Gifts for the Hostess with the Mostess!

If you host is anything like me, she won't want you to bring anything (well, at least that will be her claim).  Just because she's got the pies, and sides covered doesn't mean a small token gift wouldn't be a great show of appreciation!  You never want to show up empty handed, so here are some ideas and tips to get you started!

Keep it simple.  If it's someone's home you've never visited before it's likely you might not know their taste and decorating styles.  A seasonal candle, a floral arrangement, or vase full of potpourri is always a tasteful, and fairly inexpensive item.  Following tradition, wine is always an option (as long as your host is of age, and is offering wine or cocktails during their dinner). 

Keep it convenient.  You want it to be something that your host will be able to use, if not display.  If it's a cousin/aunt/uncle or friend you may want to get something more personal.  If they enjoy cooking you may want to bring an interesting sauce, or oil you found at a specialty shop.  Being so inspired in the kitchen, I love being challenged with a new ingredient and testing it out in the kitchen!  A special holiday decoration piece is also a great option.  With retail stores getting a holiday start earlier and earlier, selections are unlimited (check Hallmark or Target for more traditional items, and Pier One or Christmas Tree Shoppes for more modern and bright pieces). 

Keep it memorable, gifts should trigger a memory.  If it's a close family member getting something sentimental is always a grand gesture.  My favorite gift to give is a coffee table book that really speaks to the host.  Are they really into nature?  Perhaps a book about birds, or a great photo book of local sites might really appeal to them.  If they collect something- like tea cups or baseball cards, this also might be a great stepping stone, perhaps getting a picture frame to showcase their most prized card, or a special tea bag holder for future guests.  I've heard of people getting monogrammed napkins, or dishcloths.  This is such a special and thoughtful gift, every time your host uses it, they will ultimately think of you!

Bringing a gift for a host or hostess can be the ultimate compliment and should follow the three rules above: simple, convenient and memorable and you will be sure to be invited back for the next event!

Stacy Mafera
703 304 4067
www.ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Time warp... Restaurants?!?

As many of you know, I moonlight as a bartender.  All too often, I talk with customers that complain about how rushed they are for time, and that they constantly find themselves spending boatloads of dollars on fast food, and restaurant eating, without feeling satisfied and still feeling rushed.  
How much do you really gain from going out to dinner?  Maybe going out to eat is part of your life style and works for you... if that's the case, don't change it.  If you are always feeling that you are pressed for time and not feeling like you are eating healthy enough... well, read on my curious friend! 
Things you will need to take into consideration when weighing the pros and cons of restaurant eating versus home style dinners; are you driving long distances to go out to eat?  If you house your boat at a marina and there is a restaurant on site, of course you are going to frequent that establishment- it's convenient.  If you are driving over 7 miles to a restaurant, you need to take into account the time spend in the car, and the gas used to get there. 
Is there always a wait?  Do you visit the most popular restaurants in your area?  Places like the Olive Garden are famous for always having a wait.  If you are in a hurry, the last thing you have time to do is sit around and wait for a table, and then sit around and wait for your food to be ready!  I've always had great luck trying out smaller, independent restaurants; and it feels good to support my small local businesses!  Try calling ahead, or making a reservation- if places don't take reservations, it's usually because they are always busy.
Are you being served?  When you sit at the bar, or at a table and have a server,  you should plan on giving 18-20% of the bill to the server as a tip. This is something to consider when you are weighing your wallet in restaurant vs. grocery store receipts. 
Did you save room for dessert?  I generally never save room for dessert- though I always mean to.  The double edge sword of a restaurant, is that it is a one stop shop.  You can go and have an appetizer, your choice of meal, and now they are offering you a dessert?!  The best part of restaurant eating though, is that 3 plates, 2 glasses, silverware, and several dirty pots and pans later and you don't have to clean a thing!
Consider all of these variables when you are thinking about what to have for dinner tomorrow night... is it just as quick to go and get a fried chicken sandwich as it is to hit the grocery store and prepare baked chicken? 

