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Blog: Organizing for Boomers
 There's Still Time to PACK & PLAY
I know the calendar shows summer is waning and school bells are ringing everywhere, but that doesn't mean you couldn't fit in a short trip while the weather is still grand. (Labor Day Weekend is a week away!) Now I recognize this depends entirely on the rest of your household and how many players are still living there. But just in case you are in charge of your universe, here are a couple of thoughts on the topic.
Don't think big, think small. How about a short get-away from your regular routine? This could be as simple as calling a girlfriend and seeing about a one to two night sleepover at her house or a more elaborate hotel/bed & breakfast routine if your pocketbook can swing it. The idea here is to go for some escapism.
To recharge our batteries we don't necessarily have to plan and execute a trip around the world. Often, it's enough just to get outside ourselves to a different environment for some much needed replenish time.
Whether you plan a short trip or a long one, packing can be one of the not-so-pleasant tasks depending on how you approach it. There are some key elements that are essential, regardless of length of time you'll be gone.
- Pick a clothing color scheme. Look at your closet. Hopefully, your clothes are already arranged by color. This makes putting together various outfits so much simpler than hunting all over the place. I'm not suggesting always wearing tops and bottoms of the same color (though that does work from time to time); instead, help your brain to visualize you wearing various color combinations.
- Color scheme, Part II: Pick a base color for your trip. Black, brown or navy could be your base. Bring along the shoes for the ONE base color you choose. I often chose black, but have used each of the other two base colors as well.
- After your base color, now think about what color makes you sing, makes you feel radiant, something you reach for in your closet no matter the mood and it makes you happy. That can be your accent color. Look at your tops, any scarves, belts, jewelry, and jackets that have that color. Lay these out on the bed along with your base color.
- See how many combinations you can make with the fewest number of pieces.
- Think layers – what can be added; what can be subtracted during the trip as the weather fluctuates. Layers are the key.
- TWO nights before go through your "going to bed" routine and leave out all the products and items you use. Look at the containers they are in. If you are traveling by plane, you must check these or get them into teeny, tiny plastic containers inside a quart-size ziplock.
- The following day complete your "morning" routine the same way. Think through what you could leave behind and still enjoy the trip. For example, hair dryer-where you are heading may very well have one, so check before you give up vital real estate space in your bag for this.
- The day before the trip (if not earlier) purchase any toiletries you noticed you didn't have, such as contact lens solution, etc.
- Be sure you have caught some of the weather reports during the week before your trip. This will help you to start to visualize you in that specific weather climate.
- Something for the hostess? If you took my suggestion you contacted a girlfriend and will be staying at her place. What could you bring her since you called her about your escape plans? Can't think of anything or it won't fit in your bag? Not to worry. While there, something will come to you that would work perfectly for her or you can treat her to a meal out at one of her favorite restaurants.
NOW that you are all packed---
Go and PLAY!!
Until Next Time
Making Your Space a Special Place
Sue
www.theREDteam.com
posted on: 8/23/2008 4:47:39 PM by Sue Crum
category: Special Populations
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Organizing for Boomers
by Sue Crum
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About Sue:
Sue Crum knows and understands the life of a Baby Boomer all too well. Having served as the filling of an Oreo cookie for many years, she has reinvented herself in San Diego as the owner of The R.E.D. Team, Reinventing Everyday Designs, doing professional organizing, real estate staging, and interior redesign.
Sue's Website:
www.theredteam.com
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