Musings from Cyndi Seidler

Newest site

2009-02-12T00:10:00.000-08:00

Organized Lifestyles

It's been a long time since I've bothered to post anything on my personal blog and I thought it was time I'd better get to it! I sold Organized-Living.com to Organized Living and moved the site over to a new home: www.organizedlifestyles.com.

It's a mixture of blog posts, my column articles, and affiliate products. Although I still have more work to do and add more things, the site is complete. I invite you to check it out and look around!

The Home Show Expo

2007-02-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

The Home Remodeling & Decorating Show

We're having fun over at the Home Remodeling & Decorating Show at LA Convention Center this weekend. The DVD Get Organized with Cyndi Seidler plays all day and passer-bys stop to watch the techniques to clear the clutter and get better organized.

We're at booth 354 if you're in the area and have a chance to stop by!

Cyndi releases new DVD

2006-11-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

New DVD Release

The DVD "Get Organized with Cyndi Seidler" just launched! It has been distributed to select retail stores for a test run and will be available in stores nationwide soon!

DVD is an entertaining and informative show that presents techniques to organize clutter and establish various organizing solutions to maintain organization.

"Organizer to the stars" Cyndi Seidler shows a simple method to deal with clutter, as well as highlighting various solutions and products that help in organizing a room, a home office, closets, drawers, and cabinets.

This DVD is also available online for $12.95 (43 minutes). Click here to purchase.

Get Organized DVD

2006-07-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Coming soon! New DVD to get organized!

This DVD "Get Organized with Cyndi Seidler" is the first in a series; this topic featuring "Organize Clutter."

A production of Soorya Arts and Organized Living Productions, this DVD is scheduled to be released this summer in retail stores like Walmart, Target, and others. It will also be available at www.getorganizedwithcyndi.com (site in development) -- the new site about this DVD series.

New Get Organized Column

2006-05-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

New Syndicated Column

It's been awhile since I've posted anything here, and that is mostly because I've been writing a lot in An Organized Lifestyle blog. Please forgive.

A new development has come up with writing a new column and I want to share this with you now. One of the publications is American Chronicle and it syndicates my column to twenty-one other publications.

You'll find a list of my articles here:
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewByAuthor.asp?authorID=865

Please note, I just got started, so there are only two articles posted.

Internet Marketing

2006-04-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

Launch of Internet Marketers Group

Ok, so most of you know me as an organizing expert, and I am, although what a lot of you may not know is that I'm a fairly good Internet marketer. I did, after all, manage to develop traffic to Organized-Living.com averaging 40,000 unique visitors a day. Not bad, ay?

This month I joined a partnership in an Internet marketing business -- as Internet Marketers Group. The thing that prompted this was an Internet program that launched this month called the 1 Step System and, upon joining it, we got to work on marketing strategies and the web site for this. We achieved the 17th position on Google with our brand new web site within 5 days after initiating our first marketing campaign (out of 84,000 search results). Now, that's power marketing, if I do say so myself!

We are also marketing SFI Marketing Group and 4-Ecorp earth-friendly products. SFI has personal and household earth-friendly products, and 4-Ecorp has an incredible gas additive: Ethos. I won't explain them here ... but you can check them out and watch the videos on the site links I just gave for full info.

Oh, did I mention that I set up several blogs for Power Marketers Group?

Anyway, I've been busy (needless to say!). You'll be finding new products on my other sites, too.... all part of my marketing strategy! Do I think I'll become a wealthy Internet marketer? Darn right!

KFWB Radio Interview

2006-03-18T22:41:00.000-08:00

A Talk on Getting Organized

In a taped interview the other day with Sharon Katchen of KFWB Radio in L.A., we discussed how to get started and tackle an organizing project. Scheduled to air Monday morning, March 20th, this marks the first day of Spring and time when people start their Spring cleaning endeavors.

If you happen to listen to the interview on this all-talk radio station, please come back to comment!

Keeping Up

2006-02-08T02:22:00.000-08:00

Trying to stay ahead of the game

I believe with any business, it requires continual research to succeed to new levels. I find myself spending a great deal of time researching and, although time-consuming, it does pay off.

Lately, I've put my attention on generating more traffic to my sites. Focusing mostly on the *Organized-Living.com site, I'm finding greater rewards from Google AdSense, and am now researching more about this.

I won't bore you about this subject, as it gets into a lot of this-and-that ... which puts me into information overload with the vast content available on the Internet on this subject! I will say however, that organizing a strategy to increase anything we have that is proving successful is a good way to succeed to higher levels.

Wish me luck (or sanity, at least!)

Cyndi

* Organized-living.com site was sold and is now Organized Lifestyles.com

A New Community

2006-02-02T01:18:00.000-08:00

Launch of The Organized Home Club

I recently had the idea of forming community groups from all over relating to individuals who want and enjoy organized living. I put my thoughts down and everything just started pouring out. Before I knew it, I was purchasing a domain and developing the web site.

