I live by lists. I have a weekly grocery list. I have a “To Do” list. I keep a list of ideas that come to me at odd moments so that I don’t lose the thought. I make a list while sitting at the computer and working on my business, jotting down things I need to remember as I move from one task to another. Occasionally, I don’t add something to my list, thinking that I will surely remember it because it’s important. BIG MISTAKE.
Lists are our friends. They save us incredible amounts of time and help to keep us organized. Here is an example of how I organize my grocery/errand list. Every time a family member says we are out of something, it goes on the list. Whenever someone says, “Next time you’re at the store. . .” it goes on the list. Any items I need for our family meals that week go on the list. Some people group their grocery list according to location of items in their particular grocery store. I like that idea.
My errand list goes on the back of my grocery list. Usually it includes the bank, some specialty stores, the post office, etc. Before I leave the driveway, I take a pen and put numbers next to each item in order of their location. By doing this ahead of time, I know that my errands will flow in the most time efficient manner.
Where you keep your lists, whether they’re color coded, and other such considerations are a matter of personal choice. Since I spend so much time at the computer, I usually keep most of my lists at that desk. I prefer hard copy lists for most things, although I do keep business items in a software organizer that can be printed out when needed.
We lead busy lives. Trusting our memories can be a risky venture, especially when so many items compete for our attention in any given 24-hour period. Keeping lists is a great way to save time, keep in the flow of things, and reduce the stress level so many of us experience on a daily basis.
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N. Rene West
Fembellish Journal – Beauty thru fiber art
Some household products do double-duty, performing beyond their intended purpose. Dawn dishwashing liquid is one of those products. (Other brands do not work as well.)
Mixed half-and-half with tap water, Dawn becomes a powerful stain remover for clothing. Simply mix in a small spray bottle and use on stains, especially greasy ones. I like to keep a mixture in the laundry area and treat stains immediately. Give it a try.
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N. Rene West
Fembellish Journal – Beauty thru fiber art
A friend gave me this recipe years ago. It’s easy to prepare and makes a wonderful cold salad that goes well with any meal.
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen peas, defrosted
2 cups frozen corn, defrosted
1/2 onion, minced
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated or cubed
1/2-3/4 cup French dressing
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and a large bowl; season to taste. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Optional ingredients: chopped pimentos
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N. Rene West
Fembellish Journal – Beauty thru fiber art
In a previous post I stated that Jet Dry can also be used for hand washed dishes, providing the same spot-free results for your dishes as it does in the dishwasher.
There is another common household product that renders the same results plus has the added benefit of cutting through grease – white vinegar. Simply add a little to your rinse water and enjoy spotless, grease-free dishes the natural way.
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N. Rene West
Fembellish Journal – Beauty thru fiber art
This recipe is easy to prepare and works well both for lunch and dinner. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
2 cans water chestnuts, drained and slivered
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups crushed potato chips
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Directions:
Mix first three ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into a baking dish and top with chips and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees (uncovered) for about 20-25 minutes.
Optional ingredients: slivered almonds (added to chicken mixture)
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N. Rene West
Fembellish Journal – Beauty thru fiber art
Have you ever wasted an afternoon looking for a product manual or a receipt to prove your warranty is still in effect? Here is an easy way to get all those booklets and receipts organized and easily accessible.
Purchase a large three-ring binder notebook and a box of clear sheet protectors. Every time you purchase a new product for your home, immediately staple the receipt to the inside cover. Then place the booklet in a sheet protector and file it in the notebook. It’s helpful to alphabetize your manuals, but not absolutely necessary. Also, note the date you mailed in the warranty or registered the product online.
Any other important information, such as service records, can be filed with the product’s manual. Now you will have all pertinent information at your fingertips, which will save you lots of time in the future.
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N. Rene West
Fembellish Journal – Beauty thru fiber art
