Busygals in the Kitchen - E-Mealz

Busygals in the Kitchen is a series within my blog that I have created. As a Busygal, I am often searching for the easiest way to make simple, quick, delicious recipes that are healthy and not too expensive...I'm sure many of you are in the same boat!

I often run across great ideas through friends and Twitter and others' blogs for how to make grocery shopping and meal prep a more simple process, all while saving money! Below are tips from fellow Busygals who know how to make meal prep more simple! 

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E-Mealz

I first discovered e-mealz.com through Susan Heid of ConfidentMom on Twitter (click here for a link to her web site). You can also find reviews about e-mealz from Heather at Family Friendly Frugality, which you can check out here or follow on Twitter here; and The Dating Divas, which you can check out here or follow on Twitter here.  I haven't tried e-mealz.com yet (mainly because the vegetarian option is only for larger families, and not for couples), but it sounds like a huge time- and money-saver for us Busygals!

Images courtesy of e-mealz.com

E-Mealz' web site explains their services:

"How Does It Work? You choose the store. We provide the plan! Each week you will receive a brand new plan AND a complete aisle-by-aisle grocery list. All you have to do is... 
1) go to our site 24/7   2) login to your account   3) print your new plan and go!" 

Simple, right?! The membership to receive these meal plans is $5/month, or only $1.25/week. Not too bad, and it sounds like you'll save much more than that while grocery shopping! And they have all kinds of meal options - meal plans for two, families, vegetarians, gluten-free, etc!

Alright, Busygals, it's time to dish! Have you ever tried e-mealz.com? If so, how has it worked for you? Has it saved you money? Stress? Time? 

Do you have other ideas and tips to share? Curious minds (like this Busygal) want to know! So click below and comment away, I want to hear your experiences and other grocery shopping and saving tips!

Don't forget to check for other Busygals in the Kitchen posts for more great ideas! 

Sign up, grab that shopping cart, eat great and save, Busygals!

Busygals in the Kitchen - Clare's Busymom Menu Method

Busygals in the Kitchen is a series within my blog that I have created. As a Busygal, I am often searching for the easiest way to make simple, quick, delicious recipes that are healthy and not too expensive...I'm sure many of you are in the same boat!

I often run across great ideas through friends and Twitter and others' blogs for how to make grocery shopping and meal prep a more simple process, all while saving money! Below are tips from fellow Busygals who know how to make meal prep more simple! 

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Clare's Busymom Weekly Menu Method

image courtesy of coolcanucks.ca

The first tip comes from my friend Clare, a VERY Busygal - wife, business owner, AND mother to an amazing son (click here to read her blog about her adventures in motherhood) -  she needs to be as efficient with her time as possible, as you can imagine! She shared this great idea with me:

 "I hate going to the grocery store over and over because I forgot stuff or I don't have enough of something for a recipe or dinner. I have used grocery lists forever, but sometimes things weren't on my list. Plus, whenever you make those extra stops, you totally spend too much money. So every week I write out a menu for dinner. I plan each meal and when we will use leftovers so I don't waste food either. Usually its pretty flexible too, so I can swap days. And if I know I'm going to be really late one night, that's either a leftover night or a do ahead meal night. It has saved hours and tons of money!"

Brilliant! And talk about organized!

Below you will find a sample of a weekly menu she's personally created and used (recipes are below thanks to a few requests from fellow Busygals!). She says, "Sometimes we don't go out at all, so this week is kind of a treat."

Clare's Sample Menu:
Mon:    flank steak in tortillas with chimichurri
Tues:    fish (to be determined depending on what looks good), asparagus, salad
Wed:    ravioli, salad
Thurs:  date night (dinner out)
Fri:      Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches (best recipe ever if anyone wants), Robinson
           baked beans (also best recipe ever, esp to feed a crowd), side salad
Sat:     dinner out
Sun:    leftover ham sandwich dinner

Grocery list:
Italian parsley
Lettuce
Asparagus
Avocado
2 packages King's Hawaiian bread rolls
Curry powder
Red wine vinegar
1 lb shaved honey ham
Flank steak
Fish of some sort
James' yogurt
Milk, cream, 1/2 1/2
2 cups shredded swiss
2 cans each of: cannelini beans, kidney beans, pork and beans, diced tomatoes

Recipes

Hawaiian Ham sandwiches

2 pkg Kings hawaiian rolls
1 lb shaved ham
2 cups shredded swiss
3/4 cup melted butter
1 1/2 Tbsp poppyseeds
2 Tbsp dried minced onion
1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

Spray 9x13 pan with Pam (make it super easy and buy a disposable pan). Cut rolls in half, remove tops and set aside. Place bottom halves in pan (tight squeeze). Mix butter, poppyseeds, onion, and mustard and spread half of mixture over bottom rolls. Layer ham on rolls, then sprinkle with all the cheese. Put tops on rolls and spread with remaining butter mixture. Can make ahead to this point. Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 min. Old fashioned recipe but amazingly yummy, cheap, great leftovers...I could go on. :) And I don't even like sandwiches very much!

