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	<title>Organized Assistant &#187; family</title>
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		<title>Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for September 2010: Technology</title>
		<link>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-september-2010-technology/</link>
		<comments>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-september-2010-technology/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:20:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Professional Organizers Blog Carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tools of the Trade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clutter-free gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[computer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outlook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[productivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[time management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://organizedassistant.com/?p=1800</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-september-2010-technology/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for September 2010: Technology" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2599499906_94b9ce3521.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for September 2010: Technology" width="200" height="134" /></a></span><br/>Welcome to the Technology issue of the Professional Organizers Blog Carnival! You'll find lots of great tips here for using technology to organize today's busy lives and for organizing your (or your clients') technology. Be sure to read the posts and leave some comments – it's a fun way to network with your organizing colleagues! [...]<p>Please visit <strong>Your Organizing Business</strong> to read and comment on <a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-september-2010-technology/">Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for September 2010: Technology</a>.</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-september-2010-technology/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for September 2010: Technology" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2599499906_94b9ce3521.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for September 2010: Technology" width="200" height="134" /></a></span><br/>Welcome to the Technology issue of the Professional  Organizers Blog Carnival! You'll find lots of great tips here for using  technology to organize today's busy lives and for organizing your (or your  clients') technology. Be sure to read the posts and leave some comments – it's a  fun way to network with your organizing colleagues!

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1801" title="technology carnival" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2599499906_94b9ce3521.jpg" alt="technology carnival" width="298" height="200" />

<span id="more-1800"></span><a title="http://newleafnews.wordpress.com/2009/08/22/five-productive-jobs-for-evernote/" href="http://newleafnews.wordpress.com/2009/08/22/five-productive-jobs-for-evernote/">Five  Productive Jobs for Evernote</a> by <a title="http://twitter.com/newleafco" href="http://twitter.com/newleafco">Margaret Lukens</a>
<blockquote>Over time,  Evernote has proven its usefulness again and again. The more I use it to deal  with those information bits on the desk and in the brain, the more I love  it.</blockquote>
<a title="http://www.elaineshannon.com/2010/08/how-to-manage-and-organize-your-social-web/" href="http://www.elaineshannon.com/2010/08/how-to-manage-and-organize-your-social-web/">How  to Manage and Organize your Social Web</a> by <a title="http://twitter.com/elaineshannon" href="http://twitter.com/elaineshannon">Elaine Shannon</a>

<a title="http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3100" href="http://www.onlineorganizing.com/BlogEntry.asp?id=3100">Site-Saving  Bookmarklets: Keeping Up With Online Reading While Reducing Paper Clutter</a> by  <a title="http://twitter.com/ProfOrganizer" href="http://twitter.com/ProfOrganizer">Julie Bestry</a>
<blockquote>If you're a  voracious web reader, it sometimes seems like you have only two alternatives:  paper (printout) clutter or an endlessly scrolling tower of bookmarks. These  nifty bookmarklets offers the chance to keep up with your reading without  cluttering up your home, office or computer.</blockquote>
<a title="http://dallisonlee.com/blog/2010/08/11/3-firefox-add-ons-that-increase-your-productivity/" href="http://dallisonlee.com/blog/2010/08/11/3-firefox-add-ons-that-increase-your-productivity/">3  Firefox Add-Ons That Increase Your Productivity</a> by <a title="http://twitter.com/dallisonlee" href="http://twitter.com/dallisonlee">Deb  Lee</a>

<a title="http://jdorganizer.blogspot.com/2010/08/getting-organized-in-google-era.html" href="http://jdorganizer.blogspot.com/2010/08/getting-organized-in-google-era.html">Getting  Organized in the Google Era</a> by <a title="http://twitter.com/JeriDansky" href="http://twitter.com/JeriDansky">Jeri Dansky</a>
<blockquote>This book, which  was published earlier this year, talks about ways to use technology effectively.  Do you organize information - or just search for it when you need  it?</blockquote>
<a title="http://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/2010/09/03/technology-and-you/" href="http://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/2010/09/03/technology-and-you/">Technology  and You!</a> by <a title="http://twitter.com/TexasOrganizer" href="http://twitter.com/TexasOrganizer">Ellen Delap</a>

<a title="http://www.getconnectedmedia.com/blog/week-3-â??-space-management-ergonomics-â??-using-your-computer-safely" href="http://www.getconnectedmedia.com/blog/week-3-%E2%80%93-space-management-ergonomics-%E2%80%93-using-your-computer-safely">Ergonomics  in the Office - Using your computer safely</a> by <a title="http://twitter.com/streamlife" href="http://twitter.com/streamlife">Clare  Kumar</a>
<blockquote>Technology  brings many benefits, but using it safely is critical. Set up a comfortable  workstation and enjoy maximum productivity.</blockquote>
<a title="http://www.mindingyourmatters.com/cozy-cozi_090110" href="http://www.mindingyourmatters.com/cozy-cozi_090110">Cozy Up To Cozi</a> by  Janice  Russell

<a title="http://downshiftingpos.blogspot.com/2009/12/teux-deux-to-do-online-list-maker.html" href="http://downshiftingpos.blogspot.com/2009/12/teux-deux-to-do-online-list-maker.html">TeuxDeux  (To Do - an online list maker)</a> by <a title="http://twitter.com/DownshiftingPOS" href="http://twitter.com/DownshiftingPOS">Margarita Ibbott</a>
<blockquote>Are you a chronic list maker?  Do you feel a sense of  accomplishment when you cross that item off your list? How about writing a list out electronically that you can  access from any computer? Find out about a simple and easy to use on-line list maker  from TeuxDeux.</blockquote>
Before wrapping  up this month's Carnival, I'd like to welcome two new <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/blog/blog-carnival/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-star-bloggers/" href="../../../../../blog/blog-carnival/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-star-bloggers/">Professional  Organizers Blog Carnival Star Bloggers</a>, who have each contributed to 10 Blog  Carnivals to date:

In her post, <a title="http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com/2009/11/clutter-free-gifts-technology.html" href="http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com/2009/11/clutter-free-gifts-technology.html">Clutter-free  gifts: Technology</a>, <a title="http://twitter.com/lelahwithanh" href="http://twitter.com/lelahwithanh">Lelah Baker-Rabe</a> tells us how  to
<blockquote>Help the  tech-savvy people in your life stay clutter-free with some thoughtful gifts of  technology that won't add to their box of random cords and  cables.</blockquote>
Digital  photographers are sure to appreciate <a title="http://twitter.com/metrozing" href="http://twitter.com/metrozing">Geralin Thomas</a>' <a title="http://metropolitanorganizing.com/blogs/geralin/2010/06/four-steps-organizing-your-photos" href="http://metropolitanorganizing.com/blogs/geralin/2010/06/four-steps-organizing-your-photos">Four  Steps to Organizing Your Photos</a>.

Congratulations,  Lelah and Geralin, and thank you to everyone who took part in this month's  Carnival.

Next month, our theme will be <strong>Bathroom  Organizing</strong> – please submit your posts by noon EDT on October 12,  2010. In November, we'll celebrate <strong>Food, Glorious Food! </strong>so get ready to  submit your posts about organizing refrigerators, pantries, recipes, or another  related topic.

