Thursday, August 30, 2012

I LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT


Ummmm, no I don't.  If you're (I'll be kind) 27 or older and moving either 1) seriously reconsider, or 2) hire a professional.  Professionals are there for a reason (see "I GOT A GUY").  And you're old enough now to realize that getting a bunch of friends together on their time off and paying them with beer (yay!) isn’t gonna cut it anymore.

Movers are fast, reliable, and super painless.  They take the stress out of what can potentially be a super stressful day.  And they don't have to be that expensive if you don't mind doing a little research.  One example: Two Men and a Truck. It's a franchise that's slowly popping up everywhere.

Moving is stressful enough, you don't need to add full body massage to your to-do list.  Using professionals will give you extra time to unpack, decorate, and get your new place together already.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL


It’s that time again.  Summer’s over and most of the kids I see have that look like someone kicked their puppy.  As parents rejoice, kids can take solace in the fact that at least they get some cool new duds out of the deal, no?  I was a geek slash fashionista so the start of each school year was a double bonus for me.  I really can't sympathize kiddos.  Sorry!

I shopped online for H’s new school clothes this weekend.  You heard right.  He’s been in “school” continuously since July and is only 2.5 years old but I have to get my shopping kicks somewhere so just play along.  I’ve been a shopping pro since probably the age of 7 so I thought I’d pass along some food for thought to help diffuse arguments, and help save some cash.

Number one: If you shop sales, shop them smartly.  Right now stores are mostly offering Fall pieces so sale selections may be hard to come by.  If you do score a sale, however, make sure what you buy makes sense.  Stick to basics, nothing over the top trendy that won’t last past the end of the year.  Go ahead and buy end of season tees to layer over long sleeve tees or under button downs (love for little boys) but make sure the tees don’t scream summer.  i.e. don’t buy the entire stock of surfboard and boat tees.

Two: Scan multiple stores for basics.  I was on four different sites before I finally convinced myself that $10 for 3T jeans was much smarter than paying $30.  It was a combination of knowing what stores offer good quality and getting lucky enough to catch the last day of a sale at The Children’s Place (I’m sure they’ll offer more sales, don't be bummed). 

Three: Shop online if possible.  This works if you know what size your kids are at each store (because you know sizes run differently from store to store, right?) or if your kids are difficult to shop with.  Almost every store offers free shipping, particularly if you order over a certain amount so no worries there.  Also, if you shop online you can Google coupons for your particular store.  It takes a little work but if you can save a few dollars here, 25% here, it’s worth it.  Finally, shopping online allows you to compare prices as I did with the jeans above.  If I were out shopping, I would’ve bought the first ones I came across because who wants to go back and forth from store to store comparing and returning?  Not me.

Four: Let your kids have a say.  They're the ones wearing the clothes, not you.  If they really love a shirt and have to have it, even if you think it's the most hideous thing in the world, just buy it.  Remember, there's a generation gap, taste difference, etc., etc.  It's not going to hurt them, it's a shirt.  It's so not worth arguing over.  I can guarantee they'll look back at pictures and say, "what a hideous shirt, what was I thinking?!", but such is life.  

With my shopping done I get to sit back and wait for my packages to come.  I know my son won't care about his new clothes (maybe he'll like some of the tees) but I'm super psyched.  Maybe I'll have to consider going back to school myself, if only for the clothes.

Monday, August 27, 2012

MHM! #obsession

Move over you know who.  This week's Must Have Monday is for when I need a little caffeine pick me up during the day.  Yes, I make my lattes at home every morning but every once in a while I treat myself to what I've found to be the most delicious coffee in all of everywhere.  Seriously.

I had never heard of Blue Bottle Coffee www.bluebottlecoffee.com until I started working in Rockefeller Center.  Tucked away in a back corner of 30 Rock is this little gem of a coffee shop.  They focus on simplicity and truly tasty coffee.  I don't know what I love about them the most, there's too much to choose.