Robinson Baked Beans

4 slices bacon
1 thinly sliced onion
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 15 oz can lima beans (or cannelini if can't find) drained and rinsed
1 15 oz can kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 larger can (about 20 oz) pork and beans
1 7.5 can diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp Lee and Perins

Brown bacon, remove and saute onion in grease til soft. Add all other ingredients including bacon and simmer 20 min. Put all in covered casserole and bake covered at 375 for 45 min, uncovered for 20 min. This just gets better and better every day. I usually triple the recipe for James' bday or whenever I make it and we eat it all week. You can't mess it up either. Change it all you like with dif beans, leave out the bacon, etc. No one needs to know you essentially just opened up a bunch of cans. :) {My kind of cooking, Clare!}

Alright, Busygals, it's time to dish! Have you ever tried Clare's menu idea? If so, how has it worked for you? Has it saved you money? Stress? Time?

Do you have other ideas and tips to share? Curious minds (like this Busygal) want to know! So click below and comment away, I want to hear your experiences and other grocery shopping and saving tips!

Don't forget to check for other posts titled Busygals in the Kitchen for more great ideas! 

Create that menu and shop, Busygals!

Busygals With the Travel Bug

Do you ever want to just get away somewhere, only to look up hotel prices, and then have your heart sink as you realize your destination of choice has no affordable options? I've been there, busygals! 

When traveling for my Uncle's wedding to Oahu a few years ago, however, we made an amazing discovery from their travel information they had included in the invitation - VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner). Basically, it's a huge listing of individuals who own rental properties/vacation rentals, pretty much anywhere in the world! 

You simply type in, or click on the map, where you want to go in the world, and then you have an array of options to choose from (see below for an image of the home page). The property owners post photos, amenities, etc; and past guests share reviews and tips from their experiences at properties. It's also a wonderful option if you're traveling with a large group, as some places for rent are literally houses with many rooms, bunk beds, etc. All in all, VRBO.com is a GREAT resource! You can also follow them on Twitter.

Image courtesy of vrbo.com

We have used VRBO twice, once in Oahu, and once in Kauai, and it has been a wonderful way to travel! You feel like a local, you have access to a kitchen (depending on the rental), and some of these properties are located on the premises of the owners, so you also have access to local knowledge and tips for traveling around.

Next time you are able to get away from your busy schedule and you want to save a buck or feel like a local, check out VRBO.com, you won't be disappointed Busygals!

Busygals, do you have any other great travel tips that save money, time, or stress? Post a comment here to share with other Busygals!

Get to Know the Author of BusyGalTips!

I thought it might be nice for you all to have a little peek at who it is you're getting all these tips from, so this blog is about moi! Here's an inside look at the original Busygal...

 That's me! 

My name is Carly. I'm a Southern California girl, born and raised, and I don't think I'll ever leave...the beach, the weather...it really is a wonderful place to live! I have a brother and am blessed with an incredible family and amazing friends.

My brother and I at my MSW graduation

   Professionally speaking, I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from San Diego State University in 2004, and my Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach & my Pupil Personnel Services Credential from University of California, Los Angeles, both in 2010. I am also a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, working toward my license to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

   I am a school-based therapist, providing therapeutic services to elementary-aged children and their families. I am passionate about working in early intervention, increasing graduation rates, and increasing protective factors among at-risk youth. I love being the voice for those who have no voice, and being a listening ear for youth who don't often have anyone who regularly supports them. 

   "How are you?" You'd be amazed how many kids I've asked that simple question to and in return, they look at me through narrowed eyes, and say, "You want to know how I am? Why? Nobody's ever asked me that before." Wow. What an honor to be there for them! 

   Many of the children I've worked with have experienced more tragic events in their short years than most of us will ever experience in our entire lives. It breaks my heart how casually they mention witnessing shootings, deaths, abuses, drugs, suicides, etc...to some of them, it's their daily reality. I am determined to provide these children with the best and most professional support through the difficult times they experience, and in the process, encourage them to pursue a different way of life...one that includes graduating high school, attending college, and pursuing their passions.

