Last Wednesday, I dropped my daughter off at religious ed and had 90 minutes to kill as it would be too far of a ride to go home and come back. I had my iPad filled with magazines I wanted to read, as well as my Kindle with the book I'm reading for book club, so I was well-prepared. I decided to just relax in my car in the church parking lot...but I thought it would be nice to have a treat to enjoy.

I drove to Dunkin Donuts, went in the drive-through, ordered two Boston Creams (one for me for now...and one for Amanda for later), and a coffee to go. I paid, received my order, and then drove back to the church. I parked, moved my seat back and reclined it a bit to give myself some legroom and extra comfort, and opened my Dunkin Donuts bag.

It was at that moment that I discovered not two, but three donuts. Hmmmmm. I looked at my receipt and was only charged for two. Either the Dunkin Donuts guy made an error, or was being super nice. I'm going with the 'super nice' version of the story.

And that's not it. All three of the donuts were Boston Cream, but they were special versions. Instead of the typical round ones, these were shaped like hearts with a drizzle of raspberry frosting on the chocolate covering.

Awwwwwwwwww!!! All of a sudden, my night was extra special! And when Amanda reached into the bag later that evening, she smiled as she pulled her special donut out. Kudos to Dunkin Donuts for doing something fun in celebration of Valentine's Day coming up on February 14th.

The next morning, I was listening to the radio. The DJs were talking about Valentine's Day and how they both hated it.

What?! How could anyone hate a celebration of love?!

Then again, I know it's true. Some people just hate February 14th and wish it would just go away.

Now, don't get me wrong. I know everyone's not currently in a lovey-dovey relationship. I know people who are going through divorces and break-ups, and others who are trying to get through the loss of a loved one or serious illnesses. Life isn't always easy. In fact, it's incredibly difficult sometimes.

That's why, I believe, we need holidays like Valentine's Day...because it's a reminder of how important it is to have love in our hearts, even when things aren't so hot in our lives.

Some folks will say, 'it's too commercial.' That doesn't fly with me. There's nobody forcing anyone to buy candy, flowers, $8 greeting cards (when the heck did cards get so expensive?!), or sparkly jewelry. Yes, many businesses offer those items, but nobody is forcing us to buy them. Valentine's Day is only as commercial as you want it to be. Feeling pressured to buy? Remember, gifts from the heart (handmade cards, homemade cookies, a simple love note, or a kind gesture) are just as special...and often even more so.

Some people will say, 'why do we need a day to show our love? We should show love every day.' Yes, we should love every day...and many of us do. BUT, in reality, life is busy, the days fly by, and sometimes having a special day on the calendar is a good reminder to really focus on someone else.

Others will say, 'It's too much of a hassle to go out to dinner on Valentine's Day.' If you feel this way, that's OK...stay home and celebrate...or celebrate on another evening. Problem solved. There are many others who like to celebrate simultaneously with others. That's why there are also big crowds on other holidays, like New Year's Eve and Easter.

Yet, some folks will state, 'I don't need another holiday to remind me that I'm alone' or 'I hate when my lovey-dovey friends rub their relationships in my face.' Let's squash and smush those statements right now. Valentine's Day isn't only about being in lovey-dovey relationships...enjoy that day with a good friend, or with folks you know from church, or at a fitness class with your mom, or playing a board game with your kids/grandkids, or snuggling with your pet. And if you know others lucky enough to be in lovey-dovey relationships, I find it's better to be happy for them...even if it's hard. There's enough hate and fighting in this world and we certainly don't need more.

What Valentine's Day really is all about, in my mind, is taking the focus off yourself...and giving your heart to others, whether that comes in the form of...

