Unravelings

Cell phone etiquette

Fun (from my favorite singer!)

"Fun is about as good a habit as there is."

--—Jimmy Buffet

Something fishy

There's something fishy in my pocket! - More DIY How To Projects

Vacation

"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in."

—--Robert Orben

Photo by Ron Davison

Cool wavy ring

Cool Wave Ring - More DIY How To Projectsm/

Do you support Kiva's decision to allow loan requests from the U.S.?

5 essential ingredients to plan your day

5 essential ingredients to plan your day

by Marcia Francois

As we approach the middle of the year, it seems to get more and more hectic. I thought I'd share some strategies with you that I start off using with my time management coaching clients.

In fact, recently one of them told me, "I can't believe it; I actually have a life again". This was after we started incorporating some of the principles I'm sharing with you below.

1. Block out any appointments Don't only block out the actual time of the appointment; add "getting ready" time and travel time before and after the appointment.

I used to find myself constantly rushing to a regular morning meeting until I realised I wasn't factoring in the 5 minutes I had to walk from my car all the way to the meeting venue. Since I added this time, I'm always the first one there, waiting ;)

2. Do high priority items first

I call this the "Eat the Frog" principle. They're also commonly called big rocks. Big rocks are items of high value and importance.

For a business owner, it could mean working on an income-producing activity and for a stay-at-home mom, it could mean planning your menus for the week.

3. Add in your routines

Do you have an evening routine and a morning routine? We talk in detail about these routines on my Simplify your Life e-course. Routines help your day run smoothly because they're done on auto-pilot.

Some people do a load of laundry every day. This is part of their routine. If they don't do this for a couple of days, life can get out of control very quickly.

4. Don't forget buffer time

Buffer time helps when an appointment runs over or the traffic is bad. Or when something just takes longer to do than you anticipated!

Depending on the situation, you might want to leave 15 - 30 minutes after each appointment or activity so that you're not frazzled when things inevitably don't work out exactly as you planned. This is beside the travel time.

5. Add in some fun

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy ;)

Fun means different things for each of us. Whether it's time to exercise, do some crafts or read, add some fun into your day, every day. Fun also means rewarding yourself appropriately when you are disciplined with those BIG ROCKS I mentioned in number (2).

Now print this article, start with point 1 and keep adding another point every week until you too can breathe again ;)

Marcia Francois is a time management and business organising coach who helps small business owners make the most of their time and get important projects done. Visit Organize your Business for your free 7-part audio series, 7 tips for time-strapped business owners.

Wavy cut paper beads

Wavy Cut Paper Bead How-To - More DIY How To Projects

Teacup pincushion

Cupcake in a Teacup Pincushion (recycled/upcycled/repurposed!) - More DIY How To Projects

Review: Hip Handmade Jewelry

Just out from prolific publisher Kalmbach Books is Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry. Full of projects from the editor of BeadStyle Magazine, Cathy Jakicic, Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry is a fun, innovative collection of projects to tempt the jewelry maker, scrapbooker, or any craftsperson interested in combining memory projects with basic jewelry techniques.

The projects in this book use basic craft materials and beading supplies to turn photos and other mementos into wearable necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more.

The opening chapter outlines all the basics techniques necessary for making the projects in the book. The four project chapters contain clear, easy-to-follow instructions for projects based on themes of Milestones, Hobbies, Vacations, and Remembrances. There is one "Super Quick" project in each chapter. These projects are great for introducing children to the fun of jewelry making. With 250 color photographs, I found the projects in the book visually appealing, with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Some of my favorite projects include Notebook Charm (a Super Quick project that would make fabulous party favors for children's parties), the Sea Glass Celebration necklace, and the Best Sellers set, an incredibly creative use of miniature book images and laminating film.

Well worth a look, you can buy Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry here.