Simplify Challenge

40 Day Detox

Rid your life of excess clutter

and start living life to the fullest

Saturday, January 9, 2016

10:00 A.M.—3:00 P.M.

Four brand new organizing seminars and

a delicious healthy lunch are included

Redlands Community Senior Center

Schedule for Saturday, January 9, 2016:

9:45 Check-in

10:00 Simplify Your Home

   Learn how to get serious about ridding you home

   of unwanted clutter and setting up space where

   you can easily function and enjoy life.

10:50 Break

11:00 Simplify Your Paper and Finances

Discover how to manage the extreme amount of

paperwork in your life and organize your finances

so that your focus shifts from stress and worry to

investing time and money in what really matters.

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Simplify Your Time

Evaluate where you spend your time, learn to

identify time wasters and find time for what is

important

1:50 Break

2:00  Live Life to the Fullest

Replace old habits with new ones that help you

reach your goals and live life to the fullest.

3:00 Dismiss to go Simplify

Kick-off WorKshops

Program includes:

· Kick-off event (4 workshops and lunch)

· Discounted organizing sessions

· Online Support

Cost: Only $50

  Bring a guest at no charge

(Contact Practical Solutions to add your guest after you register)

 We hope you will join us for this challenge to declutter and get organized. The workshops at this kick-off to the challenge will provide the motivation and tools you need to succeed. By joining us, you will be eligible for discounts on organizing sessions for hands-on help from one of our organizers and lots of great support during the 40 days via email and social media.

For more details and to register

CLICK HERE

Or call (909)307-4862

Practical Solutions Invites you to join us on this journey

Tired of the constant struggle with clutter?

Ready to start living a life with purpose?

Tragedy in San Bernardino

The tragedy this week hit close to home for all of us, but for those of us only a few miles away it has really hit hard. Most of know of someone who was affected, whether it be someone who worked in the building, some of the brave police force who went in to help the people left in the building to safety, or maybe even those who lost their life in the tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

It's at times like this that we realize the value of life. In the midst of all of our hussle and bussle to get ready for the holidays, we pause and are grateful for our family and friends. Our focus shifts and we realize that life is short and all of the stuff we accumulate doesn't really bring meaning to our life, but it's the people who do.

In the wake of this tragedy, do not allow yourself to fear but to focus on what is really important in your life. Are their unfulfilled dreams you have? Set goals to reach them.. Are there people you wish to mend relationships with? Be the one to take the first step to reconcile. When you begin to feel bad about your life, go and help someone less fortunate. Investing in others brings more joy than any gift ever will.

Life is short and there is no need to spend it accumulating stuff that adds to our frustration, but spend it with people who inspire and encourage us.

Local Organizing Company Featured on Popular TV Show, Hoarders

REDLANDS, Calif. - Nov. 17, 2015 - 

You may have heard of Kathy Bates or seen her on screen in Misery, but this time a different Cathy Bates is stealing the spotlight. Last weekend Cathy Bates, owner of Redlands-based organizing company Practical Solutions, was featured on a taping of Hoarders, a popular A&E original show that helps people who chronically struggle with disorganization. The taping will air in March on Lifetime as the show's season finale.

During the taping Bates, along with Practical Solutions organizer Patii Eickhoff, assisted show host Matt Paxton clear clutter for a family who's struggled with hoarding for years.

This type of work is nothing out of the ordinary for Bates, who has been helping the local community get organized since 2003. Her clients range from slightly disorganized people to hoarders.

“When I first started, there weren't any shows on hoarding, and it wasn't even recognized by the psychological community as a true disorder,” she said.

First defined as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Society in 2013, hoarding is characterized by a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions. This chronic behavior often yields severe emotional, financial, social, and physical consequences for the sufferer and their family.

Although the show was filmed in about three days, Bates said in reality helping hoarders get organized often takes months or even years. Typically, clients are encouraged to work at a comfortable pace, and implement incremental changes into their habits and lifestyle.

Eickhoff, who has been professionally organizing throughout Southern California for seven years, noted that having a bigger support team enabled them to work more quickly than usual.

“This was the easiest hoarding job we have done because of the support of the Service Master crew, and because the client was ready for a life change,” said. “We are used to doing all of the heavy lifting as well as the sorting, but with their team behind us we barely lifted a finger, so we could concentrate on sorting with the client.”

Bates said that her Redlands-based team, albeit smaller than the TV support crew, also takes on challenging projects with aplomb.

“The ladies at Practical Solutions are the hardest working group of ladies you will ever meet,” she said. “Ask anyone who they have organized or moved. One client told me, 'I’ve never seen anyone work harder than this crew, yet they are always looking out for my emotional needs and helping me through the hurdles I face.'”

Ultimately, Bates said the biggest reward to both the Hoarders taping and the everyday organizing jobs she and her team tackle is the same – That is, witnessing the impact that letting go of unneeded possessions has on a client's life.

“Lives are changed when clients finally let go of the clutter, whether it takes three days or three years,” she said, “and make room for important relationships and experiences that last a lifetime.”

Stay tuned for more information on the season finale of Hoarders! In the meantime, learn more about Practical Solutions at www.psorganizing.com. They offer free consultations and always treat clients with care and respect.

Gifts that Keep Giving

I was so blessed to have my two college age kids home for Thanksgiving. We had such a nice time making memories and enjoying time together. On the afternoon of Black Friday, we were getting a little cabin fever so we decided to brave the crowds and hit a couple of stores to look for some some necessaries items like shoes and coats we felt we could get a good deal on. It didn't take long for us to realize that Black Friday was not for us. Waiting in line for a hour to save a couple of bucks wasn't our idea of fun.

