Preparing and decorating your home with a Feng Shui designer will always include decluttering. I-Deal-Lifestyle Inc is designed to get you organized from the inside out and outside in. Decluttering involves sorting all your belongings into like categories. We clear your space first, categorize everything you own into broad categories and then create containment systems for your stuff so everything does not smoosh back together and create clutter chaos again.
Once you are categorized, before the containment, you can go through your items to determine if they are "good" Feng Shui. "Good" Feng Shui means that things have great energy and create a happy feeling when you see them. "Good" Feng Shui also means excellent furniture and decor placement. Great furniture and decor placement create good energy and flow in each room. Feng Shui placement also includes the order of items that are symbolic of the Bagua areas in your home. The Bagua is simply a template that divides your floor plan into nine equal parts. You start from your front door to determine your nine areas. It sounds complicated, yet it is easy to locate the 9 regions. Download a free Feng Shui Booklet here> Feng Shui Booklet The nine (9) Bagua areas are
Call Marla Stone, Realtor® and Feng Shui Expert, for a free 30-minute phone consultation and find out which part of your home is Prosperity located now at 1-949-709-7000. Marla can teach you Feng Shui over the phone and Skype and assess your home or business space via email anywhere in the world. Marla Stone Realtor Nora Gallogly Group Newport & Company DRE 01823712 DRE02078273 CEO, I-Deal-Lifestyle Inc & Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff 949-709-7000 www.i-deallifestyle.com info@i-deal-lifestyle.com
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Update Your Home with Everything You Already Own by Marla Stone, MSW, Realtor®, Feng Shui Expert1/19/2023 Going discount for decor via Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, sell/buy groups, and consignment is the decorator trend. Finding what you love is the key. Finding what you love is divine intervention.
Southern California's ever-changing interior design trends are switching to a more transitional approach for decorating business and residence properties. Incorporating modern elements and accessories with ornate antique pieces painted in a matt finish is an up-and-coming trend in the retail store styles of home furnishings and decor. With simple touches of the old and new combined, it helps create a unified look for both old and new generations to enjoy. When renovating or redecorating a home, the goal is to create an appealing space with a new and universal look. Designers and stylists have found plenty of new ways to incorporate the past with the present, but doing it with a splash of innovative creativity is vital to loving what you have. Renovated public malls, restaurants, hotels, and large chain home furnishing retail stores are the best places to look for design inspiration. On a trip to Harrods Department store in London, Marla Stone, owner of www.i-deal-lifestyle, was amazed at the unique and lovely designs room by room, floor by floor. Just know this, you know what you like and do not like. Just stick with that! Most people make the biggest mistake in decorating when they scratch everything they own and go for a generic-looking trend. Using some of your current furniture and decor with updating and eclectic styling can significantly benefit your property's look. Looking around at Craigslist ads, you will see a lot of potential in custom handcrafted furniture. Adding a coat of new paint or creating a faux rustic finish to an antique heirloom can save you $1000's on the in-store retail prices of today. I-Deal-Lifestyle services allow you to recreate a functional space with green design and the proper decor touches for an organized living space. I-deal-lifestyle's design approach includes Feng Shui principles, which help with furniture placement, space planning, and a good circulation pattern. If the room doesn't feel "spot on," or you find yourself constantly walking around a table or couch daily, your room is not set up correctly. The scale of home furnishings is another dilemma that most new homeowners find when either downsizing their home or simply buying a house that is too large for their recent small-scale furnishings. Knowing what items you own and the condition of each piece of furniture are vital to the decision-making process for planning a design in a new or old space. It is a wise investment when you plan on refurbishing a specific piece that may or may not have been kept in the most superb condition. Simple things like "Do the drawers open?", "Is the fabric stained?", "Are the cushions still comfortable?" are the three basic questions that will cover the basis of knowing what to keep, if any, functional piece of furniture you own. When determining the use of a piece of decor that simply serves the aesthetic purpose of sitting on a table or hanging on a wall, it tends to be the more sentimental items that homeowners often have a more difficult time making decisions about whether to donate or keep. To determine if it is worth keeping, ask yourself, "DO I LOVE IT?" If yes, it is an accessory that will play a vital role in determining the color scheme and style you want your new space to be designed around. Finding that one piece you love can tell any designer or decorator a lot about your interest in what you can see yourself looking at and living around every day of