How to Create an Effective To-Do List.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybnMAC1LKbnODU87RwmY_cuTlU9BB7_EwEfpJZ2OPGV0MvvnWiywsELCTT8ivgaXoypTRPUGQXXd4V_tiuGisxxWNc3bTutcZ0C65JSLtXRS9Qr3zKW30DMyJU49USVQOvH5XfEIp/s1600/working.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to create an effective to do list" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybnMAC1LKbnODU87RwmY_cuTlU9BB7_EwEfpJZ2OPGV0MvvnWiywsELCTT8ivgaXoypTRPUGQXXd4V_tiuGisxxWNc3bTutcZ0C65JSLtXRS9Qr3zKW30DMyJU49USVQOvH5XfEIp/s1600/working.jpg" title="how to create an effective to do list" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To maximize my productivity, I had to recently reevaluate my strategies. My first priority was tackling the to do list with things that never seem to get accomplished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">How To Create an Effective To-Do List</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shorten your list</b>.</span> I realize I was being unrealistic by placing up to 10 things that I wanted to tackle in a day. Who was I kidding? Maybe if I had a clone... Limit your list to three things and stay focused on accomplishing those tasks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't Procrastinate</b>.</span> I've fostered a "seize the day" kind of attitude so after my early morning Mommy duties, I turn my attention to my list and start working on the first thing listed. Before noon, I've already accomplished one task or sometimes two depending on the schedule. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Estimate Time</b>.</span> How long will it take to accomplish each task? For me, it doesn't make sense to plan on being productive once the boys are home from school and one only goes twice per week for 4 hours. Therefore, i have to be realistic about how much time I have and how much I can accomplish with the hours in my day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Plan ahead</b>.</span> Utilize the day or evening before to compile your list. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I use to teach, I always had my lessoned plan ahead of time. Imagine going to teach a class and not being prepared? The same thing applies here. Have your to do list completed so you so you are prepared for tackling it the following morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAZKjyuMEsStYHq6eyypBxgo7Ap6jo0xDv53LJy689SjlO2cUIzZoLde2zirEuK5HNL4eB7ASIZG7BzxHKiK17FJeqtQg6-PrCoIlsucPG_-DzChwdDTMR21shcI0iJNJqbt4XvFq/s1600/staceyoffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to create an effective to do list" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAZKjyuMEsStYHq6eyypBxgo7Ap6jo0xDv53LJy689SjlO2cUIzZoLde2zirEuK5HNL4eB7ASIZG7BzxHKiK17FJeqtQg6-PrCoIlsucPG_-DzChwdDTMR21shcI0iJNJqbt4XvFq/s1600/staceyoffice.jpg" title="how to create an effective to do list" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The end of a productive day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's to a productive week for you all. xx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pics: Tiffany Parsons</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

How to Create an Effective To-Do List.

To maximize my productivity, I had to recently reevaluate my strategies. My first priority was tackling the to do list with things that neve...

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Happy Mother's Day: Matters of the Heart

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgVGTeHeZkteKoG5dWEKQhHYVTTReO0ggF340bYGew0Sudq_jjqsDxt1kyiDDf1Pnu1bZEHt5TLYVL7xOzNiW8K-pd7Pu20m3LBEzQvdHJqx38GknhYAWnu0dv8KlIp-B3BwsAZeO/s1600/Mamaandherboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgVGTeHeZkteKoG5dWEKQhHYVTTReO0ggF340bYGew0Sudq_jjqsDxt1kyiDDf1Pnu1bZEHt5TLYVL7xOzNiW8K-pd7Pu20m3LBEzQvdHJqx38GknhYAWnu0dv8KlIp-B3BwsAZeO/s1600/Mamaandherboys.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before Zion was born, I was told by Doctors that I wouldn't be able to conceive. At the time, I was undergoing a series of tests to diagnose the issue of my severe abdominal pains. I was told I had cysts... Anyway, when I was told that I wouldn't be able to conceive, for some reason, I didn't panic, in fact, I didn't embrace it as truth. Fast forward, Zion was born. I was so elated that when I decided to start a blog, I first named it Zion and Design. However, I don't think Ian would've approved. Design Addict Mom was chosen instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqoib2dgFutI2CvJ4UTpuwJjhwuGsLuFtxCGh3uW-KnVha87kakKX3bLRJDK7dI_Alh1VK0hfIbRaRKzyRXIzBDSn0Z90TD1W3dkWx6N1ftSN0I-MZ7sgriN-8oIhuWGFujHgdgk6/s1600/mamasboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqoib2dgFutI2CvJ4UTpuwJjhwuGsLuFtxCGh3uW-KnVha87kakKX3bLRJDK7dI_Alh1VK0hfIbRaRKzyRXIzBDSn0Z90TD1W3dkWx6N1ftSN0I-MZ7sgriN-8oIhuWGFujHgdgk6/s1600/mamasboys.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've embraced motherhood with all of my being and sometimes I briefly think about how I was told I wouldn't be able to have these beautiful human beings. Happy Mother's Day to you beautiful Mamas and if you're trying to conceive, there's always hope! xx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">images: <a href="http://www.leahartmanphotography.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lea Hartman Photography</a></span></div>

Happy Mother's Day: Matters of the Heart

Before Zion was born, I was told by Doctors that I wouldn't be able to conceive. At the time, I was undergoing a series of tests to diag...

