If you’re itching to get outside to enjoy a beautiful day, check out “How to plan for a productive day.”
The sooner you get your work done, the sooner you can head outside!
Posts Tagged ‘scheduling’
Get Motivated by Joshua Becker
Writer Joshua Becker, who is interviewed in Minimalism, shares 10 Images to Help Inspire Simplicity in Your Life.
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THE VALUE OF A CHECKLIST
HAPPY SPRING–FINALLY!
The warm weather is finally upon us, the spring flowers are in bloom, and the “May 24 weekend” (as we like to call it in Canada) is just around the corner. Get outside and enjoy it whenever you can!
On a personal note–Congratulations to Melissa and Patrice who welcomed their baby boy Clément on April 19! I was thrilled to become a great aunt.
THE VALUE OF A CHECKLIST
When you start a task or project, do you jump right in and get started–without a plan? Are you satisfied with the outcome? Is it what you had hoped? If not, take the time to create a plan.
Time spent planning can produce amazing results. Yes, it will take some time to create the original checklist, but it will save you valuable time down the road. Having a plan should reduce your sense of being overwhelmed too!
A checklist is a great tool for repetitive processes–big or small. For large projects, you may only be able to use a checklist for part of a project. And remember, your checklist is not carved in stone. Consider it a work in progress, and revise it as required.
Do you own a business or work in a business that participates in trade shows? Are you always scrambling at the last minute getting ready? Do you inevitably forget to bring something with you? Click here for my Trade Show Checklist.
Don’t forget to take a look at our “Get Checking” archives too!
P.S. Do YOU or someone you know need a professional organizer? TAKE OUR TEST and find out for yourself today!
THE TAX MAN COMETH…ARE YOU READY?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to A NEW LEAF!
A New Leaf celebrated 10 years in business on March 17th!
Thanks to all of our clients and everyone who has referred clients to us. We have been very fortunate!
THE TAX MAN COMETH…ARE YOU READY?
I have a confession to make! This issue should have been published a bit earlier. I had assistance with it and wasn’t able to proofread it sooner because I was completing my taxes!!
Does the thought of getting your forms and receipts organized so that you can file your 2015 taxes make your stomach churn? While the best advice is always to work ahead and NOT wait until the last minute to get organized, these suggestions will help you to simplify your tax preparation.
1. Start with last year’s return. Make a list of categories on your return which pertain to you. For instance, you might include basic items like T4s, investment income, RRSPs, medical receipts, charitable donations, and education expense (just to name a few!).
2. Purchase an expandable accordion-type file. The traditional brown kind works well for us, but feel free to be creative! Make sure it has MORE sections than you have items on your list, so that you have room to add additional categories. Don’t forget to label the outside of the envelope with the tax year.
3. Now, you will have a place for each form and receipt. Make sure to file them as soon as you receive them in order to prevent the headache of missing forms.
4. If you have a number of receipts in some slots, medical expenses for example, add up the total for all of the receipts and staple the calculator tape to the pile. Repeat the process for each category as required.
5. If you are a business owner, you will also have categories for business assets and expenses. We recommend that you keep a business tax folder separate from your personal taxes for ease of filing.
6. If there is room, set up separate slots for completed returns, refund/payment information and assessments.
7. If you are a tech-minded person, consider computerizing your financial records with one of the very effective programs available. Some clients scan in receipts and attach them to their respective files, but DON’T FORGET that you are still required to keep paper copies of your receipts for seven years. It is a good idea to hold onto ALL of your tax returns.
Now you can relax and calm that churning stomach…until you need to write the cheque!
P.S. Do YOU or someone you know need a professional organizer? TAKE OUR TEST and find out for yourself today!
Mmm…Healthy Chicken and Leek Pie!
HEALTHY CHICKEN AND LEEK PIES
Comfort food doesn’t mean extra calories!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large sweet potato cut into chunky chips
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, chopped into bite-size chunks
- 1 leek, finely sliced
- 1 carrot chopped
- 225ml low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 85g light soft cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped tarragon leaves
- 2 sheets filo pastry
PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. In a roasting tray toss the sweet potatoes with 2 tsp of the oil and some seasoning. Cook for 30-40 mins, until golden and crisp. Heat 1 tsp oil in a medium frying pan. Fry the chicken until browned, remove from the pan and set aside. Add the leek and a splash of water, and gently fry until soft, about 7 mins. Add the carrot and cook for 3 mins more. Pour in the stock and boil until reduced by half, then add the mustard and soft cheese, stirring well to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, add the tarragon and some seasoning.
3. Divide the mixture between 2 small ovenproof dishes. Take the filo sheets and scrunch them up. Top each pie with a sheet and brush with remaining 1 tsp oil. Cook the pies in the oven with the chips for 15 mins, until the pastry is golden.
For more recipes, check out our GET HEALTHY archives.
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DON’T FORGET! If you’re purging books, sheetmusic, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games, consider donating them to the Canadian Federation of University Women-K-W Annual Used Book Sale being held on April 22-23, 2016.
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