Fall Back

Next week, Nov 7th, we go to Standard Time.  This is a perfect opportunity to not only change the batteries in your smoke detectors but also do some clearing of make-up and cosmetics.  Like batteries, these items have a limited shelf life.

Generally speaking in Canada there are no expiry dates posted on cosmetics.  Probably with the idea of being thrifty you are holding onto your moisturizers, mascara and foundations trying to make the most efficient use of them.  In doing so these items loose their effectiveness and are a haven for bacteria.  The item that is particularly at risk is your mascara.  3-6 months is the shelf life for this product.  Your eyes are sooo worth a fresh look every 3 months, don't you think?

Let's start!  Put the timer on, no more than an hour.

First:

Take all cosmetics out of your cupboard, drawer or shelf. This includes perfumes.  Put them on a tray or cookie sheet.  Include all samples or promotional items received in gift bags.  Clean the cupboard, drawer or shelf.  You might even need to use the vacuum.

Second:

Now go through all these items, discarding anything you've opened, used once, never used or won't use and never liked.  Discard anything you know you've had for longer than 10 months. This does not apply to perfumes as their shelf life is longer.  Be gentle with the earth, mind you, recycle what you can.  What you have left you must absolutely LOVE!

Third:

Go through all your cosmetic brushes, what do you love, what frustrates you and what will you never use?  Don't keep application sponges to use again.  Keep what you love!  Put all brushes in a warm bath of mild soapy water.  Rinse, let dry on a clean towel.  While you are at it wash your hair brushes.  Rinse, air dry.

Put all products you are keeping into special containers, maybe a beautiful piece of  pottery for your application brushes, a woven basket for cleansers and lotions, small flat tray for your eye makeup.  Be creative and resourceful.  You look at this every day.  Shouldn't you start your day with beauty?

Don't forget to do the same for your travel items if you keep them separate. 

Tip:  Use clear plastic containers that often collect in your kitchen cupboards to hold items in drawers.

Fall Cleanup

Have often been asked by clients how to do the process of organizing and sorting quickly as the task before them seems overwhelming.

This blog, posted bi-monthly will be to give suggestions and tips to help you get some sense of order back in your life, one step at a time.  I will break down each task into its more simple components.  That big cleanup job that you may be postponing will start to look less daunting as you take the small steps necessary towards completion.

So lets get started.  Thanksgiving weekend, the start of Fall.  Among other things in preparation for this season, clearing the patio, balcony or deck is important for 2 reasons.  You have spent good money to get various pieces of furniture and you want to protect your investment.    First, check to see what items are broken, recycle anything if it can’t be repaired.  If there is anything you purchased that you don’t like, donate it.  You have to absolutely LOVE it to store it.  Second, clean your items with mild soap and water, dry with a soft cloth.  If you have an umbrella check for tears or spider webs.  Third, protect your pieces from the elements by putting them in a locker, garage or cover them with plastic if they remain outdoors.  Never store cushions outdoors.  Store these indoors at room temperature.

Tip:

Put the timer on for an hour to help keep you to the task.  See how much you got done in that time?