Dare I say it out loud? We are already a quarter of the way through 2011. How did that happen??
Now is a great time to think back to those New Year's Resolutions, or Commitments, that you made. Have you stuck with them? Any of them?
I made three. 1) Floss 3X/week, 2) Clean the house more often, and 3) Break even on my business. The flossing is going well. I flossed almost EVERY DAYin January, but now am averaging about 3X/week. Right on target.
Cleaning the house more often? I have to give myself an F. Although, I made great headway today, vacuuming a lot of spaces, including the stairs, cleaning out the freezer and fridge, and doing laundry. And buying more bins to better organize my shoes, trying on clothes and cleaning out what doesn't fit or I never wear. Still, I definitely can do better on this cleaning commitment!
I have a ways to go yet before I break even on my business, but I'm slowly making progress.
Your turn. How's it going? If you've lost your way, take the rest of March to re-prioritize your goals. Renew your commitments or set new goals- no shame in deciding that what you thought was good in January is no longer where life is leading you!
Good luck and keep me posted!
Until next time...
Missy
Render-Bits is written by Missy Render, owner of Render Lifestyle Management, a Twin Cities based personal concierge and errand running service, specializing in helping you create more balance between what you want to do, and what you have to do.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Bucket List
Depending on who you ask, a bucket list may be the list of things you want to do in your lifetime, or the list of things you want to do but know you never will. Mine falls somewhere in between.
Things I want to do but know my life will be complete if I never do these things? Learn Spanish; learn to tap-dance, and learn to play the violin.
The one thing I was determined I would do in my lifetime? Swim with dolphins.
I'm happy to say I've now checked that off my bucket list!
On a recent trip to Cancun, we signed up for a swim with the dolphins session. When we arrived, the front pool (1 of 4) had three different groups going at the same time, each with 6-10 people in it. Somehow, Husband and I were the ONLY 2 people in our group (in addition to the trainer and 2 dolphins), and the only group in one of the larger pools.
We got to spend about an hour in the pool with the 2 dolphins, learning about them, petting them, giving them commands to do tricks, and swimming with them. Husband got a ride by holding on to their dorsal fins, and I was pushed across the pool by each dolphin simultaneously pushing the bottom of one of my feet.
This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!!
The thing about lists is that they only work if you are willing to do something about them. Tell me what's on YOUR bucket list, and if you are doing anything to make sure those things get checked off!
Until next time....
Missy
Things I want to do but know my life will be complete if I never do these things? Learn Spanish; learn to tap-dance, and learn to play the violin.
The one thing I was determined I would do in my lifetime? Swim with dolphins.
I'm happy to say I've now checked that off my bucket list!
We got to spend about an hour in the pool with the 2 dolphins, learning about them, petting them, giving them commands to do tricks, and swimming with them. Husband got a ride by holding on to their dorsal fins, and I was pushed across the pool by each dolphin simultaneously pushing the bottom of one of my feet.
The thing about lists is that they only work if you are willing to do something about them. Tell me what's on YOUR bucket list, and if you are doing anything to make sure those things get checked off!
Until next time....
Missy
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Guest Bedroom Re-do
The guest bedroom is almost done! Just a little accessorizing left to do and it will be a beauty. Suffice it to say that the former owners of our home had different decor taste than we do. While the sponge painting and border in the guest bedroom were well done, it just didn't work for us. It's been slow going, but I have sanded off the sponge paint checkerboard and painted the walls. My husband painted the ceiling. I found a great dresser (great buy at Home Goods); and new bedding (thank you Target for Home Garden Party Chrysanthemum Quilt in purple) and redid the lamp. I was able to use artwork I already had. If you have a piece you love, plan a bedroom re-do around it to save money!
The lamp is my prize in the room. I got this floor lamp for free (hand-me-down from my mom) and spray painted the base. I bought a new shade at Joann Etc. for $14.99 and fabric at 50% off and made a custom shade to tie the wall and bedding colors together.
BEFORE:
If a bedroom re-do is on your project list, get to planning. What are you waiting for? If not now...when?
