July 14, 2011

Jardinagem faz bem!




Cuidar do jardim faz muito bem à saúde

Criar algo realmente bonito com as mãos, fazendo um belo jardim ou uma horta cheia de frutas e verduras, é um dos resultados da jardinagem. Mas a atividade também traz benefícios à saúde de quem mexe com a terra.
No meio da correria do mundo moderno, parar por um momento e entrar em contado com as plantas permite que as pessoas voltem a um estado primitivo que foi abandonado nas grandes cidades.
Trabalhar em um jardim alivia o estresse do cotidiano e até melhora o humor. E se você resolver plantar verduras e legumes ainda pode ter alimentos mais saudáveis e frescos a sua disposição. Confira abaixo algumas das maneiras que a jardinagem pode nos ajudar fisicamente e mentalmente e como trazer esses benefícios pra você e sua família.
Alívio do estresse:
Um recente estudo mostrou que a jardinagem pode ser mais relaxante do que várias outras formas de lazer. Dois grupos de pessoas que estavam estressadas foram separados nas seguintes atividades: leitura em ambientes fechados ou jardinagem, por 30 minutos. Ao final do estudo, o grupo que ficou no jardim estava com o humor melhor em relação a quem passou o tempo lendo.
Vivemos em uma sociedade em que sempre devemos estar ligados e prestando o máximo de atenção em tudo a nossa volta, seja em celulares ou emails. Mas essa capacidade de vigilância tem limite e pode gerar a fadiga de atenção, que vem acompanhada de mau humor, irritação e estresse.
A fadiga felizmente é reversível, e uma das maneiras de fazer isso é com a jardinagem, pois é um momento em que não precisamos nos esforçar para prestar atenção: esse processo é praticamente involuntário. Ou seja, trocar seu celular por plantas é uma ótima forma de acabar com o estresse e com a fadiga.
Melhor saúde mental:
A atenção sem esforço da jardinagem pode melhorar a saúde mental e evitar os sintomas da depressão.
Em um estudo realizado na Noruega, pessoas diagnosticadas com depressão, mau humor persistente ou transtorno bipolar passaram seis horas por semana cultivando flores e legumes. Após três meses, a melhora em todos os participantes era visível e o bom humor continuou mesmo três meses depois que o programa de jardinagem acabou.
Os especialistas sugerem que a jardinagem tenha força suficiente para fazer com que as pessoas encontrem saídas para as turbulências. Mas alguns cientistas têm uma teoria mais radical (e estranha) de como a jardinagem pode acabar com a depressão.
Camundongos foram injetados com bactérias inofensivas comumente encontradas no solo, e foi descoberto que elas aumentam a liberação de serotonina no organismo pelas partes do cérebro que controlam a função cognitiva e o humor – assim como as drogas antidepressivas fazem.
Ok, fazer sujeira com a terra pode não fazer o mesmo efeito que tomar Prozac, mas especialistas sugerem que a falta das velhas companheiras bactérias em nosso ambiente tem alterado nosso sistema imunológico. Encontrá-las novamente em contato com a terra pode reverter o quadro e diminuir problemas psicológicos.
Exercício:
Mexer com plantas não pode ser comparado com puxar ferro, e ao menos que você esteja transportando carrinhos de mão cheios de terra todos os dias, provavelmente a jardinagem não vai fazer muito por seu condicionamento cardiovascular. Mas cavar, plantar, capinar e repetir outras tarefas que requerem força e alongamento é uma excelente forma de exercício de baixo impacto.
Por isso, a jardinagem é uma atividade que pode ser feita por idosos, pessoas com deficiência e até por quem sofre de dores crônicas. Além disso, a jardinagem permite que você tenha contato com ar puro e sol, o que faz com que seu sangue se movimente melhor.
Saúde cerebral:
Algumas pesquisas sugerem que a atividade física associada com a jardinagem pode ajudar a reduzir o risco de desenvolver demência. De acordo com os estudos, a combinação de atividade física e mental envolvidas na jardinagem pode ter uma influência positiva sobre a mente.
Para pessoas que já estão sofrendo com transtornos mentais, como o Alzheimer, apenas andar por um jardim já é terapêutico. As paisagens, cheiros e sons que existem no ambiente natural promovem o relaxamento.
Nutrição:
O alimento que você mesmo planta é o mais fresco que você pode comer. E é ainda mais delicioso comer algo que você mesmo cultivou. Pensando nisso, por que não fazer uma horta cheia de frutas e vegetais? Além de ser um exercício divertido, a tendência é que quem plante os próprios alimentos se alimente de forma mais saudável.
Esse também é um bom incentivo para as crianças comerem mais verduras e menos alimentos artificiais. Estudos de programas de jardinagem em escolas sugerem que as crianças que mexem com jardins são mais propensas a comer frutas e legumes. E elas são muito mais aventureiras na hora de experimentar novos alimentos. Muitas comem alimentos verdes com sabor forte, como rúcula, sem medo.
Como começar?
Você não precisa de um grande jardim para se beneficiar com a jardinagem. Se você tem pouco espaço, vale plantar até em pequenos recipientes, como vasos e baldes, desde que estejam limpos e tenham buracos na parte inferior.
Existem inúmeras dicas de jardinagem em livros e na internet. Outra maneira de aprender novas formas de cuidar de plantas é conversando com aquele vizinho que tem uma horta ou que goste de cultivar um bonito jardim. A maioria vai gostar de compartilhar as habilidades, e essa é uma maneira agradável de começar a por as mãos na terra.[CNN]

July 13, 2011

Is Your Home Inventory Ready?

A Home inventory isn't the kind of thing we look forward to do on a nice summer weekend, however when we consider the benefits they can bring, they become all worthwhile!


Whether we're struck by a major event, like fire, flood, or burglary it is essential to have as much information as possible about our belongings for insurance purposes. With that in mind I went searching for the best way of preparing a Home Inventory to share with you.


If you are not a tech fan, don't fret. The old-fashion way of doing it is pretty simple: using a form or spreadsheet, insert all your belongings, room by room, date of purchase, price paid  and if possible, with a copy of the receipt, at least for your major items. Save it in your computer and ideally, have an online computer backup like Carbonite, that will store all your information and that allows easy access in case you need it.



We have our own home inventory and it was done using a video camera, a three ring binder, pocket dividers and a DVD pocket holder. With these tools we were able to prepare for the multiple moves we make. Later we "upgraded" to an online service.

Here are some tools available that you may want to explore before you decide what works best for you:


Know Your Stuff - Free Online Tool for Your Inventory


Stuff Safe - Free Online Tool


A Safe Spot


Now, other options:


DocuHome.com


Prove it's Yours.com


Delicious Library, a Software for Mac, from Delicious Monster.com is ideal if you want to catalog all your items, just by scanning the bar code. This applies to all your electronics (attention, since many bar codes come on the packaging, you may have to do some leg work here), books and DVDs.


If you still prefer to have a professional come and help you with your home inventory, make a search of your city/State and home inventory services. This will bring a list of local professionals, that you can call and ask for an estimate.


Now, go off and prepare yourself for whatever comes your way, because now you'll have your home inventory! 


Have a wonderful day!


Helena - A Personal Organizer.

Helena - A Personal Organizer operates her business in San Diego, CA. She has a Bachelor in Law and has worked in Brazil and internationally. She is a Professional Organizer, mother of 3 happy boys, wife of a busy husband - a Gyn-Oncologist in the US Navy. 
Helena has learned to be organized so she could enjoy life
In 10 years, she has moved around the globe 6 times with her family. She has lived in 4 continents, speaks 5 languages, loves what she does and enjoys working with people no matter where they are in life.
You can find more about Helena on www.apersonalorganizer.com; share your thoughts right here or email her at helena@apersonalorganizer.com.
Have a wonderful day!

July 11, 2011

Are you moving? We are getting ready!

