As mother’s day approaches I’ve actually given it some pre-consideration this year. Rather than like in past years I rushed to the mall to get the first cool gift I spotted. (sorry mom) Maybe that has never happened with you for Mother’s Day but many of you know it has happened before with some other gift.
So here are some of my ideas that are unique that I think most any mom would appreciate.
Bruce is co-owner and partner with Concierge Services of St Louis. If you would like more information about the services they offer you can click here
A staycation, according to The New York Times, is "a neologism used by those who prefer to unravel the mysteries of the world from the comfort of their living room couches."
What this really means is a smart way to spend a week (or more) with your family while saving a little cash, recharging the batteries and finding some peace.
Whether you choose a staycation in order to save a little money, avoid airports, or just because it's something cool to do, Concierge Services of St. Louis can help you plan a staycation that's worth writing home about.
Here are a few tips to help you with your staycation.
Must be in a relaxed state of mindThis is not a reason to 'get stuff done'. This is your vacation, a chance to relax, unwind, take-it-easy and chill out! Forget about starting to organize the garage, cleaning out the gutters or washing the windows. That's what we're for. Call in a professional concierge to pamper you and your family, and do those chores so at the end of your week off, your home is clean and organized, and you are refreshed and happy!
Set your staycation budgetIn the current economy part of the reason for planning a staycation is to have an enjoyable, relaxing time at an affordable cost. Chances are, one reason for planning a staycation in the current economic environment is to save a little money. Don't fret, we have some good news for you: Concierge Services of St. Louis can put together a staycation package that will leave you with wonderful memories and cash to spare.
Amazing as it may seem St. Louis has many attractions and activities to choose from. Starting from downtown to the outer County and suburban areas there's something for everyone.
Turn your home into a spa. You don't need to go to a pricey spa to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Create your own spa at home instead -- you'll feel refreshed and save money. We can provide tips for planning a DIY spa getaway, schedule an in home message therapist or a trip to a local Message Envy.
Throw a simple cocktail party. Invite friends over for a low-key get-together of fun finger foods and stylish cocktails on your patio or deck. Let us plan the entire affair from our stylish cocktail recipes and party food ideas. Will bring a cater or bartender to server everyone while you enjoy the company of your guests.
We can even plan some fun backyard game ideas.
Go on a family cycling adventure. You don't have to be an avid (or experienced) biker to have a blast. For a safer adventure traverse local bike trails instead of hitting the streets. Most St. Louis City Parks have a bike and roller blade trail including Creve Coeur park in the county or Forest Park in the city. For long more adventurous trails you can check out the The Katy Trail. For more tips on making the most of your biking adventure contact us.
Have a picnic. While speaking of parks, pack a basket of your favorite treats and head to your local park for a fun, easy outdoor meal. To get started we can prepare a basket for your outing or provide our easiest picnic recipes. If you're watching your weight, you'll love our light and fresh picnic ideas.
Transform your home into an island retreat. Bring relaxing tropical style home with these budget-friendly, summery decorating ideas. Whether it's a Hawaiian luau or Mexican Fiesta, we will provide all the tropical-style decorating inspiration your party will need.
Host a girls' night in. Kick back with your favorite girlfriends for an evening of fancy fun and surprisingly simple treats.
Host a patio party. Your guests will love these flavorful recipes -- and you'll love how easy it is to throw together. Let us show you or do it all for you.
Organize a block party. Host a neighborhood get-together and create lasting friendships -- all within a few steps from your own front door.
Have a special dinner for that special someone. You can have it fully catered, made fresh at your house or we will bring it in from your favorite restaurant. A candlelit evening of wine and diner, when savored together, can be very romantic, especially with your favorite music, or perhaps a live violinist or guitarist.
These are just some of the ideas for your staycation. Check below for a list of other sites and attractions around the city.
As I’m sitting in my quasi home office. (Hey my office has a bed in it. How unique. More on that later.) I realize I let things slack a little to far again and need to hunker done and get some quality things done. I have felt like I have been in funk the last few days. Well with the good help of all my friends on Twitter and Facebook I have been re-energized and ready to get some stuff done.
When I start these processes to get things done I like to make a list and then group the items into tasks. This is something I learned through using the GTD system. Getting organized is sometimes the first thing in getting stuff done. Many times you begin a task and then think of something else that needs to be done and you jump over to that shinny red ball. Then a little later you think of something else that needs to be done. It’s a never ending cycle sometimes.
