cosmetics Archives - Getting it Together

Organizing your make-up: Find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less

R applying Makeup-5 Most of you know I come from a cosmetic background. With well over 3 decades in the business I thought it was time to share a few of my trade secrets. Like most of us, putting on our make-up is a habit. One day rolls into the next and before long we realize we have not cleared out or organized our make-up for some time. This is not a good thing.

Here are a few of my top tips for organizing your make-up. You’ll be able to find what you are looking for in 20 seconds or less and be up to date.

Tip#1 Pump bottles. Whenever possible use cleansers, moisturizers and foundations that come in pump bottles. This saves time. No more opening the containers morning and night. Simply pump out what you need. It is also more sanitary as your fingers are not touching the open caps.

Tip#2 Brushes. One good set of brushes is all a gal needs. My favorite is the MaryKay brush set because it comes in a nice roll –up container. This is especially handy when traveling. Good brush sets will last many years. Wash them once a month in a little shampoo and conditioner. Allow to dry overnight. Toss out all old, used sponge tip applicators and broken brushes.

Tip#3 Colour cosmetics. This includes eye shadows, liners, lipsticks and blush. Dump out your cosmetic bag, drawer or basket. Know your limit. How many items do you really want and need? It is safe to say that 3-4 eye colours will cover your basic needs. Toss the ones you never use and ALL purchasing mistakes. Come on, we all have one or two of those in our bag. The shimmery gold eye colour that you thought you HAD to have. Toss ALL lipsticks you are no longer wearing. The ones with just a little left in the tube, the FREE ones that are not your colour and the outdated ones. Keep your favorite 3-4. Do the same with your liners and blush. The thing is we wear 20% of our make-up 80% of the time.

Tip#4 Storage. Pick one place to store your make-up. Do you like to keep it all in a cosmetic bag, a basket or a drawer? The more places you have to store cosmetics the more likely you will spread to those areas. This is not a good thing. I keep all my items in one small drawer in the bathroom. I also like to have a travel cosmetic bag ready to go at all times. I put all my “almost finished” eye colours, blush and liners in there.

Tip#5 Toss. How many bottles of half used creams, lotions and potions do you have? Do you go onto the new before using up the old? People have the best of intentions of using up those partially used bottles. They don’t. Do yourself an organizing favour and toss them out. OR promise me you will use them up before buying new.

Do you have lots of unopened make-up items, cosmetics or toiletries? Please donate them to your local women’s shelter. They would be happy to receive them.

Keep your “look” up to date with regular consultations. Many cosmetic counters offer this service. So do home based cosmetic companies. Find a consultant who knows your style and one that you trust.

I love organizing cosmetic drawers, bags or baskets. Be sure to contact for a FREE 30 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your make-up needs; your storage concerns and solutions. I’ll even give you the latest make-up trends.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:39+00:00January 26th, 2015|Organizer|0 Comments

Live Simply So That Others May Simply Live

Live simply so that others may simply live

-Gandhi

This is one of my favorite quotes.

This quote does not mean living without. It does not mean being poor or deprived, it simply means thinking about how you live and what you live with or without.

Imagine if everyone in non-third world countries lived like this. Would that help others?

Would this quote “ Live simply so that others may simply live” also help you with getting and staying clutter free?

Check out this short video on live simply so that others may simply live and enjoy these fascinating facts.

Here are a few fascinating facts to ponder.

More than 4 million pairs of eyeglasses are trashed annually, according to Unite for Sight. When I am working hands on with a client and come across outdated prescription eyeglasses I take them to my local gym. There is a drop box at the front desk. These glasses get sent to third world countries and repurposed. There are more than a billion people with eye sight problems in this world. www.theVisionvillage.com, $20.00 for 20/20; www.worldvison.org.

22.3 billion lbs of textiles, including clothing, were thrown away in 2010. Now some of your husband’s tee shirts might warrant being thrown away however what about all the other clothing items in your closet that are not being worn? Can you donate tee shirts, pants, dresses etc to a less fortunate family? As many of you know I am a member of the Soroptimists International. We collect gently used items for the less fortunate family’s right here in the Greater Lower Mainland. Let me help you hands on with organizing your clothes closet. You will be amazed as to what we find to donate. Please keep in mind that nothing takes on value unless it is being used. Pass your clothing on before it is too late for anyone else to wear it.

