That's Neat! Blog

Do you feel like you are running all over town trying to get things done?

Do you keep thinking of the errands you need to do? Often my list swirls around in my head, or is scribbled on several sticky notes on my desk.

Here’s my simple 3-step system to keep the errand list under control:

Step 1: I get a piece of paper and write down all the places I need to go in the next week or two. I basically empty my brain of all the stores where I need to pick up something or return an item.  My initial list looks like this.

Step 2: Then I try to group the errands into trips. For example, one trip might be Target and HomeGoods since they are near each other.  So my list looks like this:

Step 3: The last step to really make it happen…schedule time! I get my Google calendar and look at where I have pockets of time, and slot in the trips.

This simple process helps me to get all the nagging to do’s out of my head and on to my calendar. Happy shopping!

Say the phrase “kitchen tools” and you probably think of a stand mixer, chef knife, or set of measuring cups.  But what online tools have you tried?

As a busy parent, I know that finding the time to plan meals, shop, and cook can be a challenge. Here are a few online tools I've tried to save time:

• Online grocery delivery: When I lived in an apartment and couldn’t carry bags of groceries home I regularly ordered my groceries online. Now I use the deliveries when my schedule is too hectic. A busy mom friend says this service saves her every week, especially with store app for smartphones. Her basic shopping list is always ready to go.
• Recipes online: I use websites to find the perfect birthday cake for my party theme, or to discover a new way to cook Brussels sprouts. My sister also uses Pinterest to “pin” her favorite recipes from the web, allowing her not only to have the recipe but also a photo of the dish.
• Cooking magazines online: In my home we love Cook’s Illustrated and subscribe online so that we can find any recipe we need, any time. Now we don’t have to search through all the magazines to find that dessert we wanted to try. My husband loves their app for the iPad too.

I have been telling parents about The 6 o’clock Scramble website. Subscribe and you’ll receive weekly meal plans with shopping lists and healthy eating tips! I haven’t tried it yet but it looks like it could be a huge help.

What online tools have you tried to make it easier to get meals on the table?

Everyone loves to leave on vacation, but few of us like to return.

Here are my organization tricks to make the “re-entry” back to reality easier:

• Before I leave I write a list of critical things I need to do once I return (like pay certain bills, call client, etc.). All this races through my head before I leave but I can put it on the list and forget it while I’m away.
• Clean up the kitchen before you go away. I like to come home to a clean kitchen.
• Once you return, start laundry right away. My husband and I now bring our bags right from the car into the laundry room. We empty the dirty laundry and get at least one load started as soon as we are home.
• Unpack as you can…laundry and clothes are first, the other items may take a few days to get put away.

Bon voyage!

It’s time to get together with friends! Here are some tips to organize your summer entertaining:

• If your event is outside, be sure to have a back-up plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
• Make your lists: grocery, other shopping, to do.
• Have your kitchen stocked with a few party favorites for impromptu gatherings. I like to always have olives, crackers and cheese ready to go.
• Also keep your bar stocked for summer drinks. It’s easier to have a party “signature” drink (think gin and tonic or mojito) rather than offering a full bar.
• Check to be sure you have napkins, plates and other supplies for outside entertaining.

And for some fun aprons and linens, check out my cousin Janna’s fabulous designs at Raw Materials Design.

Happy entertaining!

I was thrilled to be interviewed on the MSLR show, "Living Today." Host Ryan Brockington and I discussed our favorite ways to get ready for summer, shared our love of lists, and I answered questions from callers. It was very fun!

Listen to the interview (about 30 minutes).