Using Time Wisely

Organized to save money, energy, and time

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Archives for September 2011

My Upcoming 2011-2012 Events

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Kees Straver)

The rain arrived this weekend in South Carolina, and I feel fall coming. With the cooler weather, pumpkin candles burning, and the changing of the leaves, I will be preparing for some large events this school year. Here is my current Event To-Do list that is already underway:

Fall Festival

In October, I have the privilege of coordinating the kids’ zone to raise money for our wonderful school. These preparations are in full swing, but still lots of details to complete.

Christmas Program

Having earned my graduate degree in theatre, I am honored to direct the school Christmas program again this year. In preparing for this event, I feel that I should be further along. The obstacle at this point is locating a script that works within the parameters of our program. Thankfully, a kind teacher provided some scripts for my review. Now, I need to schedule time to read through these options.

Spring Play

Taking on a full play with backdrops and scenery in addition to the costumes, lighting, and sound is a large undertaking. Staying surrounded by knowledgeable helpers, who can carry out delegated responsibilities, is a big key to a successful production. I am looking forward to working with the cast and crew. Thankfully, this script has already been decided.

As I continue keeping event notes and using time wisely, I will take you along on my journey. Hopefully, we will learn from my mistakes and celebrate the victories together. Happy planning this fall!

Happy Labor Day!

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Thankful for the ability to work! With so many struggling to find work, it is a blessing to have the opportunity and ability to contribute to our society.

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Riverside Market)

Whether you work indoors or outdoors, I wish you much success in using time wisely as you labor.

Happy Labor Day!

Organizing: Garage Cabinet

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Photograph Credit: Target

My garage is the dumping area for items to be donated, seldom used items, and the extension of my pantry. I also happen to park one of our vehicles in our 2-car garage, keep tools, lawn equipments, and our freezer.

To return the garage to an organized state, my husband cleans out the garage about every 6 months. This project involves taking everything but the shelving out of the garage, sweeping it out, and replacing similar items together. Every time the garage gets cleaned, we have more space and more items to trash, donate, and sell.

Before my husband cleaned the garage this summer, I decided to organize the large cabinet in the garage that holds items I use periodically. On the day of this project, I prepared to work.

Preparing to Organize

1. Opened the garage door

2. Backed out the car

3. Brought out all the bicycles and outdoor toys for the kids to play

4. Assisted my children in play

5. Set up a card table for my workspace

Organizing the 5-shelf Cabinet

With the children playing, I began working from top to bottom.

1. Took all items off shelf #1

    • Sent trash to the garbage can
    • Placed donated items in cardboard box
    • Added items for garage sale to designated box
    • Items to keep where placed on the card table in piles of similar items

2. Dusted shelf

3. Replaced items back onto shelf

4. Repeated steps 1-3 with shelf #2

5. Repeated steps 1-3 with shelf #3

Took a break to refill drinks, assist with bikes, and play with my children

6. Repeated steps 1-3 with shelf #4

Received help and advice from oldest daughter on my progress 🙂

7. Repeated steps 1-3 with shelf #5

Completing the Project

1. Placed all trash in the garbage can

2. Put the donated items box in the car for drop off

3. Slid garage sale items to the left side of the garage with the other garage sale items

4. Returned card table to the closet inside the house

5. Put away the bikes and outdoor toys

6. Ushered children inside the house

7. Pulled the car into the garage

8. Closed the garage door

Project complete!

My garage cabinet was transformed from “stashing items wherever I found space” to clean, neat shelves that hold items for easy access. In using time wisely, I decluttered my garage cabinet resulting in no more trash (or broken items), more items to sell at a garage sale, and similar items placed together for easy retrieval. I also found a nice bake ware set, that I forgot I had, which has been a nice addition to my kitchen. This organizational project was worth my time and energy!

Question: What organizational projects are you plugging through that is worth your time and energy? Please add your answer to the comments!

Vehicles: Category Overview

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Having completed the Credit Reports and Credit Cards, Personal, and Home Ownership categories, we have reached the last category in Box 1 of our important documents.

This last category holds all the documents related to our vehicles. I use the 3 remaining file openings in Box 1 for our vehicle paperwork.

Per Suze Orman’s Protection Portfolio (the program from which I have organized my documents), these are the documents included in this category:

Vehicle Checklist

  • Automobile titles and/or leases
  • Automobile insurance policies
  • Automobile loan documents*
  • Recreational vehicles titles*
  • Recreational vehicles insurance policies*
  • Recreational vehicles loan documents*
  • Boat titles*
  • Boat insurance policies*
  • Boat loan documents*

Items with an (*) indicate items not included in my filing system.

Beginning next week, I will explain the documents I keep in my filing system. As you organize your important documents, please adjust this system to fit your needs. The goal is to have a place for each of your documents to save you money, energy, and time when retrieving your paperwork. Happy organizing!

Question: What kind of filing system are you using? If using an accordion system, do you have enough room for all your documents? To add your answer, please leave a comment.

Ped Egg: Saving $160 per year

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Photograph Credit: Ped Egg

Do you enjoy getting a manicure, pedicure, and/or massage? These services are a great way to relax while improving your outward image. Though these treatments are enjoyable, they come with a price.

Since I choose to upkeep my own nails and depend on hubby for my foot massages, I do not spend money on these extra pampering treatments. However, I used to spend upwards of $80 every 3-6 months on foot care.

Spending $160-$320 per year

Since my feet develop deep calluses, partly from bunions, I would go through 2-3 packages of socks as well as the discomfort of snagging the hard edges on the bed sheets, carpet, and my shoes. My quarterly visit to the podiatrist to have the calluses removed and my feet smoothed was worth the $80. My feet felt soft, the socks fit better, and hubby’s foot massages were relaxing.

After seeing a paid programming commercial advertising the Ped Egg, my curiosity was aroused. I wondered if the product really worked. Rather than placing an immediate order, I waited until the Ped Egg was carried in a local store. When I found a great sale, had spare Extra Bucks, and was near going back to the podiatrist, I purchased a Ped Egg with replacement blades from CVS. After applying my Extra Bucks, I only owed tax.

Saving $160-$320 per year

I tried the Ped Egg, and it worked beautifully. I love that I can use it right after a bath or shower when my skin is already very moist. The calluses are easily removed, and my skin stays very soft. I use my Ped Egg as often as I need it without having to wait for an appointment.  This one product not only save me money, but also saves me time.

    • Making an appointment. Finding a time slot that does not interfere with nap time, school time, or activity time gets really tricky. With the Ped Egg, I don’t need a huge block of time.
    • Driving to the appointment. No visit is needed with the Ped Egg, so I save time on driving and money on gas.
    • Visiting the podiatrist. Keeping the girls occupied quietly in a waiting room takes lots of attention and patience. The Ped Egg eliminates my need to visit the podiatrist which gives me more time to play and be loud.

Though I am thankful for my podiatrist and the services he provides, I love my Ped Egg. Having used this product for over a year now, I know this product works and saves me money and time.  By purchasing the Ped Egg with replacement blades on sale and with CVS Extra Bucks, I was able to stretch our hard earned dollars and save our family a minimum of $160 a year in medical payments to the podiatrist while using time wisely.

Question: What product are you using that saves you time and money? Please share your answer in the comments.