Monday, December 29, 2003
Welcome to EZPocket.com
EZ Pocket, the good, the bad, the bottom line
EZ Pocket is a system that hangs on your door or wall to help you organize your bills, appointments, etc…
The good:
The price is right, for only $27.95 you could:
• keep appointments
• Bills paid - on time
• Maintain grocery lists
• Keep track of phone calls to be made
The bad:
It is a lot like the “tickler system” you can purchase at an office supply store. The basic idea is to keep track of your bills and appointments by putting them into the date they are due into a giant calendar. If you are a visual person, this probably won’t work, since you follow the motto, “out of sight, out of mind”. If you worry about the appearance of your office or kitchen, this may not be to your décor tastes.
The Bottom line:
If you are not good at paying your bills on time and need a system to help you keep track, this may be a great way to go about it. You could also pay all of your bills on line by going to: http://www.checkfree.com/
However, if you don’t have copious quantities of money hanging around to pay your bills, this may be just the organizational tool for you.
EZ Pocket, the good, the bad, the bottom line
EZ Pocket is a system that hangs on your door or wall to help you organize your bills, appointments, etc…
The good:
The price is right, for only $27.95 you could:
• keep appointments
• Bills paid - on time
• Maintain grocery lists
• Keep track of phone calls to be made
The bad:
It is a lot like the “tickler system” you can purchase at an office supply store. The basic idea is to keep track of your bills and appointments by putting them into the date they are due into a giant calendar. If you are a visual person, this probably won’t work, since you follow the motto, “out of sight, out of mind”. If you worry about the appearance of your office or kitchen, this may not be to your décor tastes.
The Bottom line:
If you are not good at paying your bills on time and need a system to help you keep track, this may be a great way to go about it. You could also pay all of your bills on line by going to: http://www.checkfree.com/
However, if you don’t have copious quantities of money hanging around to pay your bills, this may be just the organizational tool for you.
Friday, December 19, 2003
First off, happy holidays to you and yours. May next year be better still! There's a lot of great stuff out there in the remaining days of the holiday season - and you can still send gifts to arrive by December 24 with Standard Shipping!
OK, on to the deals.
I'm no earrings expert, but of all the jewelry deals this week, this is my favorite - these are simple 14k gold hoops at an amazing price, and you can get them out for holiday. It says they have "the warm humor of a slow smile." I don't have any idea what that means, but it's a great gift by itself or as an add-on.
Gold Perfect Fit Earrings
A tiny digital camera, easy to hook up to your computer, and at $49.99, priced for a good gift (though it may not arrive by the 24th, so don't buy it for that now). It's not the fanciest camera in the world, but Logitech makes super easy-to-use stuff, and it's Altoids-tin sized.
Pocket Digital Camera
OK, so you're buying or you already own a digital camera, or someone does and wants to make great pictures for it. This new combination of two new products from Adobe allows you to find, share, and enhance digital photos for the price of one product. Both have been hot sellers, so having them together is great.
Adobe Photoshop Elements & Album
They say it's for kids, but I'm thinking of using it for my work team: track intruders from your secured zone. It's like an alarm system without a monthly fee.
Spy Tracker System
Top gadget at the 2002 Excellence in Housewares Awards. I had no idea such a thing existed. It's cool, it's translucent, it holds hot stuff. It's the extreme-heat handling oven mitt. You can pick out your turkey from the deep fryer. Oprah likes it. (I'm not sure she actually cooks.)
Silicone Oven Mitt
Another good Logitech product for folks who haven't yet spent the money for a cordless keyboard and mouse. People love this thing.
Cordless Keyboard & Mouse
From the inexpensive to the, ummm, crazy expensive - the coolest aftermarket vehicle navigation system on the market, at an unbelievable price (it's regularly more than $100 more). OK, so you're probably not looking for one of these, but if you are, I've never seen it cheaper. Talk to your car and have it answer back!
Magellan Roadmate
I don't know if many of you bought the Calphalon stuff that was up last week, but if you didn't, you should. We've actually traded up a bunch of our things in the last two weeks, taking advantage of Calphalon's phase-out. There are a bunch of good pieces out there, but this was my choice this week - replace your simple saucepan which one that will do a much better job at a much lower price.