   Prior to working with youth, I was a substance abuse counselor at an intensive outpatient treatment center for pregnant and parenting women ages 18 and up. This was also an incredible experience, and my life was impacted in a lasting way by each woman I worked with. Many of these women have completed treatment and gone on to earn their diploma or GED, have reunited with their children, and some have even gone on to attend college and begin careers. Incredible women. Each one of them. They all had heartbreaking stories, and it was an honor to help them write a new ending to the one they believed had already been written for them.

 

             Photo by Michael Spengler Photography            Paris...the only other placed we'd consider moving to

   Personally speaking, my husband and I (my high school sweetheart!) married in 2005, and I am blessed to say it truly has been wedded bliss ever since! No kids yet...those are still a couple of years away. In the meantime, we love to travel, stay up way too late, sleep in, go to concerts, go out to dinner, entertain friends, spend time with family, and act like kids whenever possible.

 
   My motivation for writing this blog is simple. As you can probably tell by now, I LOVE helping people...in whatever way possible. Obviously, in a professional sense, that entails providing therapeutic services to individuals. 

   However, there are many ways to help people in an informal manner. I love sharing information with others and helping to make their lives less complicated. Most of the tips on here are about products that I've found that make my life easier. I love to save money and find a good deal (who doesn't?!), and I get an incredible feeling of satisfaction when I tell friends about something I've found that they say, "Wow, that would really help me out!" 

   While I was job searching (a grueling 7-month process), I started thinking of ways I could help people in a fun way using technology. I could have done e-therapy, but I wanted a fun, simple outlet that had to do with providing a free service to people that would boost their physical and emotional health through providing simple ideas, tips, and tricks. And then I realized...why limit my fun finds to just my friends? Why not share them with whoever wants to listen? And the result...BusyGalTips was born.

   I hope you continue to enjoy these blogs and that the tips truly do help to make your life a bit easier and less stressful...that's my goal! From one Busygal to another...enjoy!

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Thankful Busygals

Happy Thanksgiving, Busygals!

As Busygals, it's easy to get caught up in our non-stop, "go, go, go" lives...but I think today is a reminder to slow down, be grateful, and remember what's truly important in our lives.

Busygals, think how different our lives might be if we stop and take a moment daily to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. One way to do this, as Oprah says, "Keep a grateful journal. Every night, list five things that you are grateful for. What it will begin to do is change our perspective of your day and your life."

In honor of today, I've compiled a list of quotes below about thankfulness to encourage you (thanks to quotelady.com...one of my favorite quote sites!)

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Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.

--Oprah Winfrey

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

--William Arthur Ward

If one could only learn to appreciate the little things... A song that takes you away, for there are those who cannot hear. The beauty of a sunset, for there are those who cannot see. The warmth and safety of your home, for there are those who are homeless. Time spent with good friends for there are those who are lonely. A walk along the beach for there are those who cannot walk. The little things are what life is all about. Search your soul and learn to appreciate.

--Shadi Souferian

Somebody saw something in you once -and that is partly why you're where you are today. Find a way to thank them.

--Don Ward

Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.

--John Wooden

When eating fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.

--Vietnamese Proverb

When we are grateful for the good we already have, we attract more good into our life. On the other hand, when we are ungrateful, we tend to shut ourselves off from the good we might otherwise experience.

--Margaret Stortz

When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.

--Sarah Ban Brethnach

P.S. I wrote this entire blog on my phone, in true Busygal style! I have to say, in addition to being beyond thankful for an amazingly supportive and loving husband, parents, family, and friends, I'm also thankful for some of the incredible technology we have access to :)

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Great Face Wash Towelettes for Busygals on the Go!

 

Image courtesy of fashionpulsedaily.com

I grabbed these little face wash towelettes from...where else...Trader Joe's (that place feels like my second home as of late!). 

Make-Up Remover for Sensitive & Dry Skin With Oats are PERFECT for traveling or taking to the gym. Very compact, no messy liquid to spill all over your bag, resealable, and really effective! They are moisturizing, soft, and simple to use. 

For a more in-depth review, here is a great blog about them. I couldn't say it any better! When perusing this blog, I found that there is a link to all products Comodynes makes...check it out! Uh oh...I might have a new addiction... ;) Comodynes product link

Stay Warm and Fashionable, Busygals!

I don't know how the weather is where you live, but here in Southern California, the weather can't seem to make up it's mind if it's Summer, Winter, or Fall! One day it's 90 degrees F, the next day it's pouring rain...sigh...

