With families wanting to share time together genuinely connecting rather than simply opening presents, Professional Service Gifts are all the rage these days. Professional Service Gifts offer the receiver more free time to focus on what really matters to them, whatever that may be. As a Professional Service provider myself, my work specifically supports the connections my clients desire to have with their families and I am passionate about creating more time for them to do just. I am thrilled when people purchase time with me for their loved one.

There is no doubt in my mind that I will love your friend and I can help her with her space, but purchasing a gift like this for someone else requires a bit more soul searching for the giver. Broken down to its core, what you are essentially purchasing for another person is the experience of inviting a stranger into their home to delve into a personal aspect of their life. This definitely isn’t for everyone. No one likes their vulnerabilities highlighted. (I know that I don’t!)

If you are considering purchasing a gift of consulting with me for your family member, colleague or friend simply be mindful of who you purchase a gift like this for and play the exchange out in your head beforehand.

YOUR INTENTION: “I love my friend. She is always saying how she wants to be more organized and wants to refresh her living room. This gift will support her, get her started and ultimately give her less anxiety about her space and fill her life with joy.” [All true, I might add.]

YOUR FRIEND’S POTENTIAL RESPONSE: “Thanks so much…um….yeah, this is really thoughtful. I see why you got me this because I have talked about it. So, they will be coming to my house??” [anxiety, vulnerability,nerves ensue]

See what happened there? Your intention was awesome, but it kind of backfired because your friend wasn’t really ready to delve into this yet. People’s homes are very personal to them and inviting someone in to help them with design and organization can be tough.

Do not misunderstand, purchasing a gift for consulting with a Home Stylist, like me or a Wardrobe Consultant, Makeup Artist or even a Cleaning Service are incredibly thoughtful, generous gifts. You are amazing to even consider something so creative. However, just make sure they are open to this before you spend a considerable amount of money on something that they may not use.

I hope these thoughts help support you in your gift giving this year and if my business is on your list I look forward to hearing from you.

More holiday decorating tips, tricks, and DIY projects to share throughout the month. Stay Close!

NOTE: Please press play on the music link below the photo and then commence reading. I promise it makes the topic way more fun and sophisticated.

Question: How does one make the discussion of Seasonal Organizing in your home both entertaining and appealing?

Answer: Title the post “The Four Seasons” which will immediately transport the reader to what I imagine to be, one of me most luxurious hotel experience on the planet. Then accompany the post with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons [specifically selecting “AUTUMN” ] in order to subtly, yet firmly, reinforce your message.

Now that you’re relaxed, let’s discuss….your closets. I know, school just started in September. I understand you may still be in transition mode from little ones being in new schools, big ones being away at college, but my friend - it is time to take care of your house.  

This Fall I began offering a brand new extension of my business which I am calling Seasonal Services. The idea grew from a series of conversations with clients and busy moms who openly shared with me how little time they have to spend on projects for their home. Projects that, when completed, make them feel joyful, peaceful, and happy to relax on the couch. Yet, in the midst of everything else, simply fall off the to do list or become "undone frustrations.

This is exactly why you need me on your PWT! {If confused, read previous post here}

Life moves quickly, especially September- December, so we need to start planning.  Peruse the Seasonal Services and if there is something you need that you do not see on the list, just let me know. I’d love to hear in the comments below regarding your home decor issues in the Fall.

At certain times in life everyone needs a little help. Not that we want to give up entirely or relinquish all responsibility, but after being available to others all day, we simply crave the companionship of someone 100% dedicated to our needs - to our successes - to our goals. I know I do! In the midst of writing this post even, I had to call my business coach to vent about how much trouble I was having with writing this darn post!

Thankfully, life provides us amazing resources to help lighten the load.  We can hire therapists and trainers and life/business coaches whose job it is to meet us where we are, listen to us vent, create an action plan for accountability and then walk with us through the mud.

This is the point where I tell you, quite confidently, that adding a Professional Organizer to your “Personalized Wellness Team” [can we make PWT a thing?] is an excellent investment in your overall well being. Yes- for real- allow me to elaborate.

Through my personal experiences, as well as working with clients, I have learned that professional accountability is key. Hiring an expert in an area where you may not personally shine not only helps you to accomplish way more in way less time, but also develops your skill-set and supports you in reaching your goals. By definition, a coach is someone who “instructs or trains” and along with the addendum of encourage, this is exactly what I do when I work with my clients.

Hiring a Professional Organizer is not about being “unable to do the job on your own” (most of you can place items in your pantry in a reasonably logical way, I am sure). Instead, it is far more about being self aware enough to know what you do well and where you want to focus your limited time/energy.  

To hire a Professional Organizer is to say - “ I choose not to be in charge of this” - “I choose to be present without needing to figure out the plan of action” - “I choose to hire help simply because it makes it easier and more fun”

Professional Organizing may potentially blow your mind with new ways to fold your clothes or store your keepsakes...but probably not. You can find all of the tips and tricks of the trade online. For me it’s about personal connection. The one-on-one, creative, individualized problem solving that works specifically for your family. This is what makes a Professional Organizer a great addition to your PWT!