Don't do what I did in my old townhouse. Don't wait until you are moving to update your spaces. You'll wish you had done it sooner and enjoyed the fruits of your labor!
Share your re-do stories with me!
Until next time...
Missy
The lamp is my prize in the room. I got this floor lamp for free (hand-me-down from my mom) and spray painted the base. I bought a new shade at Joann Etc. for $14.99 and fabric at 50% off and made a custom shade to tie the wall and bedding colors together.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
If a bedroom re-do is on your project list, get to planning. What are you waiting for? If not now...when?
Don't do what I did in my old townhouse. Don't wait until you are moving to update your spaces. You'll wish you had done it sooner and enjoyed the fruits of your labor!
Share your re-do stories with me!
Until next time...
Missy
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Use What You Already Have
This seems to be a purging time of year. People make their resolutions to live with less; live a more simple life; clear out the clutter, etc. etc. etc. Sound familiar?
While I whole-heartedly believe in purging and living with less, while you're at it, think about making better use of what you already have too. The closet is a great place to start! Here' a suggestion: Hang all your hangers the same way. Each time you wear an item and hang it back up, face the hanger in the opposite direction. At the end of the season, it will be clear what you wear and what you don't, and make your purging decisions very clear!
Think about a room or a part of your life that makes you think, "I just have TOO MUCH STUFF!". I love to make cards, and have amassed a huge amount of stamps, papers, inks, tools, etc. One of my (cool) tools is a Cricut machine. I must admit, it doesn't get a ton of use. But this year, I started thinking about additional ways I can make use of what I already have. Enter the Cricut and Christmas presents, and nifty gadget that makes paper cut-outs into stickers, and Voila, my holiday gifts had beautiful labels. Now I don't feel so bad about the cost of the Cricut and the space it takes to store it.
While I whole-heartedly believe in purging and living with less, while you're at it, think about making better use of what you already have too. The closet is a great place to start! Here' a suggestion: Hang all your hangers the same way. Each time you wear an item and hang it back up, face the hanger in the opposite direction. At the end of the season, it will be clear what you wear and what you don't, and make your purging decisions very clear!
Think about a room or a part of your life that makes you think, "I just have TOO MUCH STUFF!". I love to make cards, and have amassed a huge amount of stamps, papers, inks, tools, etc. One of my (cool) tools is a Cricut machine. I must admit, it doesn't get a ton of use. But this year, I started thinking about additional ways I can make use of what I already have. Enter the Cricut and Christmas presents, and nifty gadget that makes paper cut-outs into stickers, and Voila, my holiday gifts had beautiful labels. Now I don't feel so bad about the cost of the Cricut and the space it takes to store it.
Tell me what you're making better use of, or creative ways to use what you already have!
Until next time...
Missy
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Commitment Statement
It's that time of year again...you know...ring in the new year and make a resolution. Out with the old, in with the new. Lose weight, eat healthier, etc. etc. etc. This year I'm going to reframe the conept of resolutions, and instead, make commitments.
My first commitment is to my teeth. My dentist father will be proud of this one!! I am commiting to flossing at least 3 times per week. I'm terrible at doing this, but know it's good for me. My inspiration? A new co-worker who told me that in 2004 she made a resolution to floss everyday and since then has truly flossed every day.
My second commitment is to clean the house more often. I'm not going to say how often...because then you'd know how often I DON'T do this.
My third commitment in 2011 is to break even on my new business venture. This will be more challenging that I had originally hoped, because at the beginning of December I returned to full-time work, and thus, have less time to spend on Render Lifestyle Management.
Now, rather than getting long winded, I'd rather start a conversation on this topic. So, the question is...what will YOU commit to this year to make yourself, or your life, or somebody else's life, better?
Until next time...
Missy
My first commitment is to my teeth. My dentist father will be proud of this one!! I am commiting to flossing at least 3 times per week. I'm terrible at doing this, but know it's good for me. My inspiration? A new co-worker who told me that in 2004 she made a resolution to floss everyday and since then has truly flossed every day.
My second commitment is to clean the house more often. I'm not going to say how often...because then you'd know how often I DON'T do this.
