Get rid of any clutter that's hiding under your bed.

Here are a bunch of tips and thoughts from GON Readers to brighten your day...

Cold Hands/Hot Hands
In one of your newsletters over the winter season, you recommending gloves for driving. It made me laugh at how different peoples needs can be based on where they live. I live in Arizona and I keep an oven mitt in the car so I don't burn my hands on the steering wheel!

--Mary Gilbert

The Pomodoro Technique
You have a saying in the States: 'Inch by inch, it's a cinch. Yard by yard, it's hard.' This approach, together with something like the Pomodoro (timer) Technique can help procrastinators/perfectionists such as myself! Grazie!

--Anna

P.S. from Maria Gracia: If you're wondering what the Pomodoro Technique is, here is a quick, in-a-nutshell explanation:

1. Make a list of tasks.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes.
3. Focus on those tasks until the timer sounds.
4. Take a 5-minute break.
5. Repeat.
6. After every four or five of these rotations, enjoy an extended break.

Taking These Precautions May Save Some Heartache
Awhile ago, you ran an article in this newsletter about your mom losing the diamond in her engagement ring. That brought back memories.

I used to touch my diamond and it seemed loose but I couldn't be sure. I attributed the change in its look to the way the light hit it. I should have paid attention to my first instinct that it might have been loose.

One day as I was typing, I happened to look down at my hand and drew in a quick, sharp breath. My diamond was missing! I had been doing a lot of yard work that day and I went out and sifted through all the weeds. I gently moved all the soil around with my bare hands in all the spots I had weeded. The diamond never turned up.

It wasn't expensive in dollars, but was worth so much in sentiment. I would suggest to all your readers to wear gardening gloves. If the diamond falls out of your ring, you have a much better chance of finding it.

One day, I grabbed some gardening gloves at moms from out in the garage and when I put my hand in one I felt something. It was a gold wedding band. I mistakenly brought it to my mom at the assisted living center where it quickly disappeared, probably when she washed her hands. As you said, be in the moment! And learn from past mistakes.

--Dottie

P.S. From Maria Gracia: I'm so very sorry to hear about your diamond and your moms wedding band. Heartbreaking...and you're so right. We can learn so much from ourselves and each other!

I would like to offer this suggestion to GON readers: Don't wear your diamond ring when gardening. It can easily be lost, or at minimum, catch a whole lot of dirt and grime which can loosen the stone. Leave it safely inside your house.

Also, I highly recommend that you use 'stand in jewelry' for anyone living in an assisted living facility or nursing home. It's too easy for these types of items to be lost or stolen. There is plenty of inexpensive costume jewelry that looks lovely, but will not be a big deal if it gets stolen or misplaced.

"You are awesome, Maria. I read your newsletter first thing in the morning. I never miss a day. Very, very useful tips every day."
-- Deepak Kumar, Florida

"Thanks Maria. Through this difficult time, your newsletter always brings joy and a ray of positive thinking in my life. Have a great day!"
-- Francesca

"Dear Maria, I always enjoy your newsletter. Your February 2nd one was outstanding! Makes everyday tasks fun, achievable, and gives me the incentive to get up from my armchair and start moving. I have started with the index cards of chores/fun activity, and am two down in the first hour. So glad for your newsletter, so glad for you."
-- Prof Jayanti Seth , retired University of Delhi


I'd really love to know your thoughts about GON in Five Minutes! Just hit Reply and let me know.

-- Thanks! Maria

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the APRIL 2022 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the APRIL Issue...

Sell, Donate, Give Away, or Trash?
How to decide which option is right for you as you work on your decluttering goals

Taking the Stress Out of Cooking
25 ways to make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable

Making Positive Transformations
5 key factors to ensure we're constantly evolving to be our best selves

Embracing Solitude
10 ideas for feeling comfortable and happy with being alone

The Art of Hesitation
Knowing when hesitation is good...and when it's not

Our Recipes of the Month
* Salami, Artichoke, and Ricotta Pasta Salad
* Keto Coconut Lime Bars

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle, and Rethink
April 22nd is Earth Day...the perfect time to focus on taking care of our environment and our planet. It's easy to be green!

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on APRIL 8. When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

___ 1. Do today's task on my April Monthly Organizing Checklist. The April 8 TO DO focuses on taxes. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my April Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Wash something in the dishwasher. Did you know that dishwashers can be used to clean a lot more than just dishes? Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my Top Ten article on this topic. It includes 10 of my favorite things to wash in the dishwasher.

___ 3. Make a commitment to waste less food. Stop throwing your money in the trash. The average American family of four throws out $1,600 a year in produce alone. Roughly 20% of all food put on the plates of Americans is trashed every year. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my article, '7 Ways to Waste Less Food.'

"The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul."
-- Alfred Austin

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comments, suggestions, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2022 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia