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Posts Tagged ‘a new leaf’
Helps for Vacation Planning and Packing!
If you are travelling this summer, check out our Vacation Planning and Packing checklists.
Organize your vacation itinerary with TripIt.
What About ALL Those Photos?
Where Are Your Photos?
We are storytellers. Cavemen carved images in the sides of their caves to tell the world where they had been and what they had done. Why did they do that? Because they wanted to tell their stories. We are no different today, except now with the coming of the digital age, we are inundated with photos. Or we have boxes of photos that have accumulated over the decades. It can be overwhelming!
Remember the rolls of film you used to take on vacation with you? You might bring two rolls of 36 and come home with 72 photos–sight unseen–because you couldn’t know how they turned out until they were developed. And despite the fact that maybe not every photo was a winner, you put it back in the envelope, sometimes with the doubles and triples you had printed (remember those!) and put them in a shoebox? A closet? A trunk? All dark places where your stories were left untold.
Now we go on vacation, and we can come home with thousands of photographs. Why? Because we can? Why not take five photos of the group? We can’t be sure everyone will have their eyes open at the same time. Or what about that stunning sunset as it sinks sublimely into the sea? Thirty shots ought to do it! They are all so beautiful, it’s hard to resist.
This is fine if you are a person who looks at the photos on your camera shortly after and edits out the ones you don’t need before they even leave the memory card. Are you one of these people? If you are, good for you! If you aren’t, don’t worry–you’re not alone. But photos left in your camera or on a memory card are in jeopardy of being lost, never to be replaced.
Why do we take photos in the first place? Often it’s to mark a happy occasion or an important event. We take photos because we want to remember. We can evoke the same feelings when we look back at a memory that made us feel good. And sharing those stories is a good thing that can help bond families and friends together.
Have you ever looked for a photo for hours and hours? How would it feel to have your photos organized, sorted and categorized, all in one place where the photos you are looking for are easy to find when you need them?
And once organized, how would it feel to be able to share your stories with the ones you love? There are so many ways to enjoy photographs on a day-to-day basis, so that those memories and all the good feelings that came with them are present all the time.
I gave my husband’s aunt a book with photos from her life for her 80th birthday. The day after she called me and emphatically told me that there wasn’t one thing on the face of this earth or even in the universe I could have given her that was better than that book. Even today, when she puts her hand on mine and tells me that again, I still get goose bumps.
Daina Makinson is the founder of Snap Shot Solutions and a Certified Photo Organizer. She understands that boxes of print photos or even thousands of digital photos hiding in your computer are the untold stories you dreamed of telling when you took the photo in the first place.
Daina can help you share and enjoy your photos, slides and old home movies with your friends and family, as well as pass on your history in images for generations to come. Snap Shot Solutions can digitize your photos, transfer your slides and home movies to DVD and then help you create the perfect way to bring your stories back into your life with custom designed photo storybooks and slide shows, collages and canvases.
You can reach Daina at 1-855-522-7128 or by email.
Conquering the Chaos!
Is your life too chaotic most of the time?
If so, take a break! Grab your favourite beverage and sit down with a notepad. Make a list of ALL of the activities in which you, your partner (if applicable) and your children participate.
You’ll likely be surprised by how much the family is actually doing.
Once your list is compiled, ask yourself if it’s realistic. Are you trying to cram in too many activities? Do you need to make some adjustments? Remember that you don’t need to do something just because everyone else is doing it. Try your best not to overschedule. You will thank yourself later, and your life should run more smoothly. Or when the unexpected happens, you’ll be better able to handle whatever comes your way.
“Motivate” Yourself to Say NO!
“You have a right to say no. Most of us have very weak and flaccid ‘no’ muscles. We feel guilty for saying no. We get ostracized and challenged for saying no, so we forget it’s our choice. Your ‘no’ muscle has to be built up to get to a place where you can say, ‘I don’t care if that’s what you want. I don’t want that. No.’
– Iyanla Vanzant, American Author
Time for Back to School!
It’s almost time for back to school!
Dare I say that while summer is still in full swing. Have you had time to take a break? The heat, high humidity and large volume of rain in late June and July has been a bit too much! Make the most of what’s left of summer–while you still can.
Is organizing your child’s bedroom on the list of tasks before he/she heads back to school?
If so, let’s get started and turn over another leaf!
ORGANIZING CHILDREN’S ROOMS
“I take a very practical view of raising children. I put a sign in each of their rooms: “Checkout Time is 18 years.” Erma Bombeck
Planning
It’s important to be clear about the functions your children’s rooms have to fulfill before you begin. When it comes to children’s rooms, think about kindergarten. Designate an area for storing each type of item–books, toys, art supplies, etc.
Before starting any organizing session with children, remember to keep their attention span in mind. You might be able to organize for 3 or 4 hours at one session, but most children can’t stay focused for that length of time. Setting a timer is often helpful. It’s also a good idea to schedule a snack break.
Try to make it fun!
Supplies
Use clear storage containers as much as possible, so your children can see what is inside. Be sure to label all containers. If you have young children, attach a photo to the container to make it easier to put their belongings away. Or get your children to draw an image they can attach to the container.
Getting Started
Similar items should be stored together. The most important thing to remember is that items should be stored as close as possible to where they are used. An item is more likely to be put back where it belongs if it doesn’t take a lot of effort.
Arts and Crafts
Plastic storage towers are great for storing arts and crafts supplies.
Art Work and School Projects
You and your children should go through their art work from the past school year. Set a reasonable limit, and let them decide which pieces are their favourites. Store these items in a plastic container or memory box, and label it with their name and the school year.
