Have you seen 'Little Free Libraries' where you live? In my town, there are quite a few near stores, parks, and sometimes on personal residential properties. They are sturdy boxes that hold books...some actually look like a little library. People can add books they've read that they want to share with others, and whoever wants a book can take it and read it. It's a 'take a book, return a book' free book exchange. As someone who doesn't like clutter and feels that way too many items are not used to their full potential, I just love this idea.

Now there's a new idea popping up that I just saw in my town. It's called a 'Blessing Box.' Similar to the idea of a Little Free Library, instead of books, this box holds non-perishable food, collected from from local businesses, neighbors, and friends...with the intention of sharing with people in need. Pictured above, Roman Espinoza lives right in my town. A small box near his sign reads, 'Take What You Need. Bring What You Can. Above all, Be Blessed.'

Roman is bringing a little bit of happiness each day to others, and by doing so, getting that same happy, warm feeling in return by knowing he's making someone else's life just a bit easier...just a bit happier.

We can all use more happiness in our lives. This is just one of the many ways of doing so...and there are tons more organized, actionable ways of spreading and receiving happiness and joy.

Always be on the lookout for ways you can share joy and happiness...the more we 'pay it forward,' the better life is.

I believe everyone deserves more and more happiness in their lives. In fact, I feel so strongly about it that I've created a resource for finding happiness every day of the year. It's called `Happy for Life' and it will instantly lift your spirit and happiness levels every day! To check it out, visit:

getorganizednow.com/happy-for-life-sl.html

As a loyal reader of my GON Newsletter, you get something extra special. When you obtain your copy of Happy For Life BEFORE MONDAY, JULY 24th at 11:59 PM Central Time, you will also get over $100 in COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES! Scroll down to the bottom of this issue for full details.

A GON Reader Asks

Thanks for your newsletters. I tried the WANT TOs that you mentioned in a previous issue, and, as a result, accomplished ALL of my other TO DO tasks for the day. I felt more positive. It works! Thank you!

As a side tip, I discovered that a cutlery tray in a newly cleaned desk drawer works well.

Any tips for cleaning a smelly washing machine, please? Thanks!

Jane Jackson

Maria Gracia Responds

Hi Jane,

I'm so glad you're enjoying the newsletter, thrilled that the WANT TOs tip worked so well for you, and whoo-hoo to you on the cutlery tray tip...that's a good one for sure!

In response to your smelly washing machine questions, most of the time, a musty or odor in your washer, or on the clothes you just washed, indicates growing mold or bacteria. Remember, the drum of a washer is moist and dark. Plus, sometimes the drum ends up getting coated in soap scum. Dirt and debris easily latch onto that. This moist, dark enviroment and soap scum build-up making a very happy home for mildew, mold, and bacteria. Front loader washers have a rubber door gasket so the water doesn't leak out (good), but bits of fabric and debris often get caught under that gasket (bad), causing an even more smelly situation.

One of the first things many people do is add more detergent and/or fabric softener. This does nothing but make the problem worse.

What I do is run an empty cycle, using bleach. Simply select the HOT water setting on your machine, select EXTRA RINSE if available, add one cup bleach to the bleach dispener or directly into the washer, choose the MAXIMUM water setting, and run the cycle through to completion. You may have to do this twice, depending on how smelly your machine is.

I like using bleach because it's very tough on mold, mildew, and bacteria. However, if you prefer, you can use white vinegar and baking soda instead. In this case, select the HOT setting, select EXTRA RINSE if available, start the cycle so the drum fills with water, add 3-4 cups of white vinegar, allow the machine to agitate for 1 minute. Add about 1/2 cup of baking soda, and allow your washer to sit with this solution for 30 minutes before completing the cycle.

In both cases, if your washer does not have an EXTRA RINSE cycle, after your first empty wash cycle, start another empty, hot wash cycle, (don't add more bleach, vinegar, or baking soda the second time around) so your washer is rinsed out well.

Hope this helps!

Maria

Organizing Kids: Here's a fun way to get the kids to do their chores
getorganizednow.com/organizing-kids-fun-chores.html



Organizing Men: Men...get and stay organized for your health. Here's how
getorganizednow.com/organizing-men-health.html



Organizing Quick Tip: An organized way to welcome new neighbors
getorganizednow.com/organizing-quick-tip-new-neighbors.html



Dirty Little Secret 1: Bathroom mirror streaks are a pet peeve of mine. Here's how I avoid them...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-bathroom-mirror-streaks.html



Dirty Little Secret 2: Using sticky ingredients? Prevent them from sticking to the measuring cup. Here's how
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-sticky-ingredients.html



Dirty Little Secret 3: I'm not a fan of soggy French Toast. Here's what I do to ensure it's crispy...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-soggy-french-toast.html



Mini Challenges: Who hasn't said, 'I wish I had more time to (you fill in the blank)'? We all want more hours in our day. That's why this week's mini- challenges focus on how to gain more time in your day.
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-make-more-time.html



In ADDITION, on our home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Social Media Spotlight: 10 clever kitchen hacks to try right now...
getorganizednow.com



Interesting 'Eating' Tidbits. Do men and women eat more when they're alone or when they're in a social setting? Find out on our home page
getorganizednow.com



Theme of the Week: Curiosity. Enjoy our home page quotes, that reflect our theme, for added inspiration and motivation this week
getorganizednow.com

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.

--Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free




I'd love to hear from you.
Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

Discover the Secrets for Maximizing
Your Levels of Happiness
Plus Get 6 Complimentary Bonuses This Week!

To fast-forward on your journey to happiness, visit:

getorganizednow.com/happy-for-life-sl.html

The search for greater happiness never ends. So a resource that makes it easier for you to increase your daily happiness has the potential for a huge positive impact on your life.

Some believe that happiness is the result of luck, good genes or positive circumstances. But none of those things explain why some people are eternally happy no matter what their situation, while others, who seem to have it all, struggle to find happiness.

Through my research and years of first-hand work with hundreds of clients, I have discovered that your personal happiness can be controlled by attitude and an organized system of Happiness Actions designed to maximize your daily levels of happiness.

Through repetition of these proven Happiness Actions, exclusively found in Happy for Life, happiness can become an automatic habit. It's as easy as flipping a happiness switch.

That's exciting news for anyone wishing to live a happier, more fulfilling life.

To see my Happiness Levels Info-Graphic and for more details, visit:

Whether you're looking for just a little more happiness or a whole lot, Happy for Life includes the information you need to multiply your happiness levels! For more details, including the three factors that contribute most to increasing your level of happiness in your life, visit:

getorganizednow.com/happy-for-life-sl.html


As a loyal reader of my GON Newsletter, you get something extra special. When you obtain your copy of Happy For Life BEFORE MONDAY, JULY 24th at 11:59 PM Central Time, you will also get over $100 in COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES!

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

P.S. If you're always looking for ways to feel happier and have a more positive impact on the lives of others, Happy For Life is going to be your 'new best friend'! For details, visit:

getorganizednow.com/happy-for-life-sl.html