Calphalon Commercial 2 1/2 Quart Saucepan
Let's face it: it ain't a DealMail without a knife set. In Eric's honor, there's yet another great deal - this time on a set of Henckels high-quality knives. (The reviews do point out that it's not the best set in the world, and I'm sure you never would actually find them for $438 - but if you get 8 good knives and 8 ok ones out of it, you've done really well.)
16-piece Henckels Knife Block Set
We've had vacuums here before and people seem to like them: here's a well-loved, bagless vacuum with filter. Hard to find a better deal (and you can have a vacuum show up on your porch, which is kind of a weird thing).
Bissell Upright Vacuum
And, finally: Barbie, as Princess of England. I'm not sure what else to say.
Barbie, Doll of the World
OK, on to the deals.
I'm no earrings expert, but of all the jewelry deals this week, this is my favorite - these are simple 14k gold hoops at an amazing price, and you can get them out for holiday. It says they have "the warm humor of a slow smile." I don't have any idea what that means, but it's a great gift by itself or as an add-on.
Gold Perfect Fit Earrings
A tiny digital camera, easy to hook up to your computer, and at $49.99, priced for a good gift (though it may not arrive by the 24th, so don't buy it for that now). It's not the fanciest camera in the world, but Logitech makes super easy-to-use stuff, and it's Altoids-tin sized.
Pocket Digital Camera
OK, so you're buying or you already own a digital camera, or someone does and wants to make great pictures for it. This new combination of two new products from Adobe allows you to find, share, and enhance digital photos for the price of one product. Both have been hot sellers, so having them together is great.
Adobe Photoshop Elements & Album
They say it's for kids, but I'm thinking of using it for my work team: track intruders from your secured zone. It's like an alarm system without a monthly fee.
Spy Tracker System
Top gadget at the 2002 Excellence in Housewares Awards. I had no idea such a thing existed. It's cool, it's translucent, it holds hot stuff. It's the extreme-heat handling oven mitt. You can pick out your turkey from the deep fryer. Oprah likes it. (I'm not sure she actually cooks.)
Silicone Oven Mitt
Another good Logitech product for folks who haven't yet spent the money for a cordless keyboard and mouse. People love this thing.
Cordless Keyboard & Mouse
From the inexpensive to the, ummm, crazy expensive - the coolest aftermarket vehicle navigation system on the market, at an unbelievable price (it's regularly more than $100 more). OK, so you're probably not looking for one of these, but if you are, I've never seen it cheaper. Talk to your car and have it answer back!
Magellan Roadmate
I don't know if many of you bought the Calphalon stuff that was up last week, but if you didn't, you should. We've actually traded up a bunch of our things in the last two weeks, taking advantage of Calphalon's phase-out. There are a bunch of good pieces out there, but this was my choice this week - replace your simple saucepan which one that will do a much better job at a much lower price.
Calphalon Commercial 2 1/2 Quart Saucepan
Let's face it: it ain't a DealMail without a knife set. In Eric's honor, there's yet another great deal - this time on a set of Henckels high-quality knives. (The reviews do point out that it's not the best set in the world, and I'm sure you never would actually find them for $438 - but if you get 8 good knives and 8 ok ones out of it, you've done really well.)
16-piece Henckels Knife Block Set
We've had vacuums here before and people seem to like them: here's a well-loved, bagless vacuum with filter. Hard to find a better deal (and you can have a vacuum show up on your porch, which is kind of a weird thing).
Bissell Upright Vacuum
And, finally: Barbie, as Princess of England. I'm not sure what else to say.
Barbie, Doll of the World
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Personworks
Ten ways to reduce clutter and organize your home:
1. Donate books to the library, or sell them
www.amazon.com
2. Rip out the articles from magazines and either file them or use Scanalog
www.scanalog.com
3. Purchase a grid to hang pots and pans on the ceiling of your kitchen to add extra space for your large assortment of kitchen tools:
http://www.buychoice.com/prodDetail.cfm/13934,Oval%20Pot%20Rack%20w%20%20Grid,XX
4. If a candle looks old and used, get rid of it, or use it up quickly! Instead keep the space clean without clutter.
5. Put dishes into the dishwasher right away, purchase a magnet that says clean on one end and dirty on the other when you flip it over:
http://www.misshunt.com/clean-dirty-magnet.asp
6. Make your home a no shoe house, and find some kind of organizational tool to put them away:
http://www.ikea-usa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&categoryId=10458&langId=-1&cattype=sub&parentCats=10211*10458