Some school projects are too bulky to store. Take a photo of your child’s volcano; that way he/she will be able to view it whenever he/she likes.
Check out Artkive–a clutterfree way to enjoy your children’s artwork.
Books
Place books in an open bin or basket so that the covers face the front. If you put them on a bookshelf, young children who can’t read yet aren’t able to identify books by what’s written on them. They identify books by the image on the cover.
Movies/CD’s
DVD’s and CD’s can be contained in baskets or small bins.
Toys
Have your children sort through their toys. Discard any toys which are missing pieces or are broken. Any toys that they have outgrown can be donated. Suggest to grandparents, family members or friends that they could give tickets to a show, a gift card to their favourite ice cream spot or have them contribute to sports activites or lessons, their education fund, etc.–instead of purchasing more toys.
Items which hang on the back of a door can provide storage for shoes, stuffed animals, etc.
Clothing
Remove any clothing that your children have outgrown. Pack up clothing and label containers if you have younger children who aren’t able to wear the clothing yet. Donate clothing to friends, family or a children’s thriftshop.
It may be a good idea to install a lower rod in children’s closets. It can be removed once they are tall enough to reach a standard rod. Young children have difficulty hanging clothes on hangers. Clothing may end up on the floor because that’s easier. Children also have difficulty opening dresser drawers–because they are not strong enough–so baskets on shelves might be a better option.
Getting dressed may be easier if you separate clothing by colour or category (shirts, pants, dresses, etc.). You can also hang clothes as a complete outfit.
For older children—especially teenage girls—you can double your closet storage by adding a second rod.
Safety
When it comes to children’s rooms, safety is critical. Ensure that any heavy items are secured. Bookcases and shelving should be attached securely to the walls. Young children have a tendency to climb.
Reward
Don’t forget to reward your children for all your hard work at the end of your organizing session.
Maintenance
Schedule a daily or weekly clean-up time so that your children’s rooms don’t get too out of control. Make tidying up part of your children’s chores. It may take some time to figure out what works best, and it may be different for each of your children. If all else fails, close their door and remember that they do eventually move out!
Healthy Summer Recipes…
These recipes have been generously provided by Chef Dierre of Never Enough Thyme Catering.
Pizza Bianca
3/4 C warm water
1 T honey
1 T yeast
2 C all purpose flour
1 1/2 T olive oil
1 t salt
Handful of arugula and spinach
10 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
8 basil leaves, torn
4 oz goat cheese
2 T white balsamic vinegar
1 T extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Place warm water and honey in a small bowl; stir in the yeast. Allow to activate for approximately 5 minutes.
Pour in mixing bowl; add flour, olive oil and salt. Mix with dough hook for approximately 5 minutes. Place in oiled bowl and cover with cellophane. Allow to double in size. Divide dough in 4. Roll out on floured surface, into an oval shape. Drizzle olive oil on pizza dough and rub oil around. Place on (med heat) grill, and allow to bake through–about 4 minutes. Then flip over the dough to cook through. In a stainless steel bowl, place arugula, spinach, tomato and basil. Add balsamic and olive oil. Toss with salt and pepper. Place on top of grilled pizza dough. Add crumbled goat cheese on top. Serve with slices of grilled steak or chicken if desired. Happy grilling!
Mackenzie’s Favourite Lemonade
In a water jug combine
5 lemons squeezed – 2 lemons sliced
Agave syrup ¼ C T or sugar 1 C to taste
First, squeeze the lemons into the water jug. Then slice the lemon into wedges. Place in the jug as well. Add ½ C of sugar or the agave syrup. Stir well and place in the sunlight for a few hours. (This is where the anticipation comes!) Pour into a chilled glass filled with ice and enjoy!
Strawberry Rhubarb with Candied Ginger Fool
3 C fresh strawberries
1 C chopped rhubarb
1 T diced candied ginger
1 C sugar
2 t fresh lemon juice
3 C whipping cream
1 t vanilla extract
Sort through berries (checking for inedible ones); wash well. Hull the berries. Place in a large heavy bottomed saucepan. Over low heat, mash the berries with a spoon or potato masher. Add sugar and allow to dissolve. Simmer for 3 minutes. Add lemon juice and finely diced ginger. Allow to cool. Using a hand wand or blender, puree the fruit. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Stir in vanilla. Gently fold the berry mix into the cream; do NOT over mix. Spoon your fool into a serving dish.
It’s never too late to make healthier choices!
When it’s Just Too HOT to Cook…
Summer Down Sizing
Hot. Hot. Hot! This time of year cooking with simplicity is absolutely necessary. My objective is to not turn on the oven! As a chef, that is a very difficult task! At the end of the day, a light refreshing meal makes for a happy family and mom!
Entertaining in the backyard, simple means grilling–as much as possible. Thankfully, we have pots of tomatoes, herbs and greens ready to harvest. Pizza Bianca is a great choice–pizza dough rubbed with olive oil and grilled to bake through. Snip arugula, basil, spinach, cherry tomatoes off the vine and crumbled goat cheese…yum! Add a grilled steak or chicken breast, and dinner is almost done. Strawberries are still available, so a Strawberry Rhubarb Fool is a tasty addition to the outdoor dinner. No oven required!
My daughter Mackenzie adores her lemonade. We make this often, and enjoy the refreshing taste. You can also use limes and oranges for a twist. Enjoy the summer with all its fresh outdoor flavours. Happy cooking!
Chef Dierre
Never Enough Thyme Catering Inc. was created with one thought in mind…to create more thyme! Chef Dierre offers corporate and celebratory catering, a specialty food shoppe including cakes and cooking classes. We’re located at 83A Arthur Street South, Elmira, ON. Contact us by telephone at 519.669.0374.
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