Today I lost my keys

Yup, I admit it. I'm a professional organizer and I lost my keys.

Now that you've picked yourself up off the floor, read on! What's that? You're not shocked? Either you know me (haha) or you realize that we all slip up from time to time, even the supposedly chronically organized.

Losing my keys caused quite a panic for about 20 minutes as I searched the house, pockets, bags, and boxes, and contemplated canceling my appointments for the rest of the day if I truly couldn't leave the house. I finally found them in the passenger footwell of my car, under a CD case. They wound up there because we got back from Christmas vacation yesterday, and they evidently didn't make it back to their customary spot in the flurry of unpacking.

Here's the lesson I learned: when you come back from vacation and you're unpacking and putting everything away, double check the items you'll need at hand when you get back to your regular routine. What will you need when you walk out the door for your first day back at work? What will the kids need when they're getting ready for the first day back at school? Is everything in the place you would normally have it, ready to go?

If you don't have a place for your keys and purse, make a place right now! Then promise yourself that you'll always put your keys and purse/bag there as a part of your coming home routine, whether you're coming home from a trip to the grocery store, or a two week vacation.

Another lesson I learned today is that even though I'm a professional organizer, I'm not always organized. I've chosen organizing as a career because I like organizing. But I make the same mistakes we all do - putting off that stack of filing to-do, keeping way too many clothes in my closet, and... misplacing my keys.

Take a few moments to think about small yet important things (like your keys) that cause you great stress if they're lost, and decide right now to give yourself the gift of NOT losing your keys or wallet or cell phone in the New Year!

3 ways to shop locally and reduce stress

What were you doing this "Black Friday"? I was at home, warm and dry, not being pushed, shoved, or trampled, and avoiding any form of crowds other than the small crowd in my small kitchen as we prepared a yummy Thanksgiving meal! (My husband was on call Thursday, so we opted to eat on Friday instead.)

I understand that some people love the thrill of the hunt and relish the annual Black Friday shopping ritual, but personally, I just don't get it! I enjoy the thrill of a discovering fabulous gifts locally. The more locally sourced and produced, the better.

When you shop locally, you give your local economy a boost, ease the burden on the environment this holiday season, and reduce clutter and stress in your life.

• Local products are less likely to come wrapped in layers of packaging which causes frustration and then clutters up your home before heading to the landfill.
• Local handmade products are often sturdier (as opposed to inexpensive plastic toys or electronics). Plus, if something goes wrong, you're more likely to get timely and satisfactory customer service from a local business.
• Local products usually won't be found amid the crowds and noise of the malls and big box stores. Shopping locally is a calmer and quieter experience, which is a gift in itself!
  

In Bellingham, we have many wonderful local retailers and artists. Here are some of my favorite ways to connect with them:

Local Merchants

• Sustainable Connections - search for local businesses, including food and farms
  
• Fairhaven.com - businesses in the Fairhaven historic district
• Downtown Bellingham
  

Holiday Craft Fairs

• Pacific Arts Holiday Market
• Allied Arts "Festival of the Arts"

Shop online

• Etsy.com - "eBay for local handmade stuff"
• BidLocalFirst Auction - Sustainable Connection's first online holiday auction

What are some of your favorite ways to shop locally and reduce holiday gift-related stress? Comment or send me your ideas!