* offering a hug to someone going through a rough time
* babysitting for a couple who can use a night out
* texting a friend...just because you care
* doing a chore for your spouse that he or she is normally in charge of
* decorating the kitchen with paper hearts for your family
* stopping by a nursing home with flowers for the nursing staff
* volunteering at a soup kitchen or animal shelter
* taking a cooking class with a friend, relative, or neighbor
* doing whatever you can to mend a broken friendship
* writing a note of appreciation to a teacher or mentor

Finally, look for opportunities to love Valentine's Day. I feel, they're so easy to find when you keep your mind and heart open. For me, that heart-shaped donut was the perfect springboard. Ariana Grande sings, 'Lemme see you put your hearts up, yeah, lemme see you put your hearts up, yeah. If we give a little love, maybe we can change the world.' I so agree. Happy Valentine's Day from my heart...to yours!

Clean Smart and Stop Wasting Your Time...

Plus Find Out How You Can Get
25 Cleaning Hacks for People Who Hate to Clean...Complimentary

At the end of the day or on the weekend, the last thing that you want to do is clean your house, right?! It's definitely not what I want to be doing. After all my hard work, I want my nights and weekends to myself...for family and fun stuff.

In light of this, I searched for and found a wonderful resource that helped me..and can help YOU get your house as clean as you want it to be, without taking up all of your time in the process.

The difference is that it helps you to clean smart instead of cleaning long and hard. You'll have the clean home you've always wanted, AND you'll have tons of time to enjoy life.

It's well worth your time to visit and have a peek. For details, visit:

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P.S. When you obtain your copy of 'The Ultimate Guide of Speed Cleaning Secrets,' you'll also get my eBook...

25 Cleaning Hacks for People Who Hate to Clean

...complimentary.

BUT ONLY UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH AT 11:59 P.M.

To get it, just email me at getorgnow@charter.net with your order number for your additional, and fabulous, eBook bonus. It will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

GON Quick Tip: Before you run a half-filled dishwasher, do this...
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GON Technology: 5 digital chores you should be doing daily
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Dirty Little Secret: Remember to bring your reusable bags into the grocery store. No-fail tip!
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Mini Challenges: When you think of 'Clutter Trouble Spots,' what comes to mind? This week's challenges will help you tackle your clutter head on.

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Guest Article: Travel experts reveal 10 ways to save on travel
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In ADDITION, on our home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...


Business or Pleasure?: What has happened to 43% of business trips these days? And how many folks are doing all of their travel arrangements online? Find out the answers to both on our home page.
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Theme of the Week: Our theme of the week is 'imagination' and my home page quotes reflect that.
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Featured Web Poll Our question is: Do you feel you could be doing something better with your life right now? Take a moment to cast your vote in our poll and let us know. You'll be able to see up-to-the-second results, of all our readers, immediately.
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February Monthly Checklist: It's the second month of 2018...the perfect time to recharge! Let's make this your most organized month yet. Check out our NEW February 2018 Organizing Checklist
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1) Declutter 10 items from your bathroom. I find this is one of the easiest rooms in the home to declutter...because it's the least likely room to contain sentimental items. Box or bag up shampoos you don't use, expired cosmetics, excess make-up pouches, a surplus of hair accessories, and such. Bring whatever you collect to a local charity, women's shelter, or have your donations picked up. And, by the way, if you have no charity to donate to that's convenient, it's OK now and then to simply discard (or recycle when applicable) the excess.

2) Dust a 'high' dusty surface. The blades of ceiling fans, the tops of cabinets and refrigerators, curtain rods, and other high places have a tendency to catch dust...and hold onto it forever because dusting these requires a bit of extra work. That being said, why not tackle one of those high dusty surfaces this week, preferably with a long tool that will allow you to reach them...or by assisting yourself with a ladder. Be careful and use a spotter...someone holding the ladder at the bottom and helping to keep you safe.

3) Work some overtime. Catch up on a project at home or work by 'working some overtime,' meaning you give extra time and focus to that one particular project with the mission of either completing it, or moving it towards completion significantly.

'When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.'

--Marcus Aurelius




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

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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