<em>Photo: <a title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joiseyshowaa/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joiseyshowaa/">joiseyshowaa</a></em><div class="shr-publisher-1800"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:right;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F09%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-september-2010-technology%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+for+September+2010%3A+Technology'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F09%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-september-2010-technology%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+for+September+2010%3A+Technology'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic -->]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for August 2010: Getting Organized for Back to School</title>
		<link>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/08/13/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-august-2010-getting-organized-for-back-to-school/</link>
		<comments>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/08/13/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-august-2010-getting-organized-for-back-to-school/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:17:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Professional Organizers Blog Carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back to school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[college]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[filing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teachers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[time management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://organizedassistant.com/?p=1756</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/08/13/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-august-2010-getting-organized-for-back-to-school/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for August 2010: Getting Organized for Back to School" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/627687-org.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for August 2010: Getting Organized for Back to School" width="200" height="149" /></a></span><br/>Welcome to the August issue of the Professional Organizers Blog Carnival! I sincerely appreciate all the submissions, but am just catching up on my work after a mini-vacation, so I hope you'll forgive me for not inserting my usual commentary, and simply publishing a list of the back-to-school organizing posts submitted by my readers. Please [...]<p>Please visit <strong>Your Organizing Business</strong> to read and comment on <a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/08/13/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-august-2010-getting-organized-for-back-to-school/">Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for August 2010: Getting Organized for Back to School</a>.</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/08/13/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-august-2010-getting-organized-for-back-to-school/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for August 2010: Getting Organized for Back to School" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/627687-org.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for August 2010: Getting Organized for Back to School" width="200" height="149" /></a></span><br/>Welcome to the August issue of the Professional Organizers Blog Carnival! I sincerely appreciate all the submissions, but am just catching up on my work after a mini-vacation, so I hope you'll forgive me for not inserting my usual commentary, and simply publishing a list of the back-to-school organizing posts submitted by my readers. Please enjoy, comment, and share!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1757 aligncenter" title="Back-To-School Supplies" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/627687-org.jpg" alt="Back-To-School Supplies" width="267" height="200" /></p>
<span id="more-1756"></span>This is a busy time for families with school-aged children, so it's not surprising that many bloggers focused on this audience. Don't make the mistake of thinking these posts are much the same, as you'll find tips here on organizing school lunches, school supplies, daily routines, and a lot more. You're sure to find some advice here to benefit your clients, or even your own family!

Audrey Cupo - <a title="http://www.4abetterspace.com/blog/view/200/start_the_new_school_year_being_organized" href="http://www.4abetterspace.com/blog/view/200/start_the_new_school_year_being_organized">Start The New School Year Being Organized</a>

<a title="http://twitter.com/metrozing" href="http://twitter.com/metrozing">Geralin Thomas</a> - <a title="http://metropolitanorganizing.com/blogs/geralin/2009/08/getting-organized-school-lunches" href="http://metropolitanorganizing.com/blogs/geralin/2009/08/getting-organized-school-lunches">Getting Organized for School Lunches</a>

<a title="http://twitter.com/TexasOrganizer" href="http://twitter.com/TexasOrganizer">Ellen Delap</a> - <a title="http://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/2010/08/03/back-to-school-preparation-checklist-2/" href="http://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/2010/08/03/back-to-school-preparation-checklist-2/">Back to School Preparation Checklist</a>: Being organized and having a list makes all the difference for a successful school year.

<a title="http://twitter.com/Smart_Spaces" href="http://twitter.com/Smart_Spaces">Heather Burke</a> - <a title="http://www.smartspaceorganizing.ca/2009/08/getting-organized-for-the-new-school-year/" href="http://www.smartspaceorganizing.ca/2009/08/getting-organized-for-the-new-school-year/">Getting Organized for the New School Year</a>

<a title="http://twitter.com/spotonorganizin" href="http://twitter.com/spotonorganizin">Tina Blazer</a> - <a title="http://spotonorganizing.com/blog/2010/08/05/organizing-ideas-for-back-to-school/" href="http://spotonorganizing.com/blog/2010/08/05/organizing-ideas-for-back-to-school/">Organizing Ideas for Back to School</a>

<a title="http://twitter.com/streamlife" href="http://twitter.com/streamlife">Clare Kumar</a> - <a title="http://www.neatfreak.com/index.php/blog/be_prepared_for_back_to_class/" href="http://www.neatfreak.com/index.php/blog/be_prepared_for_back_to_class/">Be Prepared for Back to Class</a>: Although many of us are reluctant to think about the coming school year while we're still reveling in summer, planning now will pay off in a smoother transition for you and the kids.  I've included 5 quick tips to get you started.

<a title="http://twitter.com/organizerjane" href="http://twitter.com/organizerjane">Jane Veldhoven</a> - <a title="http://janetheorganizer.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/yikes-back-to-school-already/" href="http://janetheorganizer.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/yikes-back-to-school-already/">Yikes - Back to School Already?</a>

<a title="http://twitter.com/jacquieross2" href="http://twitter.com/jacquieross2">Jacquie Ross</a> - <a title="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-21168-Baltimore-Organized-Families-Examiner~y2010m8d6-Back-to-School-Organizing-Tips-101-Shopping-for-School-Supplies" href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-21168-Baltimore-Organized-Families-Examiner%7Ey2010m8d6-Back-to-School-Organizing-Tips-101-Shopping-for-School-Supplies">Top 12 Back to School Organizing Tips - Shopping for School Supplies</a>: Organizing tips for shopping for back to school supplies.

<a title="http://twitter.com/BarbaraTako" href="http://twitter.com/BarbaraTako">Barbara Tako</a> - <a title="http://clutterclearingchoices-simplybarb.blogspot.com/2010/08/three-frugal-simple-ways-to-get.html" href="http://clutterclearingchoices-simplybarb.blogspot.com/2010/08/three-frugal-simple-ways-to-get.html">Three frugal simple ways to get organized for back to school</a>: Frugality and simplicity can work together here.

<a title="http://twitter.com/papertigersoft" href="http://twitter.com/papertigersoft">Janet Baker</a> - <a title="http://www.thepapertiger.com/blog/2010/08/09/organization-is-the-key-when-going-to-school/" href="http://www.thepapertiger.com/blog/2010/08/09/organization-is-the-key-when-going-to-school/">Organization Is The Key When Going Back To School</a>

<a title="http://twitter.com/KimEagles" href="http://twitter.com/KimEagles">Kimberly Eagles</a> - <a title="http://www.kaossolutions.ca/staying-sane-during-the-school-year/" href="http://www.kaossolutions.ca/staying-sane-during-the-school-year/">Staying Sane During the School Year</a>

Back-to-school isn't just about young children, and a couple of our posts are geared towards high school and college students:

<a title="http://twitter.com/j_organize" href="http://twitter.com/j_organize">Jacki Hollywood Brown</a> - <a title="http://www.j-organize.ca/2010/summer-job-organizing/" href="http://www.j-organize.ca/2010/summer-job-organizing/">Summer Job Organizing</a>: It's important to prepare for the school year but it's also essential to record necessary information to help you in your job search for next summer. Here are some tips to help you keep your employment information organized!

<a title="http://twitter.com/AnneBlumer" href="http://twitter.com/AnneBlumer">Anne Blumer</a> - <a title="http://solutionsforyouorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-son-leaves-for-college-in-one.html" href="http://solutionsforyouorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-son-leaves-for-college-in-one.html">My son leaves for college in one month...so, what does that have to do with organizing?</a>

As always, I’d like to thank all the bloggers who have participated in this month’s Professional Organizers Blog Carnival. This is a monthly event, so if you didn’t submit a post, feel free to <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/blog-carnival/ http://organizing-business.com/blog-carnival/" href="../../../../../blog-carnival/">join us next time</a>, when our topic will be <strong>Technology</strong>. It's an important part of our lives now, so we can all use tips to keep it organized, or to use it to keep <em>us</em> organized! The deadline for submissions is noon EDT on Thursday, September 9.

