The "Two" Do List

In our head, on post it notes, on our phones, on random sheets of paper, just a few places where you may find our To-Do Lists.  It inevitable, it cant be avoided, we will always have something to do in the future, how To-Do Lists are born.  Often times, we need to prioritize the things that we want to get done, some things now, some later.  It feels so good to actually check something off of your list, done, completed.  

About a year ago, I started brainstorming, doing little trial and error experiments in an attempt to not be overwhelmed with everything I had “to-do”.  I found it be extremely beneficial, productive and less stressful to have TWO, yes two To-Do Lists. The first list will be those immediate things that you want to complete, based on your load, this can be a daily list or weekly list.  Date it and put everything that you want to finish that day/week. Make sure that it is realistic and can fit within your current typical day/week. Here is an example of my First list:

To-Do Week of 6-7-15

Add slogan under Blog Header

Create listings for Ebay Items

Order Business Cards

Call to make Doctor’s appointment

Verify Blog URL for Pinterest

If you are unable to complete something on your list, you keep it on the list and it will become a part of your next day/week list.  

The second list will be those things that you still would like to complete but dont need to be done right away, typically those things that you would like to complete within the next month or so.

Here is an example of my Second List:

To-Do Non-Urgent

Create Memory Book for Wedding photos

Clean out Filing Cabinet

Move and store outgrown 12month baby clothes

Research professional cameras

Make list of books I have enjoyed reading

Sometimes it helps to have specific lists as well.  Most often, these are projects or new endeavors.  For example, I also have a To-Do: Blog list, these are things centered around my blog that I would like to complete but are not necessarily a priority at the moment.  

For the past year, I have found that by using two or more, to-do lists, I have been more productive, less stressed and more organized.  Whether you use your phone/device, calendar or good old fashioned pen and paper try creating two or more lists of things you need to get done for improved time management and organization.    

Thanks for Reading!

Beauty Supply Store Surprises

As I seldom get my hair and nails done professionally, I am a frequent beauty supply store shopper.  I dont mean Sallys Beauty Supply or any other large chains, just your locally owned beauty supply store, in which you can typically find one or several in EVERY city or town.

My favorite at the moment is a local beauty supply store in Greenville, SC called Beauty & Beauty their customer service is impeccable and they offer an invitation to their frequent shopper discount club just by giving your name and phone number.  Club members get 5% off of every purchase, it may not seem like much but it does make a difference at checkout.  

Just about every time I visit a beauty supply store, I am surprised by something that I see. From my frequent trips to beauty supply stores, I have found that they always have what I am looking for, items are a better bargain and they stay updated including the latest hair and beauty trends.

Here are some items in which you may not know that most Beauty Supply Stores carry. Beauty Supply Stores will be referred to hereafter as BSS.  

Kids Hair Bows- clips, bows, barrettes, the whole nine, most are only .99!  

Makeup- I love to buy makeup from BSS, they have unique brands, colors, trends, everything for a fraction of what you will normally pay

Vitamins/Supplements- Vitamins and supplements benefiting the hair, skin and nails 

Accessories- Scarves, Belts, Stockings, Sunglasses 

Nail supplies- from polish to cuticle nippers you can find just about anything for the nails  

Clothing and Shoes-several of the BSS I have visited have clothing and shoes mostly being the latest trends

Hair, Skin and Nail Treatments- for any hair, skin and nail issues such as thinning hair, skin discolorations and nail fungus

Hair Styling Equipment- A vast selection of Flat Irons, Hair Dryers, Clippers, etc. 

Jewelry- Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Rings, the latest trends with “blow your mind” prices

Clearance Sections- I had to do a double-take the first time I saw a Clearance section at a BSS. For most, you have to really look as they wont always be at eye level or they may be in the back of the store, in a corner, etc so you may have to do some bending and stretching but its worth it.  

For you next hair or beauty need, I challenge you to visit your local beauty supply store, check to see if they have a discount club or something similar and see what surprises you may find.  

Thanks for reading! 

21 Healthy Eating Tips and Tricks you Need to Know

Often times losing weight, getting in shape, eating healthy, etc. can be a challenge. Throughout my years of fitness and weight loss I have tried and learned many tips and tricks that have certainly helped me along the way.  I have compiled 21 of my favorite in which I am confident will aid you if you trying to lose weight, get in shape and/or finding in hard to eat healthy.  

1.  Always add Water

Always have a glass of water if you arent drinking just water.

