Tips for Tuesday
You work, your children are involved in after-school activites, your house doesn't clean itself. So how do you get it all done? In addition to daily tasks, there are special occasions and holidays that always pop up, creating even more work for you.
These events usually require a trip to the mall, whether it's for a gift, new clothes or something needed for school. To make your trips easier, keep these tips in mind:
• Make a list before you go so you don’t forget anything.
• Make sure you have the receipt with you for any items you are returning. Some stores require one. Others will give you the last sale price no matter what you paid.
• Return catalog purchases to the store to avoid shipping fees and waiting in line at the post office.
• Buy movie tickets online to avoid standing in line.
• Buy presents on sale when you see them throughout the year. Post-holiday sales are a great time to stock up on next year's presents at a fraction of the cost.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Preparing for the Move--Collecting Important Records
Moving on Mondays
You will be collecting a large amount of paperwork and information during your move. In addition to a myriad of lists, there will be receipts, legal documents, written quotes, correspondence, business cards and photos.
It is imperative that all this information be kept together so nothing gets misplaced. Designate a central location for this information so anyone in the family can find it if they need it.
Use whatever method you find best suits your style or needs. Some options are: A three-ring binder, file folders, an accordion file, a portable file tote or a combination of these.
Portability is important, as you will probably be bringing it with you on appointments or visits. So select an option that is easy for you to transport.
You will be collecting a large amount of paperwork and information during your move. In addition to a myriad of lists, there will be receipts, legal documents, written quotes, correspondence, business cards and photos.
It is imperative that all this information be kept together so nothing gets misplaced. Designate a central location for this information so anyone in the family can find it if they need it.
Use whatever method you find best suits your style or needs. Some options are: A three-ring binder, file folders, an accordion file, a portable file tote or a combination of these.
Portability is important, as you will probably be bringing it with you on appointments or visits. So select an option that is easy for you to transport.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Handy Uses for Tea and Teabags
Frugal Friday
Tea has been around for centuries. We know the benefits of drinking it. Green tea has healthy attributes because of its antioxidants. Herbal teas can calm you. Peppermint tea soothes an upset stomach.
But did you know that tea and tea bags have other uses around the house? Here are some ways to use it outside a teacup.
• Soaking your hands or feet in tea water takes away odors such as onion or sweat.
• Water your plants with weak tea once a week to perk them up.
• Cold teabags make great compresses for sunburn.
• Put cold, weak tea in a mister and spray it in musty rooms. Use fragrant teas for best results.
• Cut apart an unused teabag to use for mending a broken fingernail. Just trim to size, stick to the break with clear nail polish, and finish off with two more coats of clear polish.
• Soak white clothes, silk flowers or netting in weak tea for an antiqued look to your wedding attire.
• Soak black or brown clothes in tea water to revive the color.
• And if you don't use them for any of these, place them in your composter for your garden.
What handy uses do you have for teabags?
Tea has been around for centuries. We know the benefits of drinking it. Green tea has healthy attributes because of its antioxidants. Herbal teas can calm you. Peppermint tea soothes an upset stomach.
But did you know that tea and tea bags have other uses around the house? Here are some ways to use it outside a teacup.
• Soaking your hands or feet in tea water takes away odors such as onion or sweat.
• Water your plants with weak tea once a week to perk them up.
• Cold teabags make great compresses for sunburn.
• Put cold, weak tea in a mister and spray it in musty rooms. Use fragrant teas for best results.
• Cut apart an unused teabag to use for mending a broken fingernail. Just trim to size, stick to the break with clear nail polish, and finish off with two more coats of clear polish.
• Soak white clothes, silk flowers or netting in weak tea for an antiqued look to your wedding attire.
• Soak black or brown clothes in tea water to revive the color.
• And if you don't use them for any of these, place them in your composter for your garden.
What handy uses do you have for teabags?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Principles of Sorting--Part Two
Senior Thursday
Everyone's family will face the time when they must sort through the belongings of senior family members or aging parents. This may be as a result of a move to assisted living, or upon the senior's passing. If the senior is still alive, the decisions are more difficult, whether the move is to a retirement community or a nursing home. In most cases, the new home is smaller, and thus, many of their possessions can't go with them.
The second core principle of sorting is to avoid imposing personal values on the family member's lifestyle or belongings.
Some individuals are comfortable with more clutter. Some are minimalists. Neither is right or wrong. Your role is to help the family member create a new home that works for him or her, not for you.
Sorting is not about identifying the most valuable or newest items. It is about what is most dear. Encourage clients to use what they enjoy most.
Everyone's family will face the time when they must sort through the belongings of senior family members or aging parents. This may be as a result of a move to assisted living, or upon the senior's passing. If the senior is still alive, the decisions are more difficult, whether the move is to a retirement community or a nursing home. In most cases, the new home is smaller, and thus, many of their possessions can't go with them.
The second core principle of sorting is to avoid imposing personal values on the family member's lifestyle or belongings.
Some individuals are comfortable with more clutter. Some are minimalists. Neither is right or wrong. Your role is to help the family member create a new home that works for him or her, not for you.
