OrganizingLA Blog

Velcro & What's Likely to Be Valuable Someday

Before the days of Velcro, were the days of my youth.

Growing up in the late 70's and 80's my Parents stayed away from Velcro "laced" sneakers like the Plague.  My father used to say I'd never learn to tie a shoelace ever again, and I'd forget, forever losing my ability to learn a task taught to him by his father.  Of course, my parents were the same folks who encouraged me to stay away from calculator watches, and even analog watches.

It's All in the Delivery

"Gruyere and spinach omelet with slow-roasted tomatoes" for breakfast?

"Black tiger shrimp with Thai coconut broth" for lunch?

Sounds delicious.  But are food-delivery concerns too ambitious and under-deliver on service?  I was reading the Los Angeles Times on-line this morning and read an honest review of Los Angeles and New York food companies who deliver all the eats to your local doorstep.  This Professional Organizer has seen Clients use Fresh Dining, Zone Los Angeles and Zone Chefs, too, with amazing results-- the deliveries save time.  Read the whole story here.

I am curious to know reader comments for these kinds of food companies:  when that kitchen timer goes "ding," do your taste-buds "sing?"

How Clutter Saved a Summer BBQ with a Delicious Dessert: Fresh Strawberries, Brown Sugar & Creme Fraiche

Sometimes Clutter CAN be useful, to someone, somewhere.  But it's rare, and not always worth the time and trouble saving something.  A quick and effective way to guide a Client on an item's personal value is to suggest they give it to someone who may actually use it.  Nice concept.  It could be a relative, family member, neighbor or even a special charity the person is fond of. Try this technique yourself.

It was yours truly who accepted a very small gift last week, a magazine article about summer bbq's -- and my Summer-in-Cape Cod-in-Los Angeles-style BBQ was extra special because of it.  A terrific recipe for fresh strawberries with brown sugar and crème fraîche from Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame.

What do Vacuum Cleaners & the "405" Have in Common?

Southern Californians love the gadgets.  Fast cars, Magnolia on Wilshire, the 405 Freeway at the 10, I-pods, cel phones and their Dysons.

Speaking of your Dyson, how many of us also have an over-abundance of cleaning must-haves-- a shop vac" for the garage, a large household vacuum for floors and upholstery, a Hoover Floor Mate for cleaning wood floors and tile, a central vac system, a rechargeable hand-held quick-picker upper for those small messy spills, a Swiffer and a car vacuum to plug into your dash lighter?

Have you gotten rid of them all when the Dyson premiered on the Red Carpet?

Americans Running Out Of Space: Buying Less DVD's?

The Tuesday, July 12th edition of Daily Variety, cites a "Shrek Wreck" shortfall in DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek 2" and "Shark Tale" DVD sales, their second DVD shortfall in two months.  CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg and Chief Financial Officer Kris Leslie said it's too early to define the problem, nor would they speculate on whether it's a permanent shift or a temporary blip.

Industry players have cited a shift whereby DVD releases are mimicking theatrical openings--- a big bang then gone.  Store shelf space for product sales is limited.... (and) "consumers may be running short on space."

Could this be signaling a paradigm shift-- are Americans not buying as many DVDs because they just don't have the room?  What do you think?  I'd like to hear from readers.

The Taos of Order - Media Interview with John Trosko and OrganizingLA

Find HOT advise on organizing your garage this summer in the July 19th edition of Frontiers Newsmagazine.

Featuring expert advice from Professional Organizer John Trosko and OrganizingLA, Frontiers serves up edgy, smartly-written articles on fashion, news, book reviews, music and nightlife in Los Angeles, San Francisco and the World.  "The Tao of Order" by Ken Knox offers tips on clearing out unwanted clutter and simplifying your life.  Missed the article at your local newsstand?  Read it here.

What tips do you have on keeping your big summer organizing projects on target?  Please comment at the end of this post.