The late part of the summer is an intriguing time of year. Some of us, like me, are savoring the last days of the season. I’m looking forward to one final vacation before the cooler fall days arrive. For some, you have purchased your supplies, launched the kids off to college, and started your school year. In the northeast, we have about three weeks left before the kids go back. There are numerous ways you can help your kids switch from vacation to school mode. This can be done even if you’ve already begun the year. The tips I’m sharing will help make your transition and year go more smoothly and be more organized. 

The terrific design team at Stroller Envy was kind enough to create this fun infographic featuring my best organizing tips for back to school.

For a more in-depth look at the tips, check out my post, Organizing Help for Back to School. The seven tips coordinate with the infographic and include:

1. Cycle

2. Capture

3. Land

4. Center

5. Assess

6. Resources

7. Perspective

Have your kids returned or are about to go back to school? What is your go-to back to school organizing tip? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

Happy holidays, folks! Or is it happy, that is? For many of us, the holiday season is far from joyful. In fact, it can be stress-filled. What is it about this time of year that can make us feel frazzled and overwhelmed? After all, this season is punctuated by the infusion of catchy holiday music, colorful decorations and lights, intoxicating aromas like pine and clove, and the anticipation of special gatherings with our family and friends.

Yet even with all of these positive aspects, this season can bring on the stress . . . Big time. So if you’re struggling with holiday-induced stress, with balance, or with finding more happiness this season, I’ve got a gift for you. 

Below are my five best tips (we’re talking infographic lingo) for sprinkling your holidays with some happy.

I’d love to hear from you. What is your favorite way to bring more happiness to the holiday season? Come join the conversation!

Sometimes, we discover new things on our own. Other times, we learn through conversing, listening, or reading. In my case, what seemed like an innocent conversation with a friend has become a new way of being. As a result of that conversation and my willingness to try something new, I have gained time management, relationship, confidence, and health benefits. Are you curious? Continue reading, and I’ll share my discoveries with you.

Have you heard of subscription food or meal kit services like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh? These companies deliver fresh food, all the ingredients needed, and detailed, easy-to-cook recipes directly to your home. Several months ago, my husband and I signed up for Blue Apron.

11 benefits we’ve noticed so far:

• Save time by not having to shop for food.

• Save time and stress by knowing what to cook for dinner.

• Learn new cooking tips and techniques.

• Enjoy more time together by tag teaming it in the kitchen.

• Eat at a more leisurely pace.

• I am more confident in our cooking skills.

• I appreciate how well-organized the packaging and recipes are.

• I am more experimental and more willing to try new foods.

• We have reprioritized cooking together and sharing meals.

• We are eating more healthfully.

• We’re having even more fun with lots of high-fiving each time we make a new recipe.

“Save time and stress by knowing what to cook for dinner.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

I love the communal use of time, doing a fun activity that yields a delicious result. Plus, I get to hang out and cook with my husband. This is simple, basic stuff that I had been missing.

If you want to try Blue Apron, I’m happy to offer you a “free” one-week trial. I'll send an invite to the first three people who email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com. I don’t get anything by sharing the offer, only the satisfaction of knowing that you might enjoy the benefits I’ve been enjoying, too.

Have you tried a meal kit service? If so, what has your experience been? Is it a time-saver? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation!

Fall is a season of spectacular change. From weather cooling to leaves shifting colors, to kids coming and going. Maybe the atmosphere of change has inspired you to work on projects like organizing drawers and closets for cooler weather clothing or decluttering spaces to prepare for guests and holiday entertaining.

Talk about being inspired! Today I had the pleasure of meeting Kip Tindell, Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Container Store. What a gracious person! He’s just written a new book, Uncontainable, which I can’t wait to read! Kip was meeting, greeting and signing books today at one of his stores. 

Kip Tindell and Linda Samuels

In the spirit of change, inspiration, and my birthday, I’ve put together the Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway with fun tips and goodies especially for you. Part of the giveaway includes a “hot off the press” signed copy of Uncontainable.

Organizing Tips

• Change – This is at the core of any organizing project or endeavor. You’re at one point looking to travel to another. The road might be bumpy, but it’s well worth the journey. As you’re changing your habits, your systems, and physical surroundings, you might be letting go of beliefs that no longer serve you and possessions that have lost their meaning and purpose. Be open and curious about your discoveries as you create what “organized” looks and feels like to you.

• Inspiration – Sometimes our inspiration comes from within, but often we need external nudges. If you’re looking for some visual inspiration, check out the Oh, So Organized! Pinterest boards. You’ll find organizing solutions, words of wisdom, tips, videos, and articles collected for you.

• Birthdays – These are days to celebrate. We’re here. We’re alive. We’re grateful for the creative, loving people that surround us. As a way of celebrating my birthday (today), I thank all of you for being such a giving, supportive, community. If I could, I’d pass out cupcakes to everyone. Instead, let’s all take a minute, imagine the flickering candle on top of the cake (your favorite flavor of course), close your eyes, make a wish, and blow. Wishing your wish comes to fruition.

The Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway goodies were selected to inspire, organize, and rejuvenate you! The winner will receive everything described below (worth over $100):

Goodies Include:

• Autographed copy of Uncontainable by Kip Tindell
• The Container Store $25 gift card
• Oval turquoise metal bin from The Container Store
• Starbucks $25 gift card
• “the day was in dire need of a "Ctrl+Alt+Delete” sticky notes from Anne Taintor
• Autographed copy of The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels

Now what? The Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway starts on November 11^th. One winner will be selected (using random.org) on November 17th. There’s no time like the present. Keep reading and enter now!

Contest Rules:

• Comment on this blog post below about your latest organizing project or favorite organizing tip
• Comment about the giveaway on the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page
• Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do
• Subscribe to The Other Side of Organized free monthly e-newsletter for continued inspiration and motivation
• Follow Oh, So Organized! on Pinterest and comment on this blog post about which of our Pinterest board you like best
• Comment on Linda Samuels - Oh, So Organized!’s Google+ page on the Uncontainable Organizing Giveaway post

Do one or all of the above to enter. The more you do, the more times your name will be entered to win (up to 6 total entries!)

You are personally invited to join the conversation (and giveaway) about change, inspiration, and organization. What are your thoughts? Good luck wishes to all of you!