GUEST POST: Kids' Artwork by Bonnie Joy Dewkett (The Joyful Organizer)

Children’s artwork is a bittersweet thing.  It’s beautiful and can represent a glimpse into the world as seen through a child’s eyes.  It can also be a great indicator of your child’s development.  However, artwork can add up.  Before you know it, artwork can over whelm your counters, refrigerator, and walls.  By implementing the following steps you will make sure your memories are kept in tact, and decrease the clutter.

1. Before you do anything with a piece of artwork, decide what it means to you.  Is it the best piece your child has ever done or is it just another piece they drew while waiting for dinner at a restaurant?  Be honest with yourself.
2. Do you have family members that live far away?  Have your child sign pieces of artwork, then write a quick note and send the artwork to friends and family who live far away.  It may sound silly to you because you have dozens of pieces, but to them it may be the only piece they have!
3. For three-dimensional pieces of art, the easiest thing to do is take a photo of your child with the piece; keep it for a little while, and then dispose of it.  I usually suggest moving it to another area of the house, such as the garage, after a period of time.  If its not missed, you can easily get rid of it.
4. Use frames that are easily changeable to house artwork.  Job tickets are small plastic sheaths that are designed to house contractor’s paperwork on dirty and wet job sites.  They are inexpensive and easy to hang on your wall.  Papers slip in and out quickly and easily.  Changing artwork is a snap.
5. Pizza boxes make great artwork storage.  Ask at your local pizza place to give you some unused boxes.  Most restaurants will give them away for free.  You can group artwork by date, child or academic year.
6. For artwork that is flat, consider scanning it in and storing it digitally.
7. Take photos of your child with their artwork.  Then you can print them and put them into an album or you can print a digital photo book.  This gives you a printed record of your child’s progress.  Print multiple books and give them to family members.
8. Set limits with your child on just how many pieces of artwork you will keep.  Stay within these boundaries and it will help them learn to determine which pieces have meaning and which pieces do not.
9. Combine storage with display.  Use a string and clothespins to display a large number of items in a small amount of space.
10. Make sure you hold yourself accountable to sit down and sort through artwork.  It will build up as the school year progresses.  Putting a date into your calendar to make those difficult decisions will make sure it gets done and make sure the artwork doesn’t pile up too high.  For the pieces you have determined should be kept and are important, take the time to have them laminated and to protect them in clearly labeled plastic containers.

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ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 

Bonnie Joy Dewkett, CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer® Board of Certification for Professional Organizers~Director of Communications) is a nationally recognized organizing expert, author, motivational speaker, and internet radio personality in the United States of America. She began organizing as a child, and she has been organizing ever since. Her company, The Joyful Organizer®, creates and implements organizational systems for the home and office. These changes allow her Customers to create calm from chaos at work and at home. Bonnie is passionate about helping her clients meet their organizational goals, and loves to see the positive impact that getting organized has on their lives.

Her diverse background gives her the ability to assist her clients with everything from the unique needs of organizing children’s rooms; to the organizational challenges ofmoving an entire family across the country. Working in special education in Maine, Bonnie helped her students exceed their educational goals by creating individualized programs that used their strengths to overcome their unique set of challenges. As a relocation consultant at Cartus, she managed the logistics of the moving process for hundreds of families that were being transferred through their employer.

Recognizing a gap in the information about moving and relocation, she authored The Joyful Organizer’s Guide to a Joyful Move—a comprehensive resource for families that are preparing to move. It helps them reduce stress by keeping them organized throughout their move. It is available on her website http://move.thejoyfulorganizer.com, and Amazon.com.  Her most recent book, 50 Tips to Get You Organized- In Ten Minutes or Less!, is available in print or Kindle formats on Amazon.com.

