Effective List-Making - How to Organize Your Thoughts

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your personal or career workload, the solution may be as simple as organizing your to-do list. Prioritizing your tasks will help you finish on time and simplify your life.

A proper to-do list will save you time and energy. Writing things down will help clear your mind of what needs to be done. Let's face it - there will always be a list of things to do! You can cross one thing off, only to add two more to the list. Focus on making a smarter list, instead of a longer list and you will be surprised with how much more efficient you will be.

To-Do Now/Short-Term Goals
Start with a sectioned notebook for organizing. The first section should be your tasks that need to be done within the next couple days up to the next couple weeks. If the task doesn't need to be done right away, move it to the "To-Do Later" section. If you are still left with a large short-term list, then number each task one through five by priority. Re-order them and go from there.

To-Do Later/Long-Term Goals
This section is for your long-term goals and tasks that don't have a deadline. The best way to tackle a long-term goal is to break it down into smaller tasks. Stuck on a task that seems impossible to finish? Stop thinking of the finished task and focus on the very next step instead. Move that very next step to your short-term list and you are one step closer to finishing that goal!

Planning Your Day
Pick a few things from your To-Do Now list for the next day. Once you get into the habit of planning your to-do list the night before, you will plan the time more efficiently. Whatever doesn't get done that day can be moved to the next day. Don't overwhelm your day with too many tasks, but challenge yourself to get enough done to feel accomplished.

Shopping List
Keep all your shopping needs in one list that's easy to pull out when you go to the store. Make it even more organized by keeping your grocery store needs separate from everything else.

Notes
Everything else that doesn't require an action goes in the notes or miscellaneous section. This section is great for ideas and brainstorming. Keep your thoughts organized and get closer to those goals.

More Fun Theme Party Ideas

Theme parties are a fun way to spice up your social life. Here are a few more theme ideas for your next party.

Spend a little time preparing to make your theme party a success. Create a photo opportunity - designate an area for theme photographs by hanging a backdrop and have accessories available. Another idea to simplify party planning is to ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert.

Theme Ideas:

60's Mod

• Decor: Anything retro
• Dress: Pucci-inspired fun prints, beehive hairdo's, knee-high boots
• Music: Pop music from the 60's - find a great online radio station with a British Invasion theme
• Apps: Pigs in a blanket, Chex mix, Jello salad, Deviled eggs
• Dessert: Ambrosia fruit dessert

Saturday Night Live

• Decor: Stage area with lights, prop pieces from various sketches
• Dress: Everyone dresses as their favorite SNL character, past or present
• Music: Songs from former SNL guests - rock and pop mix
• Dessert: Sheet cake decorated with well-known SNL characters

Dead Celebrities

• Decor: Death-related decor, RIP grave markers, shrines, ghosts
• Dress: Any deceased celebrity - musician, movie star, etc
• Music: Pick songs from musicians that have passed on
• Apps: This theme is great for Halloween - keep the food related to the holiday

Speakeasy

• Fun: Require a password at the door and stage a raid halfway through the party
• Decor: Art Deco accents and a Blackjack table
• Dress: Roaring 20's Flapper Dresses and lots of feathers
• Music: Jazzy tunes
• Dessert: Chocolate cigars and candy cigarettes

Classic Theme Parties:

Pajama Party

• Decor: Lots of pillows and have a few board games out
• Dress: Your favorite pajamas
• Music: Old-school hip hop playlist - reminiscent of high school days and slumber parties
• Apps: Keep it easy and fun with pizza and cake

80's Party

• Decor: Movie and music posters from the 80's
• Dress: The best part of an 80's party!
• Music: Online radio station for 80's music
• Apps: Find some record-shaped bowls for serving food
• Dessert: Cake shaped like a Rubik's Cube

Luau

• Decor: Tiki, tiki and more tiki!
• Dress: Buy a few extra leis and grass skirts
• Music: Mix some Hawaiian tunes with Caribbean music and anything with steel drums
• Apps: Fruit salad served in a watermelon, Teriyaki chicken skewers, Coconut shrimp
• Dessert: Banana bread with Macadamia nuts

Ugly Xmas Sweater Holiday Party

• Decor: Put your holiday decorations up and have guests help with tree-trimming
• Dress: Have a contest for the ugliest Xmas sweater
• Music: Holiday music
• Dessert: Fruitcake, eggnog and other holiday goodies

Great Theme Party Ideas

Theme parties are a fun way to spice up your social life. Here are a few theme ideas and tips on how to plan a great party.

