Back to Dirty Little Secrets Index
Dirty Little Secrets, Organizing Tips and Life Hacks
20 “More” Organizing Tips
by Maria Gracia1. Here’s a great way to spark creative
thinking
Not feeling creative lately and need something to spark more creativity in your life? Socialize more! That’s right…the simple act of socializing with others about positive, uplifting subjects, can increase your imagination and stretch your mind to think in new ways. All you need is a friendly person and 10 minutes of their time to impact your creative mind in a big way!2. You’ll work out 90% more often if you do
this…
Make working out a competition…either against someone else…or against yourself. For instance, if you and your friend wear pedometers this week, see who can walk the most. Cheer each other on! Alternately, if you worked out for 10 minutes today, try to beat your “score” and go for 15 minutes tomorrow. Challenge is known to add motivation!3. Add this to lunch and dinner to save on
over-eating. It makes you feel full faster!
When it comes to lunch and dinner, be sure you’re adding enough plant protein to your meals, like beans, spinach, and peas. The fiber will help fill you up…and help you feel full longer. Have a side of chick peas or sweet pea hummus, instead of chips. Make a spinach salad, or add a nice handful to your sandwich.4. Shampoo not lathering well? Do this…
I am not a fan of shampoo that doesn’t lather well. While speaking with my hair stylist one day, she said that many of today’s shampoos are made with a very concentrated formula, like the ones they sell at my salon. She said, “If a shampoo isn’t lathering well, don’t add more shampoo. Add more water.” I tried this out at home, and it worked like a charm. As a bonus, money is now being saved because I’m using less shampoo!5. Pssst…I found a great hidden area for
storage. Want to know where?
As a child, I sometimes stuffed miscellaneous possessions under my bed. Why, because I was usually in a hurry and didn’t know where else to put it. Since then, I’ve learned the space under the bed is a super area for storage. (Note: NOT for junk.) I store extra table leaves under my bed. You might do the same, or store items like extra blankets or winter sweaters. However, to keep it all organized, get yourself an under-the-bed container or two...those that have wheels are even better!6. When I go to bed, my email inbox is empty.
This is what I do to ensure this is true every
day.
I check my email several times each day, and use my Delete key the most during each session. This eliminates most of the email in my inbox within minutes. I handle the rest and then delete the original message if I don’t need it, or file it in a virtual folder if I have to keep it.7. Soggy fish? Yuck! Here’s what I do to keep
it crisp and yummy…
Wisconsin is famous for their Friday night fish fries. I like fish, especially fish that have a crisp outer skin. To make my fish crisp, I first dry the fish fillet with a paper towel before cooking. Then, I remove all liquid and fat from the pan while the fish is cooking. Removing the oils and fats will keep your fish crisp and delicious.8. I always have this one power food stocked
in my pantry
I am never without cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) in my pantry. They’re a wonderful vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fiber, they contain exceptional levels of iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium, and they’re delicious. I often rinse and toss them in my salads. They’re also easy to add to stews and soups...I toss them in when these types of meals are nearly done cooking just to make sure they’re hot.9. Want to stay highly productive and efficient
at work? This is a trick I use almost every day
To keep my mind focused, I avoid any triggers that might pull me off-task. For instance, I steer clear of my personal emails, my personal social networks, and personal calls until my major projects are completed.10. Bored with plain drinking water? Here’s
what I do to make it more exciting…
Drinking plain water every day gets boring. To spruce it up, I fill a pitcher with water and add sliced fruit...such as lemons, limes, oranges, raspberries, peaches, or strawberries. I let the pitcher sit overnight and by morning, I have nice, cold water with a hint of flavor.11. Psssttt...I have a secret for making the
perfect fried egg. Here it is!
