Organized?

With the Christmas decorations coming down and getting packed away some people may take this time of year to get organized. Getting organized is something that most of us try to do year round but never get around to doing it. Here’s your chance to get started, out with the old and in with the new. To help you get started, here are some tips to achieving an organized lifestyle.

First in order is to select the part of your life you want to get organized. It may be your kitchen, bedroom or office. One thing to remember when getting started is to take it one room at a time and to stay focus on that room. Professional Organizer, Neitra Blair, says “The biggest mistake made is when a person is distracted and goes to another room. So stay focus until the job is done.” Blair is owner of organizing lifestyles. She is helps people achieve an organized life one room at a time.

Some tools to help you get organized are three large bins or bags. Each of the bins should be labeled keep, trash and donate. Place them in the room you are organizing to help you stay put in the room. The items that or no longer useful or cannot be donated or recycled should be placed in the trash bin. The keep bin should hold all things you will still use and are in working condition. These are the items you want to save. Some people have a hard time getting rid of items of sentimental value or “were once good” items. Blair says, “Many items can be donated to a local charity or goodwill. This way the items will go to good use”. A donate or recycle bin will help keep these items together until you are ready to part with them. Goodwill, Purple Heart and other charities have drop off locations throughout communities.

Getting start should always start from the bottom and work your way up. A common mistake is when a person starts from the top and uses the floor as a catch all area. This creates a bigger mess for the task. Starting at the bottom allows you to clear the area and your work space. You organize as you go is the idea.

So if you looking for a New Year’s resolution being organized could top your list. Ringing in the New Year is a lot easier when you have your “stuff” in order. Are you organized?
Reach Neitra at http://www.organizinglifestyles.net/about.html.

Highways & Holidays

Over the hills and through the woods to grandmother’s house is a trip many will be taking this week. Planes, trains and automobiles will carry families to be together for the Holidays. According to AAA the majority of Americans will be traveling by automobile this week. So before you pack your bags make sure your car is ready for the "Tis’ the Season" trip.

First check should be your inspection sticker and car registration. This could be a quick trip to your neighborhood mechanic that is State certified. These auto shops are easily found and provide quick service that could be done days before the road trip. Traveling through small towns, with an expired car registration could be the reason for an officer to pull you over. This quick check could avoid you a costly ticket.

Tire trouble is one of the most frequent hazards that travelers will encounter. Flat tires due to poor maintenance, tough potholes or highway debris will leave many stranded on the roadside. A quick check of the tire treads will give you a good start to your destination. Most tires come with a tread line that indicates the wear and tear of the tire. “Make sure you have a spare tire, make sure it has air in it and most important make sure you know how to get to the spare” warns Cynthia Feig, owner of Progressive Auto Repair and Collision”. Also make sure you know how to use your jack and where to place it for your model vehicle. Furthermore, most tire shops may close early for the Holidays.

Just like humans, our vehicles need to have fluids. Brake, transmission and windshield fluids are just a few that need to be checked. All fluids can be checked on a routine oil change. In addition, most shops can check your vehicles belts and hoses. Progressive Auto Repair and Collision prepares an emergency roadside kit that is custom made to your cars’ oil, fluids, belts and hoses. This is a great idea for the customers in case there is an emergency need for a belt, nothing has to be ordered.

Depending on where you and your family travel weather could be a factor. In Texas, rain, snow and dry conditions could be experienced in one person’s commute. Windshield wipers, ice scrapers and your car’s air condition should all be working properly and easily found.

So when you go to make your Christmas list and check it twice make sure you add your auto to the list.

Holidays are for spending time with family, but not on the roadside!

More Social Media 2010

Yes, just when you thought that mastering texting was all you needed to prove you can communicate in the world today; companies have committed to putting more of their efforts to social media. So before you panic here’s a quick guideline of how to be part of the growing social media platform.

As a consumer Social Media is your friend. Your favorite store may have a facebook fan page. Go ahead and become a fan. The idea of keeping informed via facebook can now be applied to your favorite shopping venues. Be the first to know about sales, new arrivals and online discount coupons. Clothing stores, electronics havens or jewelry storefronts all can be found on facebook. Financial guru, Rich Rosso puts it best “Don’t go looking for the deals, let the deals find you”.


