Father’s Day brings warm thoughts of when my Dad would cook up his special recipes in the kitchen.  Weekend’s is when Dad would help out in the kitchen.  Helping my Dad make homemade donuts and his special waffles brings back great memories.  What are your special food memories of what your Dad cooked up when you were young?

I love to entertain during the summer months.  When cooking for barbecues, picnics or parties at the lake, I am always looking for time saving recipes.  Recipes that are light, healthy and colorful are at the top of my list.  Double this recipe and serve in a colorful serving bowl. I hope you enjoy this vegetable salad as much as my family does!

The idea of Father's Day was conceived in Spokane, Washington by Sonora Dodd while she listened to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. She wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a widowed Civil War veteran who was left to raise his six children on a farm. The following year, June 19, 1910 was chosen for the first Father's Day celebration.

Father's Day is an occasion to celebrate the contribution that your own father has made to your life.  Families have different traditions in how they celebrate Father's Day. Make a list of the things he does now or things you've heard him talk about doing but has never done. Somewhere in this list is the perfect gift for the man who has been your Father all these years.

• Combine giving a thoughtful loving gift along with a special day you have planned just for him.
• The needs of your Dad in an assisted living environment may be a little different. How about a talking watch, a novel, lunch or dinner out with the family- a gift certificate to a restaurant, DVD’s of his favorite old movies or a mechanical grabber.
• The gift of laughter, DVD’s of Dad’s favorite comedian or sitcom. 
• Create a small photo album of special memories with you and your Dad. 
• For the athletic Dad start a tradition on Father’s Day. Go for a hike, kayaking or to an amusement park.

This Father’s Day, spend the whole day with your Dad. It’s the little things that really matter. Listen, interact and laugh.  You can create memories of sitting around the kitchen table listening to Dad talk about his childhood and turn off the cell phones and spend quality time with Dad on his special day.

It’s here! Mother Nature has finally delivered warm weather to New Hampshire.  The kids will be out of school soon, weekend adventures and family vacations are right around the corner.  This is year two for It’s About Time “Groceries to Go” service.  Groceries to Go is a helpful time saving service for your family trips, weekend camping excursions, heading to the lakes region etc.  It’s About Time is here to help with the last minute details of picking up snacks for your road trip and all the essentials you will need for your trip.  Just call to schedule your delivery in advance for your next adventure!  Service begins July 1st!

How does It’s About Time stand out from other personal assistant’s?

• 26 years experience in customer service owning several business along the way.
• 14 years in the errand and personal assistant field.
• Affordable and offer cost effective errand packages.
• We do business nationwide. Assisting clients wanting to help family/friends in New Hampshire with there needs.
• Offer continued computer data organizing for home and small business.
• Offer personal wardrobe shopping service.
• Offer College Care Package delivery service.
• Every client receives personalized service.
• We tailor our services to your specific needs.
• Use reusable polyethylene grocery totes for all of our grocery deliveries.

Today people are busy trying to do it all.  Making time for family, getting weekly errands done and helping our aging parents are a reality for many families today.  It’s About Time understands that during a typical week we all have good intentions in getting our to-do list completed but then life get’s in the way.  Weekend time disappears and before you know it you are getting ready for your work week.  Three hours for grocery shopping; travel time x shopping x storing food.  Cleaning your home, average time, two hours for basic cleaning.  Laundry, running kids to their sporting events and lessons, organizing your home, home repairs etc.

The fact is that to have a healthy work/life balance you should add one important thing to your list, time for you!  Creating time for you gives some down time from all the stresses in life.  Work and family life suffer when you don’t take time for yourself.

Call It’s About Time now to schedule your free consultation.  603-472-8422

Graduation Party Planning Checklist

Start planning three weeks before your party. Make a checklist of what needs to be done each week. Breaking your to-do list down makes it more managable.

Real Simple has a easy step by step plan for making your party a success. http://bit.ly/afIvfq

Need an extra hand now that your party date is getting closer? We can help with:

• Party Invitations
• Grocery Shopping
• Specialty food pick ups
• Decorating
• Set Up/Clean Up

Call now 603-472-8422 to reserve your personal assistant!

The different stages of life can bring challenges that we are not ready for.  Some change jobs, relocate or start new ventures. When you add in children to the picture, all the responsibilities of a family along with your job it gets more complex.  Sometimes health issues create more stress in our lives or we are presented with taking care of a loved one. We live in an “I can do it all myself” society not open to asking for a helping hand and creating unnecessary stresses in our every day lives.  