The October Blog Carnival will focus on <strong>Bathroom Organizing.</strong>

In the meantime, be sure to check out this month's posts, leave some comments, and get to know one another!<div class="shr-publisher-1756"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:right;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F08%2F13%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-august-2010-getting-organized-for-back-to-school%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+for+August+2010%3A+Getting+Organized+for+Back+to+School'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F08%2F13%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-august-2010-getting-organized-for-back-to-school%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+for+August+2010%3A+Getting+Organized+for+Back+to+School'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic -->]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for June 2010: Organizing for Special Events</title>
		<link>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/06/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-june-2010-organizing-for-special-events/</link>
		<comments>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/06/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-june-2010-organizing-for-special-events/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:56:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Professional Organizers Blog Carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[event planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[getting organized for a new baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing a garage sale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing a wedding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://organizedassistant.com/?p=1591</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/06/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-june-2010-organizing-for-special-events/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for June 2010: Organizing for Special Events" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/1126689_disco_night.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for June 2010: Organizing for Special Events" width="200" height="142" /></a></span><br/>Welcome to the June 2010 edition of the Professional Organizers Blog Carnival! This is our one-year anniversary, and that's why I chose this month's theme. I'm really excited that you've dropped by, because I have a surprise announcement to commemorate this special occasion! But first, this month's contributions... Many of us are planning one event [...]<p>Please visit <strong>Your Organizing Business</strong> to read and comment on <a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/06/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-june-2010-organizing-for-special-events/">Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for June 2010: Organizing for Special Events</a>.</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/06/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-june-2010-organizing-for-special-events/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for June 2010: Organizing for Special Events" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/1126689_disco_night.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for June 2010: Organizing for Special Events" width="200" height="142" /></a></span><br/>Welcome to the June 2010 edition of the Professional  Organizers Blog Carnival! This is our one-year anniversary, and that's why I  chose this month's theme. I'm really excited that you've dropped by, because I  have a surprise announcement to commemorate this special occasion! But first,  this month's contributions...
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1592 aligncenter" title="Special event" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/1126689_disco_night.jpg" alt="Special event" width="280" height="200" /></p>
<span id="more-1591"></span>Many of us are planning one event or another this time of  year, so we're lucky to be surrounded by professional organizers to share their  tips with us. Take a few minutes to read the following posts and, while you're  at it, why not get to know your colleagues by leaving a comment or two and/or  following someone new on Twitter?

<a title="http://twitter.com/TidyTheTiger" href="http://twitter.com/TidyTheTiger">Michelle Panzlaff</a> kicks off the  Professional Organizers Blog Carnival this month with <a title="http://www.tidytiger.biz/1/post/2010/06/event-planning-tips-to-get-you-started.html" href="http://www.tidytiger.biz/1/post/2010/06/event-planning-tips-to-get-you-started.html">Event  Planning Tips to Get You Started</a>, explaining:
<blockquote>After spending 8  years in the Hospitality industry and one year as a Catering Coordinator for a  large downtown hotel, managing over 20,000 sq feet of space, I can say that  event planning has its challenges. Staying organized and on top of details is  key.</blockquote>
If you've got a  family gathering in the works, you won't want to miss <a title="http://twitter.com/TexasOrganizer" href="http://twitter.com/TexasOrganizer">Ellen Delap</a>'s <a title="http://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/2010/06/07/organizing-for-special-events/" href="http://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/2010/06/07/organizing-for-special-events/">Organizing  For Special Events</a> or Audrey Cupo's <a title="http://www.4abetterspace.com/blog/view/487/organizing_that_special_event" href="http://www.4abetterspace.com/blog/view/487/organizing_that_special_event">Organizing  That Special Event</a>

<a title="http://twitter.com/spotonorganizin" href="http://twitter.com/spotonorganizin">Tina Blazer</a> provides a check list  to ensure we <a title="http://spotonorganizing.com/blog/2010/05/11/how-to-stay-sane-and-get-everything-done-preparing-for-special-events-and-holiday-gatherings-at-home/" href="http://spotonorganizing.com/blog/2010/05/11/how-to-stay-sane-and-get-everything-done-preparing-for-special-events-and-holiday-gatherings-at-home/">get  everything done and stay sane when Preparing for Holidays and Special  Events</a>.

Planning a wedding? Read <a title="http://twitter.com/BeverlyCoggins" href="http://twitter.com/BeverlyCoggins">Beverly Coggins</a>' <a title="http://1-2-3getorganized.blogspot.com/2009/03/dozen-tips-for-less-stressed-wedding.html" href="http://1-2-3getorganized.blogspot.com/2009/03/dozen-tips-for-less-stressed-wedding.html">A  Dozen Tips for a Less-Stressed Wedding</a> and <a title="http://twitter.com/lelahwithanh" href="http://twitter.com/lelahwithanh">Lelah Baker-Rabe</a>'s <a title="http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-anniversary-and-gift-registry-tips.html" href="http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-anniversary-and-gift-registry-tips.html">Gift  registry tips</a>.

Is there a baby  on the way? Read <a title="http://twitter.com/creatingorder" href="http://twitter.com/creatingorder">Angela Esnouf</a>'s <a title="http://creatingorderfromchaos.wordpress.com/2009/05/07/interview-with-an-organised-mum-to-be/" href="http://creatingorderfromchaos.wordpress.com/2009/05/07/interview-with-an-organised-mum-to-be/">Interview  with an Organised Mum-to-Be</a>.

Of course, not all events are about  celebration! <a title="http://twitter.com/streamlife" href="http://twitter.com/streamlife">Clare Kumar</a> says,
<blockquote>If you've ever  held a garage sale, you know that what can sometimes start off as a small idea  to generate cash for a few unwanted things can turn into a major event.  <a title="http://www.neatfreak.com/index.php/blog/tips_for_a_successful_garage_sale/" href="http://www.neatfreak.com/index.php/blog/tips_for_a_successful_garage_sale/">Here  are some tips to ensure your big event is a success</a>.</blockquote>
A big thanks to everyone who participated in  this anniversary edition of the Professional Organizers Blog Carnival! We  have a fairly small Carnival this month, but over the past year, 50 bloggers have taken part in this monthly  feature.

At this time I would like to give special recognition to  Angela Esnouf, who has contributed to a total of 11<strong> </strong>Blog Carnivals to date. Angela  has been named our first "Professional Organizers Blog Carnival Star Blogger"  and has been provided with a special badge which she can place on her  blog.

You too can be a Professional Organizers Blog Carnival Star  Blogger! Once you have been featured in 10 Blog Carnivals, you will also receive  a badge to display on your blog. You can get started today by <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/blog/blog-carnival/" href="../../../../../blog/blog-carnival/">submitting a post for  July</a>, when our theme will be <strong>Book  Reviews</strong>. Whether it's  a book you've read recently or an all-time favorite, we want to know about it!  You have until Monday, July 12 to make your submission, so you've got plenty of  time to read a book and post a review on your blog, or you are welcome to submit  a link to one of your older posts. If you need some inspiration, check out the  titles in the <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/links/bookstore/" href="../../../../../links/bookstore/">Bookstore for Professional  Organizers</a>.