Ring in this New Year with a Twitter account. Go ahead and sign up for your own profile. Twitter is a social media tool that allows you to follow people, organizations and businesses through their tweets or status updates. It is similar to facebook but limited to 140 characters per update. It is very useful to be in the know. Follow news organizations to get the headline news on your time. You can catch the “news” when you want it. You may choose to follow a local news affiliate or CNN or Fox News. Most of the news operations have accounts. Another option is following profiles that gather news for you. Online journalist like @fingertipnews or @res911cue find accredited stories and post them.

So why should you be on twitter? It is another way to communicate. Send out tweets to keep up socially with friends and family. It’s a must if you are in business. In a tough economy you never know who will read your tweet that could lead to business or that job opportunity. It is a free way to advertise you and your business.

If you are lucky enough to have and Iphone, there are a ton of applications to make your life and daily routines easier. During this holiday season some favorite "apps” help shoppers find the best deal. Red laser app is a bar code price scanner that helps you find the best deal for that item. Wal-mart and Target have online apps to help guide their shoppers.

Social media is used every day. Web sites and emails make research and communication easier for us. Texting is a way life. It is not a matter of fighting this growing trend…it is the time to join in. How’s your Social Media’s outlook?

Lopez Family, Destination London

Going for the Gold is not just a phase for the Lopez family, it is a way of life. The family is made of of Olympic & World champions. Jean, Steven, Mark and Diana Lopez have made Taekwondo their life and their business. With a new book, new gym and the Olympics of 2012 ahead of them, they have been a very busy family.

The siblings came together to write their inspiring story of their journey to the 2008 Beijing, China Olympics. "Family Power: The true Story of How The First Family of Taekwondo made Olympic History" has been out about month and is already in second print. The book shares details of how the family endured the intense training and sacrifices it took to have all siblings representing the USA at the Olympics. Coach Jean headed up the Taekwondo team which included Steven, Mark and Diana. Mark won Silver, Steven and Diana brought home Bronze for their history making efforts.

This family is living the American dream as first generations of Americans. They continue to grow their business with many new adventures. The Lopez gym is open for business in Sugar Land. A new gym is set to open in January 2010. All the siblings train and are instructors at the gym.

As a family and as competitors the Lopez family all have their sights set on the London Olympic Games 2012. Currently Steven and Mark are ranked first in the World in their weight divisions. Steven has won his 5th World Championship title. Diana is in the top 10 and continues to compete. Jean continues to attract the top Taekwondo athletes to train under him.

In this day of athletes being paid outrages salaries, being splashed on the cover of every tabloid for bad decisions or revelations of drug enhanced performance claims, it is refreshing to know that there are still athletes in it for the sport. The Lopez family are athletes who make the sport. You can not think of Taekwondo and not think of a Lopez sibling. The countdown is on, who will you be cheering for?

A Chef For The Holidays

Decorating, shopping and wrapping are the current activities in most households during this Holiday Season. Cooking is not on the top of everyone’s to “do” list. Bella Compagnia is an upscale catering and personal Chef Service that not only can satisfy your culinary needs but fulfill you food cravings. Internationally trained Chef Beatrice Keller is owner and creator of Bella Compagnia.

Many people are turning to private house parties. The intimate atmosphere gives her clients the use of their own homes. There is no waiting for a table in your own home. Most important a group of friends or several couples can enjoy good conversation without the bar or restaurant noise.

How many of us watch the food channel. I know for my husband and I we can make an evening of watching our favorite chefs prepare delicious meals that sound wonderful. Always wishing we were in the audience to taste the created dish. The dynamic of having Chef Keller in your home gives her clients the ability to see the meal prepared and then served. It can be a fun and a learning experience watching Chef Keller’s brilliant recipes come to life.

This Holiday season Chef Keller is catering both home and office parties. Her clients never have to worry about having the right pan or serving dish, Chef Keller brings everything with her that she will need to prepare and serve the meal. Her menus range from buffet style to five course meals. Beef, chicken or seafood are some of the foundations for her staple dishes. Hot or cold appetizers, soups and salads, and a plethora of desserts make up her varied menu.

While the Holidays are upon us, maybe it is an anniversary party; romantic Valentine dinner or a special occasion that Chef Keller can create the perfect meal for your event. Happy eating! For reservations call 281-397-6336 or visit http://www.bellacompagnia.net/.