Holiday Edition

Tips & Tricks to Make Life Easier 

from Molly Boren of Simplicity Works Decluttering and Organizing Services

DO FOCUS

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Need to do a chunk of work (or your holiday card mailing list) in your precious hour of available time, but worried you'll get distracted? Focusmate sets you up in a hassle-free, on-demand study hall by video with someone else who's also looking for focus. I'm loving how easy & efficient this is! Thanks, Melanie Sobocinski of Prof Organizer, for the tip.

DON'T CELEBRATE PERFECTLY 

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'Tis the season when "done" is better than "perfect." For me this is hard, but I'm trying to simplify for more holiday fun. (I even have "holiday fun" appointments in my calendar.) Instead of late-night decorating, gift-research, or card-writing marathons, choose a few decorations, set a timer for 1 hour — try Focusmate! — to finish your gift decisions, & don't write a novel on each card. Then: relax!

GET A CARD COLLAGE

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There are lots of nice doodads out there for displaying the festive cards you receive this time of year, but I've always been partial to good old tape on a wall. Clients have liked my favorite, Mavalus, which comes in fun colors.

GIVE A SILENT NIGHT

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A good night's sleep is so important -- for school, work, relationships, everything. Friends In Deed, sponsor of my beloved Circles Washtenaw County, serves our community in many ways, but sees a special need for beds. To help, donate funds to buy brand new beds, or donate like-new beds or mattresses (or other furniture). Check outvolunteering opportunities too; there's aninfo session on Dec 11.

GIVE/GET ORGANIZING

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Add Simplicity Works gift certificates to your holiday gift-giving (or gift-getting!) list. Less clutter & more clarity are gifts that keep on giving. Services available onsite or by phone or video. To purchase, email me or call 773-915-3537.

WORKSHOP

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Will decluttering be on your new year’s resolutions list? How about living more mindfully? Let's do both! I’m doing a free workshop on how decluttering & mindfulness support each other, & I’m so lucky to be co-presenting with coach & meditation teacher Julie Woodward. Sat 1/26, 2:30-4:30pm, Ann Arbor library downtown branch. Space is limited so please call, text, or email to reserve.