Being from the boomer generation I see more of my friends living long distance, families moving to other areas of the country for new jobs and the family support system changing.  Many of my clients are either busy professionals or senior citizens.  The busy working class is going in so many different directions that they have little time to relax.  Poor health comes into play when we don’t take time some down time or take a little time to do some of the things that bring happiness.  Working longer hours X little sleep and relaxation = poor performance on the job, health problems and discontent.

Being a business owner I work at managing my personal time in order to fit in the things I enjoy in life.  I schedule time for myself every week writing it in on my calendar to do list.  Occasionally I can’t find the time to get to the health club or spend quality time with family. On those weeks I feel like I am missing out on what I enjoy.

So when you are faced with a major change in your life or can’t find enough hours in your week to get it all done, it’s ok to ask for a helping hand.  The nice thing about It’s About Time is we will work with you and your schedule.  The satisfaction gained by letting us be there for you when life get’s crazy is that great feeling of relief, knowing it is taken care of. Let’s sit down and talk about how It’s About Time can make your life a little easier. Call 603-472-8422 today!

Are you replacing your kitchen cabinets? Depending on the overall condition, why not sell your cabinets online and put the money towards your new kitchen! Try selling your appliances if you will also be replacing them. Take several pictures of your kitchen cabinets and the appliances and price them fairly for the condition they are in. Ask your kitchen designer’s opinion on what you could get for them. You might let potential buyers view the cabinets while they are still in place for the visual effect. Out with the old in with the new!

De-Clutter this spring, help others and clean up our landfills. Goodwill will accept old computers regardless if they are working and will recycle old cell phones.  How many old cell phones do you have sitting in your drawer?  We all have books lying around that are just collecting dust. Why not donate books you no longer read, children’s books and old cookbooks that someone else would appreciate.

Toasters or old vacuum cleaners that you have replaced are accepted as well.  Don’t forget the clothing you no longer wear because they don’t fit or the clothes you hold on to for sentimental reasons. 

Stuff…it fills our closets, basements and attics.  Why not de-clutter, make room for the new and help someone else out at the same time.

Need some help?  It’s About Time will pick up and drop off your items.  We can arrange for larger items such as furniture to be picked up.  Give us a call today! 603-472-8422

When you are planning to remodel your kitchen take plenty of time to price compare for every aspect of your project.  We live in a society that wants everything done quickly though if you rush a home project you will not be happy with the end results. We are doing a major renovation on our kitchen this fall.   Over the next six months I will be blogging about every aspect of what is involved in shopping for your new kitchen.  I will talk about ordering kitchen cabinets right down to selecting the right flooring material for your kitchen.

Shopping for kitchen sinks and faucets can be fun and also confusing.  Going to your local chain hardware stores is a good place to start in educating yourself about the products you plan to buy.  The other side is the quality of the product may not prove to be the best in the long run. The answers I have been receiving at each showroom were interesting.  The first showroom gave me excellent detailed product information though steered me to the most expensive product line. I came away from that experience thinking there was no way I would purchase the high end products shown to me even though I liked them.  The other side was that I got great product information that I could use at the next showroom I planned to visit. The next well known plumbing showroom did not have the pieces labeled as to brand name or sizes.  The associate had a difficult time finding the product in their catalog.  This experience was a turn off because my time was wasted and I came away from the visit with little information. 

My plan is to go back to the showroom that impressed me the most and ask for the bottom line price they are willing to give me.  This is the starting point, I will also check with contractor to see if he can buy the product at an even lower cost then compare the two.  There are so many details to making your project all come together.  Give yourself plenty of time to shop around you will be glad you did!

People often ask what does a personal assistant do?

There are many facets to what individual service provider’s offer. It’s About Time save’s time for busy people, assist’s small business and make’s life a little easier for senior citizens.

Here at It’s About Time we offer a wide range of services that help busy families, busy executives and the physically limited individuals. What if you had someone else to buy your groceries, gift shop and pick out greeting cards or declutter your closets and kitchen?  When planning a home party our set up and clean up assistance reduces the stress of it all. How are going to get it all done?  Hire It’s About Time so you can enjoy your guests and leave the details to us. How much quality time would you save so that you could spend more time doing the things you enjoy most? 