Well, a week later The Organized Home Club was officially launched ... today. There's a lot of work ahead of me to develop this into growing communities, and I hope you'll take a look and join in!

It's my new year gift to you.

2005 Highlights

2005-12-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

Reflecting on 2005

There were a lot of events in the news for 2005; some good, some bad. The natural disasters that hit this year alone really took its toll on everyone, but I like to reflect on the good. And, that's how I get to me.

I had a good year. To recap some of the major events in my life ...

March - On ABC-7 News with Spencer Davis
March - Launched decorating business and its blog, Splendid Space Makeovers
April - Launched this blog and the *Organized-Living.com blog (*now OrganizedLifestyles.com)
April - New partnership with producers Prime Cut Productions for TV show
April - Became a Muttshacker and involved with Muttshack Animal Rescue Fdn.
May - Launched my Eco-organizer campaign and service mark
May - Launched new message board for Organized-Living.com
July - Launced new affiliate products on Organized-Living.com
July - Interviewed on the radio program On The House with The Carey Brothers
July - Interviewed for Expert Village
August - Speaker at the San Fransisco Mart
Sept. - My home office makeover
Sept. - My one-year anniversary at my new house; installed hardwood floors
Oct. - Web site makeovers
Nov. - On CBS Morning News with client Roxanne Brown
Nov. - In Woman's Day magazine
Nov. - Interviewed for In Style magazine
Nov. - New HandyGirl Organizers logo
Dec. - The 11-year anniversary of my company HandyGirl Organizers (founded 12/94)
Dec. - Highest-ever sales on students enrolling in HG Training Academy and for book A Manual for Professional Organizers, 4th edition

So, there we have it; an eventful year filled with progress. Now, to make my goals for 2006!

Happy new year!

Stay-at-home Shoppers

2005-12-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

Getting Malled at the Malls

Those who truly value their sanity are staying away from the holiday Mall shopping. My bank teller told me that she heard about this woman who drove around this mall parking lot looking for a parking spot, and just kept driving up and down the isles, watching other cars pull into newly vacated spots she just missed because the line of cars she got behind in the next isle got there first. Her stress level was rising and this was before she even entered the mall!

Approximately 30 minutes later, she got into the building and the crowd of people were such that she felt driven to yell into a store at a clerk there and plead, "Just throw something out -- anything!"

While the malls and large department stores might be a good one-stop shopping endeavor, it may not be worth it. I suggest, if you must go out and shop, to try retail stores in small shopping strips, or along boulevards with a variety of specialty shops.

As for myself, I'm going to let my fingers do the shopping ... thank you Internet!

Woman's Day

2005-11-17T00:39:00.000-08:00

Tips from Cyndi...

In a recent Woman's Day issue of Nov. 15, you'll find more of my tips of wisdom. I haven't picked up the issue yet, but the tips had to do with specialized resources to donate your belongings to. Hope it's helpful!

Airing on CBS

2005-11-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

Organizing Tips To Get Ready In the Morning

This morning CBS aired the segment featuring professional organizer Cyndi Seidler with client Roxanne Brown talking about how to make mornings easier.

Tips provided included preparing things in advance, automating certain tasks (like timers for brewing coffee), and organizing your clothes closet to find what you're looking for quickly and easily.

New company logo

2005-11-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to do this for some time and finally came up with a logo design I like for HandyGirl Organizers. I tried many and personally feel this is a real eye-catcher one. I've never hired a graphic designer to do design work for me. Maybe it shows; maybe it doesn't.

At any rate, it just gives me a sense of pride to create
something on my own. And, after redesigning all my websites recently, I've got a lot of pride happening!

Holiday Organizing

2005-11-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Let's Organize!

Well, it's Get Organized for the Holidays Month. So, I guess it's time to say something about it, yes?

For Thanksgiving, I've already decided dinner is at my place, so the guest list was made. And, I already know what I'll be cooking up, too. Since there isn't any out-of-town guests sleeping over (unless I can talk my sister into coming out here), everything seems easy enough. Of course, a few days before I'll start envisioning what the table will look like and know I'll want to get a nice, fresh floral centerpiece for it. Still, no big deal.

Then, there is Christmas just around the corner. Now, that takes a lot more planning. There are cards to get, gifts to purchase, decorations to put up, meals to plan... and that's just the short list version.

So, I'm making my list and soon I'll be checking it twice. That's what it really takes to have stress-free holidays, and is the best place to start in organizing the events for them.

What's on your list?

Organized Mornings Reduces Stress

2005-10-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Coming to CBS Morning News ...

It was a great human interest story: being stressed during the morning activities or being organized and relaxed. That was the topic we shot this morning for an upcoming CBS Morning News show segment, featuring myself with client Roxanne Brown in her North Hollywood home.

I won't offer my tips and advice just now or it will spoil the news show. I will, however, post an update when we know when it airs. But, I will say this ... read my column "Being Organized Reduces Stress" and you'll get some insight about how we create our own stress. After all, who knows what 3 hours of filming being edited into 2 minutes will inform you on!

