Writer Wednesday
There are many contests available for writers, both published and unpublished. For the unpublished, it is a good way to get your work in front of editors and agents in a competitive market. Contest wins also look good when submitting to an agent or editor. For the published, contest wins and finaling are ways to show your readers that others have enjoyed the book. They will attract a new audience that might not have tried you without those badges of honor.
Because there are so many contests, you can easily lose track of which contests you've submitted which works to. Here are some tips for keeping track of your contest submissions.
• Carefully review returned entries for feedback. Look at scores and comments.
• Take what is useful and disregard the rest.
• Incorporate any useful feedback into your project.
• Send thank-you notes to the judges for volunteering their time. This should be done regardless of whether you agree with the comments.
• Keep all expense reports (postage, copying, etc.) for tax purposes.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Streamline Your Tasks Around the Home
Tips for Tuesday
Does your life seem busier than ever? Take all your day-to-day tasks, add in the hours you work outside the home and the hours you spend driving your children around, and you are left with precious little time to yourself. Here are some tips to help you streamline your life, get things done more quickly, and have more time for yourself and your family.
AROUND THE HOUSE
• Keep new garbage bags at the bottom of the cans for quick replacement at take-out time.
• Keep a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies on each level of the house so you don’t have to drag everything up and down stairs.
• Keep vinegar in a spray bottle for quick clean-up of windows, drains, etc..
• Bring a basket or box along while cleaning to collect items for other rooms—put stray items away when you get to that room.
• Line roasting pans with foil for easy clean-up.
• Cook in bulk and freeze extra servings for busy evenings.
• Use clear containers whenever possible for easy viewing of contents.
• Label any non-transparent boxes in storage so you know their contents without having to open them/
• Purchase a programmable thermostat to save time switching settings back and forth, and to save on heating/cooling bills.
• Tape your repairman’s phone number to furnace, water heater, etc., so you don’t have to search for it in an emergency.
• Program frequently-used phone numbers into your home and cellular phones.
• Keep a supply of greeting cards on hand for unexpected events such as illnesses and deaths.
Does your life seem busier than ever? Take all your day-to-day tasks, add in the hours you work outside the home and the hours you spend driving your children around, and you are left with precious little time to yourself. Here are some tips to help you streamline your life, get things done more quickly, and have more time for yourself and your family.
AROUND THE HOUSE
• Keep new garbage bags at the bottom of the cans for quick replacement at take-out time.
• Keep a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies on each level of the house so you don’t have to drag everything up and down stairs.
• Keep vinegar in a spray bottle for quick clean-up of windows, drains, etc..
• Bring a basket or box along while cleaning to collect items for other rooms—put stray items away when you get to that room.
• Line roasting pans with foil for easy clean-up.
• Cook in bulk and freeze extra servings for busy evenings.
• Use clear containers whenever possible for easy viewing of contents.
• Label any non-transparent boxes in storage so you know their contents without having to open them/
• Purchase a programmable thermostat to save time switching settings back and forth, and to save on heating/cooling bills.
• Tape your repairman’s phone number to furnace, water heater, etc., so you don’t have to search for it in an emergency.
• Program frequently-used phone numbers into your home and cellular phones.
• Keep a supply of greeting cards on hand for unexpected events such as illnesses and deaths.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Frugal Tips at the Grocery Store
Frugal Friday
We've covered several things you can do to save money in your kitchen. But saving money and being frugal begins at the grocery store. You will want the best deals and to make the smartest choices. Here are some tips for being frugal at the grocery store.
• Buy only what you need. Make a menu for the week, and buy the ingredients you will need for those meals. Also make sure you have your staples on hand at all times.
• Buy only from your list. Don't buy items in the aisles or at the ends of the aisles unless you need them. They are there for the sole purpose of enticing you to buy something you don’t need.
• Weigh your produce. If you are paying by the piece, select the largest apples, cantelopes, etc. And weigh bags of potatoes or other pre-packaged items. Even though they say "10 lbs", some bags can weigh slightly more than others.
• Shop the perimeter of the store. This is where all the fresh items are. Buying your own ingredients and making meals is much cheaper than purchasing frozen meals and packaged dinners. And healthier too!
• Bring your coupons. Keep your coupons in your purse or car so you have them whenever you stop in at the store. Combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons for best deals.
• Bigger isn't always better. You may be tempted to purchase larger sizes because it seems like a better deal. However, look at the fine print on the shelf label. The store usually posts the cost per unit, such as ounce or piece. Sometimes smaller sizes are the better deals if they are on sale. Also, you may not use the entire contents of larger packages before it spoils. Then it really wasn't a bargain.
Bottom line: Be a smart shopper.
We've covered several things you can do to save money in your kitchen. But saving money and being frugal begins at the grocery store. You will want the best deals and to make the smartest choices. Here are some tips for being frugal at the grocery store.
• Buy only what you need. Make a menu for the week, and buy the ingredients you will need for those meals. Also make sure you have your staples on hand at all times.
• Buy only from your list. Don't buy items in the aisles or at the ends of the aisles unless you need them. They are there for the sole purpose of enticing you to buy something you don’t need.