Our theme for  August will be <strong>Getting Organized for Back to School</strong>.<div class="shr-publisher-1591"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:right;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F06%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-june-2010-organizing-for-special-events%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+for+June+2010%3A+Organizing+for+Special+Events'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F06%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-june-2010-organizing-for-special-events%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+for+June+2010%3A+Organizing+for+Special+Events'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic -->]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>I heart Mabel&#8217;s Labels!</title>
		<link>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/24/i-heart-mabels-labels/</link>
		<comments>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/24/i-heart-mabels-labels/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 14:10:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tools of the Trade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Working with Clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affiliate programs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[labels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[storage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://organizedassistant.com/?p=1544</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/24/i-heart-mabels-labels/"><img title="I heart Mabel&#8217;s Labels!" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mabels-labels.jpg" alt="I heart Mabel&#8217;s Labels!" width="200" height="90" /></a></span><br/>Isn't it rewarding to see your clients react to their completed organizing projects? Some may need a little time to get used to their new organizing systems, learning where everything is and developing the habit of putting things back where they belong, but you can make it a lot easier for them to maintain those [...]<p>Please visit <strong>Your Organizing Business</strong> to read and comment on <a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/24/i-heart-mabels-labels/">I heart Mabel&#8217;s Labels!</a>.</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/24/i-heart-mabels-labels/"><img title="I heart Mabel&#8217;s Labels!" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mabels-labels.jpg" alt="I heart Mabel&#8217;s Labels!" width="200" height="90" /></a></span><br/>Isn't it rewarding to see your clients react to their  completed organizing projects? Some may need a little time to get used to their  new organizing systems, learning where everything is and developing the habit of  putting things back where they belong, but you can make it a lot easier for them  to maintain those new systems by labelling containers  appropriately.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1545 aligncenter" title="Mabel's Labels" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mabels-labels.jpg" alt="Mabel's Labels" width="444" height="200" /></p>
<span id="more-1544"></span>One of my favorite label companies is Mabel's Labels, who are  located right here in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Their amazing range of products  includes both preprinted sets (like the <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/products/crafter+pack" href="http://www.mabel.ca/products/crafter+pack">Crafter Pack</a>, above right)  and customized labels for everything from <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/products/bag+tags" href="http://www.mabel.ca/products/bag+tags">backpacks</a> to <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/products/curbsides" href="http://www.mabel.ca/products/curbsides">trash and recycling bins</a>, and  exciting new products are being developed all the time.

Rubbermaid totes and similar products are very popular for  long-term storage of items such as out of season clothing, and the <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/products/bin+labels+custom" href="http://www.mabel.ca/products/bin+labels+custom">Custom Bin Labels</a> are  perfect for keeping track of what's in them. You or your client can choose a  color and font and type in the text you need on each of the 30 labels – it could  be names of family members, seasons, or clothing sizes (for future  hand-me-downs). You even get to see on screen what the labels will look like, so  you can easily spot and correct any spelling errors or make other changes before  you complete the order. Fully customizable <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/products/canister+and+spice+labels+custom" href="http://www.mabel.ca/products/canister+and+spice+labels+custom">Canister  and Spice Labels</a> are also available.

Mabel's Labels are fun and colorful and, even more  importantly, they're designed to last - the <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/products/sticky+labels" href="http://www.mabel.ca/products/sticky+labels">Sticky Labels</a> are  dishwasher and microwave safe, and the <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/products/clothing+labels" href="http://www.mabel.ca/products/clothing+labels">Clothing Labels</a> will  withstand repeated laundering.

Sign up for the <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/info/affiliate" href="http://www.mabel.ca/info/affiliate">Affiliate Program</a>, and you can  earn commission by promoting Mabel's Labels products on your website. (I am not  an affiliate by the way; I just love the products!) Depending on your location,  you may also apply to become a <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/info/buzzmamas" href="http://www.mabel.ca/info/buzzmamas">Buzzmama</a> and receive free products  in exchange for telling others about Mabel's Labels.

If you haven't visited the <a title="http://www.mabel.ca/" href="http://www.mabel.ca/">Mabel's Labels</a> website in a while, be sure to go  and find out about their latest products. If you've never checked it out, what  are you waiting for?<div class="shr-publisher-1544"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:right;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F05%2F24%2Fi-heart-mabels-labels%2F' data-shr_title='I+heart+Mabel%27s+Labels%21'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F05%2F24%2Fi-heart-mabels-labels%2F' data-shr_title='I+heart+Mabel%27s+Labels%21'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic -->]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/24/i-heart-mabels-labels/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
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		<title>Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for May 2010: Organizing Tips for Busy Moms</title>
		<link>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-may-2010-organizing-tips-for-busy-moms/</link>
		<comments>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-may-2010-organizing-tips-for-busy-moms/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 18:32:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Professional Organizers Blog Carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emergencies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meal planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://organizedassistant.com/?p=1499</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-may-2010-organizing-tips-for-busy-moms/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for May 2010: Organizing Tips for Busy Moms" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/495427_mother_reading_a_book_to_kids.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for May 2010: Organizing Tips for Busy Moms" width="200" height="132" /></a></span><br/>This month's Blog Carnival is a belated Mothers Day gift for all the busy moms out there. Come to think of it, is there such a thing as a mom who isn't busy? I hope you'll take a few minutes to visit and comment on the posts submitted by my readers. It's a great way [...]<p>Please visit <strong>Your Organizing Business</strong> to read and comment on <a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-may-2010-organizing-tips-for-busy-moms/">Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for May 2010: Organizing Tips for Busy Moms</a>.</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/05/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-may-2010-organizing-tips-for-busy-moms/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for May 2010: Organizing Tips for Busy Moms" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/495427_mother_reading_a_book_to_kids.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival for May 2010: Organizing Tips for Busy Moms" width="200" height="132" /></a></span><br/>This month's Blog Carnival is a belated Mothers Day gift for all the busy moms out there. Come to think of it, is there such a thing as a mom who <em>isn't</em> busy? I hope you'll take a few minutes to visit and comment on the posts submitted by my readers. It's a great way to network with your organizing colleagues while picking up ideas to benefit your clients or yourself!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1500 aligncenter" title="Busy Mom" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/495427_mother_reading_a_book_to_kids.jpg" alt="Busy Mom" width="300" height="199" /></p>
<span id="more-1499"></span><a title="http://twitter.com/creatingorder" href="http://twitter.com/creatingorder">Angela Esnouf</a> starts us off with 7 ways to get organized in just one minute in her post, <a title="http://creatingorderfromchaos.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/got-a-minute/" href="http://creatingorderfromchaos.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/got-a-minute/">Got a Minute?</a>

<a title="http://twitter.com/organizingmagic" href="http://twitter.com/organizingmagic">Jodi Granok</a> shares her strategy for dealing with household clutter in <a title="http://www.organizingmagic.com/blog.php?s=in-a-rut-clean-it-up" href="http://www.organizingmagic.com/inarutcleanitup.html">In a Rut? Clean it Up!</a>

In <a title="http://clutterclearingchoices-simplybarb.blogspot.com/2010/04/spring-cleaning-12-tips-for-mental.html" href="http://clutterclearingchoices-simplybarb.blogspot.com/2010/04/spring-cleaning-12-tips-for-mental.html">Help for moms to clear their mental clutter</a>, <a title="http://twitter.com/BarbaraTako" href="http://twitter.com/BarbaraTako">Barbara Tako</a> tells us that:
<blockquote>Clutter isn't always physical. Sometimes, as busy moms who lead hectic and stressful lives, we struggle with mental clutter--items we need to do, schedules we are holding in our heads, stuff we need to add to a shopping list. The mental clutter goes on and on...Try these tips to clear the mental clutter.</blockquote>
If mealtimes are a challenge, check out Audrey Cupo's <a title="http://www.4abetterspace.com/blog/view/481/meal_planning_for_the_busy_mom" href="http://www.4abetterspace.com/blog/view/481/meal_planning_for_the_busy_mom">Meal Planning For Busy Moms</a> and <a title="http://twitter.com/elaineshannon" href="http://twitter.com/elaineshannon">Elaine Shannon</a>'s <a title="http://www.elaineshannon.com/2010/05/3-steps-to-easy-meal-planning/" href="http://www.elaineshannon.com/2010/05/3-steps-to-easy-meal-planning/">3 Steps to Easy Meal Planning</a>.