Small business owners often need assistance for time consuming tasks.  Business owners would rather be giving attention to their clients than running business errands, copying and faxing paperwork or sending out mailings. That is where It’s About Time can help out.  Entrepreneur’s can benefit from hiring a personal assistant which gives them time to grow their business to a new level. 

Today senior citizens don’t often have family nearby to assist them with everyday tasks we take for granted. Grocery delivery is at the top of the list for many seniors.  Walking through the mega size grocery stores is exhausting for many.  Carrying the grocery bags is another difficult task. Keeping the home organized is not easy when you can’t lift heavy items or go up and down stairs easily. It’s About Time gives peace of mind to long distant family members and to the senior citizen.

What tasks could you outsource to free up time for yourself?

With the new season approaching why not dispose of unnecessary closet clutter.

• Remove winter clothes, shoes etc.  Go through your winter wardrobe setting aside clothing you have had not worn for the past two years.  Give to a friend, family member or donate to your favorite charity.

• Store casual out of season clothing in large see through labeled containers.  You’ll be glad you did when you go looking for that favorite sweater when winter approaches again.  Hang dress clothes in another closet or in a separate area of your everyday closet.

• Vacuum and dust before bringing in your spring/summer clothing.

• Evaluate the function of your closet system and make changes before bringing in your spring/summer wardrobe.  Discard worn out hangers.

• Categorize clothing and shoes: formal wear, casual, workout clothes etc. 

Let's face it, life is busy.  Parents sometimes find it a challenge to achieve a balance between work and family.

Does having your own personal assistant sound like a dream? Do you feel like you are on the go with no time to breathe? Wouldn’t it be great to have someone to pick up the dry cleaning, buy the groceries, pick up prescriptions, research contractors, gift shop and organize your closets?  The “To Do” list is never ending though there is a solution.  You can have quality time with your family and quality time for yourself.

Hiring a personal assistant for a few hours a week is a smart way to make more time in you life for the things you enjoy most.  All the things you would like to have time for, can become a reality.  It may be just getting to the health club after work or having your weekends to spend quality time with your children.  Whatever your goals are we can help.

What are your priorities?  It’s About Time offers personalized service and pays attention to the little details. Find more time in your week, call It’s About Time to discuss you personal household needs. You will be glad you did!

Today we communicate with multiple email accounts, social networks, blogs, websites, electronic calendars and more. Keeping your computer organized makes it easier to find what you’re looking for and frees up space on your hard drive.

 I check each box then place important emails in separate categories. Throughout the week I delete junk email as it comes in, respond to time sensitive emails and place other mail in a “To Work On” file.  When I see more than 10 emails I quickly scan what is to be saved or deleted, usually at the end of the work day.

The weekend is when I do a detailed cleaning of my email boxes before the next work week begins. When the weekend roles around, there is more time to look at my “To Work On” files and save others for future reference.  The last step is to clean out the deleted and sent box and also empty your computer recycle bin.  Having your own system ensures important emails do not get overlooked.  Save it, respond to it or delete it! 

The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.

Do What You Love

During the 2011 tax season, It’s About Time is offering special services to CPAs, accounting firms and tax preparers in the southern New Hampshire area.  It’s About Time provides professional delivery service for tax returns for your corporate and personal clients.  Call now for information on how outsourcing can save you time and make life a little easier.

Do you have a senior parent that could use some assistance with their weekly errands or household help? The strain of balancing your job and family while helping your parent can be challenging. 

Employing a professional service a few hours a week or month can be helpful.  It’s About Time can help with grocery shopping, pharmacy pick ups, household organization and so much more.  We give you peace of mind and make life a little easier… Call today to discuss your personal needs.  603-472-8422

Parents spend more time in the family car as they chauffeur their children from location to location.  Planning can make time in the car a positive instead of a negative.  Driving to after school activities, ski lessons, appointments, field trips, running household errands or whatever is on your to-do list, with a little creativity you can make it productive for both you and the children.

Pack nutritious snacks in plastic storage containers and bring drinks for everyone in an insulated cooler.  You will save money, time and can control what your children are eating.  Keep fun and educational activities and books in the car.  Use seat organizers with a writing tray which works great for school age children. 

With today’s busy lifestyles families are on the go more than ever. Transform your car into a comfortable environment using that time wisely and also keeping everyone happy while in transit.  After all “It’s About Time” isn’t it?

