In keeping with last month’s blog about planning I want to transition into Fall Fine-tuning.  We don’t have to make Spring the only time that we clean out our closets, drawers, etc.  Make time in the fall to clean out files, clothes, pictures, makeup, books, sporting gear and equipment or whatever needs thinning out.  Try donating books to a local school or library.  Clothing is always needed, try finding a place that will help clothe people looking for work like Dress for Success, it is such a good feeling to help others succeed in life.  A place like Boys and Girls Clubs is a wonderful place to donate toys, books or craft supplies.  Local churches or Temple’s are another place to consider when making donations of used or slightly used items.  This will get you in the spirit of giving just in time for the holidays to begin.

*JAJ TIP*  If it is too overwhelming for you to start a project like this, contact Just Ask Jen or a local organizer to come in and help you through the process.  I get anxiety when it comes to getting rid of clothes, if this is the case for you have a personal shopper or close friend come and help thin out your closet.

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  Keep a small space in your closets/cabinets to put items that you are deciding whether to keep, donate or toss.  If you do not use these items for an extended period of time, ask yourself “will I need/use this anytime soon?”

*TECH TIP*  Another option/idea is to Download an app like Poshmark to sell used or unused items. You can then put the money towards new or updated items.

This time of year can be overwhelming.  As summer ends and the holidays ramp up, going from the fun carefree days of summer back to the grueling days of work and/or school can seem daunting.  At times, it can seem impossible to manage it all.  In an effort to curb your anxiety I suggest you start planning at the beginning of August so upon your return to your daily routine you feel organized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.  Another option is to get fall planning done before summer starts, like in May for example.  In some instances that may not be possible but when it is it can be an amazing time saver.  For example, at the middle of the year I like to look ahead to the second half and note all birthdays and occasions so I can start gathering ideas, gifts, cards, etc.  Do not feel like you have to do it all, Just Ask Jen is always here to lighten the load. 

*COMPANIES I PROMOTE* Just Ask Jen can be your personal concierge, contact us today to make your life easier.

*JAJ TIP* Print out or buy a paper calendar, this makes it easier to see what you have planned and when you are free.

*TECH TIP* Online searching is a great way to brainstorm for future task/event ideas.  Use the notes app on your phone to keep a list of ideas as you come across them.  I like to sort my notes by title as if they are folders.  I use the top line like a folder tab so I can easily find things I am searching for or adding to.

I have now been to two Teatro ZinZanni shows in Chicago. Love Chaos & Dinner is their newest show. The first time was amazing. The second time did not disappoint either.  With raunchy humor, acrobatics and a touch of magic there was something for everyone.

As you enter the Cambria hotel from Randolph street in Chicago’s theater district you are transported to a tent within a high rise hotel.

The space is cozy as you are escorted to your table. You will indulge in spirits and food over the next couple of hours as your senses are delighted by the incredible entertainers.

Your ticket includes the meal and the show. You can upgrade items if you wish. And come prepared to be part of the show. Especially if you are in the front row. The quick witted banter they had with audience members had everyone laughing hysterically.

*TECH TIP*  You can get tickets online here https://zinzanni.com/chicago/

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  To make the evening more fun, find something fabulous and wear it!  Whether it be something sparkly for the ladies or something dapper for the guys it is always more fun when you dress the part.

*JAJ TIP*  If you are planning to drive you can prepay for parking at a discounted rate here https://www.iparkit.com/locations/theatre-district-parking?start=2024-03-14T19:30:00.000Z&end=2024-03-14T20:30:00.000Z&timezone=America%2FChicago

Do you have credit cards with rewards that you can use for travel, gift cards, merchandise and other miscellaneous perks?  I feel like most people do and maybe do not know about it, have never used it, or could never figure out how to use it. As a concierge it is my job to offer you the service of assessing if you have these benefits and if so helping you to use them.  I, myself, was looking to plan a fun overnight and it prompted me to look into my own rewards.  Summer is the perfect time to look at this and start rewarding yourself.

You should be able to use your points by simply logging into your account and finding the Rewards option.  Some companies have phone numbers you can call to have a specialist book/use your benefits for you, keep in mind that fees may apply. 