  • The hipsters behind the counter are legit.  They bike to work, wear newsboy caps with vests and tortoise shell glasses, are super nice, and they all live in Brooklyn.  I'm totally generalizing and making most of that up, but that's the story I give them.  
  • The care taken in the foamed-milk designs on the top of my lattes puts a genuine smile on my face.  There are hearts, swirls, and once I swear I saw a flower.  I always feel bad stirring the sugar into my drink and then putting a cover on.  The baristas know everyone's going to eff up their designs but they continue to make them anyway...with love and a smile.  
  • The menu is refreshingly simple.  You won't find pumpkin triple pump, half caff, no whip, blah, blah, blah here.  The first time I walked in and looked at the menu I thought, this can't be right.  But then realized, yes it can.   
  • Their fixins' bar is simple too.  1 bottle of natural sugar, 1 bottle of honey, a tray of spoons for stirring, and empty tray to drop your dirty spoon into, lids, napkins.  Done and done.
  • Instead of using bags for the small selection of treats they offer, they use coffee filters.  Simple and oh so cool.
Oh, and did I mention the coffee is really, really good?  Check out their site (you'll get their vibe once you do) to see if there's one near you (CA, and NY).


Thursday, August 23, 2012

KEEP IT STRAIGHT


When I was footloose and fancy free (read 20-something, partying most nights of the week, slash pretty irresponsible) I was tired of forgetting about bills and then having to pay late charges so I came up with this super straightforward Excel sheet that lists all bills/companies, due dates, the typical monthly payment, and months yet to be paid.  It’s not very sophisticated but it’s reliable and easy to use.  It’s been so helpful in the last few years that I’ve used it; it keeps me on track and I haven’t forgotten a bill since I started it.  I know, I could set up automatic payments in my online banking (I do pay bills online) but I’m too much of a control freak.  I need to be the one to push the send button!



Tuesday, August 21, 2012

BRIGHT IDEA


With CFLs taking over the market for the smarter more energy efficient way to brighten a room I was wondering what to do with them once they do burn out...15 yrs from now. Because I don't want to possibly pollute with mercury and I certainly don't want a stash of bulbs slowly collecting on my counters because I'm so afraid to throw them away.  Though maybe this could somehow be a cool new design idea? Here's what I found. I live in NYC but I'm sure your city has similar info that you can check out regarding bulbs or appliances or batteries that you're unsure of how to dispose of.

NYCWasteLess, recycling program:
“CFLs (not fluorescent tubes) can be dropped off for free recycling at any Home Depot, IKEA, Lowes, or other participating retailers.

Alternatively, CFLs and other fluorescents can be brought to any of NYC Department of Sanitation's Household Special Waste Drop-Off Sites or upcoming SAFE disposal events (yes, the city hosts these typically in the Spring in large parking lots where you can bring what I've already mentioned plus lots of other random stuff).

Double bag before discarding to prevent injury to Sanitation workers, if you choose to dispose of bulbs with your regular trash”.

If that's not easy, then I don't know what is.  Oh, you're welcome.

Monday, August 20, 2012

MHM! #obsession

Today's MHM! #obsession is something that I've had for a bit but actually just started using.  It's a reusable sandwich and snack bag from Resnackit ($9.99).  After going through I don't know how many plastic zip bags for my son's school lunch I decided to actually use the Resnackit that I bought him just for this purpose.

It's saving me money, helping the environment, and he loves it for some reason; maybe because it's different.  They have all different styles (snack size, sandwich size, double pouch, wrap size) and patterns: check out their site www.resnackit.com.  I can wipe it clean, hand wash it, or even throw it in the washer/dryer.  I'm definitely going to get some more and start using them for my lunches too.

Brilliant

Thursday, August 16, 2012

STAMP OF APPROVAL

I bought a return address stamp from Noteworthy Stamps a good 5 years ago.  The idea behind it was to get one for every house we ever moved to, and get a cool stamp collection along the way.  I loved it.  Only problem was I never moved.  It’s OK though because the idea still works for other reasons.  I use the stamp for every piece of mail I send – mostly personal stuff – but there are some random medical bills here and there so everyone gets a peek at our unique “family seal” with every letter from us.  And the medical community thinks we’re truly fabulous.  I forget how much I paid for the stamp; maybe no more than $40 - $50 and I’ve never had to replace ink or cartridges in over five years.  Think about the time I’m saving using it vs writing my name and address over and over.  And the stamp doesn’t take up much space – it fits right in the palm of my hand.  Perfection.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

MIND ERASER

I love lists.  Since the beginning of time I’ve loved lists.  I’ve always made and relied on them to survive my day to day.  Whether in my personal or work life, seeing something crossed off of one of my many lists and knowing that that means it’s completed just feels good.  Sometimes I wonder though if relying on my lists contributes to the fact that my memory is almost completely shot, but I’m also not as young as I used to be plus I’ve got a lot going on so let’s chalk it up to all of the above. 