Had the estimated 32.7 billion aluminum cans tossed out in 2011 been redeemed at recycling center, they could have netted about $ 820 million. Can you believe this fascinating fact? As a kid I collected pop/beer cans, returned them and sent myself off to summer camp. Today Mark does all of our returns and donates the money to charity. We have very few returns however every little bit counts.

15.8 million tons of reading material (books/magazines) and other paper products were trashed in 2010. Who do you know who would love some new books, reading material or updated magazines? Why not take them with you the next time you go on vacation to a less fortunate country.

Over ten million bicycles are dumped into American and European landfills yearly, says Bicycles for Humanity. Pass your children’s bikes on before they are all rusty and out of date. That goes with all the other sporting equipment sitting in your garage or crawl space.

Each year more than 350 million pairs of shoes march into landfills, according to the charity “Shoes for the Cure” How many pairs of shoes does a gal/child need? If you are Imelda Markus you need a special closet just for shoes. If you are you and me well that is a different story. We are all on the road of decluttering so less is more. Keep the shoes that fit you, that are comfortable and in style. Please donate the rest.

According to the NRDC, the average American family of four ends up tossing the equivalent of $2,275 of food into the garbage annually. Have you taken advantage of my FREE session yet? I will discuss menu planning and quick, easy, healthy recipes. Being organized and planning will eliminate food waste. CLICK HERE

The roughly 38,000 miles of ribbon we toss each year is “enough to tie a bow around the Earth.” What if we used string and then repurposed that string or reused the ribbon?

In 2010 Americans got rid of 152 million cell phones and other mobile devices, of which 135 million made their way to the landfill. Do you like to have the latest and greatest new phone that comes out? There is nothing wrong with that as long as you repurpose your old ones. These items and many more can be sent to third world countries or recycled through London Drugs.

Let’s all work together to run our lives with TLC “Total Liquidation of Clutter” and TEW “Total Elimination of Waste” and LEI “Lower Environmental Impact”.

Join me in a simplicity movement or start one of your own in your community.

P.S. Have you heard about our referral program?

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:43+00:00June 10th, 2013|Organizer|8 Comments

Permanently Reduce Clutter

How would you like to spend less but feel like you have more while you

permanently reduce clutter?

Do you wish your bank balance was higher than it is?

Are you surrounded by stuff?

I have always admired people like the late Lady Dianna. She dressed with simple elegance. Oh yeah, she had a huge wardrobe because she was a princess however her style was elegant and simple. I’ll bet if she were not a princess she would have had a modest closet filled with a few key items of clothing. The type of clothing items that mix and match so well together. That is my goal for you as well. As the French would say “you do not need a lot of clothes you just need a great imagination.”

These tips would also work when decorating your home. Simple yet elegant.

Where else do you think these tips would work well in your life?

Please leave a comment in the box below. Your opinion counts.

Read on to get ten simple tips to

permanently reduce clutter

.

Tip 1. Use the 6-12 month rule. If you haven’t worn or used it in 6-12 months, get rid of it. Pass it on with love. The only exception to this rule is that one elegant evening dress in the back of your closet waiting for a fancy dance or cruise. If it is a classic it will not go out of style. If you stay the same size it will fit!

You might even have an item in your home that comes out for the rare occasions. You know the tray that holds deviled eggs.

Tip 2. Align values with spending. I value good/organic food, my health and travel to name a few. So, I know that planning and paying for a vacation, getting a massage, or going shopping at one of my favorite specialty shops is aligned with my values. Knowing what you value makes it much easier to make or not to make spending decisions.

Tip 3. Stick to a shopping list. This will help you with not getting side tracked. Take a shopping list with you when you go to buy groceries or clothes. When you know what you are looking for you will save time and money. The most organized people do not just aimlessly wonder around shops. They have a mission and stick to it. Now that does not mean you do not go window shopping with a friend once in awhile. Hey we all need that fix with one of our BF”s

Tip 4. The 24-hour rule. We have all heard this one before. I think Oprah even uses this rule. Imagine with all of her money. Think about your purchase for 24 hours. If you still feel you need/want it after 24 hours go back and make the purchase. If you feel you can live without that item after 24 hours you have just saved yourself some money. This eliminates the spontaneous purchases. I also like to shop at places that have a no fuss return policy. For example an item of clothing might look great in the store lighting. You get it home and the colour is not at all what you thought.

