Grocery cost seems to be a hot topic these days. Items have skyrocketed in price leaving buyers to choose between needs vs wants.  I never used to know the cost of items as readily as I do now. I bought what I needed and items cost what they cost.  Recently my grocery store placed a screen at the checkout line making it easier to see the cost of everything.  It has been a game changer and prompted me to start shopping smarter.  I thought I would share my ideas with you in hopes that it will help you spend less and save more.

Growing up I was always a coupon clipper.  Grocery store, home store, restaurants, there were so many I had an organizer to keep track of them.  Nowadays there are digital ways to save that also cut the time of clipping, sorting and storing.  Grocery and other stores have apps that allow you to clip and store digital coupons right there. 

Another idea I recently implemented is a “Buy on Sale” section on my lists (this idea can be applied to any category, I started with groceries).  These are items I buy more than one of or not that often and that I do not need immediately but would like to have on hand if I can get it at a discount.  I suggest you start small, take a month and make an effort every time you go to buy something, stop and think “will I use this item in the next week?”  If you answer no, you may want to consider buying it at another time. I did this last November, I called it “No-Spend-November”, and I was amazed at how much wasteful spending I was able to cut.

*JAJ TIP* A few years back I started this process with clothing.  Any time I was in a store about to buy something I would rethink the purchase and say to myself, “learn to shop in your closet”.  I started pairing things differently giving me new outfits at no cost.  I am impressed with how little I buy these days and how happy I am.

*PLANNING TIP* I suggest before going shopping, you review which stores/venues you will be visiting and see if you have an app with coupons and promotions to see what savings you can benefit from.

*TECH TIP* When buying on-line, google coupon codes for the site you are purchasing from.  There you will find sites with codes you can try.  I do this with pretty much all of my on-line shopping.  I cannot even tell you how much I have saved for myself and my clients over the years. 

I highly recommend starting with these simple steps to start saving money and time in turn giving you more money and time to use doing things you love.

Planning your spring break activities?  Going to Disney World in Orlando?  If so, I’ve got you covered.  If you want to spend a day away from the Theme Parks might I suggest taking in a fabulous show and making a day of it. Cirque Du Soleil has their Drawn to Life show at Disney Springs, and it is such a great way to introduce the kids to these types of experiences.

From the moment you arrive at this permanent tent you are transported, feeling like you are in a theater.  You are seated with a giant book as the main focus on the stage.  The excitement builds for what you are about to witness.

Before the performance begins there is interaction with the audience so come prepared to possibly be a part of the show.  Our child is shy and did not want to be involved, but regrets that decision to this day.  So if your child is asked and says no, you may want to give them a nudge and let them know it will be the experience of a lifetime.

The story, the acrobatics, and the characters were all so engaging that they transported us to a place of feeling like we were part of the story.  This 90-minute show has no intermission but you never even notice as you are engaged the entire time.  They serve very unique theater/circus snacks if you like to snack during shows – WE DO. I highly recommend trying the green popcorn and/or the pretzel shaped like Mickey Mouse, my family still talks about them to this day.  Enjoy this unique experience and planning for it!

*COMPANIES I PROMOTE* If you decide to eat before or after the show might I suggest The Boathouse at Disney Springs. Go to  https://theboathouseorlando.com/ for menus and reservations.  There was something for everyone to eat there and the atmosphere was perfect for the day.

*PLANNING TIP* If you want to make a day of it, you can shop, have lunch or dinner, and then see the show; or vice versa.  Go to https://www.disneysprings.com/ to start planning now.

*TECH TIP* Go to https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/orlando/drawn-to-life/buy-tickets to learn more about the show, parking and how to get tickets.  While at this site it would be a good idea to sign up for their Club Cirque Newsletters to stay in the loop about new and upcoming shows.

Continuing with the theme of bettering yourself, since February is Valentines Day I figured why not write about loving one another by doing what my daughter was taught in PreK4, to treat others how you want to be treated.

Find yourself being impatient in a check out line or on the road in your car?  Try to stop and put yourself into that persons shoes and then think, would you want the time taken with you and not to be rushed?  Then stand/sit and enjoy a moment thinking about things you have to do or about something that happened during the day that made you smile and you will instantly be transformed to a calmer you.  Use the time to do something else that needs tending to.  Mark things down that you need to do or research something you wanted to know while waiting.  Before you know it you will be next and the task you were waiting to complete is then done and you accomplished something else while waiting patiently.

My advice, take or leave it, is to go into all situations calmly and with patience for all around you.  Sure there are times this is entirely impossible, I know as I had one of those moments as well recently.  But 95% of our life should be spent in the mindset that we live within a community where it is our responsibility to create the environment around us that we want by being/behaving that way in our every day life.

*JAJ TIP* I use my Notes app on my phone for everything.  It is such a useful tool to help remember things needing to be done and how to do them.  I even prep these blogs using the notes app on my phone and iPad.

*SHOPPING TIP* Assess what you need to go out to do vs what can be done on-line.  Now a days it can be more efficient to buy and do on-line, saving time and money in the long run, so always look into if it is better to do something on-line before going out.

*TECH TIP* Using Google to search for things you want to know has always been my go to for everything I need to know.  I can look at other sites for more in depth information once I get to different websites.  I highly recommend it.

This month start your new mantra of treating others how you want to be treated.

A topic I do not think is discussed nearly enough is how important it is to always be bettering yourself as the years pass by.   I do not believe January is the only time you can reflect and better yourself, but I figured why not begin the new year by reminding ourselves that having goals gives us purpose in turn creating inner happiness.