your life. The biggest misconception in design, for people who are not in a creative field, and are more functional and practical-based, is that they want more objectivity when it comes to design. This is entirely NOT TRUE! By keeping the above basic concepts in mind, for determining your taste, in what items you keep and donate, you will be able to find your ideal style today. http://www.i-deal-lifestyle.com Call for a free 30-minute phone consult at 1-949-709-7000 Marla Stone Realtor Nora Gallogly Group Newport & Company DRE 01823712 DRE02078273 CEO, I-Deal-Lifestyle Inc & Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff 949-709-7000 www.i-deallifestyle.com info@i-deal-lifestyle.com Utilizing the skills of a Feng Shui/Real Estate Professional is essential not only for the skills that tell a person if the house is "good" feng shui but also for having the guidance of a sensitive person who understands real estate, values, design, and function. Recently I helped a woman looking for a home in Laguna Beach, and last month in Irvine; before that, I helped people find the best homes from Coto De Caza, San Clement to Dana Point and Newport Beach.
Growing up with a dad who was a real estate developer for over sixty years, having a real estate appraiser husband, and an extensive background in Feng Shui have influenced my ability to pick fabulous properties with investments written all over them. Also, with my social work and psychotherapy background, I understand people and have great intuition when matching people with properties. My main goal in helping people seek properties is that the land parcel and dwelling will work for them aesthetically, professionally, and personally and be excellent investment prospects. Being a licensed realtor and owning a professional decluttering and organizing business makes it very simple to find your ideal home or corporate business space. The first thing I do is understand what my client's values are, in life, personally, professionally, and socially. I guide you to different destinations depending on whether you are an empty nester looking for quiet with no noisy kid areas or loud mowers and blowers going 24/7. If the client loves to entertain yet is looking at a home with a small living room and dining areas, I will help them understand the house does not lend to large groups or small intimate parties. If the family has growing kids that love athletics, yet the neighborhood is empty nesters with no grass options or other kids, then let's look at more options. I understand that a great and creative cook/entertainer is looking for a large and functional kitchen; a person with physical functionality challenges doesn't want multiple levels. Sensitive-to-energy types don't want a bunch of power lines all around, and beach people don't like 30-minute away properties from the ocean. Knowing my client is number one for me to help them get to the correct neighborhood, plot of land, and space. Feng Shui aspects are essential to include when looking for property. Most notable are that the property is on a rectangular lot. Homes on triangular or oddly shaped lots leave a resident unsettled. Also, homes with another home hovering over them can create less prosperity and less privacy. Bedrooms, where the headboard faces west if you are born in the Western world or facing east if you were born in the Eastern world, may cause health challenges and disturbed sleep. Other negative features are homes with stairs directly down to the front door, houses with fire pits or fireplaces in the prosperity section of the backyard, or pools located anywhere other than the prosperity area. Water features are always great Feng Shui in the prosperity areas of a property. More negative aspects and examples of bad Feng Shui are encroaching properties, loud street noise, damaged or destructed properties, choppy floor plans, homes with poor wall-to-window ratio, driveways where you have to back out, no parking near the house, and homes that are below street level. However, there are Feng Shui fixes for most negative aspects. Selling or locating properties for clients is all about client happiness. Honing in on people's personalities helps me identify neighborhood, city, and even state properties that will work for clients long term. It is more than a one-stop-shop opportunity. Real estate professionals' job is to find a property that fits the client rather than benefit themselves. It is not about the real estate professional paying off a second mortgage or sending a child to college or a new grandbaby. Also, some professionals who tell you there is not a lot of inventory may want to sell you specific homes where they will benefit the most. Make sure your Realtor® has your best interest at heart. Call Marla Stone, Realtor® and Feng Shui Expert, to find your dream home. Marla Stone Realtor 949-709-7000 www.i-deallifestyle.com info@i-deal-lifestyle.com Nora Gallogly Group Newport & Company DRE 01823712 DRE02078273 CEO, I-Deal-Lifestyle Inc & Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff Marla Stone is a feng shui real estate expert located in Orange County. Call 1-949-709-7000 for a free wants assessment! If there’s one positive thing that has come out of the pandemic, it’s the recent increase in mental health awareness and accommodations. Whether you’re neurodivergent, have a disability, or are struggling with the symptoms of burnout, these resources are here for you to take advantage of. Here are a few suggestions to help you protect your mental health while in the workplace.