When using your rewards be wise and look to see if it cost you more than just paying for the same thing.  A lot of the time it is not worth wasting the points. I find it most useful when I want to do something extra nice or exclusive.

Have fun exploring your reward options, and have even more fun using them.

*JAJ TIP*  I prefer to use my points for Travel.  It always feels more like I am rewarding myself  by going somewhere fun and making memories with my family. 

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  Take a look at the reward site and look at all of the benefits they offer.  Would you prefer gift cards, items, or points applied to a purchase price.  Planning this out ensures that you will get the most from your benefits.

*TECH TIP*  If you have multiple cards with benefits it is wise to login to the accounts and assess if the points being used are equal, you may find one uses less points for the same benefit.

The end of the school year is quickly approaching and if you are a parent like me you either have planned or are planning your summertime activities.  When it comes to camp choices you have a variety of options.  You can do sleep away camp or day camp, in-state or out-of-state, and the options for type of camp seems to be endless these days.  There are language camps, religious camps, sports camps, arts camps, and the list goes on and on.  Just pick your child’s desired interest and start searching.

The last few years I have found that to keep it fun I change it up by planning half of the summer at one camp and the other half at a different camp.  Be sure to look to your local Park District for their offerings. They usually have a large selection of options and may even offer discounts for residents.

The goal is to change it up, make it different and more fun than the school year.  Finding camps catered to your child’s passions will bring them joy, build confidence, and hopefully help them create friendships that will last a lifetime.

*JAJ TIP*  Camp can be super expensive so be sure to plan early, offerings come out in March most times, so you can take advantage of the Early Enroll discounts leaving you with more money for other things.

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  Whether its packing a snack/lunch for the day or packing bags to go away, I recommend making a list of items needed and preparing the night before so all that needs to be done is bag and go.  For sleep-away start planning what to pack in March in case you need to order items with your camper’s name on them, this allows time to get and exchange if needed.

*TECH TIP*  Do a general internet search using keywords “camp”, year, zip code and type of camp. Www.summercamps.com is a good place to start looking for camps, then you can further search as you come across other ideas.

For a limited time Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach Florida has added a big top to their parking lot.  I highly recommend this all ages show!  And if you can afford to I also highly recommend getting VIP Tickets.  Premium seating, beverages and cocktails, food, popcorn, meet and greet with the performers, souvenirs and private restrooms were all included in this ticket’s price. This was a true VIP experience which I find is rare these days.

Cirque is a favorite of mine and this show was another stunner.  Every production is unique and always has amazing acrobatics, creative costumes, humor and set design that is out of this world.  Echo “explores the delicate balance between people, animals and the world we all share”.  The show had a cube that was a true masterpiece.  Every part of the show incorporated it and transformed how it looked and what it was being used for.  Whether it be the performers resembling different animals, or gigantic characters doing their thing there was something for everyone to enjoy.  This show was about 2 hours and five minutes with an intermission midway through, it was the perfect length keeping everyone interested.

If you are looking to have your senses delighted look no further, this outing will create memories that will last a lifetime.

*TECH TIP*  Purchase your tickets from this site https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo and remember the show ends April 21st, so act fast!

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  When planning your excursion think of who you want to go with, how you want to get there and if you want to make it an afternoon or evening outing.  With small children you may want to go to the afternoon show so they are sure to enjoy.

*JAJ TIP*  When you enter be sure to get a picture of you and your group in front of the Step-And-Repeat this will make for the best keepsake picture.

Once a week I have a job as a Girl Scout leader, to enhance the girls’ learning we did a project that made me think of you, my reader.

We had the girls plant some seeds with the hope that herbs would sprout up.

Herbs are a great way to start if you want to test out your green thumb.  You should begin by looking for seeds you want to plant.  I like Basil as it is hearty and easy to grow, so is Rosemary.  Plant what you will use.

Herbs can be grown indoors or outdoors.  They are great because you can just snip off what you need, when you need it.  Saving money in the long run if you cook or use the herb often enough. 

When it’s time to harvest your herbs and you find that you have an abundance and need to trim to produce regrowth, you can either freeze the herbs or give them away for others to enjoy.  Herbs can be grown for medicinal purposes as well, another amazing use.

Have fun and happy planting.

