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