My third commitment in 2011 is to break even on my new business venture. This will be more challenging that I had originally hoped, because at the beginning of December I returned to full-time work, and thus, have less time to spend on Render Lifestyle Management.
Now, rather than getting long winded, I'd rather start a conversation on this topic. So, the question is...what will YOU commit to this year to make yourself, or your life, or somebody else's life, better?
Until next time...
Missy
Monday, November 22, 2010
Non-gift Giving
While we're on this gift giving topic (see last post), let's just acknowlege what we all know: We already have too much stuff. If this is your lament, here are some ideas to consider:
1. GIVE EXPERIENCES, NOT THINGS. Gift cards, tickets to a play or sporting event, or a spa treatment all fit into this category.
2. GIVE TO CHARITY IN RECIPIENTS' NAMES. Give to a cause that matters to the recipients, rather than you. For example, my sister and her family are very involved in their church. Though I haven't done it yet, I always think about buying a cow or chicks or bunnies in their name for a family in need through Heifer International (http://www.heifer.org/).
3. GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED: Rather than exchanging gifts among your friends and/or family, adopt a family and buy for those in need. A women's group I belong to does this each year. These families are really in need, evidenced by neccesities, not wants, on their wish lists.
4. GIVE THE GIFT OF YOUR TIME OR SKILLS. Offer to babysit for your sibling or best friend so they can have a night out without the extra expense of a babysitter. If you have a skill (decorating, painting, working with electricity or computers), offer your services in lieu of a physical gift. Last year my brother-in-law gave us the gift of installing new light fixtures for us. I wonder if there is an expiration date on that???
5. SKIP THE GIFTS ALL TOGETHER: This one is hard to do, especially if kids are involved. I'll admit, I love to open gifts, and love watching somebody open what I hope is the perfect gift that I have found for them. But, it does get expensive. And, you sometimes end up with duds. A few years ago, we decided with my husband's siblings that we wouldn't exchange gifts among the siblings any longer. It saves us time and money, and puts the focus more on the kids than the adults. It's worked really well for us, but certainly isn't the right option for everybody.
Happy non-gift giving this year!
Until next time...
Missy
1. GIVE EXPERIENCES, NOT THINGS. Gift cards, tickets to a play or sporting event, or a spa treatment all fit into this category.
2. GIVE TO CHARITY IN RECIPIENTS' NAMES. Give to a cause that matters to the recipients, rather than you. For example, my sister and her family are very involved in their church. Though I haven't done it yet, I always think about buying a cow or chicks or bunnies in their name for a family in need through Heifer International (http://www.heifer.org/).
3. GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED: Rather than exchanging gifts among your friends and/or family, adopt a family and buy for those in need. A women's group I belong to does this each year. These families are really in need, evidenced by neccesities, not wants, on their wish lists.
4. GIVE THE GIFT OF YOUR TIME OR SKILLS. Offer to babysit for your sibling or best friend so they can have a night out without the extra expense of a babysitter. If you have a skill (decorating, painting, working with electricity or computers), offer your services in lieu of a physical gift. Last year my brother-in-law gave us the gift of installing new light fixtures for us. I wonder if there is an expiration date on that???
5. SKIP THE GIFTS ALL TOGETHER: This one is hard to do, especially if kids are involved. I'll admit, I love to open gifts, and love watching somebody open what I hope is the perfect gift that I have found for them. But, it does get expensive. And, you sometimes end up with duds. A few years ago, we decided with my husband's siblings that we wouldn't exchange gifts among the siblings any longer. It saves us time and money, and puts the focus more on the kids than the adults. It's worked really well for us, but certainly isn't the right option for everybody.
Happy non-gift giving this year!
Until next time...
Missy
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Running Christmas List
Yes, it's that time of year again. And no, this does not mean everything on my Christmas wish list is related to running.
Has your mother/spouse/child asked you yet, "What do you want for Christmas?" If not, it won't be long before they do. Will you have your answers ready? Better yet, will those around you have their list ready when you ask them what they want?
