Habitat for Humanity ReStore - the OC's Best Kept Secret

Twitter/restoreOC

Last week I spent a few hours working with Nicole, coordinator of social networking and volunteers for ReStoreOC and had a great time getting a quick tour of their Garden Grove location on Harbor Blvd . While I was aware that Habitat for Humanity had a store, I assumed it was mostly building supplies like paint and molding. Boy was I pleasantly surprised to find out that there is so much more being offered in their stores! I've mentioned ReStoreOC to several people in the past few days and have decided that it's got to be the OC's best kept secret for remodeling or home improvements, because everyone I spoke to was as clueless as I was.  So let me give you a few highlights of some of the treasures you can find:

• frosted glass tulip shaped light fixtures, chandeliers and other lighting
• ceramic "bubble gum" ball drawer pulls (bright colors and 5/$1.00! great for kids rooms)
• Floor rugs, stone tile, bamboo flooring
• sinks, counter tops, tubs, refrigerators
• white wooden shutters, doors (interior and exterior)
• painting supplies, caulk
• furniture (couches, chairs, desks, tables...)
• and lots more.

Even with the smallest of budgets for redecorating or remodeling, there are definitely deals to be had.  ReStoreOC accepts donations that are new or gently used from both local businesses and private donors. Keep them in mind if you have items you'd like to get rid of too.

You can keep up-to-date on the latest deals by following them on Twitter.
Habitat for Humanity has ReStores throughout the U.S. and Canada. Proceeds from store sales go to help Habitat for Humanity's local housing projects.

Can You Spare a Pencil? RAOK Special Request

This is a special blog post - one that I don't often do, but was moved by a request I found on Craigslist.org today...for pencils.

Today I decided that in between writing assignments and working on a client project, I would find at least one way to perform a Random Act of Kindness (RAOK). So I hopped on Craigslist and began checking out the "wanted" section. The pencil request was the second one I clicked on, and as I read it, it struck me that I could do something to help.  You see, Ms. Harris is a 5th grade teacher in San Diego that is struggling to provide supplies for her students at Edison Elementary (where 75% of the students are low-income, on school breakfast/lunch programs and whose families are unable to send their kids to school with new backpacks and the assorted supplies that parents buy this time of year). But Ms. Harris has a friend/benefactor who is trying to help -- which brings us to the Craigslist ad in which he asked simply for pencils for his friend... to replace the ones she had been using for the last two years that were donated and say "Go Army" on them.

So here we are... me, and you, my readers, trying to figure out how to help. I've done some due diligence (the school is legit, there is also another 3rd grade teacher who has signed up through the Adopt-a-Classroom website, but NO ONE has adopted the class. I checked with two other charities that used to help with requests like this, but was told they have no funds at the moment. So I'm asking... Can you spare a pencil or two? There are 27 students who could use a little RAOK and a hand up from the community.  There are some other items that were requested - items that could so easily be purchased with a corporate sponsor, so if you know one... below is the list I got from Ms. Harris' friend via email- although I am quite sure there are many more items that she and her fellow teachers could use.

Edison Elementary School,  
ATTN: Ms. Harris

4077 35th Street
San Diego, CA 92104-2291

  

NEED #1 - #2 Pencils

NEED #2 - Body Organ Models

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006PUEB4/ref=asc_df_B0006PUEB41181565?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=shopzilla_rev_419-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0006PUEB4

$45 with FREE SHIPPING!!!

NEED #3 - MARKERS - They needs this specific type for their projects.

Single sets can be seen here for $14.50, they would need 27 sets ... http://www.officeworld.com/Worlds-Biggest-Selection/SAN20071/10Q1/   

OR   Full set can be seen here for $128.19 with FREE SHIPPING... http://www.officeworld.com/Worlds-Biggest-Selection/SAN2016TL/10Q1/

NEED #4  Microscopes that HAVE LIGHTS and not mirrors to illuminate the slide. 

