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Archives for 2012

3 Tips to Overcoming Writer’s Block

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

As a blogger, I write often, and I enjoy it. Some bloggers struggle with writing (i.e., Blogging with Amy – love her site) but need to get the ideas on the page.

If you choose to write, then you have probably experienced writer’s block. It happens. During those times, I find helpful the following 3 tips to overcoming writer’s block.

Setting a Posting Schedule

At Using Time Wisely, I began the blog by setting a posting schedule. With seven days in the week, I chose six categories with a miscellaneous day for my daily posting schedule.

Knowing the category helps narrow the topics for my blog posts. Having a posting schedule framework can focus your thoughts to one category at a time.

Choosing Topics a Month in Advance

After setting a posting schedule, I plan by choosing topics a month in advance. I use this calendar to jot down my ideas for next month’s blog topics.

Keeping paper and pen handy allows me to jot down ideas as they arise. I get ideas while driving, chatting, cooking, cleaning, organizing, and even using the restroom. (Hey, it’s quiet in there, and usually I am alone. :-)) Focusing your attention on your planned topic will keep you on track and help in creating patterns, series, and/or chapters.

Writing on a Full Page

When I open up a blank document, I have a tendency to stare at the white space. I think, “Wow, I’ve got to fill up this space for my next post.” Not sure if this next tip is just psychological, but it works for me. I write on a full page of text.

When I need to start another blog post, I open up a previously written post and begin. Somehow seeing a full page of text does not overwhelm me with white space to fill. I just press the ENTER button a few times to give some space between the new and the old and begin.

Just making this slight change to writing has increased my productivity. I open up the document and start. I know the category and a chosen topic from my earlier planning. With a full page of text, I just add more text. When I complete my new post, I delete the rest of the previously used text and select SAVE AS to rename the new post. Ta da, my post is finished!

Since writer’s block is bound to occur, consider setting a posting schedule, choosing topics a month in advance, and writing on a full page. Even with these three tips, you may not deter writer’s block completely, but you can overcome the blank stare at a large white space. 🙂 Happy writing!

Question: What tip helps you in overcoming writer’s block?

Personalized, Handwritten Thank You Notes

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

In an era of texting, social media, and e-mail, the art of sending handwritten notes is fading.

With the passing my grandmother earlier this year, I treasure her handwritten birthday cards and notes of encouragement that I kept throughout the years.

No one else writes like my grandmother and seeing her handwriting brings back sweet memories. Her investment of time to handwrite those cards and notes continues to bless me today.

Learning the Skill

Writing thank you notes has been a part of my life. As an elementary-age girl, I still remember sitting at our kitchen table and writing my thank you notes after a birthday party or Christmas season. My mom taught me how to write personalized thank you notes that I continue to do today.

Expressing my gratitude with a handwritten note is more personal than shooting off an e-mail or Facebook post. Though there are times when I do send those messages, I value the personalized, handwritten notes for special occasions.

Practicing the Skill

Spending my time writing notes shows my gratitude for the recipient’s gift. After a party, event, or gathering, I write personalized, handwritten thank you notes expressing my appreciation to all the helpers. Without others’ assistance, these events would take more money, energy, and time.

In using time wisely, writing personalized, handwritten thank you notes is a small token of my appreciation for a job well done. Happy writing!

Question: How often do you write personalized thank you notes?

Rejoicing in a Messy House

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Steven Depolo)

All the work completed to declutter and clean my home has come full circle. Moving among soccer cleats, end-of-school projects, and totes of clothes make up my days at home.

In keeping my priorities, I have chosen to spend time with my family while my housework continues to grow.