TECH TIP:

Go online and check out these sites for inside growing ideas.  https://aerogarden.com, https://mygardyn.com/

ORGANIZATION TIP:

Before planting your pot, think through what you will be planting, how much room will it need as it grows, what kind of drainage will it need?  Thinking ahead will prevent you from having to move the plant as it grows possibly killing it.

JAJ TIP: 

Plant things in your garden that you use or need in your life.

Do you and your family love going to museums?  If you find that you are going to the same museum more than twice a year, it may pay off to get a membership.  You may even get more than you pay for with a reciprocal membership, that is one that works at multiple museums.

This thought came about because we went to a museum we had been to a couple of times one year and we found out that they had a members lounge during the holidays (a room that is no longer accessible to the public).  We wanted to have access to the snacks, crafts and of course the festive hot chocolate.  We joined that day and have now celebrated two holiday seasons at this museum.

Memberships help to fund research, curate exhibits, update museum campuses and more.  The benefits to membership are many.  Admission to the museum, admission to ticketed events, discounts at the store and restaurant(s), member events and publications, and depending on the museum other wonderful perks.

If you have a reciprocal membership you can really max out your variety.  Collaborations between museums may extend discounts, free admission, newsletters and much more.  Have fun doing the research and becoming a museum-goer.

TECH TIP:

Search Museums and the City you live in or nearby to see what is of interest to you and your family.  Look through the museums website to see what they offer as far as attractions and amenities go.  Sometimes you can purchase a membership right from their site.

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

Make a list of all of the museums that interest you.  Do any of them offer reciprocal memberships?  Be sure to compare them and see which would be best for you and your family at that time. 

JAJ TIP: 

You can rotate museums or just try a new museum annually if you would prefer variety. 

Did you get a new puppy for the holidays?  Are you thinking of getting one soon?  Pet ownership can be so fun and rewarding, especially if you put in the time upfront. Just like with kids, I believe the formative years are from birth to about three to five years old. If you can build a solid foundation, the relationship can end up being one of your most treasured.

Start by looking at breeds to see which best suits you and/or your family’s life style.  When you are ready to start looking, always go to local shelters to see if they have a pet that meets your needs. You will be potentially saving their life, and sometimes they turn out to have less issues than dogs from breeders. Look to your local county pound or an organization like www.PawsChicago.org for your next pet.

Training should begin immediately. Even if you do not think they are learning, they are.  The repetition of cues builds daily until it becomes rote and they are acting just like one of the family members. Start simple with Come, Sit and Stay.  PetSmart has great classes and there is even a training app I recently came across called ZigZag.

It is important to go to see a vet right after you get your new pet to make sure the pet is free of any fatal things that could cut your time together short and to be sure you are up to date on all important shots and get routine medicines started (ie. Flea, Tick, Heartworm, etc.).

Puppies are one of life’s greatest joys, just like kids, be sure to enjoy every moment it goes by fast!

TECH TIP:

www.AKC.org is the best place to find all things puppy. From Breeders to Veterinarians to Training.  I highly recommend starting here to pick your breed and go from there. 

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

Be sure to have things planned before you get the puppy home.  What vet will you use?  Do you want a trainer to help, do you need to find a trainer?  Do you need collars, leashes, beds, bowls, food, toys…organizing beforehand will take a lot of stress away so you can just enjoy your new family member.

The holidays really are the best time of year. For a month or so you have non stop events, feasting with family and friends, traveling and what seems like never ending gift giving.

Make this a December to Remember by doing for someone in need.  Is there a charity you like? Do they offer a way for you to volunteer to help wrap, shop, serve food, make cards, or something else?  Giving this way benefits both parties and leaves them feeling good.

Giving money is always nice, but I have found that buying gifts for a family, serving food in a soup kitchen or just stuffing envelopes is far more rewarding. You get to see the difference you make, that is an invaluable gift in and of itself.

Happy holidays and happy helping.

TECH TIP:

If you do not have a charity you work with you can always turn to www.charitynavigator.org where you can search by cause for reputable charities.

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

You can make a list of charities you are interested in and then you can call them and interview them to see if it is a fit. After your call make notes of what you would want to do for that charity based on their needs.