Have you ever considered why shows like American Idol have achieved such success?

I have watched Idol for a the few seasons and I must say I really look forward to it every week. I was thinking about my fascination with the contestants and how I root for one or the other as if they were friends or people I knew personally! It is rather funny when I think about it.

There are plenty of skeptics who may believe this show is a trashy exploitation of youth but, there are truly some valuable lessons that we can all take away from this production:
1- Never give up on your dream.
2- Work hard.
2- Stay focused and determined.
3- Listen to constructive criticism.
5- Be humble…humility goes a long way.

These are inspirational lessons to apply to any area of life and at any age. It is so refreshing (maybe a little corny!) to see a program with positive messages in this day and age…

No matter where you turn you can’t seem to get escape news about Charlie Sheen. Television, radio, internet, newspapers, blog posts and on and on. They are all invested and for good reason… money! It sells because the public buys it.

What is the fascination watching people unravel in the public eye? We watched it with Brittany Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Robert Downey Jr.and many other “celebrities”. Is it an escape from the realities of our own problems?

It is incredibly sad to watch the destruction of another human being, not to mention the pain and agony it causes for family and friends who are helpless on the sidelines.

Addiction is a terrible disease yet it seems to be taken so lightly in view of what’s going on. News is news but I wonder sometimes how many of these reporters really have a social conscience… maybe that is asking for too much. Personally, I’m opting out and have for a long time. It just doesn’t feel quite right to be a spectator at the demise of another human being. I hope that others are doing the same. The less interest there is from the public, the more apt there is to be a recovery of some sort or perhaps that is just wishful thinking…

A walk-in close many times is truly a commodity these days yet time and time again they end up looking more like a disorganized storage unit. There are simple steps that you can take to utilize this space efficiently.

You may want to purchase some clear shoe/storage containers, colored hangers (different color for each type of clothing) and hooks (for bags, robes, belts etc…) and a package of Avery colored dot stickers. Now you are ready to go!

1- Set up staging areas for “like items” and also have an area for the “I am not sure about this” or “I don’t use this anymore”. There are many organization that accept donations and you will receive receive a tax write-off as well.
2- Break the like items into season, color, long or short sleeve etc… Do the same with shoes summer, winter, boots etc…
3- Hang your clothing with the hangers facing in the same direction. When you use an item and rehang it face the hanger in the opposite direction. After six to twelve months take a look at the hangers. You will be clear about what items you did not use. Donate them!
4- You can do the same thing with shoes/boots. Place a colored sticker on the sole of each and you will be able to tell which you have or haven’t worn. Donate them!
5- Take a good look at your pocketbooks. How many do you really use? The classics are keepers but the trendy bags are usually good for that year. The same applies to summer bags the straw or white type. One season is about all you get. Say bye-bye!
6- Lastly, use the one in and one out rule. Each time you purchase something; get rid of something. This keeps balance and prevents clutter.

That’s all it takes to have a functional closet!

You can’t accomplish much if your thought are scattered. Clearing clutter and getting organized has to take place in your head first.

The thought of taking on a big project can be overwhelming. It is monumentally more difficult when it is one that you really don’t want to do. There are many reasons that we procrastinate and put off projects. It may be because we will be faced with looking at a financial issue or perhaps, the project brings up emotions that we would prefer not deal with. No matter what the situation one thing is certain, doing nothing yields nothing.

It may be difficult to figure out what needs to be tackled first but, by asking some simple questions and answering honestly, you can determine what project takes precedent over another. Ask yourself, “What do I need to do?” “What will the consequences be if I don’t do this?” “Does this impact others?” “Is this negatively impacting my life?” These are just a few questions to ask yourself and if you’ve been honest than you already have a list to start.

If your first project is going to be a large one than set aside small blocks of time rather than trying to complete it all at once. Set your goals and use a timer if you are easily distracted. This will help you stay focused. It is a great tool! If you need the help; ask for it. Support is all around you. You will be surprised how quickly time goes and how good you will feel once it is out of the way.

Finally, stop beating yourself up for what wasn’t done instead concentrate on what you have accomplished and how good you feel. There is no greater motivator than the feeling of satisfaction. Keep plugging away one project at a time and before you know it they will be done. Now your head is clear of and you can move on to better things.

