Costco: the Real Deal?

After much debate, we recently decided to renew our Costco membership card.  The conundrum presented was if the membership cost was more than the savings, and if Costco truly offers the lowest prices.  This fascinating article does a superb job comparing and contrasting the cost of shopping at Costco versus the local superstore.  Not surprisingly, one grocery peddler does not best the other in every category--rather each store offers bargains on different products. 

Ergo, each household must consider their unique grocery needs before deciding to continue to be a card carrying Costco member. 

Price Check Experiment: Is Costco Really Worth it?





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Perspective

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Corn Worth Popping For

There are some ideas so clever, so incredible--yet so simple.  These little idea gems are rare, and when one stumbles upon them, they must be shared.  My recent discovery has me jumping for joy, plus enjoying a beloved treat.

We are all familiar with the white, fluffy, yummy-ness that is popcorn.  And like many of you, I was under the impression that popcorn had to be popped either in a hot air popcorn maker or in the microwave.  I have always chaffed a bit under this restriction--I don't want to purchase another small kitchen appliance, nor do I like the mess, smell, or noxious chemical flavors in microwaveable popcorn.  My alarm was raised when I read an article listing microwavable popcorn at number three on a list of seven foods you should never eat.  "Studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals [in the lining of the bag] to vaporize--and migrate into your popcorn".

This lead to a wonderful discover of an easy, inexpensive, and no mess way to pop popcorn in the microwave.  Not only is is super easy, it's crazy cheap!

Here's the big secret: microwave popcorn in a brown paper bag!  I was not convinced this was a great idea right away--I envisioned a small flaming bag of kernels, or a terrible corn kernel explosion in my kitchen.  However,  after successful brown bag microwave popcorn enjoyment, I am a believer!

To make microwave brown paper bag popcorn place 1/2 cup of corn kernels in a brown paper sack, fold three times to secure, and nuke for 3 minutes.  Stop the microwave when popping slows to 1 or 2 pops per second.  You can add butter, salt, or any sweet or savory seasoning you wish.  Plus, the paper bag is recyclable; no fowl chemical-coated bag to stink up the kitchen or add to the landfill.  

For more details, read this article.



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Feeling a bit SAD?

The official start of Winter is just days away, and that means most of us have experienced a string of dreary cold days--with many more to come.  This can make a warmth loving person a bit forlorn.  However, sometimes feelings of melancholy during the cold months are more severe and a person might be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.  SAD is a type of depression that affects a person during the same season each year--typically in the cold winter months. 

Happily, there are simple and effective remedies for SAD.  Girl Friday Agency cheerfully offers some SAD busting tips:
-Get some morning sun--if possible go outside for some exercise and soak up some sunny rays.  If outdoor activity is not an option sit near a window.  Also, on sunny days open drapes and blinds to let light in.
-Get active--regular exercise is important.  Motivation during gloomy mood is hard, but just a bit of physical activity will help, plus it might lead to longer exercise session.
-Reach out--contact a friend or family member for a chat.  If feelings of depression are particularly intense, your physician will be able to recommend counseling or medication.
-Lightbox Therapy--exposure to substitute sunlight is an effective treatment for SAD.  Some believe the cause of SAD is a reduction of sun exposure due to the shorter days of cold months.  

For more Seasonal Affective Disorder information, please read this article.  
To purchase a Lightbox please review this list of options. 

Hoping you enjoy a pleasant and peppy Winter. 




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Be at Peace

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Here Come Houseguests! Ready?

If hosting houseguests is in your future, chances are you have some prep work to do in order to welcome them properly.  With the chaos of the Holidays, preparing to receive houseguest can seem overwhelming.  Fortunately, Girl Friday Agency has some terrific tips for houseguest readiness. 

The first step is a clean home.  Pay particular attention to cleaning the bathroom--place fresh linens out, and remove clutter from counters so your guests have room for their toiletries.

If you have a guestroom your guest will be utilizing clean sheets are a must.  Make space in the closet for guest to hang up their clothes, and gather some reading material and place it on the nightstand. 

In the kitchen, have breakfast items easily accessible; plus, having afternoon snacks convenient a bonus.