Stacy Mafera
703 304 4067
www.ErrandsEtcetera.biz

25 Hours in a Day

Being an Errand Extraordinaire, I spend (no surprise) a great deal of my time in the car- driving to client's homes, going to the dry cleaners, dropping off packages, picking up library books, hitting the grocery store, and submitting prescriptions, and ordering the perfect centerpiece for a special event. 
One of the biggest challenges I face on a daily basis is something I have in common with my clients- I feel like I am trying to beat the clock.  I want to get all of their errands done in a timely manner, and move on to the next task. 
So here's my secret... prioritize and stay focused.  Yep, it's that simple.  Whether it's for a client, or my own to do list, the first step is to look at everything on the list, and see what needs to be done first- either because it takes the longest, or because it is a priority.  I then go through the rest of the list using the same method of thinking.
When it comes to physically running errands, the best trick I can offer is to visualize a big circle and map your stops out on the circle- try not to backtrack- and make stops in the order that they make sense. For instance, if you know you are going to be gone for at least an hour, you don't want to pick up something that might spoil, or melt if it's going to be sitting in the car for a while, on the same theme, you don't want to drop off your prescription and then sit around waiting for it to be filled.
Staying focused is my second best kept secret.  Once I lose focus, I'm lost in a time warp and it can be hard to get back into the groove.  If you are staying focused and on track it's amazing how much you can get done.  I always have people say things to me about wanting more hours in the day... if they didn't try so hard to multitask, or get caught up in life, they might be surprised how much you really can accomplish in one day.
Another great trick to keep myself motivated is checking off items once they've been completed.  This gives a sense of accomplishment, holds you accountable, and also gives a clear idea about what you were able to do, and what you might need to re-evaluate. 
If it's something that has been on your list for over a week, it might be time to delegate it out, forget it all together, or just get it over with.

Stacy Mafera
703 304 4067
www.ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Three weeks till Turkey Day!



November is my favorite month for several reasons; it usually snows, it's full of footballs, pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING, and Thanksgiving!  It's hard to believe we moved two months ago, and it's ALREADY November!! 
With three weeks to Thanksgiving, and seven to Christmas, it's everyone's busy season.  To help make life easier, and help you make the most of your time I'd like to offer a few tips and tricks to help plan for the Holidays.

If you are hosting the main event at your table about a week before make sure you have a finalized guest list as well as a menu.  If people ask what they should bring, take them up on it... even if it's something as simple as a bottle of wine, or ice cream for a pie.  If someone asks to bring something, ask what their speciality is- don't assume they know how to make a dish.  Delegate jobs to those that ask what they can do to help your dinner run smoother- running around like a maniac is absolutely something to avoid. 

Four days before your guests are to arrive, do a full, deep cleaning- dusting, vacuum, cleaning windows, scrub the bathroom, really get into the corners... that way, you won't be leaving it to the last minute, and the day before you'll just have to do a quick surface clean (if you can't get to it yourself, Errands Etcetera is happy to help!)!
Also, try to get all of your grocery shopping done two or three days before- if you've waited till the last minute, you know what a nightmare the grocery stores can be!  It also gives you time to realize if you've forgotten something, or if you just don't have time to get to everything you had hoped (in which case, you might need to take a deep breath and call in a favor from your sister in law, or third cousin that is always asking to bring a dish!). 
Make sure you have snacks and niblets out for your guests to nosh on before dinner is served- nuts, olives, and a veggie plate are always big hits.  Having things out on a plate, or bowl in another area keep people out of the kitchen, and hopefully out of your way while you are putting the finishing touch on your bird!

You also want to be sure you have enough ice- if not, again, you might need to make a call and ask someone to grab a bag or two on their way over.  Since November is usually pretty chilly, having a cooler just outside a door is a great place to store drinks & other items that you might not need immediate access to.

Finally, remember to enjoy the day.  Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what you have, whether you are spending the day with your family, friends, or coworkers, take a moment and tell people why you are glad they are in your life. 


Stacy Mafera
www.ErrandsEtcetera.biz
703 304 4067

Dinner Disaster... Or Not!

