Author: Emmy Horstkamp

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Daily Storey | Sort Paperwork & Receipts|One Hour a Month|


If your desk looks like a library explosion every tax season, this post is for you. A tidy paperwork system saves time, protects your privacy, and makes audits less stressful. The goal isn’t to become a paper minimalist overnight, but to set up a straightforward rhythm: decide what to keep, securely dispose of what you don’t, and digitize receipts so nothing slides into chaos.

Title: Shred, Recycle, and Relax: A Simple Guide to Tidy Paperwork

The core idea for today’s hour: shred, recycle, and organize with a purpose

  • Shred: anything that contains sensitive personal or financial data (SSN, bank accounts, passwords, etc.).
  • Recycle: what isn’t sensitive and can’t impact your finances or legal obligations.
  • Organize: what you need to keep for audits, taxes, warranties, and compliance.
  • Digitize where possible: scan documents you need to keep and store them securely.

What to avoid

  • Don’t keep everything “just in case.” Most documents have a practical retention window. Holding on indefinitely creates clutter and risk.
  • Don’t mix sensitive papers with general recycling. A pile of unshredded papers can expose you to identity theft and data breaches.
  • Don’t staple and binder-clip everything into one giant folder. It makes shredding and scanning harder, and important items can get buried.
  • Don’t rely on memory or scattered notes for audit-related items. If it’s needed for legal or tax purposes, store it in a labeled, retrievable place.
  • Don’t ignore digital privacy bits. Even digital receipts can contain sensitive information; plan how you store and delete digital copies too.

What to keep for auditing

Audits (tax, legal, or financial) typically require documentation that proves your numbers and decisions. A practical rule of thumb is to keep supporting documents for a reasonable window and then consolidate into a retention plan. When in doubt, consult a CPA or your legal advisor.

Common categories to retain

  • Tax returns and supporting documents (receipts, invoices, mileage logs): keep at least 7 years. This aligns with many tax professionals’ guidance and can help if the IRS questions past filings.
  • Invoices and financial records (vendor invoices, receipts for business expenses): keep 7 years.
  • Bank statements and reconciliations: keep 7 years.
  • Contracts and legal documents: keep the life of the contract plus 7 years.
  • Payroll records and wage statements: keep a minimum of 7 years.
  • Insurance policies and claim records: keep through the policy period plus about 6 years.
  • Asset purchase, depreciation, and title documents: keep for as long as you own the asset, plus 7 years after disposition.
  • Warranties and product manuals related to business assets: keep for as long as you own the item or as long as the warranty lasts.

Retention needs can vary by business type, state requirements, and specific tax rules. If you’re unsure, a quick consult with a CPA can set a precise schedule tailored to you.

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Daily Goal | One Hour Cleaning Desk Space | Health Storey Goal |

What are we writing about today? Building a calm, productive home office with smart layout, clever storage, and simple maintenance habits that keep clutter at bay—without sacrificing style or comfort.

Monday : Daily Health Storey Goal | Clear off your desktop for one hour.


Working from home can blur the line between living space and workspace, which often leads to clutter creep. The goal isn’t a sterile office; it’s a space that feels calm, functions efficiently, and still reflects your personality. Below is a practical guide to designing a home office that stays neat through smart layout, thoughtful storage, and easy maintenance routines.

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Newsletter | Laundry |Health Storey Goals | No. 3 of 2026

Laundry 101: What to Wash, How to Choose Detergents, and How to Dry Things Right

Laundry Lab: Washing Everything That Belongs in the Washer

Keeping a busy home fresh and organized starts with smart washing and drying habits. In this issue, we simplify what can go in your washer, which detergents to use, and which fabrics should stay out of the dryer or need special care. Quick tip: always check garment care labels first—they’re the best guidance for each item.

Section 1: What can go in the washer

– Everyday cottons and linens: shirts, jeans, towels, bed sheets. Use warm or cold water depending on soil level and colorfastness; wash darks separately from lights.

– synthetics and blends (polyester, nylon, spandex): generally fine on cold or warm cycles; many hold color well.

