And for everyone else, keep reading. This month, I’ve put together a Spring Clean Strategy For Dummies. Do these steps and watch control fall over your life and household, at least for a little while.

Ok, time to get started:

Purge!

*Take the Trash Out – Spend one day with a garbage bag in your hand and get rid of everything you don’t need and things that are broken and unsalvageable. Don’t stop at your house. Go out to your car and throw away everything that isn’t serving a purpose (or move it back into the house). Think of yourself as a trash superhero – you are conquering the clutter, one garbage can at a time.

*Donate – Gather together anything you can donate to charity or friends. Most of us could get rid of 30% our belongings and be just fine. Often the most organized are those with the least amount of stuff. They know when to move stuff out. Take a clue from the masters of clean and clear out your unused items.

* Out with the old, in with new. Store away winter coats, sports equipment, etc. Take time to organize closets. Don’t attempt to do this all in one day. Plan to organize one closet a week until you are done.

Shine, Sweep & Suck!

*Clean surfaces. Declutter shelves. Dust and windex like a mad man. Wipe away fingerprints and watch the sun come in through those clear windows. After you’ve rid yourself of dust bunnies, break out the broom and vacuum and get those floors clean. Ok, you’re almost done. Time to mop those floors. If you have a steamer, you can steam the grime away. With floors and counters clean, you should start feeling a little crisper. Might be time to invite a few friends over but first . . .

Make Your Bed!

*Studies have shown that people who make their bed everyday have a stronger feeling of control. Start your day organized and you are more likely to stay that way. So make your bed, every day. It might even be time to invest in some new sheets for spring!

Control Your Clutter!

*Control the clutter as it comes into your house. This means sorting your mail immediately and tossing items that are unnecessary. Whenever you bring in a new item, immediately get rid of something else. These easy strategies will keep the chaos from piling up around you.

Ok, all done. Doesn’t it feel good to be clean? Now in a few months when you’ve forgotten this brief lesson, you can do it all over again. Yeah, right!

It’s a sneaky little thing!

Remind me again why we do this twice a year?

Oh yes, this clock switching business all began during World War I – a valiant effort to conserve precious fuel that was needed to create electric power. A good cause at the time, no doubt.

But if you’re anything like me, losing a precious hour of sleep once a year is enough to turn me into a bit of a grump. Then, after a few days of adjustment, it is possible for me to rise up and actually get excited about the changing of season. Now you can imagine me standing on the hilltop singing at the top of my lungs, “Spring, Glorious Spring! Welcome Back!” Ok, not really, that would be a little overboard (I’m a little too manly to play Julie Andrews) but I am genuinely excited about the promise of sunshine ahead.

Sunshine gets me thinking about Spring Break. Spring Break gets me thinking about vacation. Hmmm. This year why not consider vacationing at home? Staycations can be a great way to save a few bucks and to keep yourself from the exhaustion that can set in after a week of travel. You know that feeling of needing “a vacation from your vacation!”

Rather than dealing with airports and long car trips this spring, why not save your energy and stay close to home? But don’t spend the week on the couch (unless of course you really want to) – here’s a few ideas to make your STAYCATION fun and memorable – so this Spring Break why don’t you . . .

Plan a lazy day (stay in your pajamas and watch movies all day).

Use these apps to save money and time over Spring Break:

Gas Buddy – Find the cheapest gas on the go for free
Urban Spoon – Search for local restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine or price (with reviews)
Living Social – Save money on everything you do from dining to working out.

But news is now emerging that too much multi-tasking and over-scheduling can eventually take a toll on our emotional health so if we’re not careful, we can soon find ourselves in a state of burn-out and exhaustion.

On that note, I’ve put together a few ways that we can all SLOW DOWN today . . . let’s try it together – can’t promise I’ll keep it up but for now, I’ll take a trip on the slow boat to happiness.

SLOW DOWN STRATEGIES . . .

1. Slow your morning routine down by getting ready the night before. Give yourself plenty of time to roll out of bed by going to bed earlier – this way you will have plenty of snooze time in the a.m. Plan out what you will wear, what you will eat and what you need to bring with you as you head out the door. Not going anywhere, you can still slow down your morning routine. Savor that shower. Linger over that bagel. Take time to enjoy the quiet still of the morning.

2. Drive slow. No answering your cell phone or texting and driving. Leave with plenty of time to make it to your next destination. (Then you can laugh at the people who race you to the next inevitable stoplight.)

