For the Person Who Has it All

I was asked today for suggestions for gifts for the person that already has "too much stuff." And, my answer was quick - experiential gifts! These are great for the person that doesn't have anything specific on their wish list or has all he/she needs, too.


For example, instead of gifting someone new baking pans and kitchen gadgets, try sending gourmet or home-made baked goods. If they're home made, it will show you took time from your own schedule to show how much you care.

Instead of giving new platters and serving trays that are stacked in the basement for years to come, take them out to dinner. Not just the ol' neighborhood haunt, though. Take your loved one to a restaurant serving a cuisine he/she has never tried or is in an area he/she has never traveled to.

Events are great to give, too. For yourself and the gift recipient, or for the recipient and others to enjoy. Plays, concerts and classes are all great fun to share. There are all kinds of classes to take - crafts, cooking and baking, art and more. Tailor the gift to their hobbies and interests.

And, if cost is a concern, then scope out deal sites like Groupon and Living Social. There are tons now - local and national. You can even search for a deal based on what you're looking for, like "Chicago Museum Passes."


Of course, don't forget, you can always give the gift of organization, too!

Back, Back, Back it Up!

I don't normally get too technical in my organizing life. I assist clients with some basic computer organization and tend to stop there. That's about how technical I am personally, too. I can check my email and create a word document or pdf file...but that's about as creative as I get.

However, I do run a paperless office. Technically, I'm not entirely paper-free. But, it's about 95% paper free. That means that all my client files, financial information, personal information, insurance papers, tax papers and medical information are all electronic.

Two days ago my external hard drive died.

Normally, I'd think that means I'd be done for. But, fortunately, the one other thing I know to do with my gadgets is back them up!

Most of my files are on my actual computer drive, though I rarely access them through the C: drive. I also have all my important files in the cloud, in Drop Box. Normally, I access my files through this system of storage such that whenever I edit a file, it automatically updates in the cloud. I also backed up everything on my external drive on a weekly basis. And, just for good measure, I have a Crash Plan account, too. Crash Plan is also cloud-based and backs up all my files every few minutes. I don't access or edit files in Crash Plan, however, as it's meant for storage purposes only. Think worst-case scenarios here. Like, my computer is stolen and smashed the same day that Drop Box up and crashes. Fingers crossed that never happens! I'd then be able to recover all my files on Crash Plan from the last back-up it did from my computer.

Fortunately, when my hard drive died, it wasn't too big a deal. All I have to do is get a new one and properly recycle the other. Back, back, back it up!

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