7. Pick one day a week to do laundry, which means the whole nine yards, washing, drying, folding and putting away.
8. File bills that are paid right after you pay them, (for those of you who need to keep them for tax purposes) OR sign up for online bill paying:
http://www.checkfree.com/
9. Go through your closet once every three to six months, if you haven’t worn it by then, you probably won’t, donate it!
http://www.orgcoach.net/taxdeduction.html
10. Try to make appointments that are near each other to save yourself some time.
Ten ways to reduce clutter and organize your home:
1. Donate books to the library, or sell them
www.amazon.com
2. Rip out the articles from magazines and either file them or use Scanalog
www.scanalog.com
3. Purchase a grid to hang pots and pans on the ceiling of your kitchen to add extra space for your large assortment of kitchen tools:
http://www.buychoice.com/prodDetail.cfm/13934,Oval%20Pot%20Rack%20w%20%20Grid,XX
4. If a candle looks old and used, get rid of it, or use it up quickly! Instead keep the space clean without clutter.
5. Put dishes into the dishwasher right away, purchase a magnet that says clean on one end and dirty on the other when you flip it over:
http://www.misshunt.com/clean-dirty-magnet.asp
6. Make your home a no shoe house, and find some kind of organizational tool to put them away:
http://www.ikea-usa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&categoryId=10458&langId=-1&cattype=sub&parentCats=10211*10458
7. Pick one day a week to do laundry, which means the whole nine yards, washing, drying, folding and putting away.
8. File bills that are paid right after you pay them, (for those of you who need to keep them for tax purposes) OR sign up for online bill paying:
http://www.checkfree.com/
9. Go through your closet once every three to six months, if you haven’t worn it by then, you probably won’t, donate it!
http://www.orgcoach.net/taxdeduction.html
10. Try to make appointments that are near each other to save yourself some time.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Here's a midweek deal mail from Eric. Since it's the holiday season, he's sending out some extra deals.
Unfortunately, I can't really recommend most of these items today.
There's a huge sale on Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized products over the next few weeks. This is high-end stuff on a great sale. The saute pan is my favorite - a great deal and a really nice piece.
7-Quart Saute Pan with Lid
I highly recommend Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized. We have a set of these and love them. HOWEVER, Amazon's prices for these aren't particularly good. Call The Bon Marche and check their prices first--they're usually the same or better even when there's no sale going on, AND you can often get 10% or 20% discounts (like by signing up for their credit card). Plus you get it immediately, and returns are easier. The only thing Amazon has better is they have a few cheap pots that The Bon doesn't sell at all.
Why get trampled at your local WalMart for a cheap DVD player when you can have Amazon deliver one right to you or a friend's mailbox? Amazon has a progressive scan player (the newer technology with great features and picture) on sale right now for under 40 bucks!
Apex AD-2600 Progressive-Scan DVD Player
My husband bought one of these for office movies. It broke in less than two months.
Get more than 75% off of a much needed winter crockpot.
Proctor-Silex 4-Quart Round Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are great - you throw in a bunch of food in the morning, and dinner's ready at night. Even better, most of what you make in them freezes, so you can keep it for later, which means less time cooking. But this one's only four quarts, which means you can't actually make very much.
Think twice before you buy a slow cooker--if you are going to use it a lot, buy a big one. If not, skip it all together, since they take lots of room in the kitchen.
I saw a great deal this morning when I came on the very last units of those incredibly hot Laser Line levels still in stock on Amazon. Best of all, they're actually on sale at 62% off! (Great stocking stuffer)
Strait-Line 64001 Laser Level
Another great deal that isn't--Home Depot's regular, non-sale price is cheaper.
Home Depot Laser Line Level
Unfortunately, I can't really recommend most of these items today.
There's a huge sale on Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized products over the next few weeks. This is high-end stuff on a great sale. The saute pan is my favorite - a great deal and a really nice piece.
7-Quart Saute Pan with Lid
I highly recommend Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized. We have a set of these and love them. HOWEVER, Amazon's prices for these aren't particularly good. Call The Bon Marche and check their prices first--they're usually the same or better even when there's no sale going on, AND you can often get 10% or 20% discounts (like by signing up for their credit card). Plus you get it immediately, and returns are easier. The only thing Amazon has better is they have a few cheap pots that The Bon doesn't sell at all.