• Weigh your produce. If you are paying by the piece, select the largest apples, cantelopes, etc. And weigh bags of potatoes or other pre-packaged items. Even though they say "10 lbs", some bags can weigh slightly more than others.
• Shop the perimeter of the store. This is where all the fresh items are. Buying your own ingredients and making meals is much cheaper than purchasing frozen meals and packaged dinners. And healthier too!
• Bring your coupons. Keep your coupons in your purse or car so you have them whenever you stop in at the store. Combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons for best deals.
• Bigger isn't always better. You may be tempted to purchase larger sizes because it seems like a better deal. However, look at the fine print on the shelf label. The store usually posts the cost per unit, such as ounce or piece. Sometimes smaller sizes are the better deals if they are on sale. Also, you may not use the entire contents of larger packages before it spoils. Then it really wasn't a bargain.
Bottom line: Be a smart shopper.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Helping Your Aging Parents--Collecting Vital Information
Senior Thursday
As the primary caregiver for your aging parents, you will need to know all the personal information necessary to care for them. You will also need to know this in case of an emergency. Make a list of the following and keep it handy:
• Name and phone number of physician, pharmacist, and other medical caregivers
• Names and doses of prescription meds, and over the counter medications
• Medical insurance information
• Life insurance information
• Names and phone numbers of friends and other relatives of the elder
• Parish the elder belongs to
• Extra set of keys to the person’s home or apartment
• Extra key to safe deposit box or in-home safe
• Name and phone number of close neighbor
• Name of bank and bank account number—have yourself put on the account
• Name and phone number of financial advisor
• Name and phone number of lawyer
• List of all the bank, savings, investment accounts
• List of all insurance policies
As the primary caregiver for your aging parents, you will need to know all the personal information necessary to care for them. You will also need to know this in case of an emergency. Make a list of the following and keep it handy:
• Name and phone number of physician, pharmacist, and other medical caregivers
• Names and doses of prescription meds, and over the counter medications
• Medical insurance information
• Life insurance information
• Names and phone numbers of friends and other relatives of the elder
• Parish the elder belongs to
• Extra set of keys to the person’s home or apartment
• Extra key to safe deposit box or in-home safe
• Name and phone number of close neighbor
• Name of bank and bank account number—have yourself put on the account
• Name and phone number of financial advisor
• Name and phone number of lawyer
• List of all the bank, savings, investment accounts
• List of all insurance policies
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Organizing Contest Submissions--Part One
Writer Wednesday
There are many contests available for writers, both published and unpublished. For the unpublished, it is a good way to get your work in front of editors and agents in a competitive market. Contest wins also look good when submitting to an agent or editor. For the published, contest wins and finaling are ways to show your readers that others have enjoyed the book. They will attract a new audience that might not have tried you without those badges of honor.
Because there are so many contests, you can easily lose track of which contests you've submitted which works to. Here are some tips for keeping track of your contest submissions.
1. Decide the best vehicle for keeping track of your submissions. This might be a spread sheet, a database file, or a notebook. Everyone is different. Some may prefer electronic records, while others prefer a hard copy that is portable and easily accessed.
2. For each contest entered, record the name of the contest, the material submitted, the contest fee, the contest contact name, the date submissions are due, the date you submitted, the dates the finalists and winners are announced, and how you fared in each contest.
3. Pre-print SAS postcards with "Your submission, (Title of Book), was received by (Name of Contest)on (Blank line for date). Then place a label with your name and address on the stamped side.
4. Give yourself a reminder in your calendar for every finalist/winner announcement date. Check with the contest coordinator if you haven't heard anything by this date.
There are many contests available for writers, both published and unpublished. For the unpublished, it is a good way to get your work in front of editors and agents in a competitive market. Contest wins also look good when submitting to an agent or editor. For the published, contest wins and finaling are ways to show your readers that others have enjoyed the book. They will attract a new audience that might not have tried you without those badges of honor.
Because there are so many contests, you can easily lose track of which contests you've submitted which works to. Here are some tips for keeping track of your contest submissions.
1. Decide the best vehicle for keeping track of your submissions. This might be a spread sheet, a database file, or a notebook. Everyone is different. Some may prefer electronic records, while others prefer a hard copy that is portable and easily accessed.
2. For each contest entered, record the name of the contest, the material submitted, the contest fee, the contest contact name, the date submissions are due, the date you submitted, the dates the finalists and winners are announced, and how you fared in each contest.
3. Pre-print SAS postcards with "Your submission, (Title of Book), was received by (Name of Contest)on (Blank line for date). Then place a label with your name and address on the stamped side.
4. Give yourself a reminder in your calendar for every finalist/winner announcement date. Check with the contest coordinator if you haven't heard anything by this date.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Keeping Your Child Physically Fit for the School Year
Tips for Tuesday
It is important for your child to be healthy and stay healthy for best results throughout the school year. You can help by doing the following:
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
• Give your child a breakfast of protein, dairy, fruit and fiber before school.
• Provide a healthy lunch consisting of protein, dairy a fruit or vegetable and bread or fiber.