On Being a Muttshacker

2005-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Call to Animal Lovers

My friend and founder of Muttshack Animal Rescue, Amanda St John, just returned from the front lines in New Orleans, spending over a month rescuing animals there. She's here to regroup and goes back this coming week.

She got me into the whole animal rescue and fostering thing and gave me a real education. We did some rescues together in our own neighborhood canyon, and I began feeling like a real Muttshacker.

But just when I thought I had a true sense of this whole animal rescue business, a rude awakening called Katrina came along.

Amanda came back with over 1700 pictures that tell a story that can't be told without visual. Some of these will be put into a new Flash slideshow for the Muttshack site, and I'll be sure to announce it when it goes up. Here's a sneak preview of a few Muttshack rescuers in New Orleans ...

Home Office Makeover

2005-10-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Redesigning a Home Office Retreat

I did it; I finished my own home office makeover, and I'm LOVIN it!

My office used to be a tidy, but unappealing space. Walls were pale, windows didn't quite do it for me, floors were masking bacteria hidden in old, plush carpet, and furniture was placed in tight spaces making the room smaller than it is.

The room needed a face lift and I needed a space that made me feel good.

With bright painted walls that included a darker accent wall, new hardwood flooring, and a little romantic drapings on the windows, my room was tranformed into my little retreat. Situating the furniture differently made a HUGE difference because it provided a lot more space to the room.

I don't need to go on and on about this ... just let me show you ...

Commitments and Carry Through

2005-10-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

A Weekend Project

The hardwood floor makeover of my home has been moving forward, slowly but surely. As a do-it-yourself project, I’ve learned a great deal about installing hardwood – more than I wanted to know.

With three rooms down and two large room areas remaining to be done, the project schedule looks like we’ll have it done within two more weekends (since it’s an every-other-weekend project!).

Interesting though, when we first had the flooring delivered, it sat in the garage for one month before we decided to tackle the project. The main reason for this was lack of know-how, and the other reason was confronting the massive project. Of course, the confront improved as we learned how to do it ourselves.

The bottom line however, was in setting a target date to start and then sticking to the commitment. I say this because most projects of any nature can not get started and carried through without a plan and targets.

Just a helpful tip for the day.

Katrina Pet Rescue Organized

2005-09-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Muttshack Foundation Helps in Relief Efforts for Lost Pets

I want to take this time to focus on the relief efforts for the victims of Katrina -- in particular, the lost pets from the disaster.

I'm a member of the Muttshack Foundation who have been working with pet rescue organizations to help in the rescue of lost pets resulting from the Katrina disaster. Founder Amanda St John has set up a fund to aid the pet rescuers going to the disaster locations, who have set up a temporary shelter for lost pets. You can go to the Muttshack web site to make a contribution.

For information about protecting your pets in a disaster, read the article "Organizing Your Pets for a Disaster."

Room Planner

2005-08-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Online Interactive Tools

I want to share agreat online site that provides an interactive space planner and home decor organizer. It's at Pure Contemporary - www.purecontemporary.com. Scroll down the right-hand column to find these tools and start planning your own rooms!

You'll need to register and sign in, but it's quick and easy. Have fun!

Choosing Color

2005-08-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Color Inspirations

Who says an office has to be dull and boring with white walls? Color can really give life to an area and be inviting. It can even make us feel cheerful. So, I've decided to redo my office colors (not that I needed cheering up though).

Well, finding the right color scheme was challenging for me because I couldn't make a choice. It all started with a Mac computer I was given -- it is teal, of all colors! I just had to make colors work with this new teal in my office!

Call me lame, but I am what I am.

One of the things that helped me a lot is the Lowes web site. It has an Interactive Planners & Designers area where you can play around with colors until the sun comes back up. You'll find the American Tradition Virtual Painter from the Home Decor link.

Have fun!

Redecorating

2005-08-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

A Gothic Makeover

I'm proud to announce my latest room makeover masterpiece that transformed a dull, disorganized den / home office into a whole new world -- an old world.

This particular style is one of my favorite themes, so my creative juices were really flowing.

Many shops cater to this type of market and display everything from old world furniture to wrought-iron furnishings and lighting. There was no shortage in finding the right items for this style.

I took a lot of before-after photos of this project, some of which are posted at Splendid Space Makeovers. Take a look in the Project Gallery and you'll find the "new" makeovers there!

If you didn't already know, you'll also find more about the room makeover process at HandyGirl Organizers.

At the SF Mart

2005-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Seminar on Designing an Organized Home

On August 5th, I delivered a 90-minute seminar to 78 interior designers at the San Francisco Mart. What a great place to check out new trends and great styles of furniture and home furnishings, I'll tell you! There were rooms and rooms and rooms of showroom furniture from many different manufacturers -- a wonderful decorator's playground.

I walked out of there with a handful of brochures and catalog sheets, giving me another way to shop for that perfect item when decorating a room.

Did I mention how nice it was to stroll around San Francisco's Market Street and look at all the wonderful architecture around there? Quite enjoyable, indeed.

