Create Memories for Holiday Gifts

Family History Holiday Gifts

Not sure what to give this holiday?  If the current economic situation is making calls to Santa too expensive, here is an idea for a gift that is priceless.  Create a photo book on line that can become a modern scrapbook.  All you need is photos, a scanner, the ability to point and click and some time.

Many programs are available for free downloads and books can be created ranging from paperbacks to leather bound albums.  Cost range from $15 to $75 per book.  I like MyPublisher.com.  Simple directions and several options for book styles, page layouts and even text can be added.

My colleague Peter Walsh went a step further for online book ideas last week on the Oprah Winfrey Show.  Peter suggested taking digital pictures of your kids art work and creating a photo book for the most favorite items.  If parents try to keep every thing from kindergarten on, your children will not learn the importance of decision making.

Over Thanksgiving spend time reviewing old pictures with family members and get the scoop on your history.  Then make a gift that the entire family can enjoy and keep for generations.

Vote Now for What Keeps You Organized

The 4th Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards

What keeps you organized?  What or who saves you time in your home or office?  It may be a unique container, a favorite retail store, an informative book, blog, or even design company that keeps your clutter at bay.  The 4th annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards wants your input.

Get It Together LA!would like your vote for two categories if you agree; ”Best Closet Design Firm” and “Best Blog” – Being Organized by Chris McKenry.  Simply click here and  go to “Click here to vote for Your Favorites”.  You will be asked to sign in just to assure only one vote is placed from each email address.  The ballot has several categories that covers the world of organizing for home, office, and life.

Visit our Closets

Winners will be announced at the nationally recognized Los Angeles Organizing Awards to be held on January 30, 2009 at the Luxe on Sunset in Bel-Air.  The Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers is the event sponsor.

See you on the red carpet!

West Hollywood Chamber Honors Organizing Expert Chris McKenry

photo credit: Sandy Arison

For the second time in five years Organizing Expert Chris McKenry was recognized by the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce when he recieved the Ambassador of the Year Award.  The new London of West Hollywood was the setting for the Creative Business Awards on November 5, 2008. 

“You can’t become an Ambassador without rubbing shoulders with the right people.  No stranger to celebrities, at the age of 9 our honoree actually dined with the real Colonel Sanders,” joked Chamber Vice President Joan Henehan when presenting the award.  A member since 2001, Chris served on the chamber’s board of directors from 2003-2007.  During that time he lead the Design Committee for the chamber’s new office space.

Accepting the award, Chris stated “just as an organizer guides a client who is uncertain of how to recognize and part with their clutter, our chamber – the West Hollywood Chamber – guides each of us in successful strategies for working together and building a network to grow our business.  In West Hollywood we know that getting to know each other and learning of our products and services creates valuable connections for future business.  Thank you for letting me be a part of this organization and thank you for tonight’s honor.”

 

Chris also received the President’s Award at the Chamber’s Small Business Awards in June of 2003.

Fires, Theft, Earthquakes Make Household Inventories Invaluable

What if you heard fire trucks on your street?  Do you have an accurate inventory of what you have insured should there be a loss due to natural disasters or even theft?  State Farm Insurance suggests that providing the most information possible at the time of a loss is crucial to speedy and accurate claims.

 

Last week another fire brought fear to Los Angeles’s home owners.  Just after midnight a brush fire broke out near the Getty Museum on October 23.  Due to the quick response of the Fire Department and an aerial attack of the flames, there was no damage to homes amd most important no loss of life.  Would you be prepaired if you had a loss?

 

Household Inventory’s should include every item of value in your home.  Going room by room and make a list and photograph furniture, art work, window treatments, collections, etc.  This inventory should include the purchase price and the location of were items were purchased.

 

Keep an extra copy of the inventory away from the home so you are always repaired for quick claims.