She has gained a worldwide audience through her radio show, The Joy of Organizing.  With over a quarter of a million downloads, her show is the most listened to show on the BlogTalkRadio Woman’s Business Network, formerly the Diva Toolbox Radio Network.  Airing weekly, the show provides practical organizing tips and tricks for busy families. She has interviewed many of the country’s top organizing experts, including Oprah’s PeterWalsh, JulieMorgenstern, DIY’s Karl Champley, Barbara Hemphill, and Barry Izsak.

Bonnie’s organizing advice has been featured in many local newspapers, and nationally in Better Homes and Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens’ Secrets of Getting Organized, Parents, and Woman’s Day magazines. Bonnie has achieved the prestigious designation of Certified Professional Organizer, CPO®, from The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers. Making her one of only six in the State of Connecticut, and less than twenty-five in all of New England.

Bonnie received a B.S. in Resource and Agribusiness Management from The University of Maine in 2001. She completed work on her M.B.A. in May 2011, graduating summa cum laude from Nichols College.

 
You can keep in touch with Bonnie through:

The Joyful Organizer®, LLC
bonnie@thejoyfulorganizer.com
http://www.thejoyfulorganizer.com
http://thejoyfulorganizer.com/blog

Looking for free organizing tips?  Subscribe to The Joy of Organizing Radio Show on iTunes!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joy-organizing-blog-talk/id352871697

http://www.facebook.com/thejoyfulorganizer
http://www.facebook.com/thejoyoforganizing
http://www.twitter.com/thejoyfulorg
http://www.linkedin.com/in/thejoyfulorganizer
https://pinterest.com/BonnieJDewkett/

GUEST POST: Children and Winter Time Health by David Novak (Healthline)

Winter is the most anticipated seasons for children. Snow signals numerous fun activities they can enjoy such as sledding and skiing. For parents, this also signals the prevalence of cold and flu viruses, as well as other accidents caused by playing in the snow and cold weather. Don’t let winter dangers keep your children from enjoying outdoors. It’s all about proper planning and following safety guidelines that will ensure your kids are safe at all times.  Follow these winter safety tips so your family can enjoy winter without worries:

Encourage proper hygiene

Winter doesn’t only bring cold weather, but also cold and flu viruses. Children are more prone to acquiring these viruses because they play closely together, and they’re still unaware of proper hygiene. Washing hands the right way is one of the basic essentials kids should learn when it comes to hygiene because most viruses are transferred through surfaces and direct contact. Oral and nasal secretions can get on the hands, and ultimately in your body quite easily. Another rule for kids is to cover their mouth when they cough, and keep a safe distance from others when they are doing so. This is a very simple and helpful way in preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses. Teach them also to use a disposable tissue to cover their nose and mouth while sneezing. 

Dress warmly

Snow is like a child’s beacon for fun.  When snow falls, children get amped up to play outside, but it also signals parents to make sure they are dressed warmly for the weather. Dressing them in layers helps in keeping their body insulated, and prevents them from being too cold. Make sure they are also wearing water-resistant or waterproof jackets, gloves, wool hats and thermal underwear. Instruct them to come back in the house regularly to check if they aren’t ignoring any signs of possible hypothermia. 

Keep their skin winter-proof

Children have more sensitive skin than adults, and the winter weather can wreak havoc on their delicate hands, faces and lips if skin care is not taken seriously. Sunscreen is vital even if it’s winter, since sun glare reflected off snow can still burn the skin. Make sure to reapply sunscreen if needed. Breakouts of eczema and other dry skin conditions are also common during winter, so it is vital to keep their skin moisturized. Apply moisturizers made from natural ingredients or petroleum jelly on any exposed areas. Avoid those with artificial fragrances and colors, which can only cause irritation.

Provide healthy foods and plenty of liquids

Eating healthy can also help in fighting off cold and flu viruses that are prevalent during winter. Make sure that children are getting all the necessary nutrients they need to keep their immune system healthy. Serve foods that are high in vitamin C, such as leafy greens and citrus fruits, as these are well-known for their flu-fighting components. Vegetables are high in nutrients and vitamins, so make sure to include these in their meals as much as possible. Keeping them healthy lowers their risk of cold and flu, and in case they do get sick, these nutrients aid in fighting off illness more vigorously.

