Christa Wagner

We’re a couple weeks from Thanksgiving. What are you doing to prepare for one of the most intense meals of the year? Here are some tips to have a relaxing and organized Thanksgiving for you and your guests.

• Start planning your meal now. Create your shopping list and purchase non-perishables at the same time you do your regular shopping. This way you beat the crowds and spread the expense over the next month.
• Prepare as many items in advance as possible. Many dishes can be made ahead of time and frozen. Take advantage of this so you can spend time with your guests rather than in the kitchen.
• Don’t assume you have to do everything. Ask your guests to bring a classic dish, a bottle of wine or fresh flowers.
• Take an inventory of your chairs, tables, dishes, flatware, glassware and linens. If items need to be cleaned, do so now. If you need more chairs or table settings, arrange now.
• Make a checklist and a schedule of tasks to be done on Thanksgiving Day. Delegate to your spouse and children and be realistic and cross off items that can be skipped.
• Plan activities and games for children to keep them busy and happy.

Thanksgiving can be an organized and peaceful day. Don’t take on too much or try over the top recipes. Relax and enjoy time with your friends and family.

Another great way to simplify your fall is to take advantage of our Meal Planning Made Easy System. These simple, straightforward lists will save you time, money, and stress week after week. Purchase all three and start enjoying family dinners together.

In September I had the opportunity to work with Blink Media on an organizing segment for their Get Connected Show.  The show a weeks ago during Small Business Week (the week of October 19) and I just recently got a copy of the link.  I’ve been on TV a few times on the news, but this was a new experience that I just loved.  I had so much fun and was thrilled to be apart of the event.   I was also so impressed with the crew at Blink Media; the quality of the work was exceptional and they were super to work with. 

On the show we work with a client who is struggling with some organizational issues.   Like many of my clients they had a home office space that had too many purpose, little storage space and just too much stuff.  We were able to help by letting go of some unneeded items, we created a home for things using some great office products, and since it was a Get Connected Segment, we incorporated some pretty cool and very functional computer tools.  The client was thrilled and overall it was a super day.

Click her to view the segment. 

Christa Wagner is a Professional Organizer located in Vancouver, BC.  I am hoping for many more opportunities like this one.  Here is what the producer said about working with me:  “I think I can speak on behalf of AJ, Clayton and the entire GC Crew, that you were an excellent co-host for our segment and the energy you brought to the set throughout the long day will translate well onto the screen.” 

If you know of any media opportunities, please pass them along and I will eagerly follow-up!   Contact me at 778.839.5792.

Recently, I’ve had a lot on my plate.  I have two businesses that are in full swing, we moved in September so I had to pack, unpack and try and get settled in our new space, I went home to help my sister with her newborn (who is the most adorable baby on the planet – no bias of course) and I’ve been trying to carve out a little time for myself and my husband John. 

So a few weeks ago I would say I had a melt down.  It came after three straight weeks of 7am – 9pm days, I had not worked out or seen friends and had very little time with John.  I was really struggling and just found myself frustrated by so much to do.   

As an organizer, I teach people how to manage their time, but its an ongoing process.  Even though my life is pretty balanced; I dedicate evenings and weekends to myself, my family and frieds; things got a little out of control with so many outside forces.   When that happens its important to re-assess the situation and figure out what’s working and what’s not working and fix it right away.  Here is my plan of attack:

• I blocked out time in my calendar for myself.  This is in addition to evenings and weekends because that’s not usually just for me.  I have had a tough time getting to the gym and that’s really important to me.  Exercising is now on the calendar as an appointment with myself. 
• I asked John if he could cook one night a week.  I love to cook; its my release from the day and we make dinner nearly every night.  I use my Meal Planning Made Easy System to plan meals for the week making dinnertime and grocery shopping simplier.  That said, it would be so helpful for John to get dinner on the table once per week – he picked Thursdays! 
• I more clearly defined when I will work on each business.  Having two businesses, I have two of everything. Two websites, two newsletters, two blogs.  I now have dedicated time in my calendar to work on Savvy Solutions and A Red Bench seperately so I don’t feel as if I am working on both all of the time.
• I let go of a few responsibilities and activities that were not necessary or bringing value to my life.  I am a busy person and I want to contribute and be involved with as many things as I can.  But sometimes, I get involved with too much and I found myself not enjoying a few groups and associations.  I’ve let those go, guilt free!

Sure, I’m organized, but that’s doesn’t mean I don’t have to manage my time just like everyone else.  The difference is, I actually take the time to figure out what’s not working and fix it.  You are worth it.  You will be much happier if you carve out a little “you time.” 