Anyway...here's a suggestion, thanks to my friend Ashley, for those cold-weather Fall or Winter days when you want to wear a fashionable scarf.

Sometimes I want to wear a scarf, but feel stumped as to how to wear it so that it looks fashionable and not like it's big mess on my neck. In a search for ideas, I found two videos that I think are pretty helpful and have some good ideas and suggestions (yes, I realize the first video is a little odd, but she has some cool techniques). 

Image courtesy of guiltfreeshopping.com

Click on the links below to view the video tutorials.

Video Link #1 

 Video Link #2


Stay warm and fashionable, Busygals!

Swimming Busygals, Save Your Hair and Skin!

If you read my post about fitness, and specifically swimming, and were inspired...YAY! Good work, Busygal! I'm sure by now you've noticed the health and fitness benefits of swimming, but you've probably also noticed that residual chlorine smell remaining on your skin and hair that is less than pleasant. But would this Busygal leave you hanging like that? Of course not!

TriSwim makes chlorine-eradicating shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and other products. They're a bit on the pricey side, but all in all, swimming is a relatively cheap sport equipment-wise, so I think these products are well-worth the investment. 

Image courtesy of triswim.com

But, if you know anything about me by now, you know I love to save a buck whenever possible. So far, I've been using just the shampoo, and it seems to do the trick. For my skin, I've read that citrus-based body products (with lots of moisturizer to help with the dry skin that chlorine causes) can be great for getting rid of that pesky chlorine smell. 

I love using Trader Joe's Refresh Citrus Body Wash with Vitamin C (added bonus - it's Cruelty-Free!). I've tried their Refresh Citrus Conditioner, and I can tell you right now...save your money. It does not moisturize my hair enough to comb through afterward.

Image courtesy of amazon.com

So you go, Busygal! Keep up the good work with getting in shape, and save your hair and skin in the process!

Busygals Get Lacie!

I often find a lot of good products that make my life easier, and I love sharing this information with friends and family, and anyone else who's willing to listen...hence, the Busygaltips blog and Busygaltips twitter were born. 

But I also rely on friends for ideas and products that they've discovered. My friend Sandy, who has shared other great ideas, such as the idea for pet hair removal and an easy earring backing fix (click on the links to see these blog entries), is also responsible for this fantastic find. 

Some panties can be pretty uncomfortable, and seriously, what can make your day worse than being uncomfortable all day (uncomfy panties rank up there with too-tight pants and blister-causing shoes - for a tip to prevent blisters, click here)? 

Image courtesy of victoriassecret.com

Victoria's Secret has invented maybe the most comfortable panties in existence to save you from a ruined, unpleasant day. The Lacie Thong is one size fits all, and you can get 3 pairs for $30!

Freshen up those feet, busygals!

As a Busygal, running around all day from one event to the next, flats can be a great way to go to save your feet. But...wearing flats barefoot can cause some unwanted foot issues, if ya know what I mean. 

I made an amazing discovery that has saved my feet, and will save yours too!

Image courtesy of kiwifreshins.com

Kiwi makes some amazing shoe inserts called Fresh'ins that will make wearing flats much more pleasant. For some odd reason, you will not find these shoe inserts where all of the other shoe inserts are located. At every Rite Aid I've visited, Kiwi products have been in their own special little section. So when you head to your local Rite Aid, save yourself some time by asking the salesperson where they carry their Kiwi products. 

Save your feet, Busygals!

Auto Repair in Los Angeles for Busygals

I can't say enough good things about Ed Little Auto Repair (for their Yelp page, go here).

Bob is who I have mainly interacted with there. He is professional, helpful, patient, and great at explaining step by step all needed repairs.




Image courtesy of yelp.com
As a woman, sometimes auto repair can seem overwhelming and you feel like you're being taken advantage of, or ripped off. This has never been the case at Ed Little. I feel they are honest and they're not just trying to make a buck, they really want to help me and my car, and save me as much money as possible. What more could you want from an auto repair shop?

The only drawback about this place is that sometimes it can take a week or two to get in, but if you have a serious emergency, they'll work with you. I believe the reason the wait can be so long is due to the overwhelmingly positive rating they have on Yelp, so it's a good thing! Out of 170 reviews, they have 5 stars. That is hard to come by on Yelp. They truly deserve the rating and all of the business they are getting.

Hopefully you don't experience any car troubles, Busygals, but if you do, Ed Little Auto Repair is the place to go if you live in Los Angeles!

