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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Trim Touch-Ups and Molding Make-Overs: A Guest Post

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjt00U-31YTG3_Imxl3bW_ZreUrn328GsHv58RH7R1Vw0282RrOrSY5JVLumMfFczPNOB9Vr1DiVsz3iFoApaxcMIwxIH5ZY9bGPlT-hIQVof6X51Ks0PeFL2BGVFPNUtIlMNTUcLAOaI/s1600-h/Photo%252520Sep%25252023%25252C%2525208%25252021%25252041%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg">.</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1KgOsoGa6YegIvQyEnBB2g9za0FSMrJF6pUNnTkDDtA-cF3YOjMhRDaKX3N4Ia2xK9BsXlyihLIztEBDwMpk1WF5kIKVLfZmNQUpgzKUJw_RO9EMB3pGJe6DXQr9GgIXUWNOTRcq/s1600/Photo+Sep+23,+8+21+41+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1KgOsoGa6YegIvQyEnBB2g9za0FSMrJF6pUNnTkDDtA-cF3YOjMhRDaKX3N4Ia2xK9BsXlyihLIztEBDwMpk1WF5kIKVLfZmNQUpgzKUJw_RO9EMB3pGJe6DXQr9GgIXUWNOTRcq/s640/Photo+Sep+23,+8+21+41+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Much like the effect created by a hand with painted fingernails, the trim and molding in your </div><div align="center">home can either elevate or cheapen the look of a room in one fell swoop.</div><div align="center">Think about it: people who chew their nails try to hide that fact by slapping on a coat (or five)</div><div align="center">of paint. But that superficial bandage doesn't address the root of the problem...they're still nail </div><div align="center">biters!</div><div align="center">Inevitably, those who bite their nails wind up chipping the paint, and at the end of the day, they'd</div><div align="center">have been better off leaving their nails bare because all the painting did was draw attention to the </div><div align="center">poor condition of the nails.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBp__bfNRypjZJr0cQbPzodHQMGJeTexK8EJjwAIa2tPNHQ7nhiNM7TWc4Bo5VjpMINA7HDol1Lfg3bDPg1rHOwqpx1mAqJYMiQ7-kvUpaqhkN7dW4nIRhw5HsLcfq9MD8i_aq7wl-XSD/s1600-h/Photo%252520Sep%25252023%25252C%2525208%25252012%25252052%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Sep 23, 8 12 52 PM" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CYkFHaAG1fgmcMvl-4oCdXmMaVSDZ-Hr-GHeoHIQFvefi4KjhecLMLQvpVKgO84-EiOUO-Xuzej1X7oZ5sgs_Q6MaJ2d5FALVDhk7BT2JrtoUdBIabuYlwqP1G_KVxs8XPBVw73-jsIw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Sep 23, 8 12 52 PM" width="700" /></a></div><div align="center">The bottom line is that painting your fingernails only works when the underlying nails are in</div><div align="center">great condition, and this philosophy also applies to the trim and molding in a room.</div><div align="center">If you try to hide the underlying damage to your woodwork - like scratches, dents and dings – </div><div align="center">by slathering on coat after coat of paint, you merely highlight the problems instead of concealing </div><div align="center">them.</div><div align="center">Fortunately, you don't have to scrap your trim and start from scratch because the medicine for </div><div align="center">what ails your molding is within your grasp!</div><div align="center">Here are some inexpensive ways to repair your room's trim and molding to make even the worst </div><div align="center">woodwork look flashy, pampered and polished in a flash!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFyHGiyvBqIyHT8qbT6CRDk240_uL7N70TgUPOOuc_BVpkeG1WKnfGa5w2kTPG-5q9zsJddT01QjPiAoWNW9AoeKB_2XfEn9oYw23A9jmzA849SFXoTtT-YRhjCDhSyDEY_3b3PiT3Kl9/s1600-h/65a7e03f-21d6-4fd8-b17d-27d7a75bd30c_300%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="65a7e03f-21d6-4fd8-b17d-27d7a75bd30c_300" border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tqETycJjQ9rEULxigfDcvhSdWn0zsKziSNO1PmR1mfzi4Tg8gYE4td6WINlqTkU4NDiq7aiG-YgbQBR7V84AltyjhV80p5q8JSafC42llF1bxkTSCWpq6YiH0Y8iHXLWu27sukpW0qNQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="65a7e03f-21d6-4fd8-b17d-27d7a75bd30c_300" width="504" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Trim Toolkit</strong></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center">Here are some of the tools you should have at the ready when you're undertaking a trim or </div><div align="center">molding repair:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>Wood Putty/Filler</strong></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center">There are tons of wood repair products available on the market in a multitude of colors (premixed to match your existing wood stains) but a safe bet for an all-purpose trim repair product </div><div align="center">is one in a natural color. This way, you can repair your gouges and paint over them without </div><div align="center">worrying about color inconsistencies.</div><div align="center">*Tip: Using a more substantial product like wood putty or filler is great for pet-originated issues </div><div align="center">like chewed up baseboards or trim that has been used as a scratching post.</div><div align="center"><strong>Putty Knife</strong></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center">A putty knife is something everyone should have, whether they own or rent, due to the multifunctional aspects of this handy little tool. Not only can you apply wood filler to damaged trim, </div><div align="center">but you can also use it to fix holes in drywall, as well as many other DIY repair projects.</div><div align="center">And the best part is that a plastic one (2" wide or less) can be had for about a buck!</div><div align="center"><strong>Sandpaper</strong></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center">You can use either sandpaper or a sanding sponge for your trim repair toolkit, just be sure you </div><div align="center">use one designed for "fine" sanding.