Jul 11 - Tips and Tidbits from GON Readers - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Fri, 07/11/25

Updated: Fri, 07/11/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

July 11, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

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Clear five icons from your computer desktop. Either delete them, file them where they truly belong, or open them to decide what to do. A less cluttered screen makes it easier to focus and you’ll feel a little lighter every time you boot up.

Tips and Tidbits from GON Readers

GON Reader Letter #1

A Whole Book of Love

In response to your February 18th issue, I am trying to organize my email and was reading this letter. I had to put my cat to sleep on March 27th. We had been together for 15.5 years so I can certainly relate to all your comments. He is the first pet that I have ever cremated and I have designated a special place for him.

Two things that I have done in the grieving process is 1) I wrote a letter to him and 2) I have a word document entitled "Life with G. Ray Whitetip". I put in writing our history together and all his personality traits. He had such an incredible personality. I want to be sure to remember our history together.

I read somewhere recently that a cat is one chapter in our lives, but to them, it's the whole book. Isn't that the truth! I also happened to have a pet rabbit.

It has been almost 3 months now. I keep looking at cat videos, etc. and have visited a cat lounge a few times. I would like to wait awhile before deciding whether I am going to adopt another cat, but I don't know whether that is really going to work.

I am about to turn 80. I'm caught between the fact that I am extremely spoiled by G. Ray and know that no cat can ever replace him, but the love and companionship was incredible. We'll see what happens...

Thanks for your website and newsletter! They provide such good info.

Warm regards,

-- Karyl

GON Reader Letter #2

The Mysterious Bakery

In response to your question regarding great reads, in your June 17th issue, I’m currently reading The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods.

This book is about a young Irish woman who feels she her life is stuck, so she moves to Paris on a whim to work in a bakery. Magical things are supposed to happen in this book!

-- Sharon Desilets

GON Reader Letter #3

A Handy Little Habit

You suggested the power of kid scissors in a previous issue. I want to second that!

A few months ago, I attended a movie and I had brought a bag of Trail Mix with me, to enjoy during the movie. But I couldn't open the bag. The woman next to me offered to help. She fished in her purse and pulled out a small pair of scissors and cut the top of the bag for me.

Since then, I've always carried a pair of tiny scissors in my purse. They take up practically no room and they certainly come in handy. (And bringing your own snack to a theater beats the high price of snacks sold there!)

-- Pat Brewster

GON Reader Letter #4

Color-Coded Email

Hi Maria,

I use Outlook, and I’ve set up color-coding based on the sender. For example, your GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter shows up in red, and email messages from Costco appear in purple

Others are simply regular black.

So, I will never miss or waste my time to find them among the sea of email.

-- Akemi

GON Reader Letter #5

Don't Return to Sender

Regarding charity mailings, that your reader mentioned in your March 19th issue, I have the same overload!

I used to mark them Return to Sender until I was informed that my local postal service just puts them in the "circular file!" They advised me to just chuck them out.

-- Theresa White

Back to School Recommendations!

1. Back-to-School Must-Haves for Cool Kids
Fun and useful back-to-school finds for anyone shopping for kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews! From clever supplies to everyday essentials, this list makes getting ready for the school year a little more exciting. Access here

2. Heading to college this fall—or know someone who is? Don’t miss my Ultimate List of Must-Have Items for Your College Dorm. It’s packed with smart, stylish, and space-saving essentials to make dorm life easier, cozier, and way more organized. Access here

Ice Cream vs. Frozen Custard

In much of the country, "ice cream" is the default term for a cold, creamy treat. But in the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin, calling frozen custard “ice cream” might earn you a raised eyebrow (or a full-on lecture).

Here’s the scoop: the main difference is egg yolks. While both contain milk and cream, frozen custard includes at least 1.4% egg yolk solids, giving it that rich, velvety texture that fans swear by. It's also churned more slowly, which means less air and a denser bite.

If you’ve ever tasted a fresh cone from a stand like Gilles, Leon’s, or Kopp’s, you already know: this is no ordinary dessert. So next time you're in the Midwest, be warned...frozen custard is sacred.

That said, frozen custard isn’t only a Midwest thing. Many folks, including me, remember stopping for frozen custard every time we went to the Jersey Shore, usually on the boardwalk, often swirled, always delicious. Whether you prefer custard or ice cream, both bring their own kind of joy.

As for which is healthier? Frozen custard tends to be creamier and sometimes a bit higher in fat and calories, while ice cream often contains more air.

But let’s be honest...they both count as treats. And sometimes, a well-earned treat is just what you need!

Enjoying my newsletter? Please REPLY and let me know! Also, please forward this newsletter to 5 of your family members and/or friends and share the love!

Here's what just one GON reader had to say...

"Yes!!!! I enjoy your newsletter!"

-- Kim Bailey-Middleton

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GON Member Bonus!

As a valued member of my GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter, you get exclusive bonuses, PLUS unlimited access to all of my previous ones. This month's featured bonus is my...

15-Minute Decluttering Projects Printable

Need a quick win? This free printable gives you 15 super-specific decluttering projects you can finish in just 15 minutes each. Print it out, hang it where you’ll see it, and check off one task every day or two. You’ll feel lighter, more organized, and instantly accomplished, one small space at a time.

Plus, my 2025 Monthly Organizing Calendar is always available for you to access...jump in this month and start tackling those organizing tasks with ease.

To access these free resources, click here

July Organizing Challenge: Summer Bucket List Challenge: Whether you're craving fresh air, creative inspiration, or a little personal growth, these 10 themed summer challenges will help you stay focused while enjoying everything the season has to offer. Ready to dive in? Take the challenge here

July Monthly Checklist: July is the perfect time to refresh your spaces, stay on top of summer messes, and prepare for back-to-school and late summer travel. My July 2025 Organizing Checklist features 31 unique tasks that help you stay clutter-free, clean, and ready for anything. Access my July Checklist

Results of Last Month's Web Poll: Your dryer cycle just ended. What do you do? Access the results of this poll including a bunch of GON reader comments.

New Web Poll: What clutter zone is the most frustrating for you? Vote in my GON Reader Poll on my home page and let us know.

"We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something."
-- Mother Teresa

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comment, suggestion, 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
GetOrganizedNow.com

How to Use This Newsletter

In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life.

We encourage you to apply these ideas to your own life AND share them liberally with your family, friends, and fan base via email, on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, other social media outlets, and in person, of course!

When you share, please mention my name and web site - Maria Gracia - GetOrganizedNow.com as the source.

Thank you for helping to spread the gift of organizing far and wide!

-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia

Get Organized Now!
611 Arlington Way
Watertown Wisconsin 53094
USA

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