10 Ways to Create Free Time Out of Thin Air

nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone I talk to complains about not having enough time for everything they want to do. What would you do with that time? Get more work done, write a blog, take a wine-tasting class, staring at the sky, sleep?

Whatever you decide to do with your new-found time…my guest blogger Dr. Shannon Reece says it’s possible! Dr. Reece trains women entrepreneurs to use their strengths to create successful businesses.

Creating Free Time Out of Thin Air

by Dr. Shannon Reece

Our lives are busy! You may be thinking that’s the understatement of the decade, as you try to read this post, while attending to three other things at the same time. But part of the reason our lives have become overwhelmingly full is because we have lost sight of the things that matter the most. Easy to do, amidst the noise and clutter you have to filter each day.

If you stop for a moment to think Read more

Make Your Life Less Stressful

Courtesy: D Sharon Pruitt

Last week I was over an hour late to work because of the NYC subway system. This is not a post to bash the MTA however. Even though I was trapped on an R train at 34th street for more than a half hour — I embraced it.

I could have freaked out like some of the other passengers — but this was my thought process:

1. I could use the extra time to catch up on the book I’m reading.

2. It could be a lot worse — thankfully it was only 30 minutes.

3. I don’t mind having a few minutes in the morning of just sitting still — how often do you get to do that?

4. Getting upset and worked up over this will only make my day stressful to start.

5. While other passengers contemplated jumping out of the emergency door — I could take a deep breath and enjoy a little stolen time below ground.

I know this isn’t always possible — but I try to make the best of every situation–even the crappy ones.  Just step back before you freak out, inhale deeply and attempt to turn a negative into a positive.  Worked for me!  I’m halfway through my book now.

List of Vegan Alternatives

Courtesy: D Sharon Pruitt

One of the most popular guest blogs on ListProducer.com has been George Nickle’s “Checklist for Going Vegan.” He was kind enough to write it for Jay and I when we were thinking of “going vegan.” It’s been a tremendous hit and George has included some great information and even some recipes in the comments section when readers asked for more from him. Appreciate all his knowledge and willingness to share.

In light of the vegan post’s popularity — I’ve decided to feature another blog on this subject. This one is by a lovely chef from California. Chloe Coscarelli has a cookbook coming out and was the winner of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” I’m actually doing a segment with her where we will try to turn our meat-loving anchor into a vegan convert! She has been a vegan for much of her life and has given me this list of popular swap outs for non-vegan foods. Vegan food is as popular as it’s ever been, even some non-vegans choose to have a vegan day, perhaps a ‘meat-free Monday!’

Top 10 Vegan Alternatives

bu Chloe Coscarelli

I’m dispelling the myth that animal-free cooking is bland, visually unappetizing and full of sprouts! By using my favorite vegan ingredients; you’ll never miss the meat, eggs, butter, or cream.

1. Vinegar

Vinegar is a great egg replacement especially for cakes. When combined with baking soda, vinegar acts as a binding agent and creates a moist texture.

2. Cashews

Blending raw cashews with water is a perfect cream alternative for savory dishes like fettuccine alfredo. Read more

Magazine Helps You Achieve Goals

Everyone can use a little push every now and then to achieve his or her goals. I think the best motivator is to hear about other people who are living their dreams. I’ve written about MyLifeList.org in the past — the social media site for goal makers and even highlighted their chief operating officer, Shelagh Braley, as one of my featured list producers. MyLifeList.org has just launched “Achiever Magazine,” which is all about helping you reach for the stars.

This first edition is geared towards college students and I have a feature in the magazine with tips for success. If you’re a regular reader of this blog — you KNOW that writing a to-do list is one of those tips! There’s also information about saving money, looking better and eating right.

But the real crux of the magazine is the inspirational stories. MyLifeList.org is filled with travel, family, home, career and personal goals and success stories. It’s those goals that have become the foundation for this magazine. I urge all of you to check out “Achiever Magazine” and let me know what you think!

Checklist for Going Vegan

Courtesy: D Sharon Pruitt

This week was supposed to be our first week of “The Vegan Experiment.” Jay came home one day last month and said he wanted to try going vegan for a month. I need to fill you in on Jay’s eating habits — he’s the pickiest eater ever! I mean the pickiest! So this presented quite a challenge.

I told him that a month was a long commitment — so how about if we tried doing it for a week? He agreed. I had seen an Oprah episode where her entire staff went on a vegan diet for a week and the results were pretty stunning. People had more energy, were more regular and felt better overall. Those are pretty great side effects.

Despite my support — Jay chickened out. (haha — I wasn’t even trying to make a carnivore joke!) So I think we’ll try vegan meals once in a while at least– just to see what it’s all about. But I realized that I don’t know the first thing about going vegan — or what I need to get rid of or stock up on in our kitchen. I, of course — reached out to a friend for a list! Read more