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Design Inspiration in Maine.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p0BDTyU6ITu75B6FffBZMaEx9BvRMY0OZJjk2sPcJUuWvG7NmMHpO8QrQS_Es-06nDpBp9zKJtFJWrjZn_hibSqj0zQMuVnn5I1Vot3zILPORAciqM62KLMRzrO0F_XJIcDyBd8y/s1600/maisonamtrak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p0BDTyU6ITu75B6FffBZMaEx9BvRMY0OZJjk2sPcJUuWvG7NmMHpO8QrQS_Es-06nDpBp9zKJtFJWrjZn_hibSqj0zQMuVnn5I1Vot3zILPORAciqM62KLMRzrO0F_XJIcDyBd8y/s1600/maisonamtrak.jpg" /></a></div><br />Seriously the first thing I thought when I saw this was,"What an adorable couple!" I want this to be the hubby and myself one day. They are not only adorable, but super stylish too! You see, the husband, Peter Cohen is a veteran architect of <a href="http://www.dwell.com/design-source/org/peter-m-cohen-associates" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter M. Cohen and Associates</a>. Did I mention that Peter is 84 years old!? Anyway, he designed this home for Sally(his wife) and himself. It's dubbed Maison Amtrak and you can read all about the process <b><a href="http://www.dwell.com/house-tours/article/right-track#13" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbNTum4tCoKCnA5qgcdmTgE9hgjsBofRH7GW4cOW_lbbsonZnWtigASVNshFZZqCwdWiud5M8WYxgF5gtfsZM3iKa4XNwPFPjHc0G_k3dM_ZgXtPPSejR6x9vuGFJYP8GD9EvF7pX/s1600/maisonamtrak1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbNTum4tCoKCnA5qgcdmTgE9hgjsBofRH7GW4cOW_lbbsonZnWtigASVNshFZZqCwdWiud5M8WYxgF5gtfsZM3iKa4XNwPFPjHc0G_k3dM_ZgXtPPSejR6x9vuGFJYP8GD9EvF7pX/s1600/maisonamtrak1.jpg" /></a></div><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">the entrance<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen28ZRwYgmvqw92WOem5K-voPSjFrlTZ59JtJH7yz_s-4kfdZIFILZee4QwyoaEBRn-1W2pL-geCHUc_eYqNXseJI7KBsUOGQdPiINcPEW4oY-vRlDHzliAc9jXg7o4OKtBs-2Y3i/s1600/maisonamtrak2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen28ZRwYgmvqw92WOem5K-voPSjFrlTZ59JtJH7yz_s-4kfdZIFILZee4QwyoaEBRn-1W2pL-geCHUc_eYqNXseJI7KBsUOGQdPiINcPEW4oY-vRlDHzliAc9jXg7o4OKtBs-2Y3i/s1600/maisonamtrak2.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVf4w2fTQ2Q90ujFs0KlWEKY37YkB97n0fN6FCop80N4_YgDFtxBAwfsl0b9PIDm2Rl-9ASJnmqCBZKSPQ7_Ov1Kr2FR1-bAnZcu8V58iESn8uCW2XV2boQqeXPlDaf_btFMKW5qI/s1600/maisonamtrak3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVf4w2fTQ2Q90ujFs0KlWEKY37YkB97n0fN6FCop80N4_YgDFtxBAwfsl0b9PIDm2Rl-9ASJnmqCBZKSPQ7_Ov1Kr2FR1-bAnZcu8V58iESn8uCW2XV2boQqeXPlDaf_btFMKW5qI/s1600/maisonamtrak3.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I am not surprised to see the classic Eames lounge chair  in this setting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOx9bckSl5A60rh8GB7xJBTj_4FirWS_VSIUcEroU5bfSV9_Tj9rhKZJYV7gO8DfX9KfRcv8yr-22fDUOo8flkDg0XCvbAj-t28lSLIJtHZLddOMgezVsSAQ4m5ZGdHItffgYrm-I2/s1600/maisonamtrak4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOx9bckSl5A60rh8GB7xJBTj_4FirWS_VSIUcEroU5bfSV9_Tj9rhKZJYV7gO8DfX9KfRcv8yr-22fDUOo8flkDg0XCvbAj-t28lSLIJtHZLddOMgezVsSAQ4m5ZGdHItffgYrm-I2/s1600/maisonamtrak4.