Posts Tagged ‘planning’

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.

 



Cool Tools for Travellers!

Posted on: April 25th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

If travelling to a different time zone is in your plans for 2013, check out this website. Jet Lag Rooster is a no-cost, simple, and effective way to reduce or prevent jet lag.

Use our handy VACATION PLANNING CHECKLIST.

Print out our PACKING CHECKLIST and laminate it.

Frequent travellers may wish to store it in their suitcase!

 

 



Super Quote from IKEA Founder on the Value of 10 Minutes!

Posted on: April 16th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

“You can do so much in 10 minutes time. Ten minutes, once gone, are gone for good. Divide your life into 10-minute units and sacrifice as few of them as possible in meaningless activity.”

            -Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA Founder



Making Plans for Summer Vacation!

Posted on: April 10th, 2013 by Cathy Mendler 2 Comments

Spring has finally sprung! As I’m writing this newsletter, there are still flurries flying around outside.

One sure sign of spring is Elmira’s annual Maple SyrupFestival! It’s always a lot of fun. This year approximately 75,000 people came to our town to enjoy a huge variety of delicious foods–especially the pancakes and maple syrup!

The warmer weather summons us outside to soak up the sun, since we don’t see as much of it during the winter. And sunny days mean summer vacations are just around the corner!

On that note, let’s get started and turn over another leaf!

ORGANIZING YOUR NEXT VACATION/TRIP

“The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust, French Author (1871-1922)

Whether you’re backpacking or bicycling, staying in five-star accommodations or a bed and breakfast, travel can be a great experience.

Planning/Research

Set aside some time to plan your vacation/trip. A few hours of planning are worth the effort if everything runs smoothly. Use our handy Vacation Planning Checklist.

Research your proposed destination on the internet, at the library or through a travel agent. Ask your friends and family for suggestions if they have travelled to your planned destination. Purchasing a travel book and/or a foreign language dictionary may also be helpful.

Travel Agent

Contact your travel agent or CAA. A good travel agent can provide you with a wealth of information—maps, discount coupons and sight-seeing information. Travel agents can also assist you if you encounter problems while you are out of the country. Remember to take any accommodation confirmations with you.

Discounts

Take advantage of discounts. Check the websites of your destinations to see if they provide any coupons.

Sight-Seeing Attractions

If there are some must-see attractions on your list, make reservations ahead of time in order to avoid being disappointed.

Currency

Do you need to pick up foreign currency or travellers’ cheques for your vacation? You might also wish to take a prepaid calling card and international dialing instructions with you.

Documentation

You should be aware that some foreign countries will not accept your passport if it expires within 6 months. It is advisable to renew it before you leave to avoid any problems. Some accommodations provide a safe for your passport and other important valuables.

If you are travelling with minor children, and you are separated or divorced, you may need to carry notarized documents authorizing you to enter another country with your children. This may also apply when you are the legal guardian of children and you are not their birth parent.

Consider taking contact information for the closest location of the Canadian embassy if you are traveling to a country where there is political unrest.

Out-of-Country Coverage

If you do not have out-of-country benefits, it is advisable to make arrangements for medical emergency coverage. A trip to the hospital in another country can be expensive.

Safety Precautions

Don’t carry any items unless they are required for your vacation. Clean out your wallet or purse. Leaving a list at home containing your passport information, driver’s license information, bank card and credit card numbers will make it easier in the event that an item is lost or stolen. You may wish to set up a temporary e-mail account just for this purpose, so you can retrieve the information from anywhere in the world.

Allowances/Restrictions

Check regulations for weight and/or carry-on restrictions before you leave home.

Medical

Prescription medication should be in its original packaging and put in your carry-on bag—in case your bags are lost or delayed.

If you are travelling to a foreign country, check to see if any immunizations are required for malaria, hepatitis, etc.

Clothing/Packing

Research the weather conditions for the time of year that you will be there, and pack the appropriate clothing. Check to see if you need to take an AC/DC adapter for electrical items. Remember to take some reading material or travel games for children in the event that you encounter a delay. To make packing your suitcase easier, use our handy Packing Checklist.

Memories

Remember to take your camera, extra memory cards and batteries. It’s usually less expensive to bring these items from home. You might like to take along a journal—particularly on a long trip or when you will be taking a large number of photographs.

Your Home

If no one stays in your home while you are away, ensure that you have someone checking your home—preferably every day. Review your homeowner’s policy to see what your particular provider requires. Don’t forget to cancel your newspaper. Make arrangements to have your grass cut, your flowers watered and your mail picked up.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with a contact person at home along with a copy of any documents you are taking. This will make it easier in the event of loss or theft.

