Life organizer for the busy person

3 Smart Ideas For Busy People

2009-11-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

Busy lives deserve a little smartness added to them, and so here are some easy ways to keep your home fresh and tidy, in minutes.1. Remember opening the tool cupboard, reaching for the nuts and bolts in your box and having them spill all over! It usually happens when you're in a hurry. Ensure bits and bobs, nails and screws and nuts and bolts stick together by placing magnets in the box with them

If The Shoe Fits, Buy It!

2009-10-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

Now that autumn's upon us, it's time to bury those old boots and shop for some new ones. When buying closed shoes, remember the following:1. Take your own socks with you: If you are going to be wearing stocking or socks, grab a pair of your 'regular' socks before you head out to the store. By slipping on a pair of the same thckness as the ones you plan to wear on a regular basis, you'll have no

Take Five!

2009-10-03T20:51:00.001-07:00

Now that we've cut back on the TV, we technically should have more time to do other stuff around the house. But it's as busy as ever. Which is why I'm delighted to have discovered this amazing website. Called http://5min.com, it has instructional videos which show you how to do a host of things, in just 5 minutes! Learn to carve a pumpkin, find the right concealer, even cook a meal....all in

Getting Rid Of The Idiot Box

2009-09-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

With the advent of summer vacations, our TV gets its fair share of workout and the kids, an overdose of brain drainage. I had promised myself this summer would be different. We were going to Disneyland and spending time in California with my family; the grandparents were coming to visit us for three weeks; we had enrolled the kids in swimming lessons and finally, I had taken some time off from

Reinventing The Old Me!

2009-09-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

I used to be a 'high-flying' executive. Literally! I worked in a public relations company in Europe and one of my roles was to oversee the PR for British Airways in 15countries. And so I travelled the world...business class style!That however was over 4 years ago. In 2005 when we moved to Vancouver, I decided to give up my 9-5 job and stay at home with the kids. Having said that, I didn't give up

3 Tips To Get In A Great Mood Quickly

2009-08-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

Ever woken up in the morning just feeling grouchy and unhappy with the world at large? I know I certainly have, and I'm a morning person! Or how about those 'meeting with the boss' sessions which leave you feeling disheartened and discouraged. We've all experienced those at some point in our lives. At moments like these, you need a quick pick-me-upper. And I don't mean a chocolate bar (though

The Laptrap- A Handy Must-Have

2009-08-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat down with your laptop, and then wished you had grabbed a pencil, notebook and memory stick before you made yourself comfortable?I know it's happened to me innumerable times (in my case, it's a netbook though) and I'm sure it's a universal problem. Which is probably why the Laptrap was invented. Imagine sitting down, opening up the case (which incidentally is very sleek and

Pamper Yourself In Minutes

2009-08-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

If you have a few minutes to spare (who does, but for this post we'll assume you're one of the few lucky ones who do); then try out any one of the following to give yourself a quick 'pick me up' boost!Massage your feet with a peppermint scented lotion. Mint boost circulation and your feet will feel cool and refreshed.Cuddle up with your pet (not recommended for fish). Snuggling up with Rover or

The 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

2009-07-22T07:39:00.001-07:00

I'm on a post-vacation, stuff my face with all the goodies- kind of diet. Which means, I need to stop doing that and get back to super svelte mum mode.In the meantime, someone sent me this recipe, which I'm itching to try out. Instead, I'm going to post this online and let some other sucker for chocolate give it a go. The only thing I ask is that if it does turn out scrumptious...please don't let

Once In A Lifetime!

2009-07-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

A friend sent this to me; thought it was rather cool! Did you know that on August 7, 2009 At 12hr 34 minutes and 56 seconds the time and date will be 12:34:56 07/08/09 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

San Francisco- A great place for a busy vacation.