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">books, artifacts, and a place to read...perfect<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzzojTMWLtCHCoH-F_P0exYO4N36-ZiYIVPS-vnRpbLJ2L4oFq-qsYrQnmY2bQrpXHmMZokiHrIgm6wemaZjc91hx2RDaaK6rOgjNsZaD0BKAwaAOGumadQmir9hZWbn7urjCPogP/s1600/maisonamtrak5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzzojTMWLtCHCoH-F_P0exYO4N36-ZiYIVPS-vnRpbLJ2L4oFq-qsYrQnmY2bQrpXHmMZokiHrIgm6wemaZjc91hx2RDaaK6rOgjNsZaD0BKAwaAOGumadQmir9hZWbn7urjCPogP/s1600/maisonamtrak5.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Awww, here's Sally! This is exactly where you would find me too! Check out those planters!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jwNfFMwOJ5pjM-ji10Ive1xdIEB6YDLTAzQmizUkIycG9yI-kQyLFaRwUFLs82I6MQkKkJDBOWJMho4VILuqyv_XkTSIbm9cTu1KHJIEbaoVxRqAX8pczNXEACsVwPmsH7P3lKd5/s1600/maisonamtrak6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jwNfFMwOJ5pjM-ji10Ive1xdIEB6YDLTAzQmizUkIycG9yI-kQyLFaRwUFLs82I6MQkKkJDBOWJMho4VILuqyv_XkTSIbm9cTu1KHJIEbaoVxRqAX8pczNXEACsVwPmsH7P3lKd5/s1600/maisonamtrak6.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And after I'm done watering those flowers, I'd be basking in the sun and natural light here!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnouJJEuSbM1s4OtP_nVR0GzZ_1WKiFcV53PEUCxohcGhYFRYpTlmeUsyG4UzQ1wmcMOUqKw6j3cMkvhJyuD-0xPZWFSckdwOB18EifwyxbA72x78dPG_hjsJM8PUwoJ8ugbCMkzq_/s1600/maisonamtrak7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnouJJEuSbM1s4OtP_nVR0GzZ_1WKiFcV53PEUCxohcGhYFRYpTlmeUsyG4UzQ1wmcMOUqKw6j3cMkvhJyuD-0xPZWFSckdwOB18EifwyxbA72x78dPG_hjsJM8PUwoJ8ugbCMkzq_/s1600/maisonamtrak7.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7vCHzCqmZecltxTLcArmbceD2TLj6kgKu7xXH5QiEE1WIglNtC9HZq0zHoKHYWResaxUjV09T275AVCg90SGE2_YzvCKBHcze63NOuwcKFJCOZP7MPVMm2VhesIU0dx4OMtMWTVY/s1600/maisonamtrak8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7vCHzCqmZecltxTLcArmbceD2TLj6kgKu7xXH5QiEE1WIglNtC9HZq0zHoKHYWResaxUjV09T275AVCg90SGE2_YzvCKBHcze63NOuwcKFJCOZP7MPVMm2VhesIU0dx4OMtMWTVY/s1600/maisonamtrak8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE83oeCYKYICwau9V2vcvDTd3rTUqx43SyPLtV2_LdYwKJK_NCvRf2QQ56-jIOCFv2Ez7v4LGChYrZwJyLtJfNUZAGf9yGC-FY5a4ke7ieR9DjB0yXO0r-y67UP4CC_RkA16OO4d9H/s1600/maisonamtrak10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE83oeCYKYICwau9V2vcvDTd3rTUqx43SyPLtV2_LdYwKJK_NCvRf2QQ56-jIOCFv2Ez7v4LGChYrZwJyLtJfNUZAGf9yGC-FY5a4ke7ieR9DjB0yXO0r-y67UP4CC_RkA16OO4d9H/s1600/maisonamtrak10.jpg" /></a></div>According to an excerpt from Dwell.com: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"A series of long stairs leads to Maison Amtrak, which is set below street level. The entranceway demonstrates Cohen’s love of Japanese design with a geometric simplicity matched only by the formal elegance of the stained Douglas fir two-by-fours."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a darling couple and inspiring design, right? xx</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Photos: <a href="http://www.dwell.com/people/mark-mahaney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Mahaney</a></div>

Design Inspiration in Maine.

Seriously the first thing I thought when I saw this was,"What an adorable couple!" I want this to be the hubby and myself one day....

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