Reward

Preparing for your trip can be stressful. When the time comes, enjoy your trip. That’s the best reward!



Planning For the Holidays — Part 2

Posted on: November 6th, 2012 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

The holidays are edging closer and closer. If you want your preparations to run smoothly, your objective should be to accomplish the priorities on your list. Don’t let your perfectionist tendencies keep you from completing your tasks. There’s no reason why that can’t happen.

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

PLANNING FOR THE HOLIDAYS – PART 2

“Slow down everyone. You’re moving too fast.” Jack Johnson

It’s important to keep this in mind as the countdown to the holidays begins. Don’t panic if you haven’t started on your to do list. You still have plenty of time.

Errands

  • Map out your errands ahead of time.
  • Try to complete them during non-peak hours–Monday-Thursday–after work or in the evening. On Friday night or the weekend, go out as early as possible.
  • Be careful. To cut down on thefts, do not leave any gifts visible in your vehicle, and make sure it is locked.
  • Place gifts in the trunk if possible.
  • As an extra precaution, move your vehicle to a different parking spot if you unload and go back into a store. Unfortunately, the criminals are out there.

Gift Wrapping

  • Set up a wrapping station with tape, scissors, bows, ribbon, tags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags, baskets and cellophane.
  • Store gift tags in zippered sandwich bags.
  • Gift boxes can double as storage containers.
  • Wrap gifts as you bring them home, if possible. Remember to update your list once you’ve bought and/or wrapped someone’s gift.

Christmas Cards

  • Do you need cards and stamps?
  • Check postal deadlines to mail cards, gifts and out-of-country items.
  • Only send cards to people you don’t see throughout the year.
  • Just the thought of trying to write 50 or more cards in one day or night can be a little overwhelming, so write a few cards every night during one week.
  • Send cards even if it’s later than you would like. It’s still nice to receive cards between Christmas and New Year’s.

Decorating – Inside and Outside

  • Take inventory and leave out pieces that no longer work. Make a list of new decorations you need.
  • It’s easiest if you decorate one area at a time.
  • Remove your everyday accessories, and store them in your Christmas decoration box to reduce clutter.
  • If you have tabletop decorations, remember to leave space for people to set down a plate of food or a drink.
  • Pick up red and green storage containers if you need them, as they are not likely to be found after the holidays.
  • Sort through interior and exterior lights, and check to see if they work. Discard any that are not in working order. Safety is most important. Contact your local e-waste program to see if they will accept discarded lights.
  • Pick out and/or put up your Christmas tree. Get out the tree stand, skirt and ornaments.
  • Remember to order floral arrangements.

Holiday Clothing

  • Do you really need a new outfit, jewellery, shoes and accessories? To avoid frustration, don’t wait until the day before a holiday affair to start looking.
  • If you don’t need something new, make sure clothing is clean and in good repair.

Hosting a Holiday Function

  • If you are hosting a function, write/create and send out invitations.

Holiday Dinner

  • Cook as much food as possible–including the turkey and potatoes–ahead of time.
  • Set the table 1 or 2 days before your dinner if you can.
  • Stock up on soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, along with flavoured hot chocolate, coffee or tea.
  • Arrange to borrow or rent items instead of spending money on serving pieces you only use once a year.
  • Treat yourself. If you’re having a large crowd–consider renting dishes, glasses, cutlery and table linens. It may be cheaper than you think–and less work.
  • Consider hiring a caterer–if your budget allows.

Holiday Cleaning

  • Kitchen – Dust off holiday serving items. Clean the oven.
  • China and Glassware – Rinse items in the dishwasher. Crystal should not be put in the dishwasher, since it is more fragile.
  • Silverware – Polish
  • Tablecloth and Napkins – Wash and press. Hang the tablecloth over a hanger and hang in the closet.
  • Closet – Move coats and jackets to another location. Add some extra hangers.
  • Consider hiring a cleaning service.

Overnight Guests

  • Tidy up the room(s) where your guests will stay. To cut down on laundry, ask them to bring their own bedding (sheets or sleeping bags), pillows and towels.
  • Plan for meals other than dinner where guests will be present.

Extra Tips

  • Book a babysitter for parties or to give you time to run errands.
  • Stock up on first aid items, cough, cold and flu remedies. Refill prescriptions.
  • Make Time for Yourself
  • Set aside time to book hairdressing, manicure, pedicure, facial, and massage or reflexology appointments.

