The Monthly Organizer

April 2007

Monthly Motivation

If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.

This is a quote from motivational expert Tony Robbins. I like this particular quote because it is exactly what I told myself when I decided to take the plunge and create my website and I am so glad that I did.

I have always been frugal, overly practical and unwilling to take risks, choosing what I knew and what was safe and comfortable over the unknown. Secretly, though, I always dreamed of the unknown. Little did I know that all it would take is the click of one mouse button to make those dreams a reality. Exactly one year ago this month, I clicked on SBI and began the best, most fulfilling journey of my professional life.

When I stumbled upon SBI, I was intrigued immediately but I was still afraid to risk spending $300.00 on something that I thought might not work. I spent more than 8 straight hours researching SBI and, at the end of the day, I was sold. After all, $300.00 is nothing compared to the start-up costs for most businesses and I realized that I would never know whether or not it works unless I gave it a try. I am here to tell you that it works!

One year later, I have a successful website that I truly love. I have a business that inspires and empowers me. And I have a solid plan for the future, including the day that I quit my job and begin working from home as a full-time webmaster.

You don't have to have an existing business to promote, a service to offer or a product to sell. If you have passion you can have a successful website. If you have ever dreamed of owning your own business, being your own boss or working from home, SBI could just be the answer to your prayers.

If you want to take the plunge like I did. Order SBI and find out how it can change your life. Still have questions? No problem. Get them answered here.

Don't be afraid to do something different. After all, "if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten."

Monthly Organization Tip

• remember when we fertilized the lawn last and when we should do it again;
• remember the names and care instructions for the plants that we already have and any future ones we may add;
• jot down information about materials that I like in stores or catalogs so I will remember when the time comes to make a purchase
• draft size and shape information for planting beds, decks and patios.

A landscaping journal is a wonderful way to memorialize the trials and tribulations in your garden. Write down what works and what doesn't and learn from your mistakes so that next year, your garden will be even better than the year before.

If you move, pass along this journal to the new owners of your home. They will appreciate the gesture and have all the information they need to care for the landscaping you so lovingly planted.

Money Saving Tip

Libraries have come a long way recently. In addition to books, you can borrow music, movies and books on tape from most local libraries. Many even have websites that allow members to download books and music right from their home computers.

So, while it is true that you can save money by renting movies rather than going to the theater and investing in some good books to read rather than an expensive evening out, you can save even more if you borrow your media entertainment from your local library.

As an added bonus, borrowed material can never become clutter in your home because you have to bring it back when you are finished with it.

Recipe of the Month

Battered Fish

Ingredients:

• vegetable oil for frying
• 2 lbs. thick cod fillets
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 cup flour
• 1 Tblsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup water

Directions:

Heat approximately 1/2 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the fish on both sides with salt & pepper. Cut the fish into 3 inch wide pieces.

In a bowl combine all remaining ingredients. Dip each piece of fish into the batter. Drain the excess and carefully place each piece of fish into the hot oil. Fry 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove to paper towels to drain excess grease. Sprinkle with additional salt while still hot.

Baked Yukon Gold Potato Wedges

Ingredients:

• 6 medium yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 stems fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 Tblsp. extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Toss all ingredients together and spread onto a baking sheet covered in aluminum foil. Bake 30 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Entertaining Idea

Are you entertaining for Easter or Passover? Get all your ideas in the newly developing Tips to Organize Life Holiday and Event Entertaining Section.

If you are looking for a reason to entertain this month why not host a garden party? Invite your closest friends for a light lunch. Make some tea sandwiches and lemonade.

Cover your table in a beautiful floral tablecloth or piece of fabric from the fabric store. Punch a small hole in the top corner of a seed packet. Thread a pretty ribbon through and tie the ribbon around your napkins for instant napkin holders that double as favors since each guest will be able to take their seed packet with them.

For place cards, purchase small terra-cotta pots at your local craft store and write each guest's name on the oustide. Your guests will be able to start the seedlings from their party favor seed packet in their very own personalized pot.

For a beautiful centerpiece fill a decorative window box or oblong basket with several small potted plants. You could even use silk plants if you prefer to be able to reuse your centerpiece. Keep the plants low so your centerpiece does not interfere with conversation around your table.

Help your friends get a jump start on their gardening plans by asking each guest to write down their top five favorite gardening tips and bring them to the party.

For more tips like these, visit my website at: