Hosting an event/holiday is a daunting task for some.  I never shy away from hosting at our home.  I like not having to leave and I like being in charge of…well let’s admit…everything.

So, this year when the question was posed “Should we go out for Thanksgiving dinner?” My reply was more of a decision for them to make.  “I am happy to host but am also game with whatever you all decide.”  I will admit it is nice to have a break every once in a while.

After some back and forth and calling for a reservation at a new local restaurant, it was decided that everyone would prefer the home cooked meal.  Over time we tend to accumulate recipes and as adults we make and recreate things from past family and friend gatherings.  Having these foods becomes tradition and everyone looks forward to that sacred meal.  For example, we make popovers with strawberry butter and a peanut butter cup pie that are a must every year at our Thanksgiving table.

My advice would be to take on the task, accept the challenge. As soon as you accept it, start the planning.  Plan your menu first. This way you and your guests can discuss likes/dislikes, allergies and if they can/will bring something.  The week before, start setting the table so you can plan decor and proper place settings for everyone.  A few days before do the food shopping so you have most everything for your meal. This is also good in case you want to make some things ahead of time. You will want to possibly stop at the store the day before for any last-minute things or items you may have forgotten.  One last thing, I feel is a very helpful idea, is to pace the day of your event. Do what you can in the morning and in the afternoon leading up to that scheduled time.  Do not be afraid to enlist certain family members or friends to help you with food prep, table set, serving and clean up. You will find people would rather help than sit around. Most important is to have fun and enjoy the time with your loved ones.  Happy Hosting!

TECH TIP:

If you are in need of food and décor ideas, I highly recommend www.Pinterest.com   Search by occasion, theme or food category for endless inspiration.

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

Lists.  You can take a piece of paper and block off sections for certain needs.  For example, Food/Menu, Décor, Guest List.  Another page could have a timeline laying out your menu so you can plan what needs to be made and when.  This way your meal is perfect when reaching the table and your guests.

Saying thank you is not very common these days.  Writing and sending “Thank You” notes is even less common.  When I was a kid if I received a gift, my parents would make me write a Thank You note.  This stuck with me my entire life and now I am teaching my daughter the importance of sending them. 

When my daughter was 3, we started writing Thank You notes.  Her notes were much grander than mine as she is quite the artist.  I would write them, and she would do the art.  As time progressed, I began using the time to get her to improve her handwriting and spelling by writing them herself.  Today, at age 8 when she receives a gift, she immediately writes a Thank You note, I no longer have to assist at all.  It is a beautiful sight to see.

The power of a Thank You note is also important to the gift giver.  Like I said, my daughter is quite the artist, her drawings can be found in many homes on walls, fridges and some even carry her art with them.  For real, a person once pulled her thank you note from his back pocket.  The point is that something so simple can leave such an impact on one’s life.

TECH TIP:

If you do not have cards and want to send a quick thank you, you can always send an email.  Make it fun by attaching some pictures for the recipient to see of you opening the gift or card.

ORAGNIZATION TIP:

Make it easier to send Thank You notes by always having them on hand.  Go to the card section at Dollar Tree and look for the packs of Thank You cards, grab a bunch so you are ready for anything.

Heading to Chicago for a fall trip?  Here is an idea that is sure to please.  The Odyssey Fireworks Premier Plus Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River.  We have taken many cruises on the river but none quite like this.

The boat was glass all the way around which allowed for comfortable and incredible viewing of all the buildings up and down the river.  While cruising a four course meal was presented in between city highlights. The cruise  finished with a fireworks display via Navy Pier making this an even more memorable experience.

When you purchase the package, if your budget permits, I recommend adding the photo souvenir, guaranteed window seat and if you have any drinkers get some drink vouchers.

If you want a different view of the city, I highly recommend this.

*TECH TIP* 

 Go to this site to book your experience https://www.cityexperiences.com/chicago/city-cruises/

*ORGANIZATION TIP* 

When planning your experience decide if you want a dinner cruise, a brunch cruise, strictly a sightseeing tour or if you want to see fireworks. Then select the ship and tour that best accommodates those wants.

Fall is a time most people associate with picking produce.  Going to pumpkin patches and/or apple orchards seems like a traditional thing to do that time of year.  What about during the summer?  There can be some incredible finds in the summer on a farm as well. 