Why get trampled at your local WalMart for a cheap DVD player when you can have Amazon deliver one right to you or a friend's mailbox? Amazon has a progressive scan player (the newer technology with great features and picture) on sale right now for under 40 bucks!
Apex AD-2600 Progressive-Scan DVD Player
My husband bought one of these for office movies. It broke in less than two months.
Get more than 75% off of a much needed winter crockpot.
Proctor-Silex 4-Quart Round Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are great - you throw in a bunch of food in the morning, and dinner's ready at night. Even better, most of what you make in them freezes, so you can keep it for later, which means less time cooking. But this one's only four quarts, which means you can't actually make very much.
Think twice before you buy a slow cooker--if you are going to use it a lot, buy a big one. If not, skip it all together, since they take lots of room in the kitchen.
I saw a great deal this morning when I came on the very last units of those incredibly hot Laser Line levels still in stock on Amazon. Best of all, they're actually on sale at 62% off! (Great stocking stuffer)
Strait-Line 64001 Laser Level
Another great deal that isn't--Home Depot's regular, non-sale price is cheaper.
Home Depot Laser Line Level
Friday, December 05, 2003
Here's another deal mail from Eric. This is a good weekend for gift shopping--not as busy as last weekend, and the sales are still great.
Welcome once again to a fantastic Holiday deal mail!! I'm excited to see that so many people are using us to find their holiday gifts - Its a really nice feeling...Keep it up!
Since I know that everyone is really pressed for time during this busy season, I'll keep my intro brief again this week. However, don't think that means there's fewer deals...The amount of stuff on sale this week is absolutely crazy...
And now, on with the deals!
As always, the best deal comes first... One complaint I sometimes hear: There's always great deals on knives in your email, but I (or the person I want to give them to) am looking for a higher end set because I'm in to cooking... Normally I pass on these because, even at the sale price, they're too spendy for most people to just buy on impulse. However, today there is an absolutely astounding deal on a high end forged set (forged is much better than laser cut or stamped) made by Hoffritz, a great brand. This set comes with everything you need and is the kind of thing you usually see at Williams Sonoma and rarely see on sale...Check it out 91% off!
Hoffritz Signature Forged 8 Piece Knife Block Set
In last week's mail, I featured an amazing price on the Houdini corkscrew...Lots of people told me they picked one up throughout the week for under 10 bucks. This week, there is a follow up to that at a great price. If you are looking to gift one of those to a friend and want a nice presentation set, check out the Houdini 6 piece gift set for 45% off. You get a bunch of accessories with it and it makes a great, high-end gift for your favorite wino (ummm, wine-loving uncle...) :-)
Houdini 6-Piece Wine Tool Kit
Last week, people loved the grinder that I featured. This week, how about a coffee gift that you don't have to be a freak about coffee to love. The top maker of French Press coffee makers, Bodum, makes a really nice set that normally goes for 50 bucks. Unbelievably, its under $17 today only and it includes a bonus gift with it as well.
Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Coffee Press
Last kitchen item (and one I am definitely planning to pick up for myself since Jen threw away my last one...Don't ask...) The top rated salad spinner out there is made by Oxo and is made specifically so it is easy for everyone to use (kids, seniors, great stuff...) These are normally in the 30-40 dollar range, but the one on amazon is on sale today only for under $15.
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
For those of you that are looking to either warm up or stock up on bedding for all the company that is showing up this holiday, there is a great deal on a Queen duvet made by a great Seattle company called Pacific Coast Feather (yes, folks, the same place that had the great warehouse sale you all went to two weeks ago.) Their stuff is normally really, really pricey and hard to find (small manufacturer with great products. Check out the 4 & 5 star reviews and then check out the amazing price at 70% off!
Pacific Coast 2 Diamond Ashburn Down Comforter, Queen
Lots of people have been asking for good Dad gifts for the holiday.... So I scoured the site and I think I found a great one... Braun, which makes fantastic razors, is usually one of the higher priced manufacturers out there. Amazon has the 4-star reviewed Syncro 7526 model that normally sells for 140 buck at under 35 bucks right now. That's really a great deal (just read the reviews!)