</div><div align="center">An easy to use option is a dual-angled sponge that allows you to address the decorative crevices </div><div align="center">in your woodwork as well as the flat surfaces.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>Wet Sponge</strong></div><div align="center">A wet sponge is always good to have on hand during molding repair for a number of reasons, </div><div align="center">the main one being clean-up. For example, if you need to tighten up the perimeter of a repair job </div><div align="center">(too much caulking or wood filler smeared around the edges, etc.), a damp sponge wipes away </div><div align="center">any excess.</div><div align="center"><strong>*Tip:</strong> A quick wipe with a wet sponge before you sand will help keep the dust to a minimum!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59-SP7uupYHiq7i3zkFa2Se0fW1WkqIK9T5fte9LEC8b-xMWR8lfSy94hiEZGEmdeYeXF6eYaISJcdQyMh9od21-co7N6tsXMaIt7yNssRrQio5UZve4ZmAjnI6fwUcaufqAweimu3taV/s1600-h/Photo%252520Sep%25252023%25252C%2525208%25252003%25252012%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Photo Sep 23, 8 03 12 PM" border="0" height="846" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7xfQzbqaCxBsllySFOPhgY2M0OlHjWWEDCnZJEhI2hAq2U8tYBGE0R74zttzuispVrDjiOAFALthC-aVMFa1FZIsbSMZZzhZFpueBwAha_Ic7GQO_aKgE6WN-Dzutn8jcl82Bg9NyRag/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Photo Sep 23, 8 03 12 PM" width="604" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Caulking</strong></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center">This is an essential item for your DIY arsenal! Not only can you use caulking to repair cosmetic </div><div align="center">issues with your trim, but you can also use it to weatherize your doors and windows – leading to </div><div align="center">even more savings now and in the future!</div><div align="center">Moreover, caulking will solve many woodwork inconsistencies all on its own:</div><div align="center">• Use a bead of caulking to seal gaps in between window ledges and the rest of the </div><div align="center">casement.</div><div align="center">• Caulking fills in the small holes that result from nailing in your baseboards and shoe </div><div align="center">molding/quarter round.</div><div align="center">• If you have mitered edges that do not line up exactly, a quick application of caulking can </div><div align="center">create the appearance of perfect alignment.</div><div align="center"><strong>*Tip</strong>: If you're repairing trim or molding in the bathroom, use a mold and mildew-resistant </div><div align="center">caulking that addresses those ever-present bathroom concerns due to the heightened humidity </div><div align="center">and moisture levels.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5SEcQwkpgz4uttb_Lk9hnjIo8bz_OQAoterR4r_PgyR4Rera3z4RLkyu4kXAQfCLTuWVU0Y3P4p70Gx4E5Z3FWqvFH_iqKSIaR7MngRyysv7hSY_Xenp4Kkf20toLWTpa-SDZuvZ09F0/s1600-h/image%252520001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="image 001" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlMKSQLSQZJ7_LqB7RuHCQMJGuaPQdhMoqPJwjuHjc-SiXz9zH8aQ5iu5jcaeWniJoI1Di5098brkeprJUWUyloZnoqKq7AW1Y3pJlEDN4aPLEI1XTt63RvssmKWD_800nwfJUxe8DZU6/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image 001" width="700" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong><br /></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Paint</strong></div><div align="center">Classic white paint for your trim and molding provides that traditional elegance and makes your </div><div align="center">doors and windows really pop!</div><div align="center">However, you can use creativity when painting your trim and go with whatever color speaks to </div><div align="center">you!</div><div align="center">Once they are fully repaired, paint your wood trim pieces with a semi-gloss finish to really make </div><div align="center">them shine.</div><div align="center">A good practice is to work in an entire house woodwork wipe down every couple of months (or </div><div align="center">more frequently depending on your individual circumstances – pets, kids, messy husbands, etc.). </div><div align="center">Sure, it's more work up front but it could save you tons of time and expense in the long run!</div><div align="center">What are some of the ways you have repaired damaged trim and molding in your home?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Thank you so much Angelo for such an informative post!<br /> Angelo DiGangi is a Home Depot sales associate in the Chicago suburbs and is a frequent</div><div align="center">contributor on windows and <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Doors-Windows-Doors-Entry-Doors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZasim/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&searchNav=true" rel="nofollow"><strong>doors on Home Depot's website</strong>.</a> Angelo provides tips on both </div><div align="center">exterior and interior doors, as well as <strong><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials-Moulding-Millwork-Moulding/h_d1/N-5yc1vZara1/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&searchNav=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DIY advice on topics related to molding</a></strong> and other trim. Blessings and a wonderful day to everyone. XX</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{images: nicety_journal}</span></div>