The single, number one best trick to making the greatest fried eggs ever is...water. Once the eggs have begun to solidify in the pan (turn white), add a tablespoon of water to the pan. Then place a lid over the eggs. The bottom of the egg will turn out crispy, while the top remains perfect for dipping toast.12. Do you hate it when nail polish bottle caps
stick? Me too. Here’s what I do to mine to
prevent this…
When I open a new bottle of nail polish, I immediately rub a small amount of vegetable oil around the threads. When I’m done applying the polish, I twist the cap back on the threads. Next time I use the nail polish, it opens just as easily as it did on the first day. Reapply the vegetable oil as needed.13. Leftover cooking grease? Here’s how I
dispose of it…
As soon as the grease in the pan cools a bit, I place an absorbent paper towel or two inside the pan (I use Bounty brand). Using tongs, I press down on the paper towel and swish it around to catch all the grease. I then walk over to the trash can with the pan and, using tongs, grab the paper towel and dispose of it in the garbage.14. Who wants dinner to be humdrum? Here’s
how I make everyday dinners unique!
Some of the best meals I’ve made for dinner are the ones where I didn’t follow the recipe step-by-step. A recipe is a set of guidelines for a cook to follow, but those instructions don’t have to be followed exactly. Sometimes I add or switch ingredients. Other times, I eliminate an ingredient all together. Improvisation can make a so-so dish turn into an amazing, different, family-loving meal.15. You’re prepping food, your hands are
messy, and the phone rings. What do you do?
I saw this trick on the Food Network one day and I’ve never forgotten it. When you know you’re going to have your hands in flour or meatloaf, always keep a clean plastic baggie handy. If the phone rings, you can just stick your hand in the bag, and pick up the phone without getting the phone all messy.16. Want less clutter? Me too! That’s why I’m
always doing this…
Whenever I go shopping, before I buy anything I always ask, “Do I really need this item? Is it going to enhance my life? Do I have a place for it?” Very often, I’ll give myself a day or two to think about it before I make the purchase. This helps to deter impulse purchases of things I may not need.17. Here’s how I make sure toiletries don’t leak
in my luggage…
Before packing toiletries that may leak, I take the lid off the item and place plastic wrap over the opening. I then screw the lid back on the container.18. Has your kitchen table become a dumping
ground? Try this!
One way to keep the kitchen table from becoming a dumping ground is to empty it off completely, clean it, add pretty cloth placements and napkins...and set the table for your next meal. The table will be way too pretty to toss mail or other unnecessary items on top of it...plus, it will be ready to sit down at when your family is ready to eat.19. I have a secret that prevents facial
blemishes from developing overnight. Here’s
what I do…
I keep blemishes from appearing during the middle of the night by sleeping on a clean, silk pillowcase. Silk is a smooth material, so it’s easier on your face (and hair). By the way, swapping out your pillowcase every 2-3 days is recommended. Oils from your hair and face rub off on your pillow leaving behind dirt and grime that cause pimples. (Imagine not changing your pillowcase for two weeks...yikes!). By changing your pillowcase (and washing your face before bed), you’re more likely to keep those blemishes from developing overnight.20. When cleaning a room, I use this very
efficient method. Here’s what it is…
I don’t randomly clean a room. Instead, I clean a room beginning from the top down and moving in a clockwise pattern. In doing so, nothing is missed and I never have to backtrack. Back to Dirty Little Secrets Index
The Original
Get Organized Now!
Website - Since 1997
by Maria Gracia
The Original
Get Organized Now!
Website - Since 1997
by Maria Gracia
Dirty Little Secrets - Organizing Tips
By Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now!™
Copyright 1998 - 2023 Get Organized Now!™
611 Arlington Way, Watertown, WI 53094
All of our GON information on this website, discussion forum, newsletters and
e-mail correspondence, is protected by copyright laws. Reprint is strictly forbidden,
unless stated otherwise on individual pages. Anyone posting copyrighted material or
correspondence, without permission from the owner of this website, will be liable for
damages. For reprint permission, please contact the owner of this website.
Recommendations: If you happen to purchase anything I recommend in any of my
communications, I may receive a small compensation. Still, I only recommend what I
truly believe in and share with my friends and family. If you ever have an issue with
anything I recommend, please let me know. I want to make sure I am always serving
you at the highest level.
