With celebrations for Mother’s Day, graduations and Father’s Day looming I began thinking of ways to put a personal touch on gifts that express gratitude. The wonderful thing about gratitude is it doesn’t take up too much space. Rather than a bouquet it can be expressed with a single handpicked flower. It is a moment, not a lifetime. The best way I know how to capture a moment is through a photograph.
It is so easy and convenient to take photographs now that you may be letting the fun turn into chaos. Some people have trouble organizing photos. It goes beyond the smart phone. Think about all the forgotten photographs in your desks, basement, closet or computer. You may feel overwhelmed by a lack of any organizing scheme but don’t let that stop you from telling your story with photos.
I recently attended the Association of Personal Photo Organizers Conference and got inspired. Special presentations were given by photo organizing experts. Here are a few ideas that can help you tell your story with photographs.
Think in terms of themes. For Mother’s Day you might want to collect all the photos you can find of your mother doing something she loves. Is she a golfer, a gardener, a traveler? Whatever it is, organize your photo story around that one particular theme.
For your graduate, go through the photo albums, boxes and computer files to select best photos. Include photos that show progress being made and ones that show him or her achieving something. While shuffling through your photo collections throw away blurry, unusable ones. Save only the ones you know you want.
After you find the photos that tell your story you may not know how to arrange them into a book, or make a poster or apply to canvas. There are so many options that many people get stuck at this point. With a little guidance, the vision of a truly personal expression of gratitude can be realized. Don’t stay stuck. We can help you put your photos together in a way that captures your imagination and generously expresses your thoughts of gratitude.
Are you self-motivated? Do you prefer to deal with clutter on your own or would you rather enlist the help of a coach? Are you comfortable working with a coach “virtually” through email and phone, or would you prefer hands-on help from a team of professionals?
Nearly three quarters of the U.S. population moves at least once every five years. One out of 10 Americans moves annually according to the U.S. Census. Swings in the economy, expiring leases, divorce, corporate transfers, health and other life transitions such as marriage or retirement are reasons people are pulling up stakes and moving on.
This is the time of year when we often say to ourselves, “If only.” “If only I had done a better job of organizing my records filing taxes wouldn’t be so tedious.” The key is to create a filing system to organize your tax records at the beginning of the year, and to file paperwork as needed throughout the year. Most tax records fall into the categories of income or deductions.
Good room design is important when it comes to having a clutter free home. You may think built-in cabinets, shelving, and more space is the answer but room design for a clutter free home begins with knowing how to designate and maximize space. What you will come to learn is that room design begins with you, the room designer. Let’s try it.
I like giving experience gifts. They bring people together, don’t require shelf space and are often remembered far longer than anything contained in a box. For these reasons, I’m offering this gift giving guide filled with out of the box experience gift ideas for everyone on your list. It can be as easy as visiting a website and purchasing a gift certificate. The receivers of your gift can arrange a time that suits their schedule. For a central source to find experience gifts in the Chicago area visit 
