Posts Tagged ‘a new leaf’

Get Productive…By Overcoming Fear!

Posted on: July 11th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Get Productive...Have you accomplished your objectives in the first half of 2013?

If not, is fear holding you back?

Here’s a personal short story about overcoming fear.

At Christmas I received a gift certificate for bungee jumping. I said to my sons, “I don’t know what’s on my bucket list, but I know that bungee jumping isn’t.” Several weeks ago when we were altogether, we set a date for the five of us to go to Quebec. About noon on Sunday, June 30 I conquered my biggest fear. I have never been more scared in my life. But I did it! I took the 200 foot jump!!  OK, it took three countdowns before I actually jumped, but the important thing is that I didn’t let my fear get the better of me.

If I can do it, you can too! I’m almost positive that most of the items on your list aren’t as scary as bungee jumping. So don’t waste any more time procrastinating. As the Nike slogan says, “Just do it”!

“Nothing binds you except your thoughts; nothing limits you except your fear; and nothing controls you except your beliefs.”
– Marianne Williamson, The Law of Divine Compensation



A Little Bit of Summer Sunshine…

Posted on: July 9th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

“I still think of summer as the best time to read for fun.”

                                – Margaret Haddix, American Author



Organizing Your Kitchen

Posted on: July 3rd, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

It’s officially Summer!

Summer is now in full swing with Canada Day already behind us.  Happy Fourth of July (later this week) to our neighbours south of the border!

Have you made any plans for the summer?  No matter what you do, take time to relax and enjoy the great weather.  Summer never seems to last long enough.

Let’s get started and turn over another leaf! 

ORGANIZING YOUR KITCHEN

“My grandmother was the greatest cook in the world. She could just go in there, the whole kitchen would look like a tornado hit it and then she’d come out with the best food.” Edie Brickell

For many people, a lot of time is spent in their kitchen. Did your kitchen function well when you made Easter or Thanksgiving dinner? If not, take some time to organize your kitchen so you’re not frustrated the next time you entertain.

Planning

You may not be able to complete your reorganization all at once. Divide the kitchen into sections, and work on one section at a time.

Supplies

Once you’ve finished purging, you can determine what you need.

Getting Started

It’s important to think of your kitchen as prime real estate space.

Frequently used items should be stored in the work triangle in your kitchen–between the stove, refrigerator and sink. Store items for food preparation, cooking/baking, serving, storage and cleaning there—close to where they will be used. Make your kitchen as efficient as possible.

Start by grouping similar items together by category.

China/Glassware/Silverware

Setting the table and washing dishes are things to consider when determining the best location for these items. A cabinet close to the dishwasher or sink makes putting away the dishes easier. Or you may want these items in a cabinet close to the table. Do you have a cabinet located halfway between your table and your dishwasher?

Pots and Pans

Pots and pans can be reached more easily when they are stored in a drawer. Display pots and pans by hanging them on racks if you have limited cabinet space.

Serving Items

Serving trays (and cookie sheets) are best stored in divided racks, so that they slide out easily. For items that are only used several times a year, you may wish to store them in your dining area or basement.

Food Preparation

Try to keep your countertop clear for food preparation. Limit the countertop to items used on a daily basis. This will also make it easier to keep clean.

Storage

Clear storage containers should be used as much as possible, so you can see what is inside. You need to know when you are running low on a particular item, so that it can be added to your grocery list. Square or rectangular containers stack more easily, fit better on a shelf and take up less space. Be sure to label all containers.

Items like gravy and sauce packets can be easily retrieved if stored in baskets. Baskets also work well for children’s lunch or snack items.

If your kitchen utensils are crammed in a drawer, determine which ones you actually use. Empty the drawer, put everything in a box and then take utensils out as you need them. Get rid of the ones that are left at the end of a month or two. Frequently used utensils can be stored in a handy container on the countertop.

Pantry

Discard items which are past their expiry dates.

Consider storing items like rice, pasta, cereal and crackers in plastic containers to keep them fresh. Adjust shelves or add extras to maximize your storage. Heavy items should be stored on lower shelves for safety.