Braun 7526 Syncro Shaver
Moving right along with great stocking stuffers and gifts...The 5-star rated, everybody's-favorite-gift, swiss-army knife is really getting pricey these days...However, Amazon's got the "Cybertool" swiss army knife on sale for half off (this one even comes with a little hex wrench and interchangeable bits...)
Swiss Army Cybertool Pocket Knife
OK - So you're done with gift shopping and you're tired of hearing me talk about it...However, you still have a pig sty of an apartment and your relatives are going to be there in like two weeks...! If this sounds like you, check out the sweet deal on a new vacuum cleaner with a built in filter (keeps your crazy cats hair from bothering Aunt Edna's allergies, right?) Anyway, a great deal on a major brand name vacuum with great ratings. (Under 70 bucks...Cheaper than costco and they deliver it to your house!)
Bissell 35755 Cleanview Bagless Upright Vacuum with HEPA
OK, now you've got the place clean and you just realized that you have absolutely no silverware that you feel like showing to company. There's a fantastic deal on Oneida flatware that actually looks nice (read: nice enough that everyone will like it with no funky patterns to turn people off and wonder what kind of freak you are for buying it...) This stuff normally ships for 80 bucks but is going for under 21 today...
Oneida Satin Flight Flatware Set
Second to last item - Finally get those bikes up and out of the way in your apartment or garage. This bike organizer requires almost zero assembly, is selling for 50% and best of all, it even ships free! (My favorite comment from the product detail page? "Bikes not included!" Duh...) Anyway its a great price and you know you need it...
Racor Gravity Bike Rack
Finally, for those of you that have a traditional White Elephant party this year, I have the absolute perfect gift...Seriously...Who do you know that doesn't need a cactus shaped margarita set?! This incredibly cool piece of kitsch is on sale for about 10 bucks and includes everything from the pitcher to the shot glasses. For the college kid in all of us...
Libbey Cactus 7-Piece Margarita Set
Welcome once again to a fantastic Holiday deal mail!! I'm excited to see that so many people are using us to find their holiday gifts - Its a really nice feeling...Keep it up!
Since I know that everyone is really pressed for time during this busy season, I'll keep my intro brief again this week. However, don't think that means there's fewer deals...The amount of stuff on sale this week is absolutely crazy...
And now, on with the deals!
As always, the best deal comes first... One complaint I sometimes hear: There's always great deals on knives in your email, but I (or the person I want to give them to) am looking for a higher end set because I'm in to cooking... Normally I pass on these because, even at the sale price, they're too spendy for most people to just buy on impulse. However, today there is an absolutely astounding deal on a high end forged set (forged is much better than laser cut or stamped) made by Hoffritz, a great brand. This set comes with everything you need and is the kind of thing you usually see at Williams Sonoma and rarely see on sale...Check it out 91% off!
Hoffritz Signature Forged 8 Piece Knife Block Set
In last week's mail, I featured an amazing price on the Houdini corkscrew...Lots of people told me they picked one up throughout the week for under 10 bucks. This week, there is a follow up to that at a great price. If you are looking to gift one of those to a friend and want a nice presentation set, check out the Houdini 6 piece gift set for 45% off. You get a bunch of accessories with it and it makes a great, high-end gift for your favorite wino (ummm, wine-loving uncle...) :-)
Houdini 6-Piece Wine Tool Kit
Last week, people loved the grinder that I featured. This week, how about a coffee gift that you don't have to be a freak about coffee to love. The top maker of French Press coffee makers, Bodum, makes a really nice set that normally goes for 50 bucks. Unbelievably, its under $17 today only and it includes a bonus gift with it as well.
Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Coffee Press
Last kitchen item (and one I am definitely planning to pick up for myself since Jen threw away my last one...Don't ask...) The top rated salad spinner out there is made by Oxo and is made specifically so it is easy for everyone to use (kids, seniors, great stuff...) These are normally in the 30-40 dollar range, but the one on amazon is on sale today only for under $15.
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner
For those of you that are looking to either warm up or stock up on bedding for all the company that is showing up this holiday, there is a great deal on a Queen duvet made by a great Seattle company called Pacific Coast Feather (yes, folks, the same place that had the great warehouse sale you all went to two weeks ago.) Their stuff is normally really, really pricey and hard to find (small manufacturer with great products. Check out the 4 & 5 star reviews and then check out the amazing price at 70% off!
