Book Review - The Little Book of Hygge

Yes, the Happiness Research Institute is a real thing.

While we usually don't like jumping on bandwagons for this one we feel all right with our decision. Since Denmark is often ranked among the happiest nations on Earth the new book, The Little Book of Hygge should not be a source for just another self-help wishful thinking bathroom reading material. The book's author, Meik Wiking is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, research associate for Denmark at the World Database of Happiness, and founding member of the Latin American Network for Wellbeing and Quality of Life Policies. While that may be a mouthful it is probably safe to say he is an expert on happiness. The book explores ways we can embrace Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) to become happier through adopting the Danish philosophy of comfort, togetherness, and well-being. One of the central themes of the book deals with how we feel and those feelings have a lot do with comfort and loved ones. It probably won't come as a surprise to know you should turn off your phones and the lights and switch to candles and conversation.

Another one of the book's themes focuses on the simple pleasures of life. The core concept of living simply helps explain the book's length. As organizers we want you to be able to find what you are looking for and a lot of complicated organizing gadgets and systems is usually not the answer.  As a dreary winter dredges along bring a little light into your life.

Product Review - Lock Laces

All Tied in Knots

Like many families, we have a rule about taking our shoes off indoors. It turns out you can track in things besides dirt and water, there can also be an issue with bacteria and toxins on your soles. Additionally,  during client visits we often take off our shoes. In that regard, I have become a big fan of Lock Laces. These elastic no tie shoe laces allow you to easily slip on and off your shoes. They are fairly quick and straight forward to install but you do need to pay attention as scissors are involved. At the end of the day, it is not that tying your shoes is something that takes up a lot of time but the number of times they come untied throughout the day does seem to add up.

For Everyone

Older adults with or without arthritis also benefit from not having to worry about tying and retying laces. Additionally, those with medical issues especially back related will find relief in not having to bend over so much. However, I am torn when it comes to my kids, on the one hand, Lock Laces make your shoes look like they are from the future but I do want the boys to learn how to tie their shoes. They come in a range of colors and while I usually get black to keep it simple I am curious to see what would happen if I engaged a louder color. 

Simple Solutions to Make the Holidays Clutter and Coal Free

We suggest these easy steps to help manage the chaos that often accompanies the holidays. While you may not be able to control the kids the night before Christmas or keep your second cousin away from the spiked eggnog, you can minimize the stress of the season through these simple organizing techniques.

Gift Wrap

You've bought your presents and now It's time to wrap your gifts. Wrapping paper, tissue and holiday gift bags are one of the most commonly cluttered items we see in people’s homes. Although it is tempting to take advantage of the inexpensive gift wrap prices in the stores, first check the amount you have from last year. Most people already have more than enough in stock.

•    Bags: Sort through your bags, recycle the damaged ones. Figure out what you will need for your gifts using last year as a guide. Keep a few bags in each size and recycle the generic department store ones.
•    Paper: Think about how many gifts you wrap, knowing that most stores will wrap for charity. Pick your favorite design and let go of the ripped, wrinkled or poorly made wrapping paper, saving the tubes for use as light sabers.
•    Tissue: Discard your ripped tissue. Tissue is often inexpensive or on sale, so no need to stock up with a five year supply.

Playtime

If you have young ones at home, remember that all the relatives want a picture of someone ripping open a toy with glee. However, those new toys will soon join an army of old ones. Take a little time before the holidays to let go of toys which are broken, missing pieces or are age-inappropriate. Any toy that has sentimental value can go with the keepsakes and most can be donated to a local preschool, library or community center.

Be Realistic

Clutter comes in all forms, both tangible and emotional. Often people have many expectations such as putting on the perfect holiday party or displaying impeccable decorations. One of the best ways to deal with all those commitments is to manage them from the beginning. Focus on how much free time you actually have in the weeks leading up the end of December and not only budget your time but your money as well. Limits are important and it is okay to say no. When making plans set firm dates instead of “we should get together.” The holidays are a great time for collecting experiences instead of stuff (go see the Nutcracker instead of buying one).

Gifts That Keep on Giving (you a headache)

Thanks to free trade and the rise of plastic, toys are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. When you factor in birthday parties, the December holidays, carnivals, amusement parks and family vacations the sheer number of toys in one's household can be overwhelming (for more on this phenomena check my son’s bed). In addition to stopping the siege before it starts by switching focus from stuff to experiences, there are some easy steps you can take that will help eliminate a toy story with an unhappy ending.

Can GI Joe go in the microwave?

Find a time to recycle or throw away broken or soiled toys. Also, inexpensive toys with missing pieces should go. Any age-inappropriate toys should be taken out of circulation. Any sentimental toys should be sent to live with the keepsakes and out of the playroom.

The work of children is play

Watch how your child actual plays with toys and study their interests. Toys that you may think are cool often collect dust. Instead of a lot of unused toys focus on getting toys that your child will love. Take toys out of circulation and rotate them in and your child will think they are new.

A good home

While Goodwill does not take toys many places do. Preschools go through toys fast so help them keep up with demand. Used toys should not go to hospitals and check to make sure none of your donated items have been recalled. The VVA will pick up toys as well as most other donates you may have. Additionally, there are worthy places for your donated toys in Fairfield County.