Using Time Wisely

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Archives for 2012

Book Review: Tell Your Time

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Tell Your Time

*Amazon Affiliate Link

When I searched Using Time Wisely to link back to my book review, I was aghast that I had not posted a review of this fantastic resource.

Amy Lynn Andrews, the author of Tell Your Time, has influenced me greatly on this blogging journey.

Her website Blogging with Amy provides detailed instructions with video tutorials to build a blog or website from the ground up. Not only does she tell you how to do it, she also explains the why you do it.

For example, ever wondered what the difference is between a blog and a website? (Thanks, Amy, for allowing me to share what I have learned through you.)

A website usually has a static homepage. This means that you can visit that page day after day and see the same information. Most companies have a website for their customers to get the information desired.

A blog is short for a web log and is a website that is updated regularly. Some blog owners post daily, weekly, or monthly, with many variations in between. Since the home page changes regularly, Using Time Wisely is classified as a blog.

Tell Your Time Book Review

Getting back on track, Amy has not only helped get Using Time Wisely off the ground, she has given great advice on time management in her book Tell Your Time. I read this short 32-page e-book in one evening. Although, I spent more time later going back to schedule my time using the printable worksheets provided in the download.

I found the roles, the grid, and the weekly schedule worksheets most helpful in discovering my priorities and adjusting my time as needed. A result of reading Tell Your Time, I have established a monthly blogging schedule whereby I choose my blog topics one month in advance.

One would think that with the years of menu planning I have done and how I share how much time my menu plans save me from thinking about dinner at 5:00 p.m., I would have converted my success in the kitchen to blogging. I did not see the big picture until “my reveal moment” while reading Tell Your Time.

Tell Your Time Cost

If you are struggling with time management, finding yourself behind on tasks, or desiring a great book to read, then you will want to snag Tell Your Time for FREE. Amy, through Amazon, is offering Tell Your Time for $0.00 on Cyber Monday and Tuesday, November 26 – 27, 2012.

On Monday as you look over the deals, you can pick up this resource for FREE. Retailing for $4.99 with occasional sales for $0.99 (which is what I originally paid), you can stretch your dollars and add a great resource to your library.

To save you some time, if you purchased the $5 bundle to support the Barlow family, then you already have Tell Your Time as it was included in the package deal.

Tell Your Time Download

Don’t have a Kindle device? Me either, but you don’t need one to get FREE Kindle e-books. Just download the Kindle for PC from Amazon to your computer. You can then download the e-book to your computer, iPad, or other device.

To change the location of the book, just go to Amazon, log in to your account, and move the book to a registered device.

In using time wisely, I highly recommend Amy Lynn Andrew’s e-book, Tell Your Time. If you don’t have a copy, then snag it for free on Cyber Monday 2012. If you have it already, then spread the word to your family and friends. Happy savings!

*This post contains my affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Question: How is your time management planning?

Family Activity: Christmas Around the World

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Christmas Around the World

Photograph Credit: Living Life Intentionally

Beginning today, Living Live Intentionally kicks off Christmas Around the World!

From November 23 – December 24, follow Beth to a new country to experience holiday traditions, try a recipe, make a craft, and learn some geography along the way.

Beth has included a free e-book filled with links, worksheets, and coloring pages for your children ages 2 to 12. This book is your companion guide for each day’s destination.

Enjoy your travels as you follow Beth for the next 32 days on her tour –  Christmas Around the World. Happy discovering!

Christmas Traditions: Santa’s Reindeer and Personalized Call

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Christmas Traditions

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

With Thanksgiving festivities coming to a close, I am ready to focus from the fall season to our Christmas traditions. In our home, Santa Claus is fun. My children understand who the real Santa and Mrs. Claus are, but we still have fun pretending.

One of our Christmas Eve traditions is putting out the reindeer food because the reindeer need energy while Santa is stopping by. 😉 With baggies of oatmeal and glitter (so Santa can find our house from a distance), we scatter the contents in our front yard.

If your family enjoys the Santa traditions, then you may like the reindeer cam where one can watch Santa’s reindeer while daily feedings occur at 11:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. (EST).

For another fun opportunity, schedule a personalized phone call from Santa to your child for free. You get to choose the message and the time to call.

In kicking off the holiday season, enjoy these fun activities while using time wisely. Happy planning!

Start Saving from Scratch – Part 4 of 6

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Start Saving from Scratch

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

My menu plan is back to running smoothly. The last two months fell into the category of spontaneous rather than planned. Thankfully, it was a short season – a break, but I’m back now.

Having stocked up on some great deals this past week, I am back in my swing. To start saving from scratch, I pushed the reset button.

This series is at the halfway point. Starting at the beginning, Part 1 focused on organizing the food supply, then Part 2 dealt with creating a menu, and Part 3 pulled it together compiling a grocery list. With the planning done, it’s time to hit the stores.

Part 4: Gathering your Savings

Entering the Store

If you shop with small children, check your store’s bakery for free cookies. After checking the entry ways and customer service for coupons, we head to the bakery. Obtaining a sugar cookie with sprinkles keeps my girls occupied during our shopping trip. I usually make Publix our last stop because my kids like their cookies the best. 😉

Shopping the Store

In using time wisely to gathering my savings, I follow these seven steps:

Paying the Store

When choosing my cashier, I look for my favorites. As you shop each week, you will find the better cashiers, who are coupon-friendly. To make checkout run smoothly, I place the groceries on the conveyor belt in this order. This order helps me prepare for any quirky situations (e.g., rain checks).

Once our transaction begins, I assist the cashier throughout the process. My having the items in order, I get our loyalty card scanned, present reusable bags, ask for bag credits, present rain checks, and provide coupons. Staying organized makes checkout smooth, uncomplicated, and efficient.

Before leaving the store, I check the receipt and request any rain checks. When I find discrepancies, I address them with customer service before leaving the store.

As I gather my savings, I get quicker and more efficient the more I shop. I am faster this year than I was last year. Experience is your friend, so keep practicing. Once you get into the rhythm, the process goes smoothly.

Try to relax. I understand the fear of having a coupon rejected or getting out of order. It’s OK. Customer service can correct any issues. Do your best, and keep practicing while gathering your savings.

Question: How do you make your shopping trips successful?

2012: Happy Thanksgiving Day!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Happy Turkey Day! Brawk, brawk! 😉 As you spend time with your family and friends counting your blessings, enjoy making memories.

I realize that the hustle and bustle is upon us, and deals are waiting in the wings to go live. But you have a choice, so continue using time wisely.

With four pies baked – apple, blueberry, pecan, and pumpkin – and the sweet potato casserole prepared, I will spend time with my family without the distraction of baking the meal.

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving on this Turkey Day! Brawk, brawk! 😉

Happy Thanksgiving!