– Delicates and sweaters: use a gentle or delicate cycle; consider a mesh bag for small items.

– Athletic wear: wash in cold water to protect elasticity; avoid fabric softeners which can reduce moisture-wicking.

– Kids’ clothing and bibs: follow label care; use fragrance-free detergent if there are sensitivities.

– Bedding and bath towels: can often handle warm water; use a longer cycle for bulky items.

– How to sort: by color (lights, darks, bright colors), by fabric type (delicates separately), and by soil level (heavy soils separate from lightly soiled items).

Section 2: Detergents to use

– Types of detergents:

  – Liquid detergents: great for greasy stains and pre-treating; easy to measure.

  – Powder detergents: often cost-effective; good for hard water when paired with a water-softening booster.

  – Detergent pods/pacs: convenient, but use only one per load and keep out of reach of kids.

  – Fragrance-free or dye-free options: better for sensitive skin or households with allergies.

– High-efficiency (HE) washers vs standard machines:

  – If you have an HE washer, use HE detergents. They produce fewer suds and work best with reduced water.

  – If you have a standard washer, regular detergents work fine, but follow the label for the correct amount.

– How much to use:

  – Follow the product label; a typical small-to-medium load often uses less than the cap suggests.

  – For hard water, you may need a little more detergent or a water-softening booster.

– Special boosters (optional):

  – Oxygen-based bleach for whites and color-safe brightening (avoid chlorine bleach on colored fabrics and delicate fibers).

  – Stain pretreaters for tough spots (grease, wine, grass). Test on hidden seam first.

– Tips for sensitive households:

  – Choose fragrance-free, dye-free detergents.

  – Rinse cycles matter; extra rinse can help remove detergent residue that irritates skin.

Section 3: What can be dried in the dryer vs. what should air-dry

– Dryer-friendly items (low to medium heat; shorter cycles help extend life):

  – Most cottons and poly-cotton blends

  – Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon blends)

  – Towels and bath sheets

  – Sweatshirts and fleece (watch for pilling)

– Delicates and items to air-dry or lay flat:

  – Wool and cashmere sweaters (lay flat to preserve shape)

  – Silk, satin, and delicate tops (use a lingerie bag or air-dry)

  – Rayon/viscose and some duplex fabrics (check care label; many are air-dry only)

  – Certain knitted patterns and beaded garments (premature shrinkage risk)

– What “dry-clean only” really means for home laundry:

  – Dry-clean-only items should not go in a home washer or dryer unless the care label explicitly says otherwise.

  – If you’re ever unsure, test with a small, inconspicuous area or take to a professional cleaner.

– Practical tips to dry efficiently:

  – Clean the lint screen before every load to maximize drying efficiency.

  – Use the right heat setting: low/air-dry for delicates; medium heat for most cottons; high heat only for sturdy items that tolerate it.

  – Use dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help bounce and reduce drying time for bulky items like towels and blankets.

  – Remove items promptly to minimize wrinkles; fold or hang after they’re dry.

Section 4: Quick home laundry routine templates

– Everyday casual path: cold wash for most colors, gentle cycle for delicates, air-dry or low-heat for delicate pieces.

– Towels and bedding path: warm wash if soil is moderate, longer dry on medium heat, add dryer balls to speed up drying.

Section 5: Troubleshooting tips

– If colors bleed: wash separate for the first few cycles or use color-catching sheets.

– Lingering odors: rewash with a bit more detergent and add a half cup of baking soda to the wash.

– Clothes shrinking after a warm wash: avoid high heat; re-wet, re-shape, and air dry if possible.

– Detergent residue on clothes: add an extra rinse cycle or run an extra rinse on the machine.

Section 6: A quick care checklist

– Always check care labels before washing.

– Sort by color, fabric type, and soil level.

– Use the appropriate detergent and the recommended dose.

– Match water temperature to the fabric and soil.

– Dry items on the recommended setting; avoid high heat on delicates.