Invitation: Start a theme party off right with a well-written invite. Let your guests know what your inspiration is and give suggestions for what to wear. Offer a prize for the best outfit to encourage people to dress up and participate in the theme.

Decor: Google image search is great for decoration ideas. Try a regular party store for some stuff, but get creative! Also check out vintage or Goodwill stores for fun items.

Dress: Halloween shouldn't be the only time we get to dress up! Get your camera ready. Decorate a designated photo spot for guests to take pictures. Have accessories available for those who don't come in costume.

Music Playlist: Thanks to the magic of the internet, we no longer have to play DJ at our own parties. Save time by creating a Pandora online radio station to match the theme of your party. Or check out many other options online for themed playlists. Keep the music light and easy-going when people are first arriving and then turn up the dance beats!

Signature Drink: This is one of the easiest things to tie in the theme of a party. Choose anything relevant to the theme that can be prepared ahead of time and easily served in a pitcher.

Appetizers: Choose options that can be prepared ahead of time to cut down on last-minute party preparation. Not everything served has to be part of the theme - one or two dishes will work.

Dessert: Pick one theme-related dessert, or even just decorations to match the theme on a plain cake.

Theme Ideas:

Cuban

• Decor: Find vintage travel ads for Cuba
• Dress: Fun dress you would wear to a salsa club
• Music: Cuban music artists, such as Desi Arnaz, Celia Cruz and Buena Vista Social Club
• Apps: Chips and salsa, empanadas, plantains
• Dessert: Flan, Tres Leches

Playboy Mansion

• Decor: Lots of pink and lace
• Dress: Heffner smoking jacket and slippers, feather boas, bunny ears
• Music: Fun, danceable Top 40 pop/dance music; also Dimitri From Paris' A Night at the Playboy Mansion
• Dessert: Chocolate-covered strawberries

Mad Men

• Decor: Anything retro
• Dress: Find some inspiration from the TV show Mad Men
• Music: Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and other lounge music from the 50's
• Apps: Look for recipes in a classic Betty Crocker cookbook published in the 50's
• Dessert: Something made with jello

Popstar

• Decor: Pop music posters, teen magazines
• Dress: Come as your favorite Popstar
• Music: Top 40 Pop, old and new
• Dessert: Find a bakery that will decorate a cake using a photo of your favorite pop group

Strawberry Shortcake

• Decor: Fun strawberry tablecloth and vintage country-style strawberry pictures
• Dress: Stay simple with just accessories, such as a strawberry pin or an apron for the hostess
• Apps: Something light since dessert is the focus
• Dessert: Make-your-own Strawberry Shortcake buffet

Old Hollywood - great to tie in with an Oscar-watching party

• Decor: Red carpet and lots of gold
• Dress: Glamour
• Music: Songs from old movies
• Apps: Fancy finger food
• Dessert: Mini tarts

Party All The Time

I love theme parties. Basically, any reason to have a party is good enough for me. I've attended quite a few theme parties and planned a couple too. So I compiled some recent theme ideas and also asked a few friends and came up with a fun list here. And then I ran out of space in that article, so I came up with even more ideas here. You don't really need a reason to have a party, it's just more fun.

Jewels!

I’m excited about my newest obsession with JEWELS and the launch of my latest endeavor: Stella & Dot!

http://www.stelladot.com/quernzy

With the launch of my business comes my very first contest. Submit your email and top 5 Stella & Dot items from your wish list between now and December 15th and you will be entered to win one piece from your wish list under $100! Make sure to browse the site and email me your wish list. Host your own trunk show before Dec 15 and you will get two entries in the contest, as well as free jewelry incentives and discounts. Plan your trunk show in November and get to your holiday shopping list early!

Happy Holiday Season! Looking forward to making you shine with more jewels in your life. =)

~Valerie

http://www.stelladot.com/quernzy

valeriequerns@yahoo.com

Layering Bracelets

The Interwebz International Bank

A lot of people are promoting ways to make money on the internetz.

I have a gift for you - another way to make money on the internetz! But when I have something for you, it's gonna be good. Because I'm not sharing something with you unless I like it. And this is good stuff.

I'd like to introduce you to the fastest and easiest way to make money online.

