12 Ways to Get Inspired

Everyone can use a little nudge every now and again.  If you need a little encouragement to get your creative juices flowing — this is the perfect list for you.  This guest post is from a wonderful friend of mine.  Karen Bussen is an entertaining expert, event and wedding planner to the stars and an amazingly creative mind.

Listing Inspiration

by Karen Bussen

Are you in a bit of a rut? Would you like to infuse your life with a little extra something-something? In my office, where we spend our days producing fabulous parties, we must always innovate and think creatively, so I started hosting “Inspiration Meetings,” where each member of our team is invited to bring “something inspirational.” Could be anything at all—I don’t limit it to photos or objects. Just “whatever inspires you today.”

In June 2011, I brought in a postcard from the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum. I had treated myself to a museum membership for my birthday, and as soon as I got my membership card, I headed straight for this show, which was inspirational on so many levels, even though I don’t consider myself a “fashion person.” The postcard I brought to the meeting captured a dress crafted entirely of black duck feathers, which made the mannequin look like a darkly romantic 40s movie star-raven hybrid. Read more

How Lists Can Help Organize Your Finances

You already know how I feel about lists and how much they can do for you. But here’s yet another example. Lists can help put more money in your pocket!

I’m the one who deals with the finances in our house– mostly because I’m a control freak. But I could always use a tip or two for being more organized with our money. So I asked Scott Gamm who is a total finance whiz kid…he’s also the founder of HelpSaveMyDollars.com. He’s been on national TV and has been published on many websites. And even better — he’s a list maker!

How Lists Can Help Organized Your Finances

by Scott Gamm

You probably make to-do lists at work, for the grocery store and when you have tons of errands to run. It’s not typical to make a financial to-do list, but it is one of the most important lists. Managing your money requires skill, care and time, all of which are no problem for a good accounting firm. There are many moving parts and components of your personal finances from credit cards to bank accounts to bills and mortgages. If you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to your finances, make a list! It’s a good idea to do some research when looking for an accounting firm.
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Super Bowl Party Saving Tips

I have to be honest…I really could care less about the Super Bowl. However, this year my hubby’s favorite team is in it — the Giants. So part of the fun will be watching Jay…watching the game. He is quite a character…pacing, standing up, yelling at the TV and even doing pushups in between plays! Some friends will be joining us and they’re just as into football as he is! They’ll be just as crazy as Jay when watching the game. It’s entertaining to watch them go mad over the football. But for those of you actually watching the game — here are some money-saving tips from Teri Gault the CEO and founder of TheGroceryGame.com

Save on your Super Bowl Party

by Teri Gault

A Super Bowl party doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, or your sanity! Make it a “grazing party”, nothing fancy. Just food lined up in the kitchen to grab and go any time. Here’s how to make it happen: Read more

Disorganized CEO Keeps It Together With Lists

One of my favorite things about this blog is featuring successful list producers each month and showing all of you how “cool” list making can be.  If it weren’t for lists — this month’s list producer may not be the woman she is today!  Seriously!  I met Laura Verallo de Bertotto, who is the CEO of VMV Hypoallergenics, on a shoot for almost five years ago.  I interviewed her mother, who is a dermatologist, about their skincare line.  We quickly became friends and have stayed in touch ever since even though Laura lives in the Philippines.  We share a love of lists and The Checklist Manifesto. Read more

3 Secrets to Making Homemade Meals

D Sharon Pruitt

Just this past weekend my parents came over to visit and it was like Iron Chef America in my kitchen. My mom helped me prepare delicious meals for practically every night of the week! We made chicken soup from scratch, lasagna and chicken cacciatore — yum! Weekends are a great time to catch up and make healthy meals that will last you the whole week long. This is the best time of the week to cook proper meals as it can be difficult to make them to the highest standard in the week. My mom even suggested to me that I should have a look at these hailey home personalized cutting boards as a way to encourage me to cook more when I have a spare moment. She has one, and she says that she gets excited every time she uses it because it is personalized to her. I may have a look soon as I do like cooking and I want to be able to spend more time doing it.

When I started making lists as a Tastemaker for SkinnyScoop.com — I was introduced to Liza Huber, the founder of SageSpoonfuls.com, who empowers moms to make fresh food for their families. She created this list so we can find some time to eat better: Read more