3. Make mealtime a time to slow down. Chew slowly and take the time to enjoy every bite. This will help you feel full quicker and eat less. Also, you won’t need Pepto-Bismol at the end of the day either. An added plus!

4. Single task at work. Pick one task and refuse to be interrupted until you finish it. Focus on it. Don’t check your email. Don’t pick up the phone (I know, easier said than done). Work from home? Work with kids? Focus on one thing at a time, even if that means coloring with the kids without checking your phone.

After you try these slow down strategies, you may be inspired to add more to the list For some reason, I’m feeling inspired to add one right now. I think I’m getting sleepy. ZZZZ. Just kidding, I’m not even on #1 yet.

The good news is we’re not alone; technology is on our side. Use a Smartphone to track goals and stay motivated this year. Research shows that less than half of people who make New Years Resolutions actually keep them. Use these apps to defy the odds and make 2012 the year you achieve everything you desire.

Apps to keep you on track in 2012 . . .

Joe’s Goals

A free tracking tool to monitor habits and daily goals.

Strengths: ease of use, simplicity, and daily score keeps you motivated.

Best for: keeping track of short term objectives — things you need or want to do every day or week, such as exercising or writing your daily blog.

43 Things

Free social goal-making site that helps you connect with others to inspire and motivate you to try new things.

Strengths: social, inspirational, and connects to Facebook account.

Best for: getting support with reaching your goals from an Internet community, especially for reaching difficult goals.

GoalsOnTrack

A detailed goal tracking, task management, and time management service. Membership is $68 per year – it’s BBB accredited and offers a 60-day money back guarantee.

Strengths: slideshow feature included to help you “subconsciously find ways to achieve your goals,” integrated calendar and journal for creating an action plan.

Best for: anyone looking for a full-featured goal planning/achievement system.

Lifetick

A personal or professional goal achievement that acts like a personal trainer for your mind.

Strengths: email reminders to help you achieve SMART goals, with accessibility from smartphones, and a mobile Web version for iPhone, Android, and Palm users. Free version for up to 4 goals. (Paid version is affordable at $20 a year, with unlimited goals, journal tools and live stat updates.)

Best for: mobile devise accessibility and utilization of the SMART methodology of goal setting.

Don’t Break The Chain!

“Don’t Break the Chain is a simple calendar designed with the Jerry Seinfeld motivation technique in mind. As explained on Lifehacker, Seinfeld’s productivity secret was to use a giant calendar and mark off each day he completed his writing task; the growing chain of red X’s encouraged him to maintain his desired habits.”

Strengths: simple and straightforward app that works best for achieving a single goal. Can be integrated with iGoogle and Google Chrome.

Best for: visual learners who have one large goal to achieve.

ToodleDo

“One of the best to-do list apps available today!”

Strengths: a powerful to-do list that creates action plans to help you reach goals.

Best for: tracking tasks and goals in one single place.

Now it’s up to you, pick an app and get going making 2012 the year you defy the odds and reach your goals! If I can do it, so can you. We’re in this together.

If you’re a little bit last minute this year, like me, you may be way behind in your holiday shopping and looking to find gifts fast. I’m here to help you! This way you can cross shopping off your “to do” list and make time for your “want to” list!

Here’s a list of gifts that are sure to delight and spread joy this season, especially since they all come in at the very reasonable price of $50 or less.

Awkward Family Photos: The Board Game

Based on a popular website, Awkward Family Photos will be your new favorite party game! Combines classic and never- seen-before Awkward Family Photos with probing, open ended questions for a hilarious game night!

Giant Gummy Bear (bigger than a football)

This giant 5 lb. gummy bear is bigger than a football and sure to satisfy even the most die-hard gummy addict. And as a table topper or conversation piece it can’t be beat.

Funky iPhone Cases

Keep your iPhone safe while making it super-fun. Soft rubber phone holders in a range of designs. Fits all iPhone models.

Universal Remote Control Pillow

The sofa pillow with the distinctive difference – it’s also a remote control. Never again will you have to ask, “Where’s the remote” And you’ll never lose this remote in between cushions because it IS a cushion – with a built-in 6-in-1 universal remote control!

Twilight Turtle Nightlight

Sweet dreams are made of this. A soft and plush turtle nightlight radiates a tranquil, star-studded light to help little ones drift off to sleep. More than a nightlight and friendly bedtime companion, it projects constellations on the ceiling and walls, transforming a child’s bedroom into a planetarium.