Sorting is not about identifying the most valuable or newest items. It is about what is most dear. Encourage clients to use what they enjoy most.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Organizing Your Submissions to Editors/Agents--Part Two
Writer Wednesday
Once you have a completed project, you can start submitting your work to agents and editors. There are many things to keep in mind when submitting your book or novella. Having a handle on all this will improve your chances of having your full manuscript accepted.
4. Keep a record of all submissions in a database, spread sheet or a hard copy. List the title of the submission, the house submitted to, the agent/editor's name, date mailed or e-mailed and the date you expect to hear back from them.
5. Follow up with editors and agents if the deadline for response passes.
6. Keep a copy of each version you send out under the agent's or editor's name.
7. Review any feedback for valuable advice.
8. Reply in a timely manner if additional material is requested.
9. Send a thank-you note to the editor/agent.
Once you have a completed project, you can start submitting your work to agents and editors. There are many things to keep in mind when submitting your book or novella. Having a handle on all this will improve your chances of having your full manuscript accepted.
4. Keep a record of all submissions in a database, spread sheet or a hard copy. List the title of the submission, the house submitted to, the agent/editor's name, date mailed or e-mailed and the date you expect to hear back from them.
5. Follow up with editors and agents if the deadline for response passes.
6. Keep a copy of each version you send out under the agent's or editor's name.
7. Review any feedback for valuable advice.
8. Reply in a timely manner if additional material is requested.
9. Send a thank-you note to the editor/agent.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Streamlining Your Life--At the Grocery Store
Tips for Tuesday
Grocery shopping is time consuming. You need to plan your menus, write your list, look for coupons, drive to the store, look for items that are on sale, wait in the checkout lines and put everything away when you get home. There are some things you can do to make the trip easier.
• Create a pre-printed grocery list either by aisle or food group. Print one out as soon as you return form the store. Hang it somewhere handy in the kitchen. Then check off items you use up or know you'll need the next time you shop. Make your own, or print one from online, such as this one from OrganizeTips.com--http://www.organizetips.com/grocer.htm
• Clip coupons from your Sunday paper every week and file them by category. Check your shopping list for coupons before you go to the store.
• Make up your menu for the coming week so you know which ingredients you'll need to purchase.
• Economy-size packages may not always be the cheapest. Check unit pricing for the best deal.
• Avoid grocery shopping altogether by using a grocery delivery service. The same goes for prescription medications.
Grocery shopping is time consuming. You need to plan your menus, write your list, look for coupons, drive to the store, look for items that are on sale, wait in the checkout lines and put everything away when you get home. There are some things you can do to make the trip easier.
• Create a pre-printed grocery list either by aisle or food group. Print one out as soon as you return form the store. Hang it somewhere handy in the kitchen. Then check off items you use up or know you'll need the next time you shop. Make your own, or print one from online, such as this one from OrganizeTips.com--http://www.organizetips.com/grocer.htm
• Clip coupons from your Sunday paper every week and file them by category. Check your shopping list for coupons before you go to the store.
• Make up your menu for the coming week so you know which ingredients you'll need to purchase.
• Economy-size packages may not always be the cheapest. Check unit pricing for the best deal.
• Avoid grocery shopping altogether by using a grocery delivery service. The same goes for prescription medications.
Monday, September 19, 2011
How Long Will It Take Me to Move?
Moving On Monday
Moving takes time. There's prepping the home, showing it, looking for a new home, and packing up all your belongings. So how much time should you allot out of your schedule for the move? That depends. Every move is different because everyone's live are different.
When you are tallying the hours, keep these factors in mind:
⌂ How much you own—from furniture down to books and CDs, the more you have, the longer it will take you to sort, pack and unpack.
⌂ Your work schedule—If you work full time, decide how much you can realistically get done on evenings and weekends.
⌂ School schedules—If you have school-age children, you will have to work around their extra-curricular activities.
⌂ Family size and ages—Little ones take time away from you, while teenagers can be put to work.
⌂ Outside help—What friends or family members can you rely on for assistance?
⌂ Who will pack and fill the truck—If you hire movers, this can be done for you. If you rent a truck, the packing, filling of the truck, emptying of the truck, and unpacking will all be your responsibility.
⌂ Distance of the move—If you are moving across town, you can make small trips over a few days or weeks. If you are moving cross-country, there are many more factors involved such as airline/hotel reservations, car transportation, etc.
Moving takes time. There's prepping the home, showing it, looking for a new home, and packing up all your belongings. So how much time should you allot out of your schedule for the move? That depends. Every move is different because everyone's live are different.
When you are tallying the hours, keep these factors in mind:
⌂ How much you own—from furniture down to books and CDs, the more you have, the longer it will take you to sort, pack and unpack.
⌂ Your work schedule—If you work full time, decide how much you can realistically get done on evenings and weekends.
⌂ School schedules—If you have school-age children, you will have to work around their extra-curricular activities.
⌂ Family size and ages—Little ones take time away from you, while teenagers can be put to work.
⌂ Outside help—What friends or family members can you rely on for assistance?
⌂ Who will pack and fill the truck—If you hire movers, this can be done for you. If you rent a truck, the packing, filling of the truck, emptying of the truck, and unpacking will all be your responsibility.
⌂ Distance of the move—If you are moving across town, you can make small trips over a few days or weeks. If you are moving cross-country, there are many more factors involved such as airline/hotel reservations, car transportation, etc.
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