My answer is the Running, or Cumulative, Christmas List. I keep a sheet of paper in the kitchen, and throughout the year jot down ideas as they come to me, or as those I give gifts to make comments about what they wish they had. It's how I know this year my husband's grandmother is getting a really awesome wine bottle opener like ours. She thought ours was so cool last year, and now I don't have to give a second thought to what to get her.
I also try to keep a running list of what I want but never bother to buy for myself. My family isn't quite as helpful in giving me their lists.
There are two AWESOME benefits to the running list. 1) You don't have to try to come up with last minute gifts and just hope the recipient will love them. 2) when you know ahead of time what you are getting each person on your list, you can plan your holiday spending wisely. You can look through ads to and buy when the item is on sale, or spread out the buying months so that you pay for everthing right away an aren't stuck with a mondo credit card bill in January. Most years my goal is to get the majority of my Christmas shopping done by Halloween. This year, that is definitely NOT happening, but it's nice to have a goal (as opposed to my husband, who before I came along was a Christmas Eve shopper!!).
If you are currently trying to assemle the wishes of all those you give to, here's another idea. If you will be with family for Thanksgiving, let them know NOW that you hope to collect ideas when you are together for the holiday. It gives them lead time to think about their own wish list. And, you should be prepared with yours as well.
If you have a lot of kids you buy gifts for, consider bringing all the Sunday ads with you to Thanksgiving (Target, Toys R US, etc.). Assign each kid to a different colored crayon, and let them circle all the things they want (be prepared for them to circle everything). Then review options with parents, and be sure to get current clothes and shoe sizes.
Finally, if you really want to get your point across, you can adopt my niece's approach. Last year she put together a three-ring binder with all of her wishes. She included printouts from websites that showed the store, item, price, color and size of everything she wanted. Do you think she might take after her Auntie?? Her specificity paid off. We knew exactly what she wanted, it took the guess work out of buying for her, we could look for sale prices because we had time to make the purchases, AND she got exactly what she wanted. What a lucky girl.
Happy Listing!
Until next time...
Missy
Has your mother/spouse/child asked you yet, "What do you want for Christmas?" If not, it won't be long before they do. Will you have your answers ready? Better yet, will those around you have their list ready when you ask them what they want?
My answer is the Running, or Cumulative, Christmas List. I keep a sheet of paper in the kitchen, and throughout the year jot down ideas as they come to me, or as those I give gifts to make comments about what they wish they had. It's how I know this year my husband's grandmother is getting a really awesome wine bottle opener like ours. She thought ours was so cool last year, and now I don't have to give a second thought to what to get her.
I also try to keep a running list of what I want but never bother to buy for myself. My family isn't quite as helpful in giving me their lists.
There are two AWESOME benefits to the running list. 1) You don't have to try to come up with last minute gifts and just hope the recipient will love them. 2) when you know ahead of time what you are getting each person on your list, you can plan your holiday spending wisely. You can look through ads to and buy when the item is on sale, or spread out the buying months so that you pay for everthing right away an aren't stuck with a mondo credit card bill in January. Most years my goal is to get the majority of my Christmas shopping done by Halloween. This year, that is definitely NOT happening, but it's nice to have a goal (as opposed to my husband, who before I came along was a Christmas Eve shopper!!).
If you are currently trying to assemle the wishes of all those you give to, here's another idea. If you will be with family for Thanksgiving, let them know NOW that you hope to collect ideas when you are together for the holiday. It gives them lead time to think about their own wish list. And, you should be prepared with yours as well.
If you have a lot of kids you buy gifts for, consider bringing all the Sunday ads with you to Thanksgiving (Target, Toys R US, etc.). Assign each kid to a different colored crayon, and let them circle all the things they want (be prepared for them to circle everything). Then review options with parents, and be sure to get current clothes and shoe sizes.
Finally, if you really want to get your point across, you can adopt my niece's approach. Last year she put together a three-ring binder with all of her wishes. She included printouts from websites that showed the store, item, price, color and size of everything she wanted. Do you think she might take after her Auntie?? Her specificity paid off. We knew exactly what she wanted, it took the guess work out of buying for her, we could look for sale prices because we had time to make the purchases, AND she got exactly what she wanted. What a lucky girl.
Happy Listing!
Until next time...
Missy
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