January is the beginning of the new year. It is a time of reflection. We look back at the past year and evaluate our progress and successes. It is the time of year that new goals and expectations are set both personally as well as professionally. There is a feeling of a fresh start. A sense of renewal. A chance to start over again.

In order to achieve your goals you must help set yourself up for success. Have a support structure in place. A system of checks and balances. It can be a chart you keep or a friend or colleague to check in with. It will hold you accountable to someone other than yourself. They can also act as a coach.

Here are a five simple steps to help achieve your goals:

1. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN. Statistics show that 90% of people acheive their goals when they are written down. Place it where you can see it daily. It will a visual reminder and motivator.

2. DON’T OVERLOAD. You may want to set one or two goals to start. The most important ones to you. Too much too soon can be a recipe for failure and work against you. You can add to your list as you meet your goals.

3. BE REALISTIC. Really think about what you want to accomplish. It is great to have high expectations but, they have to be realistic in order to attain them. Remember, anything that sounds too good to be true, generally is!

4. START SMALL. For instance, if you have a goal off trimming off some excess pounds then maybe start with 10-15 minutes of exercise every other day. You can increase the time as you start to build stamina. It will help eliminate burn out. Did you ever notice fitness clubs in January are packed but than Spring rolls around and it it practically empty? Pace yourself. Slow and steady wins the race!

5. DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF. If you have bad day and get off track… DON’T QUIT! Start fresh the following day. It doesn’t have to be a Monday either!

Each and everyday you have the chance to start anew and to create the life you would like to live. There are no hard and fast rules. Take the time to be kind to yourself. Love yourself for who you are and accept that you are, none of us are, perfect. We are human beings with flaws doing the best that we can. That is what makes us unique and beautiful in our own way.

Remember…success is not only measured by achieving goals but by the journey that takes you there and the lessons learned on the way. There are many roads that lead to the same destination. One is not better nor worse… simply different.

There is so much stress coming down the home stretch to Christmas and Hanukkah and all other celebrations at this time of year. . It should NEVER be about the gifts.

These are VERY difficult economic times and a great opportunity to get back to what is important. What is important to you? Really important? Have you considered that?

There are MANY gifts that you can MAKE or BAKE! Sounds funny…huh? Not really. There are many websites, blogs and magazines that are entirely dedicated to just this.

Do you have a favorite recipe? Can you add a new twist? Ever take a good look inside your pantry? What’s going on in there? Maybe you can challenge yourself. Look at all the ingredients that you have on hand. DO NOT go and purchase a single thing! Take what you have and find a recipe that fits the ingredients. Just Google it! Tell the engine what your main ingredients are… and PUFF…done!

The other aspect is making something. We all have tons of “stuff” sitting around our house. You can also re-purpose things. Did you know that? And how much does that cost? FREE!! Buy a can of spray for $4-$6 and you can completely renew almost anything! Add a little bling and you are good to go!

This is the season of giving and sharing and celebrating. No matter what your situation… there is always something to give… a hug… a kiss… a gentle touch. It costs costs nothing and those simple gestures are even better than the make and bake stuff so get on with it… money… no money… DOES NOT matter. This is about celebrating together with people we love… and it is the SINGLE most important thing to remember… Just My Two Sense…

This is the time of year when weather patterns change rapidly. Many people travel out of state to visit their families during this holiday season. They forget to check the weather and can end up in a life threatening situation unprepared. They forget to fill up their gas tanks and don’t have their cell phones fully charged. This can be disastrous!

A little preparation can save your life. Always fill your gas tank no matter how “late” you may be running. Have your phone charged fully and always have a car charger with you. Put together a winter survival kit and keep it in the trunk. A simple milk crate, or if you so choose, a more decorative option, should include the following items that may save your life:

1- Blanket
2- Water- A gallon container or a few smaller ones.
3- Flashlight- Extra batteries as well.
4- Jumper Cables- The hand carry case self starting battery unit.
5- Lighter/Matches
6- Protein Bar type snacks- They have shelf life.
7- Glass Jar (empty) Can be used for a multitude of things.
8- Plastic Ponchos- Can pick these up for $1 at some stores.
9- Flares
10- First Aid Kit

The past few years have been difficult for myself, as well as my family, but we are survivors. We are family and we stand together no matter what because family is the “stuff” that matters to us and it has made all the difference.