If I've said this once, I've said it 100 times- not following a recipe can be a big risk with mixed results.  Last night at dinner was no different.
I started thinking about what I was going to make for dinner at about noon- and felt like it was definitely a crock pot, pot roast kind of a day.  I fully intended on going home, starting dinner and doing some serious cleaning and packing for the big move next week (that's for another blog though...). 

So I go to the grocery store and get the staples:

*2.5lb chuck roast

*a small bag of baby carrots

*garlic

*6 white chef potatoes

*1 large yellow onion

... and my secret ingredient to anything in the crock pot- red wine (for the meal, not for me!)

I go home thinking I'm set to go and start by browning up the meat on the stove top... while that's browning itself up, I discover that we have no wine key- how is that even real??  Pretty sure we broke it a few weeks ago.  Okay, so I'm not fretting yet, I'll just use some beef stock for my pot roast to stew in... only, there's no beef stock either.  So after digging through the cabinets, I discover one lone package of Lipton's Vegetable Soup mix (you know the kind, mix it w water and noodles for soup, or sour cream for a yummy dip)- well it seems like a fair substitute. 

So all of the ingredients plus 3 cups of water and a few tablespoons of worchester sauce get tossed into the crock pot to hang out together and make nice.   Three hours later, the house smells of a childhood wintertime favorite of mine... and I'm ready to dish it out. 

Outcome: SUCCESS!  The vegetable mix marinated the meat well and the vegetables kept their flavor, and a bit of crunch!

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StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Risky Business

I had the pleasure this afternoon of attending the monthly luncheon held by
The South Shore Women's Business Network, the theme of the day was "Risk."  We were asked what sorts of risks we felt we took in awe of our business, or career paths.  Initially, I had a hard time thinking of something risky I've done in lieu of EE.  I justified this thinking in that I feel EE is destined for success, and there is no risk when you keep your mind on the reward. 
Every time I pick up the phone to call a new or potential client, my stomach knots up, and I think "what if they don't like me?  what if they don't like my services?  what if they think my idea is so genius they go out and try to offer the same thing..." and I'm overwhelmed. 
There's an old saying "Do something everyday that scares you"  pick up the phone scares me; sure it pays the bills, but it scares the hell out of me.  To me, picking up the phone is a risk.  I have a list of people to follow up with, and schedule meetings with; I've been putting off this list for quite sometime.  I've committed myself to calling 2 people every day for the next 7 days.  That's 14 names I can cross off the list. 
Unfortunately, just because it's something I don't like to do, it's not exactly a task I can delegate out... I just have to be a grown up and do it. 
What's a risk or uncomfortable part of your day that you CAN'T delegate out, but would rather do anything else in the world?

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StacyM@errandsetcetera.biz

Organizing your finances- UGH!

Bill Paying. I know, I know, not a single person wants to read about paying bills.  It's depressing and tedious, but it's the responsible thing to do, and you'll feel like a better person if you have a system.

First thing first... True story, I was doing work for someone who hated paying bills, and would just refuse to do it until the bill collector would call.  She would stash all of her bills in a shoe box and when the box was full, she would shred the contents and to the recycling bin they would go. 

Whether or not you pay your bills is your own business... she inevitably came to me and wanted a system and that's what I'm here to offer you. 

This is my simple solution... it's what I've been doing for years, and it's proven to work pretty well for me... and the best part- you don't have to be super neat, or overly organized to make it work!

I bought an envelope sized accordion file folder and labeled each tab with my bill title (i.e. Arbella, The Limited, Amex, Sallie Mae, etc.).  Each month when the bill comes in, I record when it's due on the front calender page of my planner, and then submit the bill into the file folder in it's respective slot.  I like having a snap shot of when my bills are due, how much they are, and what the minimum due is- and keeping it in my planner makes it really easy to find and refer to frequently. 

Twice a month I go online (usually the middle and the last week of the month), and I pay all  the bills that are due within the next two weeks.  Paying them in advance gives me a peace of mind that they will get to their destination on time, and also keeps my credit score in good shape (did you know even paying on the day things are due can have a negative effect on your credit score?! ). 

