visual girl home therapy

Be present every day...

2011-07-17T10:58:00.003-07:00

LOVE...

2011-05-06T09:17:00.004-07:00

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only LOVE can do that." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do." Leonardo de Vinci

2011-04-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Got crayons?

2010-07-14T10:09:00.001-07:00

Check out this very cool recycling program...http://www.crazycrayons.com/recycle_program.html

"If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito." - African proverb

2010-07-12T09:14:00.002-07:00

Less space. Less things. More Life. - a Copenhagen Dad interviewed on Oprah

2010-04-19T07:47:00.002-07:00

rounding up your little picaso...

2010-03-29T18:27:00.020-07:00

When we love our things, we take better care of them. With that in mind, how about keeping your Little Picaso's goodies in something she can't help but adore - like with these crayon (shown) & colored pencil roll-ups. They can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/twolittletots.

If you need to buy by volume, then house the motherload in the cupboard while giving your little one a great selection to work with. It's a simple case of supply & demand. Wax will abound on the carpet with crayons-for-the-masses, while the chosen few will be coveted.

Great for travel too.

RESPECT. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

Cause Chaos & Run Amok

2010-03-29T01:16:00.008-07:00

Super talented photographer & graphic designer, Peta (pronounced PEE-tah) Mazey is currently offering (not one...not two...but) THREE chances to win one of these 16x24 wonderfully whimsical posters!

For more details see here: http://www.petamazey.com/wordpress/competition-win-a-cause-chaos-and-run-amok-poster/ The winners will be drawn on Friday, April 2nd, 2010 (Aussie time).

I think the seniors at my local community centre would find this a complete hoot!

Good luck!

respect. reclaim. REVITALIZE. your space. - Visual Girl

Happy Valentine's Day - Happy One Year Blog Anniversary...

2010-02-14T10:57:00.011-08:00

Today marks my one year anniversary of this blog!

Since my Visual Girl word for 2010 is LOCAL, I am going to start adding more items that my fellow Vancouverites and Canadians can pop over to their local shops to get.

So for all you Canadians wanting to organize your closets, London Drugs has these beauties on sale for $6.99 Cdn. These flocked suit or shirt hangers keep your garments from sliding or misshaping, and also create more room in your closet. Personally I prefer a chunky wood hanger, but that's just me.

So if you are glued to the 2010 Olympic coverage, grab a stack of clothes, and go through them as you watch. Back to your closet during the commercial breaks, and before you know it, voila! - your closet is a thing of beauty and function!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

"If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin." - Ivan Turgenev

2010-02-10T17:56:00.002-08:00

"Being overworked, overbooked, and overwhelmed is passe." - Erin Rooney Doland

2010-01-19T01:07:00.002-08:00

"Spend less on gifts. Give more presence."

2010-01-15T10:55:00.002-08:00

Screening of Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood...Saturday, Jan.16, 7:30pm, Mt. Seymour United Church, 1200 Parkgate Ave. N.Vancouver

2010-01-14T13:08:00.003-08:00

Wondering why your home is inundated with your children's toys, clothes, etc. Are your children continually hounding you for "stuff"?

Find out what may be behind it all. Consuming Kids is a brand new and critically-acclaimed film from the Media Education Foundation featuring the CCFC (Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood) staff and Steering Committee. The film is an eye-opening account of the pervasive and pernicious effects of children’s advertising on the health and well-being of kids.

Learn how marketers use the latest advances in psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience to transform American children into a yearly TRILLION dollar market.

View preview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maeXjey_FGA&feature=player_embedded
or get more information at http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/

See you there!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

“Keep it pointed to where you want it go, make sure today is leading to your ideal tomorrow, not away from it”.- Danielle LaPorte

2010-01-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

I wish they came in blue...

2010-01-13T00:33:00.007-08:00

A sure thing for the creative type. These beauties come in six popular Pantone colors (sans bleu), dimensions: 11.8” x 8.7” x 4.3”

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

ch-ch-ch-ch-change...