Personalized Steak Branding Iron

Made of durable stainless steel to withstand even the most intense grilling heat, this personalized steak brand can be custom ordered with any combination of 5 letters of your choice. Perfect for indoor or outdoor grilling and an awesome gift. If you’re in a hurry, pick the initial of the recipient – premade and ready to give.

Ok, time to shop to you drop! Ready, set, CHARGE!

Each year I’m amazed at how quickly the year goes by. One minute I’m hearing back to school ads on the radio and then before I know it, Santa greets me at the grocery store, ringing that little bell in my ear.

Ok enough with the shock . . . there’s really nothing to do at this point but to embrace it! Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, New Years – they’re approaching and it’s time to step up and make this a season one to remember for many years to come.

Now I’m getting to my point. What I know for sure (and now I sound like Oprah) is that the term “Give to Get” really is true. Whenever I give of my time and talents, I reap a harvest of contentment and joy. What I also know is that without planning on my part, the chance of actually doing something for someone else decreases with each holiday party and activity.

Now is the time to make a plan to give. I promise that by giving to others this season, we will all grab our own pocket of joy amidst the craziness of the season!

Why not start small by giving to one of the organizations I’ve listed below? After that, you may feel so good that you want to do more. Find a place to volunteer your time – at a school, a shelter, a hospital, etc. The opportunities for giving are endless and no effort is too small. Ok, time to start . . .

Check out these great places to GIVE TO GET this holiday season:

Operationsmile.org – (help those with a cleft palate)
Foodforthepeople.org – (support poor in the world)
www.worldvision.org -World Vision (support underprivileged everywhere)
www.sharedhope.org – Shared Hope International
(support victims of human trafficking)

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year to all of you! May this be the year we all GIVE TO GET!

Wow, the popularity of Halloween appears to be rising exponentially each year. When people break-out the plastic ghosts and giant costume stores pop up on roadway corners over a month before the day well, pretty soon we’ll be seeing Halloween in June sales and kids will be taking a week off to celebrate ghouls and goblins. Yes, Halloween is becoming a very big deal around here! The stores are stocked full with spooky decorations and Halloween party planning is already in full swing.

In the spirit of this spooky season, I’m sharing a few tips to help you choose a great costume that will make this Halloween your spookiest, scariest and most sensational to date . . .

CREATIVE COSTUME IDEAS -

Politically minded? You could organize a group dress up as a famous political family. Some ideas– the Obamas, the Palin family, the Kennedys, the Clintons, etc.

Self professed TV addict? Why not plan costumes around a hit television show – some ideas that are sure to spark your creativity – American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, Modern Family, Glee, etc.

Music lover? Why not become “Rock Royalty” for a night – dress up group style as a band or a famous rock family. Some ideas . . .the Osbornes, KISS, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Blue Man Group, etc.

Movie Buff? Have each member of your group dress up like a character from a movie. Good choices: Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Flinstones, Smurfs, Captain America, etc. – you could even put together a gang composed of different superheroes.

Artsy are you? Choose a play and design costumes around the screenplay. For example, dress up as the characters from Wicked or Jersey Boys. If you’re real artsy, you could even design a group costume around a famous masterpiece or dress up as an artist for a night (Warhol would be an easy one to imitate).

Are you a foodie? Dress up like your favorite meal or dish. Arrive at a costume party as your favorite wine and cheese pairing. More of a family man? Why not go as a family picnic – with mom being the basket, dad being the blanket and the kids being the food inside (hot dog, sandwich, pickle, etc.) – the dogs could be the ants.

Hey techno geeks and geeks of all ages, why not dress-up as a play on words or your favorite gadget? You could be anything from an iPad to a Rubiks Cube to a Grammar Nazi. Be creative – the dictionary is your oyster.

Now that we’re all thinking about what we’re going to be this Halloween, I’d better get started with my own plans. Let’s see . . . Superhero (already done that) – hmmm – I’ll have to surprise you!

Taste buds, now that I’ve got your attention, here’s a couple of recipes that are sure to delight this season.

FOR THE TAILGATER:

Champion Chili

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped, divided
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
• 2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 3 (15 ounce) cans chili beans
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle lager-style beer
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Cook ground beef and pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 of the onion and all of the green pepper, habanero pepper, jalapeno pepper, and garlic. Cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir the drained meat into the onion mixture along with the green onion, chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beer, and water. Sprinkle with the cornmeal, then season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate overnight.

