The OLD 

the huge, bulky computers now notepads, laptops slim and sleek which require much less space.

storage space is now mobile.

smaller beds

ironing boards huge.

small closet areas

With a all the new slimmer, smaller and unique items for storing and organizing for sharing a space with

another student, let’s explore some ideas and options.

The NEW 

A laptop, notepad that was all the basic need software, MSWord, MS Excel, PowerPoint, and not to forget your, almost adult baby’s, favorite video games and accessories.

Look for sturdy storage units for clothing that will house – undies, socks, towels, etc.

Sturdy mobile closet units for clothes that need to be hung. (for instance, a expansion shower curtain rod to create 2 rows of hanging space.)

Not to overlook storage for shoes- use a med /large storage bin to place the in.

Over the door ironing board and an iron with surge of steam capability.

The STORAGE 

Now, let’s talk about how to determine what is really needed. If at all possible, visit the dorm or space where your young adult will be living, to assess what is deeded and how it will fit. Things to pay special attention to:

The size of the bed – to insure that the proper size bedding is purchased, this will making the bed easier when the bedding fits well.

The areas where clothing and shoes will be stored – looking for correct size and type of storage items to purchase, careful not to purchase the wrong and not so useful units.

Check for under bed storage- is there enough room to put storage units – rolling unit for shoes, storage units for linens (towels/sheets, etc)

NOW,  as we all know, the economy is in a meltdown which affects us all in someway. So, I would like to give you some suggestions of what to buy, now that we have discussed the particulars.  One way to cut cost is to take inventory on school supplies that are in good condition from last semester (rulers, pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, backpacks, etc.), you get the idea.  Recycle as much as possible, go through linen closets for bath/wash towels, sheets to compliment new, etc.  You follow me.  In order for the recycled items to feel like new for the new start for your baby, wrap as a care package of LOVE.

The SHOPPING 

LASTLY, Let’s go shopping! Mom, Dad now you have a good idea of what and how to buy for your baby’s new home.  No one knows them better than you, so, purchase things that are easy to fold and store neatly, hopefully this is where an incentive to keep space neat will step in. Remember, not to overbuy, only limited storage.

SO, it is on you to stay focused and not to let the excitement take charge, you will be happy that you did.

I know how proud and excited you both are with all the exciting things to decorate it’s overwhelming. You, be the bigger PARENT, show CONTROL, I know it will be hard. I was not in control when my daughter was getting ready for college, this is WHY I want to help you.  I wasted a lot of money, to learn that a lot of things didn’t work. 

ONE more thing on what to buy: over the door ironing board, over the door hooks, proper lighting(wall if fitting), multi-drawer units, hangers, toiletries, dorm frig, etc.  I know that I have given you a lot of ideas, HOPFULLY, I have helped some new nearly empty nester find their way to college life. If I missed something, please let me know how I can help YOU.

For me, I was probably more excited than my kids shopping for the next school year. I love looking at all the new accessories. Parents, you have to be in control because this is how the clutter begins, buying too many of the wrong supplies and gadgets before and finding later that the kids need altogether different supplies and tools. Now, too much stuff and nowhere to store the excess. Let’s get started: 

Plan Ahead–Experts recommend week-at-a-glance planners to teach older children time management. But it doesn’t help anyone if your son’s “soccer game at 6 p.m.” never makes it onto the radar of his driver (i.e., you). Transfer items to the family calendar — or ask the kids to do so — once a week and as things come up. 

Keep vs. Toss

 Keep spare change in a jar near the door. Give tweens and teens a lunch budget for the week, but if they wind up needing a few bucks — and you’re out of singles that day — let them know they can take from the change stash.  

Toss nonproductive systems or too-rigid ideas: If your kid prefers studying in bed, buy her a lap desk. If she hates spiral notebooks, switch to three-ring binders. As long as it works for her, it’s working.  

Filed Away 

Create a “home file,” either a file box or a cabinet drawer, with a slot for each subject; color-code the tabs to match up with any folders, etc., used for each class. Not only does this system give kids a place to unload weekly papers, but it also helps them organize reference materials (e.g., that periodic table of the elements) as the semester changes.  