Make Time for YOU: Set aside one hour a day to do something for yourself.  It might be a walk on your lunch break, a class at the health club, dinner with a friend or just relaxing with a good book.  Making time yourself will increase your energy level and give you some peace of mind during the hectic holiday season.

Eat Healthy: Listen to your body. You don’t have to give up all your favorite foods during the holidays but use common sense.  Eat a small snack before going to a party. Don’t skip meals; take time to eat a healthy breakfast before you leave the house. Keep healthy snacks in your car to give that energy boost in between meals.

Gift Shop with a Plan: Don’t waste your time in the stores Christmas shopping without a list.  When you have no idea what to buy a friend or loved one use online resources to research before heading out to the mall.

Planning Your Holiday Party:  Do not feel obligated to do everything yourself. Planning, shopping, preparing and the after party clean up can take the fun out of the holiday season if you try to do all yourself.  If having a sit down meal is too overwhelming, keep it simple.  You might plan a feast with just hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and desserts.  The bottom line is if you throw your own holiday party, ask for help.

Learn to say NO: Holiday parties, shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping presents and decorating are just a few of the activities and obligations we face during the holiday season. Prioritize what events and parties you really want to go to.   Don’t feel obligated to make it to every party or to bake four dozen cookies for a cookie swap. It’s ok to say “No”.

Do you have trouble keeping track of what is on your schedule? Having some sort of organization for birthdays,doctor,appointments, weekly commitments or your kid’s sporting events schedule is a must.

What is my solution for organizing the “To Do” list?  I have it with me wherever I go, my cell phone. It stays with me throughout the day and makes my life a whole lot easier!  With today’s technology it is easy to have your monthly schedule right at your fingertips. Life is busy in general today, keeping track of birthdays, anniversaries, your weekly schedule, holiday gift lists or medical appointments can be a challenge. Keeping it in one place saves time, within seconds you can view what is on your schedule. Take time each week updating your “To Do” list, delete past commitments and add on what’s to come.

Another solution for those that do not have the use of the latest technology there are other ways to keep track of life.  Keep an ongoing list either in one notebook, on a computer calendar or in one document on your computer.  The goal is to simplify your system of keeping track of your “To Do” list.  Find one way to make it work for you!

Do you have a work associate, friend or family member that has a hectic schedule? That would be most people these days!  Hiring a personal assistant weekly, bi-weekly or on occasion can make life a whole lot easier. 

Can you image having someone to buy your groceries?  Your weekly groceries delivered right to your door saving you time from running around the grocery store, standing in line at the deli and the check out. Wouldn’t that be great!  You have company coming and would love to have someone to food shop, pick up the supplies, run to the bakery and tidy up the house.  You need a hand getting your home in order, cleaning out the closets, re-organizing your kitchen cabinets or decorating your home for the holidays.

Personal assistants are perfect for today’s busy lifestyles.  Hiring a personal assistant is easy and makes a great gift for birthdays, holidays, employee appreciation or anyone needing a helping hand.

For more information call 603-472-8422 or email info@itsabouttimenh.com

How can a concierge help? It’s About Time gives the family more quality time together, gives time back to the busy professional who runs around on the weekends doing errands and helps a business run efficiently by outsourcing tasks.  

What is on your To-Do list? Give us a call at 603-472-8422 and find out how we can make your life a little easier.

• Shop with a plan.   Write it down.  Have a budget

• Buying sale items is great though make sure you’re actually getting a deal.  Also check monthly flyers before shopping to compare prices with other stores.

• Buy clothes that are made to last.  Think about how the garment will look after it is washed.  You are throwing your money away buying something that will wear out after a few washings.  Classic styles of clothing are a better bet than trendy pieces, as you will be able to wear them for several years.

• Shop outlet stores for discounts and find excellent deals on off-season items.  Shopping on weekday mornings instead of weekends is best to avoid the crowds. Try the item on before buying it. 

• Maybe bring a friend or family member along that has similar taste in clothes and will give you an honest opinion. Make sure what you buy can be worn with other clothes in your closet multi-purpose items will save money in the long run.

• Last but not least, when in doubt sleep on it.  When considering buying an expensive dress or suit it doesn’t hurt to wait one day.  How many items have you bought that hang in your closet that never got worn?

Life is busy.  We all use the same excuse, my life is busy.  Between your job, the kid’s schedules, running errands we let special days pass by without buying that birthday or anniversary card on time.  Here is a simple tip that will take the worry out of remembering.

