Get Organized - Free Your Mind!

1. Tell yourself that no matter what, some level of clutter with a child is going to happen.
2. Begin with messes and clutter that you see every day. Organize your kitchen, garage, and family room before your hallway closet.
3. Use drawer dividers for socks, underwear, lingerie, and tiny items, to keep them separated and organized. Use this same principle to organize your silverware, with clearly defined places for every fork and knife, or drawers for ties and socks or, underwear. Think in this same way for every aspect of your home. This will save many hours of searching for things. It will dramatically cut down on the clutter of items left out "for now" or "until I find a place for it." Develop a new mantra: everything has its place and a place for everything!
4. Allocate everything in your house a place. This way your family will know exactly where to find it and where to put it away, when they search for something they need.
5. Keep items that are used frequently in places where you can reach them without stooping or bending, and store them close to the place they will be needed.
6. Establish one defined place in your house for storing library books, and end a house-wide hunt when it is time to read or return them.
7. Hang hooks for your keys and purse at the entry to your home, so each time you walk in, you can hang them up.
8. Get rid of all junk drawers, or allow yourself just one that you clear out once a week or more. When you establish certain items are being used repeatedly, designate a drawer for those.
9. Enlist a new rule: throw out one old thing for every new purchase that enters your home.
10. Make a mental note to observe what things pile up in your house and where they cluster, and then come up with a place nearby that becomes the official home where those things will reside. For this purpose baskets, shelves, and folders will work well. Set aside one basket for you and your partner for incoming mail, bills, and receipts and letters.
11. Never go up or down empty-handed when using stairs. Always grab some items that belong to upstairs rooms and quickly put it away while you are there.
12. Create a number of brightly marked folders for discount coupons, invitations and directions, and other time-sensitive papers that just clutter your counters.
13. Things you don't need any longer:
    
    • Expired medications.
    • Clothes you no longer wear.
    • Extra paper or plastic grocery bags.*
    • Makeup and samples you have never worn.
    • Sunscreen that's expired or more than one year old.
    • Organize your coupons and throw out all that have expired.
    • Cookbooks you rarely use. Cut out your favorite recipes only.
    • Magazines you meant to read but have never taken the time for.

You will free your mind to remember your daily chores by getting rid of your clutter and organizing your home top to bottom. Be vigilant about cleaning about once a month and you will find it much easier to keep up, week-by-week.

*Stuff your crumpled plastic bags from your grocer inside a cardboard roll like a hand towel roll. Keep under your sink.

How an errand assistant can make your life easier by giving you the freedom to spend your time doing the things you enjoy....

How many times have you heard yourself say "if only there where more hours in the day" or "I wish I had an extra pair of hands", with all the tasks that need to be taken care of life can become very overwhelming! A personal errand service can relieve the stress and give you the freedom to spend your time doing whats most important to you.

Take a minute to think about how many errands that need your attention, taking away your time from family and work. Grocery shopping, personal shopping, servicing your vehicles, pet appointments, child care transportation, after school activities, scheduling personal or professional appointments, bill paying, organizing, prescriptions, movies, books, to go meals, dry cleaning and the list goes on! Now imagine having a personal errand assistant who has taken care of your shopping and put the items away, picked up your children and accompanied them to their after school activities, scheduled your appointments, paid your bills, your vehicle has been serviced and returned to you with no interruptions to your day, your pets are back from the groomers or veterinarian, and all of the "little things" have been picked up and dropped off, all you have to do is enjoy your free time! Whether you choose a customized package or just need help with something specific such as planning a wedding or event, help with the holidays, making travel arrangements, or house sitting while you are on vacation, a personal errand assistant can take care of it all and more!

A professional errand service is also an excellent resource for senior citizens. As we all know, life becomes more challenging as we get older. You deserve to have some help with everyday tasks, your personal assistant will schedule and drive you to and from all of your appointments, stock your refrigerator, organize your weekly medications, accompany you to your favorite activities, they can even help with your grandchildren so that you can enjoy every priceless moment you have with them!

