And for everyone else, keep reading. This month, I’ve put together a Spring Clean Strategy For Dummies. Do these steps and watch control fall over your life and household, at least for a little while.

Ok, time to get started:

Purge!

*Take the Trash Out – Spend one day with a garbage bag in your hand and get rid of everything you don’t need and things that are broken and unsalvageable. Don’t stop at your house. Go out to your car and throw away everything that isn’t serving a purpose (or move it back into the house). Think of yourself as a trash superhero – you are conquering the clutter, one garbage can at a time.

*Donate – Gather together anything you can donate to charity or friends. Most of us could get rid of 30% our belongings and be just fine. Often the most organized are those with the least amount of stuff. They know when to move stuff out. Take a clue from the masters of clean and clear out your unused items.

* Out with the old, in with new. Store away winter coats, sports equipment, etc. Take time to organize closets. Don’t attempt to do this all in one day. Plan to organize one closet a week until you are done.

Shine, Sweep & Suck!

*Clean surfaces. Declutter shelves. Dust and windex like a mad man. Wipe away fingerprints and watch the sun come in through those clear windows. After you’ve rid yourself of dust bunnies, break out the broom and vacuum and get those floors clean. Ok, you’re almost done. Time to mop those floors. If you have a steamer, you can steam the grime away. With floors and counters clean, you should start feeling a little crisper. Might be time to invite a few friends over but first . . .

Make Your Bed!

*Studies have shown that people who make their bed everyday have a stronger feeling of control. Start your day organized and you are more likely to stay that way. So make your bed, every day. It might even be time to invest in some new sheets for spring!

Control Your Clutter!

*Control the clutter as it comes into your house. This means sorting your mail immediately and tossing items that are unnecessary. Whenever you bring in a new item, immediately get rid of something else. These easy strategies will keep the chaos from piling up around you.

Ok, all done. Doesn’t it feel good to be clean? Now in a few months when you’ve forgotten this brief lesson, you can do it all over again. Yeah, right!

It’s a sneaky little thing!

Remind me again why we do this twice a year?

Oh yes, this clock switching business all began during World War I – a valiant effort to conserve precious fuel that was needed to create electric power. A good cause at the time, no doubt.

But if you’re anything like me, losing a precious hour of sleep once a year is enough to turn me into a bit of a grump. Then, after a few days of adjustment, it is possible for me to rise up and actually get excited about the changing of season. Now you can imagine me standing on the hilltop singing at the top of my lungs, “Spring, Glorious Spring! Welcome Back!” Ok, not really, that would be a little overboard (I’m a little too manly to play Julie Andrews) but I am genuinely excited about the promise of sunshine ahead.

Sunshine gets me thinking about Spring Break. Spring Break gets me thinking about vacation. Hmmm. This year why not consider vacationing at home? Staycations can be a great way to save a few bucks and to keep yourself from the exhaustion that can set in after a week of travel. You know that feeling of needing “a vacation from your vacation!”

Rather than dealing with airports and long car trips this spring, why not save your energy and stay close to home? But don’t spend the week on the couch (unless of course you really want to) – here’s a few ideas to make your STAYCATION fun and memorable – so this Spring Break why don’t you . . .

Plan a lazy day (stay in your pajamas and watch movies all day).

Use these apps to save money and time over Spring Break:

Gas Buddy – Find the cheapest gas on the go for free
Urban Spoon – Search for local restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine or price (with reviews)
Living Social – Save money on everything you do from dining to working out.

But news is now emerging that too much multi-tasking and over-scheduling can eventually take a toll on our emotional health so if we’re not careful, we can soon find ourselves in a state of burn-out and exhaustion.

On that note, I’ve put together a few ways that we can all SLOW DOWN today . . . let’s try it together – can’t promise I’ll keep it up but for now, I’ll take a trip on the slow boat to happiness.

SLOW DOWN STRATEGIES . . .

1. Slow your morning routine down by getting ready the night before. Give yourself plenty of time to roll out of bed by going to bed earlier – this way you will have plenty of snooze time in the a.m. Plan out what you will wear, what you will eat and what you need to bring with you as you head out the door. Not going anywhere, you can still slow down your morning routine. Savor that shower. Linger over that bagel. Take time to enjoy the quiet still of the morning.

