Archives for August 2016

You HAVE to Do It . . . or Do You?

There’s just so much stuff you HAVE to do in life. You have to go to work. You have to make dinner and clean yours house. You absolutely have to do your taxes each year.

But do you really?

Are you a victim of a massive list of must-do items . . . or are you unconsciously choosing to do those things? Your to-do list may actually be a reflection of your priorities and goals. If you look at each item on your list as something moving you one step closer to your goals — financial health, family relationships, a welcoming home, pursuit of your career dreams — you’re no longer a slave to your list.

You’re the master.

But what if your must-do list is out-of-whack with your goals? Then it’s time to consider some alternatives! Realign your life with your priorities. What’s right for someone else may be totally wrong for you. Reserve judgment, and ask yourself whether these common have-to tasks are activities you want to do or activities you’re prepared to change. [Read more…]

Reviewing an Organizing Bestseller: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Part 2)

This post is part 2 in the series The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

Just recently, I shared some of the highlights of Marie Kondo’s acclaimed organizing book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Today, let’s look into some of the wacky ideas and organization no-no’s that Marie is pitching as the way to go. [Read more…]

Multitasking: Watch T.V. and Get Things Done

It’s that time again.

Every night, NBC airs nearly four hours of the Olympic games. You know what’s going to be shown that night — maybe swimming and gymnastics, for instance — but you don’t know when. Bob Costas drifts in and out of your living room as he transitions back and froth from one sport to another with no pre-announced schedule. If there’s an event you particularly don’t want to miss, you may find that you need to keep your T.V. on for the entirety of those four annoyingly unpredictable hours. Ugh!

Even during non-Olympic season, there are plenty of times that you may find yourself only sort of watching T.V. You’ve got some downtime during commercials, your show briefly explores an uninteresting subplot, or your favorite team halts play during a time out or play review.

If you’re not choosing to invest fully in what’s airing on your T.V., you’ve got a grand opportunity to carve out some pockets of productivity. Here are 35 ideas for things you can accomplish with one eye on your task and one on the T.V.: [Read more…]

The Ultimate Guide to Saving at Kohl’s

Photo courtesy of Kohl’s

With more than 1,000 stores and over five decades in business, Kohl’s is a powerhouse of a department store. It’s also a couponer’s dream. If you’re looking to up your game in saving on apparel, home goods, and accessories, cash in with these easy, money-saving tips. [Read more…]

Reviewing an Organizing Bestseller: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Part 1)

This post is part 1 in the series The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

Last year I first started hearing about The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. In addition to authoring this book, Marie runs a consulting business in which she teaches clients how to tidy. She’s even rearranged components of her name to give a name to the method she uses and describes in this book — the KonMari Method.

At long last, my local library recently secured a copy of this hot book off The New York Times Best Seller list. I found this little hardcover parked on a quiet shelf and got reading.

Here, for your benefit, are some of the highlights of Marie’s great ideas on decluttering and organizing. [Read more…]

7 Secrets for Saving Big on Your Baby

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Read my policy here.

If you’re like most new parents, your first two emotions after a positive pregnancy test are excitement and paralyzing fear. You’re having a baby . . . but you have no idea what you’re doing! You’ve got just nine months to figure out not only how to keep your kid alive but also what gear you need to make that happen.

Before you find yourself in a frenzy buying everything at Babies“R”Us, check out these 7 tips for saving big bucks on your baby. [Read more…]