Oct 23 - Ask Maria: Creating Peace of Mind - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Thu, 10/23/25

Updated: Thu, 10/23/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

October 23, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

We respect your time.

This newsletter will take

4:20 minutes to read.

Open one drawer, box, or file folder and remove a few things you no longer need. Whether it’s outdated paperwork, tangled cords, or an extra set of oven mitts, each small clearing makes your life lighter.

Ask Maria:

Creating Peace of Mind

GON Reader Question
I get your newsletter every day. It is great! My question is, do you have a book to leave for next of kin with all my information on bills I have, what bills are automatic, etc.? Also a list of credit cards and all things that need to be closed out.
-- Loretta Hartzell

Maria Responds
What a wonderful question, Loretta...and thank you so much for your kindness! I absolutely love that you’re thinking ahead and want to make things easier for your next of kin.

I have the perfect resource for you. It’s called Peace of Mind and Heart, and it’s designed exactly for what you’re describing. It helps you document all your important personal, household, financial, and digital details so your loved ones will have everything they need in one well-organized place.

In addition, here are three simple things you can start doing today to bring yourself (and your loved ones) even more peace of mind:

1. Weed out old paperwork. Go through your filing cabinet and shred outdated bills, expired warranties, and unnecessary paperwork. Keeping only what’s current makes it easier for you (and later, your family) to find exactly what’s needed without sifting through clutter.

2. Pare down unused items. If there are clothes in your closet you never wear, or household items you haven’t used in years, donate them now. You’ll enjoy a tidier home and feel lighter knowing your space reflects your current life.

3. Streamline physical spaces. Take a look around your home and remove duplicates or extras...like five sets of measuring cups, stacks of old magazines, or unused décor. The fewer unnecessary things you have, the easier it will be for both you and your loved ones to maintain and eventually manage your home.

Being organized in this way isn’t about expecting something bad to happen. It’s about living with greater ease and confidence now, knowing you’ve thoughtfully handled what really matters.

On another note...

Turn your home into a retreat with my specially curated bed and bath picks. From crisp sheets and plush towels to a cozy robe and spa-inspired extras, these favorites bring hotel-style comfort right into your own space. Every item is designed to make your bedroom and bathroom feel like a personal getaway! Visit:

10 Bed & Bath Essentials You're Going to Adore

The Perfect Baked Potato

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly baked potato, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. For best results, start with a russet potato. Scrub it clean, dry it thoroughly, and rub it lightly with olive oil and a sprinkle of coarse salt.

Bake it directly on the oven rack at 425°F for about 45–60 minutes, depending on size. When you can easily pierce it with a fork, it’s ready. Slice it open, fluff the insides with a fork, and you’ve got a blank canvas for all sorts of delicious toppings.

Most people reach for butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives, but let’s get creative! Here are a whole bunch of tasty ideas to top your next baked potato:

Greek yogurt and dill

Sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions

Broccoli and shredded cheddar

Crispy bacon bits and ranch dressing

Black beans, salsa, and taco seasoning

Pulled chicken or BBQ pork

Chopped spinach and ricotta cheese

Chili with a dash of hot sauce

Avocado slices and everything bagel seasoning

Cottage cheese and fresh herbs

Diced ham and Swiss cheese

Roasted red peppers and feta

Steamed asparagus and hollandaise sauce

Crumbled blue cheese and buffalo sauce

Tuna salad and sliced olives

Corn, green onions, and a sprinkle of paprika

Shredded rotisserie chicken with Caesar dressing

Roasted garlic and parmesan

Fresh tomatoes and basil pesto

Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers

Kimchi and sesame seeds for a tangy, spicy kick

Hummus and roasted chickpeas for a Mediterranean twist

Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella

Pesto drizzle with pine nuts and grated parmesan

The beauty of a baked potato is its versatility. It can be comfort food, a side dish, or even the main event. The key is starting with that perfect crispy skin and letting your imagination (and taste buds) do the rest!

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...

"One of the BEST suggestions I've seen was when you wrote...not to strive for perfectionism but rather aim for progress - I LOVE IT!!!"
-- Jan Tyner

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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...

Fall Decluttering Checklist

My Fall Decluttering Checklist gives you 25 simple, doable ideas to refresh every corner of your home. Each tip is designed to help you let go with ease and make your home feel more open, inviting, and ready for the season ahead.

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.

Results of Last Month's Web Poll: When do you feel most motivated to organize? Access the results of this poll including a bunch of GON reader comments

New Web Poll: What’s the scariest room or area in your home to organize? Vote on my home page. Results will be shared in a few weeks in this newsletter

October 2025 Monthly Organizing Challenge: Digital Clutter Challenge: Take on these daily 15-minute digital decluttering challenges to streamline your digital life, boost productivity, and create a more organized online environment. Complete one task each day this month to see a major difference

October 2025 Monthly Organizing Checklist: As the weather cools and seasonal festivities approach, it’s easy for small messes and unfinished tasks to pile up. My October 2025 Organizing Checklist is filled with quick, actionable ideas to keep your home neat, your days organized, and your energy flowing?

"For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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Plus, our ezine is designed to use Repetitive Reminders in every issue to help you make "small" organizing actions a permanent part of your mind -- and your life. You may not even realize how much more organized you are becoming -- automatically.

And you will accomplish all of that in less than 5 minutes a day!

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-- Maria Gracia

Get Organized Now!
611 Arlington Way
Watertown Wisconsin 53094
USA

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