When we got home, my 18 year old son said "we really don't need anything and I would rather just spend time together when I come home for Christmas rather than getting presents." My 20 year old daughter decided she would like the family to serve together at the homeless shelter rather than getting stuff. These are the things that will be remembered and make a lasting impact.

This holiday season, I encourage you to spend less time in stores and more time making memories. Here are some ideas of gifts that don't contribute to the clutter problem and will be treasured for a lifetime...

• Serve together at a local charity together.
• Donate to the recipient's favorite charity in their honor.
• Buy tickets to an event like a sporting event or concert and go together.
• Purchase season tickets or a membership for a year's worth of fun.
• Learn together by signing up for a class or workshop.
• Give a restaurant gift card to their favorite dining spot.
• Buy a subscription to a magazine they would enjoy.

This year give the gift that keeps giving.

Fall Donation Challenge

Clear the clutter and help those in need!

It is time to get your home ready for those holiday decorations, overnight guests and parties. To get ready, I am challenging you to go from room to room in your home with a bag or box, collecting items you no longer need and passing them along to those in need during this holiday season. 

In the kitchen, get rid of those appliances and gadgets that promised to make you the best cook in the world in half the time but you have never used. Go through your clothes and get rid of those you no longer wear or never wore (yes, even if the tags are still on them). Pull the linens out and get rid of the ones you have not used recently. Have the children pick out toys and games they no longer love to give to children who may not have toys. Pull books off of the shelf you will never read or refer to again. If you feel surfaces are too clutter, pull off items that no longer inspire you. 

You will feel so much lighter and it will make the memories of the season so much more enjoyable when you have less clutter to work around when getting the home ready for guests. In addition,  you will know you have helped those who consider your discards treasures!



Here are Cathy, the owner's, donation. This comes from an already organized house so we know you can find something to donate and probably easily top this. Post yours on social media (see links on our home page) or email it to info@psorganizing.com now through November 30, 2015. Everyone who submits a picture will received a free in-home consultation or $50 off a regularly priced 4-hour organizing session so share yours today. November 30, 2015 we will select the largest pile of donations and that lucky winner will win a 4-hour organizing session.

Simplify Dinner

Eating as a family is so important, but hard after a long, hard day. Sometimes it seems easier just to run by the local fast food restaurant and eat on the run. However, with a little advance planning on the weekend or slower day, dinner time can be easy and healthy. Here are a few tips to making dinner easier and definitely healthier:

• Buy meat in bulk and cook it all at once, freezing the extras to throw into a recipe during the week when things are busy.
• Buy precooked meat like rotisserie chicken or frozen grilled chicken strips or shrimp to save time when preparing your favorite dish.
• Chop veggies ahead or buy prepared veggies to throw into your favorite dish.
• When cooking something like rice or quinoa, double the recipe and use it in another dish later in the week.
• Double the entire recipe for whatever you are making and freeze the second portion for a night you know you will not have time to prepare a meal.

Here is a quick fall meal, that your family is sure to enjoy:

White Bean Chili

Rotisserie chicken shredded

2 cans white beans

8 ounces salsa

32 oz chicken broth

½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

½ bag tortilla chips crushed

Mix it all together and cook on low heat until thickened.

Garnish with Sour Cream and eat with tortilla chips or garlic cheese biscuits.

Garlic Cheese Biscuits

2 cups bisquick

1 cup grated cheese

2 teaspoons garlic salt

1 cup milk

Mix together and bake at 425 in muffin tins for about 20 minutes.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin

1 can evaporated milk

3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

3 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 box yellow cake mix

1/2 cup melted butter

Combine first 6 ingredients with a whisk. Pour into greased 9x13 dish. Sprinkle cake mix on top. Drizzle with butter. Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes. Cake should look set and top for golden brown. Cool completely.

With these recipes, you cannot go wrong. Invite family or friends over for a delicious meal and make some memories! 

The 10 Phases in Preparing For and Adjusting to College

It's that time of year...kids are headed off to college. As parents, we want to make their transition successful and have them enjoy this experience. I received this in the parents newsletter of the college my freshman is attending in Texas. I thought it might help other parents who are trying to figure out the best way to support their children as they transition. If you do not have a college student pass it along to those you know who do.

Phase 1: Early Summer Anticipation

High school senior graduates and looks to the future.  Mixed feelings of sadness, accomplishment, and anticipation.

Phase 2: Midsummer Anxiety

Realize they will soon leave home, family, and friends, and those feelings of security.

Phase 3: Late Summer Panic

Student is plunged into the college environment complete with roommate, university red tape, classes, and a foreign social world.

Phase 4:The Honeymoon

Student meets many new friends during Welcome Week and there are no tests for three weeks!  It’s play time! Or so it seems…

Phase 5: End of the Honeymoon

“Where did all of this work come from and where did the time go?”  Homesickness may appear at this stage as the student feels somewhat overwhelmed.

Phase 6: The Grass is Always Greener

“There’s no doubt I would do better somewhere else.  Can I transfer?”  These feelings are common and usually subside.

Phase 7: You Can’t Go Home Again

This happens the first time a student goes home.  They realize that life for the rest of the family goes on without them.

Phase 8: Primitive Coping Behavior

Well into the first semester, they have finally learned to use the library and hold a reasonably intelligent conversation.  They are excited about learning.

Phase 9: Realization

Usually right before finals, they see the great amount of study time ahead of them and realize their future depends on their academic success.

Phase 10: Putting It All Together

Sometime during the second semester (hopefully), they see college as a total experience.  They realize that hard work and fun can go together.