To start getting things done you need to create a process for those things. You need, as GTD suggests, to create “The Productive Experience”.
This will put you –
In control relaxed focused inspired, and getting things done … with a system to maintain the process.
In control
relaxed
focused
inspired, and
getting things done
… with a system to maintain the process.
So my challenge to you is this. Start by doing a mind sweep and consolidating a written list of all the things that you have on your mind and possibly on scattered notes. It just a braindump session. Organize them into categories (I will talk more about categories in a future post) and start taking actions on them in an orderly system.
One key to this process is have as many categories as you want but not to many. I like to stick with 6 or 7. Two important categories for me are Action and Sometime/Maybe. If it can be done in a matter of minutes/hours or the same day, it’s an Action. Similar to your daily to do list. Things that you want to do or an idea about something, file that under Sometime/Maybe. For instance, I would like to at some point in the future buy a new car.
Leave me a comment on how you did with your lists. I would love to here how it went.
I have come to learn that the more you work on your business and not in it will help you grow your business more than anything.
What do I mean by that?
Many of get caught in doing things inside our business and outside for that matter that we loose track of the high level stuff. I call it stuff because many times that's all it feels like. I got a bunch of stuff to do.
Don't get me wrong there are benefits for a business owner that gets down in the trenches with their employees. It shows them that you are willing to do what it takes to run the business and is good for team building.
It's important to come up for air once in a while to survey the land as well. As the owner of your business there are visions, planning and leadership to be done as well. Leadership is the one of the highest qualities a business person must show. Now I'm not going to make this a leadership seminar. That can be for another day.
My point is don't let yourself get caught up doing what others could be doing for you. Pay close attention to what your time is really worth and how you should be spending it on your business.
In a recent twitter conversation Maria Andros said "I outsource everything, grocery shopping, lunch runs then you can focus on what you are best at!" Maria is the very successful video marketing queen.
What Maria and many other entrepreneurs and business owners have realized is how valuable their time is. They understand how to spend their time doing things that they value and brings value to them. They do this by using personal or virtual assistants and a support staff of resources to help them get stuff done. Whether that's getting the laundry from the dry cleaners or waiting around for the cable guy to making sure everything is in order for your next social networking meeting. These are things that can be left to other people that are willing to help you.
What can you do about adding balance to your life and getting your stuff taken care of?
Click her to Contact us today to let us take care of your to-do list and create your support staff!
Pease and love to all! Let's build a team grow wealthy together.5:21 AM GMT | Read comments(1)February 15The Kitchen Sink is Getting Full Again
I have mentioned in a previous post how I had a great opportunity to attend a David Allen GTD seminar and how beneficial it has been to me. If you know me, that may seem a little factitious but when I work his system I am more productive. I will be blogging more about their systems in a future post but for now I want to focus on a concept they teach.
How many times have you let the kitchen sink get full?
Living a single parent/bachelor/boyfriend life leaves you at times gasping for air. It's pretty much the same for everyone I would guess. I'm looking across the kitchen table at my kitchen sink and it is still full. What a shocker huh?
The kitchen sink is a metaphor to what ever task you have pilling up. It may be the garage cleaning, your taxes, or maybe writing a blog.
It makes me realize how important it is to have systems around most everything you do. If not then you will always feel like you are juggling things and nothing gets accomplished. It doesn't matter if it's David Allen's GTD, The 4 Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss or whatever, you just need a system. Find what works for you.
My point here is that having a system is vital to become successful.
Every successfully person you meet ask them if having a system is important to become successful.
If having a system is not in their top ten I would worry how successful they are or for how long they will continue being successful.
One of the primary reasons that a system is necessary is to create balance in your life. I have to be reminded often that all work and no play make Bruce a dull boy. On the flip side of this is that no one ever achieved anything without taking action on there ideas or desires. You need a system so you feel comfortable in the moment and not worrying about what needs to be done. Don't be a robot about it. Leave some time for spontaneous activities. The better you get at your system you will find more time to be spontaneous and more profitable at the same time.
If you need help with creating your system. Concierge Services of St. Louis can help you get on track with a system. We provide services that will get balance in your life and get your systems working like a well oiled machine. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Peace and much love to all.9:28 PM GMT | Read comments(0)