Easy Does It

I am all for things that make life easier. Who isn’t? Which is why I loved a recent Real Simple dedication to an “Easy 2011”. Full of tips, products, websites and more, after reading through the “Get-It Together Handbook”, I felt like I was armed to be a much more productive person in this new year. Because, I found some of these tidbits so helpful, I thought I’d forward them on to you. For the complete compilation, pick up the January 2011 issue of Real Simple magazine.

• Keep a budget for 2011. Make it easy by creating an account with mint.com. It’s a free, online-money-management system that allows you to easily track where you money is going. There are also apps that you can download to your iPhone and Droid so you can quickly make a decision about whether or not you can really afford those strappy heels (or practical flats) you’ve been eying.

• Make menu-planning and shopping easy by downloading the Real Simple Meal Plan and Shopping List. Simply write out the meals you plan to prepare for the week in the “menu” column, list out the ingredients that need to be purchased for each meal as broken down on the chart (i.e. produce, dairy, meats), then head to the grocery store with your list. Everything will be organized by department, and you’ll be ready with everything you need for each weeknight meal!

• Never forget a password again. Most of us know (at least those of us who have sent pharmaceutical ads to our friends and loved ones via hacked email accounts), that having multiple, complex passwords for all of your different account and website log-ins is a good idea. What isn’t a good idea is forgetting what the passwords are. To streamline this process, visit docs.google.com, and create a google document to store all of your passwords and log-in details. The password to this document is the one you’ll want to remember!

• Avoid busting a Janet Jackson move. While early motherhood can certainly “enhance” the bustline and admittedly it may be one of our better features, some modesty is likely called for. When wearing low cut v-necks try using some Fashion Fix Tape, available at sallybeauty.com for $8.