• Provide a healthy snack after school of fruit or vegetables and protein.
• Stock your pantry with healthy snack alternatives. Desserts should be a treat, not a day-long binge.
• Water, milk and fruit juice are the best beverages.
• Enroll your child in a physical activity, such as a sport or gymnastics/ballet class (Do not over-do extra-curricular activities—keep them to a minimum so your child does not tire out too quickly.)
• Stay on top of your child’s moods and investigate any changes, whether gradual or sudden.
• Take your child in for an annual physical, whether or not the school requires it.
• Read all instructions on packaging before dispensing meds, whether over-the-counter or prescription.
• Praise your children when they do well. Support them when they falter.
It is important for your child to be healthy and stay healthy for best results throughout the school year. You can help by doing the following:
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
• Give your child a breakfast of protein, dairy, fruit and fiber before school.
• Provide a healthy lunch consisting of protein, dairy a fruit or vegetable and bread or fiber.
• Provide a healthy snack after school of fruit or vegetables and protein.
• Stock your pantry with healthy snack alternatives. Desserts should be a treat, not a day-long binge.
• Water, milk and fruit juice are the best beverages.
• Enroll your child in a physical activity, such as a sport or gymnastics/ballet class (Do not over-do extra-curricular activities—keep them to a minimum so your child does not tire out too quickly.)
• Stay on top of your child’s moods and investigate any changes, whether gradual or sudden.
• Take your child in for an annual physical, whether or not the school requires it.
• Read all instructions on packaging before dispensing meds, whether over-the-counter or prescription.
• Praise your children when they do well. Support them when they falter.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Moving to a Smaller Home
Moving on Monday
One of the biggest challenges when moving occurs when your new home is smaller than your current home. Or, you are combining two fully-furnished homes into one. The reality is, not everything will fit into the new home. So you must decide which items you are keeping, and those you aren't.
The best time to decide this is BEFORE you move. Why pay the movers to move furniture you won't be keeping? But how do you decide what to keep, and what to get rid of?
First, take inventory of what you own. Indicate which items you definitely need, such as a bed and dresser for each family member, and a set of dishes for everyday use. After deciding what you need, mark off those things you would like to bring to the new home if it fits--your preferred items. You'll see what's left on your list are things that you can probably do without. For example, you need a dresser for each room, and would like to bring your grandmother's antique chest to hold linens in the master bedroom. But that old dresser from college really isn't needed by anyone, and is in pretty bad shape, anyway.
Next, make a rough floor plan of your new home. Go back to the house and take photos, if necessary. You'll want to know where doors, windows, outlets and air vents are. Draw in the furniture that will fit into each room. If you have more than one sofa that can be considered for the family room, measure the space, then measure the sofas. Which would fit best, along with tables and a comfy chair? If both are similar in size, which do you like better? Which is newer? Which will wear better over time with your family? For example, the leather sofa is comfy and would look great with the stone fireplace. But will it really be best for small children and two dogs in a combined household?
After placing your "necessary" and "preferred" items into the floor plan, see if there will still be room in the house for any of your other items. Consider closets, pantry, basement, garage and attic. That's not to say you should feel the need to fill every available space. But if there are items that would be nice to keep and you have room, then by all means, keep them.
Whatever doesn't fit into the home can be given to friends and relatives, or donated. You pay the movers by the pound/hour. Don't pay them to move things you can't put in the new home.
One of the biggest challenges when moving occurs when your new home is smaller than your current home. Or, you are combining two fully-furnished homes into one. The reality is, not everything will fit into the new home. So you must decide which items you are keeping, and those you aren't.
The best time to decide this is BEFORE you move. Why pay the movers to move furniture you won't be keeping? But how do you decide what to keep, and what to get rid of?
First, take inventory of what you own. Indicate which items you definitely need, such as a bed and dresser for each family member, and a set of dishes for everyday use. After deciding what you need, mark off those things you would like to bring to the new home if it fits--your preferred items. You'll see what's left on your list are things that you can probably do without. For example, you need a dresser for each room, and would like to bring your grandmother's antique chest to hold linens in the master bedroom. But that old dresser from college really isn't needed by anyone, and is in pretty bad shape, anyway.
Next, make a rough floor plan of your new home. Go back to the house and take photos, if necessary. You'll want to know where doors, windows, outlets and air vents are. Draw in the furniture that will fit into each room. If you have more than one sofa that can be considered for the family room, measure the space, then measure the sofas. Which would fit best, along with tables and a comfy chair? If both are similar in size, which do you like better? Which is newer? Which will wear better over time with your family? For example, the leather sofa is comfy and would look great with the stone fireplace. But will it really be best for small children and two dogs in a combined household?
After placing your "necessary" and "preferred" items into the floor plan, see if there will still be room in the house for any of your other items. Consider closets, pantry, basement, garage and attic. That's not to say you should feel the need to fill every available space. But if there are items that would be nice to keep and you have room, then by all means, keep them.
Whatever doesn't fit into the home can be given to friends and relatives, or donated. You pay the movers by the pound/hour. Don't pay them to move things you can't put in the new home.
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