Give them daily multivitamins

Most kids can be picky when it comes to food, leaving them deficient in certain nutrients and vitamins. Supplementing with daily vitamins is vital in ensuring they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. Try to use supplements that are all-natural, dye and preservative-free daily multivitamins. 

Sleep

Rest is one of the most important components in keeping the body healthy, as well as helping our bodies to recover easily when we get sick. As a parent, stress to your kids that they should follow a good sleeping routine, which includes 8-solid-hours of night-time sleep, and the occasional nap if needed. Check on your child’s room temperature to make sure it is not too cold or too hot. Either could disturb their sleep. Make sure to cover them with blankets or duvets to keep them cozy and warm at night.

Be careful in winter sports

Winter sports such as sledding, skiing, and ice skating can be lots of fun, but they can also be dangerous if proper safety guidelines are not followed. Adults should supervise children while they are sledding, and make sure the path doesn’t have any obstacles that can cause accidents. Children should also wear protective gear such as fitted helmets to avoid any head injuries, which is one of the most common sledding injuries. When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, children should always be accompanied by an adult who is familiar with the sport and the route. Make sure that the slopes are in good physical condition as well as the equipment they are using. 

Enjoy indoor activities

Snowstorms can hinder your child’s outdoor activities, thus it is best that you have fun indoor activities planned when this happens. Board games and art supplies can help in keeping your child busy when they are snowed in. Other activities that can be more active and fun include dressing up, bean bag tosses and dance parties. Scavenger hunts and obstacle courses can also help not only in keeping them active, but also in enhancing their cognitive, social and physical performance.

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David Novak’s byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world.  He’s an avid health enthusiast, and frequently is featured in regional and national health publications. He is also a weekly writer for Healthline.  To view his other stories on Healthline, visit http://www.healthline.com/. 

Technology Just Got Sweeter this Christmas Season! Check Out 2013 Intel Holiday Buying Guide

This is a letter from Miss Camila Calizo of Strategic Edge, Inc. in cooperation with Intel Philippines:

Festive greetings from Intel Philippines!

For those of you who are still looking for an awesome gift to spend that big Christmas bonus on, you’re in luck! Thanks to Intel, technology is sweeter this season of giving! Now there are computing devices with Intel Inside to match every appetite and budget – from traditional laptops to tablets to 2-in-1 devices to portable All-in-Ones. 

 

There’s a lot to choose from (and salivate over) this holiday season. In the spirit of Christmas, we invite you to take a look inside the 2013 Intel Holiday Gift Guide to see the latest tech eye candy available for purchase in the Philippines.

Local SRPs for the featured devices are as follows:

1.    ASUS Transformer Book T100 – Php 23,995

2.    Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro – Php 74,995

3.    Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 – Php 16,995

Note:Local pricing for the Sony VAIO Tap 11, Dell XPS 11, and Sony VAIO Tap 21 have not been released, but are available upon order.

Here’s wishing you a very merry Christmas and happy (gift) hunting! 



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You may also check out THIS ARTICLE to learn more and download 2013 Intel Holiday Buying Guide courtesy of Microsoft News.

Tips for a Safe and Stress-free Christmas Season by BOSCH

Steer clear of holiday hazards with Bosch Security Systems

Manila, Philippines (December 20, 2013) -- This is once again the season for festive decorations. Each year, Filipinos come up with more extravagant and creative ways to celebrate the holidays, investing heavily in stunning light displays for their homes or for business establishments. With Christmas just around the corner, Bosch reminds revelers that ‘making spirits bright’ also means being responsible for keeping their environment safe from décor-related fire incidents.

Last year, two separate fires ravaged homes in Manila on Christmas Day and left thousands homeless. According to some news reports, the fires were likely triggered by an electric malfunction caused by the overuse of Christmas lights during parties. To avoid incidents like these, both households and commercial establishments must take extra precaution in decorating with candles and lights.

