September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held annually in September. It has been developed to encourage Americans to take simple steps so they're prepared for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. National Preparedness Month 2006 is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Throughout September, Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of organizations, including local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector. Their goal is to highlight the importance of family emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation.

Some of the things you can do for yourself and your family include:

1) Setting up an emergency supply kit.

2) Having a family emergency plan.

3) Being informed about what can happen, and what you can do about to prepare yourself.

Get Organized Now! is proud to be a national coalition member for this very important project.

There are complimentary checklists and downloads to help you get started on your emergency preparedness goals on this web site:

Ready.gov

You'll find items to include in an emergency kit, a family communication plan, special preparedness information for seniors, and more!

Several times this month, we'll be addressing this issue and giving you tips and ideas to help you stay prepared in the event of an emergency.

Photos of the Relay

This weekend's Relay For Life event in my town was an amazing and touching event. As promised, here are just a few photos (click images to enlarge):























































Our canopy was decorated in blue, white and purple tulle, adorned with sparkling star garland and large hanging stars. The captains shirts were red. Lona and I were co-captains. Lona is an amazing person. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and she truly went above and beyond in her assistance for this event.

Various team members are pictured above, as well as some of our children. During the Relay, when we weren't walking, we participated in various events, and social time. There was continuous music, lots of food, and sales and auctions to further benefit the cause.

Luminaries were lined up all the way around the track, and at 9:30 at night, all of the lights went off and you couldn't hear a pin drop. All you could see were these flickering lights shining brightly--some in honor of those who have survived cancer, and others in memory of those who are no longer with us.

Lona and I, one of Lona's boys, and my daughter camped out all night long, under the stars. Other team members came and went throughout the 18 hour event.

It really felt good participating in this very worthy cause with an incredible team of people. Our team ended up donating just over $3000. I'll post our town's final total donated to the American Cancer Society as soon as I have it.

My First Quilt is Complete

Back in February, I began making a quilt for the very first time, with the help and patience of a good friend. Here is a link to my original post:

Click here

The mini-goal system worked beautifully, and I completed this project just a few days ahead of my personal deadline.

Here's what it looks like:

(Click photo to enlarge.)




Although I truly enjoyed this project, I know I wouldn't quilt as a primary hobby. But it was fun learning how to make a quilt, it was very fulfilling to complete it, and I now have a bit of basic knowledge if I'd like to make another one sometime in the future.

Wishing Upon A Star for a Cure

This weekend is the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event. For those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile, you probably know I've been collecting donations all along for this worthy cause.

This morning, I received a disturbing email. One of my team members, who is walking in the Relay event in a few days, just found out this morning that her mother, who recently underwent exploratory surgery, has cancer.

Both my husband, Joe, and I have had several family members who have had to battle with cancer. My uncle lost that fight just a few years ago.

So many lives have been uprooted by cancer. Finding a cure, however, takes a great deal of research, dedication and work--all of which takes an enormous amount of money.

My initial fundraising goal for the Relay was just $500. But with the help of so many of you, I was able to turn in $1570 at Bank Night this past Monday; and I am only one member of my 15 member team. I am so very touched by your generosity.

This year's Relay theme is 'Once Upon a Cure.' We'll be decorating our large canopy in blue, purple and white tulle, and sparkling silver stars. We'll also be hanging a large banner that reads, 'Wishing upon a star for a cure.' Thanks to all of you who submitted ideas for decorating our campsite.

Each of us team members will take turns on the hour, running or walking around the track. The Relay begins at 6:00PM this Friday and ends at noon on Saturday, for a total of 18 hours.

Please keep us in your thoughts this weekend, and thanks so much for all of your support! I'll be sure to post photos of the event sometime next week.

2 New Organizing Books Just Released!

I'm thrilled to announce two new organizing books I've just released . . .

* Finally Organized, Finally Free -- for the HOME
Get over 2,175 ideas, tips and techniques for organizing your home, your clutter, your time, your schedule, your money, your paper, your family and much more! A comprehensive resource of simple solutions that can help you get control of every aspect of your personal life. Big, 3 lb., soft cover, 8 1/2 x 11 format. Easy to read type. 85 chapters - 405 pages. For more information, visit:
http://www.getorganizednow.com/foffhome.html

* Finally Organized, Finally Free -- for the OFFICE
Get over 1,875 ideas, tips and techniques for organizing your office, your time, your projects and productivity, your files, your desk, your computer, your mail, email and much more! A comprehensive resource of simple solutions that can help you get organized at your home or business office. Big, 3 lb., soft cover, 8 1/2 x 11 format. Easy to read type. 60 chapters - 395 pages. For more information, visit:
http://www.getorganizednow.com/foffhome.html

Both of these titles contain no theories or difficult concepts. Every idea, tip and technique is simple, proven- effective and ready for you to use immediately.

Get your copy(s) today and give yourself the gift of being Finally Organized, Finally Free!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia

P.S. If you already have a copy of my original Finally Organized, Finally Free book, and are wondering if these new titles contain anything new, the answer is YES! There are tons of new ideas, tips and information that were not included before. It would definitely be worth your while to have one, or both, of these new titles.

Beat the Heat

I live in Wisconsin, but why is it that I feel like I live in Florida? Maybe it's the 99 degree heat wave affecting a big part of the United States this month.

Here are my favorite ways to beat the heat . . .

1) Spend lots of time indoors cooling off in an air conditioned place, such as your house, the local supermarket or the library. If you need to be outdoors, seek shade.

My 2-year old daughter never seems to notice the heat and would stay outside all day if I let her. Be sure to get young kids who don't know any better, out of the hot midday sun.

2) Keep hydrated. By the time you feel thirsty, you might already be dehydrated. Drinks lots of fluids--preferably water.

I keep a water bottle with me at all times, and take small sips throughout the day.

3) Wear it light and wear it white. Dress in light colored clothing, which will reflect some of the sun's energy away from you. Cotton is the coolest material, and takes perspiration away from the skin--which cools you down.

Although I generally enjoy wearing dark colors, I've come to truly appreciate whites and pastels this time of the year.

4) Keep the shades down. Don't allow the sun to heat your home. Pull shades down from late morning to mid afternoon.

Since I do like some natural light coming in, I pull the shades down wherever the sun is streaming in. As the sun moves, I raise the shades that were down, and lower those as needed.

5) Don't push yourself too hard. Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise, outdoor errands and outdoor chores. If you do have to do something outdoors, take a cool shower afterwards.

Rather than riding my bike or walking, I use the treadmill or go swimming to get my exercise in. I plan my errands during the early morning hours. My outdoor chores, such as flower pruning, are done after dinner--but before the mosquitos come out.

6) Eat light. Avoid heavy meals. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables.

This time of year, I take advantage of the Farmer's markets, so we always have lots of fresh produce on hand. We also grow some vegetables ourselves. Our lunch is usually some kind of salad we make up ourselves. If we're pressed for time, we might quickly whip up a salad from one of the salad kits available in our supermarket.

Stay cool!