Trim Touch-Ups and Molding Make-Overs: A Guest Post

. Much like the effect created by a hand with painted fingernails, the trim and molding in your home can either elevate or cheapen the look ...

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Blogging Tip.

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srjF4cKqToo/Uh9SzEOmn5I/AAAAAAAAHqg/3o9zVYqM804/s1600/8077f414-c572-42df-ae55-636c74763e4e" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srjF4cKqToo/Uh9SzEOmn5I/AAAAAAAAHqg/3o9zVYqM804/s640/8077f414-c572-42df-ae55-636c74763e4e" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4683790412157599877" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />Being yourself might not make you popular, but authenticity is more important in my book. It makes for more lasting and meaningful relationships in the long run. I love my little blog circle; old and new friends.  Blessings and have a beautiful day everyone! xx<br /><br />

Blogging Tip.

Being yourself might not make you popular, but authenticity is more important in my book. It makes for more lasting and meaningful relations...

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How I Clean My Terracotta Pots.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquQQ4GyBr4zD_Yi1wqMKvOeqwLXLla_Tu55qSyTZZDGgwI4ARyvMDx0Lnei_z_r4xISBh4UbZuxgxiM25HXrPWQe7Bib24nc6SXcTtzfOffj3sSiwvRl40Heb4KxU0Swyd3pIVC0dUe5w/s1600-h/IMAG1199%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG1199" border="0" height="1004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7l7lvkCyQVFcvz-IbHoMKMhhSkRFPvZRqCxhIV9utAETNwPJeZnQLwqV76gBBYr7joCJju4C5C0Jg9vPWEPusLlYfaxLPqGmxwAeMW21JjEZP3l4xsuH1Ft8Hhjja2c9CAcuas3_FhMJT/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG1199" width="604" /></a><br /><div align="center">Unfortunately I left some of my pots out in the elements and as a result, I had to give them a good cleaning before planting. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #c0504d; font-size: large;"><strong>Very Simple Cleaning Tips:</strong></span></div><ul><li> <div align="center">I filled a spray bottle with 50/50 percent solution of water and vinegar</div></li><li> <div align="center"></div></li><li> <div align="center">I used one of those non abrasive scouring pads  to scrub and that’s it! You can also use a bottle cleaning brush or other type of brush to scour away the grime. Personally, I don’t strive for a glistening clean pot on the outside. However, it’s a great idea to get all that stuff out from the inside before doing any fresh planting.</div></li></ul><br /><img border="0" height="461" src="http://s3.favim.com/orig/42/black-blue-butterfly-colors-green-Favim.com-356450.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="696" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://favim.com/image/356450/">via</a></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Sending lots of healing love and light to all affected by this disaster in Oklahoma. It’s all been so overwhelmingly heartbreaking to watch.</div><div align="center">Blessings and Happy Tuesday everyone. XX</div>

How I Clean My Terracotta Pots.

Unfortunately I left some of my pots out in the elements and as a result, I had to give them a good cleaning before planting. Very Simple Cl...

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