Inspirational Song of the Week.. Sounds of Blackness- Optimistic

Going Green!!! ~ Majestiquely!!!

Going Green …. Majestiquely!!!


This recent fiasco with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has got us all thinking what we can do to save our planet. Big or small, locally or nationally~ were do we begin if we haven’t already started!!! We’ve been hearing for years how our decisions are causing the ozone layer to deteriorate and how we are destroying our rain forests! Sometimes, it takes national disasters to grab our attention and shake us back to reality.

I’ve been reading and searching for ideas for years…and I’ve found a few great things we all can do!

1- TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS WHEN YOU LEAVE THE ROOM!
2- Run your appliances (dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) at night.
3- Grow your own herbs and veggies! Yes, you can do this even if you only have a window sill or patio!! While you’re at it… plant a tree!!!! This will increase oxygen and shrink the ozone layer!
4- Water your outdoor plants and gardens in the early morning or late evening!!!!
5- Buy in bulk. Invest in a membership in your local wholesale club or make nice with someone who’s already a member! This will save you loot and less packaging!
6- Invest in the recyclable bags OR just dig out those old tote bags you never use and keep them in your trunk or under your seat! Eventually, it will become habit to grab them on your way into the store!
7- Keep your AC at 78 or higher and your Heat at 70 or below to conserve energy and reduce heating costs. In the summer, close your blinds during the hotter parts of the day and in rooms that have direct sunlight. In the winter… open your blinds and shades to get all the natural sun and heat you can pull!!!!
8- Donate or TRADE old clothes, toys and furnishings. This will lessen the mountain of unwanted debris in our landfills!
9- For those of you who are allergic to washing dishes by hand – only run your dishwasher when it’s FULL and opt to Air Dry your dishes!
10- Consider organic cleaning products like vinegar, borax and baking soda. AND try the Lemon trick for cleaning your microwave out!!! (hint… it’s an older post right here on MajestiqueWorld.blogspot.com!

Okay, so I don’t overwhelm you… I’ll stop there! But I want you to go full steam ahead! Give the list to your children to get them involved and see what ideas they can come up with! Make it a family project for the summer!!!!

© C. Little – 2010
www.ByMajestique.com

Time Management 101 for the SUPER Busy Mom & Entrepreneur!

Time Management 101 for the SUPER Busy Mom & Entrepreneur!

Greetings to all of my Majestique Friends!!!

I know personally one of challenges of being a business woman/entrepreneur and a WAHM (Work at home mom) is getting and staying organized with your space and your time! Yep... I've been accused of being an organized mess! So, I've spent ample time getting organized and TRYING to stay that way. My challenge is that I have a business that has 3 different focuses... Event Planning (props), Gift Baskets...(more props) and my spa line (supplies supplies and more supplies). Add that to a CRAZY ACTIVE 10 year old girl and the normal hub bub of any house (dance classes, activities, socializing, cooking, cleaning)... and you have INSTANT CHAOS which will leave you pulling your hair out and frazzled beyond words! SO, I thought it would be helpful, if I asked a few of my good friends to chip in and gave their tips on getting and staying organized with your time and business! I'll start...

1- This helps the most for me... I do not leave my house without a LIST!!!! AND, I take time to actually plan my errands... in a clockwise direction... YES, it saves TIME! By eliminating left turns when you can... you shave off TONS of time from errand running!!!

2- I write EVERYTHING down. Ok, I'm the post it queen... and at the end of the day, I take all of my post it's and jot them into my book so I can organize my day and week.

3- May sound corny, but I even plan my meals... (no wonder I'm an event planner)... again, saves time at the store, and less stress come dinner time.

4- I toss junk mail immediately! Don't worry, they will send MORE!

5- EVERYTHING in my office is now in clear storage boxes with labels.... that's ALOT of boxes. LOL

6- I've opted for a delivery service that will pick up my packages for a FREE (USPS)... (less money than the gas I'd have to use to go drop it off! LOL) This saves me about 45 minutes in a day...If I have to drop off, I'll do it without making a left turn. :-)

7. Get into a routine. If it’s possible, where it’s possible. If you have children, it helps a lot for them as well. With lots of practice, and maybe a few adult temper tantrums, your house can run as a well oiled machine.

LAST... I continue to take baby steps.... I try to be realistic about my day... what can I REALLLLLY get done in a day, What NEEDS to be done today and what can wait until tomorrow or next week. We’ve all heard it… Our short term goals vs. our long term goals.

So... jump in and share!!! Maybe we can learn something from each other!!! A few tips I’ve received from my Majestique friends include…
1. Like you I have post it’s everywhere.

2. I read my mail over the trash can, yep no need to hold on to junk mail, other stuff gets shredded.

3. Grocery shopping online - this has been a God send. Do I REALLY need to find somewhere to park, stand in line, deal with the folks who leave their carts in the middle of the lane...NO!

4. Getting some help around the house. Hired someone from a reputable company to help out with the household chores.

5. Eliminate time wasters- people and things. Cut them out! That is the biggest thing to being organized- time management. If folks can't respect your time- cut them out of your life like weeds and what your little garden grow-organized and beautiful!