A Busy Life

2005-07-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Keeping up with that "To-do" list

I try to post regularly on my blogs, however there are "those days" when certain things must be delayed. And although I consider writing in my blogs a high priority, when it is weighed against other higher priorities that consume the day, that's when I have to tell myself it has to wait.

Today is another busy day with a full schedule of activities to tend to. But, I decided to force myself to sit down and take a moment to write something -- anything would do, I told myself. I know I'm not alone here. Many of us lead busy lives and have to put things off. I guess the thing to do in this case is to try and force ourselves to find time to squeeze in those things we find valuable. And, I find my readers valuable.

An Organized Affair

2005-07-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

Arranging a Gathering

I never really gave it much thought when planning to meet friends somewhere, like a movie, but when I watched someone else arrange it (which was very nice, by the way), I witnessed all the elements come into play. And, it played out like a well planned event.

The organizer of this movie-gathering called everyone in advance about the movie selection and the date, and had us all mark our calendars. Reminder calls and emails followed, along with further details involving the time and meeting place. Ticket purchases for everyone was assigned to one person who would get them early that day. Brillant, as the movie was on opening weekend and predicted to be sold out. Two other people were assigned to arrive early and get in line.

It all came together so smoothly and flawlessly. This says a lot for what a little planning can do and having someone in charge of an activity. The movie was good, too.

Money in Clutter

2005-06-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Clean ups offer rewards

Once again, I found money while clearing clutter from a room. It's not that it happens once in a while, or with one out of five clients -- it happens all the time, and that's five out of five clients!

Sometimes it is only coins that total a few bucks, and sometimes it is bills or checks amounting from $20 to $500 or more. The other day, it was $52 in cash found here and there among piles of stuff. The best to date was when I found a check that the client lost (and still cashable!) that paid for my services. They were very pleased.

Guess it pays to clear clutter away, wouldn't you say?

Father's Day

2005-06-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Show the love

My dad is a man who has it all, and it's somewhat difficult to think of things he would need. For Father's Day last year, I organized some precious photo momentos with his kids into a scrapbook, and this compilation gave him the ease of viewing his special memories.

When I give a gift, I try to think of something that is personal and that the person can use. I often see people receive gifts that just adds clutter or some decorative piece or knick-knack that the person doesn't want to display, but is afraid to toss because it might offend the giver.

So, think about that special thing that will either be functional or useful.

Capitol Clutter

2005-06-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Clutter With a Capitol "C"

I couldn't believe it -- the hallways of Congress offices are lined with clutter, according to yesterday's article in "The Hill" newspaper.

The article reports that supplies are stored in the hallways of the Congress grounds, along with computer equipment, electronics, furniture, and sign boards. Items are labeled with signs that say "do not move," and one representative states, "It looks like a junkyard."

To see the full article, click on link:
http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/061405/clutter.html

What's interesting is that this article has a title "Clutter is unsafe and unseemly." It's nice to know clutter is getting attention, I must say.

Read to Organize

2005-06-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

A little education

There are so many books on the subject of organizing that it can be too overwhelming to choose from.

Some of the newest additions to the world of organizing books that I recommend are (click to buy or read details):

As for me ... I'm checking out lots of books on interior decorating, and am currently reading:

And, I can't neglect to mention that you'll find a very comprehensive list of organizing books at
www.organized-living.com/bookstore.html.

Could Haves, Should Haves

2005-06-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

Nationwide Day to Toss

Motivational speaker Martha J. Ross-Rodgers is recognized by Chase's Calendar of Events for "Toss Away the Could Haves and Should Haves Day, celebrated nationwide on July 16, 2005.

Although her motivation was to encourage people to get rid of their could haves and should haves relating to moving forward in life instead of wallowing in the past on all the things we should have and could have acted upon, I believe we can celebrate this in another way ... a physical way.

Letting go of regrets is one thing, however letting go of stuff is another thing, and equally beneficial. I don't believe we need a national event to do either, although whatever motivates people to do something positive, I'm all for it.

Similar to letting go of regrets, we can let go of stuff in a parallel fashion.

The past is past. It's the present that matters, so decisions can be made based on the value of things in the now. Let go of old attachments and keep only what you need now.
View things as an opportunity to grow. When we detach ourselves from stuff, we can streamline our lifestyle and live more simply.
Move forward to the present. We often keep more than we need, and/or keep things that are no longer useful or used. Take a look at what you need now, and let go of everything else.

Hope I've motivated someone!

Solutions to Get Organized

2005-06-06T23:33:00.000-07:00

Products to Clear the Clutter

In a May 26, 2005 article published in the Salt Lake Tribune, The Good Housekeeping Institute tested products to help individuals get organized and lists their top 8 choices.

You can see the article at: http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_2763306

Although this is not a comprehensive list of organizing products (it only lists 8), it does seem to make some good recommendations to certain organizing problems. I'm not familiar with some of the ones they tested and recommended, however it's good to learn what options are available to us.