Back to Dirty Little Secrets Index
Dirty Little Secrets, Organizing Tips and Life
Hacks
20 “More” Organizing Tips
by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Dirty Little Secret is available. 1. Here’s a great way to spark creative thinking Not feeling creative lately and need something to spark more creativity in your life? Socialize more! That’s right…the simple act of socializing with others about positive, uplifting subjects, can increase your imagination and stretch your mind to think in new ways. All you need is a friendly person and 10 minutes of their time to impact your creative mind in a big way! 2. You’ll work out 90% more often if you do this… Make working out a competition…either against someone else…or against yourself. For instance, if you and your friend wear pedometers this week, see who can walk the most. Cheer each other on! Alternately, if you worked out for 10 minutes today, try to beat your “score” and go for 15 minutes tomorrow. Challenge is known to add motivation! 3. Add this to lunch and dinner to save on over-eating. It makes you feel full faster! When it comes to lunch and dinner, be sure you’re adding enough plant protein to your meals, like beans, spinach, and peas. The fiber will help fill you up…and help you feel full longer. Have a side of chick peas or sweet pea hummus, instead of chips. Make a spinach salad, or add a nice handful to your sandwich. 4. Shampoo not lathering well? Do this… I am not a fan of shampoo that doesn’t lather well. While speaking with my hair stylist one day, she said that many of today’s shampoos are made with a very concentrated formula, like the ones they sell at my salon. She said, “If a shampoo isn’t lathering well, don’t add more shampoo. Add more water.” I tried this out at home, and it worked like a charm. As a bonus, money is now being saved because I’m using less shampoo! 5. Pssst…I found a great hidden area for storage. Want to know where? As a child, I sometimes stuffed miscellaneous possessions under my bed. Why, because I was usually in a hurry and didn’t know where else to put it. Since then, I’ve learned the space under the bed is a super area for storage. (Note: NOT for junk.) I store extra table leaves under my bed. You might do the same, or store items like extra blankets or winter sweaters. However, to keep it all organized, get yourself an under-the-bed container or two...those that have wheels are even better! 6. When I go to bed, my email inbox is empty. This is what I do to ensure this is true every day. I check my email several times each day, and use my Delete key the most during each session. This eliminates most of the email in my inbox within minutes. I handle the rest and then delete the original message if I don’t need it, or file it in a virtual folder if I have to keep it. 7. Soggy fish? Yuck! Here’s what I do to keep it crisp and yummy… Wisconsin is famous for their Friday night fish fries. I like fish, especially fish that have a crisp outer skin. To make my fish crisp, I first dry the fish fillet with a paper towel before cooking. Then, I remove all liquid and fat from the pan while the fish is cooking. Removing the oils and fats will keep your fish crisp and delicious. 8. I always have this one power food stocked in my pantry I am never without cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) in my pantry. They’re a wonderful vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fiber, they contain exceptional levels of iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium, and they’re delicious. I often rinse and toss them in my salads. They’re also easy to add to stews and soups...I toss them in when these types of meals are nearly done cooking just to make sure they’re hot. 9. Want to stay highly productive and efficient at work? This is a trick I use almost every day To keep my mind focused, I avoid any triggers that might pull me off-task. For instance, I steer clear of my personal emails, my personal social networks, and personal calls until my major projects are completed. 10. Bored with plain drinking water? Here’s what I do to make it more exciting… Drinking plain water every day gets boring. To spruce it up, I fill a pitcher with water and add sliced fruit...such as lemons, limes, oranges, raspberries, peaches, or strawberries. I let the pitcher sit overnight and by morning, I have nice, cold water with a hint of flavor. 11. Psssttt..I have a secret for making the perfect fried egg. Here it is! The single, number one best trick to making the greatest fried eggs ever is...water. Once the eggs have begun to solidify in the pan (turn white), add a tablespoon of water to the pan. Then place a lid over the eggs. The bottom of the egg will turn out crispy, while the top remains perfect for dipping toast. 