Pacific Coast 2 Diamond Ashburn Down Comforter, Queen
Lots of people have been asking for good Dad gifts for the holiday.... So I scoured the site and I think I found a great one... Braun, which makes fantastic razors, is usually one of the higher priced manufacturers out there. Amazon has the 4-star reviewed Syncro 7526 model that normally sells for 140 buck at under 35 bucks right now. That's really a great deal (just read the reviews!)
Braun 7526 Syncro Shaver
Moving right along with great stocking stuffers and gifts...The 5-star rated, everybody's-favorite-gift, swiss-army knife is really getting pricey these days...However, Amazon's got the "Cybertool" swiss army knife on sale for half off (this one even comes with a little hex wrench and interchangeable bits...)
Swiss Army Cybertool Pocket Knife
OK - So you're done with gift shopping and you're tired of hearing me talk about it...However, you still have a pig sty of an apartment and your relatives are going to be there in like two weeks...! If this sounds like you, check out the sweet deal on a new vacuum cleaner with a built in filter (keeps your crazy cats hair from bothering Aunt Edna's allergies, right?) Anyway, a great deal on a major brand name vacuum with great ratings. (Under 70 bucks...Cheaper than costco and they deliver it to your house!)
Bissell 35755 Cleanview Bagless Upright Vacuum with HEPA
OK, now you've got the place clean and you just realized that you have absolutely no silverware that you feel like showing to company. There's a fantastic deal on Oneida flatware that actually looks nice (read: nice enough that everyone will like it with no funky patterns to turn people off and wonder what kind of freak you are for buying it...) This stuff normally ships for 80 bucks but is going for under 21 today...
Oneida Satin Flight Flatware Set
Second to last item - Finally get those bikes up and out of the way in your apartment or garage. This bike organizer requires almost zero assembly, is selling for 50% and best of all, it even ships free! (My favorite comment from the product detail page? "Bikes not included!" Duh...) Anyway its a great price and you know you need it...
Racor Gravity Bike Rack
Finally, for those of you that have a traditional White Elephant party this year, I have the absolute perfect gift...Seriously...Who do you know that doesn't need a cactus shaped margarita set?! This incredibly cool piece of kitsch is on sale for about 10 bucks and includes everything from the pitcher to the shot glasses. For the college kid in all of us...
Libbey Cactus 7-Piece Margarita Set
Thursday, December 04, 2003
RealSimple
In an article from the magazine Real Simple September 2003 issue, they discussed 12 time management tips. The article was titled, “Give yourself the 25th hour”.
Today I am going to review it.
1. Send gift certificates for presents
The good:
This allows the person to use the gift when they want. For example, movie tickets, massage and dinners are my favorite gift ideas for gift certificates.
The bad:
Gift certificates tend to not be used. Some of your friends might be offended that you didn’t take the time to get them a more personal gift.
The bottom line:
Gift certificates are perfect for people who have everything, or are really picky about “creative gifts”, (for example, people who have a x-mas list). I would use your best judgment and give gift certificates out on a case by case basis. If you are that busy, something needs to give, you need to make time for yourself!
2. Buy bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens
The good:
this is definitely a faster way to prepare dinner
The bad:
sometimes faster is not always better. Purchasing bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens can be very costly. While your time is the most important thing, having spending money for fun evenings is important too.
The bottom line:
If you are having a very busy week or month, give yourself an allowance of money to spend on evening out for dinner and the pre-made items at grocery stores.
3. Ask for the earliest appointment
The good:
you won’t have to worry about traffic or waiting a long time at the doctor’s office
The bad:
you will have to get up extra early, which may cause a restless night of sleep.
The bottom line:
Making the earliest appointments is a great idea for people who are too busy during the day. You should make personal appointments not during your regular business hours. I think making the earliest appointment is a great idea.
4. Keep a stash of all-purpose birthday cards on hand, at home and at the office
The good:
You won’t have to run out to get a birthday card for that special, or not so special someone.
The bad:
If you enjoy finding the perfect birthday card, this may not work for you.
The bottom line:When you see the perfect birthday card, pick it up. Just make sure not to clutter your desk drawer with cards, have a place to put them and keep them there!
5. Put a list of movies you want to rent and books you want to read in your wallet or palm pilot
The good:
If you are one of those people who cannot remember titles of movies, books, or cds to purchase, this is a great way to joggle your memory.
