We Have Moved!!!

As Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, said “change is the only constant in life.”

On this theme, the Jaxtastic Life blog is moving to the Jaxtastic Life, LLC website.

Visit for new blog postings and an archive/reboot of old postings. The archiving will be done over time. If you have a past favorite you'd like to access sooner rather than later, please send an email to Jax with your request.

Thank you, to all of you, for visiting this blog and we look forward to bringing you inspirational, informational, useful and occasional fun post.

Minute Clinic Feedback Survey - Share Your Opinion TODAY!!!

Today, launches the Jaxtastic Life Minute Clinic Feedback Survey.

For the past few months, minute clinics have been published to support your organization of photos, files and more.

What is needed now is your feedback on how useful these minute clinics were to you and your organizational goals.

Please use this short anonymous survey to share your thoughts and feedback on what worked and what could be improved.

Your feedback will help shape the future of the Minute Clinics to best serve you in your organizing journey in your You-Tastic Life.

Thank you for your time and feedback!!!!

April 5, 2018 - Three Pass Thursday - Kick-Off - Prep Week

Today, we kick off “Three Pass Thursday.” You are already trashing 10 pictures every Tuesday and filing 5 items every Friday.

Now, we wil kick off playing with the “three pass” technique. This technique can be applied to any space.

This week we prepare for the three passes. The only thing you need to do, between now and next Thursday, is select the space. It can be a desk drawer, a shelf, your car, a section of a closet or anywhere that needs decluttering. Also, select a space away from the declutter space in which you can work. 

The following weeks look like this…

• April 5 - Prep Week - select manageable space & work area
• April 12 - Pass 1 - “Touched/worn/used in the last year?"
• April 19 - Pass 2 - “Still fit your body/lifestyle?
• April 26 - Pass 3 - “Do you love it?”

So, select your declutter space and the working space and we will explore Pass #1 on April 12th.

3/14 Touch of the Luck of the Irish Indoor Cycling Playlist

This week's play list is to celebrate St Patrick's day, this Saturday, March 17, 2018.

No ride notes area available as we went "random" with the playlist after Missy Elliot's "Pep Rally."

3/7 Mega March Indoor Cycling Playlist

Some weeks it's easier than others. I present my indoor cycling class 3/7 Mega March playlist.

Send me a direct message if you want the ride notes.




#jaxtasticlife
#indoor_cycling
#schwinn
#spotify
#ride_right

Trash Ten Tuesday!!! March 6, 2018

It's that time again!!! Grab your cell phone and delete 10 photos.




#jaxtasticlife
#trashtentuesday
#photomanagement
#professionalorganizing
#productivity
#napo
#photomanagement

Email Monday MInute Clinic!!! (Bonus Weeknight Dinner Recipe)

Today is the first Monday of March and we kick off Email Monday.



Today, and every Monday in 2018, you will open and unsubscribe from 3 emails.

Let's to the numbers....

• Unsubscribe from 3 email each week in March and you will unsubscribe from 12 emails
• Unsubscribe from 3 emails each week in Q2 and you will unsubscribe from 39 emails
• Unsubscribe from 3 emails each week in Q3 and you will unsubscribe from 78 emails
• Unsubscribe from 3 emails each week in Q4 and you will unsubscribe from 120 email

So, find three annoying emails and get to unsubscribing!!!

BONUS - Weeknight Dinner Recipe - Carrot Noodles with Chicken in Peanut Sauce
-serves 2
-30 minutes total time
-1 Weight Watchers Smart Points Plus (doing the "recipe math" in the Weight Watchers app)

Inspiration from "Here's A Low-Carb Veggie Noodle Dish To Make For Dinner" recipe from Christine Byrne on www.buzzfeed.com.

Ingredients (all from Trader Joe's, except for PB2)

-1 box of spiralized carrots
-1 package of chicken patties (in the deli case)
-1 tablespoons soy sauce
-1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
-2 tablespoons PB2
-cilantro, for garnish (optional)

STEP 1 - Place frozen carrots into a large skillet with a lid. Allow it to defrost and then cook.

STEP 2 - Pat the chicken breast patties dry and then slice into strips.

 

STEP 3 - Whisk together the PB2, soy sauce and rice wine vinegar.

STEP 4 - Throw in the chicken strips to warm through.

STEP 5 - Stir in the sauce and toss to cover all of the noodles and chicken.

STEP 6 - Divide into two bowls. Add the cilantro, if you have it.

File Five Friday - Saturday Edition - March 3, 2018

After a short delay, File Five Friday is back!!!



Grab five items. File them away.

(If you didn't file anything away last week, feel free to grab 10 items to catch up.)