Article Source:
Title: Errand Services and Personal Assisting can give you back your free time
Summary: How an errand assistant can make your life easier by giving you the freedom to spend your time doing the things you enjoy....
http://www.pubarticles.com/article-errand-services-and-personal-assisting-can-give-you-back-your-free-time-1314896927.html

FROM THE CONCIERGE'S DESK: June in Chicago

There's so much to do in Chicago during the summer months especially. I always say, "Chicago is one of the best places to visit when it's warm." Below are just a few suggestions that I have for you to consider.

57th Street Art Fair
Once again, during the first full weekend in June, artists and art lovers will reunite at Chicago’s oldest, juried art fair in the historic neighborhood streets of Hyde Park for a true celebration of. Come participate in the popular Art Buying Boot Camp, a guided tour through the fair with art buying experts.
Date: June 4 – 5
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: Dorchester & Kimbark Ave. 57th street
www.57thstreetartfair.org


Sausage Fest Chicago
This Wrigleyville Festival, formerly the Lake View Music Fest, will feature live music and arts and crafts besides the meat it is now named for.
Date: June 4- 5
Time: 12pm-10pm
Location: 1000 W. Addison
www.chicagoevents.com


June Jam
The event will feature kid free entertainment, food, game, local venders, contest and other fun activities.
Date: June 4-5
Location: 3500 N Hoyne
Time: 12pm-10pm
www.starevents.com/events/june-jam


Rib Fest Chicago
Averaging over 50,000 pound of ribs and BBQ from 2 dozen restauranst and rib contest will be judged on Sunday.
Date: June 10 -12
Time: 6/10 5pm-10pm 6/11/6/12 12pm-10pm
Location: 4000-4135 N Lincoln Ave.
www.ribfest-chicago.com


Party at Mike’s
With the Old Town Art Fair, features a beanbag tournament and three days of live music, including headliners Maggie Speaks, Hairbanger’s Ball and 7 heaven.
Date: June 10-12 Friday
Time: 5pm-10pm Saturday 3:30pm-10:00pm Sunday 3pm-9pm
Location: 1633 N. Cleveland
www.st-mikes.org


Just For Laugh
Five nights 12 venues and dozens of comedians
Date: June 14-18
Location: Chicago Theatre
Time: various times
www.justforlaughschicago.com


Chicago Blues Fest
Tribute performers include David “Honey Boy Edwards”, Duwayne Bernside Micheal “Iron Man” Burks, and many more
Date: June 10-12
Location: Grant Park Jackson Blvd. & Columbus Drive
Time: 11am-9:30pm


Taste of Randolph
You can explore handcrafted and merchant goods along with live entertainment and cooking demonstrations.
Date: June 17-19
Location: 900 w. Randolph
Time: June 17, 5pm-11pm, June 18 2pm -11pm, & June 19 2pm – 10pm


Grant Park Music Festival
Guest conductors and musicians session the Grant Park orchestra versions of songs from Brahms to Broadway
Date: June 15 – August 20 every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday expect for 6/29
Location: Pritzker Pavilion and Millennium Park Address 201 E. Randolph
www.grantparkmusicfestival.com


Custer’s Last Stand
Art festival with food venders commercial stands from 150 local business live music and an eco-village that features healthy cooking demos and eco- friendly vendors.
Date: June 18-19
Location: Main & Chicago, Evanston, IL
Time: 10am -9pm
www.custerfair.com


6 Corner’s BBQ Fest
This new Portage Park Festival offers music, a market, and meat.
Date: June 16-19
Location: 4050 N Milwaukee
Time: Saturday 12pm -10pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm
www.sixcornerschicago.com

Everyone needs more hands and more time.

There are only 24 hours in a day, everyone needs sleep, and time flies! We all have had an experience of not being able to complete all that we needed to do in a day and thus we dealt with frustration.

Dual income families, executives, lawyers, senior citizens, busy professionals, commuters, and others are all candidates for outsourcing many of their mundane errands. The mere idea of an errand preoccupies thoughts and actions during the course of a work day. A balance needs to be found between work and life. It is in the best interest of the employer to adopt work/life strategies based on the evidence of positive returns to the bottom line, the positive returns to employees, their families, and to society. It’s been found that work/life programs helped reduce turnover, lateness, and absenteeism on the job.