For Champagne-Loving Busygals

I dont know about you, but I love a glass of bubbly once in awhile...thanks mainly to a few classy friends, my appreciation for it has grown.

One of my absolute faves is Martini & Rossi's Asti champagne. It's crisp, sweet, and refreshing, but it can also cost a bit more than I'd like to spend sometimes (I will say, though, for a special occasion, it's well-worth the price...it's not really that
expensive...maybe $10-$15, depending on where you purchase it).

Image courtesy of istockphoto.com

As usual, Trader Joe's comes to your wallet's and tastebuds' rescue.

For just $5 a bottle, TJ's offers an Asti champagne (maybe it's more appropriate to call it sparkling wine). This is a wonderful alternative to Martini & Rossi, and the price enables you to bring a bottle of bubbly to the next party (and every party) you attend without causing too much damage to your credit card bill.

Plus, let's be honest...when you show up with champagne, people are thrilled and impressed with your classiness...the fact it was only $5 will be our little secret...I won't tell if you won't!

Low-Fat Lunch on the Go for Busygals

When I'm working (hopefully that will be very soon again, since I've been rocking my power suit at my recent interviews), I don't want to go out to lunch every day. It's expensive and I tend to eat less healthy, but as a Busygal, many days I don't have time to make a lunch to bring with me. Have no fear, Busygals, Trader Joe's has your back!

Image courtesy of chefmarkgarcia.com

Next time you're in your local Trader Joe's, check out the frozen section and keep an eye out for their Reduced Guilt items. They have a delicious pasta marinara dish and a couscous dish with vegetables. I have eaten both multiple times, and they are satisfying, filling, healthy, and a reasonable price. Healthy, filling, fast, and budget-friendly...what more could a Busygal want?! Except...maybe some low-fat brownies?

Fear not, Trader Joe's has got you covered there, too! If you crave chocolate like I do after a meal, try out Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt brownies! You can make a whole pan in the oven, or individual servings in the microwave. All you need is a box of the mix, and non-fat vanilla yogurt...that's it! Simple, delicious, and low-fat!

Bon Appétit, Busygals!

BusyGal's Halloween Party on a Budget

Want to throw a little Halloween shindig, but don't want to break the bank decorating your place? Then we speak the same language, Busygals!






We're having a pumpkin carving party at our place, and I wanted to get some pumpkin carving kits for everyone to use. I had also seen a couple of blog posts from CiaoBella in her "Glam Decor" section for fun Halloween decor ideas, and I was inspired!

Image courtesy of superdealbox.com

I walked into my local 99¢ Only store, hoping I would find just pumpkin carving kits. Not only did I find the kits, but I was absolutely blown away by the an ENTIRE aisle of an amazing selection of Halloween decor and costumes! I got a TON of items, including 7 pumpkin carving kits, party plates, napkins, 2 tablecloths, plastic forks and knives, 3 fake black glittery roses, glittery spiders, tealight holders with glitter skulls on them, 2 packages of spider webs, and a sparkly Halloween sign...all for...GET THIS...$25!!!! I would have easily spent at least $50-$75 if I would have bought the same items at a party store.

The next time you have any party, I would definitely suggest heading to your 99¢ Only store, you'll be amazed at the selection and quality of items they offer...and all for 99¢ each!!

Busygals don't have to spend a fortune to party in style!

Quick and Simple Earring Fix for the BusyGal

When I wear hoop earrings with a hook, they often have a tendency to throw themselves out of my ears. Why? It's a mystery...
I also often lose the backings to my earring studs.
Do any of you Busygals have the same problems?

Here are a couple of easy ideas that might help, shared from friends:

Image courtesy of houseoftitus.wordpress.com

1) Cut a little square from a rubber band and slide it onto the earring after you have put it on so that it is held in place. Thanks Sandy, for pointing this tip out from Real Simple Magazine to me!

2) Use a little dental wax (the kind you would put on your braces to prevent them from poking your gums or cheeks when you were a young Busygal), which you can buy at a drug store in the dental section, and...voilà! Problem solved! 

I've tried the rubber band trick, and I can vouch for it, it works, and it's so simple!

Thanks to Amanda and Sandy for the advice!

Lifesaver from Blisters for Busygals

Image courtesy of thebudgetfashionista.com

I carry a Band-Aid Blister Block stick in my purse with me EVERYWHERE. Why's that, you ask? Well...do you ever have a pair of flats or heels that maybe you've even had for awhile and never had a problem with, and all of a sudden one day, out of the blue, they give you crazy blisters? I can't imagine I'm alone on this one...I have! Or have you ever purchased a new pair of shoes, without time to break them in, only to have them torture your feet for the day? Now Busygals don't have to endure the pain! 

