Top Three Common Mistakes Noted by Professional Organizers at almost every home. And then read on for more tips.

Mistake #1: Waiting until you can devote an entire weekend to decluttering. Clutter didn’t happen overnight; therefore, it is not going to get cleared overnight and certainly not in one weekend.

It is better to break your decluttering project down into bite size pieces. Start with 15 minutes a day. I call this “15 minutes to freedom”. You will find several tips on my site at www.gettingittogether.ca/blog

Why not start by clearing out all the recycling. That is all the bottles, papers, cans, glass, Styrofoam etc.

That is easily a 15-minute task. Staying focused is the key.

If you have a challenge staying focused, then best to hire me. 🙂

Mistake #2: Relying on a storage unit or the extra space you have in your home. Keeping unwanted things in storage is “deferred decision making”. And just because you have space in your cupboards or closets doesn’t mean you have to fill it.

Keep only what you use, love and need. Pass the rest on with love.

Mistake #3: Keeping partially used beauty products even though you don’t like them and therefore don’t use them. People keep these items and many more because they paid for them and it feels like it’s a waste if they get rid of them. Storing them is not going to bring the money back into your account. Look at it as a “purchasing mistake”. We all do it and have done it. Pass those beauty products on to your local women’s shelter.

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch so we can discuss how I can help you with your renovation today!

Rowena List, Professional Organizer
rowena@gettingittogether.ca
604-520-9550

How would you like a 15-minute free over-the-phone discovery session?
Contact Rowena at 604-520-9550 to book yours or go to www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2024-07-09T19:10:13+00:00June 26th, 2024|Home Organization, Organization Tips|0 Comments

Get Organized: Your High-Tech Self

Do you feel like technology changes faster then you can change your underwear? How is a person to keep up and keep it all “together”? Take a ‘byte’ out of personal systems overload – try these 5 simple tips.

Getting It Together’s Top 5 Tips for the High-Tech Self

TIP #1 – Do not and I repeat – do not – answer your phone unless you can talk and/or fulfill any tasks that might come from the conversation. That means if you are in the shower, bathroom, having dinner or in a coffee line – the calls can wait. Voice mail is your friend. People everywhere feel like they’re working harder and achieving less. The discipline of checking voice mail can therefore give you the boundaries you need to put some personal sanity back into your harried day. So savor that meal. Enjoy that conversation. Respect your family. The personal dividends repaid for not answering every call far out weigh the ‘just in time’ panic cultivated by a cluttered life.

TIP #2 – Text or DM (or IM or whatever!) when you’re in private. Enjoy the moment and the people you are with while you are with them. I know what you are thinking, “yeah, but what does she know about my life and business? I have to answer all calls and texts.” That’s fine. But do it in private. Make the people you are with feel important and special. Business is about relationships. If you can’t respect the time of the people you’re with, how can they respect you?

TIP #3 – Be selective as to what you forward. You might think the email is funny but will the recipient? Ask in advance if they would like to receive jokes etc. Your friends, family and co workers might be trying to cut down on the clutter in their inboxes, too!

TIP #4 – Spell check was invented for a reason. Use it even if the email is to a friend or family member and especially in all work related correspondence.

TIP #5 – Turn off all electronic messaging devices in meetings, movies or public places. I bet you would hate for the phone to ring if you were a guest speaker at an event or trying to watch a movie while on a date. While you’re at it, use a “normal” ring tone. Nothing is more annoying than a quirky ring tone and hearing several of them at once.

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch so we can discuss how I can help you get more organized today!

Rowena List, Professional Organizer
rowena@gettingittogether.ca
604-520-9550

By Rowena List|2024-06-24T17:44:15+00:00June 24th, 2024|Organization Tips, Uncategorized|0 Comments

CHAOS – Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome

As we reflect on our year, what is a highlight for you?

For me, most definitely the hiking trip I took to Zion and Bryce in Utah . I was blown away by the scenery and the vastness of that State.

If you are a hiker or enjoy sightseeing, I’d highly recommend this trip.

Check out this short video on CHAOS by Getting It Together then read on for more top tips.

Why get organized?

Time. Money. Health. Relationships. Stress.

What are some common organizing barriers?

Not knowing what to do with the stuff you don’t want.
Not staying focused.
Not creating good habits.
Overthinking.

The three deadliest words. “Just in case.”

Where to begin?

The area that is bugging you the most.
The area that is holding you back.

Keep in mind. There will usually be a storm before the calm. Things get worse before they get better.

It’s a process getting organized and a habit staying organized.

What to save?

Only items that you use, love and need.
Items you would replace if they were lost in a flood or a fire. Sentimental items if you have them displayed properly.

The key: be ruthless.

May you find peace, joy and happiness at this time of year and always.

Wishing you a very happy Holiday season and a Merry Christmas.

All the best for a clutter free 2024

P.S. If you are drowning in clutter and would like to downsize, please reach out

www,gettingittogether.ca

Rowena 604-520-9550

By organize|2023-12-18T19:03:03+00:00December 18th, 2023|Organization Tips|0 Comments

Something New For You from Rowena List of Getting It Together: Home Renovations

Despite everything that is going on in the province of British Columbia and the world, I hope that each of you had an opportunity to enjoy your summer. And I trust that you are all safe.

