Organize the Whole Shebang

Organized Women...this is for you!

Hey Girlfriend! I'm glad you found my fabulous little organizing + lifestyle blog. It's all about integrating function + fabulous sprinkled with sass + inspiration.  First and foremost you need to know I'm taking a bit of a sabbatical while I put on my big girl panties and kick breast cancer in the ass.  But that doesn't mean this blog isn't chalk full of fabulous ideas... I'll just be much more sporadic in my posts. I'll be blogging my personal journal here at  I hope we can continue to keep in touch while my journey takes me down another windy path!

If you were looking for Organize in Style... you found her... but she's had a little work done if you know what I mean ;).

I would love for you to join my newsletter + get blog updates (look to your right).  [for my non-techy girlfriends that means everytime I write something new on my blog- you get an email] 

Cheers! Krista  

California Closet Makeover Contest!

 

I just entered my home office/den in the California Closets "Organize This" contest. It was quick and easy peasy! But since I'm not totally selfish I thought you may like the opportunity to win as well! Check out their contest on facebook and peek at the prize list below. [you can always vote for me to win if you choose not to enter yourself! #hinthint;)] 

Enter at: www.facebook.com/californiaclosets  
•   Grand Prize: $20,000 in custom storage solutions and a consultation with organizational guru Peter Walsh
•   Second Prize: one $10,000 custom storage solution
•   Third Prize: one of four $5,000 custom storage solutions
•   Daily Prizes: Random draw for 5 daily winners of a Peter Walsh book or DVD

A few Smead faves

Recently I was asked to review a few Smead products... why of course! These are my two faves based on their function + fabulous ratio and their ability to organize the whole shebang ;)

I really like to sort my papers and see what I've got before creating a permanent filing system. The Smead Stadium File allows me to do that. I can create my organized files while I sort. I would simple recommend using post-it notes to mark each file. This is also a great way to sort your papers without making a huge mess of the dining room table! Find this product at Office Depot. Super Tab me! I love that these tabs are 'real' in their size. I've always felt that tabs were just a weeeee bit too small for their own good. As since I like to make my labels big, a girl needs a big tab! available at Office Depot

full disclosure: I am being compensated for my time on this product review ($20 Target gift card). 

Summer Activities for your Family... today on AMNW

Today on AM Northwest I shared a few activities that are simple + easy to do with your family! Click Here to view the tv segment.

Chemotherapy Tips... as seen on AM Northwest

*originally posted on May 10, 2010  on my personal blog www.puttingonmybiggirlpanties.com

Today I did my monthly segment on AM Northwest, Portland's morning show. It was nice to not have to lug a bunch of props to the station and just do my segment interview style. But also it was such a quickie that I didn't get to share very much info soooo I included my show notes in a link below. Personally I think I spent more time debating whether or not to go thin or go hat! #gothinorgohomesaysthegobiggal

Here's the segment: Organizing Your Medical Crisis You'll recognize some of the info from this post on messy meds + this post on a day in the life of chemo.

Here are my full personal notes for the segment: Download AMNW segment outline 5.10.10 managing treatment 

Today on AMNW.... Tips for Helping Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

I wanted to 'double up' [most of my blogging is taking place on my personal blog www.puttingonmybiggirlpanties.com ] on this post to share with you some useful tips + and to let you know that I'll still be doing my AMNW segments... albeit with a different twist ;)

Today's segment was about 'Tips for Helping Cancer Patients'. [The emphasis is on the first month or so of hearing the words "Cancer"]

click here to view the segment
My hairs a bit thinner... the topic a bit heavier, I hope you find my tips helpful. #andnowyoucanputmyvoicetotheface

 

Here are my notes from the segment:
April 26, 2010   Segment for AMNW- How to support a newly diagnosed cancer patient?

Knowing you have Cancer is different than knowing the Severity or How to Treat it.

• Tests may include: ultrasounds, mammograms, biopsies, MRI's, CT, PET scans. 
• Official Diagnosis + Treatment plan happen after ALL the information is in.
  This can take several weeks after hearing "you have cancer". 
• You Can expect to have 2-4 medical appointments a week for several weeks.

Diagnosis Month is a Whirlwind of Appointments + Well Meaning Family + Friends

• Important to remember that YOU don't know how to beat it/fight it/ until you know what you are dealing with. 
• Thinking of you/praying for you/Here to support you... over the well meaning: "my aunt had... xyz cancer, she beat it, you can too" or here is how to beat it via xyz book etc.
• Thinking of you via cards, notes, facebook messages, etc. preferred over phone calls, Instant Messaging on FB etc.

Helpful Gifts

• Binder with pocket dividers, paper, pen.
• Small notebook to jot down notes
• Envelope to collect business cards in.
• Baked Goods
• Medicine organizer
• Treatment Basket or Bag

Do

• Texts or a quick call "I'm at the store can I bring you anything... milk? bread?"
• Snacks: fruit, muffins, ready to eat/on the go.
• Meals: prepared + easy to clean up.
• Be the "Designated Appointment Driver"
• Be the "Note-Taker"
• Be the "Child Care Provider"
• Be the "Cook"
• Help Schedule Appointments or clear appointments from your calendar
• If you are close... the tell them what you are going to do instead of asking what can you do.

USEFUL WEBSITES:

• www.LotsahelpingHands.com -Site helps you create + organize your community as to how they can best help. [I created a small team of my girlfriends to help me manage 3 areas: SELF.HOME.ENDEAVORS]
• The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
• Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program offers free women's health exams, pap smears, and mammograms to qualified individuals. 360.514.1663 http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/bcchp/.