Using Time Wisely

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2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Delicious Fruit Dip Recipe

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Fishhawk)

Our Quick Tip Week is in full swing. Today, we land in the food category for a 2-ingredient fruit dip to save you energy and time.

Quick Tip #5: Delicious Fruit Dip Recipe

With all the vast assortment of fruits in season, my kids love dipping their fruit during our meal and snack times. In keeping up with my growing kids, this quick and delicious fruit dip saves the day.

Ingredients:

    • 8 oz. block of cream cheese
    • 7 oz. container of marshmallow crème

Directions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, place the unwrapped cream cheese block and soften in the microwave.

2. Add container of marshmallow crème.

3. Stir and refrigerate until cold.

This light and refreshing dip is a family favorite that is often served at parties with fruit platters. As our family continues to eat our fruits and vegetables, this delicious fruit dip encourages my children to eat more.

As you seek options for your family and event planning, try this delicious fruit dip recipe. Berries and melon are our favorites. Enjoy!

Question: How do you serve your fruit?

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Step Away from the Problem

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

We are already halfway through our Quick Tip Week. In taking a break in the middle of the week to refresh and rest, I plug along this journey with a stop in the miscellaneous category.

Quick Tip #4: Step Away from the Problem

In planning and organizing, I get stumped all the time. From trying to fit items into a container to choosing menu items for the week, I could waste a lot of time trying to come up with answers.

Knowing that problems will arise, I work towards a solution. When the solution does not come after a few attempts, I step away from the problem. During these times, I might do the following:

    • Take a walk
    • Clean or pickup a room

By replacing my time with something profitable, I give my creative juices a rest, work on another task, and return with a fresh perspective.

In using time wisely, take a step away from the problem and come back when you can focus without distractions. Happy solving!

Question: How do you handle problems?

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Budget-Friendly Event Times

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Moving on to our event planning category, Quick Tip Week continues.

Having planned and organized a surprise birthday bash this weekend, I enjoy celebrating while saving money, energy, and time.

Quick Tip #3: Budget-Friendly Event Times

Since food costs can eat up a big chuck of your event budget, choose event times between meals to stay within your budget.

    • 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. – brunch options
    • 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – snack and appetizer assortments
    • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – dessert or snack choices

In planning a special event, you can serve refreshments without breaking the bank by choosing budget-friendly event times. In using time wisely, continuing celebration those special moments while saving money, energy, and time. Happy planning!

Question: In which time frame do you typical schedule parties?

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Using Vinegar to Kill Weeds

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Our Quick Tip Week continues today in the household category, specifically yard work. 

In continuing to care for our yard, garden, and beds, we treat our driveway and sidewalk with weed killer. The grass and weeds sprout through the cracks contributing to a messy look.

Quick Tip #2: Using Vinegar to Kill Weeds

Though not recommended for the yard, gardens, or flower beds, vinegar (white or apple cider) will kill the weeds on hard surfaces.

In reading this Vinegar for Killing Weeds article, I learned that vinegar strips the waxy coating from the leaves making it impossible for the plant to survive. The best part, one or two applications will solve the problem. Presto!

In using time wisely to improve your sidewalks, brick patios, and driveways, consider pouring or spraying white vinegar into the cracks while saving money, energy, and time. Happy maintaining!

Question: How do you kill weeds?

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Filing Driving Directions

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Needing to concentrate on some cleaning projects at home and scheduling our school’s fall festival, I present the second Quick Tip Week.

Each day this week, I will post an article about that day’s category of the blogging schedule.

These tips save my sanity in addition to staying organizing while saving money, energy, and time. Enjoy your week!

Quick Tip #1: Filing Driving Directions

Without a GPS, I depend on printed driving directions when traveling to new places. These sheets of paper could end up in the trash after completing the trip, but I choose to keep the directions. In using time wisely when returning to a destination to which we have been before, I only need to reach into the file folder with all the printouts to find the directions.

Upon receiving directions by e-mail, I created a folder in my inbox titled “directions.” After printing a copy, I move the message to my “directions” folder. Should I misplace my printout, I can print again without wasting time searching for the address.

Keeping the driving directions in a file folder or a designated space saves on ink from reprinting (money), digging through piles of paperwork for the address (energy), and searching for the directions to print (time).

If you print driving directions, then consider making a home for those items which you can quickly access for your next visit. Happy organizing!

Question: Do you keep printouts of driving directions?