I had the pleasure of being in Italy and Croatia before the heat dome. It was a fantastic trip. I’ve included a few photos.

Feel free to reach out to hear more.

For those of you that follow me on social media, you will have noticed an additional department to my company. We are now doing home renovations. It’s a very natural fit. As we are downsizing and clearing the clutter, it makes room for better systems, and an updated look to your current space.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

I’ve teamed up with a professional contracting company. I assist with the design and functionality to maximize your space. Once the renovation is complete, I work with you to put your space back in order. It’s a whole lot of fun. I’ve included a couple of photos of our most recent jobs. To see more, please follow me on social media.

https://www.facebook.com/rowenalist

If you have any questions, or would like a quote, please reach out.
www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2023-09-27T19:45:44+00:00September 26th, 2023|Home Organization, Home Renovations, Organization Tips|0 Comments

A Professional Organizers Junk Drawer

Rarely do I see a home that doesn’t have a junk drawer.

Why is this?

Because we have items, we don’t know what to do with or where to put them so we put them in the “junk drawer.”

Pens, paper, elastics, take out menus, batteries that need to be recycled, the list goes on and on.

If you follow these simple rules by Getting It Together, you can eliminate the junk drawer once and for all. Or at best you can have a very organized one.

Check out this short video on A Professional Organizers Junk Drawer, then read on for the Top 3 Tips.

Tip #1. Sort through all the things in the junk drawer and ask yourself “does this belong here?”, “do I really need to keep it?”

Tip #2. Have some dividers in your drawer if you need things like pen and paper in your kitchen.

My kitchen is small and very close to my office; therefore, I keep those items in my desk.

Tip #3. Every quarter clear out the junk drawer of all the items that have ended up there. It happens. Kids toss things in the junk drawer, maybe your housekeeper or spouse does, and maybe you are even guilty of tossing the spare packets of soy sauce in there.

Still needing help with this project?

Contact www.gettingittogether.ca for your free over the phone 15-minute session.

By organize|2022-11-28T20:35:58+00:00November 28th, 2022|Home Organization, Organization Tips, Organizer|0 Comments

How To Attend A Potluck by Professional Organizer Rowena List

Do you love potlucks? Most people do because of the variety of foods…….. unless you end up at an all dessert one and you’ve just come from a massive workout ready to eat your right arm.

Check out this short video by Rowena List of Getting It Together

Then read on for the Top 5 Tips on How To Attend A Potluck

Tip 1: Bring a substantial dish of food. Keep in mind there could be several people at this potluck and how nice to be able to leave leftovers for your Hostess.

Tip 2: Bring the appropriate serving utensils and make sure they have your name on them.

Tip 3: Be sure to take all your belongings home with you. The last thing your Hostess needs is extra serving dishes that she has know idea who they belong to. Go one step further and wash up all the dishes that don’t belong to your Hostess, that way all the guests can leave with clean bowls etc.

Tip 4: Try to bring something that doesn’t require going in the oven unless you have confirmed with your Hostess that hers works and will be on. I attended a potluck where many people brought things for the oven and it caused chaos in the kitchen.

Tip 5: Be mindful of bringing flowers unless you can take care of putting them in a vase for your Hostess. It’s one less thing she has to deal with.

Above all, have fun and be the best guest you can be.

PS: Keep in mind I do food prep and cooking for my clients now.

Contact www.gettingittogether.ca for more details.

PPS: Do you find these tips helpful? If so, please share the love by sharing this link.

By organize|2022-05-30T19:51:20+00:00May 30th, 2022|Organization Tips|0 Comments

How To Organize A Classroom & Home Office

There are people who homeschool their children by choice and then there are many of you who have been forced to homeschool your children over the past couple of years with all the school closures.

Either way, it is a big commitment to support and educate our children of the future.

Quite often when I’m out in nature I see young children. I suspect they are being homeschooled and getting their physical activity at the same time. Here we are at Alexander Falls just before Whistler BC. Aren’t they stunning?

Check out this podcast on How To Organize A Classroom & Home Office.

https://www.educate.today/edvideos/getting-it-together-a-conversation-with-rowena-list
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/classroom-matters/id1470443550
https://open.spotify.com/show/6Dl4CVI3g9EBJJqwAlR1bW

Thank You to Kristy Houle for having me on your podcast

Educational Outreach Coordinator and Podcast Host
Educate.Today
https://educate.today/edvideos/classroom-matters-with-kristy-houle
https://educate.today/
(314) 807-3818

Stay safe and healthy.
To your success , Rowena
www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2022-01-18T18:03:04+00:00January 18th, 2022|Home Organization, Organization Tips|0 Comments

From Overwhelm To Calm – Get Organized With Rowena List of Getting It Together And Elaine Tan Comeau

With Rowena List of Getting It Together And Elaine Tan Comeau, Host/Founder, Elaine’s Kitchen Table Podcast – Create Better Family, Health, Business, Self