There is no invisible wall between work life and home life. Business success depends on strategies that enable employees to succeed in both arenas. Work/life is a win-win strategy for all parties involved. Some statistics: 1997 National Study of the Changing Workforce families and Work Institute revealed 88% of employees said their job required them to work longer hours and 68% complained of having to work at faster speeds. In 2000 Americans worked 1 month longer than the Japanese and 3 months longer than the Germans according to the International Labor Organization. Another 64% of Americans reported time pressures on working families are getting worse according to the National Partnership for Women and Families in a Family Matters Survey in 1998; An unprecedented 70% of working fathers and mothers reported they did not have enough time with their children as reported by the 1997 Study of the Changing Workforce, Families and Work Institute.

There is no doubt that both business and personal outsourcing will be a definite part of the future. There are more responsibilities with careers, children, family members, and household chores. There is not even enough time to take care of personal concerns. Meeting all the demands placed on time is becoming virtually impossible. The work/life balance is askew and there is no immediate solution, except for outsourcing to help solve the problems.

Concierge and Errand opportunities are appearing nationwide to meet the growing demands on time. In 1985 there were only 50 concierge and errand businesses, whereas, in 2004, there were over 5000 such businesses and the numbers keep growing as the demand for the services increases and people wise up to the help that is available.

Within the Chicago area, Chocolates on MY Pillow is open for business and available to service all needs. To contact the owner, Tisha Littlejohn, call 800.883.8713 ext.1 or visit www.chocolatesomp.com.

Art Loop Open Launches With A Loop Art Crawl

Chicago’s inaugural Art Loop Open, a major new art competition judged by the public, will launch with a festive Loop Art Crawl throughout the downtown area, Friday, October 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On display at the 10 official Art Loop Open venues will be 191 pieces of artwork by Chicago talent: Block 37 (108 N. State St.), Hard Rock Hotel Chicago (230 N. Michigan Ave.), Hotel Burnham (1 W. Washington St.), Macy’s (111 N. State St.), Merchandise Mart (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza), French Market/Metra Mart (131 N. Clinton), Palmer House (17 E. Monroe St.), Hotel Allegro (171 W. Randolph St.), theWit Hotel (201 N. State St.) and W Chicago-City Center (172 W. Adams St.).

During the Art Crawl participants are encouraged to visit each venue and begin voting for their favorite artworks, while enjoying specially priced “Artini” cocktails and other offerings. Many of the artists will be on hand that evening to discuss their works.

If you can’t make it on the 15th, don’t fret! Voting for the First Round of Art Loop Open is open through October 21. On Friday, Oct. 22, the top ten vote-getters will be announced and will compete in a week-long final round of voting, at which time each person gets to only vote for their top selection.

The three winners with the most public votes will be announced on Friday, Oct. 29, and will receive $25,000 (1st), $15,000 (2nd) and $10,000 (3rd), in addition to other prizes presented by organizations including the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, theWit Hotel, Palmer House, 3Arts, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., Hard Rock Hotel and the Chicago Art Dealers Association.

Join us to Visit.View.Vote. in Art Loop Open October 15 – 29!

For more information, visit ArtLoopOpen.

Chicago’s Pitchfork Festival 2010 Boasts Can’t-Miss Bands!

Pitchfork Fest is this weekend! It’s Lollapalooza’s little hipster cousin, although it’s not so little anymore. Over the years the acts have gotten much bigger, as have the crowds. Yet, it is definitely more manageable than Lolla, not as stressful and better for people watching. That means more neon sunglasses, tiny clothes and fedoras galore, to say the least. As far as the performers this year, here are some highlights:

The Tallest Man On Earth (Friday @ 4 p.m.) – This Swedish folk singer wowed many with his 2008 album “Shallow Grave” and wowed even more so during his tour. The obvious comparison is to Bob Dylan, but of course there is nothing wrong with that because he pulls it off with real talent and in a refreshing way.

Broken Social Scene (Friday @ 7:20 p.m.) – Not sure how I can call myself a fan of indie music if I still haven’t seen them live, but oh well. I plan on making it happen this year. The Canadian ensemble of many individual talents is fresh off of their new album and I’m looking forward to seeing those performed as well as the great collection of songs they already have. New tracks “Sweetest Kill” and “Texico B*****s” are addicting.