Daily Goals for this Week

  • Monday – Clear Desk Space
  • Tuesday – Sort Paperwork
  • Wednesday – Tidy Desk Drawer
  • Thursday – Organize Digital Files
  • Friday – Clean Keyboard
  • Saturday – Create Functional Workspace
  • Sunday – Add personal Touches to work space at work and home
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First Aid | Are You Ready For Minor Emergencies?

Title: The Essential Home First Aid Kit: What to Include, How to Store It, and Basic First Aid for Common Home Injuries


Being prepared with a well-stocked first aid kit can make a real difference when accidents happen. A good kit isn’t just about having bandages; it’s about having the right supplies organized so you can act quickly and calmly. This guide gives you a practical shopping list, storage tips, and simple first aid steps for the most common home injuries. If someone is severely injured (heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, head injury with confusion, etc.), call emergency services right away.

What to include in a home first aid kit


Think in categories: supplies for cleaning and protecting wounds, bandages, tools, medications, comfort items, and documentation. Adapt quantities to the size of your household.

Basic home kit

  • First aid manual or quick-reference card (the quick steps you can follow)
  • Sterile gauze pads (4×4 inches and 2×2 inches; several each)
  • Adhesive bandages in multiple sizes (a few large, several small, plus some waterproof)
  • Adhesive tape (medical tape, 1 inch wide)
  • Antibiotic ointment (topical antibiotic) and antiseptic wipes or solution
  • Hydrocortisone cream (1%) for itching and rashes
  • Burn gel or nonstick dressing for minor burns
  • Disposable sterile gloves (nitrile or latex) in at least 2 pairs
  • Scissors (sturdy, blunt-tip) and tweezers
  • Elastic or cohesive bandages (for sprains)
  • Instant cold packs (2–4)
  • Warmth/heat pack (optional for comfort; not a substitute for medical care)
  • Pain relievers/fever reducers (check age suitability): acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen (for adults; pediatric versions if you have children)
  • Oral rehydration salts or a sports drink powder (for dehydration)
  • Saline nasal spray or contact lens solution and/or sterile saline for eye irrigation
  • Thermometer (digital, preferably with a fever range)
  • Washable red safety pin or “triage” pin for securing bandages
  • Emergency contact card with family doctor, local urgent care, poison control, and emergency numbers
  • A small flashlight and extra batteries (good for nighttime needs)
  • A simple, waterproof container or pouch to keep items dry and organized
  • A list of allergies and medications for all household members (keep it updated)

Optional upgrades

  • Additional specialty items: butterfly closures (steri-strips) for small lacerations, a suture removal kit (for trained users—not a substitute for professional care), a CPR face shield or barrier device, a blood glucose meter (if someone in the home has diabetes), and an allergy/epinephrine plan if someone has a known severe allergy (and must-have auto-injector if prescribed)
  • Extra supplies for kids: kid-friendly bandages and gentle skin cleansers
  • A small notebook or wipe-clean sheet to log injuries and actions taken

How to store and organize the kit

  • Pick a single, accessible location: a kitchen cabinet, pantry shelf, or a dedicated closet where clutter is minimal and the kit isn’t exposed to heat or moisture.
  • Choose the right container: a hard-shell tackle box, a small plastic toolkit, or a labeled first-aid chest with clear compartments. The goal is visibility and quick access.
  • Separate zones or containers within the kit:
  • Wounds: gauze, bandages, antiseptics, antibiotic ointment, nonstick dressings
  • Tools: scissors, tweezers, safety pins, tape
  • Medications and burn/relief items: pain relievers, hydrocortisone cream, burn gel
  • Comfort and protection: gloves, instant cold packs, spare blankets or a small nasal saline
  • Documentation and extras: emergency numbers, allergy list, thermometer
  • Label clearly and keep items in their original packaging as much as possible (e.g., medicine bottles with dosage instructions).
  • Check expiration dates regularly (every 3–6 months is a good rule). Replace any expired items and rotate supplies so older items are used first.
  • Keep a simple inventory list on the inside of the kit lid or a small card in the box. Update whenever you add or remove items.
  • Child safety: if you have young children, store the kit in a high, locked cabinet or use a childproof container and teach older kids basic safety about not touching medicines.
  • Car and travel kits: it’s handy to have a smaller, separate kit for cars, workplaces, and travel, stocked with a few essentials (bandages, wipes, wipes, antiseptic, pain reliever, and a small pair of gloves).