2010-01-11T10:08:00.005-08:00

"You’re probably full of ideas for changes you’d like to make to yourself, your workplace, and your community. Just remember: Change isn’t an event; it’s a process. Think about a child learning how to walk. There’s no single moment when he learns how to do it. He staggers and struggles until, finally, one day he takes a few steps—and then falls down. But he doesn’t give up. He tries again and again, and before too long, he’s running."

Adapted from “Switch: How to Change When Change Is Hard,” by Chip and Dan Heath. To be published by Broadway Books Feb. 16. Pre-order "Switch" at RandomHouse.com

I couldn't have said it better myself!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

" FOCUS is what drives PRODUCTIVITY" - Paul Burton

2009-12-18T15:16:00.004-08:00

"When you're focused on something is when you're actually getting something done. When you're running around trying to keep the ball in the air, all you are doing (functionally) is being the ball." - Paul Burton (full quote)

"Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation." - Aristotle

2009-12-17T13:57:00.002-08:00

focus on what's WORKING...

2009-12-14T20:02:00.004-08:00

"We’re wired to focus on what’s not working. But
Murphy asked, “What IS working, today, and how
can we do more of it?”

You’re probably trying to change things at home or
at work. Stop agonizing about what’s not working.
Instead, ask yourself, “What’s working well, right
now, and how can I do more of it?”

A quote from Chip & Dan Heath (authors of "Made to Stick" & the soon-to-be-released "Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard") from Seth Godin's FREE 82-page e-book "What Matters Now" http://www.squidoo.com/Whatmattersnowfreeebook

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

#best09 challenge...

2009-12-09T23:11:00.006-08:00

Still playing Gwen Bell's The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. Today's topic...something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you?

A real challenge of mine over the year, was a colleague of mine whom I admire, time after time leaving me feeling horrible. So recently I made a very conscious decision to stay away, you know, like I was allergic. No hard feelings - do people hate nuts, dairy, wheat, etc. just because they can't eat them?? - not out of fear, just allergic. And just like that I was protected from the elements - like I was wearing Wonder Woman bracelets - like a superhero!

The thing that made it the best challenge of the year was that I took it. I didn't hide from it or be overwhelmed by it. I worked out a solution, and went with it. I looked out for myself, in such a healthy and mature way. There is only good to come of this.

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

“People are energized by getting things done. Energy then begets more energy and more productivity.” - Julie Morgenstern

2009-12-06T22:45:00.001-08:00

more meaningful upcycling...

2009-12-05T22:45:00.005-08:00

From the http://wishingowls.littletreeyoga.com site: "Do you have a favourite pant, blanket or fabric item that means the world to you but you keep away in a drawer or closet? We can turn it into a beautiful loving friend and have already made them out of denim jeans, velvet dressing gowns and baby slings just to name a few...Each hand stitch is a stitch of love, care and magic and is what Lou believes makes these little friends so treasured as they seem to find new homes as quickly as she makes them...They all have their very own star pocket that hides a secret opening to look after your all of your wishesand dreams in, while you sleep."

You could have a framed two-dimensional work made up, labelling what part came from where on the back. You could even have matching artwork and Wishing Owl made up. I'm envisioning opposite fabrics making up owls for twins. I particularly love the twinkle in their eyes & the star on their backs. Now doesn't this beat storing a whack of fabric in a plastic bin in your garage??

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

what to do with well-loved t-shirts...

2009-12-04T22:08:00.015-08:00

Own some well-loved t-shirts that you just can't get rid of, but really (please!) can't wear either? Try out this local company who can turn it into a super cool T for the next generation.

From their site..."Using previously owned and loved adult size t-shirts purchased from thrift stores, Barking Hippo creates original “mini me” toddler t-shirts, toddler dresses and baby onesies... If everyone bought one reclaimed garment each year, it would save an average of 300 million gallons of water and 400 tons of chemical dyes."

The prices in the shop are very reasonable and you are really buying a one-of-a-kind shirt. Mother Nature & your wallet will love you...not to mention the style police!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

(photo by Renata Sinclair Photography)

#best09 book...

2009-12-04T18:33:00.005-08:00

Back on track with Gwen Bell's The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge... the book that touched me.

I began reading "I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids" a few months ago, but I couldn't really get into it. Then a couple of weeks ago (as I was having "a day" ) I grabbed it, flopped on my bed and read it with tears streaming down my face. I no longer felt all alone with my challenges and guilt - it completely resonated with me right there at that exact right moment. I highly recommend it!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.

