Tag Archive for: listproducer.com

Back to School Organizing Tips

I’ve been posting about “back to school” a lot lately. I really loved school — my husband thinks I’m a total nerd. But I must confess — high school and college were my favorite. I really love learning, reading and discussing. I think that’s why I love journalism so much — you get to research and become and expert on a number of topics daily. And in a week — they don’t matter anymore and you’re on to something else. It’s great for a short attention span.

But I think being organized really helped me to succeed in college. To help out the less organized I made a checklist for back to campus and got a list from my mother-in-law for parents. And now my friend Scott Gamm, who has blogged here before giving great financial advice, has mentioned me in his slideshow on Mainstreet.com. The slideshow is all about how to be more organized when you hit the books. Check it out and let me know what you think.  I’m slide #3 if you have a short attention span.

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Wine Collecting List

I’ve said it before — I only drink water, tea and wine. I still haven’t thrown my wine tasting party but I plan on doing it in the fall when all the summer craziness dies down. Jay and I belong to a wine club, which helps us out when we want to try something new.

Speaking of wine — I’ve had Gary Vaynerchuck guest post before — he’s a wacky wine guru and social media ninja.  If you want to know anything about either of those topics — Gary is your man. I have to confess that Pinot Grigio is still my go-to wine. I know, I know — Gary is going to yell at me again. But what can I say — I’m a creature of habit!

I’ve never thought about collecting wine as a hobby simply because I drink it too quickly to collect it. But it sounds cool enough. Here’s Gary’s list for collecting vintage wines.

  • Wine collecting is one of the most profitable ways to invest. If you buy at the right time, there’s some serious return if you hold on to some of the most highly collectible wines out there.
  • If you’re keeping wine for the long term, it’s absolutely imperative to keep the wines in a cellar environment (55 degrees Fahrenheit and 75% humidity). When you’re reselling wine, the location where it was stored makes or breaks the value.
  • What makes a wine collectible? Pedigree of winery/vineyards, score, and vintage.
  • If you’re cellaring for yourself instead of pure investment, know what you like! It’s the most crucial point to enjoying wine, just like food. Don’t be ashamed if you like sweeter wines or only like whites. There are a ton of great and age worthy wines in other categories than reds.
  • It’s always a good idea to include ‘cellar defenders’, that is nice wines that can be drunk on the shorter term and will also save some of the most prized bottles in your collection if you have guests over. No need to open up that bottle of ’82 Lafite when you can have a drink now Bordeaux!

Gary Vaynerchuk is the New York Times bestselling author of “Thank You Economy” and “Crush It.” He’s also the founder of DailyGrape.com where he tastes several wines a day and tells you exactly what he thinks! He also recently launched a DailyGrape app.

Vacation Planning Made Easy With a List

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.

Avoiding Stupid Mistakes With a Checklist

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

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