I use lists for everything and, why not, right?  I’ve got lists for shopping, stores to visit, movies I’m dying to see, books I want to read, quotes that have struck a chord, vacations I want to take, nail polishes I’ve liked (it streamlines the decision process next time ‘round) and conversations I want to have, you get the idea. 

Whoa, back it up!  Conversations?  That’s right, conversations.  If it’s late at night and I think of something I need to tell someone I seriously either jot it down to remind myself to bring it up the next day if emailing or texting is inappropriate at that exact moment.  Though I recently got a pretty phenomenal Textalert app which lets me write a text and decide at what time I want the recipient to get it.  This way I won’t wake my friends in the middle of the night with my crazy thoughts if they sleep with their phones on their nightstand like I do (for emergencies only not random thoughts). 

Clearly, I use lists for everything and if I can’t remember to have a conversation with someone then my memory is more far gone than I thought it was.  But the key to successfully using lists is to not become overwhelmed by them.  Here’s a good system that I've established in my years of obsessive listing behavior.  General info stays with me at all times.  I use the note feature in my phone because I always carry my phone, and it beats lugging a notebook around, though I love me some pretty notebooks.  So, my shopping list, for example, is in my phone.  I can stop at the store at any time and always know what I need.   Tasks that I need to do immediately (like within a couple days to a week) are listed on a magnetic notepad on my fridge.  I cross them off once they’re done and move on to the next.  Finally, I keep “long range” to-do’s on the mirror-turned-chalkboard that hangs in my kitchen.  I once missed a doctor’s appointment because I put it in my phone calendar three months before then totally forgot about it (I've mentioned before that I refuse to take reminder cards from the office).  Since I came up with the board idea, I see these future to-do’s every day and there’s no way I could forget about them if I tried.

I’m sure some will argue that too much relying on lists makes one's memory weak, but I say, pish!  There are puzzles and brain teasers for that.  I'd prefer to simplify my life wherever possible. And simplify is key: don’t duplicate lists.  Decide what goes where and keep it on that list, otherwise you’ll drive yourself crazy.  You’ll spend more time organizing your lists than you will getting your tasks done.  And that’s not the point here…not once you’re set up anyway.  Happy listing!

Monday, August 13, 2012

MHM! #obsession

Today's Must Have Monday #obsession are paper clips.  Oh yeah, paper clips.  But cool ones...read on.

I first came across these quirky moustache paper clips while out shopping at the Container Store, then found them again online at www.paper-source.com so I'm sure there are a few other spots that carry them.  Now, I can't say for certain who makes them (Paper Source doesn't say) but the company is genius in my eyes.  It's fun to be silly sometimes and I know there are some of you out there who still use paper occasionally, no?

Check out the pics below - they also make a bicycle version and I think I remember seeing numbers as well.  You get a set of 5 for $5.  A total novelty but think of the smiles you'll spread while using them.  Who says the fun stuff needs to be reserved for the kids??

Keep your eyes open in stores near you and grab some for yourself.  And if anyone can figure out the brand before I can, feel free to post...I feel bad not giving credit.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

WHERE THINGS LIVE

When I became a stay at home mom, I decided to give the espresso maker that had been sitting literally unused for 8+ years a whirl.  I just couldn’t make myself presentable enough for a 6am coffee run (I have particular standards), bundle up the baby, and strap him into the Baby Bjorn (total lifesaver in city winters, btw) BEFORE a latte.  Impossible.  So, about 3-4 taste tests later and I was my very own barista.  My dream is to hire a live in barista one day along with my own driver but I’ll do for now I suppose. 

But here’s my simple trick for storing the “supplies”.  For two reasons – to save me time (every second is key at 6:30 am and my son wants to play cars – I’m not a morning person), and to keep my counters clutter free.

