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

TOSS IT FLOSSERS!!!! Cleaning your Environment for a NEW energy to flow!

Let’s face it… we live in an extremely fast paced world… some call it a “microwave society”. We don’t always get to follow through on the little things that clear the way for good energy and relaxation! So… I’ve compiled a list of a few QUICK tasks that will help clear your environment and in the process rejuvenate your space and energy!!! I’ve tried them and I must say it works!

1- Clear ALL clutter and junk from your home. This is hard for pack rats!!! BUT… simple rule, if you haven’t used it by the time you found it again… then you won’t need it anytime soon. Toss it! Don’t fool yourself by saying.. “oh, I can sell this on Ebay”. NOT gonna happen. Most of the time if you’re a pack rat, then you’re a procrastinator also. TOSS IT! This goes for your cars, purses, pockets, etc. (no gum wrappers, receipts, loose business cards or flyers) The entry way to your home, under your bed and behind your doors should be free of clutter.
2- Get rid of unwanted gifts and presents. YES, it’s alright to toss those too. I admit I feel bad about throwing out gifts, but if you’re not using them, and they are taking up space, TOSS IT! Besides, your close family and friends know what you like, and will be around to see you enjoy it.
3- ONLY keep photos that remind you of GOOD THINGS & TIMES!!! Toss (or burn) old photos of ex’s, old friends whom with your not so friendly anymore or anything else that brings bad energy or memories! TOSS IT! Put loose photographs in frames, photo albums or a photo box or… do what I do.. use them as postcards!
4- RESOLVE OLD ISSUES! Get rid of flakey friends, lovers and all people who do not have your best interest at heart. This can be hard.. but boy oh boy is it liberating and it feels GREAT! Get rid of old bills… keeping the current one so you can PAY IT! Read your mail OVER your trash can and eliminate junk mail.
5- PRAY & Meditate daily!!! A lot of us “hit the ground running”… and we don’t carve out that time to connect with God. Although we all should be walking in prayer constantly many of us fall short.. BUT.. it will help if you begin starting your day with a period of prayer and meditation. I do this as soon as I open my eyes. It’s a beautiful way to start your day… and a beautiful way to end the day.

Now, don’t try to get this all done in one day… it way take a few weekends to achieve, but once you start to purge and clean your environment, you will notice a different energy surrounding you and your family. Life will not seem as “hurried” and you will ultimately feel more relaxed in your castle. Blessings!!!

RECIPES!! Citrus Basalmic Grill & Zesty Italian Vinaigrette

EASY, QUICK and Delicious!
This is a tradition with my family especially when we're on holiday and a great alternative to the "regular" BBQ chicken! It's tasty with a zing!!! No perservatives! ENJOY!!!!

If you have reccipes.. Please feel free to post!


Citrus Balsamic Grill
(4 servings)

1/3 cup lemon juice
1/4cup Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsps balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp. Chopped garlic
2 ½lbs chicken (thawed)

Combine all ingredients and mix well
marinate chicken for 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator
Grill when ready!!!

(I usually make cuts through the middle of the raw chicken to ensure thorough seasoning and doneness!)

Another GREAT Marinade Recipe to Try...

Zesty Italian Vinaigrette

¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. Minced fresh garlic
1 tsp. Dried parsley flakes
¾ tsp. Sugar
¾ tsp. Dry mustard
1 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Ground pepper

Whisk all ingredients together until well blended.
Keep refrigerated for up to 4 weeks.

Variation- Add ¼ cup soy sauce to recipe and use as marinade for fish and poultry.

NEW FLOSS MOMMA & More!

Hey Ladies... So much going on!!!

Well... We have a new flosser.... Everyone meet Kristi.. she's the founder of Saving Money Mom!!! A great site filled with Money saving ideas for MOM's!!!!! And I have to tell you, she's really GOOD at what she does. Check out her blog...
http://SavingMoneyMom.blogspot.com !!!!

Also.. be ready www.TheLuvSpot.com with Lexi is coming sooner than you think!!!

Congrats to Keya and Snoop on 10 years coming this November!!! YIPPPEEEE!

I also heard the distant sound of a retreat coming soon!!!! It's time!!!!

EARLY VOTING IN NC!!!! BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

Hello Everyone!!

Early Voting in the State of North Carolina begins Thursday October 16th
and Ends Saturday November 1st. The Sites are Open M-F 8-5 and Saturday
9-1. Please go to Early Voting, so that we can secure this election. An
advantage of Early Voting is that you ensure that if any issues arise, they
can be solved prior to Nov. 4th. Also, you can go when your schedule allows
in a 2 week period vs. one day! In addition, you can register to vote
onsite at the One Stop Early Voting Locations!!

The link will give you the One Stop Early Voting Sites, listed by county:
http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/content.aspx?id=17

September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month!

Did you know that approximately 1 in 400 African Americans is born with Sickle Cell Anemia. SCD affects many more African Americans than inherited diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Phenylketonuria and Hemophilia. Did you know 1 out of every 10 African Americans have the trait??? ...and when both parents have the trait, there is a one in four chance (25%) with EACH pregancy that the child will inherit the disease????
To show my support to all of those affected by SCD .. including my daughter, Majestique will donate a larger percentage of it's profits for the month of September!!!

For More info about Sickle Cell Disease visit http://SickleCellDisease.org

KARMA KUTIE CONTEST!!! by www.ItsKarmaBaby.com

Here's your chance to let your little Karma Prince or Princess Shine!!! Enter them in the Karma Kutie Contest!!!


For More Info please visit www.ItsKarmaBaby.com

Vineyard Bound...

Ladies.. please email me with a few available dates in 2009 that a Vineyard run may be "do-able" for you. This is NOT a Sista Girl Retreat... this is strictly a much needed VACATION for all us Flossers!!! I'll do the footwork... we'll all split the costs. Info@Majestiqueevents.com!!! Looking to hear from you!
Blessings!
Cha

What's Floss & Gloss????

Floss N Gloss was founded in June of 2002 by Charna Little and Ushanda Johnson. This organization is about providing women a positive outlet. It is designed so progressive sistahs can meet, relax, mingle, network, and support each other while letting their hair down and exhaling. Our foundation is built on positivity and sisterhood therefore, negative people their thoughts and or ideas will not be admitted. Our goal is to enrich each other’s lives in any way possible and to help uplift and encourage those of us who need it. It is also our goal to excel in what we do, educate our children, and ourselves and enjoy life. Floss & Gloss will also serve as a non-profit organization and will serve the community as well.

What are our members up to???
Toni is almost finishing school... she'll be earning her Masters in Accounting & is a new home owner!
Charna has an Event Planning, Gift Basket and Spa Product company!
www.MajestiqueEvents.com or www.MajestiqueSpa.com
Kim is working on her blueprint for K. Athill Consulting Firm!
Crystal is the owner & director of TheBlackSpotlight.com
Nicole is soon to be wed and growing is expanding her career as a Make Up Artist.
Sherrie ~ (New Member) is establishing MahoganyBlu.com (A networking & referral service)
Basmatie is the owner of the online boutique www.ItsKarmaBaby.com!
Adrienne is back in School earning her degree in Business Mgtmt.

More Updates to come!
What’s ur thang... let us know!!!!
If you have a blog... let us know so we can LINK UP!!!