Once the bill is paid, I like to slip it into the back of the accordion file- when that slot gets too full I go through and save necessary stubs for tax purposes, and shred the rest!

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StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Baby Steps to Productivity!

This morning I got up a little earlier than usual (thanks to my four legged friend), and well before I was actually ready to wake up, but I was determined to make the most of it. 
Every time I walk out to my car my initial thought is "Gosh, my windows NEED to be washed!"  Every time my four legged friend is in the car, he sniffs all over the windows, leaving my windows in desperate need of Windex and a paper towel! 
So after taking young Sammy out for a walk, I went out and bagged up the trash, old receipts, empty envelopes, water bottles, and all sorts of other paraphernalia that was all over the car.  I attacked the windows with some window wipes, and the dash and interior doors with a little armor all.  I must honestly tell you, that after doing that, I felt a million times better about my car being so clean! 
I went to work, and my drive to be productive continued, not only that... but I came home and after dinner, did all the dishes and threw in a load of laundry.  I'm convinced it was just based on that one small chore that I went after this morning, and wanting the feeling of success to continue through the day! 
What's one thing you've been putting off that could change your entire day?

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StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Errands Etcetera vs. PeaPod

EE vs. PeaPod

Do you grocery shop on line and think it's a time saver?  It might be... but it's also a service Errands Etcetera happily provides!

*Errands Etcetera hand picks your veggies, fruits, and meats!  If I wouldn't bring it home to my family, I won't bring it home to you!
*On line shopping doesn't offer the wide variety found on line... I can!
*You won't have to sit at the computer and try to remember what's on your list, or copy over the list you've made... keep a running list on the fridge, and I will pick it up for you!
*When you get home, all the groceries will be put away and out of sight!  No cardboard boxes to break down, or food to put away!
*I know that you love saving time, but saving money even more... with Errands Etcetera you have the option to use coupons and discount cards!
*I also provide access to my club cards for bigger savings (BJ's, Costco, etc)!

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StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Change Your "To Do" List to Done!

This afternoon I had the lovely pleasure of sitting in Boston traffic, windows rolled up, the radio playing the same 7 songs over and over, and bored beyond belief!  So I did what I usually do when I have free time like that... I started thinking about my own "to do" and my "will do" lists. 
My "to do" list is things like; fold the laundry in the dryer, get to the gas station, clean out fridge, bring Sammy to the groomers... it's endless, and tedious.
My "wish to do" list is a little bit more fun, and more what I would do if I could clone myself to do the important things; read the magazines that are piling up on my desk, finish my knitting project, try a few new recipes, stop by my Grandmother's... this list is also endless, but much more fun. 
This got me really thinking about how to show possible clients, and the general public how I can be of service to helping them.

If I had someone to get all of my "to do" list done, then I would have the time to focus on my "wish to do" list, and that's the list that is most enjoyable. 

What can your time be better spent doing?  I frequently use the example that if you have a leaky roof, what do you do?  Call a roofer.  If you look at your planner, schedule or calendar and it is jam packed what do you do?  Stress about getting it done, cramp things in during your lunch break, sacrifice your weekend to get it done, prioritize and ditch what's not imperative?  All too often, things go by the wayside... I am here to help.  Try me out, let me do your errands, chores, and make your life easier!

www.ErrandsEtcetera.biz

StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Perfect Pasta Salad

In keeping with the theme of having this blog be a mixed bag of topics, I'd like to take this time to tell you about the AMAZING pasta salad I made for dinner the other night.  Everyone always claims the best recipe for their pasta salad, saying people rave over the flavor and texture... but I really have the best blend going. 
I started with my cooked pasta, after letting it cool I coated it with Italian dressing, seeking inspiration, I dug around in the fridge... and this is what I pulled out:

Roasted Red Peppers
Cherry Tomatoes
Capers
Hot Sauce
Onion
Black Olives

Mixed all together, these ingredients made for one of the most yummy side dishes I've ever created! 
**Sorry I didn't include measurements, I typically "eyeball" everything and keep trying it until I get it right!**

www.ErrandsEtcetera.bizStacym@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Insomnia for the Exhausted