<a title="http://twitter.com/TexasOrganizer" href="http://twitter.com/TexasOrganizer">Ellen Delap</a> helps you prepare for summertime fun with her <a title="http://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/2010/05/03/six-steps-to-summer-success/" href="http://professional-organizer.com/WordPress/2010/05/03/six-steps-to-summer-success/">Six Steps to Summer Success</a>. Unfortunately, summer fun sometimes leads to accidents, and <a title="http://twitter.com/j_organize" href="http://twitter.com/j_organize">Jacki Hollywood Brown</a> offers a few quick tips to help busy moms to be prepared for unplanned trips to the hospital in <a title="http://www.j-organize.ca/2010/preparing-for-an-emergency/" href="http://www.j-organize.ca/2010/preparing-for-an-emergency/">Preparing for an Emergency</a>.

There are some really innovative products out there to help busy mothers get organized, and <a title="http://twitter.com/kristacolvin" href="http://twitter.com/kristacolvin">Krista Colvin</a> tells us about one of her favorites, <a title="http://organizeinstyle.typepad.com/organize_in_style/2008/01/the-all-in-one.html" href="http://organizeinstyle.typepad.com/organize_in_style/2008/01/the-all-in-one.html">The All-in-one Schoolfolio</a>, while <a title="http://twitter.com/papertigersoft" href="http://twitter.com/papertigersoft">Janet Baker</a> describes <a title="http://www.thepapertiger.com/blog/2010/05/07/the-smartest-filing-system-for-busy-moms/" href="http://www.thepapertiger.com/blog/2010/05/07/the-smartest-filing-system-for-busy-moms/">The Smartest Filing System For Busy Moms</a>. Janet says:
<blockquote>Happy Mother's Day! It's time to give mom a helping hand! Using smart filing system software, she can create one simple way to organize everything that needs filing and storing, no matter where it is in the house, the garage, the shed, or in storage.</blockquote>
<a title="http://twitter.com/ramonacreel" href="http://twitter.com/ramonacreel">Ramona Creel</a> describes a common challenge as follows:
<blockquote>I have a client who is trying to simplify her life, and she would be succeeding at it beautifully, if it weren't for her family! Sometimes, it can seem like your housemates are hell-bent on making your life more complicated -- bringing in tons of unnecessary clutter, expecting you to pick up after them, and creating chaos in your schedule. For a simplicity strategy to really work, the whole team has to be on board...</blockquote>
Read Ramona's solution to this problem in <a title="http://ramonacreel.com/BlogEntry.asp?Entry=969" href="http://ramonacreel.com/BlogEntry.asp?Entry=969">Getting Your Housemates On Board The Simplification Train</a>.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this month’s Professional Organizers Blog Carnival!

You are welcome to <a title="blog-carnival" href="blog-carnival">submit your post</a> on <strong>Organizing for Special Events</strong> any time up until noon on Wednesday, June 9. Be sure to come back and read the June Blog Carnival, because I have a special surprise in store for you!

July's theme will be <strong>Book Reviews</strong> – we'd all love to know what organizing or business book(s) you recommend! Submission for July's Carnival will not be accepted until after June 10<sup>th</sup>, so if you haven't yet written a review, you've got plenty of time to do so! Need some ideas? Visit <a title="bookstore" href="bookstore">The Bookstore for Professional Organizers</a>!

If you've got an idea for a future Professional Organizers Blog Carnival, please leave a comment or <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/contact/" href="../../../../../contact/">contact me</a> directly.<div class="shr-publisher-1499"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:right;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F05%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-may-2010-organizing-tips-for-busy-moms%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+for+May+2010%3A+Organizing+Tips+for+Busy+Moms'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F05%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-for-may-2010-organizing-tips-for-busy-moms%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+for+May+2010%3A+Organizing+Tips+for+Busy+Moms'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic -->]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Five Ways To Keep Your Business From Taking Over Your Life</title>
		<link>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/30/five-ways-to-keep-your-business-from-taking-over-your-life/</link>
		<comments>http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/30/five-ways-to-keep-your-business-from-taking-over-your-life/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:50:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[delegation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hobby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scheduling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[virtual assistant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://organizedassistant.com/?p=1253</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/30/five-ways-to-keep-your-business-from-taking-over-your-life/"><img title="Five Ways To Keep Your Business From Taking Over Your Life" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/iStock_000005314427Small.jpg" alt="Five Ways To Keep Your Business From Taking Over Your Life" width="200" height="132" /></a></span><br/>During Improve Management Skills Month, I've touched on a few of the essential skills for business success, including written communication, social networking, and public speaking. As March draws to a close, I'm going to cover one more skill that is often overlooked by busy entrepreneurs, and that is the ability to switch off and relax. [...]<p>Please visit <strong>Your Organizing Business</strong> to read and comment on <a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/30/five-ways-to-keep-your-business-from-taking-over-your-life/">Five Ways To Keep Your Business From Taking Over Your Life</a>.</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/30/five-ways-to-keep-your-business-from-taking-over-your-life/"><img title="Five Ways To Keep Your Business From Taking Over Your Life" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/iStock_000005314427Small.jpg" alt="Five Ways To Keep Your Business From Taking Over Your Life" width="200" height="132" /></a></span><br/>During Improve Management Skills Month, I've touched on a few  of the <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/12/essential-skills-for-business-success/" href="../../../../../2010/03/12/essential-skills-for-business-success/">essential  skills for business success</a>, including <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/19/how-to-be-a-better-business-writer/" href="../../../../../2010/03/19/how-to-be-a-better-business-writer/">written  communication</a>, <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/26/dont-commit-these-networking-faux-pas/" href="../../../../../2010/03/26/dont-commit-these-networking-faux-pas/">social  networking</a>, and <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/2010/03/17/public-speaking-as-a-management-skill/" href="../../../../../2010/03/17/public-speaking-as-a-management-skill/">public  speaking</a>. As March draws to a close, I'm going to cover one more skill that  is often overlooked by busy entrepreneurs, and that is the ability to switch off  and relax.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1254 aligncenter" title="Taking a time out" src="http://organizedassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/iStock_000005314427Small.jpg" alt="Taking a time out" width="301" height="200" /></p>
<span id="more-1253"></span>In the beginning, you're faced with the daunting task of  growing your business to the point where it is generating a sustainable income  for you. This is especially true if you've left full-time employment to launch  your business, or if you're the sole income earner for your family or even for  yourself. It's very easy to fall into the trap of spending every available  moment expanding your knowledge base, working on your online and offline  marketing, attending business meetings and trade shows, and networking with  industry peers and others.