The bad:
If you don’t have time, it may be hard to make time to make such organized lists.
The bottom line:
when you are waiting at the doctor’s office, or in an airport on a layover, that is a great time to utilize to make such lists.
6. Keep doubles and triples of things you use all the time, (scissors, tape, etc…)
The good:
if you work at more than one location, (home office, work office) this is a great idea. If you work from home, this is not as necessary.
The bad:
if you work from home, put them in a location where you have your pens, stapler, etc.., a rolling plastic dresser is a good organizing tool, which you can also label.
The bottom line:
Purchasing multiple repeats is a great idea if you:
- have the space
- frequent Costco a lot
- really use the items a great deal
7. Get an electronic tag for you car if it is accepted at toll plazas in your area
The good:
If you pay for parking every day, purchasing an electronic tag is not only cost effective, but a great time saver.
The bad:
If you don’t use toll parking a lot, this is not such a good deal.
The bottom line:
Living in Seattle means living with traffic. If you can save time by purchasing an electronic tag, do so. You could also cut your traffic time in half by carpooling.
8. Invest in a wireless handheld email device, (such as blackberry) keep in touch with friends during unexpected downtime
The good:
This is a great way to keep up with your email. The blackberry is easy to use.
The bad:
If you have a limited budget, a blackberry is not cost effective, unless your work is footing the bill
The bottom line:
If you don’t have a palm pilot already, I suggest getting a Dell Axim. You can download your email, amongst many other cool features.
9. Sign up for automatic bill paying at your bank’s website
The good:
you don’t have to worry about your bills getting paid on time.
The bad:
You have to balance your check book, which takes times. Balancing your checkbook helps you to make sure you have sufficient fund in your bank account at all times.
The bottom line:
Signing up for automatic bill pay is a GREAT idea. For the peace of mind alone it is worth it. Make sure to sign up for anti-virus protection if you decide to do this, so no one can access your account information.
10. Buy a case of your favorite olive oil, so you don’t have to make last-minute trips for hostess or birthday gifts
The good:
Having a gift on hand is a great idea.
The bad:
Giving the same token gift may begin to look thoughtless and cheep.
The bottom line:
If you are going to purchase hostess gifts ahead of time, pick up some of the following:
- wine
- cheese labels in silver
- wine “cooler”
- wine glass tags
You can also stop by the local grocery store on your way out for flowers, or offer to bring dessert.
11. Buy movie tickets in advance using fandango
The good:
You won’t have to wait in line, unless it is the premier showing.
The bad:
If you have something come up last minute, you are stuck with the tickets, and the bill. You are also charged a little extra for purchasing ahead of time.
The bottom line:
If you or your significant other or friend is near by the movie theatre and you are planning on going ask them to pick them up for the group. If you really have no time and no one to run the errand, use Fandango.
12. Whenever possible, double a recipe. Eat half right away, and freeze the rest for a future meal
The good:
If you are starving and have no energy to cook after a long day at work, this is a great idea.
The bad:
Sometimes leftovers don’t taste as good the second time.
The bottom line:
Look up the food you are making to make sure it freezes well, for example, boiled potatoes do NOT freeze well! When you figure out what freezes well, definitely cook a double batch to keep for your emergency dinners, when you have no time and no energy to cook, it is better than going for fast food!
In an article from the magazine Real Simple September 2003 issue, they discussed 12 time management tips. The article was titled, “Give yourself the 25th hour”.
Today I am going to review it.
1. Send gift certificates for presents
The good:
This allows the person to use the gift when they want. For example, movie tickets, massage and dinners are my favorite gift ideas for gift certificates.
The bad:
Gift certificates tend to not be used. Some of your friends might be offended that you didn’t take the time to get them a more personal gift.
The bottom line:
Gift certificates are perfect for people who have everything, or are really picky about “creative gifts”, (for example, people who have a x-mas list). I would use your best judgment and give gift certificates out on a case by case basis. If you are that busy, something needs to give, you need to make time for yourself!
2. Buy bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens
The good:
this is definitely a faster way to prepare dinner
The bad:
sometimes faster is not always better. Purchasing bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens can be very costly. While your time is the most important thing, having spending money for fun evenings is important too.