Tip 5. Create a do-not-spend day. Are you old enough to remember when stores were not open on Sundays? Or when late night shopping was only on Friday nights. Ah, the good old days. I use to work in the mall when this was my reality. (Okay, I know I am dating myself now) however one day without spending can add up. Choose a day each week and make that your do-not-spend day. Instead, get creative with all the fun free things you can do. Pack your own lunch or snacks and take a thermos with your hot drink in it. Your mind, body and bank account will thank you!

Tip 6. Stop keeping up with the Jones. Why is it that humans have the need to keep up with the Jones? Who started this anyway? The Jones do not care what you have or how you spend your money so why should we care with keeping up with them? I know it is a saying however imagine if we all lived simple so others may simple live? The only person you need to impress is yourself. Think of how great you will feel if you only bought what you really needed, used and loved. You bank account will love you too.

Tip 7. Analyze your spending for a week. Keep track of each item you buy. At the end of the week ask yourself if it was something you really needed, will be using and love. If not then ask yourself this question “what was the purpose of buying this item” If you cannot come up with a strong answer it might be time to return it. I’ll bet you will not have many if any of these purchases if you follow the above tips especially the 24 hour rule.

Tip 8. The This/That Question. Unless you have an endless supply of money and even if you do I’ll bet you do not want clutter. Ask yourself this question. “If I buy this I cannot have that” “If I go on a fancy vacation I cannot have a new living room set.” Keeping in mind that this style of living will eliminate debt. Once again your bank account will love you for this. Credit card debt or overdraft debt can cause so much stress. You might not think that it is but it is!

Tip 9. Have gratitude. My life has always run smoother when I have kept a gratitude journal. I would highly recommend keeping one. Each day write down 5 things you are grateful for. It might be that you can see or that you can buy a new purse for Fall or that your family’s health is good. You’ll be hard pressed to stop at 5 things each day.

One of the best books I read was called “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban Breathnach. I first read this book back in 1998 and re read it every year for three years. It is time I did that again. Do not get me wrong. I did not do all the activities Sarah suggested. I feel you would need to be superwoman to do that and none of us are. However the best part was all about gratitude. It is a one page read each day and well worth it.

Let me know if you have read it. Leave your comments in the box below.

Tip 10. Be kind to yourself. My Birthday gift to myself this year was that I would be kind to myself. That means being kind to my body, mind and spirit. It means watching my self talk. It means giving myself permission to be human. Hey we all make purchasing mistakes however if we are aware of these ten tips we will make fewer of them.

Feeling like a 20 minute FREE session? Contact me to arrange for your time. We can chat about your most burning clutter questions including how to have more money in your pocket.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00November 26th, 2012|Home Organization, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Time Management|2 Comments

5 Simple Tips to Getting Great Family Photos

Will you be seeing most if not all of your family over the holidays?

Is it time to take a group shot?

Would you like the inside scoop on the perfect snapshot? Keep reading.

Every few years it is a nice idea to take a family portrait. I’ll bet you think of this great idea once everyone is sitting down to turkey dinner. But, by then it is too late to get everyone organized.

Check out these 5 simple tips from Getting It Together and make taking great family photos fun and memorable.

Tip #1: Send out the memo. Yes you heard me correctly; you’ll want to get an email out to all the people who will be in the family photo. In this email explain what you would like everyone to wear.

The best choices for clothing are neutral ones, nothing with a pattern, really bright, nor white. So for example you might have a few people wearing navy blue, a few in brown and the rest in taupe. This brings the eyes to all the different people and not at the tops they are wearing. If you are a casual family, ask that everyone wear casual bottoms like blue jeans or cotton pants. If you are a more dressy family, ask everyone to wear black pants and/or skirts.

Tip #2: Hair. Best if everyone wears their hair the way they normally do. For example, you would not go get a fancy updo if you normally wear your hair down or in a pony tail.

Be as natural as possible; just make sure to give it a good brush and little fluffing up. I recommend brushing the kid’s hair seconds before you take the picture.

Tip #3: Make-up. Stay away from anything shiny. The sparkly or shiny makeup casts a glare on the camera lens and then shoots light back. It will appear in the print like you have lights on your face. Keep your makeup “flat”. You might want to hire a professional makeup artist to do everyone’s makeup. This is a fun treat for the ladies.