Tailoring the kit for your household

  • Families with kids: include more adhesive bandages in kid-friendly sizes, extra antiseptic wipes, a digital thermometer, and age-appropriate pain relief meds with clear dosing on the label.
  • Seniors: consider larger-bandage options, extra elastic bandages, and a few enhanced wound-care items – nonstick dressings, wound-care tape with gentle adhesive.

Printable Shopping Checklist

Wound care and dressings

  • [ ] Sterile gauze pads, 4×4 inches: 20
  • [ ] Sterile gauze pads, 2×2 inches: 20
  • [ ] Nonstick sterile dressings: 4
  • [ ] Adhesive bandages, assorted sizes: 100
  • [ ] Antiseptic wipes or solution: 100-count
  • [ ] Antibiotic ointment (topical): 1 tube
  • [ ] Hydrocortisone cream 1%: 1 tube

Bandages, tapes, and wraps

  • [ ] Medical tape, 1 inch wide: 1 roll
  • [ ] Elastic or cohesive bandages: 2
  • [ ] Safety pins (for securing dressings): 1 small box

Tools

  • [ ] Blunt-tipped scissors: 1
  • [ ] Tweezers: 1
  • [ ] Digital thermometer: 1
  • [ ] Small flashlight with extra batteries: 1 set
  • [ ] First aid manual or quick-reference card: 1
  • [ ] Waterproof storage container or first-aid box: 1
  • [ ] Emergency contact information card (printable): 1
  • [ ] Allergy/medication list (laminated or waterproof): 1

Pain relief, antihistamines, and hydration

  • [ ] Acetaminophen (adult): 1–2 bottles
  • [ ] Ibuprofen (adult): 1 bottle
  • [ ] Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte powder: 1 box
  • [ ] Saline solution for eyes/nasal irrigation: 1 bottle
  • [ ] Hydration remedy for kids (pediatric electrolyte solution) optional: 1 box

Injury care

  • [ ] Instant cold packs: 4
  • [ ] Warmth/heat packs (optional, for comfort): 2
  • [ ] Burn gel or nonstick burn dressings: 2–4
  • [ ] Butterfly closures (steri-strips) for small cuts: 1 package
  • [ ] CPR barrier device or face shield (optional): 1

Kids and Seniors – Designed First Aid Items

  • [ ] Kid-friendly bandages and fun shapes: 1 package
  • [ ] Extra-large or easy-grip bandages for seniors: 1–2 boxes
  • [ ] Pediatric dosing chart

Car and travel Kit

  • [ ] Small, separate travel first aid kit: 1
  • [ ] A few bandages, antiseptic wipes, small gloves, and a mini bottle of antibiotic ointment: include in travel kit

Notes

  • Start with the essentials above; you can add specialty items later as needed.
  • If you have children or seniors, prioritize kid-friendly bandages and age-appropriate medicines with clear dosing labels.
  • Keep receipts and product labels for easy checking of expiration dates.
  • Plan for rotation: mark the opened date on items like ointments or saline, and replace before they expire.
  • Consider adding a small printed quick-reference sheet inside the kit lid for fast guidance.
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| Declutter the Bathroom | Daily Goal | On-Ramping

Declutter the Bathroom: Essentials, Smart Storage, Clean-Look Colors, and a 60-Minute Decluttering Plan


A cluttered bathroom can make mornings chaotic and showers feel less spa-like. The key is to keep only what you truly use, store the rest where it belongs, and choose colors and organizers that reflect calm and cleanliness. Below is a practical guide you can follow to reclaim your space—without turning it into a full-day project.