2009-07-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

I recently vacationed in San Francisco. This is my second trip to the city and I have to say, I'm still impressed by the craziness of it all! People in funny headgear, nudie cyclists, skaters in caped outfits- I saw it all! And this time, I dragged my two kids with me!After 8 days of getting used to the dirt, crowds and chaos and finally having adjusted my gaping jaw to a more respectable look,

Mind, Body, Sanctuary

2009-05-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

I've started writing for a new client, a site called Mind, Body, Sanctuary. They have a variety of health and wellness topics to read about and subsequently, I'm enjoying my writing for them.You can see my work on the following links:http://www.mindbodysanctuary.com/index.php/article/eco_friendly_jewelry_cleaners/22119andhttp://www.mindbodysanctuary.com/index.php/article/

Horses and Scented Soaps

2009-04-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

I've just written a blog post on my site blog- www.writechoiceforyou.blogspot.com, with a working example of how Twitter can be used. But because I do love this example, I'm posting it on this site too.I connected with Monique Hodgkinson via Twitter. A simple message (and I was joking!) about missing her offer to send her visitor sample soaps led her to respond with a 'send me your address and

Working With Focus and Intention

2009-04-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to one of my clients for whom I'm writing a number of blog posts; I've been reading motivational books and articles and revisiting old favorites like Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. The last few months have been busy, but not as busy as I'd like it to be. And yet, there weren't enough hours in each day for me to complete all my tasks to my satisfaction; leading to grouchy nights and

Bag it! Wardrobe sorting made easy.

2009-04-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

With three new projects and innumerable birthday parties to attend (not to mention, gifts to buy), sorting our wardrobes and closets took longer than I had anticipated. But I finally got around to doing them over the course of one week. And now our home feels truly 'lighter', having been shed of all the unwanted skirts with frills, jackets with shoulder pads (???) and ill-fitting blouses that

Put A Spring To Your Step

2009-04-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

I’m hoping with spring here the weather stabilizes a little bit. But for now, it seems like it’s going to swing back and forth. And of course, with the onset of allergy season, most of the kids around us are suffering. I’m hoping that my little one who has a nut allergy is not allergic to anything else, especially as I see all his preschooler friends suffering with asthma or pollen allergies. For

Who did you fool today?

2009-04-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

What happens when your child sticks something up his (or her)nose? Rush them straight to the doctors! And no, believe you me, this is not an April Fool's joke, though on this horrible rainy evening, I wish it were.As it stands, my 3 year old's little trick has left me behind on my spring cleaning chores as we spent 2 hours waiting for our doctor to see us. And needless to say, I won't be doing

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective

2009-03-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

If you follow any of my other sites, you'll know that the weekend started off busy for me. As a freelance writer, I realized I needed to upgrade my writing tools and invested in an Acer Aspire One netbook. A netbook is a smaller version of the laptop and very handy to haul around in your handbag or backpack. The one I bought has a 9" screen, an 8GB hard disk and weighs around one kilo! Perfect

The Bedside Beauty Basket

2009-02-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

Last week, I created something that has long been overdue- a basket for my bedside filled with goodies that I must use on a regular basis. Have you ever felt too tired at nights to slather on the cream or massage your aching feet? That's me, on a fairly regular basis.So this is what I did, which has been working like a charm:Fill a small basket with body lotion, good quality foot and hand creams,

Writing As A New Career

2009-02-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hi,If you're looking for a NEW CAREER, then why not start today?You're busy with limited time. I can help you maximize your knowledge by offering FREE Ebooks and Courses. Subscribe to my FREE e-newsletter on wwww.writechoiceforyou.blogspot.com to receive your first FREE ebook -How To Become A Freelance Writer.Start a NEW Career TODAY!All emails are kept private and you can unsubscribe at any

20 things to do in 20 minutes

2009-01-31T07:47:00.000-08:00

I don't feel guilty anymore if I don't spend this precious spare time with my children. I find that curling up on a sofa with a magazine or doing 10 sets of crunches gets me going far better than playing Barbies yet again! And the kids understand- this is mommy's time and they can play quietly besides me. Of course there's the inevitable 'mum look at what my doll's wearing' or 'mum, I did it- I

The Yogi In Me.

2009-01-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

Recently, one of my best friends let me know that's he's ill and it came as a total surprise and got me thinking- what have I been doing in my recent busy life to ensure that I do not get sick or at the very least, ward of potential diseases?I try to eat healthily and exercise when I can; but what I do seem to constantly fall back on is, Yoga! I've been practising yoga for years now and it's

Do Not Call Me!