And, of course, you'll find lots more products to help organize stuff at *Organized-Living.com (*now OrganizedLifestyles.com). What can I say, I play favorites!

Let's Communicate

2005-06-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

*Organized Living Message Board

I'm surprised at myself ... I haven't announced our new message board at Organized-Living.com!

So, I'm here to tell you now -- we have a new way to interact and share your organizing issues and solutions. It's the start of our Organized-Living.com community and I hope you'll join in. Check it out:

*Now at: www.organizedlifestyles.com/forum

Being careful

2005-05-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

Selling stuff online

Not long ago I had a high-priced item for sell at eBay and received an email request from someone in South Africa to buy it with a cashier's check. The request included details of sending the cashier's check for an amount higher than the purchase price to cover his shipper ... that I was to deposit the check, wait for it to clear the bank, and wire the extra money to his shipper, who would come for delivery of the item. It all sounded great, until I was informed of the scams so prevalant from would-be buyers in another country.

In checking out the scam references, I discovered a disturbing fact -- that my potential buyer fit the scam to every detail. Apparently, when the check "clears" the bank in 5-10 days, the person then pays out the extra $1-2000 or so to the shipper. In actuality, a check takes about 2 weeks to clear the bank but they are not allowed to hold funds that long. When the bank discovers the check to be a fraudulent one, the account holder is responsible for those funds deposited into their account, and it must be reimbursed to the bank.

I mention this in detail because I almost fell into this scam... twice. I had another expensive item posted on Craigs List and received the same request.

So, it could happen at any place on the Internet where goods are sold. And, we just need to be alert to these kind of things and be cautious. I wouldn't sell any item now without the buyer paying through PayPal, for instance. People doing scams do not want to pay using this method, as they can't get away with the scam.

For more information about Internet buying scams, check out:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html

It's great to have places on the Internet to sell the things of high value we don't want anymore, but we just need to be careful, that's all.

Organized Days

2005-05-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Today's To Do

My days have contained more variables than usual, and it's always been up to my List to keep me focused. It can be disheartening when you've got your day planned, you're going along checking things off the list, and then suddenly "things" happen.

Although this is not an uncommon occurrence for people, it still throws my activity rhythm off. Not much we can do about these matters, however how we deal with it can mean a productive day or an unproductive day.

At one time I tried to develop a habit of writing daily emails in the morning to my friend / associate that listed my To-do's of what I was planning to accomplish that day. I did this for over a week, and it was a fun game to ensure I achieved everything I set out to do for that day.

I'm not sure what happened, but the habit fell off. I still have my To-do list each day, but it doesn't seem to have the same impact as before, which helped ensure that I do the tasks. Maybe it's because I don't have anyone to answer to now?

So, to answer my own question ... yes, I shall return to my successful action and start my email to-do list habit again. Besides, it's always more fun to have a game when we have things to do!

Get Organized Blog

2005-05-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Content Distribution for Blog

As I become more and more aware of blogging technology and distribution channels to feed my Get Organized Tips Blog through, I get excited about the potential of reaching more people. One recent discovery is being able to submit my blog to MyYahoo.

I use MyYahoo as my Internet homepage to quickly see all the content I want to have easy access to on a daily or frequent basis. This page allows me to change it, add to it, and customize it, so a lot of information is at my fingertips when I get on the Internet. One of the things new to MyYahoo is the ability to feed your favorite blogs to MyYahoo. This is done with RSS feeds (Really Simple Syndication).

Now, blog visitors can add my Get Organized Tips content to their MyYahoo page, on their web site, or subscribe to receive the content to their email box. You'll see the new MyYahoo button to feed to your MyYahoo page, and an orange xml button to feed content to your site.

Didn't life just get easier?!

The Organizing Trend

2005-05-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

An Organized World

The global trends of family structure and speed of daily life have changed the landscape of retail merchandise toward organizing the home and providing decorative storage solutions. These trends have also increased the demand for professional organizers, as more and more people get backlogs of clutter.

TV shows like Bravo's Queer Eye for a Straight Guy, TLC's Clean Sweep, and HGTV's Mission Organization have all put the focus on getting organized. Even decorating, talk shows, and news programs have jumped in to feature disorganization issues.

Real Simple Magazine puts emphasis on organization and organizing products, as do many catalog companies, like Lillian Vernon and Get Organized. Specialty stores such as The Container Store and Organized Living are popping up in nationwide markets. Newspaper and magazine articles featuring people getting organized are printed every day.

With all the emphasis on getting organized, we're going to continue seeing a lot more people taking measures to make changes in their disorganized lives.

There's a lot of organization tools out there now to get and stay organized -- and you can check out some great organizing products at www.organizedlifestyles.com.

Eco-organizing™

2005-05-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

New Articles

(reposted from the Get Organized Blog)

To kick off my campaign on eco-organizing™, I have written a couple articles for a little more in-depth information about the principles of it:

Eco-styled Living Helps Optimize Resources In Your Home

Eco-organized™ Homes Lead To A Healthy Environment

I'm very excited about utilizing these priniciples and helping others organize their home toward more eco-friendly living.

