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! 

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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! 

Start the new year out strong.  Make a resolution to be less stressed by planning better.  Look at the year ahead and see what occasions call for celebration. Make a list and head to the store to get all the cards/gifts needed so you have them on hand.  I tend to buy gifts for people as I find them throughout the year, then I wrap and place them in a closet I have for gifts and supplies.  I find I am never running out at the last minute to get this done and it is such a stress reliever. 

If you have any upcoming parties or events you want to plan, start that early as well.  Vendors are better able to accommodate all your needs/wants the longer you have to plan.  This helps to alleviate any disappointments while planning.

Another idea that helps with stress relief is planning any trips for the year ahead.  It can relieve stress by helping to be financially smart as there are no last-minute rate hikes or shortages when booking.  I find a year to six months is long enough out to get good rates and desired accommodations at a reasonable price.

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Planning travel, use sites like Expedia and Hotels.com to price compare accommodations, you want to search as early as possible for the best accommodations and pricing.

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Keep a digital and a paper calendar.  It is helpful to write out the monthly paper calendar halfway through the month prior, that way you can plan out any celebrations with friends/family, and it serves as a reminder for you as to who you need to send cards/gifts to so that they arrive on time.

HAPPY PLANNING!

As Thanksgiving week wraps up and the end of year holidays rapidly approach, I thought it was important to stop and give thanks.  I feel very blessed that I have been able to turn hobbies and talents into a thriving business and am hopeful that those who only read this blog gain some useful tips that help make their life easier.  I am thankful that my clients are always willing to learn and grow with me in the learning process, and I appreciate all that they have taught me that has gone on to become a part of my daily life.

I also want to thank all of you for being a part of the Just Ask Jen community.  I have been very fortunate to gather a wonderful group of clients and vendors.  This holiday season find what and who you are thankful for and let them know how they make your life better. 

Happy Holidays from my family to yours.

I’m an avid believer in constant self-improvement and learning. It keeps you sharp and staves off brain deterioration.  When new projects come up it is my job to familiarize myself with everything, assess a plan and then get to work.  Sometimes that means I need to learn something new.   I do not let it get me discouraged, instead I look at it as an asset and apply my new knowledge or skill to existing projects or it may even lead to finding new clients who need help with this newly acquired talent. 

I am constantly applying this in my personal life as well.  I am terrible at art, so last year I decided to start doing a family art class.  I would get 20 minutes into the project and want to throw my brushes down and storm off, but I resisted that urge and am usually quite happy with the result.  Something that used to frustrate me now brings me joy.  Pictured above on the left was our first class a year ago and the picture on the right is from last month.  I stuck with it and now I have an entire collection of art hung all around the house.

Try something new today to keep your brain and heart growing.  If you are not sure where to start, pick up the phone or fire up the computer and Just Ask Jen to assist you in the process and make learning more fun.