Spices

There are many storage options for spices today—a traditional spice rack, magnetic spice containers or a tiered drawer insert. In order to keep spices at their best, do not store them too close to heat sources.

Refrigerator and Freezer

Clean out your refrigerator on a weekly basis. Get into this habit the night before your garbage is collected.

Post a grocery list on the refrigerator, so that it’s easy to add items to your list.

If you haven’t cleaned out your freezer in a long time, don’t despair. This is a chore that’s easiest to do when the weather is cold. Discard items that have dried out or items that won’t be eaten.

Junk Drawer

Try to avoid a junk drawer. Items typically found there are usually best stored elsewhere.

Renovations

If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen, make some notes about what you’d like to change—as you think of them—such as a drawer for storing pots and pans or a roll-out pantry.

Rewards

Reward yourself with a cup of flavoured coffee, tea or hot chocolate.  Organizing your kitchen is one of those tasks that will pay dividends every day. Your eating habits may even improve!



Add a Check-up to Your To-Do List!

Posted on: June 28th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

What are you doing to get or stay healthy?  When was the last time you had a complete medical checkup? If you don’t remember, add that task to your to-do list!

                 It’s never too late to make healthier choices!



Springtime…Leo Tolstoy style!

Posted on: June 26th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

 – Leo Tolstoy, Russian Novelist (1828-1910)

 



John Arnott: Hiring a Home Inspector

Posted on: June 24th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Buying a home is an important decision and one of the most expensive purchases that most people will ever make. There are no money back guarantees or return policies. Once the deal closes, you are on your own to repair and maintain it. Hiring a professional home inspector can help you identify potential problems or major expenses before you make the commitment.

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is one of the best ways to understand a home’s condition, habitability and safety. The inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the major systems and components of the home to assess their age, their condition, their safety and their useful life. He/she will identify components which are installed incorrectly or not performing properly. He/she will also look for evidence of past repairs or identify areas where repairs may be needed in the near future.

The exterior inspection includes:

  • Roof, Chimney, Flashings, Valleys, Siding, Trim, Windows, Storms
  • Landscaping, Grading, Drainage, Gutters, Downspouts
  • Driveways, Patios, Decks, Porches
  • HVAC systems

The interior inspection includes:

  • HVAC systems, Plumbing systems, Electrical systems
  • Walls, Floors, Ceilings, Windows
  • Structure
  • Attic, Insulation and Ventilation

A home inspection does not provide warranties or guarantees but is designed to help you make an informed decision about buying your home.

Choosing a Home Inspector

Home inspection is a discipline that requires specialized training, knowledge and communication skills. Since the industry is presently unregulated, it is important to choose an inspector wisely. Ask about membership in Provincial Associations, such as the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAH), where set standards and continuing education have to be maintained and a strict Code of Ethics followed. Ask about background and experience. Seasoned professional home inspectors will be full-time home inspectors, not renovators or contractors. Inquire about the level of membership. A Registered Home Inspector is the highest standard in the Ontario Association.

An inspection should take approximately 3 hours to complete, and your inspector should encourage you to attend and ask questions. The inspection can also be an excellent learning experience about your new home. Following the inspection, the home inspector should provide a written report within 24 hours of the inspection reviewing every major home system.

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John Arnott is the owner of

WelcomeHOME Inspection Services.



Create your OWN checklist…

Posted on: June 20th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Get Checking...

Create your own checklist for your decorating/renovating project!

 

If travelling to a foreign country is in your plans for 2013, check out this article on foreign exchange.

 



Does YOUR business have a “Bucket List?”

Posted on: June 18th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Get Productive...Do you have a Bucket List?

For those of you who don’t know, a bucket list is “a list of things to do before you die.” It comes from the term “kicked the bucket.”

I recently thought if you can have a bucket list for your personal life, why not have a list for your business too!  Think about what you want your business to look like one year from now, 5 years from now and 10 years from now.  Don’t forget to include your “if I only had time” ideas.

As those lazy days of summer approach, take some time to create your Business Bucket List.