If there is no folder available for any item, set it aside and file the remaining items.

Then, between now and next Friday, make the folder/folders and file the remaining items.

#professionalorganizing
#papermanagement
#jaxtasticlife
#filefivefriday
#minuteclinic
#productivity
#napomember
#napo

February 2018 Extreme Indoor Cycling Class Playlist Available on Spotify!

February EXTREME Indoor Cycling Class Playlist Available on Spotify. 

DM me for ride notes. 





#indoorcycling 
#jaxtasticlife 
#spotify
#extreme_edition 
#schwinn 
#ride_right

Trash Ten Tuesday - Extreme Edition!!! (February 2018)

This being the last day of February, means we are going "extreme" with deleting photos.

You get to determine what extreme means to you.

It could be 20 or 30 or 50 or you can be like overachiever, Gigi, who deleted 100 photos the first week of Trash Ten Tuesday.

Here's the only condition...you can only spend 5 minutes deleting photos off of your phone.

Set that timer and delete those photos.


#jaxtasticlife
#trashtentuesday
#photomanagement
#professionalorganizing
#productivity
#napo
#photomanagement

"Five for Five" Playlist Ready for Indoor Cycling Class

This week's playlist features five five-minute sprints with hill's in between.

#indoor_cycling
#jaxtasticlife
#schwinn
#ride_right

Triple F Friday - File Five Friday - Jaxtastic Life Minute Clinic

Welcome to the second minute clinic series, Triple F Edition - File Five Friday!!!

This series of clinics will focus on handling papers and things that require filing.

This Friday and every Friday after, with a few exceptions to come, you will file away 5 pieces of paper and ONLY five.

Missing a file folder? Not to worry this just means you have homework. Between now and next Friday, make a file folder and file that item.

You may think that filing away 5 pieces of paper won't be much of an impact but let's do the math:

• File 5 items every every remaining in February, you will have filed 10 items
• File 5 items every Tuesday through the 1st quarter end, you will have filed 35 items
• File 5 items every Tuesday through the 2nd quarter end, you will have deleted 100 items
• File 5 items every Tuesday through the 3rd quarter end, you will have deleted 165 items
• File 5 items photos every Tuesday through the end of the year, you will have deleted 230 items

Remember, file 5 and only 5 items. No more, no less.

#professionalorganizing
#papermanagement
#jaxtasticlife
#filefivefriday
#minuteclinic
#productivity
#napomember
#napo

Jaxtastic Life Minute Clinic - Triple T Edition - Trash Ten Tuesday

Welcome to this first Jaxtastic Life Minute Clinic - Triple T Edition - Trash Ten Tuesday

This clinic focuses on the photos on your cell phone.

This Tuesday and every Tuesday after, with a few exceptions to come, you will delete 10 and only 10 photos from your phone.

You may think that 10 photos won't be much of an impact but let's do the math:

• Delete 10 photos every Tuesday remaining in February, you will have deleted 30 photos
• Delete 10 photos every Tuesday through the 1st quarter end, you will have deleted 70 photos
• Delete 10 photos every Tuesday through the 2nd quarter end, you will have deleted 200 photos
• Delete 10 photos every Tuesday through the 3rd quarter end, you will have deleted 330 photos
• Delete 10 photos every Tuesday through the end of the year, you will have deleted 460 photos

Grab your phone and look for:

• blurry photos
• duplicates
• bad lighting

Remember, delete 10 and only 10 photos. No more, no less.

#professionalorganizing
#photopurge
#jaxtasticlife
#minuteclinic
#productivity

#napomember
#napo

Podcast Transcript - Episode 1 - Small Business Saturday - Decadence Row Edition

Small Business Saturday – Long Beach Decadence Row Edition - November 24, 2017

Hello everyone! This is Jax from The Jaxtastic Life. We kick off this initial podcast with Small Business Saturday – Long Beach Decadence Row edition.

Before I jump in, time for full disclosure. I have not been paid by any of these businesses. I’m a customer and fan.

Decadence Row? Just what is decadence row. It’s the unofficial name of the shops on Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach creating and selling sweet treats and incredible indulgences.

We kick things off with the OG of Decadence Row, Mabel’s Pralines. This was the first place I visited when I moved to Long Beach 9 years ago. Mabel’s pralines are the creamiest most delicious pralines I have ever had. They are the star of our annual tree trimming party and husband and they were in our wedding favor box for our guests.

