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

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

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