Lighten Up 

Try this alternative to bulky binders: a notebook with tear-out pages, plus an accordion file folder with tabs for each subject. Your student takes notes in class, then slips the pages and any handouts into the designated slot. At week’s end, he empties all the materials into a color-coded filing system at home for safekeeping and easy access. 

Stay Stocked 

You know the feeling — it’s 9 p.m. and you’re out of poster board for your daughter’s project that’s due at 8 a.m. Prevent late-night freak-outs with a supply stash: markers, index cards, and so on. Save cash by buying products in bulk- I thinking for each child,  replaces once one has been used. 

For more information go to: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/back-to-school-prep 

The surface of your desk is just one of those areas that are prone to clutter. Everything seems to end up there. Keys, loose change, unfiled papers, unpaid and even paid bills and of course these things are all scattered around your laptop or computer, your phone and other paraphernalia.

Luckily there are a few steps to take to transform even the most cluttered desk into a bastion or organized productivity.

Swipe Desk Clean
The feeling of taking a huge sweep to the surface of your desk is almost indescribable. Of course you first need to remove your laptop, but all your smaller items can simply be swept into a huge box for moving on to the next stage. Make sure you take advantage of the clear space by doing a good and thorough wiping and shining of the desk surface.

Sort Items into Piles
Now that you have the contents of your desk in one box it is time to sit and get it organized. You can sort the items into piles that are designated for three categories, namely; things that will go back on the desk, things that will be put away and things that will be thrown away.

Replace Only Necessary Items
Of course, all that’s left to do now is replace your chosen items on your desk surface. Make sure that the things that make it back are things that you use repeatedly. Also confirm you have a clearly defined inbox and outbox for your incoming and outgoing mail so this can be sorted periodically. While you can obtain a traditional inbox and outbox from office supply stores like Office Max or Staples, don’t be afraid to use something non-traditional like a basket or shoe box decorated in a favorite gift wrap paper. The key is to have some type of containers for your incoming mail and outgoing mail.

An organized desk can vastly increase your productivity so the benefit of getting your desk into shape is clear. All it takes is for you to make the commitment to get things organized today.  I welcome and look forward to your questions should you need any help!

I finally got to use a dishwasher eight years ago, when I moved in with my then-boyfriend (now husband). I was ecstatic and dumped everything in it. Over the years, though, I have discovered that you can save money – and time – by being pickier about what you put into the dishwasher. Along the way, a few things were ruined before their full value was enjoyed because I didn’t know they shouldn’t be washed by a machine 

Wood: This includes wooden spoons, salad bowls, chopsticks, and cutting boards. Wood will swell and crack in the dishwasher. My cutting board broke in half, and the bottom of my salad bowl dislodged and made a slit so that I could no longer use it for anything that could leak (the glue used to seal it looked like it got dissolved or washed away). 

Vanity Tops - Should be an area to decorate and display a segment of one’s personality. Toothbrushes should be in a case and can be stored in open top holder,   decorative glass or in a drawer.

Shower stalls/bathtub – on the shower caddy- shampoo, conditioner, bath gel/body wash, loaf, back brush, bar soap. Only one of these items at all times.

 Around the tub – A decorative vase/bowel -glass something that will not create a rust ring, a few candles, bath basket (wrapper removed-I hate to see the plastic.). If shower is connected to shower, by all means invest in a shower caddy for items listed above to be kept in shower. Under the vanity sink – cleaning supplies, overstock of soap, paper goods, in an organized manner. For instance – toilet paper closest to commode, paper towels all in a row back to front. Medicines in large bottles, such as alcohol, peroxide, etc.

Linen Cabinet – sheets and towels folded neatly and stacked by likes. You can also house the overstock of supplies, making sure to organized items neatly and easily accessible, like, comforter on top shelf, then towels, then, hair product, deodorant, soaps, perfumes, on the floor-big items like hair dryer, foot bath, etc. ou may also overstock of paper items

Additional tips – Toothpaste in a drawer or in cabinet. Mouthwash in cabinet or under sink. Combs, hair pins, in a container, brushes, shaving items in a drawer.  Deodorant in drawer and cabinet.  Hair products in linen cabinet, cabinet or under sink.  Jewelry should be in container- decorative bowl (earrings, bracelets,).  Ideally a jewelry box, stored in linen closet if nearby or ideally on a dresser..