What’s happening this summer?

Posted on: June 13th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

 


CLICK HERE to access our NEWS and EVENTS page.



Organizing a Decorating/Renovating Project

Posted on: June 7th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

 

Cathy MendlerSpring has finally sprung!

Spring is the time of year when we like to clear out the cobwebs, splash on a fresh coat of paint, and spruce up tired areas of our homes.

So let’s get started and turn over another leaf!  

ORGANIZING A DECORATING/RENOVATING PROJECT

“Among these several kinds of beauty the eye takes most delight in colours.”

Joseph Addison (English Poet, 1672-1719)

Planning

If you’re planning to redecorate or renovate, start your plan on paper. Determine your budget.

Renovating can be stressful. However long you think the project will take, add some extra time to your estimate. Unexpected delays are often a reality of renovation projects.

Supplies

Create a list of everything you will need in order to avoid numerous trips to the store.

Professional Help

Hiring a decorating professional for a 1-2 hour consultation may seem expensive, but one large mistake may prove more costly.

Choose a contractor if you’re not doing the work yourself. Get family and friends to recommend someone. Check out the contractor’s references, and contact the Better Business Bureau.

Outside Projects

If you are planning to build a new deck or outside structure, don’t forget to contact your local utilities in advance.  “Call before you dig” is always sound advice.  You don’t want to cut hydro/power, telephone or TV/internet cables, and/or water or gas lines.  Always think safety first!

Inspiration

Which styles do you like–traditional, contemporary, country, cottage or eclectic? What colours do you like?

A piece of fabric or artwork can be the inspiration for a whole room/area. If you plan to redecorate more than one room/area, think about the colour flow.

Watch a decorating show. Take a walk through a furniture store or fabric store. Peruse some decorating magazines. Canadian House & Home and Style at Home are good ones; they provide the Canadian sources for many of the featured items.

Storage

How can you decide what to build for storage if you don’t know what items will be stored in that location? Purge as you pack your belongings, so that you can determine your storage needs. Reassembling your room will be easier also.

Furniture and Placement

Will you be rearranging your current furniture, switching pieces from another room in your home or adding new pieces?

Decorators often recommend neutral colours for investment pieces. It is much easier to replace your accessories than to replace your sofa.

Remember that large pieces of furniture look smaller in the showroom than they will in your home. It is extremely important to take the measurements home beforehand and check to see if the new pieces will fit. You can tape an outline of the furniture on the floor, so that you don’t have to move heavy furniture.

Choose furniture that performs double duty—an ottoman with a tray and storage inside, a sofa with a bed, etc.

Colour

Changing the colour of a room is the easiest change you can make, and it will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Keep in mind that it is easier to mix a paint colour to co-ordinate with your fabric and/or furniture than the other way around. Take fabric samples to the paint store. We can recognize over 7,000,000 colours, but we can’t remember an exact colour for more than 30 seconds.

Choose an environmentally friendly paint if your budget allows. Large paint chips and test pots are available at some paint stores. If you don’t want to test the paint on the wall, paint a small piece of bristol board. You will be able to move the board around to different locations to see what the colour looks like at different times of the day and night. Light is an important issue when choosing a paint colour.

Did you know that if you paint a cool colour in a north-facing room, it feels even cooler? Did you know that if you paint a warm colour in a south-facing room, it feels even warmer?

If you choose a neutral colour, a variety of textures in the room will make it work well.

Accessories

Here is where you can use this year’s trendy colours. Take paint chips and fabric samples when you look for accessories. Remember that items don’t need to match exactly—as long as the colours blend.

Meals

Plan ahead for easy meals. When cooking, double a recipe and freeze one batch. This is especially important if you are renovating your kitchen. What will you be able to access? Can you cook outside? Consider using paper plates if you won’t have a kitchen sink to wash dishes or use your dishwasher.

If you’ll be ordering take-out, don’t forget to include those costs in your budget.

 

If you take the time to plan well, your decorating/renovating project should go more smoothly, and your money will likely be spent more wisely.