Create a simple and flexible itinerary of activities.  Having a plan will ward off boredom, and will ensure a more enjoyable and lively visit for you and your guests.   

Really want to impress?  For a luxury bed and breakfast ambiance, place an assortment of mini-bottles of lotion, shampoo, and conditioner in their room.  Have a cozy robe and slippers ready.  Additionally, bottled waters and a small basket of yummy sweets and chocolates in the guestroom adds a splendid flair.  Fresh flowers in a vase is a beautiful effect. 

Here is a practical checklist for houseguest preparations.

Hoping you relish your Holidays and the guests they bring.




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Wishing You a Most Happy and Healthy Holiday

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Look What's Sprouting

Visited a farmers market this weekend and saw hoards of brussels sprout stalks.  Seriously, there were mountains of cute, green, little balls of goodness lining the rows of the market.  I have to admit that while I appreciate the taste and aesthetics of bressels sprouts, I have zero idea of how to cook them.  Thus came the brussels sprout recipe hunt.  And the yield was as bounteous as this years brussels sprout crop. 

Dijon Braised Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprout Salad
Steamed Brussels Sprouts

Hope you find a tasty way to enjoy this adorable Autumn vegetable.




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Opposing Procrastination

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The Happy Hostess

The holidays are in full swing--Santa has taken up his perch in the mall, neighborhoods are aglow in Christmas lights, and Nativity scenes dot the community.  Additionally, holiday party invitations are arriving.  Want to make yourself a favored guest?  Try making the scene with a gift for the hostess.  There are dozens of clever, inexpensive, and thoughtful gifts that will delight your hostess when she welcomes you at the door.   

Found a brilliant list of hostess gifts from Anthropologie.









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Healthful Holidays

Trying to eat healthy during the holidays can be tricky.  With each festive gathering typically coupled with unhealthy treats, party participation can be problematic for those trying to eat healthfully.  Here are 10 sensible tips to eat a bit healthier during the holidays.

1. Slim down peanut butter--purchase natural peanut butter spread and pour out the oil accumulated on top.
2. Fill up on fiber rich and calorie poor popcorn--sans butter and salt.
3. Kick up your heels--dancing is a great and fun way to burn calories.
4. Switch up your workout--tweaking your workout just a bit ups your caloric blast.
5. No nighttime eating.
6. Eat chewy and crunchy foods like carrots, apples, celery, and whole grains.
7. Cook and consume simple whole some foods--reduce highly processed foods from your menu. 
8. Reduce alcohol intake--alcohol causes bloating and is high in calories.
9. Try upside down--butter and season the bottom of foods.  For example, butter the bottom of toast.  This way the flavor hits your tongue right away, and you taste more of it. 
10. Eat slowly--this gives your body a chance to communicate to you that it is satiated. 
For more tips and information, please read this article. 





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Happy Thanksgiving

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Shopping for Germs

The approaching Holidays bring gift-giving opportunities--thus triggering trips to the mall.  As the number of shoppers increases, the germ count multiplies.  The germiest locations at the mall are hard to avoid, but with added awareness you can minimize your exposure to harmful germs.

8 germiest mall locations:
1. Restroom sinks--remember to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
2. Food court tables
3. Escalator hand rails--"...we have found food, E. coli, urine, mucus, feces, and blood on escalator handrails"
4. ATM keypad 
5. Toy stores

6. Fitting rooms--while trying on clothes keep full coverage underwear on

7. Gadget stores--A study published last year in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that viruses easily transfer between glass surfaces (think iPad or smartphone faces) and fingertips
8. Make-up samples

Your best defense is thorough hand washing.  For more information and ways to prevent infection, please review this article. 

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Grocery Store Savvy

Here come the Holidays--and here comes the budget squeeze!  We all feel the pinch during the Holidays as is seems as the number of expenses swells--from an increase in house utility costs, to long present wish lists there are more demands on our cash reserves. 

Please review this article that will help you save a bit of money at the grocery store.







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Waste of Taste

As evidenced by previous posts, I dislike waste.  Wastefulness is costly, destructive, anti-productive--and preventable (usually).  One area that sees ample amounts of waste is the kitchen.  The good news is wasting food can easily be prevented.