Mangos, Avocados, Watermelon, Potatoes, Sweet Corn, Oranges, Tomatoes, Cantaloupe, Papaya, Carambola (Starfruit), Peanuts and Mushrooms are just some “in season” items you may be able to pick at a farm when you visit from June through August.

U-Pick farms are an amazing experience.  They are also something fun to do when you are out of ideas of what to do to keep the kids entertained or if you just want to pick some fresh fruit.  Have fun finding your summer sweetness! 

*TECH TIP* 

Check out https://upickfarmlocator.com/ to find a farm near you.

*ORGANIZATION TIP* 

Keep your findings grouped together in bins or bags for easier sorting and cleaning once you get home.  If you feel you have an abundance of something put it in a separate pile to freeze for later use.

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching it would be nice to take a moment and plan something fun for dad. 

Whether it be a picnic, a round of miniature golf, a ball game or just dinner, it would be nice to honor dad by spending the day with and celebrating him.  When you gift an experience it leaves a lasting memory of the occasion. 

This June take some time and plan something special to honor dad.

*TECH TIP* 

You can go on-line and search “things to do with dad” and search the town you live in for more ideas of how to make the day special.

*ORGANIZATION TIP* 

Set up the day before you give the gift, make sure dad is available first.  OR on fathers day give a love note stating this “entitles you to …, just give me a good day and time, I will arrange it all”.  If this is too much never forget you can Just Ask Jen and we can set it up for you!

I’m currently assisting with a new home purchase and the work that needs to be accomplished to make the buyer happy.  It can be overwhelming when starting to look at the whole project.  I recommend starting small with ways to improve while not breaking the bank. Then look at any major projects and plan out a timeline for when you want each part to be completed by.

Don’t rush so much that you go with the first quote for a job. It is smart to get one or two additional bids in an effort to have things to compare and negotiate as well as to feel as though you are not being taken advantage of.

To keep from feeling overwhelmed go room by room. Bring a notebook and dedicate a page per room. Make a circle next to the items to accomplish and you can check them off as you complete tasks.

If it is still too much to handle don’t forget you can always Just Ask Jen.

*TECH TIP* 

Use the notes program on your phone to keep notes and ideas as you think of them.

*ORGANIZATION TIP* 

I like to create Excel Spreadsheets to keep myself and my clients organized.

This time of year is hectic.  Between spring break and then the holidays it seems as though the planning never ends. 

To help ease the workload, plan your vacation six months in advance if possible.  Airfare, hotels, rental cars and event tickets will be less expensive and have more availability.  Whether you have kids or are a student and want to plan your trip it is helpful to handle this early to alleviate financial and time burdens. This will give you more time to pack, plan activities and meals in the time leading up to the break.  If you are staying local, it is still good to plan ahead by securing reservations and/or tickets early.

The same concept is good for planning the holidays, especially if you are hosting.  You will not need as long of a lead time, but you can start a few month in advance if you would like.  Planning guest lists, menus, venue and decor can be time consuming so giving a week or longer per task to get arrangements made will allow you to be more creative and cost effective.

If you feel overwhelmed with planning and want help never forget you can always Just Ask Jen.

I recently went to a production that I had seen 3 years ago. And although the show had been slightly altered it was still as funny, entertaining and just as enjoyable if not more so than it was originally!  If you are in any of the places lucky 🍀 enough to have this show, I highly recommend you plan a night out.

Mr. Swindle’s is a combination of comedy, live acrobats, circus talent and debauchery all mixed into a 90 minute show set in a small traveling tent with a fun outdoor under the stars drink garden to enjoy before, during and after the show.

It is not a show to bring the kids to.  So plan a night out and prepare to laugh and be amused.

*TECH TIP* 

Get on-line and buy your tickets here https://www.mrswindles.com/tickets

*ORGANIZATION TIP* 

Organization a different way…organize the night. Get tickets at the link above and plan the dinner before the show at www.opentable.com

In the spirit of Valentines Day let’s spread the love this year.  Start with a new habit of complimenting at least one person a day. It helps build confidence and boosts moods. 

Another way to spread love is by writing thank you letters. A lost art, but a much appreciated touch when receiving something from someone else. Whether it be help they gave you to accomplish a task or a gift they gave for a special occasion. It is always nice to let someone know you appreciate the time they took for you. 

These may seem like simple tasks and they are. But there is a lack of these things happening these days and if I encourage even one person to do a random act of kindness I consider it a success. Smile and be happy!