Pantry Organization

Organizing your pantry can be a daunting task for many people. Below is a link to an article and how to organize your pantry by color. I organize a ton of pantries and most people like their pantries organized by like items together. Organizing by color makes your pantry a little more fun.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/dailycols/7254409.html

Image courtsey of: Chez Home Ideas

Gaining New Knowlege

I am constantly reading and talking to others in order to gain new knowledge. I find it very important because we never know everything and it is good to get new ideas from various sources. Take advantage of all the free sources that you may have in your area, whether this is small business centers, chambers of commerce, library, etc. This is also a great way to meet other individuals in various industries and network.

Taxes

It is tax time and I know that many of you dread it for various reasons. It really isn't my favorite time either because I always owe what seems to be a TON of money. Here are some ways you can save time and money:

• File your papers throughout the year so they are easy to access when neccessary
• Keep track of all your receipts for expenses (car, home, office, school etc.)
• Keep track of your mileage
• Take advantage of all of your deductions

Go to www.irs.gov to find other great tips.

Photo courtesy of: http://wei.secstate.wa.gov

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

As many of you know I am a huge music lover and go to tons of concerts and music festivals each year. Last night I saw an amazing band called Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. I was first introduced to them at Austin City Limits Festival and have a been addicted ever since. They just make you want to get up and dance. It never fails each time I have seen them, I dance the whole time. I highly recommend you check them out and purchase their music.

http://www.gracepotter.com/

Other People's Love Letters

I know that Valentine's Day has passed, but here is a book that is cute and funny called Other People's Love Letters. You can buy it on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Other-Peoples-Love-Letters-Never/dp/0307382648

Valentine's Day, Keep the Pets in Mind

Today is Valentine's Day and common gifts that many people receive are flowers, candles, candies, etc. Although all those things are nice to have be sure to keep the pets in mind when receiving them. There are many flowers that are toxic like tulips, carnations and baby's breath. Some non toxic flowers are roses, lavender, and some blossoms. Candles can harm pets if they get to close and burn themselves. Also, certain candies especially chocolates can be very harmful to pets. So this Valentine's Day keep your pets in mind. Here is an article that expands more on the topic.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/morning_news/110210-pets-of-the-week

Some eco and non-toxic options on Valentine's Day include giving succulents, herbs or native flowers. Buy fair-trade chocolates and give soy candles.

Love Letter

As many of you know I am obsessed with handwritten notes. I think that it is something that is slipping away and getting replaced with email. Personally I love receiving handwritten notes in the mail. Since, Valentine's Day is just around the corner here is a link on how to write a love letter. Although I do disagree with some points in the article like not saying "love" in a love letter.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-keogh/field-notes-for-women-how_b_819888.html

photo courtesy of Pei-San Ng

Been too long.....

I know that it has been too long since I last posted a blog, but a lot has happened. As many of you know I was finishing up my Masters degree and graduated in December 2010. Much of my time the last few months was focused on school.

I hope to continue posting on a more regular basis now. So stay tuned.....