Cyndi Seidler
"The Eco-organizer™"

Guest Sheet

2005-05-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

Guest interviews for media

I have revised my Media Guest Fact Sheet to reflect new "Tips to Smarter Living" that provides new topics relating to living smarter, more organized and eco-friendly lifestyles.

This page is posted at my HandyGirl Organizers web site: www.handygirl.com/factsheet.html

Cyndi Seidler
The "Eco-organizer™"

Eco-style

2005-05-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Eco-style - Live Smarter,more organized and eco-friendly lifestyles

With all the clever techniques to living smarter, more organized lifestyles, it's time to go a step further and get organized with style -- eco-style, that is.

My newest campaign is to not only help people get organized, but to help them get "eco-organized." That means developing certain habits of recycling and utilizing recyclable material to preserve our natural resources.

What most people don't realize about clutter is that it is unhealthy. They just see it as a nuisance or interference. However, truth is, clutter collects dust and dust is not healthy for us to breath.

Clutter isn't the only thing threatening our well-being. Junk that accumulates and sits around without meaning, use, function, or value makes our lives more difficult.

A good "junk sweep" helps people let go of belongings they no longer need, helping to streamline their living environments. Some of this junk can be recycled -- given to a charity that will distribute it or selling it at garage sales or Ebay.

Then, we get into buying habits. Often times when people get rid of things, they need or want to replace it with something else (like, a new piece of furniture that is more functional, for example). Eco-style is about recycled merchandise. Why buy a brand new coffee table when you can get an old one and refinish it? Why go out and get an expensive new sofa rather than a used one that can be reupholstered or covered?

Become eco-organized and start practicing organic and recycled living. That means clear out the clutter, get rid of the junk, and buy what you need for organized living from recycled material!

Cyndi Seidler
The Eco-organizer™
(the first and only organizer promoting organized "green home" living).

Home Appeal

2005-05-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

Giving "Home Appeal"

In the real estate industry, there is a term called "Staging the home" to sell that many people have not heard about. It is basically presenting your home to make it more attractive to potential buyers, helping to sell homes faster at top dollar. A "staged" home sells within an 18-day average at top dollar, if not more, and is a very effective technique for home-sellers.

My father went to his thesaurus and began listing all the words that relate to this phrase. He found a phrase that would communicate to everyone and it had my vote: Home Appeal or Home Sell Appeal. It's great having brilliant fathers, I do admit!

Because of our little brainstorming visit, I went away armed with a new direction in home makeovers. I'm now ready to get the word out!

Stretched Thin

2005-05-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

When "I Will" Becomes Too Much

Some of us tend to lead busy lives, working long hours, managing our homes and families, partaking in special projects, and fitting in a little social time with friends. People see how effective we are and come to us for certain things. We want to get involved and say "I will." And sometimes, we can fit it in.

It's the times we say "I will" over an already full agenda that we find ourselves over-extended and end up having to say "I can't." However, it doesn't have to work that way.

I, for one, tend to say "I will" because I like to help, and I'll take on something I'm passionate about or just like doing. Occassionally, this puts me in a tight situation of juggling too many activities, but I do know when to say "I can't" when I know I can't.

Tonight I went to our neighborhood association meeting and found myself volunteering to help organize a concert in the park. It isn't just any park -- it's our park. I didn't think about the projects and work load I already carried, I just wanted to help. And, this isn't a bad thing. I'll just have to manage every minute of my day as efficiently as possible.

This is where a lot of people fall off the rails. Managing time and projects within time can be challenging, but fun. If this can't be done, we over-extend ourselves. After all, multi-tasking is only effective as long as we can remain focused.

Now's the time, more than ever, for me to practice what I preach -- I've got a lot to do!

Lost and Found

2005-05-02T01:43:00.000-07:00

The Case of Missing Items

Dear Watson,

Your reputation as a great detective is what leads me to write you. You see, I keep a rather organized house and try to keep everything in its place. When I use something, I put it back. When I'm finished with doing something, I put it away. Therefore, I know where to go when I need something. But, not lately.

In the past week, I have had to hunt for my portable phone; I seem to be missing pens from my desk; my drinking glasses are diminishing to the point I am using coffee cups to drink out of.

Not only that, but I'm finding things where they don't belong. I find magazines on the sofa; hair dryers on my bathroom countertop; loose notes lying about; clothes thrown on chairs ... to mention a few oddities.

My daughter has been staying with me for the past week before her move to NY. She's hardly around much, so I haven't been able to question her yet.

I'm still looking for the tv remote ... and hope to find some clues to solve this mystery.

Yours truly,
Cyndi

Having Stuff

2005-04-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Stuff for Stuff's Sake

My father sent me a USA Today article highlighting TLC's Clean Sweep's professional organizer Peter Walsh, and features his home to show that he practices what he preaches. Since I follow his philosophy on stuff, I wanted to share some quotes from the article.

