Tag Archive for: list making

Lists Will Organize Your Life

I think I may have met my list-making match! Sarah Welch from GetButtonedup.com is a task master, productivity expert and organizing guru. Her site gives tools to get everything in your life in check. I’ve guest blogged for her and really admire the empire she’s built on being on top of your game!

She’s my featured list producer this month because she’s used her organizing ways to become a great success.

Q: Why do you call yourself a compulsive list producer?

A: If I don’t have a list to work from, the million-and-one to-do’s that I have buzzing around my head, make me feel dazed and confused. If I try to get through the day without a list, I lose my ability to concentrate. I feel overwhelmed because my short-term memory is trying to “remember” things on my list by endlessly looping tasks at random, which ultimately makes me feel I have more to do than I actually do. When I start the day or week with a master list (which I sync up to my calendar), I can crank through things like nobody’s business. I feel sane, productive, and never worry for a second that important things are falling through the cracks. Read more

The List by “The Office”

For someone who is in the TV business — I surprisingly don’t like to watch TV all that much.  Isn’t that weird? It’s true though — I’d rather be reading (nerd alert) or doing something else rather than staring at the tube, usually. However — there are certain shows that I just can’t do without.  “The Office” is one of those shows — I absolutely love it.

Ironically enough — my favorite show was about a list this past week!  Can you believe it?  Lists are everywhere!

The new CEO of the company — Robert California — keeps a list of “winners and losers” around the office.  Seriously — that’s his list.  Well once the office finds out about the list — everyone is thrown into a tailspin. You can check out the episode by clicking on the  video below.

Robert’s list seems kind of cruel — but we are all guilty of keeping this kind of list from time to time. You know how much I advocate list making but I’ll be the first to admit some lists should remain in your brain only! This type of list is absolutely one of them. Unfortunately if certain lists get into the wrong hands — they can be hurtful and misinterpreted — doing more harm than good.

I know you’re thinking — this is a sitcom and meant to be a joke. I know — I get that. But let this little episode be a warning — beware of where you leave your private-thought lists!

Keep Track of Your Lists

To-do lists aren’t limited to just items you need to pick up at the grocery store. I make to-do lists for books to read, restaurants to try, quotes that mean something to me, movies I want to see, names I like, recipes to make, clothes to buy, etc. I basically take notes on everyday life.

Usually I keep a running tab of these lists in my email drafts folder. I may or may not remember to refer to them.  Oh well — at least I try! But now I’ve found a website that will help you keep track of all your running lists and even remind you to check them out again.

The site is called Pistashio and it allows you to “stash” links and items to check out later. The creators have broken the lists up for you into categories. These are Eat & Drink, Watch, Read, Listen and See & Do.  I like all these categories — but I wish I could change some of them and add my own.

One of the things that I really like about this site is that you can share your lists on social media sites and set reminders. The reminders will nudge you to check out your lists and take action on them.  Pistashio is like if your to-do list and Read It Later had a baby.  Check it out and let me know if it helps you keep your lists straight.

Spice Up Your Wedding Shoes

Jay and I have two weddings to attend next month. I’m reminded of the stresses that a bride will go through to make her wedding “different.”

My good friend Arianny Rodriguez, is the owner of Bridal Shoe Style and thinks that your shoes are a great way to make your big day unique. So she’s given us a checklist with some ideas.

Wedding Shoes Your Guests Will Never Forget

by Arianny Rodriguez

We’ve heard it before – people saying “I have 5 weddings in the next 6 months!” They are more annoyed than excited for each of the couples entering a new and happy stage in their life. Wedding after wedding, they all start looking the same.

If you are a bride and want to stand out, why not do it with your shoes? They are hidden under your dress but it doesn’t mean they don’t get noticed. As soon as the formal ceremony is over, your dancing feet will pop out from under that mountain of satin or tulle and the guests will surely take notice. Make a memorable moment out of it with these simple ideas for shoes: Read more

How Do You Do It All?

I’m a big Sarah Jessica Parker fan — since the days of Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and that City.” Her latest film, “I Don’t Know How She Does It” tells the story of a working mother who aspires to do it all!

I don’t even have kids yet and I know exactly how her character feels!  Trying to keep it all together at work and at home can leave you overwhelmed and frustrated. But as Sarah Jessica’s character has found — making a to-do list (even if they are in your head) will help you to prioritize and get more done. It will also help to keep you focused and save you time and money.

When you’re running on empty try to remember:

1. It’s OK to not be perfect all the time (this coming from a perfectionist!)

2. Give yourself a break! You are juggling your life, your family’s lives and all your responsibilities at work. Take some time out for yourself to recharge and do whatever you want to do. Even if that means watching the Golden Girls and eating popcorn!

3. Ask for help.  No one will think less of you if you reach out for a little assistance. Two heads are better than one — most of the time.

4. Just say no. Of course you want to help with the bake sale and take the lead on a project at work — but if you can’t do it all, then don’t. It’s OK to say that you can’t pile one more thing onto your plate right now. If that means taking a hiatus from your book club — then so be it!

What’s your secret for juggling your work, family life, hobbies and social lives?