Pay, and pay again....

Last week I was working with one of my elder clients and discovered that she has been paying several well known non-profit organizations repeatedly because they send her money requests that look like invoices. Additionally, she has been duplicating payments for magazine subscriptions because they keep sending invoices.

When I studied these fake invoices I could certainly see how they could easily fool someone. Quite frankly, I am appalled at these tactics, especially by groups who we all know are doing great things for the the world.

Last year I found that one senior client had still been paying AT&T monthly for the lease of her 35 year old Princess phone. And the real shocker was that AT&T wanted that phone back or they would charge her for it again! That useless phone cost her over $1200.

Another client had to pay Comcast for a modem because it was easier than trying to struggle through the calling process to get it picked up. I've seen clients break down in tears over trying to get a human on the line for utility services.

I find one of the best ways to track of memberships, subscriptions and donations, is a good old fashioned spread sheet. I note the date of the payment, the amount, and the expiration date of the subscription or membership.

A work of art...

I was looking around the house for just the right place to set up my IPAD recharging station, when it  hit me - it's a work of art, so why not display it as such...

My sofa end table before...

My sofa end table now...

When it's in use, I'll put my Toby Klayman back in its place.  

Life happens...

Last month, my cat, Littleone, was diagnosed with Diabetes.  This has meant bringing into the house a whole new set of treatment supplies:  needles, insulin, testing kits, etc.   In order to fit these things in, some reorganizing had to take place.

As it happens, the easiest place to give her shots is in the kitchen, so now some of my precious kitchen drawer space has to be turned over to her medical supplies.  So, I went to work rearranging a drawer... not so bad, actually.

In August, I worked with a client whose child has severe allergies, and we decided to set up an allergy medication station in the kitchen pantry.  Right there with dog biscuits, is everything they need to treat a reaction.  We chose that spot because it's most likely to be the central location where everyone can access medications in an emergency.  We also duplicated this station on the 2nd floor and a mini station in the car.  (Note that this photo was taken before we labeled the boxes.)  

If you find that you need to set up a medical station, decide where the most likely places are that treatment will take place.  Empty an accessible drawer or shelf and set up your station.   Be sure everyone in the house knows where the medications are, can reach and manage them, and how to use them.  Label your boxes, drawers or shelves accordingly.  

Boho... Boohoo

Okay, I'm a bit behind... A young client has introduced me to this particular style of decor.  "Boho Chic" is a mix of bohemian, hippy, shabby chic, flea market finds, Anthropologie, Mary-Kate and Ashley, vintage, gypsies, Rachel Zoe, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, long stringy hair with loopy curls, and things that drip and droop.  It celebrates life in layers - the more the better, color and patterns.  2011 is suppose to be a big year for Boho... structure is out, geometrics are out, minimal is out and so is, gulp - ORGANIZATION!  Oh, oh... better dust off my resume...  (But I have to ask this:  who's dusting this stuff?)

From:  http://blog.bohoglamour.com