Paper, paper, go away.

I often wonder how I can teach online, and still have So. Much. Paper. It's everywhere! I do those things we're supposed to do like open the mail over the trashcan, etc. But it's not enough! I need to find a way to sort faster...any ideas?

Cheaper By The Dozen

Not the movie, the book. It's not really anything like the movie (except they have 12 children).

An excellent resource for efficient ideas! And a cute story, too :)

Visual weight takes on fashion

In thinking more about this "visual weight" in my life, I'm reminded of the fashion tip of "get completely dressed and then take off one accessory". That may be the rule that helps get my calendar/checkbook/grocery shopping/desk in order. If I just remove ONE thing from each, life would instantly feel lighter and simpler.

I already feel better about skipping the carbonated beverage aisle in the grocery store.

Visual Weight

I've been reading a whole lot lately on interior design. Most of it is still Greek to me, but I'm intrigued with the concept of visual weight. It's seemingly a basic design concept (but if you're clueless like me: http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/decorating-and-visual-weight.htm), however I think it applies to more of my life than just decorating.

Where is the weight in my weekly calendar? My checkbook? My desk? Is it in balance? Not sure yet, but I'm glad I'm at least paying attention now.

p.s. I have a feeling the 73 choices of carbonated beverages in the grocery store is the heaviest part of my trip. Who needs 73 choices? Maybe I'll skip that aisle from now on.

Waste not, want not

I hate cleaning out my fridge and throwing away food we didn't have a chance to eat. So here's a start:

Buy lettuce for salad, and immediately break it up as you would for salad. Put in large bowl (that has a lid) and cover the lettuce with water. Put lid on and keep in the fridge until ready to eat. Put in colander or dry on paper towels. It will keep for weeks!

Salt it!

Salt has lots of yummy uses :) And some more practical ones...

1. Sprinkle some salt on your napkin before you put your glass on it - this is most useful at restaurants, and only a good waiter/ess will know what you're up to. This will keep the napkin from sticking to your glass when you pick it up.

2. Pour some rock salt in a cooler or ice bucket to keep the ice from melting too fast. (not to be put in ice you are planning to put in your drink, however...)

3. Fill a small cloth bag with salt. When the weather is expected to go below freezing overnight, rub the bag of salt on your windows and they won't be covered with frost in the morning.

What's for dinner? (part II)

Partner up with a neighbor (or friend you see every day in the carpool lane, or football practice, or....) and swap days for making dinner.

You make dinner on Monday and Wednesday - and double it up to bring half to your friend. And your friend can cook for you on Tuesday and Thursday! (or even just a once a week swap)

You know who will work a fair deal (so one doesn't make steak and the other serves PB&J)! Save yourself time and vary your meals. If you can talk two more friends into this plan, you can each take a day from Monday - Thursday and only have to cook once. You just have to cook a LOT on your day, so prepare!