I began to notice recently that the people around me are aging and I wanted to learn the mourners Kaddish (a Jewish prayer recited in memory of the deceased) so I could say it with confidence if the need arose.  I had wanted to do this for many years but had never made the time for it.  My goal was to be able to read and understand the Hebrew letters, vowels and how they sound when placed together.  I accomplished this goal in a very fast period of time.  I expected I would need a few months to do this, but I found that when I dedicated about 15-20 minutes per day to sounding out letters and then words, it eventually all came to me, I am hoping to eventually be able to recite it from memory.  I committed to saying it every day since one of my dearest friends and a treasured family member who happened to be a Rabbi passed away.  It has been 2 months and I can recite it with great confidence, ease and speed.

Take whatever it is you want to learn and break it down into parts and then print out or look at a calendar and plan out what you will do day by day to accomplish learning this new thing.

*JAJ TIP* When deciding how it is you want to better yourself make sure it is something that interests you and/or is something you have wanted to learn for a while.  When the desire is great, you will find yourself more willing to follow through with the learning process.

*ORGANIZATION TIP* Get a note pad or print out what you are wanting to learn.  Lay it out as if you are taking a class and place assignments in a list with dates to accomplish them next to that.  Start with small increments of time daily and build up if needed.  Having this structure will set you up for success.

*TECH TIP* The internet has changed the game as far as learning new things.  You can research using www.google.com to your hearts content, and if you are more of a visual learner www.youtube.com has one, many or even hundreds of videos that will teach you what you are wanting to learn.

Enjoy a better you!

Last year we decided it would be fun to go see our favorite touring group Cirque Du Soleil’s show “‘Twas the Night Before” at the Chicago Theater on Christmas Eve.  Based off the poem “A Visit From Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore this enchanting show is about a young girl who rediscovers the joys of Christmas. 

“‘Twas the Night Before” captures all things Christmas like snow, reindeer, candy canes, Elves and of course Santa.  Our daughter loves all things Cirque du Soleil and says this show could be her favorite.  This 85 minute show had no intermission, but was entertaining enough that none of us even noticed the time.  Keep in mind for the cost of the tickets you may want to hold off on attending with kids under the age of five years old.  They will appreciate it more, and be better able to handle all of the audio and visual stimulation at an older age.

Cirque, like a circus, tours as circuses do visiting different cities season after season.  Click the link below to see if the show will be coming to a town near you.  I highly recommend seeing this as it is festive and sure to get you in the mood for the Holidays.  The colors, music and acrobatics are sure to entertain and amuse all.

*COMPANIES I PROMOTE*  It is more fun to go to a show when you have something new to wear.  This is one of my favorite places that has perfect options for kids at a reasonable price. https://lolaandtheboys.com/

*JAJ TIP* I recommend seeing this show in the early afternoon, it is a show best enjoyed in the daytime.  Leaving you plenty of time to rest up and plan for a dinner later in the day.  ‘Tis the Season.

*PLANNING TIP* Go to https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/twas-the-night-before to learn more and purchase tickets.  ENJOY!

I created these blog posts as a way to better myself by improving my writing, to help others benefit from my services by teaching some of my tricks and tips, and to learn some new things.  So in the spirit of learning something new I decided to do some research on Diwali.  I have always had friends that celebrated the holiday but never knew much about it.

Happy Diwali!  Which in talking to my friend I found is pronounced Divali, as there is no “w” in their alphabet.  Lasting 5-6 days Diwali is the Festival of Lights that celebrates the spiritual victory of light over evil. This Hindu Religious Festival relies on the lunisolar calendar and starts on October 31st this year.  I learned it is common for people to hang string lights and light clay oil lamps as tradition as light is the theme of this celebration. One of the neatest traditions I learned about in talking to my friend is that they celebrate with fireworks on the third night.  Sweets, colorful clothes, feasts and gifts are also all a part of this celebration of life.

Since Diwali celebrates knowledge over ignorance it seemed to make sense to educate myself and others about a holiday with customs we may know nothing about.  I hope in reading this I was able to teach you some new things.

*JAJ TIP* Check out  https://store.usps.com/store/product/diwali-stamps-S_588804 to order stamps for any cards you may want to send friends or family for the holiday.

*PLANNING TIP* Since most places will not have public display’s of fireworks for Diwali, you can buy fireworks that are safe for the holiday.  Check out https://fireworks.com/specials-and-offers/online-coupons  for savings and locations near you.

*SHOPPING TIP* Stores like Home Goods have a special section catering to holidays like this so be sure to ask a sales associate when visiting.

I recently purchased tickets as a gift for my family to see Blue Man Group.  When you do not know what to get someone for an important occasion I like to gift what I call “Experiences”.  Making memories with people you love can be the most treasured gifts of all.  Trips, Comedy Clubs, Music Venues, Plays, Operas, Sporting Events, the list of options you can select from when looking to get an “Experience” for your loved one is endless.

This was my second time seeing Blue Man Group, the show was still as unique and humorous as I remember it being.  I would recommend that if you do not want to get wet you buy seats behind the Poncho Section as you will get wet, it is impossible not to.  If you like music this will be a treat for you, the sounds/music they make is so unique and fun to listen to.  Go in with an open mind as this is not your traditional show.

*ENTERTAINMENT TIP* This show is good for all ages.  Kids, Parents and grandparents were all enjoying the show.  It can be loud but they hand out Ear Plugs upon arrival for your comfort and ear safety.

*PLANNING TIPS*  When looking to purchase tickets consider seating.  I love aisle seats so I can get up as often as needed and so kids can sit there and see if they have someone tall in front of them. Also, there is no food at this show so plan to eat before or after the performance.

*TECH TIP*  Google Blue Man Group Coupon Code to see if you can locate any ticket savings.  Then go to https://www.briarstreetbroadway.com/ to purchase your “Experience”.  ENJOY!!!

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