6. Random emails- respond to those you need to, mark for follow up or unread those that can wait.

7. I keep most of my tasks list and info in MS Outlook. At first the popups drove me crazy, but they were necessary to keep me on track.

8. I also have a pocket calendar and I always carry around a 5x7 notepad so when people call when I'm on the road, I can jot down things quick, fast, and in a hurry, so I won't forget.

9. Like Ms. Majestique, I make sure that I plan my route before I leave the house and drive in a circular motion. My son thought I was crazy, but now that he's driving and having to pay for gas, I see him picking up on it real fast!

10. Thank God for teenagers!! I got them a chore calendar and everyone knows what and when to do what for around the house... I hardly touch a dish or vacuum anymore, hallelujah! And honey, gets a honey do list, too, to help out...

11. Another great tip to share would be delegation. We always are trying to be superwoman and don't realize that many times, by holding on to some tasks that we should let go, we are preventing ourselves from moving to the next level.

So, it feels good to see some duplicates… it makes me feel like I’m on the right track!!! I’ve already incorporated a few of the ideas into my daily routine! I certainly hope this helps you out as well!!!!



Written by C. Little 2008
www.ByMajestique.com

Oven Fried Chicken!!!! ~ A Healthy Alternative

Hello All!!! Thought this would be fun!!! My friends laugh at me all of the time because I'm known for "whippin' up something QUICK"... esp. in the middle of a huge project or order. Here's one of my favorite healthy alternatives to a traditional dish we all love so much!!!

This one is a favorite!!! It frees up your hands and it's Healthy!!!

Oven Fried Chicken

1 beaten egg
3 tablespoons milk
1 cup finely crushed Saltine Cracker
(about 28 crackers)
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2- 3 pounds meaty chicken pieces
2 Tablespoons margarine or butter, melted.

Pre-heat your oven to 375~.

In a small bowl, combine the egg and milk. In a shallow dish, combine the crackers, thyme, paprika, and pepper. Set aside.

Skin chicken. Rinse chicken, pat dry with paper towels. Dip chicken pieces, one at time, in egg mixture, then roll in cracker mixture.

Coat 15x10x1-inch baking dish with non-fat cooking spray and arrange chicken so the pieces don’t touch. Drizzle chicken pieces with melted margarine or butter.

Bake in 375~ oven for 45 to 55 minutes or till the chicken pieces are tender and no longer pink. Do not turn chicken pieces while baking. Makes 6 servings

TAX & BUDGET TIPS by A. C. Jack

TAX SEASON IS HERE....!
By- A. Jack, MD

Here are a few reminders to get you better
prepared (this is a 5-7 day-preparation process- the saving process is
not included).

1.Taxpayers start getting your tax deductible vouchers and receipts in
order according to category ( 1-2 days).

2.Call your mortgage company to see if your statement is available
online prior to 31 January(15-30 min on the phone).

3.If you are a tither at church ask your head Deacon when your financial statements will be available; do you need to pick it up or will it be mailed (this is 15 minutes after Sunday service).

4.Research (2-3 day process)how you would like to have your taxes
prepared.
*Local FREE services are usually available in the
community-usually for those with a limited income ($30K or less).
*Check Staples, Office Depot, or purchase them online download
to your PC (Turbo Tax, TaxCut and TaxACT).
*Do-it Yourself Income Tax Preparation Services Online(Complete
Tax, H&R Block, Rapid Tax & The Masters Tax Service)

5.Get you tax forms online at www.irs.gov if you are doing them by hand
(1 day- if you do not have access to a computer go to your local library
with $3 in change to use the printer- Cost is usually about $.15 to .30
cents a page).

6.Put some cash aside to purchase from the store and for those of you
that got rid of the credit card (CC)this year you can use paypal (many
online purchases depots use paypal-they can deduct funds right from your
checking account).

NOTE: If putting aside cash is a problem for the next two weeks (one pay
period)do this two or all of the saving options below...

1. bring a lunch at work...savings $50-80 dollars
2. brew your own coffee at home or bring in your own tea bags
sugar, etc....($10-20 dollars)
3. do not purchase a soda...savings $10-15 dollars

This will save you $115 max or $70 minimum. This is just an estimate of
your possible savings.

If you start now you should be good to go by 20 January 2010.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT~
Ms. Jack at 301 675-8706
between 6-7:30pm Mon-Thur only

Majestique Recipe! SALT FREE SEASONING!

Holidays are HERE! I thought this would be a good time to post of my favorite blends.... SALT FREE SEASONING!!! With health concerns such as Diabetes and High Blood Pressure... I find this recipe "refreshing"!

Salt Free Seasoning Blend
2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Crushed dried parsley
2 teaspoons crushed dried Basil
2 teaspoons crushed dried Thyme
1 teaspoon Onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground white powder
1/2 teaspoon ground Mace
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

In small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients: stir until well mixed Transfer mixture to seaoning shaker. Makes about 6 tablespoons.
Use to season meats & veggies!

Check back for weekly Holiday recipes and tips!!!!

I LOVE BOO... Just in Time for HALLOWEEN!!!!

Pictured- Jack O Lantern size I Love Boo Halloween Gift Set!

Shop online at www.ByMajestique.com or www.MajestiqueSpa.com !