Summer is here and we're getting ready for our move from MD to CA.
It's a very exciting time for us and we have been waiting for the end of fellowship and the transition to a calmer life-style for some time now. The kids are off from school, enjoying summer camps and I'm busy preparing both the company and the family affairs to move cross-country.
I've read, talked to fellow organizers and I've started to prep the house, so when packing day comes everything can be in place.
When doing our change of address I found these really nice tips, that can help us make what can be overwhelming a little less stressful.
I hope you enjoy it and that's useful!


Tips for an Organized Move!

Tips for Organizing a Stress-Free Move


Have a wonderful day.

Helena - A Personal Organizer

July 7, 2011

The new, revised ICD Clutter-Hoarding Scale is out and available for download!

When you download it, you'll notice some key differences from the CHS that you're familiar with:

  • The addition of alert colors for each level
  • The longer, full-color format allows more explanatory text
  • The addition of a section within each level on personal protective devices appropriate for that level
  • Added information page on animal hoarding
  • Added information page on severe domestic squalor
  • Added information page on disposing of prescription medications
  • Added information page on ICD resources

The 2011 revised ICD Clutter-Hoarding Scale was written by Kristen Bergfeld, Sheila Delson, CPO-CD®, Randy Lyman, CPO-CD®, Lynn Mino, CPO-CD® and Heidi Schulz, CPO-CD®. The ICD thanks them for this immense contribution. There are many other people involved with finalizing the new CHS, including Diane Judd, Jim Andrews, and ICD's board of directors.



In addition to the full-length CHS, there is now also a CHS pocket guide, called the CHS Quick Reference Guide. This brochure-sized guide is easy to bring along on client appointments or share with clients or related professionals.
 
You can download both publications, free of charge, on the ICD website. 
Download the Clutter Hoarding Scale
Download the Clutter Hoarding Scale - Quick Reference Guide

We're also developing an ICD Photo Library of pictures that can be used in the next stage of the CHS. We would like to supplement the CHS with a photo section that will complement the different levels and categories. Photos could also be used in other ICD publications, our website and PowerPoint presentations.
We need your help in developing this library and hope that you will submit pictures to be considered for the library. The ICD Photo Library will incorporate the use of carefully written releases for each photo that will allow us to use images of our subscribers’ and clients' homes and offices, with photo credits given on request. The photo release form can be downloaded at: 
 
Photo Release Form
Photo Submission Form (online)


The 2011 ICD Clutter-Hoarding Scale is the result of a great deal of effort on the part of many. I hope you'll agree that our flagship tool has become even better!
Donna Rosman, CPO-CD®
Publications Director 

 

July 6, 2011

Planning your time, even if it's summer time!

Here is a posting that can help you plan the month ahead with you family and personal schedule in mind.
I hope you are enjoying your summer days and that some unscheduled time is allowed for relaxation, meditation and all the love from family and friends to flow into your life!
Have a wonderful day!

Helena - A Personal Organizer

                                ____________ *** ______________

All beginnings are filled with great energy and even greater possibilities. We never know what life will bring or how the days will unfold, all is possible. However, not having any idea of how the days or weeks ahead will be, can become the cause of anxiety, miscommunication, late fees and lack of time for what really matters in our lives: our physical and emotional health, our family and friends.

With that in mind, I thought it would be quite appropriate to write my Sunday posting on Month Planning Day, as I enjoy some of the popcorn I made for the kids!

Month Planning Day should ideally happen on the first day of the month, simply because it will be an easy reminder for you. This will give you a long-term idea of what is to come, how far you need to plan ahead, what resources and materials you need to buy or schedule and best of all, when you will have free time for yourself and for your loved ones.

For this planning I suggest that you have with you:
-          Your personal calendar
-          Your spouse’s calendar
-          Your family calendar, if you use one.

I use a calendar that has a 2 page “month at a glance” space where I write down all the appointments, events and deadlines I need to fulfill in the following month.
It also has enough space to write my
1. Appointments,
2. A Task List and
3. Daily Notes.

Find one that fits you the best. There’s really no ideal calendar, one-size-fits-all. Electronic or paper, it has to fit your needs!

Now that you are ready, go through your notes, all those pieces of paper you have scattered around the house, close to the phone or in your purse and go through them, one by one, putting down on your calendar the appointment that was made, the phone call you’ll have to return or that deadline you have coming up.