Create a Space You Love Working in an environment that makes you happy is an excellent way to boost your mood throughout the workday. If you work in an office, personalize your space as much as you can with knickknacks or family photos. If you work from home, you have much more creative freedom. Creating a relaxing, inviting space for you to do your work will improve your focus and mental well-being. Choose furniture, paint, and decor items accordingly! If you don’t have a designated office in your home, consider converting your garage into an office instead. Prioritize Your Needs You’ll never meet your needs if you don’t acknowledge or voice them. When you need rest or a mental health day, allow yourself to move slowly and take your time. Be patient, and don’t worry about being productive. Sometimes, it’s OK to let some tasks wait until tomorrow. Reach out, ask for help, and communicate when you’re overwhelmed. It’s also important not to allow your boss to pile on work beyond your job description—doing the work of multiple people will only burn you out faster. Build Community With Your Coworkers Your coworkers and higher-ups can and should be a support system. While managers and bosses can sometimes be unsympathetic, coworkers are often in similar circumstances to you. Collaborating and supporting each other will build community among your peers that can prove vital. When you have a community, you have a team that you can trust. This is important to have in a positive workplace environment. Protecting your mental health in the workplace is possible when you remember that you are a valuable contributor! Protecting your peace and mental health will prevent you from feeling bogged down and drained. Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 | Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff Moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home can feel a little discouraging, but this can be a beneficial change. Limited mobility doesn’t mean being confined to watching TV and playing bingo; believe it or not, there are plenty of options when it comes to living the I-Deal-Lifestyle in a living community. As an activity director, it may be your job to come up with fresh and fun activities to plan for your senior living community. Follow along to learn more about the best activities for seniors. Jewelry MakingArts and crafts are an excellent way to maintain fine motor skills and spend time together, and it can be more than basic painting, drawing, or paper crafts. Consider gathering the supplies your residents will need to make jewelry. Whether they design necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, they’ll love creating their own pieces. Set up a time to provide a tutorial session so they understand how to make specific items. Afterward, let them use their creative muscles to make something beautiful. Book ClubsMany older people enjoy reading books, and book clubs are an excellent way to pair people according to their interests and encourage social interaction. Older people can sometimes feel lonely, but they may be more inclined to make friends if they can chat about their favorite books and have meaningful discussions with others who also enjoy reading. Wii SportsActivities are one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a senior living community, and staying active is great for older adults. They may not be able to stand or walk for extended periods, but they will enjoy playing Wii Sports. This option is a great way to stimulate the body without putting too much strain on muscles and joints. And coordinating a friendly competition is a surefire way to lift their spirits. Birthday PartiesAs we age, birthdays tend to become more of a hassle than a celebration. However, you can bring the excitement back to birthdays by throwing each resident a birthday party on their special day. Whether you decorate and make tasty treats or do one of their favorite activities as a group, you’ll make their day memorable. Even though they may not want gifts, consider getting them one of the best birthday gifts for seniors, like comfy socks or a reading tablet, to ensure they have an incredible day. With these fun activity ideas to plan for your senior living community, you’ll be able to keep the residents engaged and excited for the next event. Sometimes, this is all they have to look forward to, so make their activity time extra special.
Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 |
Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff Why do we have a "Bucket List?" As lore tells us, slaughtered animals kicked the bucket below them before they died. The bucket was placed below the doomed animal to catch its blood. What a gruesome image. So to turn the bucket into a more promising and better vision, we have now come up with the term "bucket list."
Today the bucket is symbolic of a dream catcher. Our whims and hopes dropped one by one into a pail we carry around our necks without emptying it out. It's just a drop in the bucket for everything we can think of doing before we die. Instead, the receptacle for all our wishes, longings, and desires is our way of temporizing time and activities. How weird that we shovel into a bucket our wish lists, things we want to challenge ourselves to, the must-do's, plans, and goals. We hurtle and dump fabulous experiences and life's precious moments into a red plastic or gray metal, your choice, vessel. Before we "kick the bucket," I say empty it of wants and longing and kick it as far away as possible. I suggest a "Now List." A New Now List is an exercise to do everything you dream of now. Why wait until you're half dead to do everything you're dreaming about. I know the excuses you will conjure up, the money, the time, the strength, and the stamina. The job, the kids and the pets may prevent you from fulfilling even the simplest of your grails and targets. Why, though, is the question? Why would you often think deeply and with such fortitude about satisfying and worthwhile situations and not follow through with them? What are your excuses? Why don't you do the things you say you want to do? What is in your way? Whatever your answer is, why not liberate yourself? Either empty the bucket, figure out whether your idle itches will happen and when, or make a List, and stop procrastinating. Stop carrying on about all these fantasies. Living with one foot in front of the other, in a dreamy daze of no-do's, cannot be fun. Start doing the escapades, climbing the trails of glory, begin your living now list, and put them in your #googlecalendar immediately. Get on with your extraordinary life, spark the magical beams across the universe, #organizethegarage, think about #buyinganewhome #decoratethekidsroom, #learnanewlanguage, and #traveltoanexoticdestiny. Live bigger than you ever imagined. Live like it is your birthday every day, and enjoy life's pleasures. You deserve #thebestthingsinlife now. So go ahead, make a list, and make it sensible. #Flyingtothemoon, #buyingamazeratti, and #goingaroundtheworld can be part of the list. Don't hold back your most outrageous ideas. Then visualize how to make it happen. Seriously, people have been known to come back to life after being pronounced dead. Anything is possible when you have a Now List in front of you. Hey, if you are saying to yourself, that sounds ridiculous, I say, "Nah." What is absurd is thinking that you're going to get your way in life, carrying around an empty bucket of invisible dreams. Marla Stone, MSW, Realtor, Life Coach Owner of I-Deal-Lifestyle.com Call Marla Stone Nora Gallogly Group Newport & Company DRE 01823712 DRE 02078273 at 949-709-7000 Creating your dream home office can help boost your productivity and enhance the remote work experience. When you're struggling to find the right space in your house, consider upgrading your garage into a customized office. You can enjoy the amenities of a fully stocked workspace and the convenience of working from home.