2. Drive slow. No answering your cell phone or texting and driving. Leave with plenty of time to make it to your next destination. (Then you can laugh at the people who race you to the next inevitable stoplight.)

3. Make mealtime a time to slow down. Chew slowly and take the time to enjoy every bite. This will help you feel full quicker and eat less. Also, you won’t need Pepto-Bismol at the end of the day either. An added plus!

4. Single task at work. Pick one task and refuse to be interrupted until you finish it. Focus on it. Don’t check your email. Don’t pick up the phone (I know, easier said than done). Work from home? Work with kids? Focus on one thing at a time, even if that means coloring with the kids without checking your phone.

After you try these slow down strategies, you may be inspired to add more to the list For some reason, I’m feeling inspired to add one right now. I think I’m getting sleepy. ZZZZ. Just kidding, I’m not even on #1 yet.

The good news is we’re not alone; technology is on our side. Use a Smartphone to track goals and stay motivated this year. Research shows that less than half of people who make New Years Resolutions actually keep them. Use these apps to defy the odds and make 2012 the year you achieve everything you desire.

Apps to keep you on track in 2012 . . .

Joe’s Goals

A free tracking tool to monitor habits and daily goals.

Strengths: ease of use, simplicity, and daily score keeps you motivated.

Best for: keeping track of short term objectives — things you need or want to do every day or week, such as exercising or writing your daily blog.

43 Things

Free social goal-making site that helps you connect with others to inspire and motivate you to try new things.

Strengths: social, inspirational, and connects to Facebook account.

Best for: getting support with reaching your goals from an Internet community, especially for reaching difficult goals.

GoalsOnTrack

A detailed goal tracking, task management, and time management service. Membership is $68 per year – it’s BBB accredited and offers a 60-day money back guarantee.

Strengths: slideshow feature included to help you “subconsciously find ways to achieve your goals,” integrated calendar and journal for creating an action plan.

Best for: anyone looking for a full-featured goal planning/achievement system.

Lifetick

A personal or professional goal achievement that acts like a personal trainer for your mind.

Strengths: email reminders to help you achieve SMART goals, with accessibility from smartphones, and a mobile Web version for iPhone, Android, and Palm users. Free version for up to 4 goals. (Paid version is affordable at $20 a year, with unlimited goals, journal tools and live stat updates.)

Best for: mobile devise accessibility and utilization of the SMART methodology of goal setting.

Don’t Break The Chain!

“Don’t Break the Chain is a simple calendar designed with the Jerry Seinfeld motivation technique in mind. As explained on Lifehacker, Seinfeld’s productivity secret was to use a giant calendar and mark off each day he completed his writing task; the growing chain of red X’s encouraged him to maintain his desired habits.”

Strengths: simple and straightforward app that works best for achieving a single goal. Can be integrated with iGoogle and Google Chrome.

Best for: visual learners who have one large goal to achieve.

ToodleDo

“One of the best to-do list apps available today!”

Strengths: a powerful to-do list that creates action plans to help you reach goals.

Best for: tracking tasks and goals in one single place.

Now it’s up to you, pick an app and get going making 2012 the year you defy the odds and reach your goals! If I can do it, so can you. We’re in this together.

If you’re a little bit last minute this year, like me, you may be way behind in your holiday shopping and looking to find gifts fast. I’m here to help you! This way you can cross shopping off your “to do” list and make time for your “want to” list!

Here’s a list of gifts that are sure to delight and spread joy this season, especially since they all come in at the very reasonable price of $50 or less.

Awkward Family Photos: The Board Game

Based on a popular website, Awkward Family Photos will be your new favorite party game! Combines classic and never- seen-before Awkward Family Photos with probing, open ended questions for a hilarious game night!

Giant Gummy Bear (bigger than a football)

This giant 5 lb. gummy bear is bigger than a football and sure to satisfy even the most die-hard gummy addict. And as a table topper or conversation piece it can’t be beat.

Funky iPhone Cases

Keep your iPhone safe while making it super-fun. Soft rubber phone holders in a range of designs. Fits all iPhone models.

Universal Remote Control Pillow

The sofa pillow with the distinctive difference – it’s also a remote control. Never again will you have to ask, “Where’s the remote” And you’ll never lose this remote in between cushions because it IS a cushion – with a built-in 6-in-1 universal remote control!