What to keep in the bathroom (the essentials)
These items belong in the bathroom vanity or medicine cabinet because they’re used daily or weekly and benefit from being close at hand.

  • Daily hygiene basics
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
  • Soap or hand wash, facial cleanser, moisturizer
  • Cotton rounds, Q-tips, cotton balls (store in a small drawer or container)
  • Grooming and personal care
  • Hairbrush/comb, razor and replacement blades, shaving cream or gel
  • Daily skincare products (serums, SPF, etc.)
  • Nail care kit (emery boards, clippers)
  • Towels and washcloths (a small, accessible set)
  • One to two hand towels on a rack; a few washcloths tucked in a basket
  • Cleaning essentials (kept discreetly, but within reach)
  • All-purpose cleaner or bathroom cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and brush, microfiber cloths
  • Toilet paper (a small stock in the bathroom is handy; bulk rolls can live in a hallway/utility closet)
  • First-aid and medications (in a secure, accessible spot)
  • A small first-aid kit and any daily medications should be stored in a locked or childproof cabinet if children are present
  • Minor storage helpers
  • A small trash can with a liner, a dish or tray for everyday items that live on the counter

Items you can relocate from the bathroom

  • Extra toiletries and household supplies you don’t use daily
  • Extra shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or facial products
  • Extra razors, sunscreen, or cosmetics that you don’t reach for weekly
  • Bulk or seasonal items
  • Spare toilet paper, tissues, or cleaning products that aren’t used this week
  • Hair tools and beauty devices you don’t use daily
  • Hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners can live in a bedroom closet or dedicated “tools” bin
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|Daily Storey Goal | Clear Out Under the Bed | January Goals | Coaching Prompt |

Why an Empty Under-Bed Space Supports Feng Shui, Calm, and Better Sleep


If you’ve ever felt that your bedroom carries a heaviness or restlessness, the space under the bed might be part of the problem. In many feng shui and energy-focused design ideas, clutter—especially tucked away where you can’t see it—still disrupts the flow of chi. The simple rule: keep the space under your bed empty. Not only can this reduce mental clutter and energy stagnation, it also makes your room easier to clean and helps you sleep more soundly. And yes, the “out of sight, out of mind” tendency is real—when nothing is stored under the bed, there’s nothing to forget about, misplace, or trip over.

Why keeping the space under the bed empty matters

  • Energy flow and rest: Feng shui emphasizes smooth, unobstructed qi (energy) moving through the room. A clear, open under-bed space is believed to encourage a calmer, more balanced energy in the sleeping area.
  • Mental calm and clutter-free nights: Visible clutter in your field of vision adds cognitive load even if you “don’t see” it during the day. An empty under-bed area reduces reminders of tasks or items that demand mental attention.
  • Easier cleaning and maintenance: Dust, allergens, and negative energy can accumulate in between under bed storage containers. Keeping the space empty makes vacuuming and air circulation simpler, supporting a healthier sleep environment.
  • Better sleep quality: A tidy, uncluttered space around the bed is linked—in feng shui and in many sleep-wocused design guides—to deeper, more restorative rest.

Common objections and smart trade-offs

  • “I need extra storage.” Choose away from the bed storage solutions: a stylish dresser, a storage ottoman at the foot of the bed, or a closet system with labeled bins. The goal is to move storage away from under the bed, not to create chaos elsewhere.
  • “False : Seasonal items won’t fit elsewhere.” Create a rotating plan: designate a labeled bin or shelf in a closet for seasonal items, and commit to rotating them on a schedule to an off-site storage location. It’s a short-term trade-off for long-term calm.
  • “I worry about forgetting what I have.” Instead of under-bed storage, use a visible inventory system in your closet or a digital note on your phone. A quick list or photo catalog can replace the mental load of “what’s under there?”
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|Sort Wardrobe| January Daily Goal | One Hour |

One Hour a Month to a Seamless Wardrobe: Build a Work Capsule That Balances Work and Home Life


If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a closet full of clothes you rarely wear, you’re not alone. A focused, one-hour monthly routine can transform how you dress for work and for home life. The goal is a clear, efficient work capsule you can mix and match with ease, while keeping your casual life wardrobe distinct. Below is a simple, repeatable process you can run every month to sort, prune, and optimize your outfits.