We have a story like so many others but what has made a significant difference with us is that we have chose not become our story. We did not let the events of our lives define who we are.

I would like to share with you what I have personally found to be, along with my beautiful family, the “stuff” that really does matter in life. It is simply from our personal experience and hope that it may give some of you hope and inspiration as you too may be encountering difficult times in your life particularly at this time of year.

The “stuff” that “really” matters to us:

Family… it is the backbone of our lives and this is a true blessing. We all have our differences. We are all individuals who have different personalities but that is what makes each of us unique. In difficult times families sometimes separate or divide due to anger, resentment and blame. Communicating without judgment allows freedom to express feelings openly and can ease the sense of being alone. Families can either fall apart in crisis or pull together. We chose to unite as we are stronger as “one” unit. Family matters…

Faith… you have to have faith and at difficult times it can be trying to say the least. There are many times that having faith seems completely unrealistic as your world is falling down around you but, you have to believe in something bigger than yourself. What ever your religion or higher power you must try to keep that door open. It will be your saving grace. We cannot go this alone. Faith matters…

Friends… you don’t need many but if you are lucky enough to have a couple of “true” friends, and we do, than you have been truly blessed. A friendship is a gift to be treasured. It is supportive and loving and unconditional. It is not about questions but listening. It is lifting you up and sometimes even carrying you and not asking for anything in return. Friendship matters…

Health… without this there is not much else. That simple! We often take it for granted. That changes instantly when illness strikes. It causes us to reflect on our mortality and it does sometimes prompt positive change in our daily habits . There are no guarantees in life but taking proper care of ourselves can have positive impact on not just the physical but also our mental health. We are grateful for our health and that of our family and friends. Health matters…

Take a moment to reflect on the past year. You will remember small moments, family, special friends, good health, and the faith that you may have questioned but… know that this IS the stuff that really matters…

This is a wonderful time of year but it can also be quite stressful. There are many things that need to get done in a limited amount of time. The best way to accomplish your holiday tasks are by simple preparations.

* Create a list of what needs to get done
* Put these in the order of priority
* Schedule time and dates
* Delegate based on individual strengths
* Accept the help graciously and don’t “Tweak” nor “Criticize”. We all do things our own way.

Preparation is the key to success in all that we do. Yes, there are those who do wait until the eleventh hour and it does get done but why put that type of pressure on yourself when you have other options.

If you follow these simple steps, and they are simple, you will have a much more enjoyable holiday season. It will help reduce the bickering and arguing that comes with the hustle and bustle this time of year. You will create peace and harmony and all those around you will benefit as well.

This is a beautiful time of year. It truly is the season to be jolly and it really doesn’t take much more than some simple preparation to keep it that way!

Doing projects yourself can be both productive and economical. What a great idea when you know what you are doing but most of us don’t! After pricing jobs and receiving estimates that appear “high” you may think that you can do the job just as well and for a fraction of the cost. Before you take matters into your own hands consider asking yourself these questions:

* How much knowledge do I REALLY have about this project?
* Do I have ANY prior experience doing this?
* Are there unforeseen dangers? Maybe knocking down a load bearing wall? Electrical? Plumbing?
* Do I have the proper tools?
* Will I need permits?
* Will I need additional insurance?
* Do I have competent help to assist me?
* What happens if you get injured? Can I afford to be out of work?
* How much time will it take? What if I miscalculate completion? Time does cost money!
* What happens with cost overruns? What will you do if you run out of money?

There are many factors that should be considered when you are planning a project that you have not tackled before. Do not simply base the final decision on cost. This is a component of making a decision but it cannot be based solely on that.

Do as much research as you can before you start. There are many resources that can help direct you and give valid advice on what and what not to do on your own. Pay attention to the professionals. They can save you time and as a result money. Mistakes are costly! Know when to hire a professional as it can be the most cost effective way of all!