Visual Girl

#best09 article...

2009-12-03T18:19:00.006-08:00

I thought at first that I needed to begin this post (Day 3 of The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge) with a disclaimer that it really has nothing to do with organizing, but then I realized that it has everything to do with the RESPECT aspect of my business.

The article that blew me away this year, and that couldn't have come at a better time was this one from mcpactions: http://mcpactions.com/blog/2009/10/12/how-should-i-price-my-photography-words-of-advice-from-jodie-otte/.

The article is a very in-your-face & very detailed guide (no matter what your business is, really) on how to price products & services. It really lays it all out there on what your time is worth, and in the end, is it all worth it? The article specifically breaks it down for the Moms out there, equating time spent (working) to time lost (with family). It forces you to place values on what you do. All of it. And prioritize. If big effort and little reward is your life, it is time to rethink things. If your house and home are falling apart because you work, but you are barely, if at all, paying the bills - including daycare - can you justify it?

This article prompts a really good reality check. I've shared this with my entrepreneurial ladies from my Smart Cookies (http://www.smartcookies.com/) inspired Money Group. It is eye-opening. Just try it.

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.

Visual Girl

#best09 restaurant moment...

2009-12-03T18:03:00.005-08:00

Wow! Well I blew Gwen Bell's The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge on day 2!! I guess because I already blogged about my best restaurant moment already, or maybe because this is a good opportunity to prove that no matter what your goals are, don't give up on them just because you blow it one day.

So...here is my original blog titled "grateful" http://visualgirlhometherapy.blogspot.com/2009/07/grateful.html For the record, I had the same meal with a good friend of mine later in the month - we both did, actually. We originally went to another local restaurant, but they were having a private function - go figure. Same deliciousness & equally good company. Thanks S. and Yay!! Arm's Reach!

Now off to today's blog topic!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.
Visual Girl

#best09 trip...

2009-12-01T11:10:00.004-08:00

Not a trip in the traditional sense, but somewhere in my "back yard"... I love my trips to Room 6. www.room6.com And how fitting, as I discovered Gwen Bell (who is hosting this whole Best of 2009 Challenge in the first place) on Room 6's twitter. I constantly lose myself (in a good way) in all the glorious eye candy Megan fills her store with. Function meets beauty? This store's got it. Local designers? Iconic stuff? Got it. Friendly service? You guessed it! The boutique's tagline is "special things for nice people", so right off, I am filled with niceness, simply because I am there!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

the best of '09...Gwen Bell style...

2009-12-01T10:46:00.005-08:00

I just discovered this powerhouse of a woman late last night, and how fitting that she has begun the Best Of ‘09 Blog Challenge well, today! I am always asking my clients to think and behave out of their comfort zone, and so I am off to "walk the talk" so to speak. I really tend to downplay the whole New Year thing - seriously, I only buy the school year day planners - so this will really be a challenge for me. So without much toe-testing of the water, off I jump!

If you would like to join me, check out http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

goal tending...one line at a time...

2009-12-01T09:50:00.006-08:00

This product is a great way to keep on top of your goals - be it financial, home, health, work, vacation, etc. - with very little pressure, and an easy way to track the previous years. Check it out: http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Apartment/Bookstore/Books/One+Line+a+Day+Journal

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

some tastiness in the kitchen...

2009-11-29T00:22:00.009-08:00

...it's not food, but it is eye candy.

I often tell overwhelmed clients to pick a small part of their home and begin there. How about beginning by downloading these gorgeous labels from Kristen from Domestifluff... http://www.domestifluff.com/2009/11/free-printable-gluten-free-ingredient-labels-blank-labels/#more-247 . Sure, use them in the obvious place (ie kitchen), but don't rule out the kid rooms, craft room, mud room, laundry room, garage, office, shed, or even guest room. Once one area is looking and functioning beautifully, you will be surprised at how the bar will be set just a little higher throughout your home. Kirsten wrote, "For the first few days after I organized, I couldn’t stop opening the cabinet and smiling because everything was so much easier to find. I plan on keeping it this way!" Forget the Hokey Pokey, this is what it's all about! And to think it all began with some lovely labels...thanx Kirsten!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

"Don't worry too much about the past, just focus on what you would like your future to look like...

