List for Making Sparkling Wine Cocktails

Jay and I belong to a wine club and we get shipments of wine every few months. We love it because we get to try all kinds of wine and don’t have to carry them up to our 9th floor apartment.

(We have an elevator — but still!) I still need to figure out when we will be hosting a wine tasting party. But in the meanwhile — my wine guru friend, Wendy Crispell, put this list together for us for the summer!

List for Sparkling Wine Cocktails, Refreshing Summer Sippers

by Wendy Crispell

In the extreme heat we often just want to relax at the end of the day or on the weekend with a refreshing cocktail.  I find in the dog days of summer I like a lighter style that is a bit lower in alcohol and also uses the best of summer’s fresh fruits and berries available at your local farm market. Experimenting with flavors can be fun with a few friends. Using these basic ingredients, add your own touches or use my favorite recipes. Read more

Be More Efficient When Working Virtually

As a producer I don’t often work from home. But when I do I find that I have to be extra disciplined to get stuff done.

It’s so easy to get distracted when you’re at home and the comforts of, well…home, are all around you.  But fear not — there are ways to be more productive when working virtually. Shilonda Downing, the owner of Virtual Work Team has a few dos and don’ts for being successful.

Dos and Don’ts for Working Virtually

by Shilonda Downing

As the owner of a successful virtual assistant company, there is one question I’m often asked by not only those looking to start their own virtual business but also by journalists who write for major media and that question is: “What does it take to work successfully, virtually?”

I think it goes without saying that you should have the skill set to pursue your virtual dream business, however, I’ll discuss a couple of “Dos and Don’ts” that people often forget and that can wind up causing problems when trying to start and run a successful virtual business. While I can’t provide as much information as I provide in my consultations, making a list of these few key points, will get you started on the right track. Read more

Checklist for Moving With Your Pet

Moving is always a pain – no matter how you slice it.

Help your Pet Adjust to a New Home

by Aaron Hill

Before the big day

Site survey. If it’s a local move, take your pup over to the new place a few times before you officially move in. Let them sniff their new digs and get the lay of the land before changing addresses. Read more

6 Ways to Create a Peaceful, Organized Home

There is something about organizing your home that creates this amazing feeling. You feel freer in a way. But it’s easy to get overwhelmed and put the task off until tomorrow, or next week, or never. My guest blogger, Jennifer Weiner, has a few ideas to get you back on track:

6 Ways to Create a Peaceful, Organized Home

by Jennifer Weiner

When you have a disorganized or cluttered house, it can be overwhelming to think about getting things in order, especially if you have children creating new messes every time you clean. Taking the time to set up a system of organization can bring a new peace and order to your home and to your family. Break the job into manageable chunks and fight the urge to ignore the chaos. Read more

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

I’m not a “last minute” type person — but in case you are…here’s a few gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

by Teri Gault

Moms really appreciate useful gifts, especially for those things she wouldn’t buy for herself. Fresh cut flowers are nice, but fade and die. Give her something that will last, and that she can enjoy for a long time. Moms also appreciate gifts of time, which is a mother’s love language. So you’ll find some of my recommendations are “handmade” or require a little time. Your gift of time is the best message of love to mom, plus it saves money! Read more