Once you start to get busy, it's difficult to break the habit  of devoting every free hour to growing your business. Of course, it's necessary  to continue learning, networking, and marketing in order to sustain that  momentum, but if you forget to look after yourself, you jeopardize both your  physical and your emotional well-being. If you get sick, you can't work, and if  you can't work, you can't make money, so taking time off is not a luxury, but a  necessity.

Here are five ways to keep your business from taking over  your entire life.
<ol>
	<li><strong>Schedule activities</strong> with your partner, family, friends, or  even yourself, whether it's something simple like watching a DVD or going for a  walk, or something special like a weekend stay at a resort. What you choose to  do is not as important as taking the time to do it. That's why it's important to  schedule it – if you just wait until you feel like you can afford the time,  weeks will turn into months before you know it.</li>
	<li><strong>Take up a hobby.</strong> Is there something that you enjoyed doing  in the past but haven't done for a while, or something you've always wanted to  try? If you can't do it at home, maybe you can sign up for a class or a join a  club. It's easier to commit to something that takes place at a regularly  scheduled time, especially if you've invested your hard earned dollars into  it.</li>
	<li><strong>Develop a regular work schedule.</strong> Just because clients can  email you or phone you at any time of the day or night doesn't mean you have to  be available 24-7. Instead of interrupting family time to take a phone call,  check your Call Display to see whether you need to answer it. In most cases, you  can let it go to voicemail, check the message, and return the call right away  only if it's urgent. Most people will respect that you do have a life and won't  take exception to the fact that you didn't answer the phone or answer their  email at 9:00 PM.</li>
	<li><strong>Take a day off every week.</strong> The body needs that time to rejuvenate itself. It is no coincidence that most  major religions observe a weekly day of rest. <a title="http://zenhabits.net/2010/03/rest-one-day/" href="http://zenhabits.net/2010/03/rest-one-day/">The Lost Practice of Resting  One Day Each Week</a> is an excellent article that explores this topic in  greater detail. It's a legal requirement in many countries for employers to give  their employees at least one day off per week, so why should those of us who are  self-employed treat ourselves like slaves?</li>
	<li><strong>Delegate! </strong>There's a good chance that some of the tasks that  are cutting into your personal time can be done efficiently by a <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/services/" href="../../../../../services/">virtual assistant</a>, thereby  allowing you to fit items 1 through 4 into your schedule.</li>
</ol>
I probably don't take off as much time as I should, but here  are a few of the ways I've incorporated R&amp;R into my regular  schedule:
<ol>
	<li>I meet my sister and my dad for lunch once a month and usually  spend a weekend with my sister every month.</li>
	<li>I have signed up for a yoga class which starts next week,  something I haven't done in three or four years.</li>
	<li>My hours of work are posted on the <a title="http://organizedassistant.com/contact/" href="../../../../../contact/">contact page</a> of my website,  and I rarely answer business calls or emails outside of those hours. The only  time I work after 5:00 PM is if I have a speaking engagement, am attending a  business event, or have an urgent deadline.</li>
	<li>I rarely work on Sunday. When I do, it's to take part in a  scheduled event or to do something I consider fun and relaxing, like working on  my own website or blog.</li>
	<li>The day my husband decided to join me at <strong><span style="color: #333399;">Organized </span><span style="color: #339966;">Assistant</span></strong> was a major turning  point for me, but even before that, I had my own virtual assistant to whom I  could delegate certain tasks and projects, so I could focus on giving my clients  awesome service without working myself to the bone.</li>
</ol>
What about you? How do you switch off and relax?<div class="shr-publisher-1253"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:right;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F03%2F30%2Ffive-ways-to-keep-your-business-from-taking-over-your-life%2F' data-shr_title='Five+Ways+To+Keep+Your+Business+From+Taking+Over+Your+Life'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2010%2F03%2F30%2Ffive-ways-to-keep-your-business-from-taking-over-your-life%2F' data-shr_title='Five+Ways+To+Keep+Your+Business+From+Taking+Over+Your+Life'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic -->]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
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		<title>Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – December 2009 Edition</title>
		<link>http://organizedassistant.com/2009/12/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-december-2009-edition/</link>
		<comments>http://organizedassistant.com/2009/12/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-december-2009-edition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:43:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Odds & Ends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Professional Organizers Blog Carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tools of the Trade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Working with Clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clutter-free gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[goal setting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hoarders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NAPO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://organizedassistant.ca/?p=866</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2009/12/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-december-2009-edition/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – December 2009 Edition" src="http://organizing-business.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1095852_ornaments.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – December 2009 Edition" width="200" height="166" /></a></span><br/>Here it is – the 7th Professional Organizers Blog Carnival, and the last one for 2009. We have a record number of professional organizers participating this month, and I'd like to thank those who are joining us for the first time, as well as our regulars and everyone in between! Grab your favorite beverage and [...]<p>Please visit <strong>Your Organizing Business</strong> to read and comment on <a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2009/12/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-december-2009-edition/">Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – December 2009 Edition</a>.</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2009/12/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-december-2009-edition/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – December 2009 Edition" src="http://organizing-business.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1095852_ornaments.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – December 2009 Edition" width="200" height="166" /></a></span><br/>Here it is – the 7<sup>th</sup> Professional Organizers Blog  Carnival, and the last one for 2009. We have a record number of professional  organizers participating this month, and I'd like to thank those who are joining  us for the first time, as well as our regulars and everyone in between! Grab  your favorite beverage and get ready to read and enjoy!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-867 aligncenter" title="Holiday Blog Carnival" src="http://organizing-business.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1095852_ornaments.jpg" alt="Holiday Blog Carnival" width="240" height="200" /></p>
<span id="more-866"></span>Since it's the festive season, it's no surprise that many of  this month's entries are related to <strong>holiday preparations</strong>.

In <a title="http://janetheorganizer.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/a-few-thoughts-on-the-holiday-season/" href="http://janetheorganizer.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/a-few-thoughts-on-the-holiday-season/">A  Few Thoughts on the Holiday Season</a>, <a title="http://twitter.com/organizerjane" href="http://twitter.com/organizerjane">Jane Veldhoven</a> gets us thinking  about what's really important to us at this time of year, and how we can  maximize our enjoyment of it.

<a title="http://twitter.com/j_organize" href="http://twitter.com/j_organize">Jacki Hollywood Brown</a> has some great  ideas for <a title="http://www.j-organize.ca/2009/clutter-free-gift-giving/" href="http://www.j-organize.ca/2009/clutter-free-gift-giving/">Clutter Free Gift  Giving</a>, and reminds us that:
<blockquote>The holidays can be one of the  happiest times of the year as we enjoy the company of our family and friends. It  is also one of the most clutter-generating times of the year. Take a look at  these gift ideas to reduce clutter and save you time and  money.</blockquote>
You can read additional clutter-free  Christmas gift suggestions from <a title="http://twitter.com/creatingorder" href="http://twitter.com/creatingorder">Angela Esnouf</a> in her special series,  beginning with <a title="http://creatingorderfromchaos.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/angelas-advent-day-1/" href="http://creatingorderfromchaos.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/angelas-advent-day-1/">Angela's  Advent, Day 1</a>.