"I'm very careful not to fill my life with stuff for stuff's sake...It's about surrounding yourself with the things you love, you use, you need."
His home is "a mix of genuine midcentury stuff with inexpensive stuff that just works."
"As far as design goes, the Japanese have a lot of it nailed. It's about simplicity, and it's about honoring the stuff that you have."
Two paintings hang side by side "Think about it" and "Don't even think about it." ...it sort of typifies the idea of buying stuff vs. not buying stuff."
"During his own rennovation, Walsh stored a bunch of belongings in a spare bedroom for almost a year and discovered that he didn't even miss them. "That was a really a good reality check for me. So, I clean-sweeped myself over a couple of weekends."
"I don't get my happiness from the stuff I have. It enhances my life, and it makes me smile when I look at the things that I value or treasure."

Wow, he's taken the words out of my mouth, as I often say to people that a room should smile at you when you enter it; a drawer should smile at you when you open it. I like how that man thinks.

2005-04-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

Get my postings sent to you!

I just put a subscribe form in my blog for those who wish to receive my blog entries sent to them by email. Subscribers also get to post comments to my blog postings, and I welcome comments!

Networking Mania

2005-04-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Got time? Try some online networking

I've gone networking crazy lately. Show me an online network and I'm checking it out. Before I know it, I have new friends, joined over a dozen network discussion groups, posting messages all over the place, tweeking my profile page... need I go on?

If blogging wasn't enough for me, I keep putting in my 2cents wherever I can, it seems. And, do I have time? (LOL!)

Well, let me invite you to enter my world ...
The Ryze network: http://www.ryze.com/go/cyndigerl
The Care2 Connect network: http://www.care2.com/c2c/invite.html?id=266921YzMD

You may have to join to get a look at the inside, but hey, you can always unjoin if you don't like it!

Latte Meetings

2005-04-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Sipping lattes helps brainstorm strategies

Those who know me, know where to meet me -- and that place is at Starbucks. (I should own stock in that company based on what I consume there).

Almost every morning now, my friend and I get together at Starbucks, order lattes, and sit down to discuss our strategies for the day, week, whatever. We plan, we organize, we brainstorm, we exchange ideas -- and it's the most productive part of my day!

I've had brainstorming meetings at other places, but it just isn't the same without my Starbucks latte!

Changing Minds

2005-04-22T02:15:00.000-07:00

Do People Who Let Go of Stuff,
Really Let Go?

Just when I thought my client was happy to get rid of so many things that cluttered her small apartment and clothes closet, and just when she released the items in my care to dispose of them by either selling or donating, that I find out (days later) she wants them back.

The thing is, she doesn't want them back to keep -- she wants to sell them herself. So, now she's faced with having to drive here to pick up the items, organize a garage sale, and try to dispose of the unsold items afterwards. That's a lot of work for someone who didn't have time to get herself organized in the first place (and for someone who doesn't have a garage or yard). And where is she going to put all these things when she returns home with them?

So, I wonder, is she really planning to get rid of the items? Is she going through stuff-withdrawals? When she mentioned to me that she got rid of things she didn't really want to get rid of, it makes me wonder what the motives really are.

I only wish now that I had taken the stuff to Goodwill before she called. That way, she could just get on with her life and find out it's a lot easier to keep it simple.

Yes, I Care

2005-04-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Having a cause

A friend told me about a place she networks and runs a discussion group -- at Care2 Connect -- and I thought, "that's nice." She kept telling me how wonderful the network was because it consisted of all these people with a cause. I said to myself, "how cool." But when she told me that her discussion group really started to make a difference for people, my ears opened up to listen for more.

Making a difference is what it's all about for me. Everything I do, every action I take, must align with creating a positive result. So, I took her up on an invitation to join the network. And, I am having more fun than I had ever thought would ever come of it.

I now run 2 discussion groups there, with growing numbers of members joining my groups. I run a Get Organized group and a Green Home Decorating group. The postings are informative and inspiring, and it's exciting every time I see a new posting.

So, let me invite YOU to join my network. If you're thinking, "how nice," than I understand. I may tell you more about it again later anyway. Here's the link to join if you're thinking, "sounds interesting" ...

http://www.care2.com/c2c/invite.html?id=266921YzMD

When Kids Move

2005-04-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Children Who Move Out of State
Can Put Parents In a State

The news of my daughter moving to NY came only a little over a week ago. The shock hasn't worn off yet, although I thought I'd have time to adjust. But no. She's making the move next week.

How can she do that so quickly? I asked myself. Young kids seem to do things that most older adults are incapable of, because I, personally, could never plan a move from conception of the plan to implementation of it in that amount of time, especially to another state!

I find myself panic-striken over it, and have tried to gain a sense of composure about it. Yet, I know I should be calm. Because, it seems that, within one week, she has managed to find a place to live temporarily when she arrives there, has three job interviews lined up, sold all her furniture and a bulk of her other belongings, and packed everything up to fit into a few suitcases and some boxes she'll store and have shipped later.