2008-12-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

After years of pretending to be the non-English speaking nanny, maid and housekeeper; and which probably left a lot of people wondering as to the family who hired me (it was fun experimenting with accents ;); we've finally come across a wonderful site. It's Canada's 'National Do Not Call' list, and as its name suggests; it's a site devoted to people who do not wish for unsolicited phone calls

BC RUNNER

2008-11-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Blatant self promotion no doubt, but I've just started a new blog-www.bcrunner.blogspot.com.Please visit it and leave me your thoughts.Cheers!

Take a ride...a pumpkin patch ride.

2008-10-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

We spent this weekend riding the train. Our final destination, a pumpkin patch in the heart of Surrey.Come halloween time, and you will see scores of families on train rides, tractor and hay rides- all with the intention of finding that perfect pumpkin to carve, and making the kids happy. That's exactly what the 5 minute ride promises you. It's what Autumn is about - bundled up and outdoors doing

Falling leaves

2008-10-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today, while waiting for a client to send me some more information, I've decided to take a break and work on a new project with my daughter.We are hunting for autumn leaves. Once we have a good sized collection, we'll wash them, dry them and the put them in a large envelope and mail them to friends in Dubai! They certainly don't have autumn leaves there; though with all the crazy stuff Dubai

DREAM BOARDS

2008-10-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy last month, but I'm finally getting there. A few weeks ago, I created a dream board. For those of you who say -whaaat? A dream board is a board on which you put up exactly what you 'dream of' - a new car, fancy bike, running a marathon...Visualization is a strong motivator to help you achieve what you want, and a dream board really helps you focus and visualize your goals on a

If you can...if you can't.

2008-09-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

My car is usually always packed 'mommy emergencies' -extra diapers, wet wipes and creams, snack bars and a change of clothes for both the kids. However, despite my best efforts to stay on top of things, I always find myself running short of what I need at the very moment I need it- tissues, plastic bags, jackets etc.In an ideal world, I'd be able to do all the following. But since I'm not perfect

Learning a new language

2008-09-02T14:19:00.001-07:00

And so, speaking of travelling to a foreign country and speaking a new language, here's what I learnt:1. Your non english speaking family will appreciate you trying to speak their language, however poorly it may be.2. They will not laugh at your grammatical errors3. Friends on the other hand, will! So develop a thick skin (or sulk, depending on your mood).4. Kids are best at adapting to

Back home

2008-09-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

It's been well over one month since I last published any posts! Since then, I've been keeping busy. We spent our summer in the Czech Republic. For those not familiar with it, it's a little country sandwiched between Germany, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. The capital city is Prague, but we moved further east towards the Polish/Slovakian borders, to a city called Ostrava. We spent our days lazing

Busy Made Easy

2008-07-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

My new site is finally up and running so please do check it out. And write me what you think of it.It's called BUSY MADE EASY. As the name suggests, it's targeted to helping busy people (like yourself who just happen to be browsing my blog while taking your weekly 2 minute break ;) find ways and means of making life a little easier. Here's some of what you'll find:Free downloadable lists for

Vacation time - Our big escape!

2008-07-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

With summer coming up, we are planning our big escape, though of course, living in beautiful Canada, escape sounds a bit harsh. But what I really mean of course is a family vacation not so much to get away from it all, but to come back to it, thankful that it's here.Okay, so now that's cryptic enough, so in plain English - we are going on a holiday. To visit the in-laws. I can see heads among you

Rehydrate your brain!

2008-07-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

If you feel sluggish during the day, check out the following tips to get you back on track:Consider this- your thoughts swim around in an organ that is 75% liquid. You do not want to dehydrate your brain! Start your day by drinking a glass of warm water with lemon/honey. You can't go wrong with that.Think of investing in a humidifier if the air in your office is dry and you feel constantly cold

Kids and the outdoors

2008-06-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is what I've discovered when it comes to children and playing outdoors.1. They will destroy all you plants, intentionally or otherwise.2. They will claim that their sibling was the one most at fault.3. Their sibling was probably the one most at fault.4. They will learn how to operate the hose/sprinklers, and do so to wet anything and anyone that comes in their way.5. They will color

Toast (not the eating kind)!