Joan Kosmachuk tells us how to <a title="http://www.simpleeffects.com/blog/?p=599" href="http://www.simpleeffects.com/blog/?p=599">Simplify your Holiday Decorating  with Live or Edible Decorations</a>, and <a title="http://twitter.com/lelahwithanh" href="http://twitter.com/lelahwithanh">Lelah Baker-Rabe</a> suggests a few  simple things you can do to create a year-round gift wrap station to minimize  stress and maximize efficiency, in her post <a title="http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com/2009/12/preparing-for-every-day-gift-wrap.html" href="http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com/2009/12/preparing-for-every-day-gift-wrap.html">Preparing  for every day: Gift wrap station</a>.

If you're looking for a unique way to keep track of Christmas  card lists for yourself or your clients, check out <a title="http://twitter.com/JeriDansky" href="http://twitter.com/JeriDansky">Jeri  Dansky</a>'s <a title="http://jdorganizer.blogspot.com/2009/11/forget-address-book-use-address-box.html" href="http://jdorganizer.blogspot.com/2009/11/forget-address-book-use-address-box.html">Forget  the Address Book: Use an Address BOX</a>.

Of course, this is also a good time for  <strong>making plans for next year</strong>. <a title="http://twitter.com/elaineshannon" href="http://twitter.com/elaineshannon">Elaine Shannon</a> tells us all about  her own <a title="http://www.elaineshannon.com/2009/12/planning-day/" href="http://www.elaineshannon.com/2009/12/planning-day/">Planning Day</a>,  saying:
<blockquote>I love organizing so much that  I have organized some planning around my 2010 goals. Yes the organizer is  organizing herself. So many people wonder why they are not moving forward in  their business but don't have a score card to compare it to. By failing to plan  as we know you plan to fail. With a few strategies you can take charge of your  new year and meet your goals..whatever they may be!</blockquote>
While you're making those plans, you might  find it interesting to read about other organizers' <strong>success strategies</strong>.  <a title="http://twitter.com/anneblumer" href="http://twitter.com/anneblumer">Anne  Blumer</a> tells us how she got to where she is today in her post, <a title="http://professionalorganizertraining.blogspot.com/2009/11/ask-organizer-panel.html" href="http://professionalorganizertraining.blogspot.com/2009/11/ask-organizer-panel.html">Ask  the Organizer Panel</a>, and <a title="http://twitter.com/iorganizeyou" href="http://twitter.com/iorganizeyou">Angie Weid</a> shares <a title="http://iorganizeyou.blogspot.com/2009/11/story-behind-organized-solutions.html" href="http://iorganizeyou.blogspot.com/2009/11/story-behind-organized-solutions.html">The  Story Behind Organized Solutions</a>, saying:
<blockquote>This post is sharing a story of  being kicked down, learning to stand back up and keep on working toward  success.  My hope is that it encourages fellow organizers to be strong and  succeed.</blockquote>
<a title="http://twitter.com/LisaMontanaro" href="http://twitter.com/LisaMontanaro">Lisa Montanaro</a> offers some  eye-opening information in <a title="http://decidetobeorganized.com/2009/11/coopetition-a-fantastic-way-to-boost-your-business/" href="http://decidetobeorganized.com/2009/11/coopetition-a-fantastic-way-to-boost-your-business/">Coopetition:  A Fantastic Way To Boost Your Business</a>, a sneak peek of "Don't Go It Alone:  It Takes a Village to Run A Successful Business," which she'll be presenting at  the 2010 <a title="http://napo.net/conference/" href="http://napo.net/conference/">NAPO Conference</a> in Columbus,  OH.

Looking for interesting <strong>organizing  resources</strong>? Be sure to read <a title="http://weorganizeu.com/blog/?p=14" href="http://weorganizeu.com/blog/?p=14">My Brain Book</a> from <a title="http://twitter.com/hellenbuttigieg" href="http://twitter.com/hellenbuttigieg">Hellen Buttigieg</a> and <a title="http://www.realneat.com/realorganized/paperbackswapcom/" href="http://www.realneat.com/realorganized/paperbackswapcom/">PaperBackSwap.com</a> from Michelle Deo.

<a title="http://twitter.com/papertigersoft" href="http://twitter.com/papertigersoft">Janet Baker</a> discusses the why's and  how's of <a title="http://www.thepapertiger.com/blog/2009/12/03/indexing-your-file-system-is-worth-it-when-youre-on-the-road/" href="http://www.thepapertiger.com/blog/2009/12/03/indexing-your-file-system-is-worth-it-when-youre-on-the-road/">Indexing  Your Document Management Filing System is Worth it When You're on the  Road</a>.

If you're curious about <strong>hoarding</strong> from  the client's point of view, you won't want to miss <a title="http://twitter.com/metrozing" href="http://twitter.com/metrozing">Geralin  Thomas</a>' <a title="http://metropolitanorganizing.com/blogs/geralin/2009/11/anatomy-client" href="http://metropolitanorganizing.com/blogs/geralin/2009/11/anatomy-client">Anatomy  of a Client</a>.

<a title="http://twitter.com/dallisonlee" href="http://twitter.com/dallisonlee">Deb Lee</a> tackles <a title="http://dallisonlee.com/blog/2009/11/02/the-myth-of-workfamily-balance/" href="http://dallisonlee.com/blog/2009/11/02/the-myth-of-workfamily-balance/">The  Myth of Work/Family  Balance</a>, asking:
<blockquote>Is it realistic to think that  work/family balance is possible?  Can you be a great parent and a great employee  (or entrepreneur) at the same time?  Can a family where both parents work  achieve this balance?</blockquote>
<a title="http://twitter.com/janinea" href="http://twitter.com/janinea">Janine Adams</a> wraps up this month's  Professional Organizers Blog Carnival with a look at her favorite <strong>social  networking</strong> site in <a title="http://www.peaceofmindorganizing.com/blog/why-i-love-twitter" href="http://www.peaceofmindorganizing.com/blog/why-i-love-twitter">Why I Love  Twitter</a>.

I hope you've enjoyed this month's edition. As you visit your  colleagues' blogs, be sure to take a moment to leave a comment or two and get to  know one another.

As the Carnival continues to grow, I'd love to know what  you'd like to see in the future. Specific topics for each month? Two separate  carnivals, with one dedicated to organizing and the other to business ideas? Or  just keep it the same?<div class="shr-publisher-866"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:right;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2009%2F12%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-december-2009-edition%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+%E2%80%93+December+2009+Edition'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2009%2F12%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-december-2009-edition%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+%E2%80%93+December+2009+Edition'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic -->]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
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		<title>Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – September 2009 Edition</title>
		<link>http://organizedassistant.com/2009/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-september-2009-edition/</link>
		<comments>http://organizedassistant.com/2009/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-september-2009-edition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:41:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Professional Organizers Blog Carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[accreditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back to school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog carnival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emergencies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hoarders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[memorabilia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organizing products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[productivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[simplicity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://organizing-business.com/?p=569</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2009/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-september-2009-edition/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – September 2009 Edition" src="http://organizing-business.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/38368508_2ea2688957.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – September 2009 Edition" width="200" height="132" /></a></span><br/>Welcome to this month’s issue of the Professional Organizers Blog Carnival, a collection of blog posts submitted by some of the organizing consultants who enjoy reading Your Organizing Business. I'm so thrilled to be hosting this monthly feature, and I hope you'll take some time to read the various posts and get to know some [...]<p>Please visit <strong>Your Organizing Business</strong> to read and comment on <a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2009/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-september-2009-edition/">Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – September 2009 Edition</a>.</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><span class="image-rss"><a href="http://organizedassistant.com/2009/09/10/professional-organizers-blog-carnival-september-2009-edition/"><img title="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – September 2009 Edition" src="http://organizing-business.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/38368508_2ea2688957.jpg" alt="Professional Organizers Blog Carnival – September 2009 Edition" width="200" height="132" /></a></span><br/>Welcome to this month’s issue of the Professional Organizers  Blog Carnival, a collection of blog posts submitted by some of the organizing  consultants who enjoy reading <em>Your Organizing Business</em>. I'm so thrilled  to be hosting this monthly feature, and I hope you'll take some time to read the  various posts and get to know some of your fellow organizers.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-570 aligncenter" title="Ducks in a carnival" src="http://organizing-business.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/38368508_2ea2688957.jpg" alt="Ducks in a carnival" width="303" height="200" /></p>
<span id="more-569"></span>As usual, we have an interesting variety of topics this  month.