Wow, how did she do that?! I guess it's amazing what a person can do when they follow their dream and have a purpose. It clearly shows we are capable of anything if we want it bad enough.

Makeovers That Go Over

2005-04-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

Starting Budget, Midway Budget...
Is there an "End" Budget?

I love doing room makeovers and, as I develop my design plan, I feel like I'm painting a masterpiece. Then, with everything in place to move forward, a budget is set that includes bringing all the elements together. And, that's part of the beginning.

With planning almost complete, getting final approvals can turn into the end-of-endless changes. a new budget is reformulated to make adjustments to the plan -- like "let's not get that, let's have it custom-built instead." With an initial budget of $5,000, and changes that will exceed the budget, the client must decide to up the ante to accomodate higher costs.

I often wonder what the purpose of a budget is anyway if it keeps getting higher to compensate for higher costs as we go along? Personally, I prefer the client gets the best, and I want high standards for them. And, I would still try to find the best bargain and get a good deal without compromising quality, comfort, look or functionality.

Although I know that the planning phase often brings up these kind of challenges, I try very hard to get into the production phase, which usually faces new challenges. With schedules moved back and crew waiting to start, it can be a juggling act getting all the pieces to fall into place at the right time. And, all I need to do is get final budget approval to start my next act.

A Spring Day

2005-04-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

So much to do, so little desire

There are so many opportunities a nice Spring day brings to me, and it's difficult picking which ones to do -- I think I want to do it all; I feel like I can conquer the world, and I start the day with a boost of caffiene, and and then I get ready to get on with some tasks.

But, my next action is a hard choice. Do I want to finish the faux paint job in my living room or clean the patio? I rented a dry-cleaner for my carpet, so maybe I should do that, I'm thinking instead. And, the pond pump needs cleaning which is very important, as well. Oh, the weather is so nice, I should do things that put me outside. Yes! That's it! I know where to start, don't I?

So, why am I in the house at my computer typing this instead? I ask myself in complete wonder at how ridiculous this is. Well, I just looked outside my open window at the tall trees surrounding my view, felt the breeze cross my face, and knew I could have it all -- the work I love, and the outdoors while I do it!

I'm having a nice day, hope you are too.

Easy Way to Spend Money

2005-04-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Are we spending, or paying?

This is the question that only makes sense when we determine if we're spending because we want to buy something or paying because we're forced to. Why then do some people choose to pay more than they would have initially if they paid on time? Isn't paying enough; why pay more?

This is what was going through my head as I sat in traffic court yesterday. While waiting my turn to make my plea and get a hearing date, many others came up before me facing the judge with warranties and collections from non-payment of tickets that doubled their intial ticket cost. The additional fines for court costs didn't help matters any either. That's paying.

Today is the deadline for filing taxes. It goes without question that many individuals will not file on time, have filed extensions, and maybe even not file at all. The penalties and fines will cost them. That's paying.

And, do I even need to mention people who don't pay their bills on time and get charged late fees? That's paying.

It's a price that would make any sales price loose its value. This equates to a bad deal. I know many of us have gone shopping, found something we wanted to buy, waited a few days, and then the price was higher when you went to buy it. It's not like being fined additional costs, but we lost the savings.

I suppose many people could save money if they organized their papers and bills so matters were taken care of on time. They would save on late fees and penalty fines, and that would be a savings, wouldn't it?

My Newsgroups

2005-04-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

Let's Discuss It

If you think blogs weren't enough for me, you might marvel at the fact that I'm also managing two newsgroups at the Care2 Connect Network.

The Get Organized group is a discussion board that drew 48 members in the first week after it launched. The postings are informative and fun.

The Green Home Decorating group followed the first one and has brought over 25 members in its first "almost" week.

It's been tough pulling myself away from the Care2 Connect network because the people there are all interesting and share a common interest ... to support a cause or causes. It's hard for me to express the kind of friendships and comradery there is there, and all I can say is, I'm in my element.

The Blog Bug

2005-04-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Blogging Bug

I've been learning about blogs and, as I learn, I end up creating new blogs to test my new blogging adventures. This is my 5th blog, and I think I may be getting the hang of it, I think.

I realize that blogs can serve different purposes, and for each purpose, the blog takes on a different flavor. Maybe it's informative, newsworthy, a daily journal ... whatever its purpose is, the technology is great!

For this blog, I've decided to make it more personal, like a news journal. My other ones are:

www.organizedlifestyles.com
www.spacemakeovers.blogdrive.com

Something new

2005-04-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

TV show in new development

After careful consideration, I have made the move to change producers for the tv show Organized Living with Cyndi Seidler. The show's new production company is Prime Cut Productions, and I will be working with producer Janice Kaplan and editior Frank Battaglia to produce and air a 1-hr special that will launch the program series on cable television.

Many thanks to Price Parker / Markedia who believed in the project and gave their help and support over the past year, and who made strides in gaining network interest.