July 13, 2007
The Monthly Organizer
August 2007
Monthly Motivation
This month let's pull our inspiration from the Nike slogan - Just do it!As part of my internet business I participate in several forums and respond to many emails directed to me through Tips to Organize Life. This month I have seen a recurrent theme among the forum posts as well as specific questions sent to me via email. That theme is procrastination.
When it comes to getting our lives organized, sometimes we try a little too hard to make everything perfect. There does come a time when too much planning is a bad thing. When we over-plan, many of us tend to get stuck in the never-ending circle of ready...aim...ready...aim...ready...aim. We can plan all we want to, but without that last part, the fire, we will never see results. Don't get stuck in the ready...aim rut. Take a tip from Nike and just do it!
Ready...Aim...Fire!
Monthly Organization Tip
It's time to start thinking about getting organized for back-to-school. This year, in addition to the new clothes, notebooks, pens and pencils, give your child the gift of organization. Franklin Covey, the leader in the field of personal planners, makes a planner specially designed for each school level. From elementary school through college, each planner focuses on what students in that age range need to get them through the school year and keep them focused in a child-friendly and fun way. Take a look:
Premier Elementary School Agenda - August 07 - Jul 08
Premier Middle School Agenda - August 07 - Jul 08
Premier High School Agenda - August 07 - Jul 08
Compact Collegiate Edition Daily Master Planning Pages Kit - Aug 07 - Jul 08
Money Saving Tip
Save some money when paying your bills. The cost of postage stamps seems to be continually rising, not to mention the amount of money you spend purchasing checks. You could be spending $5.00 or more each month just to pay your bills. That adds up to $60.00 each year. Pay bills online or through automatic payment plans set up through each payee and you can save a bundle.Many people hesitate to set up automatic payments for their bills because they no longer feel in control or they are worried that they will not have the money available on the payment date. Don't let these fears stop you from taking advantage of such a wonderful convenience.
With automatic bill payment set up through your bank you choose who to pay, when and how much, just as if you were sitting at your kitchen table with your check book. Plus you can do things such as make balance transfers between accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, right from the comfort of your own home.
If your bank does not offer online bill payment, check with each individual vendor about having an automatic deduction from your bank account established. You can still save time and money by not having to mail your payments. Most companies will let you choose the payment date that works best for you. If you are concerned that you will not have the funds available on the payment date, ask each company what their other options are. Many companies offer the option to set up an account and pay your bill manually each month, letting you have more control over the payment.
Look into automatic bill payment this month and see how much money you can save when you pay your bills.
Recipe of the Month
During the Summer I always have parsley and basil growing in pots in my back yard. I love the smell and sweet flavor of basil. It is my favorite herb. Parsley is incredibly versatile and good for digestion. Since I have these herbs readily available I try to throw them in to my cooking whenever possible, even if it is just for a garnish.Since my family likes to go camping during the Summer, we also have an abundance of camp-friendly foods on hand. Recently we returned from a camping trip and I had not yet gone to the grocery store for the upcoming week. I was looking in my refrigerator trying to find ingredients to put together a meal for my family. I came up with a recipe that was so delicious and healthy that I am sure it will become a staple in my kitchen and yours.
Spaghetti with sausage and peppers:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb. spaghetti
- 3 Tblsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 4 bratwurst links
- 1 sweet vidalia onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 jar tomato alfredo sauce, or your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1 Tblsp. fresh, flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- freshly grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
Put a large pot of water on the stove, over high heat, for the pasta. When the water comes to a rolling boil, generously salt the water and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions.
While you are waiting for the pasta water to come to a boil, heat 2 Tblsp. of the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slice the bratwurst links in half, lengthwise. Lay the bratwurst links in the skillet, cut side down. Brown for about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and brown on the other side. Remove to paper towels to drain excess grease.
To the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tblsp. of extra virgin olive oil. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped onion. Saute the onion for about 5 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the bell peppers and saute for an additional 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
Dab the bratwurst with paper towel to remove as much grease as possible. Slice the bratwurst links into bite-sized pieces and add back to the skillet. Warm through for 2 - 3 minutes. Pour the tomato alfredo sauce (or your favorite spaghetti sauce) over the bratwurst, onion and pepper mixture and warm through.
When the spaghetti is cooked, strain and add to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parsley and basil. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve.
Entertaining Idea
Last, but certainly not least, I am so excited to tell you about my new e-book, Tips to Organize Events. |
I wrote Tips to Organize Life to show you how to plan a party with ease. Whether you love to entertain or dread the thought of it, this planner will guide you, step by step, to plan the perfect party every time.
Tips to Organize Events is the most versatile planner you will find because you are not limited to the type of event you can plan with it. Use it for anything from a birthday party to a bridal shower. If it's a party, it can be planned with Tips to Organize Events.
Tips to Organize Events is also extremely cost-effective because, unlike most planners that can either only be used once or require you to purchase refill pages, Tips to Organize Events is an e-book available for immediate download. This means that once you buy it and save it to your computer you can use it for life. Each time you have a new event to plan, simply reprint the book and get started.
Click here to learn more about Tips to Organize Events, including how to get your copy now.
For more tips like these, visit Tips to Organize Life