Girl Friday Agency offers you some sensible tips to trim back wasteful behaviors:
-Plan your grocery shopping around foods that are nearing their expiration date, and create a menu with those foods before they ruin. 
-Portion off useable amounts of food, and freeze the rest for later.
-Keep and eye on your refrigerator contents--often a yummy dish is accidentally pushed to the back and forgotten.  By being aware of what is stored in your fridge, you can consume foods before they spoil.

For more food wasting prevention, read this article.  








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Expressing Gratitude for our Veterans

We give thanks to those brave men and woman who have served and are serving our Nation.  Hoping they feel our gratitude and admiration.  

Here are some ways to celebrate Veterans Day:

-Send a thank you note to our troops here. 

-Adopt a soldier and send a letter once a week, and a care package once per month to a deployed soldier.

-Visit a Veterans Hospital--bonus points for volunteering!

-Support veterans transitioning into civilian life.

-Get involved!  Check out Return the Favor.org.

"It is the love of country that has lighted and that keeps glowing the holy fire of patriotism"  ~J. Horace McFarland

Awesomeness Awareness

Discovered a perky and simple blog today called 1000 Awesome Things.  This blog finds merry little tidbits in ordinary days, and highlights their awesomeness!  So clever and pleasant!  Encouraged me to be more aware and grateful for the occasions of bliss in my life.


Please check out this superb blog:

1000awesomethings.com

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Clutter Buster

A favorite motto of mine is, "A place for everything.  And everything in its place".  Clutter and disorganization in your home hampers your productivity, decreases your comfort, and infringes on your freedom.

One trait to adopt when trying to minimize household clutter is bestowing sentimental value sparingly.  Meaning: every craft project produced by the children is not priceless art, every book is not a rare edition to be displayed on the bookshelf, and every gift received is not a cherished and much needed accessory to the household.  By limiting the number of items you form emotional attachments to, you enable yourself to discard, recycle, and give to charity the items that are not necessities in your home.






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Girl Friday Agency's Forecast: Bright!

November is shaping up to be a splendid month for Girl Friday Agency.  We have assembled a talented marketing team, have a television commercial in production, and are nearly ready to launch our remodeled website.  Plus, we continue to enjoy our accomplished employees and esteemed clients.

All is well and wonderful for Girl Friday Agency, and we express our gratitude to all those who make our success possible.  We are energized and thrilled for forthcoming Girl Friday Agency activity.





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Passe Pumpkin?

Whilst driving past a pumpkin patch today (the day after Halloween), I noticed heaps of unpurchased pumpkins.  I felt a bit sad for the pumpkins, and thought surely there is a use for all these pumpkins other than simply sitting on our porches in the form of a Jack-o-Lanterns for a few hours.

Happily, a bit of research revealed these gorgeous gourds are exceptionally useful.  Not only are pumpkins one of the most popular fruit crops produced in the United States, their uses include beauty products, sweet and savory foods, and crafts.

Dandy Do-It-Yourself pumpkin uses:
Pumpkin Biscuits
Carved Pumpkin Air freshener
Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Pumpkin Body Butter
Baked Stuffed Pumpkin

For more perfect pumpkin uses, please review this article. 



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"The world always looks brighter from behind a smile" ~Author Unknown

 

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Outsource Options

Numerous companies are recognizing the value of outsourcing.  Busy business and individuals are overwhelmed with the multitude of tasks required of them.  Many find frustration with the fact that often the most tedious (and undesirable) tasks can be quite crucial.  These savvy individuals outsource the mundane, monotonous, and humdrum assignments--thus improving their job satisfaction, reducing their stress, and enhancing their productivity.
Here is a list of the most outsourced duties:
-Mail (electronic or paper correspondence), packing/shipping
-Advertising
-Logistics--shuttling people and packages
-Payroll
-Data mining for marketing research


Additionally, many successful and innovative individuals employ a virtual office assistant, and delegating to their assistant the host of important yet banal tasks.

For more information, please review this article. 