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There's a time in every one's life where they are forgotten about by the sandman and sleepless nights are far too available.  Normally, this happens to me in the beginning of summer- here it is upon us, and here I am awake.  Typically, I end up tossing and turning, watching one bad sitcom after another hoping that the loop of audience laughter will help me sleep before the dreaded infomericals come on. 
In the situations that I'm still awake, I'm offering some late night tips to help you rest easy!
What is the cause, if any obvious one for you to be awake?  Are you under more stress at work?  Have you bitten off more than you can chew, and are just cramming things onto your plate?  The clear answer here would be, to settle down- take life into perspective.  If you are a writer, a list maker, a thinker, or a drawer, use your creative and artistic side and get it out.  Keep a journal or notebook beside your bed, and log your thoughts, feelings, or general concerns when you are feeling restless.
If it just seems like everything in your life is the same as it always is, try changing your schedule a bit.  Wake up a little earlier- I know how tempting hitting that snooze button is, but just try it for a week- get up a half hour earlier, see if you can't sleep easier at night.  Attempt to exercise more, whether it be to take a walk during your lunch break, do some yoga poses before bed, or do sit ups in between commercials of your favorite tv show- moving your body will do wonders for your mind as well as wear you out!
Speaking of commercials... shut down all technology tools- your phone, laptop, computer, and tv at least a half hour before you'd like to be asleep.  Try reading before bed, working on a craft, or making your lunch for the next day!  Taking these life lines away can be a real savior to the mind, and help to relax you!
If none of these tips work, there's always my favorite old go-to.  If you know me well, then you know I have some very peculiar bedtime habits, beliefs and rituals.  The most important being, never eat anything after you brush your teeth... and my one exception- unless it's cereal and you really, really, really can't sleep!  I love a good bowl of cheerios, special k, or corn flakes before bed... (I'll touch on why I don't eat sugared or colored cereal in another blog), and for some reason it's the only food I can justify eating before bed without feeling guilty of having not brushed my teeth! 
Hopefully, after reading this, you are ready to try a new ritual, or make a change to help you catch those zzzz's and ditch counting sheep! 
StacyM@ErrandsEtcetera.biz

Holiday Hoorah in a Hurry!

Every time a long weekend comes along, I literally wait until the last minute and then decide that I want to host a cook out, or invite friends over to sit by the pool... why do I do this to myself every time?  I'm convinced it's because I live in New England, in a beach area, and the weather is so very unpredictable... who wants to host a cook out in the rain? 
So of course, when I heard the weather forecast for the next few days I did what I always do... I started thinking about who else might not have plans and would want to come veg out poolside with me on Saturday? 
After making a few calls, now I'm faced with what am I going to feed these people on such short notice?  I'm working tonight, so I don't really have the time to prep a bunch of snacks...
So here's my plan; I will go to the grocery store and stock my cupboards with marinades, sauces for dipping, and other necessary condiments.  On the menu will be the basics- hot dogs, burgers, and grilled veggies... Easy enough to throw together some burgers, and foil up some seasoned veggies and throw them on the grill!
In lieu of having any real time saving tips, I'm offering up some recipes that are super easy, and sure to be a crowd pleaser for your holiday hoe down!

Seasoned Grilled Veggies
*Seasonal veggies work great- I love to use purple onion, red, yellow, and green peppers, summer squash, zucchini, and mushrooms, a clove or two of garlic, and maybe even a few tomatoes!  Sliced up, or chunked into bite sized pieces, and put onto a sheet of tinfoil. I then drizzle the veggies with Italian dressing, a bit of pepper and a touch of salt, bring the ends of the foil together- so it makes a little package... make sure to leave a small air hole for venting, and put it right on the grill for 10-15 mins!

*This also works great with potatoes... but make sure you cook the potatoes as they are a denser veggie!

*Try the same foil method with corn on the cob, but instead of Italian dressing, add butter and shredded Parmesan cheese!