2009-11-24T02:04:00.003-08:00

...if you want it badly enough, the rest will take care of itself." - Visual Girl to client

"If you want to do something, you'll find a way; if you don't, you'll find an excuse." - author unknown

2009-10-22T11:48:00.001-07:00

Only two more days...

2009-10-17T01:30:00.008-07:00

...to check out the Vancouver Home + Interior Design Show http://www.bchomeandgardenshow.com/ME2/Sites/default.asp?SiteID=50F5BEDD5B7346B381567175B4EAE281

reclaim. redefine. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

One beautiful, inspiring book...

2009-10-09T10:53:00.004-07:00

Scored!!

Yesterday at Chapters, for a mere $12.99 Cdn, I came across this. The images are stunning. The homes are unique and fabulous, and the writing comes with titles like "Start", "Welcome", "Live", "Play", "Share" "Gather" "Nest", "Revive", "Retreat", "Bare", "Connect".

LOVE!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.

Visual Girl

"Only Robinson Crusoe had everything done by Friday." - unknown

2009-09-25T21:17:00.001-07:00

The trouble with b&w thinking...

2009-09-13T10:11:00.005-07:00

...and the quest to be perfect, is that more often than not, nothing gets done at all. Say you want your website to be perfect (after all, it's just your gateway to the entire online world) and you become so overwhelmed with the whole idea that you don't even get yourself a domain name. Nice.

Humans by their organic nature are not perfect. Then there is the time factor. What was perfect before may now be dated, or just plain wrong (think hairstyles!). Evolution, you gotta love it.

Lift the pressure off of yourself from the "all or nothing" mentality and just get started. Before you know it, you will get in that phenomenal state called "groove" and what will result will be nothing less than perfect - for now.

respect. reclaim. revitalize.

Visual Girl

“Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.” ―Charles Richards

2009-08-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

"For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned." - Benjamin Franklin

2009-08-04T13:52:00.004-07:00

grateful...

2009-07-26T22:42:00.009-07:00

It all began Thursday night, with a spontaneous and fully enjoyable dinner - emphasis on full - at The Arm's Reach in Deep Cove. The CBC - curried butter chicken is devine. I'm just sayin'.... And if you are wondering, yes, this was a family affair and still absolutely enjoyable.

Then came Friday. The weather was perfect. Not too hot. Not too cold. Perfect. I had an organizing gig, followed by a lovely meeting with two fab creative art directors, followed by a quick dinner and a Reggae (love) theme concert in the park.

Aaaaaaah...Life is good.

So next time you are out on a one of those "retail therapy" shopping trips, save yourself the time, space, gas, and money (or debt) and enjoy the Good Life instead. I'm just sayin'...

respect. reclaim. revitalize.

Visual Girl

"social notworking"

2009-07-16T18:03:00.003-07:00

Spending time on social-networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, when you are on the clock. - Real Simple magazine

Good Enough...

2009-07-01T07:20:00.005-07:00

I was just watching an innocent game of horseshoes, and was struck by the uniqueness of the game in it's close-enough-is-good-enough ideology.

Perhaps surprising to some, many people who struggle with clutter issues are perfectionists. And finding their own reality so far from their idea of perfection, they become overwhelmed and paralysed to do anything, widening the gap even further. As a professional organizer, I find that time and time again, the most important role I play is bridging that gap, or eliminating it all together - paradise!

While I wholly disagree with the "just for now" mentality, which to me is just another way of saying "this is not how this should be", "this is not where it should go", or simply "this is wrong", I do believe in cutting yourself a little slack, and getting it good enough. You will be surprised where it will take you - maybe even win you a game of horse shoes!

reclaim. respect. revitalize.

Visual Girl

Will you be in church on Sunday???

2008-12-31T14:21:00.010-08:00

Visual Girl will be. At the St. Andrews United Church (1044 St. Georges Street, North Vancouver - 2 blks south of Lions Gate Hospital) this Sunday, January 4th, from 9-11am, that is.