4. Reheat the chili over medium heat until it begins to simmer again. Top individual servings of chili with cheese and remaining chopped onion.

FOR THE APPLE PICKER:

Apple Crisp

Ingredients

• 4 apples – peeled, cored and sliced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. In a 9 inch square baking pan, mix sliced apples with brown sugar. In a large bowl, mix together flour, white sugar, cinnamon and salt. In a small bowl, beat together egg and melted butter. Stir into flour mixture. Spread evenly over apples.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until topping is golden and crisp.

FOR THE FAMILY BONFIRE:

Smores with a Twist

Ingredients

Marshmallows
Graham Crackers
Mini M&M’s

Instructions

Place a handful of mini M&M’s in a small bowl. Toast the marshmallow until the outside is nice and toasted. Remove the outer portion of the marshmallow and roll the gooey portion in the mini M&M’s. Place the gooey M&M creation between two graham crackers and enjoy!

After all, not only is reading relaxing, it’s also good for you! Reading reduces stress, provides greater tranquility, and increases both vocabulary and memory. Studies show that reading helps people prioritize goals, improves analytical reasoning and enhances writing skills. One other big benefit to reading – when compared with other forms of entertainment, it’s just plain cheap!

If you care to join me, I’ve compiled a list of books that are WELL worth your time and effort. Let’s all carve out some time to read before things get hectic and the easy living of summertime is a memory.

4 REALLY GOOD READS!

The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andres

“Much like the best-selling books by Og Mandino, this unique narrative is a blend of entertaining fiction, allegory, and inspiration.  Storyteller Andy Andrews gives a front-row seat for one man’s journey of a lifetime. David Ponder has lost his job and the will to live. When he is supernaturally selected to travel through time, he visits historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, King Solomon, and Anne Frank. Each visit yields a Decision for Success that will one day impact the entire world.”

The Collectibles by James J. Kaufman

“In his debut novel, James. J. Kaufman delivers a gripping and unforgettable story of two strong men from separate worlds – one touched by tragedy, the other by greed – brought together with unexpected results. In chronicling how their lives and those they touch are dramatically changed by their encounter, Kaufman reveals the power of relationships, the nature of love, and ultimately the meaning of life.”

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hildenbrand

In her long-awaited new book, Laura Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she displayed in Seabiscuit.  Telling an unforgettable story of a man’s journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.

The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Imposter by Mark Seal

The story of The Man in the Rockefeller Suit is a probing and cinematic exploration of an audacious imposer-and a man determined to live the American dream by any means necessary. A real-life Talented Mr. Ripley, the unbelievable thirty-year run of a shape-shifting con man. The story of Clark Rockefeller is a stranger-than-fiction twist on the classic American success story of the self-made man-because Clark Rockefeller was totally made up.”

I don’t know about you but I hear a hammock calling my name! Happy Reading!

I don’t know about you but summer makes me feel like a kid again. Remember back in school when that last day rolled around? Nothing could replace the feeling of freedom that came over me as I heard the final school bell ringing. Now as an adult, I might not hear that final bell ringing but I still anticipate and enjoy all that summer has to offer – sunshine, swimming, boating, golfing, hammock swinging, bicycling, fishing, fireworks, vacation, sand between my toes, grilling, etc. Summertime makes me feel free again!

Let’s face it: sunshine and happiness, they go together like summer and sandals. In the spirit of the sunny summertime, let’s all find time to make fun memories. First, we’ll have to figure out what makes us happy (i.e., what we consider fun) and that isn’t always the easiest task in our grown-up world.

Gretchen Rubin, best-selling author on happiness states, “A surprising number of adults spend so much time thinking about what they wish they found fun, or think they ought to find fun, or what other people find fun, that they’ve lost touch with how to have fun.” I agree. So the first step is to really think about what makes you relax and enjoy life and then to plan some time to do it this summer. You may even have to take yourself back to your childhood and remember the things that you chose to do as a kid.

Once you figure our what constitutes fun in your life, then the next part is easy, Take the next step and plan your fun activity. Yes, when we were kids, we didn’t have to plan fun but now with work and responsibilities, planning fun is sometimes the only way it happens. So plan that vacation, that Saturday afternoon trip to the beach, that fishing trip with your best buddy, etc. Take the time now to organize special events this summer. You’ll be glad you did when that first fall breeze rolls in. Let’s have a happy SUMMA, SUMMA, Summertime everyone – there is never a better time to enjoy the important things in life than right now!