Click here to see it:

==> http://easypaycheckformula.com/fastmoney/?id=2303

This was discovered by a stay-at-home mom who desperately needed money. She ended up earning more than her full-time working friends, with just a little bit of work every day.

Sound good?

Well, you can do it too! Heck, if I can do it, you definitely can.

If you want to make it online, check this out now. It's that important.

==> http://easypaycheckformula.com/fastmoney/?id=2303

~Quernzy

Essentials for a Home Bar

Home entertaining is easy when you start with a few essentials. Pick out a few of your favorite drink recipes and start mixing!

Furniture

If you don’t already have a bar area built into your home, you can find a mini-bar furniture piece that will work nicely. Make sure it has room for all your bar tools, some glasses and some liquor bottles. You can also find a bar cart with a few shelves that is great for displaying glasses and wine bottles.

Glassware

Start with some basic glassware. Make sure to have wine and martini glasses on hand. I like highball glasses for mixed cocktails. After you get your essentials, it’s also good to have a few beer mugs, champagne flutes and shot glasses in your collection.

Tools

The easiest thing to start a home bar is to buy a bar tool set with a shaker. It should come with all the basics, such as a shaker, strainer, jigger and bottle opener. A corkscrew or other wine bottle opener is necessary. And it’s nice to have a muddler and ice bucket on hand as well. When you start making more complicated drink recipes, you can look into more advanced bar tools and pull out the blender for frozen cocktails.

Stocked Bar

Your liquor collection is really dependent on what you like to drink most. My bar never gets low on vodka, rum, wine and beer. You may also have tequila, whiskey and gin in your basic collection. When you start trying out different drink recipes, add a few liqueurs and champagne to your bar. Orange, pomegranate and coffee liqueurs are delicious in many drinks. I also try to have club soda, cranberry juice and plenty of limes in the fridge. If you are entertaining, it’s good to have regular soda, ginger ale, and a couple different fruit juices available for mixers.

Recipes

Mixed drinks are mostly quick and easy to make. Start with two or three-ingredient recipes. Some basic cocktails include Vodka Soda, Gin and Tonic, Rum and Coke. To step up your bartender skills, learn how to make a great Martini, Cosmopolitan and Margarita. The best part of practicing is the tasting!

inspiration in my inbox

Great way to start my morning when I get this in my inbox:

From really far out in space, do u know what u look like?

A star.
A super star.

Love u like crazy glue,
The Universe


[I *heart* www.tut.com]

Friday the 13th

In honor of friday the 13th, here are some fun facts.

I think superstitions are kinda funny and mostly a load of crap. But it's funny to see what some people do "just in case," like throwing salt over your shoulder, not walking under ladders, knocking on wood. But then again, I do believe in a whole new set of "superstitions" called Feng Shui. Like I will never keep dried flowers in my house. I tie a red ribbon around the bottom of the toilet. I don't store things behind a door so that it can't open all the way. I don't keep broken dishes. And I won't live in a house w/ a spiral staircase. ...So maybe i'm just as weird....


FRIDAY THE 13TH FACTS...

DID YOU KNOW !?!??
*According to Smithsonian Magazine "fear of the #13 costs American a billion dollars per year in absenteeism, train and plane cancellations, and reduced commerce on the 13th of the month."

*Fear of Friday the 13th dates back to Nordic Mythology. Many of their thirteenth Gods met with violent deaths, such as Loki, the trickster.

*Ancient Romans regarded the number 13 as a symbol of death, destruction and misfortune.

*There were 13 original colonies.

*A witches coven consists of 13 members.

*Tarot Card number 13 is the Death Card, depicting the Grim Reaper (although it is read as transition or change and not literal death).

*Hotels rarely have a room number 13. Usually it is called 12a or 14. Same with floors of buildings and the elevators without a #13 button. Highways sometimes will skip exit 13 altogether also.

*There are 13 steps leading to the gallows.

*13 knots in a hangman's noose.

*13 feet which the guillotine blade falls.

*The driver of Princess Diana hit pillar #13 at Place de l'Alma when she was killed in Paris, France.

*13 people, Christ and his 12 disciples, were in attendance at the last supper. This is where the Christian belief ties in, making Friday a believed unlucky day, as the crucifixion occurred on a Friday.

*Certain ocean liners will be held in dock until after midnight to appease passenger's fears of Friday the 13th.