She will be involved in the first annual "New Year Resolution Challenge" This FREE workshop will begin with a demonstration and optional participation of a beginner bootcamp by primary hostess, Louise Green, Fitness Professional and founder of www.bodyexchange.ca

Next, the following guest speakers will cover the top five New Year's resolutions:

1. lose weight - Louise Green, Fitness Professional www.bodyexchange.ca
2. get healthy - Birgitta Hellman, chef & author of "Taste This....Healthy Organic Cooking"
3. get organized - Kerith Paterson, Trained Professional Organizer www.visualgirl.ca
4. quit smoking - Pauline Deane RN - how she finally kicked her 40-year habit
5. finding meaning in life - Helga Grout, relationship and life coach www.sandboxlifecoaching.ca

The event is meant to help you go beyond January 20th (the date most resolutions fall to the wayside) and ACHIEVE what is truly important to you in your life.

If you are looking to make some changes, this is the place to be! Drop by for some early morning inspiration!

St. Andrews Church, Sunday, January 4th, 9:00am - 11:00am.

To register, email: resolution@bodyexchange.ca

"We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us." - Winston Churchill

2008-12-29T23:30:00.001-08:00

A little note on makeup expiration...

2008-11-18T11:41:00.003-08:00

Would you keep and use food that has expired? Why makeup then? After all, your skin is your body's largest organ. Take care of it. This short but comprehensive list of makeup shelf lives by Avon sales rep, Ami M Withrow: http://avonfromamiw.com/expire.aspx makes editing your makeup drawer(s), bag, case, etc. a breeze. Suddenly organizing your entire bathroom doesn't seem so daunting.
All the best,
Kerith

Life is not a someday thing or a one day thing. It is a right now, every day thing.

2008-10-22T18:21:00.005-07:00

Essentially, because you are worth it. If there is some part of your home bothering you, then do what you can within your means, to change it. The biggest challenge is actually getting started. Once you overcome that, the rewards you reap will astound you.

Prudy's Problem and How She Solved It...

2008-08-29T20:39:00.010-07:00

On the topic of "teach your children well", I came across this cute little book about a little girl who really really really loves to collect things. (Sound familiar?) The things she collects are good for a laugh, or at least a good "eeewwww!" Or, the story could read a little too close to home, depending on your child's situation. I would like to say that with the help of her friendly neighbourhood Professional Organizer, all her problems disappeared. But...I can say that her solution did involve some out-of-the-box thinking, which many Trained Professional Organizers do have.

Give a read. I'd love to hear what you (and your children) think of it.

All the best,

Kerith Paterson

Visual Girl

O is for Organize...

2008-08-29T13:53:00.003-07:00

VirgoMan, meet Visual Girl...

2008-08-28T19:17:00.006-07:00

I was intrigued by the cover of O magazine by the subheading "12 WAYS TO UNCLUTTER your home, car, mail, even your mind". Turns out there's a professional organizer who dubs himself VirgoMan. For the whole article, click http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200809_omag_unclutter . (Very useful stuff to live by, not just read.)

My advice on mail is a little different: with your paper recycle container near the front door, weed out the mail outside. Only bring in the essentials, or what needs to be shredded. Practice on-line banking: no paper statements, no paper ads, no paper stamp to find, no paper envelope to find - Mother Earth loves to save on paper. Have your bills charged to your credit card = saving on paper and adding to your Airmiles! I've sent unwanted magazines back like misdirected mail: with a Sharpie over the address label.

I wholly believe in donating. Find a cause you love and is easy to access. Trust me, it's like turning guilt into a good deed. I love the line, "Your home is not a museum".

If your photo clutter is on the computer, you may not be aware of the fabulous photo books now available. You can add text, or let your photos tell their own story. http://www.mypublisher.com/ offers a very user-friendly and flexible program for making their books - and the finished product will blow you away! You could give loved ones a year-in-the-life photo book for Christmas. Finish most of the book before December, then put some "teaser" photos under the tree boasting a "coming soon photo book" and finish (and pay) for the books in January. Don't forget to add the Christmas & New Year's Eve photos. Once your best photos are captured in this stunning book, you simply save the year on a hard drive and begin all over again.