I discovered this AMAZING blister preventer at CVS Pharmacy. This blister block is simple to use, it's invisible, and it has saved my feet from blisters numerous times!! It is well-worth the price (about $7), trust me...your feet will thank you!

Look cute in those heels and save yourself from blisters, Busygals!

Busygal Money Saver at Target

Image courtesy of electrictheatre.org

If you Busygals are anything like me, then you LOVE Target! I mean, you can get pretty much EVERYTHING there...a Busygal's dream! 

Recently a friend of mine shared this link - 4 Things You Should and Shouldn't Buy at Target. Number 2 on the list of things TO buy at Target includes green cleaning products. Check out my previous post here for my experience with a green laundry detergent.

Overall, I thought the article was helpful and I know I'll definitely use this in my Target runs, I hope you Busygals find it helpful as well!

Safety Tip for the Busygal

This one's a kind of random tip, but I think it's very helpful!

I go to a lot of live concerts at small venues, and there's often a purse check involved. Now it's not that I want to be a rule-breaker, rebel, or trouble-causer, but one thing that's a "no-no" in many clubs is pepper spray. This kind of baffles me, because I'm expected to leave the very thing in my car that is supposed to keep me safe walking to and from the club and my car late at night! I want to feel safe, as some of these clubs can be in not-so-nice areas. I've found a pepper spray that is discreet and enables me to leave it in my purse for the walks before and after.

Image courtesy of yourgreatestprotection.com

This little heart-shaped tube contains pepper spray, but looks like perfume. It's made by Streetwise. You can purchase it at a gun store, or online on Amazon. Either option is cheaper than what is listed on Streetwise's site.

Luckily I've never had to use it, and hopefully I never will...but just in case, it's there for me.

Busygals should also be street-smart!

Busygal Laundry Tips

After a recent trip to the laundromat resulted in various pairs of jeans and towels smelling like mildew (still a mystery to me how it happened, I did nothing different from the usual), I was beside myself. Busygals don't have time or money for this nonsense! I didn't want to replace nice pairs of jeans and nice towels!

Image courtesy of vinegars.info

After a quick search on Google, I found that white distilled vinegar can do just about everything! After adding about a cup of vinegar to my load of laundry and re-washing my clothes, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my towels smelled fresh and clean. The jeans, not so much. I have no idea what happened, and only after I dried the heck out of them with many fabric softener sheets did they smell fresh again (if anybody has any tips regarding this issue, I'd love to hear them! Please leave a comment below).

Anyway, back to the towels...another discovery through a Google search (the link is escaping me right now, my apologies!): Not only is it helpful to wash them with some vinegar, but a double-dry does wonders. I've found that if you really squeeze towels after one dry cycle, you'll find that they are still a bit damp. Towels just take longer to dry. When you fold slightly damp towels and put them on a shelf, you're asking for mildew smell trouble. Make sure when you pull the towels out of the laundry to give them a good squeeze and make sure they're really dry.

Another link is escaping me, but I also found various blogs that stated that many detergents and softeners have animal fats and products in them. Some bloggers have said that this can also add to the smell. I found a product I am in love with - both for the size, convenience, and the plant-based ingredients.

Image courtesy of fastcompany.com

It's made by Method and I bought it at Target. It's highly-concentrated, and it comes in a cool, small pump bottle. Its size makes it easy to carry, and it's not messy because there's no pouring involved. I love it, and I've noticed it's made my laundry smell and feel fresher.

Give it a try! I'd love to hear what you Busygals think, leave a comment below!

Words of Wisdom for the Busygal

This quote is just too good not to share. No matter how busy you Busygals get, never forget that networking is key in the working world, and never get too busy to be concerned about others:

"The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person's needs ahead of their own." -Bob Burg

 
Hope this lifts your spirits and gives you the encouragement you need for the day, Busygals!

Kitchen Gadgets for the Busygal

Who has extra time (or wants to spend more time than needed) in the kitchen? Not this Busygal! Here are a couple of kitchen gadgets I've come across that make prep work and cleaning a little bit easier and more fun:

Image courtesy of cgi.ebay.ch

1) Scrape-Ease Cleaning Scraper
I purchased this little guy at Bed, Bath and Beyond. First of all, it's adorable. But more importantly, it works! This gadget is great for scraping egg or any other stubborn food off of pans. I use both sides - the "feet" do the majority of the work of scraping, and the "head" works good on curved edges of the pan. I don't have to scrub as hard, and it saves my 
sponges from getting gross stuff all over them that won't come off. A money and time-saver!