At the end of each month take a look at your calendar, make a list of all the greeting cards you will need for the following month.  Take a couple of hours when out running errands to purchase all the cards.  After purchasing the cards take an evening and prepare all the cards for mailing, signed, sealed and stamped.  In the bottom left hand corner of the envelope put the date you need to send it out to ensure it arrives on time.  Place the envelopes in an open mail organizer in an area of your kitchen or at your home desk, wherever you will be sure to see it.  This method actually saves you time each month.  Instead of running out each week to buy your greeting cards you are getting it all done in one day.  Relax; we make life a little easier!

Do you have a long distance college student?  Sending love from home is easy and It’s About Time is here to help. It’s About Time is now offering errand service to local southern New Hampshire colleges.

I deliver homemade cookies from local bakeries, non perishable foods from the grocery store and items from Target.

For birthday’s, holidays or get well items.  It’s About Time is next best thing to Mom being there.  We make life a little easier.

Call today to schedule your delivery!  603-472-8422

Sometimes life can be overwhelming.  Focusing on what is most important gives a good balance between work and family. Why hire an errand/concierge service?

• Busy Lifestyle
• Travel for Work
• Snowbirds
• Illness
• New Parents
• Disability
• Post Surgery
• Need Party Assistance
• Need an Occasional Helping Hand

If you had just a few hours a week to yourself how would you use that time?  

• Work out at the health club after work instead of grocery shopping.
• Spend time with your family on the weekends instead of running errands.
• Enjoying holiday parties instead of shopping for holiday gifts.
• Lunch with a friend instead of waiting for the repairman.

Why do people hire me?  I am resourceful, professional and make life a little easier.

Keeping it Simple: Free Consultation-Hourly Fee-Easy Payment Options

Limiting you’re shopping to the perimeter of the store and avoiding the aisles will give you a head start on losing those extra pounds.

Most grocery stores have aisles filled with convenience processed foods, canned goods, meals in a bag, frozen boxed dinners that are loaded with fat and calories. The perimeter of the store offers fruits, vegetables, lean meats and other healthy meal choices.

It’s important to be aware of food labels and find foods with the fewest amounts of ingredients -- three to four instead of six to eight. The top five ingredients listed make up the food, the rest are preservatives.

The center aisles do have some healthy foods, if you look carefully and are selective. Some items such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and some spices are healthy additions to your food pantry.

If the majority of your foods are from the perimeter of the grocery store you are eating healthy.  Adding your own spices into foods you prepare, helps you control the calories in your daily diet.

Did you know that It’s About time helps people nationwide?

We received a request from New York to pick up and deliver a Father's Day gift here in New Hampshire.  Another request from North Carolina was to purchase and deliver a birthday gift to a family member here in New Hampshire on business.  If you have family or friends here in New Hampshire and need a gift delivery, a grocery order or maybe a family member is in need of assistance, help is just a phone call away. 

Our gift shopping and delivery service is perfect for Christmas.  The deadline for placing gift orders is December 13th to ensure delivery. Call now for more information! 603-472-8422

Do you have a senior parent that could use some assistance with their weekly errands or household help? You have come to right place.The strain of balancing your job and family while helping your parent can be challenging. 

Employing a professional service a few hours a week or month can be helpful.  It’s About Time does everything from senior companionship, grocery shopping, laundry to pharmacy pick ups and so much more. 

We give you peace of mind and make life a little easier… Call today to discuss your personal needs.  603-472-8422

Life is busy!   

Why not have your recipes right at your fingertips when making out your grocery list. This can save time and money. One method that makes my life easier is by placing all my favorite recipes in binders. Just purchase four inexpensive binders along with a small box of clear sheet protectors to start. Label each binder as follows: Hot Meals, Cold Meals, Appetizers and Desserts.

Place your favorite recipes in the appropriate binder. You will have all your ingredients for all your favorite recipes when you are planning your weekly grocery list. Shop smart, you will be amazed at the savings!

TARGET WEDNESDAY - Errand Special

We shop at Target every Wednesday.  Give us a call and let us know what you need.

Discount delivery rate of $15 no matter how many items you would like us to purchase.  Who can benefit?  Busy families, new moms, busy professionals, senior citizens.

NOTE: We do not deliver heavy or oversized items such as furniture, large rugs etc.