Financial makeover...make more money!

We can cover all kinds of topics on this (major ones are found at redbookmag.com) but a good starting point is finding out if you are underpaid!

You can compare your salary to the industry averages at glassdoor.com - too low?  Consider the best ways to approach your boss for a raise!

Virtual Garage Sales?

Craig's List is becoming well-known as a source for finding (or selling) that special something at just the right price.  But watch out, because Oprah.com (Mar.2012) suggested a new online marketplace:  www.zaarly.com.

I've checked it out briefly, but see what you think...wonder if this is the new "garage sale"?!

Sachets to pack the winter sweaters away

By now I hope we've all said farewell (or good riddance!) to winter!  If so, now is the perfect time to pack your winter clothes away (woolen items, especially sweaters) until the snow flies again.

You can make your own sachets to store along with them in your closets and drawers - they will keep them fresh-smelling and fend away the moths. (Thanks go to marthastewart.com - April '12)

Use cotton muslin bags - small ones like those used to mull spices.  Fill each bag with fragrant dry ingredients such as thyme, cloves, lavender, mint or cedar.  Tie the bags shut and place them in closets and drawers to keep your wardrobe fresh.  (Personally cedar reminds me of my grandparents' attic - I'd say go with lavender, thyme or mint!).

"Pantastic"! (yes it's a pun!)

Ok, so we already know I have unfulfilled dreams of being super-organized and I know all kinds of resources to get me there...I just never quite get to my goal!

But this one idea may get me out of the doghouse with my husband who hates that I haphazardly stack cookie sheets, pie tins, etc. in one sad little cupboard!  One magazine clipping I ran across suggested using a metal file sorter (though I think plastic would be better) to store these pans and cutting boards in.  Makes it easier to find the one you need and keeps them from sliding out of the cupboard. (It's the little things in life!)

Baby Showers Made Simple

So admittedly, I won't be having another child (phew!) and I'm quite a way from being a grandma, but for those who are expecting or know someone who is this link could be your answer to all things baby shower:  www.realsimple.com/babyshowerideas.

They give you ideas for themes, invitations, decorating and refreshments, so relax!  It will be easier than you thought!

Happy Mother's Day!

Keep the "Happy" in Happy Hour

Happy Hour always sounds like a good idea after a tough day, but did you realize that those fun frozen drink concoctions are about 200-500 calories each?  Better ideas?

Try club soda with a slice of lemon or lime.  Wine coolers, mojitos and champagne are also lower calorie drinks.

Stand up for fitness!

If you are like me, you want to exercise...you have great intentions, but it's tough to find the time to fit it in with work, family, etc...I will admit I'm doing better - gym a couple of times a week and one yoga class per week.

But anything that augments this effort would be really helpful!

AZ Magazine (3/12) suggests avoiding sitting as often as possible.  They state that "a sedentary lifestyle can be as dangerous as smoking."    Here are some ways to burn calories by simply NOT sitting!

• Get up from your chair - even if you just stand and do absolutely nothing, you will burn calorie per minute more than sitting and doing nothing.
• Set a timer to remind you to get up and fill a water bottle or take a walk around the house/office.
• Do simple stretches at work/home.
• Stand up while you talk on the phone (even stretches while you are talking).
• Exercise while watching TV - standing, stretching and even doing hand weight lifts.

Stand up for yourself and lose some pounds!