Spiced Up BLT Burgers
I love trying out new recipes when burger meat (you can substitute ground turkey for beef for a different flavor, and a leaner meal!)
This weekend I'm going to be adding a bit of hot sauce, some raw chopped up bacon, and shredded provolone cheese to my ground meat... working all the ingredients together before making up my patties! 
And of course, adding lettuce and tomato to the cooked up meat!

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StacyM@errandsetcetera.biz

This little piggy went to market...

So, you've gone and made the dreaded trip to the grocery store, and the first thing you do when you get home is just to put everything into the pantry, cabinets, and fridge... Well, here are a few time saver tips for you!  It might take a little more time when you get home, but I promise will save you time after work in preparing for dinner!
Let's start with produce; give them a quick shower, and cut them up depending on how you are going to use them (ex. green beans- cut off the ends, tomatoes- dice up for salads, or slice for sandwiches, etc).  Put them in see through containers that will keep them fresh, easily visible, and ready to munch!
Next up is the fruits; again, give them a quick bath so that you can just reach in the fridge and grab a plum, or handful of grapes on the go!
Moving right along to the meaty part of this project; I get my meats and fish from the deli, so when I get home I divide it into serving sizes and freeze everything.  The night before, or morning of dinner, it's super simple to just pick a bag out of the freezer, and not worry about portion sizes... I can always increase the serving size with another piece!
Keeping cabinets clean and organized is another great tip- when things are accessible and easily seen, you know what you have, and things aren't going to waste, or forgotten!  I try to clear out my cabinets with every season change.
There are times that I venture out to the grocery store without a list, and wind up making all sorts of impulse purchases, mostly because I've forgotten what I have at home, and seeing certain foods make my mouth water (this happens frequently in the ice cream, and fruit section!)... so washing and preparing fresh foods is a necessity for me- it helps me remember what I have at home when I'm thinking "What's for dinner...."  Taking that extra time really is huge for me and I hope it works for you!

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stacym@errandsetcetera.biz

Supper Time Time Savers!

A great deal of my clients are (obviously) strapped for time, and coming home, trying to create something "different" for dinner is more than they have the energy for.   This blog highlights a few tips and favorite things that make making dinner less of a hassle and more of a pleasure!

1. Breakfast for dinner!  When I was a kid, this was a real classic! Scrambled eggs, toast, and either sausage or bacon.  Won't take more that 20 minutes from start to finish, and will leave you feeling more than satisfied!

2.  Anything in the crock pot!  I got a crock pot for my birthday in September, and I can't tell you how many times it's saved my life!  From making soups, to sauces, for full dinners- this is my go-to favorite appliance!  I love few things more than coming home to a savory smelling home, and dinner ready to dish out!

3.  Don't forget about your grill- this is also a great go-to tool- the only problem with mine, is it's a community appliance and a bit of a trek through the parking lot to get to!  Grills are essential because the flavor is so intense, while clean up is minimal at best!  I love to marinate chicken, or steak in italian dressing, along with a bit of  hot sauce and some other secret ingredients all day long to really intensify the taste!  Another great tip- stab meat with a fork in several different places to let the marinade "sink" in! Wrap veggies up with some seasoning and oil in a foil packet and place it right on the grill!  Veggies still have that crisp bite, and keep their flavor, while not tasting too "charcoal-y." 

4.  Avoid calling for delivery!  Pillsbury makes a great pizza dough- you just roll it out and bake it with your favorite toppings for about 15 minutes- fresh, simple, and cheaper than delivery!

Dinner doesn't always need to be extravagant, expensive, or complicated and time consuming... but it should be healthy and delicous!

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Franklin Covey is My Hero

I don't know what I would do without my Franklin Covey Planner. If you've seen me anywhere in public, at a networking event, coffee shop, working with a client, or out running errands (no pun intended), you've probably seen my purple planner, if not commented on how massive it is. True story, at a BNI meeting this morning, a woman rubbed it, saying "Ha, this looks pregnant, rub it's belly for good luck!"... sad part is, she's exactly right.




I'm a very hands on, tangible, see everything in front of me kind of person. I write down everything from doing a load of laundry, to getting gas, to when my bills are due. My planner holds extra business cards of mine, rewards cards for places like Office Max, and Best Buy, my monthly calendar- then broken down into days, address book, client booking info, emails I'm currently following up on, paperwork I'm reviewing, and anything else that I feel I need to carry around with me at the time.



