Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Use what you have – the cure for your post-Christmas financial blues

Save money-use what you have. You’ll be surprised at how many items you have lying around that you’ve never used. Items that, by using them, will create more space in your home and save you money.

For example:

1. Use those gift cards and certificates you received over the past year.

2. Those decorative candles? They were meant to be lit and to burn out, so use them before you buy new ones.

3. Check your books and magazines. There’s always one you haven’t read. Consider canceling subscriptions.

4. Take an inventory of the food that you have and think about ways to use it.

5. Why rent when you can catch up on movies you’ve collected, or programs you’ve recorded?

6. Built up a lot of points on your merchant loyalty cards for air travel, products or services? Now is the time to redeem them.

7. You probably have more beauty supplies than you realize. It’s time to take stock and start using them.

8. Have a lot of loose change around your house? Gather it up and use it.

9. Instead of a new hobby or craft, revisit one that you set aside. You’ll save money on supplies.

What are your ideas for using what you have to save money?

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Planning the Perfect Dinner Party

Hosting a dinner party takes preparation and organization. Here are some suggestions to help make your next gathering easy and memorable.

1) Start by making pre and post checklists of the supplies you will need.

2) Figure out how big or small a get-together you would like to have so you can plan your budget.

3) Consider your china, dishes, flatware and cooking pots you will use.

4) If you plan on having a party on a specific holiday, be prepared for a fewer number of RSVPs.

5) Time your invitation for people to come half an hour to an hour before you plan to serve dinner.

6) Ask friends and family members for help as well.

7) An organized house is more attractive and welcoming to your guests.

Take time for yourself before guests begin arriving. Being a relaxed and stress free party host is the best thing to serve your guests.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

News Years Resolutions or Fatal Attraction?

Have you set and broken many of your New Years Resolutions already? The law of attraction says we will draw those things towards us that we spend time thinking about.


Attract more of the positive and create brighter possibilities:

Don’t get caught up in the New Year hype.

Instead of focusing on making a resolution, focus on what you have accomplished last year and how you can take those positive events and use them towards making this year the best yet.
Look back on how you made your special memories and how you can create more to last a lifetime.

Picture those activities you shared with loved ones.
Think about what you are most proud of in your career.
Live your life with meaningful intent.
Take charge of your own well-being, embrace it and enjoy everything that the New Year has to offer you.

Resolve to evolve into the person you want to be by attracting what you want.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

The Flaw of January 1

Quote from author, Ellen Goodman:
“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.’

Paper Trail: Common Sense in Uncommon Times by Ellen Goodman