DELEGATE

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlist the assistance of your children, your partner, a friend or a neighbour.
  • Many teenagers are willing to babysit, wrap, bake or decorate to earn some extra money. They can also run errands and make deliveries.
  • Remember–start with your most important items first. It won’t matter as much if the smaller items don’t get done.

MAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!

I invite you to share our newsletter with your friends and family. As well, I welcome your feedback and suggestions.



Planning For the Holidays–Part 1

Posted on: October 9th, 2012 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Yes, I know it’s hard to believe, but the holidays are just around the corner.  Make this the year that everything runs smoothly.  If you start planning now, there’s no reason why that can’t happen.

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

PLANNING FOR THE HOLIDAYS – PART 1

“The more prepared I am, the more I’ll be in control, less nervous, less stressed and more focused.”  Marilu Henner

Never has this statement been truer than when it comes to the holidays.

If Thanksgiving was too hectic, think about what you can do differently.  I’m not going to scare you and tell you how many days are left until Christmas.

Start Early
Spreading out your tasks over an eight-week period instead of trying to cram everything into the last few weeks is the best approach.

Family Traditions
Now is the time to think about your family traditions.  Which are your most favourite?  Which are your least favourite?  You don’t have to do something just because you feel it is expected.  It might not be as important to others as you think.  Talk to your family about eliminating the least favourite.

If dinner is at your home this year, and the idea of cooking dinner for 25 people overwhelms you, don’t try to do it all yourself.  Make it a potluck dinner.  Ask relatives or friends to bring their favourite dish.  Remember to keep a list, so that you don’t end up with too much of an item.

Calendar and Activities Schedule
Update your family calendar with school events, parties, concerts, parades and tournaments.  Try not to overschedule yourself.  Remember that it’s OK to say NO!  It may be tough if you’re not used to it.  If you do say no, don’t feel guilty about it.

Create a Master List
Your master list should contain all of the tasks that you want to complete.  Write the tasks on your calendar and plan to do one task each day.

Gifts
Start a notebook, and make a list of everyone for whom you need to find a gift.  Ask for suggestions.  Listen carefully to people; they often provide ideas without even realizing it.  Don’t forget to jot down ideas as you think of them.

Your time is valuable; perhaps you can order online or use the Yellow Pages.  Call ahead to see if the store has an item in stock.  Most stores will set items aside.

Label an envelope for gift receipts.  If an item needs to be returned or exchanged, you’ll only have one place to look.

Stock up on any items you need–especially if they’re on sale.  Pick up hostess gift items—boxes of holiday chocolates, holiday napkins tied up with colourful ribbon, a bottle of their favourite beverage, etc.

Give gifts that are kind to the environment.  Check out the many church bazaars and shows which showcase talented local artisans.  A gift certificate to a nursery for plants, flowers or trees makes a great gift for someone who loves gardening.

Make your own gift certificates—several hours of babysitting for a friend, a home-cooked dinner, shovelling snow for a neighbour, etc.  Let your children have some fun creating the gift certificates.

For those people who have everything, make a donation to their favourite charity.  Make a donation to a Christmas Goodwill program in their name.  Or give them a card stating that you have bought an Angel Tree gift, so that a child has a gift to open on Christmas morning.

Baking
Would four kinds of cookies suffice for the six or eight kinds you made last year?  Organize a cookie exchange.  Make sure to order ahead from your favourite bakery, if you decide not to bake.   If you have a friend who loves to bake, ask her if she’ll bake for you in exchange for wrapping gifts or another task.

Cooking
Try out new recipes ahead of time.  Don’t attempt them on Christmas Eve when you have numerous other things to worry about.

When cooking meals now, double the recipe and put the second batch in the freezer.  You’ll appreciate not having to cook when you have a particularly hectic night.

Volunteer
Make time to volunteer—even if it’s for a couple of hours.  Involve your children.  Whether it’s buying gifts, serving a meal at a soup kitchen, helping at the Food Bank, wrapping gifts, delivering Christmas hampers or visiting with someone who lives alone, there are unlimited ways to get involved in your community.

Realistic Expectations
We all want everything to be perfect, but it’s not good if we’re so stressed that we can’t enjoy it.  Be realistic.  Set reasonable limits on gift-making, wrapping and baking projects.  Don’t add to your stress level by being a perfectionist.

The important thing about the holidays is that you set aside some time to be with your relatives, friends and neighbours or doing whatever means the most to you!

I invite you to share our newsletter with your friends and family. As well, I welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next month!

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