I will be anxiously awaiting you questions in regards to your space. Please let me know how I can assist you with your space. *** When storing small or loose items use containers – baskets, bowels, storage bags/containers. The same maybe used under sinks for easy access- you can pull the container forward to remove needed item without removing everything and having to put it all back.

For instance-most children have outgrown the previous school year’s clothes. Have them sort through clothes for those that are too small by likeness- tops, t-shirts, jeans, shoes. Then sort those that are worthy for resale (garage sale) and donation. Or, pass down to siblings, family members or friends.

SO, you see, you can obtain a few extra dollars for new clothing, supplies for the upcoming school year. Now, before shopping for new clothes; have the children to fold and organize their drawers, closets (all things on hangers), shoes as well as school supplies; remember, everything has to have it’s own home specified.

Before shopping for the upcoming school year, create a checklist of what is needed. Don’t forget to make a note of the new size changes. Knowing what you have will help you shop wisely and parsimonious. Be sure to hit the clearance and sale racks. Knowing what you don’t need will help clear out the clutter.

The checklist should include school supplies, no need to buy more pens, pencils, crayon, rulers, you get the idea. The overload is clutter.  If possible, check with the schools for needed items for each child, you can do so online (school’s website), it will give this information.

STAY tuned, I will be doing a series to help you have a more organized and relaxing school year.

by The_Stir, on Thu Jul 1, 2010 5:49am PDT

Which is worse, which carries the most germs, which is the most hazardous to your family’s health?  Soap Scum!

My mission is to help, assist, guide and keep your space clean and organized. I find that soap scum buildup is the worst for me, the most difficult to remove. So, I will help you rid your showers and tubs of awful scum. In most cases, the buildup is mostly likely over a period of a year or more. Eeehhhew!!   I believe in cleaning, as the younger Y,X generation, says , the old fashioned or the way the cleaned in the olden days.  So here are some recipes for soap scum that very inexpensive to use:

Remove the Scum

You’ll need liquid ammonia (for household use),

a measuring cup,

a spray bottle.

and a clean towel.

Make an ammonia solution by mixing one part of ammonia to two parts of water. For instance, if you’re using a cup, mix one cup of ammonia with two cups of water.

Place your ammonia solution in a spray bottle and you can start spraying the solution on the problem areas. You should see the soap scum slowly softening.

Once you see it breaking apart, wipe the scum off with a piece of rag or towel.

After the scum is removed, you need to rinse the area thoroughly to make sure the ammonia residue is removed as well.

You’ll need vinegar,

a spray bottle, a clean towel,

a measuring cup and a microwave.

Measure two cups of vinegar.

Using your microwave, slightly warm up the vinegar. The vinegar doesn’t have to be too hot. Pour your warm vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the soap scum.

Allow the vinegar to break down the soap scum by letting it stand for two minutes after spraying. You can begin wiping the scum off a few minutes later. Towel dry the area. You can also use a dryer sheet, which is advisable to wipe soap scum off walls.

Mix the following ingredients thoroughly in a small basin:

½ cup of baking soda

1/3 cup of ammonia

¼ cup of vinegar

six cups of water

After scrubbing all the soap scum off, you don’t have to rinse down the area.

Leave it to dry as it is.　

It’s very important to invest some time making sure that soap scum won’t build up in your bathroom. Soap scum that sits too long in the bathroom is hazardous to your health. Soap scum also contains your body oil and bacteria that goes with it. After some time, it’ll be the breeding grounds of mold and mildew, which can give you skin problems. It can also make your bathroom too slippery for comfort. Follow these two simple tips to prevent soap scum build-up:

After every shower, take the time to wipe off some soap residue off your tub. Make sure you get everything covered including the sides and the bottom of the tub. This ensures that soap scum build-up will only take place once in a blue moon.

After removing the soap scum using, it is best to apply a layer of furniture wax (like  lemon oil).

This is good for two reasons:

It will place a protective layer over your tiles, preventing soap scum from setting on the area. It gives your tiles a nice shine and a fresh scent. There are also soap scum removers that are commercially available. If you choose to go with a commercial product, make sure that you read and follow the directions carefully. Many people experience frustration because they don’t get the best results from the soap scum removers they buy. Follow what’s indicated in the packaging. Remember that commercial products tend to be overrated.   Using too little or too many of these products won’t yield you the best results.　　