The piles of laundry met my washing machine this past weekend. After 6 loads of clean clothes, I finally relaxed. Though the clothes are clean and folded, they have not moved from the basket. Yes, I need to hang up and place them in dressers, but the clothes are clean and available. 🙂

Between now and the end of the school year, I will be home here and there. We have yearbook distribution, one last field trip, field day, class party, and an awards ceremony. Whew! That’s just during school hours. We also spend lots of time on the soccer field throughout the week. May is a very taxing month, but June’s summer is just around the corner. 🙂

If you are finding this month exhausting, then relax. Keep your priorities straight. There will be other opportunities to clean the house. In using time wisely, I’m rejoicing in a messy house. Happy prioritizing!

Question: How do you handle an overly busy schedule?

2012: Happy Mother’s Day!

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Congratulations, Mommy, on managing your household, feeding your family, and using time wisely to care for those near you.

Those exhausting days, sleepless nights, and the never-ending to-do list are worth all your time and energy. Investing in the lives of your family cannot be reduplicated.

On this special day honoring you, look past the messy house, cluttered closet, and piles of laundry to those smiling faces you love. Enjoy spending time with your family and investing in their lives.

All the time spent making beds, meals, and the hurt go away are worth every second. Love the distractions because they tighten your bond together.

Thank you for your investment of time into our next generation. In using time wisely, may you feel honored on your special day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Prescriptions: Free Savings Cards

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

After a week of quick tips, I will return to the fifth category within my insurance filing system.

In part 1, I shared which documents I keep in my file regarding our paid prescription coverage.

In concluding this file opening, I will share some documents to keep in this file, including free savings cards.

If your family does not carry prescription coverage, you can still save at the pharmacy without paying full price. Yeah!

You have many options for saving including free samples, no-cost programs, $4 generic prescriptions, manufacturer saving cards, and free savings cards.

Free Samples

When visiting the doctor’s office and needing a prescription, I ask for samples. One time, I received a 3-month supply of a prenatal vitamin which saved our family over $150.

I have also received samples of allergy nose sprays and fish oil supplements. Many doctor’s offices keep a supply of samples, and they willingly share them.

No-cost Programs

The free medication program offered through Publix has saved my family lots of money. I have used the free antibiotics many times with a 100% rate of success.

During seasons of illness, you may get your needed antibiotics for free through Publix’s free medication program. I always ask our physician if he or she can prescribe an antibiotic that is free through Publix, and my requests are usually granted.

$4 Generic Prescriptions

Companies like Wal-Mart and Target offer certain generic medications at a cost of $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. These programs can significantly stretch your dollars.

Manufacturer Savings Cards

Some manufacturers offer savings cards. I received a manufacturer’s card from my OB for prenatal vitamins. By using the card, I received the first fill and 2 refills at no cost. Combining these savings with the samples from the doctor’s office, and I received a 1-year supply for the cost of a 6-month supply. Love the 50% savings!

If your doctor’s office knows of no manufacturer discount, then check the web site of the prescription manufacturer. I have called manufacturers asking if they have a discount program. The worst they can say is, “Not at this time,” but they could also send you savings. You never know until you ask.

Free Savings Cards

These free savings cards, recommended for individuals without prescription coverage, offer deep discounts.

TRACY’S TIP: Per our CVS pharmacist, if you have prescription insurance and use a savings card, then the prescription insurance will refuse to pay.

Since I get a huge discount from our insurance company, I do not use these free savings cards.

Just checking the discount price flags the medication, so be careful and ask your pharmacist if using a free savings card will hinder using your prescription insurance.

My favorite free savings cards:

TRACY’S TIP:  If none of these options offer a discount on your prescription, then try checking the price at Costco. You do not need to have a membership to use the pharmacy.

Just let the front employee know you are going to the pharmacy, and you will get your own escort. If you don’t have a membership, you will need to pay with cash.

I know this might be a hassle, but Costco‘s prescription costs are lower than other pharmacies. Just check your prescription on-line before visiting the store.

With these prescription savings options, keep a copy of your cards or bookmark these links for easy access when you need them. I keep mine in this seventh file opening of Box 2 of our important documents.

Though you may not use all these savings, knowing your options can help in making decisions to save you money, energy, and time. Happy savings!

Question: What other prescription savings can you add to this list?