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"Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must" ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

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Motivation Augmentation

In our lives at home and work we require motivation.  Motivation to complete a project in a timely manner.  Motivation to keep a tidy home.  Motivation to exercise.  In order to be a productive person, self motivating is essential.  While motivation is an indispensable ingredient in a productive and healthy life, sometimes it seems as if our motivation levels wane.


Happily, we determine our own level of motivation.  Quantities of motivation are not distributed by the whim of a boss, or lavished upon us by parents.  "Motivation is a set of thinking strategies or processes that we run for ourselves".  We are the captains and masters of our motivation. 

One way to boost your level of motivation is deciding a head of time what you will do when action is required.  For example, make the decision to work out in the morning the day before.  Then, set yourself up for success by: getting to bed at a reasonable hour, preparing your gym bag, and setting your alarm.  Then, when the time arrives for action--GO.  Do not create excuses, do not create reasons to postpone, do not doubt your ability to make yourself work.  Simply follow through on the decision you already made. 

You can require excellence from yourself.  You can set lofty goals--and meet them. 

For more self motivating techniques, review this article. 



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Rush Repose

Do you find that you are consistently running late?  Generally the last to arrive for an event?  Or, frequently in a rush to get out the door?  Being late is a habit--a bad habit that can be broken.  While it may seem like your friends and family accept your excuses and apologies, in reality it is bothersome when a person is routinely late.  Those waiting may smile and say, "it's ok", however chronic lateness can make the late comer appear unorganized and thoughtless.  

Timely arrivals are vital in well organized and efficient schedule.  Today's tips from Girl Friday Agency can aid you in your quest for time management:
-Factor in time for travel-commuting the same route can often result in vastly different travel times due to traffic, road works, etc.  Therefore, give yourself ample time to travel to your destination.  If you arrive early read a book, listen to a book on CD, or take take a few minutes to meditate.   
-Resist the urge to do "just one more thing"-often that one last little task will take longer than you anticipate.  Set a departure time, and stick to it.  If the designated time to leave arrives and you are not quite finished with a project, stop and make a note of where you left off--and GO.  

For more information read this article. 



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"Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow" ~Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

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Body Language Translation

Every moment we are telegraphing our thoughts non-verbally.  Thoughts and feelings are broadcast upon our face and announced by our behavior.  Mastering our own non-verbal cues and interpreting anotherer's body language is a vital communication skill.  Those who understand body language are at a decided advantage in the workplace and at home. 

Read this article for essential instruction in the art reading facial expressions and understanding body language.  










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Outlet Upgrade

It can get difficult to find sufficient electrical outlets for our various electrical devices.  This ingenious outlet combines the standard electrical outlet and a USB port that can charge any device charged via a 5V power adapter.  No longer will you, your laptop, and smartphone be banished to the hallway to find a vacant electrical outlet!  

Purchase for $25.00.  For more information, visit FastMac.

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you" ~Maori Proverb

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Fiscal Crystal Ball

As a majority of people do not have extensive finical planning training, seeking advice before making big purchases or plotting your financial forecast is wise.  I discovered a brilliant tool from a company named, Planwise, which helps the average individual visualize the future fiscal impact of decisions made today. 

Planwise website
Planwise blog
Here is a short video of the CEO and founder, Vincent Turner, talking about Planwise: video link

Immunity Improvement

With rain falling and temperatures dropping, thoughts naturally turn to illness prevention.  Getting sick is typically a major disruption at work and home.  To keep you operating in top form, Girl Friday Agency offers a list of foods that boost immunity.

-Yogurt- Probiotics keep your digestive track healthy by keeping harmful bacteria at bay.
-Citrus- A great source of Vitamin C, an immunity booster.
-Oats and Barley- These grain contain beta-glucan, which as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; plus, help the immune system to detect bacteria and fight of infection more efficiently.   
-Mushrooms- Increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them aggressive.
-Sweet Potatoes- Offers loads of Vitamin A that keeps your skin healthy, our first line of defense against pathogens.   
-Broccoli- Helps mucus membranes from effective barriers against invading germs.
-Salmon- Provides amino acids and Omega-3 fatty acid compounds the immune system requires.  
-Blueberries- Boosts immunity by offering positive effects on cardiovascular health, cell tissue, and digestive system. 
-Almonds- Enhances the immune system with beneficial monounsaturated fat, iron, fiber, magnesium and protein.  Additionally, almonds contain healthful calcium, riboflavin and vitamin E.

