The Organizing Corner
Jody Adams, CPOŽ 724.850.7282 jody@in-its-place.biz
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Welcome to the Pre-Holiday Issue of The Organizing Corner!
This issue differs slightly from our regular format so that we can bring you even more helpful hints and ideas before the holiday rush begins to make your life easier and this special time of year more enjoyable.
Wishing you a simple and beautiful start to your holiday season!  Jody Adams, Certified Professional OrganizerŽ
Owner of In Its Place
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What Do I Do About. . . ?
In Its Place answers your questions about organizing for the holidays.
Q: I love the holidays, but every year they seem to get more hectic and stressful.
How can I actually enjoy the holidays this year?
* Step off the treadmill of daily life and take some time to rediscover all the things
you love about the holidays and what makes them special for you and your family.
* Decide what traditions are most important to you and focus on those.
* Involve your spouse (and kids) in the holiday planning and shopping activities.
* Join a cookie exchange to get the variety without spending days in the kitchen.
* Plan meals and make a list of ingredients ahead of time to streamline shopping trips.
* Schedule food and gift shopping trips to coincide with appointments to save time and gas.
* Prepare a double batch of a healthy, hearty meal and share with a neighbor who
does the same. You'll both get a home-cooked dinner and save a night of cooking!
DON'T:
* Run yourself ragged by overcommitting to too many events and activities.
* Feel that you have to decorate every square inch of your home.
* Handwrite all the addresses on your Christmas card envelopes.
* Disregard the traditions you chose as most important to you.
* Forget to be thankful for who you are and what you already have.
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Have You Made Your List and Checked It Twice?
Do Your Clients Truly Know That You Appreciate Them?
Whether you call them clients, customers, guests, patients, or patrons, the people who utilize your products and services like to feel appreciated. That is why it's important to always remember to use two simple words: thank you. Beyond just exhibiting common courtesy, it acknowledges your customers' choice to patronize your business.
It's been said that it's more expensive to get a new client than it is to sell to an existing client, so why not do all you can to create "top-of-mind awareness" in your current customers? Establishing workable systems are all-important when organizing your office supplies, drawers, filing cabinets, and bookshelves. The same is true for how, and how often, you stay in touch with your clients.
Thanksgiving is almost here, so it's the perfect time to examine your client contact management system and start to give thanks where it's due. Here are some tips for how to do just that . . .
* Identify all of your customers from this calendar year and make sure their complete
contact info is in one location, whether in document or spreadsheet format.
* Develop a means of inputting all future client contact information into this format,
or invest in client contact management software that fits your business needs.
* Determine a basic schedule outlining the frequency with which you will contact
your existing - and prospective - clients.
* Decide on a mix of phone calls, emails, ecards, cards, newsletters, and gifts (if
appropriate) to say thank you, give helpful info, and alert them to special offers,
discounts, and events.
* Make sure you stay on top of your contact management system so you stay on top
of your customer's minds.
Need help establishing workable organizing systems?
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Clever, Creative, and Clutter-free Holiday Gift Ideas
If you're not sure what to give to the people on your list who have everything. . .
If you'd like to give earth-friendly gifts that your recipients will love. . .
If you want to help make a difference in your community. . .
If you want to support local businesses and the region's economy. . .
. . . then you've come to the right place!
We've compiled an out-of-the-ordinary (tho' not exhaustive) list of ideas for giving gifts that will bring comfort and joy to everyone without generating clutter.
You can't go wrong with delicious foods, charitable contributions in honor of your recipients, and tickets, gift certificates, or memberships for new experiences and favorite activities. (And if you want to give the gift of organization, be sure to take advantage of the coupon for an In Its Place gift certificate at the end of this issue).
CONSUMABLES & SPECIALTY FOODS
Nationally recognized selection of organic cookies, biscotti, and shortbread.
All-natural breads, range-fed beef, homemade jams, and other yummy goods.
Luscious ice cream, deli, breakfast items, beverages, and even doggie treats!
Gift baskets containing locally made snacks, food, and treats.
So the gluten- and dairy-sensitive don't have to go without scrumptious baked goods. McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores
With 3 Pittsburgh area locations, you're sure to find mouth-watering foods near you. DeLallo Italian MarketplaceIf you're looking for authentic Italian foods and gifts, this is the place to find 'em.
Enjoy the variety of Pittsburgh's only consumer-owned Natural Foods Store.
Specializes in organic vegan recipes and raw foods, along with earth friendly gifts.
This 150+ year-old family farm offers organic produce, a wine shop, and much more.
Niagara, Riesling, and a host of other wines from right here in Westmoreland County.
A local small fruits farm with lots of delicious treats to delight you year-round.
Pair this fun guide book of 57 Pittsburgh eateries with gift certificates from one (or more!) of the highlighted restaurants for a gift that keeps on giving.
CULTURAL & OTHER EXPERIENCES
Adult and children's productions plus dinner theatre packages with The Lamplighter.
Adult and "Kidworks" productions plus dinner theatre packages with Parente's.
Treat yourself like royalty - attend performances by local and national talent.
Offers diverse theatrical productions in Pittsburgh's Cultural District.
Discover 250 years of Pittsburgh history in this Smithsonian Institution affiliate.
Presents adult theatrical productions, special events, and children's theater shows.
For that hard-to-buy-for teenager who's preparing to get behind the wheel.
Art classes and workshops for the beginner and the experienced.
Piano, guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, and flute lessons as well as Music Together(R).
Leagues and junior leagues, night bowling, food and entertainment.
An 18-hole glow-in-the-dark indoor golf course for the whole family.
Cardio and strength training, pool, tennis, racquetball, and more to help you stay fit.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Pittsburgh from the water while savoring fabulous food.
Professional photography to capture all the special moments of your family's life.
Improve your health with non-surgical pain therapies and nutritional assessment.
Offers professionally taught non-competitive and movement classes for all ages.
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Donate non-perishable food or make a donation in honor of a loved one.
Help eliminate hunger with a variety of ways to donate.
Matches donors with worthy human service, health, arts and culture, educational, environmental, and other organizations that improve the quality of life in our region.
Your donations help member agencies provide valuable needed services.
Streamlines the process of getting dollars to agencies that are impacting critical community needs.
Support their efforts with membership, "in honor of" and "in memory of" donations.
Help this Westmoreland shelter with monetary, time, and "wish list" donations.
Provides substance-free programming and activities for area teens.
Provides direct services as well as educational and awareness programs.
Provides decent, affordable housing for, and with help of, qualifying families in need.
Dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife and educating the public on how to better co-exist with wildlife.
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Thank you for spending a little pre-holiday time with us. If you have any questions or are interested in our services, feel free to call 724.850.7282, email, or visit our web site.
Happy Organized Holidays!
Jody
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| Save 10% |
If you're searching for the perfect gift for someone who has everything, and perhaps too much of everything, a gift certificate from In Its Place could be your solution!
Save 10% on the purchase of a gift certificate for an organizing consultation and hands-on sessions!
For information about gift packages. . .
Call: 724.850.7282
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Offer Expires: December 19, 2008. Not valid with any other offer. | |
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