Using the information of your spouse’s calendar, fill in – I use a different color for my husband’s schedule – any information that is relevant for your family schedule, like “dinner on 05/18”. Knowing when you can count on your spouse for dinner, kids pick up or drop off has a direct impact on your planning – and your sanity!

Next, enter all the kids’ classes, practice time, appointments, school exams, play dates and parties. If it’s easier for you, use different colors here too.

Now that you have everybody listed on your calendar, you can already see when the days are going to be tight in time – and therefore require a more flexible dinner, homework, house chores schedule and the days you will actually have time to do the laundry, enjoy your family sitting around the table or even your favorite TV show.

I also like to include in my planning my household chores. I like to know that the kids won’t be living out of laundry baskets or that there won’t be dinner because I didn’t shop for the week. So, checking on your already planned calendar, look in what day of the week you could include your laundry and your grocery shopping. I know many moms like to cook some of the week dinners on Sunday and freeze them or that prepare double batches and freeze one (my personal favorite). This is a great solution if you work out of the house or if you spend your afternoons driving the kids to their practices – or in my case, both. Nothing better than getting home knowing you are ready for dinner!

Plan your meals ahead, make a list of what you need and while you are at it, check your pantry. You will have accomplished 2 great things:
-          A month’s worth of peace of mind, because you know what’s coming.
-          A list of dinners for the following weeks and
-          The grocery list of all you need to feed your kids hungry tummies!

Finally, if you use a family calendar (like the kitchen one), put down all the main events you marked in yours. This will give you a source of information, when you are answering the phone, while cooking and need to give an answer there and now.

Now go ahead and give yourself a round of applause. You are a mom, a hero and you should be proud of yourself!

Life is Simpler when you are prepared.


This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Personal Organizer, also known as Helena Alkhas operates her business in Silver Spring, MD. She is a Professional Organizer, mother of 3 happy boys, wife of a busy brilliant husband. Helena has learned to be organized so she could enjoy life!
In 10 years, she has moved around the globe 6 times with her family. She has lived in 4 continents, speaks 5 languages, loves what she does and enjoys working with people no matter where they are in life.
You can find more about Helena on www.apersonalorganizer.com; share your thoughts right here or email her at helena@apersonalorganizer.com.

Have a wonderful day!

July 3, 2011

Our Favorite Room Posted @ PotteryBarn.com!

As long as I can remember I have enjoyed moving the furniture around the house, experimenting new ways of using a room, a piece of furniture and the objects from my mother's home. Now, with my own family, constant relocations and a full house to decorate and organize, I have plenty of room to experiment and put into practice what I learn.


Just uploaded our "front room", as we call it and I hope you like as much as we do!


Send me your own design ideas and your pictures. I will love to see them!


Our Front Room is where we take time to read or just be quiet.




Our Living Room @ Potterybarn.comPublish Post

July 2, 2011

Celebrating the 4th of July with Style & Ease!

Fourth of July is almost here and we all want to have fun, enjoying good company and celebrating this special day with great food. 


Here are a couple of ideas to keep the children busy and happy, while you assemble this simple menu for a picnic with friends or just for your family in your own back-yard.


Enjoy your holiday!






Craft Ideas for Your Happy 4th!


A Simple Picnic Menu for Your Party!

July 1, 2011

Organized Way to go off to College!



If you are heading to college after summer, first my congratulations! A very exciting time is about to begin for you and I still remember my first days in College as a Law student! It was a mixed feeling of "I can do it all" and "where should I start", but with time, guidance and dedication all falls into place.


In my culture we don't leave home early, being quite common to live with our parent until we marry. So, I didn't have to worry about creating a whole new infra-structure of self-care, comfort and safety when I started my university years. In the however, it's quite different and you'll need many items that you took for granted at your parents home. To help you, here is a very handy list I found to give you the upper hand when you're off to shopping for your new room!


Now, enjoy your summer and get ready for this great time that's about to come! And remember:


"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."  ~Henry Ford


My wishes for a wonderful year!


Helena - A Personal Organizer.


Off to College Check List!