For help with time management contact us at 778.839.5792 or purchase our audio called Time Management is Broken.  Christa Wagner is a professional organizer based in Vancouver, BC.

In a previous post, we recommended starting dinner earlier in the day, which saves time in getting meals ready for the family. If you are stumped on what foods can be prepared ahead of time, here are a few suggestions. Most of these make delicious leftovers, too!

• Casseroles – Usually you can make these ahead of time, then pop them in the refrigerator and take them out when it is time to bake

• Soups – They taste better when they simmer for a while anyway!

• Pizza – You can put the dough in the bread machine and leave it, then chop up all the toppings and place those in a container in the refrigerator. If you don’t have a bread machine or time to make dough, tortilla or pita bread makes a great substitute.

• Chicken for grilling – I usually parboil some chicken thighs or whole breast and marinade them. At dinnertime, pop them onto the grill for a few minutes and you have a quick meal!

• Salads – Throwing together a crisp salad all ready to go is a good and healthy addition to any meal! Pasta salads are great to make in advance too.

• Bread – If I get my bread in my bread machine by 1:00, it is ready for dinner. Fresh, warm,  homemade bread is delicious! If I am making dough for rolls, I will start it in the morning and in the afternoon get it all ready and bake right before dinner.

For more help, use our Meal Planning Made Easy system with step-by-step reminders to make meal planning and shopping easier for busy people.  For less than take-out, you can get dinner on the table every night.

In September I had the opportunity to work with Blink Media on an organizing segment for their Get Connected Show.  The show is airing tomorrow during Small Business Week (the week of October 19).  I had so much fun and was thrilled to be apart of the event.   Thank you Blink TV. 

On the show we work with a client who is struggling with some organizational issues.   Our client was fantastic.  Like many of my clients they had a home office space that had too many purpose, little storage space and just too much stuff.  We were able to help by letting go of some unneeded items, we created a home for things using some great office products, and since it was a Get Connected Segment, we incorporated some pretty cool and very functional computer tools.  The client was thrilled and overall it was a super day.

The show will air on Thursday, October 22nd on BNN at 5:00 PM PST, and on City TV on Saturday October 24th at 9:30 AM PST.   Visit their website for exact viewing times.   I will also post to You Tube as soon as I receive my copy!

Christa Wagner is a Professional Organizer located in Vancouver, BC.

Now is the time to start thinking about your holiday shopping list.  We are sure its and it can be tough to know what to give. Instead of giving a loved one a gift they may, or may not use, give experiences and time. Dancing or kayaking lessons, movie tickets, a massage certificate or what about a cleaning or organizing service certificate? Giving the gift of experience and time doesn’t add more clutter to the shelves, just a thoughtful gesture to let that special someone know you care.

A great gift that is super for busy Moms and families is our Meal Planning Made Easy System. Download these lists and use them over and over to save time and money every week.  You’ll never be stumped on “What’s for dinner?” again.

It’s hard to believe fall is here, but you can feel it. The air is crisp and cool and people will soon spend more time indoors. I love this time of year. I love to nestle on the couch with a good book and a warm cup of coffee. I love to cook soups and other comfort foods that make you feel warm inside. I love to watch a good football game on a cool fall day.

Make the most of your fall by simplifying so you can relax and enjoy this season. Here are some suggestions:

1. Donate summer clothing you did not wear this year. It’s always better to have more room in your closet – even better when it’s all clothes you wear.
2. Have everyone in your family contribute to the organizing for 10 minutes each day. There is no reason everyone can’t contribute. Set the timer and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
3. Avoid just setting things down. Don’t put them down; put them away in their designated home.
4. Start your holiday shopping to avoid last-minute stress and overspending. Consider giving the gift of time this year like a massage, house cleaner or movie tickets. These gifts are always much appreciated and don’t take up any space.
5. Hire someone to help you do this tasks you can’t or don’t want to do yourself – who said you have to do everything yourself?

Another great way to simplify your fall is to take advantage of our Meal Planning Made Easy System. These simple, straightforward lists will save you time, money, and stress week after week. Purchase all three and start enjoying family dinners together.

Christa is proud to announce she is now a member of Golden Circle, a prestigious designation by NAPO denoting an elevated level of experience within the professional organizing industry. Golden Circle members possess at least five years of proven professional organizing work activity, and share vast cumulative experience, working on projects that strengthen the organizing profession and playing key roles in the leadership of NAPO and its network of chapters worldwide.

Thank you, NAPO!