2008-06-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today, I heard from an old friend of mine. Over the last 7 years, we had lost touch and while I knew he was married and even had a son, I didn't realize how big his kid had grown. So it was really nice to hear from him, and better yet to see a picture of his family.We are always so busy; it's tough to keep in touch with current friends, much less older ones. But the memories we share cannot

The 5 minute guide to a beautiful body.

2008-06-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I lied in my heading. But now that you're reading this, please don't stop! Add on 5 more minutes and you'll see a definite change in the way you look and feel.For example, I’m maintaining my morning jog thrice a week and guess what- no more do I have a jiggly bum and my legs are pretty toned too. I’m thinking of adding strength training to my routine and here’s why you should too:

Get off your butt and get moving!

2008-06-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the top excuses we find to shun exercise:I don't have the time!Which of us does? I get up at 5:30 each morning so I can work and fit in a 40 minute jog and shower. And is it worth it? You bet it is. I get to spend more time with the kids during the day and I feel so much better for it. Plus, as it's already over and done with, I can look forward to doing something else during the

Time out!

2008-06-05T17:54:00.001-07:00

Each week, come rain or shine (and with the kind of weather we've been having, it's been more rain than shine!), I put aside my motherly duties, my wifely duties and my maid-ly duties, and take some time off, just to be me. Have you ever felt at times, that you've changed, for better or for worse, but so drastically nonetheless, that it's hard to believe it's you? I often don't recognize myself,

Mr. Fix it in a bottle

2008-06-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I realized that I've been carrying a bottle of clear nail polish with me around for quite awhile now. It's uses are innumerable. Every teenage girl learns real quick that clear nail polish works like a dream when it comes to fixing rents in tights. But I've used it to fix chips in my windscreen, to fix scratches on my car, to stick small beads onto my purse, to temporarily hold

Ps

2008-06-02T17:01:00.001-07:00

My husband, ever the polite gentleman has pointed out that my large bottom is only partially due to sitting at the computer, and a whole lot more due to the fact that all my free time is spent baking (he's polite remember, so no 'stuffing your face' comments). Take for instance my daughter's 4th birthday party (celebrated 2 days ago). I could have baked a single layer cake, but instead, chose to

Wiggly bums and early morning runs

2008-06-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

As soon as I started writing on a daily basis in March of this year, I discovered that my writing time, is directly connected to the amount my bottom expands! And since I often spend a few hours at the stretch on the computer, you can imagine the size it's reached!So, having stretched a few jeans to the maximum in the hope that they'd fit, I decided to do something about it. Starting last week,

Lesson of the day

2008-05-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, decided to take the afternoon off from my usual routine (which for the interested, comprises of job hunting over the net for actual paying jobs, writing for the jobs I do have in hand and doing an assortment of household chores, like cleaning toilets and vacuuming teddy bear hair off my cream sofa! My Indian mother still laments the fact that I don't have a maid or chutta bai as we

Road Trip to the Rockies- Kamloops

2008-05-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Our trip to the Canadian Rockies were awesome and if someone plans to go there in May, do not listen to anyone who tells you weather sucks! Au contraire, we experienced highs of 30C, and surrounded by snow clad mountains, that's quite an experience. I've got tons of pics to share, and lots of good things to say about the motels we stayed in (coz yes, I do not make a happy camper ;) So if anyone

Panties to the rescue - Men beware...and I mean it kindly.

2008-05-28T14:13:00.001-07:00

A year an a half ago, I boarded a flight to LA with my 11 month old son. Halfway through the flight, which incidentally was full of business executives who I'm sure would not appreciate a poopy diaper, I was horrified to find out that the plane did not have a baby changing table in the bathroom. Bad enough, airlines don't offer meals and one reaches one's destination starving (I am actually one

Keeping hair smooth and shiny

2008-05-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

Before the term 'bed head' actually became fashionable, I discovered that I had run out of options to keep my hair looking as it were meant to be. Hair spray and gel made my already too dry hair, brittle and rough, and mousse, while it worked, had to be retouched ever so often. Thank God for hair creams. They do work on my dry, thick and colored hair. But a quick travel tip. If carrying big