Titus Andronicus (Saturday @ 3:20 p.m.) – These guys have exploded onto the scene and have proven they not only can put on a show but that they have some deep sense of purpose going on behind the punk sound they are often letting loose. See them.

Wolf Parade (Saturday @ 6:15 p.m.) – I have been a fan of these guys from the start and love their music. I love them live as well. I would be hard-pressed to say how they plan on fitting all of my favorite songs into their set, and I’m sure they won’t, given that they now have an impressive third album to add to their repertoire. Yet, their time on stage will be a true highlight for me this weekend.

LCD Soundsystem (Saturday @ 8:30 p.m.) – Done and done. They’re awesome. Their new album is awesome. And their show at Metro last month was the best show I’ve seen this year. It’s nothing but fun, and the ever-entertaining and ego-centric lead singer James Murphy will surely pack a punch.

Beach House (Sunday @ 3:20 p.m.) – A no-brainer. Despite the heavy competition in a fantastic Sunday schedule, this is a must-see. Man, can she sing and their show is amazing from beginning to end. Not to mention, their album “Teen Dream” is probably in my top ten of the decade. I’m serious. Don’t tell the guys.

Surfer Blood (Sunday @ 4:45 p.m.) – I really like these youngsters from Florida. They have a great summer, beachy sound as you can probably tell from their name. I am excited to see them live for the first time. I’ve heard good stuff.

Major Lazer (Sunday @ 6:15 p.m.) – I know I will be needing some high energy after a long day and even longer weekend, which is why I will see this duo of Diplo and DJ Switch over Neon Indian. It won’t be an easy choice though.

Sleigh Bells (Sunday @ 7:40 p.m.) – They must’ve picked up even more steam than I thought to get this time slot. Their music is loud and sometimes repetitive but it seems made to be enjoyed live in an outdoor party setting. It’s another difficult choice as I will have to miss Big Boi, but I look forward to this show as I expect them to really end my festival weekend with a bang. And although I have always liked their music, I think by this time I will have a limited desire to see Pavement, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t!

Have fun!

From http://blog.conciergepreferred.com

Five Balancing Acts for New Business Owners

Thanks http://www.corporatejourney2u.com/business/five-balancing-acts-for-new-business-owners.html for this post.

There are five different services that could be providing some balancing acts for new business owners:

1. Family Care
2. Health
3. Meals
4. Office Help
5. Errands Services

When it comes to family cares matter, all parents of small children should have a backup plan for child care options. There has been many websites that sprung up online to serve parents across the world offering parents an easier way to find child care, elder care and even pet care by area. In most large cities, 24-hour day-care centers are popping up to cater to employees or business owners with odd work hours.

Walk-in clinics,24-hour vets, or pediatric pharmacy windows are some of the health options you can look for if you don’t want the waiting hours in a physician’s office.

Make-and-take meal assembly stores are the rage with dozens of chains, franchises, and stand-alone stores around the country, providing meals for working parent in getting dinner on the table. If you prefer those order on demand food, the Internet has made it easy for workers to order meals online and have it delivered to their door.

Virtual assistants will be a good office help to your small business. Virtual assistants can give administrative support remotely without the cost of a full-time employee. For example, the use of a Small Business Answering Service will save you quite some costing while having the same services as provided by a full time employee.

For your information, most virtual assistants work from their home offices and receive their project instructions by phone, fax, e-mail or even instant message. Other than secretarial services, some virtual assistant may also specialize in marketing, graphic and Web design, IT support or even translations.

Errand services will do the small things (buying pet food, plant watering, post office runs) or the big ones (personal shopping, travel coordination, party planning. There are a few hundred personal concierges throughout the United States.

You should find some creative solutions to conflicting demands, and new strategies to juggle responsibilities from time to time as the business environment is ever evolving with the advance of technology. Whether it is about becoming a millionaire, having multiple streams of passive income, or retire young retire rich, it is important for you to be living a purposeful life.

In summary, an unresolved conflict between partners, joint venturers, shareholders, or limited liability company members may destroy an otherwise promising endeavor. So it is very important to take care of the five balancing acts for new business owners to ensure a bright future for business and successful personal life.