I believe organizing is a tool; a tool for you to step up the way you work, play, socialize, and live.

Like VirgoMan says, "Being organized isn't about getting rid of everything you own or trying to become a different person; it's about living the way you want to live, but better."

I'm not a superhero, but I can certainly help out anyone who is feeling organizationally-challenged.

All the best,
Kerith (aka Visual Girl)

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo Da Vinci

2008-07-31T19:00:00.003-07:00

The Visual Girl Interview Answers...

2008-07-31T18:26:00.003-07:00

You can see the below interview in reverse at http://www.showoffshomestaging.com/main/.

Thank you Patti for your wonderful comments.

Best Breakfast in Town

2008-07-21T01:37:00.001-07:00

It says so right on the sign...

Owen Sound Organizer Q&A

2008-07-20T23:43:00.023-07:00

I had the great pleasure just last week of meeting a fab lady and fellow organizer on my summer vacation. I checked out some sites of organizers in the area, and chose Patti. Yes, that's us in that wickedly good photo (haha!) Patti is the one who looks like Kim Cattrall. Me, not so much. Thankfully she humoured me and agreed to meet a total stranger who claimed to be an organizer! We met over "the best breakfast in town" for this pseudo-interview, just after she got off her night shift. What a trooper!

I encourage - in fact I put the challenge out there for - all organizers to pick up the phone if they are visiting out of town, and just hook up for coffee and chat about the 'biz. So, without further adieu, here's our big innovative interview.

Hi Patti,
I was happy to speak with you today. Thanks for humouring me and meeting with me.
I'll start off easy...

What is your name?
Patti Marie Smith: note what my initals are... I didn't change my name when I got married this year, partly because I didn't want to screw with that!
Where do you live and how long have you been an Organizer?
I live in Owen Sound Ont. and have been an Organizer for about 2 years
If money were not a factor, what would be your occupation?
Home Stager and Organizer, Store Owner and Operator of Patti's Paraphernalia, or Show Offs Store
Have you always been organized, or is it something you've learned?
I have always liked some order or pattern. I am the eldest of 6 girls, and I tried to keep my little island of control in my room by keeping it tidy.
Who is your ideal client?
She already exists! In general, someone who is open and willing to do what it takes to make a necessary change or shift in their lives.
How do your sessions work? Do you offer maintenance packages?
I go to a consultation, and charge my hourly rate, but they get half of it back if I come back and make the changes with them. Otherwise, I give a free follow up visit if local.
You are also a nurse. Can you explain how nursing has helped you become a better organizer?
I work in an ER dept in a small hospital... sometimes alone until I call the MD in for a visit in the night. That experience has ensured my productivity and organiztion. There is a lot of multitasking and prioritizing in my
career. It makes the job of helping somoene else with it that much easier. I know what needs to be done and the simplest shortcut that is appropriate. We have to keep things simple in order to get all of it done. Breaking
things down into managable little pieces makes it all bearable at times.
What do you find most rewarding in your organizing occupation?
It's the smiles at the end of the session, and the aha moments that my clients have during a session that is the most rewarding, other than the fact that they network for me. Word of mouth advertising can't be beat!!!!
Do you prefer staging for home sale or personal organizing? Could you explain how your approach differs in each?
That's a tough one. Each has it's ups and downs, pros and cons, shall we say. I think that in both of the disciplines, no matter why I am called for the job, I am intertwining one service with the other.
You put on educational talks. Can you tell how you began and how you
summed up the courage to speak in front of a crowd?
In 2000 I joined Toastmasters International, not knowing why, but knowing that it was a step to SOMETHING. The journey has been amazing. I don't know if I could have even considered my first request to give a workshop at the
college if I didn't have that background. I think everyone has a good reason to try out the club for a while.
You are a very personable soul. In regards to organizing, do you find your clients really open up to you, and put their trust in you? How important do you think a trait like that is to have?

I feel that they DO open up to me, as they can see that I am a very straightforward person, and ask the same.
There's no sense in wasting energy and time if we can't be honest with each other. I tell them right out that I'm here to help them better their lifestyle in some way, so lets get at it!
All Organizers seem to have a favourite tool...what is yours?
My little Dollarama timer. I want all my clients to use them, and I teach that in my workshops.

