September 15, 2008
The Monthly Organizer
October 2008
Monthly Motivation
"In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently."Quote from Tony Robbins
Monthly Organization Tip
It's getting to be that time of year when we start changing our wardrobes. If you live in the United States, it's time to pull out those warm sweaters. In other parts of the world, it may be time to put them away. Wherever you live, here is a great trick to help turn the change of seasons into an opportunity to purge and organize your closet and it won't take any extra time!After removing your out-of-season clothing, take a minute to turn all of the remaining hangers in your closet so the hook is facing toward the back of the closet. When you add in this season's addition to your closet, hang those hangers the same way.
When you wear something, put it back in your closet with the hook of the hanger turned so that it is facing toward the front. Continue doing this with each item that you wear throughout the season.
When it comes time to swap your clothing for the next change of seasons, you will clearly be able to see what items you have worn and which have hung neglected, just by the direction that the hanger is facing....if you didn't wear it all season, the hook will still be facing toward the back. Now you know which items to purge.
Do this at every change of seasons and you will never waste your precious closet space on unworn clothing again.
Monthly Money Saving Tip
Host a home party. You might think this sounds a little crazy because parties cost money to put on, but there is a method to my madness.
It's getting close to that time of year when we need to start thinking about holiday shopping and we all know how expensive that can be! If there is a direct sales company that sells products you would like to give as gifts this year, contact your local representative and ask about hosting a home party. Most companies offer generous hostess gifts and special deals in addition to a percentage of your party's total sales. The few dollars that you spend to put out some munchies and drinks for your guests will pale in comparison to the amount of money you can save to purchase holiday gifts.
If you don't know of any home party consultants, use this online directory to find one in your area.
Recipe of the Month
I was watching the Food Network the other day. On her show Semi-Homemade, Sandra Lee made a dish in her crock pot that was so simple and looked so delicious that I had to give it a try. I was glad I did and you will be too. This meal can easily be prepared in five minutes. Put it together in your crock pot and you are done until dinner time. The best part is that it is a complete meal....main course, side dish and vegetable all in one pot so you don't have to add a thing!Chicken and Polenta With Vegetable Ragout
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of your favorite blend of frozen, mixed vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Italian seasoning blend
- salt and pepper
- 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 2 Tblsp. tomato paste
- 1 garlic clove, minced or 1 tsp. crushed garlic from a jar
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1 log of pre-made polenta
Pour the frozen vegetables into the bottom of your crock pot. Season the chicken on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and layer the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
In a bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, garlic and sherry. Mix to combine. Pour two-thirds of the sauce over the top of the chicken breasts and vegetables.
Slice the polenta into 1/4 inch rounds and layer them over the top of the sauce, chicken and vegetables. Pour the remainder of the sauce over the polenta rounds and spread evenly.
Cook on low for 5 hours.
Monthly Entertaining Tip
Host a Progressive Dinner Party. This is a wonderful way to share a meal with friends who live close by without the need for any one person to take on the overwhelming responsibility of putting together a four course meal. Here's how it works...
Gather at least 4 sets of friends who live relatively near each other. Assign each household one course of the meal. The first household might host drinks and appetizers. The second household would be in charge of soup or salad. The third household would handle the main course and the fourth household would serve dessert and coffee.
All of the guests drive from house to house to enjoy each course of the meal. Not only does this spread out the responsibility, but it also encourages more lingering and social interaction since nobody will want to jump right back into their car to head to the next house. The guests will sit and chat. The entire meal might be spread out over 4 to 5 hours, but you will have more time to enjoy each other's company.
A Progressive Dinner Party is a great way to enjoy an evening with friends.