Why a monthly one-hour wardrobe routine works

  • It’s pragmatic. Thirty to sixty minutes creates a consistent habit and allows you to sort your wardrobe but not invest the day in thinking about each outfit.
  • It keeps you agile. A small, well-curated work capsule makes daily choices faster and reduces stress.
  • It preserves balance. Having a separate weekend wardrobe or after work wardrobe helps you turn off work and focus on your home-life.
  • It adapts to life. You can adjust the size of your capsule by season, workload, or laundry schedule and budget.

Setting up a dedicated work capsule

Create two defined closets or sections:

  • Work capsule: only your work-appropriate tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, and shoes.
  • Home-life wardrobe: casual wear, day wear, weekend wear, gym wear and special event outfits that are too formal for work.

Choose a cohesive color palette:

  • Neutrals you can pair easily | Neutral Colours = black, navy, gray, white |
  • One or two accent colors to keep things interesting

Focus on fabrics and care:

  • Pick fabrics that hold shape and color after washing (poly blends, ponte, wool blends, cotton).
  • Plan outfits that don’t require delicate handling if laundry is limited.

Build with a simple structure:

  • Tops: mostly versatile blouses, shirts, or knits
  • Bottoms: Tailored trousers, dark jeans, skirts
  • Outerwear: 2-3 blazers to make work suits
  • Dresses (women) : suit dresses

Shoes and accessories:

  • 2-3 work-appropriate shoes, loafers, low heels, boots
  • A small set of accessories to add personal style
  • Socks – enough to get through the week without doing laundry
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Cleaning Goal | Cleaning Around the Bed | Health Storey January |

Welcome to Monday! I’m working on the corporate paperwork and training an AI but the cleaning Goal for you and for myself today is:

| Clearing the space around the bed – Decluttering – Getting rid of visual stress |

Did you drink your coffee today? For detoxification, it is important to have coffee in the morning with some dairy. You can have dairy in your coffee or have a piece of cheese. Health Storey Coaches can explain to you the importance of coffee with dairy milk.

Clear Space, Clear Mind: The Importance of Minimal Visual Clutter in the Bedroom (Especially Around the Bed)

If your bedroom feels like a staging room for everything you own, your sleep routine might be paying the price. Visual clutter can drain energy, disrupt relaxation, and even make mornings feel chaotic. The good news? A simple, deliberate approach to keeping the space around your bed free of clutter can transform how you rest, recharge, and wake up. Here’s why it matters and how to make it work in real life.

Why visual clutter around the bed matters

  • Sleep quality and stress: A calm, orderly environment signals to your brain that it’s time to unwind. When surfaces are crowded with books, devices, and laundry, your brain has more stimuli to process at a time when it should be winding down. A cleaner visual field can help reduce cognitive load and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
  • Safety and ease: The bed is the room’s center of comfort, but it’s also a potential trip hazard if cords, shoes, or laundry spill into the floor or nightstands. Keeping the space around the bed clear reduces the risk of stumbles at night and makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
  • Routine and mental clarity: A tidy bedside area supports a smoother evening routine. When you know exactly where the essentials live (lamp, water bottle, a notebook, a charger), you waste less time searching and more time relaxing or drifting off.
  • Ambiance and mood: Clutter clashes with a tranquil mood. A minimal, uncluttered vibe—soft textures, warm lighting, and a cohesive color palette—creates a sanctuary-like feel that’s inviting to rest.

What “clutter around the bed” typically looks like

  • Nightstands overloaded with gadgets, cables, and random papers
  • Cables and chargers sprawling across surfaces or the floor
  • Stacks of books, magazines, or laundry piles near the bed
  • Decorative items that aren’t used for sleep, right at eye level
  • Under-bed storage that’s overflowing or difficult to access
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