To keep the season merry, safe, and stress-free this year, Bosch Security Systems offers safety tips for both home and business owners.

Get fire-free Christmas trees

For those who have decided to use live trees this Christmas, make sure that the tree is fresh and has strong needles that do not break easily. One must water the tree at all times, as dry trees catch fire faster than a properly maintained one. When purchasing an artificial tree, try to look for one that is fire resistant, so it can resist burning and extinguish quickly in the event of a fire.

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Never put lit candles on a tree or near it unattended and within reach of children. Battery-operated flameless candles are a popular and safe alternative.

Lights that won’t short circuit the holidays

Lights must always conform to the standards set by an approved testing laboratory. Shorts in electrical lights are often the cause of fires, so it is imperative for one to check each set of lights every year for frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. If possible, use LED lights that burn cool so no one gets burnt if they touch the light inadvertently.

For outdoor lights and decorations, use only firm supports like insulated staples or hooks to hold strings in place. Also make sure to fasten the lights securely to trees, walls or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage.

A common oversight is overloading electrical outlets. Do not link more than three light strands per single extension cord, unless the directions indicate it is safe.  More importantly, never leave holiday lights on unattended.

Have an emergency escape plan

Fire escape planning is imperative for every home or business owner, most especially during the holiday season. Inspect all possible exits and escape routes in the home or shop, and keep these exits clear at all times. Select an outdoor meeting place like a nearby building a safe distance from the building, where companions can meet after they have escaped. Have the phone number of the local fire department on speed dial for emergency calls.

Make sure that household or office companions understand the plan thoroughly. Put the plan to the test at least twice a year with fire drills both at night and during the day. 

Year-round safety with Bosch Security Systems

For fire-safety all year round - not just for the holidays – Bosch, the leading global supplier of technology and services, extends its Bosch Advantage Line with a fire alarm systems portfolio – a new affordable easy-to-use range for higher safety in small installations.

The Bosch Advantage Line covers all security needs across video systems, fire alarm systems and public address systems, including analog and digital CCTV cameras and video recorders. It has smoke detectors and fire alarms to suit homes, schools and commercial or retail establishments that can effectively prevent fire and protect life.

With more than 80 years of experience in professional Fire Alarm Systems and a multitude of successful installations worldwide, Bosch proudly offers a wide range of security, safety, communications and sound solutions that are relied upon every day in facilities, venues, schools and homes around the world.

For more information, visit www.boschsecurity.asia.  

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About Bosch Secuirty Systems

The Bosch division Security Systems is a leading global supplier of security, safety, and communications products, solutions and services. More than 12,100 associates generated sales of 1.5 billion euros in fiscal 2012. Protecting lives, buildings and assets is our aim. The product portfolio includes video surveillance, intrusion detection, fire detection and voice evacuation systems as well as access control and management systems. Professional audio and conference systems for communication of voice, sound and music complete the range. Bosch Security Systems develops and manufactures in its own plants across the world. Additional information can be accessed at www.boschsecurity.com.

About Bosch in the Philippines

Robert Bosch Inc. (Philippines) is a 100% subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), one of the world’s largest privately owned industrial corporations. In the Philippines, Bosch is active in the businesses of Power Tools, Automotive Aftermarket, Automotive Original Equipment and Thermotechnology. Additionally, the Security Systems, Packaging Technology and Drive & Control Technology (Bosch Rexroth) divisions are represented through appointed local agents. In 2012, Bosch in the Philippines generated sales of USD 28.8 million (22 million euros) and employed about 200 associates. Today, Bosch continues to build its nationwide network of being a responsible provider of innovative and beneficial technologies to the Philippines. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.ph, http://twitter.com/BoschPH, and https://www.facebook.com/BoschPhilippines.

Acknowledgement 

Jinny Jacaria / Thea Geronimo

Strategic Edge, Inc.