I’m heading out this week to the Annual NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) conference in Orlando.  Last year, I was lucky enough to meet TV personality Peter Walsh from Oprah’s Clutter Crew and TLC’s Clean Sweep.  Also, the conference showcases new organizing products on the market, and I love getting first dibs on those cool new tools! I’ll be sure to take notes (and pictures!) so I can report back and let you know what “neat” treats are coming out soon! Make sure to check back this week for more updates from Orlando!

We all know how ubiquitous the sticky note is at the office - they’re usually found on computer monitors, files or boxes. I use them to write myself quick notes all the time … I even wrote one to remind myself to post this blog! But beyond its obvious purpose, sticky notes are even more useful at home, school and even in the car.

Here’s a quick list to get big uses out of those little notes:

1. Stick one to the remote control so you remember to record a show or what time Grey’s Anatomy is on.
2. Keep forgetting to call someone? Put their name and phone number on a note and stick it to your phone.
3. Keep paper sorting neat by using notes as tab dividers so you don’t end up with several stacks of paper.
4. Use them for writing down clues for a scavenger hunt.
5. For teachers, you can use sticky notes to put a grade on assignments that can’t be written on, such as art and science projects.
6. The mini sticky notes come in handy to label a prescription bottle with a note on when to take your medicine or if you need a refill.
7. Make sure the kids don’t eat the last piece of cake by writing, “Save for Dad” on the container. This also works for labeling your lunch bag at work so your food doesn’t go missing.
8. Use the bright colored sticky notes to your advantage by writing down important dates and putting them on your calendar so they really stand out.
9. Hate getting lost? Put directions on a sticky note and put it on the center of your steering wheel for quick checking.
10. If you love eating at your desk, pick up those loose crumbs by using the sticky side of the note, or run it between the keys on your keyboard.

Inspired by the popular home makeover show, Microsoft and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to present ”Extreme Office Makeover!”

Innovatively Organized is proud to be a sponsor of this amazing event, and we’re donating up to 16 hours of hands-on organizing to the lucky winner!  You don’t have to be a member of the Chamber to apply and there is no purchase necessary to win.  In order to apply for the makeover, just make sure to have the following:

• a valid and current State Master Business License and city business license,
• been in business and operating in Washington State for at least two consecutive years as of April 24, 2009, and
• at least three (3) operating personal computers and less than ten (10) employees.

The grand prize winner will be announced at the Annual Trade Show on May 12, 2009, at Qwest Field.

Many of us have stacks of books we’ve read once - maybe they were bought at an airport for a long trip, required reading for school or the novel everyone was raving about on Oprah.  When was the last time you picked it up to read it again?

Instead of having more items to dust on your bookshelf, here is a great way to recycle your gently used books and help the environment at the same time.  EcoEncore will resell your books and share the profits with their eco-partners who are located here in the Puget Sound region.

It’s as simple as printing a donation form, packing up your items (they take cd’s and dvd’s too!) and sending them to the EcoEncore office in downtown Seattle.  Visit their website to learn more about their mission and to read their donation guidelines.

Saving money by eating at home is practical and necessary these days, so make sure your recipe collection is up-to-date and at your fingertips. Cooking can be a fun activity when you don’t have to worry about searching for your favorite recipes.  Here are some key ingredients in whipping up an organized kitchen experience:

1. One simple binder, sheet protectors, dividers - Directions: Place loose recipes or tear-outs from magazine inside clear sheet protectors and add tabbed dividers to distinguish between the various categories and you’ve got your own personal cookbook!

2. Photo album with sleeves - Directions: Just slide your loose recipe cards into the photo sleeves which will protect your recipe cards from spills and splatters as well as giving you the ability to flip pages easily and quickly.

3. Computer - Directions: If you prefer to keep electronic recipes, try using an online site to search, save and try new meals every week. Here are some of my favorites:

Allrecipes.com

BettyCrocker Mobile Cookbook (this even works on your iPhone)

MyRecipes.com

GlutenFreeda (for those with Wheat or Gluten allergies)

4. And lastly, if you decide that you just want to have something delivered, the above ideas work just as well with take-out menus, especially the binder option.

I hope these quick tips give you the organizing boost you need to start cooking at home more. Bon appetit!