The bottom line:
If you are having a very busy week or month, give yourself an allowance of money to spend on evening out for dinner and the pre-made items at grocery stores.
3. Ask for the earliest appointment
The good:
you won’t have to worry about traffic or waiting a long time at the doctor’s office
The bad:
you will have to get up extra early, which may cause a restless night of sleep.
The bottom line:
Making the earliest appointments is a great idea for people who are too busy during the day. You should make personal appointments not during your regular business hours. I think making the earliest appointment is a great idea.
4. Keep a stash of all-purpose birthday cards on hand, at home and at the office
The good:
You won’t have to run out to get a birthday card for that special, or not so special someone.
The bad:
If you enjoy finding the perfect birthday card, this may not work for you.
The bottom line:When you see the perfect birthday card, pick it up. Just make sure not to clutter your desk drawer with cards, have a place to put them and keep them there!
5. Put a list of movies you want to rent and books you want to read in your wallet or palm pilot
The good:
If you are one of those people who cannot remember titles of movies, books, or cds to purchase, this is a great way to joggle your memory.
The bad:
If you don’t have time, it may be hard to make time to make such organized lists.
The bottom line:
when you are waiting at the doctor’s office, or in an airport on a layover, that is a great time to utilize to make such lists.
6. Keep doubles and triples of things you use all the time, (scissors, tape, etc…)
The good:
if you work at more than one location, (home office, work office) this is a great idea. If you work from home, this is not as necessary.
The bad:
if you work from home, put them in a location where you have your pens, stapler, etc.., a rolling plastic dresser is a good organizing tool, which you can also label.
The bottom line:
Purchasing multiple repeats is a great idea if you:
- have the space
- frequent Costco a lot
- really use the items a great deal
7. Get an electronic tag for you car if it is accepted at toll plazas in your area
The good:
If you pay for parking every day, purchasing an electronic tag is not only cost effective, but a great time saver.
The bad:
If you don’t use toll parking a lot, this is not such a good deal.
The bottom line:
Living in Seattle means living with traffic. If you can save time by purchasing an electronic tag, do so. You could also cut your traffic time in half by carpooling.
8. Invest in a wireless handheld email device, (such as blackberry) keep in touch with friends during unexpected downtime
The good:
This is a great way to keep up with your email. The blackberry is easy to use.
The bad:
If you have a limited budget, a blackberry is not cost effective, unless your work is footing the bill
The bottom line:
If you don’t have a palm pilot already, I suggest getting a Dell Axim. You can download your email, amongst many other cool features.
9. Sign up for automatic bill paying at your bank’s website
The good:
you don’t have to worry about your bills getting paid on time.
The bad:
You have to balance your check book, which takes times. Balancing your checkbook helps you to make sure you have sufficient fund in your bank account at all times.
The bottom line:
Signing up for automatic bill pay is a GREAT idea. For the peace of mind alone it is worth it. Make sure to sign up for anti-virus protection if you decide to do this, so no one can access your account information.
10. Buy a case of your favorite olive oil, so you don’t have to make last-minute trips for hostess or birthday gifts
The good:
Having a gift on hand is a great idea.
The bad:
Giving the same token gift may begin to look thoughtless and cheep.
The bottom line:
If you are going to purchase hostess gifts ahead of time, pick up some of the following:
- wine
- cheese labels in silver
- wine “cooler”
- wine glass tags
You can also stop by the local grocery store on your way out for flowers, or offer to bring dessert.
11. Buy movie tickets in advance using fandango
The good:
You won’t have to wait in line, unless it is the premier showing.
The bad:
If you have something come up last minute, you are stuck with the tickets, and the bill. You are also charged a little extra for purchasing ahead of time.
The bottom line:
If you or your significant other or friend is near by the movie theatre and you are planning on going ask them to pick them up for the group. If you really have no time and no one to run the errand, use Fandango.
12. Whenever possible, double a recipe. Eat half right away, and freeze the rest for a future meal
The good:
If you are starving and have no energy to cook after a long day at work, this is a great idea.
The bad:
Sometimes leftovers don’t taste as good the second time.
The bottom line:
Look up the food you are making to make sure it freezes well, for example, boiled potatoes do NOT freeze well! When you figure out what freezes well, definitely cook a double batch to keep for your emergency dinners, when you have no time and no energy to cook, it is better than going for fast food!