What is the best advice you have for up-an-coming Organizers?
To remain unjudgemental, believe in yourself, and be out there for the right reasons.
What's the best advice you can give someone who is feeling overwhelmed organizationally?
Take the task and divide it up into small pieces. Use your timer. EAt that frog, as Mark Twain said, and chew it well. Think of something as a positive instead of a negative experience, as that is what causes procrastination:
turning a feeling of a task into a negative one.
Lastly, how is your new doll house coming along??!
Haha... very funny. I made a barbie house for my daughter with wallpaper and
little odds and ends, which fulfilled my adult 'playhouse' cravings.
Thanks Patti!

Loved meeting you Kerith... I think we will be friends for a very long time!
Patti

(note...Patti gave me one of those favourite Dollarama timers as a souvenir / parting gift.)

Thank you so much, Patti! You were a blast to meet and I felt like I was catching up with an old friend.
You are truly inspiring and knock-out-knowledgeable. I still can't get over how computer savvy you are, wireless girl!

Making the world just a little bit smaller,

Kerith

http://www.visualgirl.ca/

(My Q&A is coming up soon on Patti's Paraphernalia http://www.showoffshomestaging.com/main/)

Unleash your inner tree hugger...

2008-04-07T10:07:00.006-07:00

As an organizer and Mother, I am always on the lookout for good design, and better and simpler ways of getting things done. There is a show coming up that I am very excited to check out. It is the second annual EPIC (Ethical Progressive Intelligent Consumer) Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo from April 18 - 20, 2008. I am hoping it will be both inspirational and educational. You can find more info at http://www.epicexpo.com/ .

For all you running types, the expo is offering 2-for-1 admission on Sunday, April 20th (the day of the Sun Run), when you show your run number.

See you there!

Kerith

The Story of Stuff...

2008-03-01T23:50:00.019-08:00

A big part of an organizer's job is to tackle a client's accumulation of "stuff".

A wonderful organizing peer of mine (hi Lynne!) recently introduced me to this amazing little site: http://www.storyofstuff.com/ Please, if you can, find time to check it out. Then check it out again. Send it to the "shopaholic" in your life. It will really make you conscious of what you buy - and don't. There are so many levels on which to benefit, simply by becoming more aware.

And ... I was just notified that this month's POC chapter meeting is based around "The Story of Stuff". If you are interested, it is Tuesday, March 18, 2008. For more details see

http://www.organizersincanada.com/event_detail_page.php?cal_id=982 .

Baby steps,
Kerith (Visual Girl)

Visual Girl Home Therapy's First official blog...

2008-02-14T10:08:00.018-08:00

Hi everyone! What better day to launch this blog than on a day to celebrate Love...

I feel so "hi-tech" with this blog! I am sending this link out to you to introduce a new service I am offering: Introducing Visual Girl Home Therapy...editing, organizing and planning your way to a more meaningful home. The "Visual Girl" is essentially my visual skills - making sure beauty meets function. But the "Home Therapy" goes way beyond art in the home. It is about reclaiming your space, instead of allowing its contents to take over. It's letting your home breathe again. It is about giving who you are (individually, as a couple, as a family - whichever catagory (ies) you fit) and your material possessions the respect they deserve. It's about revitalizing your home; not with renovations necessarily, but with color, furniture placement, plants, art, etc. And most importantly, in cases where your life has been suddenly turned upside down with change, it provides guidance and action.

Your life can seem to get away from you at times...you accummulate, procrastinate, and just go through the motions until one day you look around and wonder how this all came to be. The intention of Visual Girl Home Therapy is to slow it all down - make you really think about what it is you want in your home, your life, your future. If you know someone who could use a little "home therapy" please refer them. Sessions are confidential and non-judgemental.

Don't worry, I am still using those cameras of mine. In fact, there is a brand new website (with blog-oooh!) and some very cool new products on the horizon. The two ventures have far more in common than I first thought - what adds more meaning to a home than personal artwork? I will keep you updated when all the new eye candy is up and running.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kerith

Feel free to check out the up-and-coming http://www.visualgirl.ca/ and send an e-mail if you have any questions.
Kerith