12. Do you hate it when nail polish bottle caps stick? Me too. Here’s what I do to mine to prevent this… When I open a new bottle of nail polish, I immediately rub a small amount of vegetable oil around the threads. When I’m done applying the polish, I twist the cap back on the threads. Next time I use the nail polish, it opens just as easily as it did on the first day. Reapply the vegetable oil as needed. 13. Leftover cooking grease? Here’s how I dispose of it… As soon as the grease in the pan cools a bit, I place an absorbent paper towel or two inside the pan (I use Bounty brand). Using tongs, I press down on the paper towel and swish it around to catch all the grease. I then walk over to the trash can with the pan and, using tongs, grab the paper towel and dispose of it in the garbage. 14. Who wants dinner to be humdrum? Here’s how I make everyday dinners unique! Some of the best meals I’ve made for dinner are the ones where I didn’t follow the recipe step-by-step. A recipe is a set of guidelines for a cook to follow, but those instructions don’t have to be followed exactly. Sometimes I add or switch ingredients. Other times, I eliminate an ingredient all together. Improvisation can make a so-so dish turn into an amazing, different, family-loving meal. 15. You’re prepping food, your hands are messy, and the phone rings. What do you do? I saw this trick on the Food Network one day and I’ve never forgotten it. When you know you’re going to have your hands in flour or meatloaf, always keep a clean plastic baggie handy. If the phone rings, you can just stick your hand in the bag, and pick up the phone without getting the phone all messy. 16. Want less clutter? Me too! That’s why I’m always doing this… Whenever I go shopping, before I buy anything I always ask, “Do I really need this item? Is it going to enhance my life? Do I have a place for it?” Very often, I’ll give myself a day or two to think about it before I make the purchase. This helps to deter impulse purchases of things I may not need. 17. Here’s how I make sure toiletries don’t leak in my luggage… Before packing toiletries that may leak, I take the lid off the item and place plastic wrap over the opening. I then screw the lid back on the container. 18. Has your kitchen table become a dumping ground? Try this! One way to keep the kitchen table from becoming a dumping ground is to empty it off completely, clean it, add pretty cloth placements and napkins...and set the table for your next meal. The table will be way too pretty to toss mail or other unnecessary items on top of it...plus, it will be ready to sit down at when your family is ready to eat. 19. I have a secret that prevents facial blemishes from developing overnight. Here’s what I do… I keep blemishes from appearing during the middle of the night by sleeping on a clean, silk pillowcase. Silk is a smooth material, so it’s easier on your face (and hair). By the way, swapping out your pillowcase every 2-3 days is recommended. Oils from your hair and face rub off on your pillow leaving behind dirt and grime that cause pimples. (Imagine not changing your pillowcase for two weeks...yikes!). By changing your pillowcase (and washing your face before bed), you’re more likely to keep those blemishes from developing overnight. 20. When cleaning a room, I use this very efficient method. Here’s what it is… I don’t randomly clean a room. Instead, I clean a room beginning from the top down and moving in a clockwise pattern. In doing so, nothing is missed and I never have to backtrack. Back to Dirty Little Secrets Index
GON DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS
Copyright 1998 - 2023 Get Organized Now!™
611 Arlington Way, Watertown, WI 53094
All of our GON information on this website, discussion forum, newsletters and
e-mail correspondence, is protected by copyright laws. Reprint is strictly forbidden, unless
stated otherwise on individual pages. Anyone posting copyrighted material or
correspondence, without permission from the owner of this website, will be liable for
damages. For reprint permission, please contact the owner of this website.
Recommendations: If you happen to purchase anything I recommend in any of my
communications, I may receive a small compensation. Still, I only recommend what I truly
believe in and share with my friends and family. If you ever have an issue with anything I
recommend, please let me know. I want to make sure I am always serving you at the
highest level.