*British study concluded that even though there were less cars on the road on Friday the 13th (as compared with other Fridays) more accidents were reported.

*Trisadekaphobia is the technical name for fear of Friday the 13th.

*Apollo 13, 1970, the 13th mission launched from pad #39 (13 x 3), mission was aborted, after an explosion occurred in the fuel cell of their service module. The rocket had left launching pad at 13:13 CST and the date was April 13th.

*The US Seal has 13 stars, bars, feathers in the eagle's tail, 13 bars in one claw, 13 olive branches in the other.

*A baker's dozen consists of 13 for a reason! So the story goes - a witch near Albany, NY demanded 13 items every time she came in to a particular bakery, and one day the old baker could not afford her extra biscuit. She sneered some strange words at the man, and he suffered terrible luck from then on, until he brought her another 13 rolls. After that life was once again easy for the baker and word spread around town. The custom is still sometimes practiced today.

Life of a Movie Star

Gloria Swanson
A history lesson by Quernzy on a very cool lady...

Born in 1899, started working in silent films when she was 15! Eventually cast in Cecil B. DeMille pictures, which brought her to superstar status. A ton of movies at Paramount Studios. Starring with Rudolph Valentino, going through husbands along the way. (she's up to 3 by now.) She even dated Joe Kennedy (John F. Kennedy's father).

So late 1920's, she decides to get away from the contracts at Paramount and produces her own film. But her next few were unsuccessful and she goes into semi-retirement.

In 1928, Swanson, teamed with Erich Von Stroheim for "Queen Kelly", a project that would never be completed. Erich Von Stroheim's meticulous attention to detail and endless retakes put the production way behind schedule and Swanson herself finally halted the production. Decades later, the unfinished film was botched together with production stills and photographs and declared a masterpiece by film critics.

She attempts one comeback in 1941. But her major comeback was Sunset Boulevard with DeMille in 1950. it's heralded as the most memorable comeback in film history. Even so, her next few projects were only mildly successful. But she still appeared in a couple films and television through the 1970's.

Now granted, she would take a hiatus for years at a time, but her film career spanned 60 years! Her filmography totals 52 movies. These days, that's not a lot, but she was also a clothing designer, artist, and she founded Essence of Nature Cosmetics. Last count of 7 husbands. She survived the Talkies, was one classy lady and also one of the greatest divas of her time.

A few quotes of hers that I enjoy:

"I have gone through a long apprenticeship. I have gone through enough of being a nobody. I have decided that when I am a star, I will be every inch and every moment the star! Everybody from the studio gateman to the highest executive will know it."-Swanson in 1922.

-Telegram sent to Hollywood from Swanson on her way home from France.
"Arriving with the Marquis tomorrow morning. Stop. Please arrange ovation."

"I always look ahead. I never regret. I have excitement every waking minute."

"I can smell the character of a woman the instant she enters a room, but I have the world's worst judgment of men."

Quotes from "Sunset Boulevard" - of course I have to include these, it's one of my favorite movies (and fav Broadway show, for that matter)

"I am big, it's the pictures that got small."
-Norma (Swanson) to Joe (Holden)

"We didn't need dialogue. We had faces. There just aren't any faces like that anymore. Maybe one. Garbo."
-Norma to Joe

A Few of My Favorite Quotes

If you have some favorite comments of your own, holler back on the comments.


Nothing in the world is accomplished without passion. ~~ fortune cookie

A wealthy home is one filled with laughter. ~~ fortune cookie

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. ~~ Wayne Dyer

The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~~ Robin Sharma

C is for cookie, that’s good enough for me! ~~ Cookie Monster

Sometimes fish like cheese. Sometimes, some fish like cheese. ~~ Ozzy Osbourne

My faith in the integrity of american advertising is somewhat restored. ~~ Seven Year Itch

He laughed so loud and deep, I shook with it in my heaven. ~~ Lovely Bones

Well, we could grind our enemies into talcum powder with a sledgehammer, but gosh, we did that last night. ~~ Zander, Buffy

People who cease to believe in God or goodness altogether still believe in the devil. I don’t know why. No, I do indeed know why. Evil is always possible. And goodness is eternally difficult. ~~Anne Rice, Blood Canticle

Passion

love to love
do it anyway
do something you WANT to do
choose your own adventure
go through the world discovering
take risks
cause trouble
be wicked