How do you keep track of appointments and your "To Do" List? Do you have a planner, do you use your iPhone, or blackberry to record your schedule, do you just have scraps of paper around your life, or do you just commit to memory and hope not to forget? Well my faithful reader, I'd like to challenge you... for one week, write down all major tasks (work, dinner with the In-Laws, mortgage due, etc), as well as the smaller errands (bank, gym, change insurance, etc)- and see if there's a change in your life. Perhaps you will find that you are more motivated to check off things that you've done... or maybe you will realize how much you need Errands Etcetera in your life to get to all those things you didn't get to- though, I can promise, I will NOT be going to dinner w the In-Laws for you, or going to the gym in your place!



I'd love to hear what you do to keep track of your life- send me an email or leave a comment here!

Internet Info Overload!

This morning, I have given myself the delightful task of booking a serious last minute weekend getaway- last minute meaning, I'd like to escape Quincy tomorrow evening around 5, and return Sunday afternoon.

I know that I'd like to stay somewhere in New England, I'm looking for somewhere pet friendly, and with scenic benefits to add to my pleasure. So, I turned to my good friend Google to search for those things.. In no particular order.

WOAH! Information over load in full effect! This B&B has special deals for specific dates & AAA members; another one offered free tickets to a local amusement park; yet another one had a mini bar and fridge in the room (something my traveling partner would be a fan of). So, how do you find the best bargain without getting info overload, and not just settling?

Here's what I did...

1. Put on a double pot of coffee- this is clearly something that is going to take a bit of time, and need my attention.

2. Pull up mapquest and print out a map of desirable locations- this is easy... as long as you know where you'd like to end up... Me, I have 3 maps printed!

3. Get a fresh notebook, or some blank sheets of paper, and get ready to take some notes. Helpful things to record: Name of Inn, or Hotel, Price Rate, Check In/Check Out Time, Special Discounts, Phone Number & Address, nearby attractions, any other misc notes- do you need to request a fridge for medical purposes? Are pets allowed? Do they have continental breakfast, or will you need to budget that into your vacation funds?

4. Now, once you've recorded your information, and narrowed it down, a great tip is to check out what other's are saying about a place before you go there and hope for the best! Sometimes the website will post people's testimony, or you can check out http://www.yelp.com/. It's a public forum, where anyone can post their experience with a business- I love to use it to check out restaurants, and my competition!

5. Also, instead of making your reservations on line, it can be helpful to call the establishment and ask any questions, and see if there are any special activities going on that you should know about- I once went to dinner at a very large waterfront restaurant that was booked by the local American Sign Language School- being one of the only "speaking" tables at the establishment was something I've never done before... and may have thought twice about going had I known about that!

These tips can be used for any type of internet research, just adjust the words a bit to make sense and enjoy surfing the internet waves!

5 Chores You Can Get Done in 5 Minutes- or Less!

Do you have 5 minutes? Well, here are 5 chores that you can probably get done in 5 minutes or less, and feel good about!

1. Sorting through recyclables- make it easier, have a system; one container with two dividers, or if space allows, 3 seperate bins... Have on section for paper, one for plastics, and one for bottles and cans that can be brought to the redemption center (enlist the help of a child for this chore, and let them keep the change from the bottles and cans! Everyone wins!)

2. Sit down at the same time each month, or once a week- depending on your situation, and match your check book to your on line, or paper statement. While you're at it, pay some bills so you aren't waiting to the last moment!

3. Open up the fridge, and instead of getting a snack, do a quick scan of what seems to have been in there forever... are you really going to use that old bacon fat that's been there since you made brunch last month, get rid of anything expired, or questionable!

4. When you get home from the grocery store, prewash all fruits and veggies... it will save time when making dinner, or looking for a quick bite!

5. When making out your grocery list, instead of mindlessly listing items, try and sort them out by where to find them in your store- it will make for a quicker trip, and make you less likely to forget an item out of place!