For more information, please these two articles, article 1 and article 2.








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"All that Adam had, all that Caesar could, you have and can do.... Build, therefore, your own world" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature

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Food-a-pedia

This website is a nifty little health and wellness tool!  Simply plug in a food and this website gives you the caloric count and recipe options.  Clever!

MyFood-a-pedia.com













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Apple Aficionado

It is shaping up to be a lovely apple season.  Orchard rows are resplendent with their trees offering up succulent fruit.  Apple harvesting season heralds Autumn--and all the splendor of cooler weather, brilliant Fall leaves, and savory sweets.  In celebration of ripening apples everywhere, Girl Friday Agency offers a choice recipe for Breakfast Apple Granola Crisp. 

Breakfast Apple Granola Crisp
3 pounds of whatever apples, or mix of apples, you like to bake with, peeled, cored and cut into medium chunks
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt
1 stick (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces) unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup flour
2 cups oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, as you wish; I used unsweetened)
-Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix apple chunks with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and pinch of salt in a 9×13-inch baking dish until apples are evenly coated. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the honey. Stir in the flour, oats, almonds, coconut and another pinch of salt until clumps form. Sprinkle evenly over the apple mixture and bake in the oven for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the apples are softened and bubbly. Should the granola brown before you wish it to, cover the baking dish carefully with foil for all but the last few minutes of baking time, when removing the foil will help the granola recrisp. Cool to room temperature and then stash in the fridge to eat with your morning yogurt.




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Do You "Thank You"?

We all know we should express our gratitude when we receive a favor, gift, or thoughtful gesture.  One especially polite and tasteful way to acknowledge a kindness is a thank you note.  Sadly, the art of letter and note writing is waning.  My grandmother elucidated the value of note writing when she professed, "Writing thank you notes shows good breeding".  In effort to promote courtesy and etiquette, Girl Friday Agency's tip today will assist you in writing simple and thoughtful thank you notes.  

1. Dear [Name of person]. If "Dear" sounds too formal to you and you know the person well, you can get away with "Hi" or "Hello", as in "Hi Emily!"
2. Thank you for the [description of gift] [name of gift]. Example: Thank you for the lovely engraved necklace.
3. At least one sentence about the item; something you did with it, a reason you like it, when you plan to use it. Ideally, make the sentence 2 parts, like the example below. This makes the note feel more sincere. 
   Example: It looks great with so many of my tops and I know I'll wear it often on date nights.
4. Tell the giver you appreciate the thought or time they put into it and the occasion for which the gift was given.  Example: It was so thoughtful of you to think of me on my birthday.
5. Mention something about the giver such as family members or something happening in their lives. Example: Best wishes to Brian and your sweet children. OR Have fun house hunting, looking forward to hearing all about your adventures in home purchasing! 
6. Sign off. "Love" is fine for family members and close friends. For others, some choices are "Yours Truly",  "Best", "Regards", or "Warm Regards".
7. Sign your name. Don't make this an autograph scrawl; neaten it up so you they know it's you.

For more thank you note writing tips for various occasions, please visit this website.   




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"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials" ~Lin Yutang

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Life Advice. Career Advice.

This is an insightful and savvy video instructing us on how to refine some our most valuable life skills.

--video link--

Enjoy and let your sagacity bloom!



















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"Anywhere is paradise; it's up to you" ~Author Unknown

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Smart Snack Attack

 Having an arsenal of sensible snacks on hand is essential for maintaining healthy eating habits.  Girl Friday Agency's tip instructs you on how to construct two well-rounded, well placed snacking stations.

-Place one stack station in the cupboard.  In this snack station place pre-measured containers of nuts, dehydrated fruit; add some granola bars, peanut butter, and crackers to complete the station.  
-Place the second snack station in the refrigerator.  Add containers of pre-cut fruit, yogurts, veggies, and cheese sticks and you will be a savvy snacker!   