Image courtesy of remodelingmyspace.com

2) Garlic Zoom
I actually won this little gadget at a friend's bridal shower (thanks, Erin!). I couldn't wait to get home and use it! It's another tool that just makes cooking that much more fun, I feel like I'm playing with a toy! You can find this item at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, or Target. You simply put in a clove of garlic, roll it around, and voilà! Chopped garlic! Minimal mess, and no garlic smell on your hands! And don't just limit yourself to garlic when you're using the Garlic Zoom...I've used this amazing kitchen-tool-on-wheels to chop cliantro, parsley, ginger...you name it! It really does the trick! The link above (Garlic Zoom) is a video of how it works. 

Busygal Fitness

We all know that exercise is important for our physical, mental, and emotional health. But almost every Busygal I know has the same dilemma: A desire to exercise, but not enough time or lack of energy/discipline to do so. This Busygal is no exception to the rule. However, I've found a few tricks that seem to work for me (hopefully they help you too!):

Image courtesy of hotelsinharvardsquare.com

1) Join a fitness class at your gym
Most gym memberships include attendance to group fitness classes at no additional cost. I have found that this is the only way I get in a decent workout. If I attempt to exercise on my own on a treadmill or elliptical machine, I'll quit in about 10 minutes. I get bored, I feel unmotivated, I get tired. However, in a group exercise class, I feel energized, there's an instructor encouraging and directing, and...time for the real truth...I'm competitive. I don't want people to see me giving up, so being in a class pushes me to give it my all. Some of my favorites at my YMCA include Kickboxing, Kick-Step-Funk, Cardio Smashup, and my new favorite...Swimming (more on this later).


2) Stay ahead of the pack
Once you get comfortable with the routines in the group class, get there a few minutes early and make sure you get a spot toward the front. Why? Because when you know that there's a room full of people behind you, you definitely will feel pushed more to keep going when you feel like giving up. This has also worked wonders for me. When you're in the back row, you're more apt to go easy on yourself and take more breaks. If you're anything like me, being toward the front will push you.

3) Swimming
At my gym, they offer a Swim Fitness class. When I went to join, nobody was attending. For the last few weeks, I have had a private, one-hour Swim Fitness class with an instructor. It's been fantastic! Tip/Lesson Learned: Look for possibly obscure classes offered at your gym that you might be interested in, and you might be treated to individual instruction, or very small classes. This will push you to work harder, as there's nobody to hide behind. Regardless of the class offering, another wonderful exercise is swimming. It works your entire body, it's low-impact, and it's refreshing. Before I found my Swim Fitness class, swimplan.com was a huge help to keeping me on track.


4) Join a Boot Camp Class
Boot camp can be really expensive through private organizations. Try checking out a gym, however, and you might be surprised. My gym offers boot camp classes either 3 days per week in the early mornings, or 2 days per week in the evenings. This is an additional charge to my membership, but at $55 for 10 weeks, 2 times per week, it's worth the extra cost to me! I would by lying if I said it wasn't difficult, but it's an hour, and us Busygals can survive an hour of really hard work, right? Right! That's what I tell myself anyway, and it's been working so far. You work out hard, and you see results!

4) Subscribe to Exercise Magazines
Women's Health Magazine has some great tips for exercise, eating healthy, and staying in shape. I always feel motivated and learn something new when I read it.

5) Eat Healthy
We all know that, right? But as life as a Busygal goes, sometimes healthy eating goes out the window when we're running from one obligation or social activity to the next. This is one of the hugest struggles for me. I've found that pre-portioning out healthy snacks can be helpful. When I get home from the grocery store, I immediately put out zip locs or tupperware and divide snacks into healthy portions. This helps, because when I get home from a long day and I'm starving, I'm reaching for what's convenient, not healthy. But...if my healthy snacks are right there, I'm more apt to grab for those. Also, Trader Joe's has some great snack-sized portions of almonds, called "Just A Handful." A healthy and filling snack. And, as Dave Zinczenko (the guy who authors "Eat This, Not That") recently tweeted, "DIET VS EXERCISE? Workouts help the heart but barely dent our avg 3500 cals/day, says UK study. Focus on eating right." So...when exercise just isn't in the schedule for the day, maintain your health with better eating.










Bottom line: 
Push yourself, get competitive, join some classes, and eat healthy. You'll be glad you did, I know I have been (and I'm excited about the pounds that have been shed as a result!).

