The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.

— Hans Hofmann

Photo Source: Will Lion

This whole semi-new “single-mom-trying-to-turn-her-lifelong-passion-into-a-viable-full-time-business-and-pinch-pennies-at-the-same-time” thing is definitely something that I could do without! But, as one of my good friends always says, “It is what it is…” (and it has been quite an adjustment, that’s for sure!)

How interesting (…major understatement…) it has been to be forced to choose which of life’s necessities should be paid for this month. Until now, I never fully realized just how many things I have always taken for granted…

Anyway, in light of these unplanned changes in my life and family and home over the past year-and-a-half, I now meticulously scrutinize every single expenditure like I never have before. And, I have come to realize that, aside from the love of family and friends, what Amanda and I truly need boils down to this: car, apartment, electricity, water, medications, and groceries. So, that’s where the money goes right now… absolute necessities only!

Sure, all the “no’s” that Amanda gets from me are tough (on both of us!), but I have no doubt that the time and attention and love that I am investing in my daughter today will reap far greater rewards in the years to come!

So, what about you? Are there things in your life that you could do without? I challenge you to take a moment today to reflect on the true essentials in your life, and I dare you to let go of the rest!

In celebration of Get Organized Month, professional organizers and coaches from all over the world (including yours truly) have come together to share their knowledge and expertise for this extraordinary online event: The Great Organizing Giveaway. Whether you need help with your home, your office, or your time, you’ll find tons of fabulous freebies including ebooks, tip sheets, audio programs, webinars, and consultations. Plus, you’ll have chances to win program memberships, productivity software, and even an iPod!

Here is just a small sampling of the fantastic resources that will be available…

• [ real neat ] ideas: 35 home organizing tips—grab your copy by subscribing to my ezine »
• Transform Your Combat Zone Into A Comfort Zone
• Perfect Products for Frantic Families
• Top 10 Tips For Instant Feng Shui!
• Personal Medical Organizer
• Change Your Life One Minute at a Time
• “Downsizing Dilemmas – Solved!” Workbook
• Making Being Green Easy: Eco Organizing Tips for the Home and Office
• On a Clear Day You Can Find the Top of Your Desk
• Conquering Paper Clutter Teleclass Recording
• Nine Strategies for Simplifying Your Business
• 10 Easy Ways to Liberate Time Report

So, what do you say? Are you ready to get organized for the remainder of 2010? If so, be sure to visit AskTheExpertOrganizers.com to collect all the fabulous freebies that will help you on your quest. Then, come back here and let me know what resources were your favorites… I’d love to hear from you. Enjoy!

OMG! I just came across the best web browser add-in ever!

Yoono is so totally awesome! You have got to check it out!

Yoono is an easy to use sidebar for your browser that allows you to connect to all your social networks and instant messaging services—in one place. Get all your friend updates, update your own status, and easily share stuff with your friends.

What a fabulous way to simplify the process of staying connected! This new find will definitely help me stay “in the know” without getting completely “sucked in.” Hello, productivity! 😉

What tools do you use to ensure that you “get things done” + and + keep “up-to-date” with family and friends? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to soak up some more ideas!

In May 2008, Meredith/NBC Universal announced the results of their survey entitled “What Do Women Want?”™ More than 3,000 women revealed key insights on the female psyche across topics including health and well-being.

When asked which service professionals they would most like to hire, 24% of women responded that they wanted to hire a professional organizer to declutter their living space or office.

This finding suggests that women recognize the need to simplify their overwhelmed lives. But, do they realize the inherent health benefits of enlisting the help of a professional organizer?

As Debbie Jordan Kravatz, owner of Virtually Organized, noted on her blog…

Getting organized:

• helps reduce your stress levels (which can help with everything from anxiety and depression to cardiovascular and weight issues),
• puts more time in your day (which can be better used getting annual check-ups, counting calories, and exercising regularly), and
• frees you up to focus on things BESIDES your cluttered counter tops and overstuffed garage (such as spending time with your loved ones and enjoying your favorite hobbies—activities which have been proven to have lingering health benefits).

What are your thoughts? Have you noticed how the amount of clutter in your home affects your health? I’d love to hear details about your personal home/health connection!