My espresso and sugar live on the shelf in the cabinet just above my machine - exactly where they’re used.  They’re so easily accessible when I need my morning fix and yet they’re out of the way so I don’t have to look at coffee cans and a bag of sugar.  Yeah, yeah, a bag.  Even if I bought the cute canisters that I’ve been secretly scoping out I just don’t have the counter space (and it's the C word).  This storage system sounds so simple because it is but so often I see people unnecessarily scrambling for things they need and then not being able to find them.  Which confounds me, btw (who doesn’t know where their sugar is??).  I find if you don’t have enough storage space to keep all like things together (baking products, spices, etc.), then you should keep them exactly where you use them.  Because, you guessed it, they’re always there when you need them.  Just because my sugar is a baking good doesn’t mean it needs to go in with my flour, baking soda, salt, etc.  I do bake quite often, but I drink lattes every day.  So the shelf vetoes the cabinet.  Done and done.

(PS, now that I'm working I still make my lattes religiously.  I've done the math of buying 1-2 coffees/day while working which is what I used to do - over $2k/year - crazy.  Glad I became a barista when I did!).

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

DON'T DO IT

I don't believe in multitasking.  In fact, I think it's a terrible practice and should be avoided at all costs.  I can see the mouths dropping open now.  How does one stay so organized without doing so many things at once??  Easy.  PS, there's a difference between doing more than one project/task at any given time and "multitasking", I should specify.  As defined by dictionary.com, multitasking is "the concurrent or interleaved execution of two or more jobs by a CPU".  CPU?  We're not computers people, let's stop trying to act like them!

When we try to multitask things get effed up.  One person can't talk on the phone, write an email, and finish a job for the big boss at the same time - something inevitably gets screwed up.  Think of when you try to have a conversation with your husband/boyfriend while he's watching TV.  Not happening.  But they have it right; our brain can only process so much at once without screwing things up.

Now, managing multiple projects at once?  Planning a few events at a time while going about your days, starting laundry while cooking dinner?  Totally doable.  As long as one can focus and see a job through to the end or at least manage a long term project properly before getting tangled up in another then all is good.  My feeling is finish a job and finish it well before moving on to the next.  You'll be sure to avoid sloppiness and ensure a job well done.

This is based on zero research, mind you, just years of practice and watching others kind of fumble along.  And I know in my gut that it's right.  I'm not saying that you can't lotion up your hands, pop on some gloves and go to town on the dishes.  That's multitasking, I suppose.  Just be smart about it, kids.

Monday, August 6, 2012

MHM! #obsession

Today's obsession is a new one for me.  I haven't purchased anything from these guys before but am seriously considering doing it very soon.

The company is called She Hit Pause founded by Brooklyn based, Matt Schwartz.  He takes polaroid pics then transfers them to watercolor paper creating faded, really dreamy looking prints out of his work.  They're kind of amazing and reasonably priced: www.shehitpausestudios.com; something that would make people talk if hung on your walls.

What I love about the company is that they do photo sessions too.  Sessions in which for a set price you get 100 digital images (cost of prints is extra but I know totally worth it).  Ever since I heard about it I've been imagining a really cool family photo or two that I could hang on my wall and obsess over for years to come.  I think it's time I gave them a call.  You should at least check them out. 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

BE PREPARED

I was obviously not a Boy Scout and, tear, missed the Girl Scout wagon too.  My parents signed me up for extra curriculars like it was my job as a kid, but the two things I actually asked to do – karate and Brownies (starter version of GS) - I never got to do.  Go figure.  I guess I make up for the latter by always being prepared at a moment’s notice.  And you can be too.

There will always be a time when you need a little something for a dinner at a friend’s house, a party gift, whatever, yet you won’t have tons of time to get it.  If you keep some things on hand, however, there will never be a reason to stress.  Keep a few extra bottles of wine in your cooler and blank cards in your gift station (more to come on the gift station later), and if you've saved photos of inspirational hostess gifts that you’ve come across over time (see Say Cheese!), same same.  Put a reminder in your calendar and run out the week of and buy something that you’ve had your eye on. 

Feeling me?  Put this to practice and you’ll seriously never have an excuse not to be ready at least a day or two before your party again.  No more rushing the day of, just show up and enjoy.