A break post break

2008-05-27T13:45:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel you need a break after a break? A vacation after a vacation? Some time off after some time off? Ok, you get the drift. I had just got back from a super 9 days touring the Canadian Rockies. But with two pre-schoolers in tow, the entire journey was maybe a tad too long. So, it was great to repack a small travel case and head off to San Francisco, on an all girls 4 day break. In

1. Emergency cure for all: Tea Tree oil

2008-05-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

We're back from a 'make you insanely jealous and wish it were me' kind of trip to the Canadian Rockies and am waiting for the million and one pics we took to be downloaded, before I tell you how to do a great trip, without breaking into a sweat. And I mean this literally, since temperatures were a scorching 32C on our drive from Banff to Revelstoke. A bit surreal considering the mountains behind

Take a break!

2008-05-10T18:48:00.001-07:00

Hi,We'll be holidaying in the Canadian Rockies for 9 entire days and I am so very excited! Even busy people need to take a break now and again and this should be the perfect opportunity to soak in some of Canada's amazingly beautiful landscapes. Hope to have lots more to write about when I get back. For now, enjoy your week and looking forward to seeing you soon!Cheers!

Bagging it up.

2008-05-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Tired of digging around in your purse to find your car keys? Or missing that all important phone call, as your cell phone dives to the bottom of the pile in your handbag?Organizing your handbag is quite simple. One solution is to buy a large compartmentalized purse and make sure you place each item in its assigned compartment. No falling through with this method though. You don’t want to have to

Granite Key Stone

2008-05-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

This is a really neat idea. Remember hiding keys under flowerpots and doormats? First place anyone will look really, if they wanted access into your home. But this one is a neat key hiding device that even the smartest of buglers, or ex-partners, will not get.It's 100% granite with a 3" depth and available through www.greenfingers.com

Thank you visitors

2008-04-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Just a thank you to all those who have visited and keep visiting my Blog. It's a great feeling to cross the 100 visitor mark, and I hope to keep having you'll come back. By the way, comments and suggestions are more than welcome.Have a great week!

Find One Find All (FOFA)

2008-04-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't written for a while on this Blog, but it's not because there's a dearth of topics, just because I've been so busy. However, I'm back now and browsing through the net, I've found something for my mother's day gift! Invaluable to say the least.The Find One Find All Key finder is a little gadget that once is attached to those 'easy to lose things' can find and be found by the rest. What

Pay Per Post

2008-04-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

Isn’t it exciting when you receive your first paycheck? It doesn’t matter how old you are, or when you started working, just getting that signed check in hand is always amazing.I’ve been writing for a long time, and mostly with Public Relations companies. So getting my salary credited into my bank account was a given. But, as of 2 months ago, I’ve begun a new career as a freelance writer. And wow

Healthy snacking

2008-04-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

It’s mid afternoon, past lunchtime, but not yet time for a tea break. You have a meeting to attend and a presentation lying at your desk, waiting for your attention. You’re tired and beginning to feel really hungry. Grabbing a chocolate bar, you set to work. Seems familiar? You’re not alone. Most Americans/Canadian snack as often as they eat regular meals.While snacking can in fact be good for

Unusual vacation spots in Canada

2008-04-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to stay within the country, yet have an unusual holiday, then Canada offers some great experiences, which are unique to say the least. When we think of fantastic, in a Canadian vacation context, one of the first things that come to mind is an Arctic Cruise. Or a trip to the Yukon to see Aurora Borealis and the Northern Lights. But what if you want something that is closer to

5 things to do before you travel

2008-04-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

With so much on your mind already, planning a holiday can be an additional burden, and one that is often left to the last minute. And while the big tasks like booking tickets and accommodation is of course top of the list, it's the small ones that often fail to get done. Here's a checklist of those small 'must do, but often forget' tasks:1. Leave a number: Leave your travel and contact details

Desk exercise for the busy person

2008-04-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

If you have a desk job, and a busy one at that, then you know how difficult it can be to find the time to squeeze in some exercise. But who says you can’t combine yourwork and exercise? We’re not talking about getting down on the carpet and doing push ups or squats, but simple, unobtrusive exercises at your desk. And get home to a leaner, fitter you.Relax tired eyes: When your computer screen

Power Station

2008-04-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Power station is ideal to charge all your small electronics at one go. Plug in your PDA's, MP3 players and other small devices. You can organize and hide your adapters and cables inside, making it a neat solution to a messy cable problem.The Power Station can be size adjusted and includes zip ties. Available through www.kleargear.com

Herb Savor for busy chefs!