Next, we move to The Pie Bar. My husband and I discovered this gem during our walks past the storefront seeing it being built and quickly found their Instagram account. My next delight came when I saw the application for their beer & wine license posted on their window. I had fun imagining all the possible beer and wine and pie combinations: stout and chocolate pie, bubbly and peach. Since the opening, just a little over the year ago, I have had the delight to meet Laurie, the owner and several members of her team like Stephanie the lead baker (Go Kings Go!). They are turning out amazing whole pies, pies by the slice, hand pies and cutie pies. This last Christmas, we featured the peppermint pie and s’mores cutie pies at our tree trimming party for the first time.

Onto the next place for sweets, Romeo Chocolates. I had the pleasure of meeting Romeo and his team at a pop-up at The Pie Bar. An amazing collection of chocolates were presented and my husband and I took home a selection and enjoyed every single bite. I immediately started following Romeo Chocolates on Instagram. My joy increased when I learned a storefront was opening just two doors down from The Pie Bar. We’ve been enjoying artisanal Belgian chocolate ever since the opening just a few months ago.

Finally, the newest addition of the decadence row collection…Saints and Sinners Bake Shop. Again, it was fun following the progress of the construction on walks on Pine Avenue and following their Instagram account. We were drawn in to our first Saturday morning visit by a seductive Friday night picture of cinnamon rolls prepped to proof for the morning baking. On Saturday morning we were rewarded with warm cinnamon rolls with oooey gooey cream cheese frosting. If that wasn’t enough awesomeness, the coffee barista made a baby Groot foam decoration on my latte. Seriously, a baby Groot!!! 

On this Small Business Saturday, visit Decadence Row on Pine Avenue in Long Beach to purchase gifts and sweets for your self.

A transcription of this podcast and links to all of the businesses can be found on The Jaxtastic Life blog where we explore living and creating your you-tastic life.

Trash 10 Tuesday - Launches Today!!!

Today launches Trash 10 Tuesday, a FREE weekly challenge to delete 10 photos off of your smart phone.

Grab your smartphone and delete 10 photos TODAY.

Just imagine...if delete 10 photos every week until the end of 2017, you will have deleted 260 photos off of your smartphone.

What are you waiting for?

One Pot Wonder - Super Chorizo Scramble

These days I'm on the quest for easy meal prep recipes to ensure successful eating during the week.

This happy experiment was not only easy but it was tasty, reaheated well and was liked by all in our home. 

For all you Trader Joe's fans, all the ingredients are easily found all the time.

Super Chorizo Scramble

-5 servings

-4 Smart Points
-approx 20 minutes active cooking time

INGREDIENTS (all from Trader Joe's)

1 bag Frozen cauliflower rice

1 bag Crimini mushrooms

1 package Soy Chorizo (removed from the plastic casing)

1 1/4 c Egg Substitute

STEP 1 - Cauliflower Rice
Pour the entire bag of cauliflower in a large non-stick pan. No oil needed. Stir on occasion. Cook until defrosted and tender to the bite.

Step 2 - Mushrooms

As the cauliflower cooks, chop up the mushrooms.

Step 3 - Cook Mushrooms

Add the mushrooms to the cauliflower. Stir until the mushrooms are soft. 

Note: The cauliflower will start looking grey. Don't worry. The color will improve with the chorizo.)

Step 4 - Chorizo

Add the chorizo and stir frequently. Until chorizo is warmed up.

Step 5 - Egg Substitute
Add the egg substitute. Stir until cooked.

Step 6 - Portion
Divide into 5 containers and enjoy.

Weekend Wednesday #8 - File Papers "Filer's Choice"

Besides being a professional organizer, I am also an indoor cycling instructor. Occasionally, in my classes, I'll set aside a song for "rider's choice." Usually at this point in a class, riders are in one of two places, "feeling strong and can take on the world" or "given all I can give and just need to survive to the end of class." Rider's choice allows one to take control and go where and how they want to go for this song.

So, on this last "official" week of filing papers, I'm calling "filer's choice." This means you get to chose:

• topic (do you still have tax papers?) 
• number of papers (don't exceed 20 pieces of paper but do no less than 10)

Preparation Steps

Pre Step 1 - Check your stock of file folders & hanging file folders.
Prep Step 2 - Have Post-It notes on hand.

Action Steps

Step 1 - Gather 10-20 Pieces of Paper to Be Filed
Just pick 10 and only 10.

Step 2 - Start Filing
Stop after you have filed 10 pieces of paper.

Step 3 - Make Any Folders That Are Needed
I recommend a hanging & manila folder system. The substeps are below. Here is where the Post-It notes come in.

     Step 3.1 Make a Manilla Folder - Use a Post-It for the label. This makes it easy for recycling folders.
     Step 3.2 Make a hanging folder - use a Post-It for the label

Step 4 - Assess Your Project
How did it go? Was it easy? Was it hard? Learn from what worked and carry it forward into next week's project. Also learn from what didn't work and avoid it moving forward.