Drink the water when you are actually thirsty.  Drink the other beverage only when you want something other than water, a different taste, etc.  You are actually quenching your thirst with the water and are less likely to drink too much of the other beverage.  

2. Got a sweet tooth?

Drink a glass of water, brush your teeth or pop in a Listerine strip. Bye-Bye sweet tooth.

3. Eat the healthy foods off of your plate first,

You will get full faster and less likely to overeat the less healthy foods.

4.  Make your own flavored water.  

Fill a container ¾ way with ice and water. Add freshly cut fruit, vegetables, herbs in any desired combinations.  Also experiment with combinations such as cucumber and mint, strawberry and basil, cantaloupe and lime, or blueberry and lavender. Place in the fridge and let the water infuse for at least 2 up to 12 hours.

5. Eat more of the Good Fats

Avocados, Nuts, Eggs, Olive Oil, Fatty Fish

6. Most Satisfying Foods

Popcorn, Oatmeal, Beans, Fruit, Baked Potato.  

These foods will provide more satisfaction when you are hungry and keep you feeling full longer.
 

7. Bright Colors     

Hot colors including red, orange and yellow stimulate your mood and appetite.  i.e. McDonalds yellow arches.  Make sure that the dishes you use are white, pastel or soft toned colors as well as your dining area.  

8.  Serving Sizes are all in the Hand  Check this out

9.  Do Ice Cream Differently

Peel and freeze bananas, put them in a food processor, put fruit or whatever else you would like in and blend.  Viola, you have guilt free, homemade ice cream.  Frozen bananas have the same consistency as ice cream and taste amazing. Add protein powder for an extra boost of protein that you won't even taste.

10. Replace Croutons with Almonds

Almonds have 2x the protein, 3x the fiber and ⅓ of the carbs of croutons

11. Keep a Food Journal

As much as you dont want to or think you dont have time to.  Keeping a journal at least on a temporary basis, is definitely a part of weight loss and healthy eating success. You are more mindful of your food choices, you learn what you can/cannot eat, portion sizes, etc. You really think about what you are putting in your mouth when you keep track of it.  

12. Curve your appetite in between meals

By chewing gum or eat a peppermint

13. If you find yourself eating too fast

Switch and use your non-dominant hand,this will slow down your eating pace and help you feel full before you eat too much.   

14. Make Black Bean Brownies

This may not sound great but they are good! Substituting black bean puree for flour in brownies will help balance blood sugar spikes as well as add protein and fiber to your treats. And it won't change the flavor, so no one has to know about your secret ingredient. This will also make for a gluten-free dessert option.

15. Make your own Popcorn

You can actually make your own homemade microwave popcorn in minutes without the hassle of an air-popping machine or the mess of the stovetop method. Pour a quarter cup of kernels into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe plate, and zap for 2:45. If there are still unpopped kernels, just run them through again.  Feel free to add healthy options such as cinnamon, honey, dark chocolate chips, nuts, etc.  

16. Eat before you Eat

If you know you’re going to a party, a buffet, or a big dinner and don’t want to totally bust your diet, eat one to two cups of raw veggies before hand to give your stomach a bit of a head start so that you dont overindulge.  

17.  Dont Eat From the Box

Dont eat snacks straight from the box, instead get some snack-sized ziploc bags, divide them and place them where you normally put the box.  These also make great on the go snacks to carry with you.  

18.  Cheat

Allow yourself a meal once a week.  It gives you something to look forward to, keeps you from going crazy when dieting, it will not sabotage your diet and the bump in calories will help keep your metabolism up.  

19.  Make healthy substitutes with Yogurt   

Click Here to View Chart

20.  Skinny Baking

Replace half of the oil or fat(Crisco or Butter) in your baking recipes with applesauce. It will make it more moist and less calories.  

21.  Always have a Healthy Snack on Fleek!

This is my favorite and ultimate #1 when it comes to eating healthy.  You cannot predict what is going to happen when you leave your house.  In the event that you need a snack, your blood sugar gets low, you skipped breakfast, whatever be prepared with snacks.  Check out my 10 Healthy Snacks to Throw in your Bag post for some ideas.

If you need any help or have any questions, please feel free to Contact Me (to your right).

Thanks for Reading!!

Information has been courtesy of 1000lifehacks.com, cracked.com, nutritiondata.self.com and World’s Best Kept Diet Secrets by: Diane Irons and my own trial and error methods