For additional information please review this article. 





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Budget Bookworm

Reading and acquiring books is a common hobby.  Hither and thither, book-lovers can be found perusing the shelves of book stores looking for additions to their personal library.  However, if saddled with an ardent fondness for books and a smallish pocket book, what is a fan of literature to do? 

Here are a couple options for individuals who are delighted with new books, but are not keen on purchasing full priced books:

-Websites like bookmooch.com, and paperbackswap.com allow you to send in books you no longer want and trade for books you select. 
-Visit a local used book store.  These places are a gold mine for book discount seekers.  For help finding a local book store, try biblio.com, or you can purchase books from this website as well.





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"I believe in America because we have great dreams - and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true" ~Wendell L. Wilkie

Cunning Communicator

Possessing effective communication skills is essential, as we are in a perpetual state of communing with family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers.  Everyone could benefit from a communication skill set brush-up, so Girl Friday Agency offers some communication boosters.

-Be an active listener.  When in a conversation, truly listen and hear what the speaker is saying.  Instead of listening to the speaker only to construct a rebuttal, seek to listen and understand what the speaker is saying and feeling.  Pause and reflect on what the speaker is saying.   

-Stay on topic.  When in a heated discussion, topic shifting is easy.  You may feel bring up past grievances will strengthen your point, however citing past issues will muddle the discussion and increase frustration.

-Seek support.  Some topic are too sensitive and the emotions associated with them are too intense to engage in a calm, respectful, and informative discussion where all involved feel understood.  At this point the wise and brave move is to enlist help.  Engage an unbiased third-party, such as a mediator, counselor, or family therapist--that person can observe the conflict from an unemotional objective platform, thus allowing them to offer previously unnoticed insights and observations.

-Keep it friendly.  There is no place in a discussion for yelling, name calling, or physical violence.  Ever.  No discussion will result in a fair and positive outcome with negative and hurtful tactics. 

For more communication tips, please review this article. 






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Cucumber Conundrum

Whilst dinning at a friend's home, she served a scrumptious cucumber & tomato salad.  As I complemented her on the dish, she lamented that she is running out of tasty cumber recipes--and a cucumber plant on overdrive.  My hostess proceeded to show me her refrigerator that was indeed over flowing with cucumbers, and told me dozens more were still on the vine.  As this lovely lady's predicament is not unique, and many home-gardeners' cucumber cupboards are over flowing--Girl Friday Agency offers several clever cucumber uses.


A delightfully healthy creamy cucumber soup can be eaten warm, or chilled as the perfect antidote to summer heat.  Or let this versatile vegetable bring some pizazz to your side dishes; try this recipe for Summery Couscous with Cucumber and Mint.   


Cucumbers are also the unsung hero in skin care.  Cucumbers can be used make outstanding skin toners and masks.  The high water content hydrates even the most sensitive skin.  Additionally, cucumbers have the same pH as the skin so they help restore the protective acid mantle–they also possess hydrating, soothing, nourishing and astringent properties.  For cucumber skin savers and more cucumber uses, read this article. 

    


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Attention Adventurer!

This clever traveling website gives the standard vacation booking site an update.  At Wonderfly you are offered an assortment of travel destinations based on your interests and budget.  Whilst perusing destinations, Wonderfly offers pictures, a list of activities, places to visit near your destination, and flight availability.  This website offers handy tools to select your interest (such as art, luxury, shopping, adventure, etc.), price range, and travel dates--or just plug in your budget and wander...











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Munch Munch Nibble Save!

Take the trash out of your lunch with reusable food containers.  Packing lunches for children and for the corporate worker bees in your household can create masses of garbage.  The baggies we typically use to keep sandwiches and snacks fresh can take nearly 1000 years to decompose in a landfill.  Decrease waste output by using reusable sandwich keepers such as this adorable Wrap-N-Mat.  

Plus, you can minimize rubbish with containers for lunch sides, such fruits and vegetables.  These clever little containers can carry snacks to work and school, and then after a wash be ready for food duty the next day.