I have to say that I love a “To do” list and I tend to have one for everything!! There’s a list for all of my work related stuff and a few lists for home stuff and I have to say that I love the feeling of crossing things off these lists.

Life is so busy that I’m sure if I didn’t rely on my lists, then I would definitely forget things and I would be so disorganised it would drive me crazy. I love to be in control and organised, as soon as I think of a new idea or task, it goes on the “to do” list.

It’s also a great idea to prioritise your lists in order of importance and urgency.

Benefits of a “to do” list;
1. It creates clarity & focus
2. You can see in writing your priorities
3. Allows you to group certain tasks so you can complete them together or in order
4. You can quickly get back to your tasks when you’ve been interrupted
5. Clears your mind allowing you to feel less stressed & overwhelmed
6. Less chance of forgetting things
7. Allows you to pace yourself and manage your time more efficiently

I’d like to share this invaluable tool with you all, it’s my family menu!

Menu

Enjoy

Do you feel that you’re swamped with technology, app’s and software programs out there? I know I certainly do. I recently spent quite a bit of time looking at a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) program that was going to work well for my business. I was completely overwhelmed with what was out there and the different features.

Now, as we are all “time poor” these days, who has the time to spend researching everything that’s at our fingertips?

If you have a requirement for an application or program, don’t waste too much of your time looking at everything out there – choose a couple to review, maybe ask someone to recommend something, and get started.

Most programs will offer a free trial, if they’re not already free, and if they don’t offer a free trial I would probably steer clear of them.

I can’t belive that we are celebrating our 5th birthday here at Admin Angels. WOW!!

Over the past 5 years there have been many challenges, and a lot of sweat and hard work, but I’m really proud of what we have achieved and the business model that has been created. It has been a huge learning experience and I’m still learning – which I hope never stops!

I have a very supportive network of people around me starting with my husband, my mum, my team of “Angels” and my business coach – I definately wouldn’t be able to do what I love doing without these fabulous people who help me. I have also had the pleasure of meeting and working with some truly amazing organisations and professionals along the way. I love helping other businesses and can’t wait to see what the next 5 years have in store.

So here’s cheers – now time for a glass of champagne!

I hate it when it gets to about 4pm each day and I’m still wondering what I’m going to cook for tea. With kids, that time of day can be stressful enough as it is, without having the extra stress of rummaging through the cupboard, fridge and freezer trying to find inspiration (and ingredients) to cook something!

After going through this scenario for long enough, and “winging” it with dinners, I decided it was time that I got myself organised and created a menu based on the meals my family liked and also included the recipes, so I don’t have to try to find specific recipe sheets or cookbooks every night.

The menu is based on a 6-week schedule from Monday through to Sunday nights and I’ve structured it so that we have a balance of white and red meat as well as vegetarian dishes every week. If your family has take-away once a week or fortnight, then you can schedule this in.

When it comes to shopping, it’s too easy! I’ve created a shopping list in Excel with all of the ingredients for the meals on the menu (as well as the other items required during a regular shop). Whether you shop on a weekly basis or fortnightly, refer to the menu so you know exactly what you need for that period and fill in the shopping list.

This system works extremely well, I am organised and have everything I need. It’s also great for budgeting purposes as well, because I know what I need in advance and do one shop on a weekly basis. If you can reduce the amount of times you visit the supermarket, you will reduce the “impulse buying” as well – I’m sure we’re all guilty of ducking into the supermarket for something we need and ending up coming out with several items!

Another great way to budget with the grocery shopping is to purchase your meat from a butcher and your fruit and vegetables from a market or green grocer, rather than the supermarket. The quality is generally better and as a rule, it is much cheaper. I’ve opted to purchase my red meat from an online supplier who delivers the meat to my door, pre-packaged. This is only going to be suitable if you have the freezer space, but it is much more economical and the meat quality is superb.

I’ve attached my menu and shopping list for you to use as a guide – I hope it helps!!

Menu Planner

Shopping List