The number one key is to make sure you have concealer on under the eyes. Those darn dark circles tend to really show up in photos. Lipstick and mascara are also a must.

Tip #4: Setting. A nice backdrop in a natural setting is a must. You don’t want anything distracting in the background that will take away from everyone’s face. Good lighting is also key.

Have you ever seen a photo where it looks like a tree is growing out of the person head? Be mindful of the surrounding objects.

Tip #5: Smile. Be as natural as you can with your smile. Most of all, be sure to have fun with the family photo shoot. By having fun it will show on your faces.

Are you ready to take some great family photos?

With the holidays coming up, now is the perfect time. Contact me today for a 30-minute complimentary no-obligation phone consultation.

During the consultation we will discuss makeup application, price and availability.

For every 4 faces that you book for makeup application, I will do the 5th face for FREE. That is a savings of over $50.00!!

Here’s to your success!

Rowena@gettingittogether.ca
604-520-9550

www.gettingittogether.ca

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:50+00:00December 12th, 2011|Organizer|4 Comments

How To Organize Make-up. How Long Can I Keep My Makeup?

Yes make-up does have an expiry date. How old are some of your make-up items?

If you can not remember when you bought them or last used them then it is time to TOSS!

Check ou this video on how to organize make-up.

You will find out how long is too long. What to toss and when.

Make-up styles change and so do we. I have met people who proudly tell me they still have eyeshadow from their high school days…….YUK!! This is way to long to be keeping make-up unless you graduated this past June.

If you do not use much make-up be sure to buy the smallest size of each item possible.

What I like about http://www.marykay.ca/rlist is the small sizes of eye shadows.I love how you can get refils of your most used colours. You do not have to buy a whole new compact.

When was the last time you treated yourself to a new look?

Please be my guest.

I will treat you to a new look and show you how to organize make-up so it is fresh and clean.

I know what to look for in old make-up. I’ll give you my secrets on what to keep and what to toss.

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 home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:51+00:00November 9th, 2011|Home Organization|0 Comments

How to Organize Your Purse

Have you ever wondered how to organize your purse?
Do you carry everything including the kitchen sink in your purse?

How much does your purse weigh?

Did you know the average ladies purse weighs between 6 and 11 pounds? Now that is a lot of stuff to carry around.

Many ladies are finding they have back and shoulder problems because of the weight of their purse. You do not want to be one of them.

Check out this short video on how to organize your purse.

I think you will love the pouchee purse organizer.

Select your color and grab your Pouchee Purse Organizer NOW!

As many of you know I love to collect funny stories.

At one of my Purse Organizing Parties ( this is the best place to learn how to organize your purse) I came across a lady who had a piece of toast in her purse.

She was thrilled that I had found it because it had been lost since the morning. It was her daughters breakfast and she could not find it! I am happy to report there was no peanut butter or jam on it. Can you imagine the mess if there was?

What is the most interesting thing you have ever found in your purse or carry around with you in your purse?

Love to hear from you in the comment box below.

PS Have you booked your purse party? If not please contact me today to book one.

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 Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:51+00:00August 24th, 2011|Uncategorized|2 Comments

Purse Parties! How to organize your purse

When was the last time you got together with your girlfriends?

What did you do?

If you can not remember when the last time was then it is time to book a party.
Check out this short video on
Purse Parties!

How to organize your purse.

Why not grab a bottle of Merlot and get your BF’s together for a fun filled night.

You will learn top organizing tips including how to organize your purse.

We will have fun sharing stories.

You’ll hear about the most interesting item I found in a purse. I want to hear about the most interesting item you carry around in your purse. Please leave your comments in the box below.

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 Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:51+00:00August 24th, 2011|Uncategorized|4 Comments

Getting Your Cosmetic Bag Together

Have you ever wondered about getting your cosmetic bag together?
Is your make-up bag lost in the 70’s?

Is it time for a new look? Go grab your cosmetic bag and have some fun with this video.

You will learn the top tips to getting your cosmetic bag together.

What is the oldest cosmetic item you found in your cosmetic bag?

Did you have a good laugh or were you grossed out?

How would you like a new look? Contact me today and book an appointment for a makeover. You will learn the lastest of make-up styles that work best for you. You will learn how to use everything that is in your cosmetic bag.

You will learn that getting your cosmetic bag together is as easy as one two three.

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 Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:51+00:00January 31st, 2011|Uncategorized|0 Comments