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!

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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