Borax may sound a bit geeky, but it’s actually just the common scouring powder. It may be a bit tough to use borax to remove plenty of soap scum, but it can be effective for little circles and minute traces. Make sure you use an acrylic scrub sponge  to avoid damaging your bathroom fixtures. For better results, rinse the area down with hot water.

***Keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water in the stall for daily use, spray area of high concentration after each shower.****

(Photo: Getty Images)

Experts unanimously agree that you should NOT pre-rinse your dishes before loading the dishwasher.Why not? Because your dishes will not get any cleaner if you rinse them before loading your dishwasher. Pre-rinsing is therefore a complete waste of time, water, energy, and money. And, in some cases, it can actually harm your glassware.  

Still not convinced? Here are the details.  

Dishes will not get any cleaner if you pre-rinse them.

Modern dishwashers and detergents have come a long way in the past couple of decades. “You will not improve your wash performance one bit by pre-rinsing,” says John Dries, a mechanical engineer and owner of Dries Engineering, an appliance design consulting company. He points out that heavily soiled dishes are used in pre-market “wash tests,” not pre-rinsed dishes.

In most cases, all you need to do is scrape your plates over a trashcan to get rid of bones or chunks of food. One caveat: It’s a good idea to pre-soak pans or dishes that have something really burned on them. Pre-rinsing doesn’t help in this situation.

Use the dishwasher’s rinse cycle if you’re not going to run your dishwasher immediately and are worried about the smell of sour food.

How about older dishwashers? “People with any age dishwasher can feel comfortable knowing they don’t need to pre-wash dishes before washing them in the dishwasher,” says Jill Notini, a spokesperson for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

Pre-rinsing is a complete waste of time, water, energy, and money.  

With pre-rinsing you’re essentially washing your dishes twice. Rinsing your dishes while letting the water run can waste gallons of water. Consider this: An energy-efficient dishwasher uses up to 5 gallons of water to wash an entire load of dishes. Washing dishes by hand while letting the water run can use up to 27 gallons.

The same is true for electricity if you pre-rinse with warm or hot water. “You use more electricity rinsing dishes off in the sink than the dishwasher uses to wash the whole load,” says Mike Edwards, a senior design engineer at Bosch Home Appliances.

Instead of pre-rinsing the dishes, spend your time on something that will make a difference: Loading the dishwasher correctly.

Experts say a properly loaded dishwasher can significantly impact how clean your dishes turn out. “The biggest impediment in washing is due to poor loading,” says Edwards. Get tips from Consumer Reports and a video from Bosch.

Rinsing dishes before loading the dishwasher can do more harm than good.

Today’s advanced detergents are designed to attack food particles left on dishes. “If there isn’t food soil, they tend to attack glasses,” says Edwards. “Some glasses are more susceptible to this kind of attacking than others.”

The detergent etches small pits in glasses that you can’t see with the naked eye, but the glass appears cloudy, according to Edwards. The process is called “etching” and causes permanent damage.

This is different than temporary hard water stains, which can also result in the cloudy appearance of glassware. Find out how to tell the difference.

“Your detergent amount needs to be based on the amount of food soil in the dishwasher,” says Edwards who also points out that those who have soft water should use less detergent than those who have hard water.

Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green’s users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon.com.   For more information     http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/should-you-pre-rinse-your-dishes-before-loading-the-dishwasher-1677291/

4. Tired of looking at the same sofa/chair- you can add some new throw pillows, re-cover existing ones. When doing so think out side the box on the print and color, a color/print that does not blend, totally away for the current design. It will stand out; visitors will think it is a brand new piece.

5. Windows- If you have curtains/drapes add a sheer under. One thing that I really like to do is paint a design on mini blinds- such as a flower design, palm leaves, a favorite scenic print. When deciding the room(s) to address think about what would make that room pop with this idea. YOU CAN DO IT. Check with you local craft/art store for how to or just contact Neena.

6. There is the old faithful- PAINT. Again, go outside the box on color.

I hope that I have given you something and somewhere to start; all of the ideas are inexpensive changes. It always makes me feel so good and refreshed to work on a project such as this in the spring. Out the old and In with something different. Please let me know how your project turn out, I would love to see before and after pictures.

Remember; contact me with any questions on your project.