2008-04-15T15:12:00.001-07:00

If like me, you really enjoy cooking, but are often too busy and end up with wilting salads and herbs in the fridge, then this next gadget is just what you need.Designed by Prepara in New York, the Herb Savor is sleek, simple and works superbly to fit into your tiniest refrigerator. Simply place your herbs in the removable stainless steel basket, fill the base with water, and keep your herbs

Getting the best deal on hotel room bookings

2008-04-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

When planning a vacation, one of the first things you do after deciding on your travel destination and transport, is to book accommodation. The choices nowadays are numerous- from resorts and luxury getaways to lodgings and motels, from renting RV’s and trailers to selecting home exchange options or sea cruises. But probably the most common choice is booking a hotel room. If you do plan to stay

Home exchange vacations made easy

2008-04-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

If you desperately need a vacation, but are falling short on budget, an increasingly popular option to consider is house swapping. While it may sound like a very unconventional thing to do, more and more people are using this as a way to see a new city, like a local, and on a budget.If the thought of opening up your home to strangers makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s wise to go through

How to buy a great used car...and save money.

2008-04-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Contrary to what people may believe, it is possible to buy a great used car. One that does not require a whole load of attention and money spent tweaking it up. Here's how.1. Set up financing: The terms of your loan, does not affect the price you pay. Having a loan in your pocket makes for far easier negotiating. Shop for the best loan at banks, online or a credit union and arrange for your

Grobal self watering planter

2008-04-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

Now that spring is around the corner, most of us will begin to think of gardening. Well, some of us may. And if we're not seasoned gardeners, then we'll think of heading to the nearest gardening depot and picking up a bunch of potted plants, which may or may not survive the year.If like me, you do not have green thumbs and 'water my plants' is not on your schedule, then you know the results -

Toasty Toes Delux Ergonomic foot rester.

2008-04-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

This little beauty is great for the office, especially on cool, crisp spring mornings. Pop it under your desk and your feet stay toasty warm.Why we love it:It has 3 positions- flat, incline and upright.It uses less energy than a lightbulb and you can lower your room temperature by using it - how green is that!It has 2 heat settings, so is perfect for winter too.Check it out and more information

Miss Army Kit

2008-04-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this one!It contains all the girlie essentials - mirror, flashlight, scissors, nail file, tweezers, pen, pill box, perfume bottle, knife, ruler, bottle opener, screwdriver, corkscrew, safety pin, needle + thread, key chain.Ideal for the girl on the go! Drop it into your purse and you'll be sure to use it on a daily basis. We're not complaining about the funky colour either!size:

Pocketbook Marketing- You mini plan that delivers a mega punch!

2008-03-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Going into business without a marketing plan is like signing a death sentence for your new venture. While there are number of issues that will need to be addressed, the following are must-haves. As your business grows and develops, you will probably need to change and update these areas, but for a start, take 5 minutes and work on the following. Your points should be concise and easy to

The Xipper opener

2008-03-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

This one you've got to love! How many times have you struggled to open your newly bought CD or DVD. I know, I finally use pen nibs and hair clips in a frustrated attempt to tear open the wrapper!With the Xipper™ opener, just press the button to release the safety and then pull it along three sides of the case. The small blade cuts through the plastic wrap and tape seals. When finished, release

Junking the junk mail.