 

That's all that I know about that I am not already taking care of myself.   Thanks! God bless!
Don (Ms. Harris' friend)

Your support is most appreciated!

Document Storage - What to Do with Important Papers

Recently I worked with a client who was clearing out a storage unit that contained more than 20 years worth of medical records as well as important business and tax documents.  Whether you are dealing with your personal tax records and important papers, the estate of a loved one, or the documents accumulated when running a business of any size, having a document storage plan is a good idea.

Getting a handle on what to do with your important papers is no small feat - even for the well-organized. Cost of storage, document destruction, scanning to electronic files and document retrieval are all things to take into consideration as part of the storage plan. In many situations, it's important to know what the legal requirements are for retaining records too. For instance, if dealing with patient files, there are specific HIPAA regulations that are required for document destruction, storage and certification to maintain patient privacy.  Tax files for individuals, estates and small business all have requirements for the length of time you're required to keep your records.


Here are a few links you may find useful when you begin your document storage plan - whether you decide you need a commercial storage facility,  a security deposit box or a company to shred, recycle or scan your paper documents to e-files:

• HIPPA Privacy and Security Rules - Learn more about which entities must comply with the Privacy and Security Rules, the requirements of the rules, and guidance available to help covered entities implement and maintain compliance with these requirements.
• IRS Publication 552 Record Keeping for Individuals 
• Pouch Records Managment
• Pouch is one of the many companies that offers a variety of services to individuals as well as businesses large and small.  They've got a full line of available services for document storage and retrieval, and are located in Southern California (Fullerton).  Overall, I would recommend them as an effective (and affordable) document storage sollution.  I would however add a note of caution: Be sure to review ala carte service charges. They can add up quickly if you are unprepared!

Packing Made Easier with Colored Tape

Labeling boxes is always recommended, but adding an extra "visual clue" as to a box's content can save you even more time. Whether you are packing up the house for a cross-country move or organizing the garage, colored packing tape can be a big help for identifying boxes. Here's just a few of the ways to use colored tape to make your packing and organizing easier:

1.  If you have kid rooms to pack, use a different color tape for each child. Even the littlest family members will be able to spot their belongings easily.

2.  Use a bright red or yellow tape to box up your fragile items so that they are easily distinguishable to everyone that is handling them.

3.  Organize your holiday decorations at-a-glance in the garage or attic by packing them up in boxes sealed with a different color.

Colored packing or masking tape is available at a variety of places. I found a fair selection at the local Wal-Mart, but at Amazon.com (and other retailers) I was able to find at least eight different colors.  If you are using the tape to actually seal a box, be sure you purchase tape that will stay adhered to the cardboard surface, and is wide enough to provide a strong seal.

The Price of Time - Learning to Delegate

How much is your time worth? Finding out is the first step in analyzing whether or not it is more beneficial for you to hire someone else to complete tasks... or do them yourself.

So let's start here:  Know the Value of Your Time Calculator
Take a few moments to input the basics, then calculate the results.  You may be surprised at the outcome.  Even more so, you may discover that you would benefit from delegating a variety of tasks -- everything from hiring an assistant to do your monthly bill paying, grocery shopping and errand running to hiring a handyman to get through that "Honey Do" List that seems to have more items being added than ones being scratched off as completed.

For many, delegating is a difficult process. As the saying goes, "It's just easier to do it myself" is something I've heard time and time again, especially by those "Type A" personalities.  While that may be true in some instances (especially in the beginning), enlisting the help of others can be a cost-effective, time-saving solution.  If you are lucky enough to retain help on a long-term or recurring basis (or find a "crackpot" assistant from the get-go), once you've established a rapport, the learning curve that was a deterrent to begin with can seemingly drift away.  You then are left with a little more time...and peace of mind.

Resources:

• Upon Request Assistants
• Craigslist
• Hiring a Virtual Assistant - Entrepreneur.com