July 1, 2008 - FREEdom from Clutter!

Find out how to Free Yourself from Clutter as we approach Independence day.
Yay Freedom.
We talk to 2 professional organizers with unique programs to help everyone find freedom and independence from disorganized lives.
Lorie Marrero talks about The Clutter Diet which is like an online organizing support and virtual organizing group.
And Krista Colvin tells us about The Shebang, a lifestyle project group that has a stroooooong focus on keeping the clutter away.

This is Allison Carter (right) and Krista Colvin (left) at the NAPO Annual Conference in Reno 2008.

Improv is the opposite of organizing

To improve my speaking, listening, funning skills I started taking an improv class at Dad's Garage in Atlanta. After 3 weeks I have come to realize why some of the exercises are so hard for me... it's the opposite of organizing.
Instead it is letting go of knowing, anticipating, & planning. I am like a fish out of water.
It's like being a kid again, when you have to go along with what the grown ups want to do because they're the grown ups. Or maybe it's more like becoming a hive-mind (like the Borg for you Trekkers) and thinking for & with the group.
If anyone is trying to learn to let go of perfection, let go of letting the little things bother you... I suggest an improv class. And you don't have to be funny, but it helps.

Learning to go with the flow... Allison

6/24 - Travel Show

We're all about travel this show - how to pack, how to plan, best products and more. We get tips from travel expert Betty Goodman of World Ventures Travel in Atlanta and The Container Store.
Speaking of travel, our show is back at 12 noon after a 1 week vacation to a different time slot.
Keep listening! We love hearing from you too so send us your ideas for future shows!

Designing with purpose

Our guests today brought us some great tips for keeping your design process organized and some fun ideas for designing for outdoor entertaining.
Rick says the first step is to figure out what you want your space to function as: entertainment area, lounging, kids play space, etc.
The second step is to check out what is available to you - products in your budget and style.
Some product trends - outdoor kitchens, bars, fountains, patio misting machine and the living wall which can be indoor or out.

Rick and Rina also offered a special to our listeners - Get a 2 hour consultation for the price of one.
To take them up on their offer - go to their website and give a call! 2 4 8 . 5 6 1 . 1 9 7 8

June 17, 2008 - Entertaining Made Easy

This week on The Organizing Playground - It's time to play outside and in! Sara and Allison talk to our entertaining experts about how to make it easy to have fun! Entertaining doesn't have to be preceeded by anxiety. Rick and Rina (of Rick Anthony Bonner Interiors) talk about outdoor decor and functionality along with Summer entertaining tips and outdoor cooking tips.
See a recent article in The Atlanta Business Chronicle (coming June 13)

June 10 - Organizing Dads

Sara runs the show today all about organizing men and dads.
NAPO's past president Barry Izsak joins the fun to talk about organizing garages. He is the author of Organize Your Garage in No Time (available at Amazon.com.) Also Sara interviews Steve Siders (young father of 2) and John Damiano (long time dad).
How does your man organize? What do guys do with the traditional man stuff? Do men think differently about organizing and clutter in general???
Leave your comments!

June 3 - Event planning

Allison is on vacation in Orlando for her parents' 50th wedding anniversary- wow! How appropriate that Sara chats about events and wedding planning.
Listen to find out what to do and what to avoid.

Stephanie Hunt with Matrimony Inc.
discusses how to stay organized while planning your wedding, how Matrimony Inc. is able to keep their clients organized, and tips on planning a successful wedding.
Can’t tune in and don’t want to miss the show? Be sure to download the podcast directly for the iMatrimony Wedding Podcasts, or listen live on our website.