Twilight Turtle Nightlight

Sweet dreams are made of this. A soft and plush turtle nightlight radiates a tranquil, star-studded light to help little ones drift off to sleep. More than a nightlight and friendly bedtime companion, it projects constellations on the ceiling and walls, transforming a child’s bedroom into a planetarium.

Personalized Steak Branding Iron

Made of durable stainless steel to withstand even the most intense grilling heat, this personalized steak brand can be custom ordered with any combination of 5 letters of your choice. Perfect for indoor or outdoor grilling and an awesome gift. If you’re in a hurry, pick the initial of the recipient – premade and ready to give.

Ok, time to shop to you drop! Ready, set, CHARGE!

Each year I’m amazed at how quickly the year goes by. One minute I’m hearing back to school ads on the radio and then before I know it, Santa greets me at the grocery store, ringing that little bell in my ear.

Ok enough with the shock . . . there’s really nothing to do at this point but to embrace it! Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, New Years – they’re approaching and it’s time to step up and make this a season one to remember for many years to come.

Now I’m getting to my point. What I know for sure (and now I sound like Oprah) is that the term “Give to Get” really is true. Whenever I give of my time and talents, I reap a harvest of contentment and joy. What I also know is that without planning on my part, the chance of actually doing something for someone else decreases with each holiday party and activity.

Now is the time to make a plan to give. I promise that by giving to others this season, we will all grab our own pocket of joy amidst the craziness of the season!

Why not start small by giving to one of the organizations I’ve listed below? After that, you may feel so good that you want to do more. Find a place to volunteer your time – at a school, a shelter, a hospital, etc. The opportunities for giving are endless and no effort is too small. Ok, time to start . . .

Check out these great places to GIVE TO GET this holiday season:

HomesForOurTroops.org (support our troops)
Operationsmile.org – (help those with a cleft palate)
Cradlestocrayons.org – (support homeless and low income children)
ASPCA.org – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (support animals)
MOWAA.org – Meals on Wheels (support senior citizens)
Foodforthepeople.org – (support poor in the world)
www.worldvision.org -World Vision (support underprivileged everywhere)
www.sharedhope.org – Shared Hope International
(support victims of human trafficking)

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year to all of you! May this be the year we all GIVE TO GET!

Come on! Let’s go! I have to go to work and you’re going to miss the bus! I don’t know where your favorite shirt is; it’s not my responsibility. What do you mean you did not do all of your homework? Did you brush your teeth and wash your face yet? Come on! We need to leave… NOW!

Hopefully your mornings don’t start out like the one I just described. If it sounds all too familiar, it’s time to change your daily routine. A consistent bedtime routine will make for a stress free morning. Here are some tips to get your morning started off on the right foot:

• No yelling or raising your voice.

• Go to bed early and wake up early.

• Shower and bathe in the evening.

• Look over homework before bedtime. Make sure it has been completed.

• Before bedtime pack lunches and get backpacks ready to go.

• Provide instructions once. Repeated requests only send the message that it really doesn’t really have to be done right away.

• Set consequences and stick to it.

Congress voted to approve the separation from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. On July 8th, members of Congress took the document and went to the steps of Independence Hall and read it aloud, announcing it to the city of Philadelphia and rang the city bell. The inscription on the bell was perfect for the occasion. Leviticus 25:10 “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof.”

John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail and noted, “This day will be the most memorable epic in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.”

The founding fathers have passed us a torch and it is our responsibility to not let it go out. I wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July! I am proud to be an American and a Dealer For The People!

A father is important in a child’s life. He is highly respected and he is looked up to. Sometimes fathers are forgotten. That’s why Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to say thank you.

The best part about Father’s Day is finding a gift that makes Dad smile. It can be difficult finding that perfect gift. Especially the one that says how much you love and appreciate him for all the sacrifices he has made. Forget about that tacky shirt and give him something that he will truly appreciate.

Finding a gift is easy; just think of all the things your father enjoys! Here are my top 10 gift ideas for Father’s Day:

10. Swiss Army Knife

9. Fishing Gear

8. Golf Clubs

7. Wallet

6. Wine

5. Sporting Event Tickets

4. Watch

3. Gift Certificate to Dad’s favorite restaurant

2. BBQ Grill

1. New Car!

I can help with the last one. If you need help getting dad a nicer, newer vehicle this month just give us a call. We’re here to help.