2008-03-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever opened your mailbox, hoping for that birthday card, only to be confronted by junk mail tumbling down.... menus from restaurants you've never heard of, and offers to sell your property very quickly.As most businesses are heading in the 'green' direction, which incidentally is the only direction to be heading, they still seem to forget that an important aspect of being green is to cut

Motion sickness remedies

2008-03-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

What is Motion Sickness? Motion sickness results when the brain receives wrong information about the environment. It is the direct result of a conflict between the ears and eyes, where the inner ears detect that a vehicle is in motion, but the eyes do not.Not everyone gets it, but the signals are pretty clear when you do - you get dizzy, sweat and feel nauseated and if things don't improve, you

The ONElink Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector

2008-03-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

Check out what is claimed to be the most convenient and reliable carbon monoxide and smoke detector on the market.The ONElink Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector comes equipped with an actual voice that speaks the type and location of danger in your home.You can install upto 16 carbon monoxide and/or smoke detectors inside your home. Once installed, the enabled alarms will immediately begin

Going solo or buying a business?

2008-03-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

You're fed up with the boss and you've decided you want to take the plunge and work for yourself (see 'Setting up a home based business'). The questions still remains though, do you set up your own business or buy into an existing one.Unless you're a tech genius, trying to reinvent the wheel is a waste of time. The questions to be asked rather are 'Can I improve on this?' or 'Can I do this

2008-03-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

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Wake-up morning set

2008-03-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect Japanese invention- a multi-functional device that combines an electric grill, a bread toaster and an automatic coffee maker.Use the grill to make your bacon/eggs. While that's being done, brew some fresh coffee and pop in a toast or bagel. Your complete breakfast is ready in minutes. There is also a control function, which allows you to work all three sections together (

Take a break and go back in time.

2008-03-23T15:38:00.001-07:00

Memories make us relax and if life is getting too stressful, experts suggest we go back in time and dig out what used to make us happy. Think back to your childhood. What made you genuinely happy? How about as a teenager or young adult? Maybe as a child it was your raggedy Anne doll or a bag of glow pops bought at the corner store. As you grew older, dabbing on a bit of 'Charlie' before your big

Writing blogs made easy

2008-03-21T14:45:00.001-07:00

We spend a large amount of time updating our blogs, yet wonder why we don't have the audience or traffic drawn to it.The following should help demystify blogging and make it easier to get to where you want to.1. Know where your going : Why do you write your blog? If it's to let off some energy at the end of the day, then your writing style doesn't matter much. If you are looking to attract

Free Virtual Assistance

2008-03-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

An excellent site for busy executives and families alike, is www.iwantsandy.comSandy is a free programme that works with your email to help you remember important dates and events and keep you organized. You simply send the programme an email and it gets connected to your address book. From there on, you can send emails with keywords for things you need reminding on, and 'sandy' takes it from

The adjustable hand rake

2008-03-18T18:18:00.001-07:00

A great way to welcome in spring today!The OXO GOOD GRIPS Adjustable hand rake is collapsible but it's outstanding feature is that it has adjustable tines, which spread from 3 to 12 inches. The perfect way to clear debris from flower beds, around plants and other hard to reach areas.The Rake also features a dual position handle for added reach and a soft, non-slip grip. Available at

The Smart Shopper

2008-03-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

This one is for my lovely brother in law who took the time to go through the blog and come up with suggestions.On a weekly basis, I'd like to look at gadgets for the home and office, that make life a little easier.This brilliant little gadget is for the time-challenged. You'll never come back from the supermarket having forgotten those eggs and salad dressing.SmartShopper is an easy-to-use

Perfect for small bathrooms

2008-03-14T10:54:00.001-07:00

Another little gem from www.tinyliving.com. They have some excellent gadgets to make your life a little easier and are especially indispensable for small home owners.Over tank top holder + dispenser / 2 rolls size:5.75"w x 5.75"d x 10.75"hFacts:dispenses (1) roll and holds (1) reserve rollhooks to side of toilet tank, under tank lidWhy:dual functionorganizational

Travel Planning made easy

2008-03-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

For an easy and hassle free trip, download the free Travel Planner at Simplified Living - http://www3.telus.net/slon/lists.htmlThey also have a number of other lists and handy travel tips.

