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