Vacation Planning Made Easy With a List

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Planning vacations is one of my favorite topics, and it is for others too.  For the most part, all that matters to people is that they get to relax and have a great vacation. I bring it up with almost everyone I meet because I love to get word-of-mouth recommendations for new adventures.

I recently met Korinne Kubena Belock, founder of Urban Simplicity, and we got to talking about trips of course. Korinne worked with Mayor Michael Bloomberg for 10 years as an organizer for his team. Since then she’s left and started her own organizing company in New York City to help people simplify their lives.

She mentioned that she was taking a trip to California and needed a guest blog while she was away. This is where I come in with one of my lists. I was thrilled when she asked me to guest blog and fill a void on her site while she basks in the sun! Check out my list for planning a vacation.

Planning a Destination Wedding

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Wedding bells rang over and over again across New York State yesterday as same-sex couples tied the knot. Since New York now allows gay marriage – it’s becoming a destination for engaged couples! This reminds me of my own destination wedding in Puerto Rico and all the work that goes into planning an “away wedding.” It’s just as important to make sure that yourselves enjoy your hen and stag do’s! You’ll only get these once!

Sure some people will love you for having your wedding in a tropical or fun destination – but be prepared for some naysayers. Once you get over that and settle on your guest list there is a lot of planning ahead of you. Staying organized when planning one of the biggest events of your life is key. Otherwise you’ll be a stressed out mess and miss out on all the fun stuff! Read more

Avoiding Stupid Mistakes With a Checklist

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This happens every year – someone’s kid gets left on a hot bus for hours. It’s inexcusable because it’s dangerous and it’s such an avoidable mistake! I heard about the first one of the year this morning as I listened to 1010 WINS. It made me think — a simple checklist would fix this problem.

Seriously – how many of you think…”I could NEVER leave a kid on a bus by mistake”?  But guess what… it happens all the time! And the reason it happens is because we are so distracted with everything else going on in our lives that we forget the easy stuff.

Picture It…An Avoidable Mistake

My very first TV job was at WLNY-TV 55 on Long Island. I was an intern in 2001 and then hired as a writer while I finished up my degree at Hofstra University. Random fact: It’s where I met my hubby, Jay, and also my best friend, Danielle! One night at the station will live on in infamy – all because of a stupid, avoidable mistake. Read more

Packing for Two Weeks in Europe in Carry-On Luggage

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I Listen to this. The government says that airlines collected $3.4 BILLION in baggage fees in 2010! $3.4 Billion! How many of you contributed to that ridiculous number? Jay and I definitely have – we even did on our short trip to Miami. Don’t judge us.

It’s just so difficult to pack smart especially with the 3.0 oz. liquid rule. How will I bring my sunscreen? I slather on tons of it because covering health news has made me paranoid about looking old and getting cancer.

Anyway — back to the baggage fees… It IS possible to travel for two-weeks – in Europe with only carry-on luggage. I know it’s possible because my good friend and fellow Hofstra University alum – has done it! It’s true! And she’s sharing all her secrets so we can all save money and time. Take notes… Read more

Tips for Cutting Down on Email Clutter

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I want to share a fabulous website that I recently found for organizing tips.  It’s called GetButtonedup.com and there are lots of tricks and advice for getting everything in your life in order.

I’ve met with one of their founders, Sarah Welch, and she really knows her stuff!  I’m going to guest blog on their site later this month. But for now here’s one of their videos for those of you who are scared of your email inbox!  I know how difficult it can be to sort through all the mail — but these ideas can help reduce your inbox anxiety.

Still feeling overwhelmed? Check out my course Take Back Your Inbox, which I created to help you get control over your emails!