Widget your way to an easier life

2008-03-11T20:59:00.001-07:00

Widgets are essentially small applications that can be placed in websites, be it your business page, blog or web community profile. Online store widgets are a clever way to extend your store's reach and they can also be a quick way to add social networking features to your online business.The following selection may prove helpful to your business:widgetbox.com- Offers thousands of widgets,

5 steps to a decluttered office

2008-03-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t matter if your office is your kitchen desk or a corner room (with a view) in a multi storied building. If you find yourself swimming under paperwork and files, your space needs to be reclaimed and made to perform its primary function, no matter what that may be. The following are 5 easy steps to arriving to a clean work desk each morning: 1. Eliminate

Packing made easy

2008-03-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

How many times have we arrived back from a relaxing vacation, only to be stuck at the airport heaving and hauling our heavy suitcases? Suitcases which in most instances contain clothing and other items which we never used, but packed on the off chance we might need them. Or arrived at our business destination, only to find we’ve forgotten to pack the brown leather shoes that go with our cream

The one hour business plan

2008-02-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

So, you've decided to go ahead with setting up your own business. Maybe you plan to quit your office job right away, or maybe you plan to start off on a part time basis. Whatever the choice, you need to get started on writing your business plan.Most business owners believe that a business plan is a formal document, needed only if they plan to borrow money, or set up a partnership. A recent survey

Rules to help boost your career.

2008-02-27T14:02:00.000-08:00

So, you're a star at home. The family listen to you, you lay down the rules and there is order and happiness all around. But at work it's a different matter. You're the one to follow the rules and do all the listening, but it seems that you're going nowhere, at least not in the direction you should be heading. Now is the time to take some risk at your workplace and see how they pay off.Taking a

Is setting up a home based business for you?

2008-02-25T16:27:00.000-08:00

Haven't we all at some point or the other, sat down and wondered if we could actually quit our office jobs and work from home? Or maybe, we've had an epiphany in the middle of the night, and woken up with a dream idea, which we're sure will work. Telecommuting or working from home can be ideal. However, there can also be a number of drawbacks, both monetary and emotionally. Yet, each year,

Arrive at your destination in top form

2008-02-20T14:44:00.000-08:00

Whether you make frequent short business trips or jet across continents, the idea is to arrive at your destination without the jetlag and tiredness that comes with air travel.The key to arriving at your meeting lucid and able to close the deal, is in it's preparedness.At the airport and prior to check in :1. Try and book an 'Exit' seat, which offers more leg room. At most airports, you can

How to make the most of your vacation

2008-02-14T16:37:00.001-08:00

Everyone needs a break, even the most organized professional. Taking some time off to rejuvenate the senses and refresh the body helps you get back to work with a fresh approach to things and can increase your contribution on an average up to 80%.So, how does one keep from turning the perfect holiday into an executive's nightmare? The kind where your mobile rings non-stop, your boss needs a slide

Sharpen your business writing skills

2008-02-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

In today's fast paced lifestyle, writing something that can be read and understood in seconds is of prime importance. To ensure your correspondence does not get stuck in a pile of unread letters, make sure you stick to the following guidelines.1. Keep each sentence short. Using long sentences and intellectual sounding passages does not make us more intelligent. A concise report saves reading and

Find more time in your busy life.

2008-02-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

If you always feel rushed and stressed and still have a lot of unaccomplished tasks left on your to-do list at the end of the day, then it may be that you're taking on more than you can handle. Streamlining your work-life will allow you to accomplish all that needs to get done, and still have time left over to play!1. Learn to say 'No' - It's ok to say no to work you feel you cannot handle. This

Writings on Helium

2008-02-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

Balancing your home office vs. home life

2008-02-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

If you’ve decided to work from home, than it can be as challenging a proposition as doing a 9-5 job, if not more so. If you add children to the mix, than it gets even more complicated. However, following some simple guidelines and rules can make telecommuting not only pleasurable, but definitely profitable.To succeed in telecommuting, you need a strong partner/family support system in place. If

Ways to destress your busy day

2008-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

If you wake up constantly feeling tired and unable to look the day in the face, then you may need to look at ways to ease the workload and lighten the stress in your life. It's important to take time to smell the roses so to speak, and though easier said than done, it's a daily reminder many of us need. Try out the following 6 steps to see if you wake up a new you.1. Prepare for your busy day