June - 2016

Cloud Storage vs. Online Backup: What's the Difference?

I got a seemingly-simple yet reasonable question from a friend this week. What’s the difference between cloud storage and online backup? As someone who embraces technology and spends time trying to keep up with the latest and greatest…it hadn’t occurred to me how potentially confusing these topics could be. So here is a hopefully-clear summary of both tools. What is Online Backup? "Backing up your computer" typically refers to backing up your entire hard drive so you can easi

3 Things to Consider When Organizing Your Finances

Is your financial paperwork a jumbled mess? If you answered "yes," you're certainly not alone. The good news is that there are many simple things you can do to better organize your bank statements, receipts and even your bookkeeping-related paraphernalia. Continue reading to learn more. The task is probably easier than you think. Think about Going Electronic If you haven't already done so, one of the first things to do on your quest to get organized: consider going electronic

OLWH: Managing Paperwork in an Architecture Business

Why the Client Called Me: One of my clients is a small architecture firm based in Mill Valley. They have between 5-8 employees, depending on the project. Each employee is remotely-located, but they all share information about the various clients - so they all need access to the same project information. In addition, paper/critical information accumulates in the office from multiple sources - emails, inspector reports, government licenses, product design, blueprints, product

Summer Road Trip Family Car Kit: What’s In Yours?

I have one exceptionally fond memory of a summer road trip as a kid. Perched in the back seat of our Ford Fairmont station wagon, staring out the back window, I witnessed a dreaded reality: our suitcases had flown off the top of the car and were bouncing up and down on the highway, emptying out one piece of underwear at a time. True story - I kid you not. Ever since that experience, I’ve been a little paranoid about road trips. Or let’s say this: I get EXTRA prepared (if I

10 Tips for Stress-Free Packing and Traveling

You've heard the packing adage, "Bring half of what you think you need and twice as much money," right? It's harder than it sounds. Whenever I have to pack for any trip, I end up saving it for the last minute because of the anxiety it gives me. Here are the top ten tips from travel pros on how to make packing --and traveling-- stress less. Choose your bag wisely When you carry-on, you have to fit your bag in the overhead compartment of your airline. Sometimes it can be a stru

OLWH: Reclaim Your (Former) Toddler's Play Space

Why The Client Called Me: My client took much pride in her daughter's artwork. (And don’t we all?) A few years ago, we worked together on kid artwork display ideas for her home. We hung up a spiffy IKEA curtain rod to hold the daily masterpieces, we carefully organized the toddler-aged art supplies in cute buckets, we set up an appropriate-height table and chairs. The space was adorable and functional. Fast-forward just a few years and bam! The child can no longer fit at the

5 Ways to Organize Your Mind

One popular definition of mindset is "a disposition, attitude or mood." That being said, it makes sense that clearing your mind of clutter goes a long way in helping you get more organized. Let's face it - when you're not clear-headed, it's very difficult to practice organizational skills. Keep reading to find out more about organizing your mindset. There is no reason to put it off for another day. Write Down Your Feelings One of the best ways to clear your mind of clutter is

Best Practices for Digital Photo Organization

We are the most well-documented culture in history. Sure, I could drum up some staggering facts for you about the volumes of photos the average smartphone user takes on an annual basis, but is that necessary? We don’t need any research; we know we need to organize those photos. Digital photography’s nearly limitless capacity for storing photos is both a boon and a curse. With a few swipes of the fingers right and left on our smartphones, we can usually find recent photos that

OLWH: Rightsizing Your Life After a Divorce

Why the Client Called: Usually clients call me when a major life event has happened. A marriage, a birth, a death - or a divorce. This life event creates a temporary sense of chaos, of disorder, or of pain, and the client needs assistance climbing back into a new reality. People contemplating, in the midst of, or recovering from divorce often are preoccupied with thoughts of uncertainty. Staying organized during this transition period can be hard but it saves time, money and

10 Things to do Before You Go on Vacation

I’m limping across the finish line of the end of the school year, but I’ve got my eyes fixed on one thing, really: Vacation! Yes, summer is just about here. If you are headed out for some summer fun, take some time to get organized before you leave for vacation. Add these 10 things to your “to-do” list to enjoy a carefree trip. Stop the mail and the newspaper. You can request the US Post Office to hold your mail by completing this simple form here. And give your newspaper a

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