Happy fitness, Busygals!

For the Busygal Bride

I can speak from first-hand experience as a bride: White House Black Market has some fantastic options for bridesmaids dresses. Obviously, your color options are a bit limited, but if you're in the market for black dresses (and lately they've had some blues and reds sneak in there, too), you're in luck!
Another fantastic option: JCrew. Every friend I have that has worn a JCrew bridesmaid dress has raved about her dress and has exclaimed that she can actually wear it again (every bride's dream come true!). I know for a fact that WHBM dresses will also be worn again...my bridesmaids did!
Both WHBM and JCrew also offer wedding gowns.

Busygal Pet Lover

Love your kitty or pup, but hate the hair she leaves everywhere? I know you Busygals out there love a quick fix...Real Simple Magazine has an easy trick - put on a damp rubber glove, and rub over the hair on your furniture, it'll come right up! My friend Sandy also shared that she read in a Real Simple Magazine that a damp sponge will do the trick as well.

Also, for the kitty owner, one of the best clumping and least messy kitty litters I've found it Jonny Cat. It's sold in select stores, so check out their web site for stores where it's sold near you. Also, you must be aware if your kitty has sensitivities to dust (like I found out mine does - who knew cats could get asthma?!). If so, this won't be the best fit for your home. 

A Feminine Power Suit For the Professional Busygal

I recently graduated with my Master of Social Work...yay! Now I'm on the job hunt. Luckily White House Black Market makes it a little bit more fun, and fashionable, to go to interviews.

As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, WHBM has a special place in my heart, as it is where my bridesmaid dresses were purchased. I realized I've never really searched the rest of the store, as I always go straight to the dresses (which are adorable!).

I recently discovered that WHBM not only has great dresses perfect for any occasion, but they also offer fantastic professional wear! Case in point: this adorable Autumn Pin-Dot Jacket and skirt combo. When I went to WHBM, they actually didn't have the skirt in stock yet, so I paired the jacket with the Elyseé Pencil Skirt. I honestly can't say enough about this skirt! It is a tad bit stretchy, so it's incredibly comfy, but it looks astonishingly classy, perfect for the interviewing or professional Busygal!

One drawback: WHBM is definitely on the pricey side. However, because their clothes are black, white, and cream, they'll easily become staples in your professional wear closet which you can mix and match with many other items for endless outfit options. They also seem to be of a high quality. Once I get a job and a steady pay check (soon, I hope), I'll definitely be back for the Pin-Dot Skirt!

An Easy Way to Carry Laundry for the Busygal

59¢ for a bag that will hold an entire load of laundry...need I say more?
I don't know about you, but I have to lug my laundry to a laundromat in my condominium complex. This involves going down 4 flights of stairs - not fun. But these Frakta bags from IKEA have truly made life doing laundry a bit more convenient.
And seriously...who has time to make multiple trips to the laundromat? Not this Busygal! Grab a few of these, and you'll have all of your laundry to the laundromat in one trip, all for under $2! This bag is a fantastic steal, and it's also incredibly sturdy. In addition, it folds into almost nothing, and if you live with limited storage space like I do, this is just the icing on the cake! Of course, this bag doesn't just have to be utilized to get the laundry done...the uses and possibilities for this bag are endless!
Here's to making the unpleasant chore of laundry or any other duty in which you must haul a lot of stuff around a little bit more tolerable, Busygals!

Multi-Tasking Lip Gloss for the Busygal

Image courtesy of sephora.com

I purchased this lip gloss (Fusion Beauty LipFusion Conditioning Stick SPF 15) on a whim, at the advice of one of the friendly salesgals at Sephora. I told her I didn't like wearing lipstick, but wanted something similar to chapstick - moisturizing, but with a hint of color.
She suggested LipFusion in Berry, and I love it! Not only is it incredibly moisturizing, but it's SPF 15, so you look fabulous and protect your lips from the sun all at once - perfect for every multi-tasking Busygal! It also has a slightly minty flavor, which is refreshing.

Added bonus: the top to the gloss screws on, so there's no need to worry about reaching in your purse only to find that the top has come off and your purse is now home to smashed lip gloss.

One word of advice, the web site claims it's also a plumping gloss, which I was unaware of until sharing this link with you lovely busygals on Twitter. The salesgal did not inform me about this, but I haven't noticed it creating any kind of lip plumping whatsoever (sidenote: lesson learned: read labels, don't just listen to salesgals!).

Enjoy Busygals!