The full list of Weekend Wednesday projects can be found here: 2017 Weekend Wednesday.

Weekend Wednesday #7 - 10 Pieces of Paper - Taxes Edition

This is week #2 of filing papers. This week, the focus is on finding and filing your papers/receipts connected to your taxes.

We all have the pile of papers that need filing. Well, this is your chance to take them on.

This week, we will focus on filing taxes papers as tax season is here!

This weekend, you will file 10 papers...and 10 papers only!!!

Preparation Steps

Pre Step 1 - Check your stock of file folders & hanging file folders.
Prep Step 2 - Have Post-It notes on hand.

Action Steps

Step 1 - Gather 10 Pieces of Tax-Related Paper to Be Filed
Just pick 10 and only 10.

Step 2 - Start Filing
Stop after you have filed 10 pieces of paper.

Step 3 - Make Any Tax Folders That Are Needed
I recommend a hanging & manila folder system. The substeps are below. Here is where the Post-It notes come in.

     Step 3.1 Make a Manilla Folder - Use a Post-It for the label. This makes it easy for recycling folders.
     Step 3.2 Make a hanging folder - use a Post-It for the label

Step 4 - Assess Your Project
How did it go? Was it easy? Was it hard? Learn from what worked and carry it forward into next week's project. Also learn from what didn't work and avoid it moving forward.

The full list of Weekend Wednesday projects can be found here: 2017 Weekend Wednesday.

Weekend Wednesday #6 - File 10 Pieces of Paper

This week, and for the rest of February, we will take on filing papers.

We all have the pile of papers that need filing. Well, this is your chance to take them on.

This weekend, you will file 10 papers.

Preparation Steps

Pre Step 1 - Check your stock of file folders & hanging file folders.
Prep Step 2 - Have Post-It notes on hand.

Action Steps

Step 1 - Gather 10 Pieces of Paper to Be Filed
Just pick 10 and only 10.

Step 2 - Start Filing
Stop after you have filed 10 pieces of paper.

Step 3 - Make Any Folders That Are Needed
I recommend a hanging & manila folder system. The substeps are below. Here is where the Post-It notes come in.

     Step 3.1 Make a Manilla Folder - Use a Post-It for the label. This makes it easy for recycling folders.
     Step 3.2 Make a hanging folder - use a Post-It for the label

Step 4 - Assess Your Project
How did it go? Was it easy? Was it hard? Learn from what worked and carry it forward into next week's project. Also learn from what didn't work and avoid it moving forward.

The full list of Weekend Wednesday projects can be found here: 2017 Weekend Wednesday.

Weekend Wednesday #5 - Office Supply/Shelf Area

As I mentioned in my last post ("When Life Shows Up - Give Up or Learn?") Weekend Wednesday #4 has been cancelled so we kick off February with Weekend Wednesday #5 - Decluttering & Organizing an Office Supply area or Self.

Below are the preparation and weekend steps you will take to tackle an office supply area of office shelf.

Step 1 - Preparation - Select the Area
Either in your home or work office area, find a shelf or office supply area that needs some help.

Here are my "before" pictures. Yes, I have supplies in 2 separate places. This will be fun.

Step 2 - Preparation - Recycle, Trash and Move
Ensure that you have recycle and trash bins to capture what you will no longer need to keep. Also designate an area for items that will move. This movement can be donation or give away.

Step 3 - Weekend Work - Clear the Area
Take everything off/out of the area you have already designated.

Step 4 - Review & Analyze
Pick up each item and decide if you want to keep it, trash it or move it. For the "keeps" group them like-with-like. Immediately, put the "trash" items in a trash bin* and the "recycle" items in a recycle bin. There is no need to create a new pile of "stuff."

Step 5 - Schedule "Move"
Grab your calendar and schedule a time when you will handle the "move" items. It might entail taking the items to your friend/family member (if they indeed want the items). Schedule that time in your calendar. It might entail taking the items to a donation center. Schedule that time as well.

Step 7 - Return Keep Items To Shelf
As you return the items, ensure you put like-with-like and that you are able to see everything you have.

Step 8 - Assess Your Project
How did it go? Was it easy? Was it hard? Learn from what worked and carry it forward into next week's project. Also learn from what didn't work and avoid it moving forward.

The full list of Weekend Wednesday projects can be found here: 2017 Weekend Wednesday.

*NOTE: If any of the "trash" items are "hazardous/electronic" waste (like batteries or toner etc) be sure to properly dispose of them at an authorized household hazardous waste center. Each city has a website for household/electronic waste information. The Long Beach, CA link is here: Long Beach Recycles.