Make Your Space Safer While garages often have plenty of space, many are not suitable for long-term human occupancy. When upgrading your garage into a home office, your priority should be making the room safe and comfortable. For example, you can install insulation to protect you from temperature fluctuations while you work. Depending on your climate, you can add heating, ventilation, and air conditioning as well. Make sure the area is free from mold, pests, and other contaminants. As you work on upgrading your garage, be sure to document the updates you're making by keeping receipts and taking before-and-after photos. The enhancements you’re making could raise the value of your home when you sell it at some point. You should also check if a home warranty covers garage doors. If so, consider purchasing one. Although you’ll likely be using the door less, it will be an important selling feature if you sell the house in the future. Most warranties cover the normal wear and tear on garage doors, and you can even choose to make the door a feature of your new office for enjoying temperate days or welcoming clients. Bring In More Light A well-lit workspace helps you stay focused and energized. If you want optimal lighting under various conditions, Remodelista suggests that you try layering different lights. For instance, install ambient overhead lighting and supplement it with task lighting, such as a classic desk lamp. Bringing soft, neutral colors into the area helps boost illumination. You can also maximize natural light by using mirrors and reflective decor. When it fits your budget, look into upgrading your garage door to a model with windows that lets in more sunlight. Improve Your Storage If your garage is currently full of clutter, develop a plan to sort and store your items. First, remove anything that can be recycled, discarded, or donated. Then, for everything else, find a permanent storage spot so that your workspace stays tidy. Storage solutions, including shelving and cabinetry, can help you stay organized and take advantage of vertical space. In addition, you can hire professionals to design and install fully-finished cabinets in your home office. Contact a company like www.i-deal-lifestyle.com for more suggestions on responsible decluttering or read Professional Organizer, Marla Stone’s book called The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff. Up Technology The National Telecommunications and Information Administration reports that the industries with the highest proportion of remote workers include technology, finance, and legal services. These occupations tend to require the use of computers and the internet. Therefore, your home office should have adequate power and internet access. Thick walls between your home and garage could limit wireless signal strength. Consider relocating your router or installing a mesh network for better coverage. Eliminate Unnecessary Tasks You can streamline your workload by structuring your business as an LLC. Specifically, you can protect yourself from liability while enjoying more flexibility, tax advantages, and simplified paperwork. Avoid legal fees by filing the paperwork yourself, or save time by using a business formation service. Don't forget to check your state's rules, as regulations vary by location. Redecorate Your Office Complete the look of your home office by bringing in new office decor and updating the color palette. Adding house plants can help your space feel more lively and relaxing. Stay motivated by hanging inspiring artwork above your desk. Choose a complementary color palette instead of following the latest trends. Wall colors like blue, green, and brown can create a calming yet productive environment. Research types of flooring suitable for office use and car storage such as tile, concrete, or specialty carpets. Consider Your Conversion Converting your garage into a useful, well-furnished home office is a major undertaking that requires time and resources. However, it is worthwhile to create a safe, clean workspace that has the tools you need to accomplish your goals. When you’re looking for a new home workspace, look into what it will take to revamp your garage. As you plan your remodel, implement feng shui practices to keep your workspace harmonious. If you need help getting started, contact I-Deal-Lifestyle Feng Shui for a consultation. Lighting is the hidden element that can create an entire mood in your household. But there is such a wide variety of lighting fixtures to choose from, and they all have different attitudes and vibes. It seems like there is so much to consider as you search. Finding the proper lighting for your home can be difficult, but it’s not impossible; here are the different types of indoor lighting for your home. Recessed FixturesRecessed fixtures are the reliable stars of the lighting world—they add an air of sophistication and class to a space. Loved by many for its appearance and light output customization, recessed lighting is a popular addition to modern renovations. These lights wedge right into your ceiling, allowing the eye line to move without interruption and making a space look cleaner. It is common to “DIY” their installation. However, there are risks when you install recessed lighting yourself—a licensed electrician should do this work. It is better to be safe than sorry. Wall SconcesWall sconces are in households that have a modern and luxurious feeling. They can take a dimly lit hallway that was previously a means to an end and transform it into a sleek corridor. Wall sconces are one of the many different types of indoor lighting for your home. With them, making a statement is easy, as they come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Their installation is easier than other kinds of lighting, as some sconces come with a plug-in. That means the most challenging thing for you will be figuring out how to blend your wire. ChandeliersChandeliers stand out in spacious areas with high ceilings and are in houses that make a statement. The chandelier itself will be the most significant point of attraction in any room. Having any flashy décor competing with this light fixture can create a burden on the eyes. Often found in entryways, chandeliers start the house off with a bang, as it is the first object a guest’s eye will land on, creating a lasting impression.
Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 |
Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff Outdoor spaces built with pavers and patio bricks craft an I-Deal-Lifestyle. There are many common uses for these building materials around your home. Let’s look at some of their applications for inspiration for your next outdoor project. Pool DecksMany pool decks on the West Coast utilize pavers. They can stand up well to water splashing on them, as they’re quite durable. Pavers make the outdoor space look dynamic and often achieve better results than a concrete deck. Repairing cracks in concrete decks can get costly, depending on the extent of the damage. On the contrary, pavers are easier to repair. If they start to fade or you notice any cracks, these are signs it’s time to replace your pavers. Switch out your old paver for a new one—a far more affordable solution than fixing a concrete deck. PatiosPavers and patio bricks are commonly used in patios, as they work efficiently together. Even if your outdoor space utilizes a cement base, patio bricks can enhance the concrete patio by creating a border or small wall around the edge. This accent makes the space much more eye-catching and helps divide up the space in the backyard. Alternatively, if you’re looking to build a patio from scratch, pavers are an affordable choice and very low maintenance. Since many types of pavers exist, you can tailor the design to your tastes. Plus, they’re versatile, so you can create just about anything with them for the I-Deal-Lifestyle, from fire pits to benches. Elevated GardensPeople with green thumbs will want to take their gardens to the next level. While pavers look great around a garden, they also are highly functional. These stones lend themselves well to flowers and vegetables by providing protection and drainage. PathwaysWe often think pavers and patio bricks are synonymous with pathways. Like the other projects mentioned, you can take plenty of creative liberties when crafting an entryway to your front door or a path to your garden in your backyard. You can do one solid path or have a divided path to make it unique. Contrasting patio bricks also provide a nice accent to pathways when you use them as an outline.
Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 |
Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff Why do we have a "Bucket List?" As lore tells us, slaughtered animals kicked the bucket below them before they died. The bucket was placed below the doomed animal to catch its blood. What a gruesome image. So to turn the bucket into a more promising and better vision, we have now come up with the term "bucket list."
Today the bucket is symbolic of a dream catcher. Our whims and hopes dropped one by one into a pail we carry around our necks without emptying it out. It's just a drop in the bucket for everything we can think of doing before we die. Instead, the receptacle for all our wishes, longings, and desires is our way of temporizing time and activities. How weird that we shovel into a bucket our wish lists, things we want to challenge ourselves to, the must-do's, plans, and goals. We hurtle and dump fabulous experiences and life's precious moments into a red plastic or gray metal, your choice, vessel. Before we "kick the bucket," I say empty it of wants and longing and kick it as far away as possible. I suggest a "Now List." A New Now List is an exercise to do everything you dream of now. Why wait until you're half dead to do everything you're dreaming about. I know the excuses you will conjure up, the money, the time, the strength, and the stamina. The job, the kids and the pets may prevent you from fulfilling even the simplest of your grails and targets. Why, though, is the question? Why would you often think deeply and with such fortitude about satisfying and worthwhile situations and not follow through with them? What are your excuses? Why don't you do the things you say you want to do? What is in your way? Whatever your answer is, why not liberate yourself? Either empty the bucket, figure out whether your idle itches will happen and when, or make a List, and stop procrastinating. Stop carrying on about all these fantasies. Living with one foot in front of the other, in a dreamy daze of no-do's, cannot be fun. Start doing the escapades, climbing the trails of glory, begin your living now list, and put them in your #googlecalendar immediately. Get on with your extraordinary life, spark the magical beams across the universe, #organizethegarage, #decoratethekidsroom, #learnanewlanguage, and #traveltoanexoticdestiny. Live bigger than you ever imagined. Live like it is your birthday every day, and enjoy life's pleasures. You deserve #thebestthingsinlife now. So go ahead, make a list, and make it sensible. #Flyingtothemoon, #buyingamazeratti, and #goingaroundtheworld can be part of the list. Don't hold back your most outrageous ideas. Then visualize how to make it happen. Seriously, people have been known to come back to life after being pronounced dead. Anything is possible when you have a Now List in front of you. Hey, if you are saying to yourself, that sounds ridiculous, I say, "Nah." What is absurd is thinking that you're going to get your way in life, carrying around an empty bucket of invisible dreams. |
Here you will find an array of blog articles about decluttering your home, life and how to improve your business strategyMarla is known as the Declutter Your Strategy™ expert. Marla earned her BA in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work and is the founder of |