<strong>Home and Family</strong>

<a title="http://twitter.com/homeorganizing" href="http://twitter.com/homeorganizing">Terry</a> shares some easy tips to get  you and your clients thinking about <a title="http://homeorganizing.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/preparing-for-disaster/" href="http://homeorganizing.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/preparing-for-disaster/">Preparing  For Disaster</a>, explaining that
<blockquote>Preparing for a disaster is something that 90%  of Americans know they need to do, but only 5-10% of them actually  do.</blockquote>
<a title="http://twitter.com/solutionsforyou" href="http://twitter.com/solutionsforyou">Anne Blumer</a> presents the first in  a series of seven posts on organizing for <a title="http://solutionsforyouorganizing.blogspot.com/2009/09/back-to-school-post-1.html" href="http://solutionsforyouorganizing.blogspot.com/2009/09/back-to-school-post-1.html">Back  to School</a>. Other posts in the series will cover:
<ul>
	<li>Parents Need  to Stay Involved</li>
	<li>Make Homework  Routine</li>
	<li>Use Tools  Wisely</li>
	<li>Teach Time  Management</li>
	<li>Teach Project  Management</li>
	<li>Help Them Find  Their Own Way</li>
</ul>
<strong>Personal and Professional Development</strong>

In <a title="http://somedaysyndrome.com/2009/09/how-to-manage-the-chaos-of-transformation/" href="http://somedaysyndrome.com/2009/09/how-to-manage-the-chaos-of-transformation/">How  to Manage the Chaos of Transformation</a>, <a title="http://twitter.com/alexfayle" href="http://twitter.com/alexfayle">Alex Fayle</a> explains that
<blockquote>Renovating the soul has more in common with  renovating the home than you might think... a little planning and chaos control  can help through the transformation.</blockquote>
<a title="http://twitter.com/newleafco" href="http://twitter.com/newleafco">Margaret Lukens</a> shares <a title="http://newleafnews.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/four-no-excuses-ways-to-exercise-for-better-productivity/" href="http://newleafnews.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/four-no-excuses-ways-to-exercise-for-better-productivity/">Four  no-excuses ways to exercise for better productivity</a>.

<a title="http://twitter.com/creatingorder" href="http://twitter.com/creatingorder">Angela Esnouf</a> describes <a title="http://creatingorderfromchaos.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/the-journey-to-expert/" href="http://creatingorderfromchaos.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/the-journey-to-expert/">The  Journey to Expert</a>, saying
<blockquote>I'm thrilled to be granted Expert accreditation  and happy to share what got me there.</blockquote>
<strong>Collecting, Hoarding, Streamlining and Organizing All  Kinds of Stuff</strong>

<a title="http://twitter.com/metrozing" href="http://twitter.com/metrozing">Geralin Thomas</a>, who is currently  appearing on A&amp;E's Hoarders, shares her expertise in<strong> </strong><a title="http://metropolitanorganizing.com/blogs/geralin/2009/08/collectors-and-hoarders-there-difference Collectors and Hoarders: There is a Difference" href="http://metropolitanorganizing.com/blogs/geralin/2009/08/collectors-and-hoarders-there-difference">Collectors  and Hoarders: There is a Difference</a>.

Jodi Granok answers the question, <a href="http://www.organizingmagic.com/organizersselforganize.html">Do  Professional Organizers Ever Need to Organize Themselves?</a>

In <a title="http://decidetobeorganized.com/2009/08/whatâ??s-in-your-memory-box-creating-an-organized-home-for-your-prized-possessions/" href="http://decidetobeorganized.com/2009/08/what%e2%80%99s-in-your-memory-box-creating-an-organized-home-for-your-prized-possessions/">What's  In Your Memory Box? Creating an Organized Home for Your Prized Possessions</a>,  <a title="http://twitter.com/LisaMontanaro" href="http://twitter.com/LisaMontanaro">Lisa Montanaro</a> shares her tip on  dealing with personal memorabilia, and says,
<blockquote>A Memory Box is a great tool to use with a  client that wants to save sentimental items, and get them in one place. And yes,  even us organizers have Memory Boxes too! :-)</blockquote>
<a title="http://twitter.com/lelahwithanh" href="http://twitter.com/lelahwithanh">Lelah Baker-Rabe</a> answers the  question, <a title="http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com/2009/08/who-needs-professional-organizer.html" href="http://lelahwithanh.blogspot.com/2009/08/who-needs-professional-organizer.html">Who  needs a professional organizer?</a> with a few warning signs that someone might  be prone to overbuying and need some professional help.

<a title="http://twitter.com/j_organize" href="http://twitter.com/j_organize">Jacki Hollywood Brown</a> offers three <a title="http://www.j-organize.ca/2009/alternatives-to-owning/" href="http://www.j-organize.ca/2009/alternatives-to-owning/">Alternatives to  Owning</a> that will help you and your clients keep your space clutter free,  while using stuff you don’t actually own.

<a title="http://twitter.com/papertigersoft" href="http://twitter.com/papertigersoft">Janet Baker</a> gives us <a title="http://thepapertiger.com/blog/?p=99" href="http://thepapertiger.com/blog/?p=99">5 Ways to Deal with Paper</a> using  The Paper Tiger filing software.

<strong>Contest!</strong>

No, I don't normally include my own posts in the Blog  Carnival, but I want to make sure you know about my contest, as described in <a title="http://organizing-business.com/2009/09/01/recommend-a-planner-and-win-a-free-e-book/ Permanent Link to Recommend a Planner and Win a Free E-Book!" href="../../../../../2009/09/01/recommend-a-planner-and-win-a-free-e-book/">Recommend  a Planner and Win a Free E-Book!</a> I've received some great entries already,  but you may have an even better idea!

As always, I'd like to thank all the bloggers who have  participated in this month's Professional Organizers Blog Carnival. This is a  monthly event, so if you didn't submit a post, feel free to <a title="http://organizing-business.com/blog-carnival/" href="../../../../../blog-carnival/">join us next time</a>! In  the meantime, be sure to check out the above posts, leave some comments, and get  to know one another!

<address>Photo courtesy of <a title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/idletype/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/idletype/">Troy McCullough</a></address><div class="shr-publisher-569"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:right;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-september-2009-edition%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+%E2%80%93+September+2009+Edition'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Forganizedassistant.com%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Fprofessional-organizers-blog-carnival-september-2009-edition%2F' data-shr_title='Professional+Organizers+Blog+Carnival+%E2%80%93+September+2009+Edition'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic -->]]></content:encoded>
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