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“Make your life easier” CheCklistslet real siMPle help you organize your home, wardrobe, finances, and much more!

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“Make your life easier” Checklists

Daily Quick Cleaning Checklistno vacuum-the-fridge-coils deep-cleaning pointers, just a basic plan to get your home neat in under 30 minutes a day.

Kitchen

Clear out and wipe down the sink (5 minutes).no piles of dirty dishes! Move them into the dishwasher, and wipe the sink with a sponge.

Wipe down countertops and stove (1 minute).Clean splatters and spills with a damp cloth or sponge and an all-purpose cleanser.

Wipe problem spots on the floor (2 minutes).you can save a full-floor mop for the weekend, but use the same cloth (once you’ve finished with the countertops) to quickly clean any spills or sticky spots, which will attract dirt and get more noticeable if left alone.

Fold or hang dish towels (30 seconds).even if they’re clean, a jumble of dish towels on the counter can look messy. take a few moments to fold or hang them.

Bathroom

Wipe out the sink (30 seconds).if you use a premoistened cloth to wipe your face, swipe the sink bowl and faucet handles with it, too. or use a washcloth, paper towel, or a product like Windex glass and surface Wipes, which don’t leave streaks on chrome or mirror.

Clean splatters off the mirror (15 seconds).got foamy toothpaste spray on the mirror? Do a quick swipe with the same cloth you used on the sink.

Wipe the toilet seat and rim (15 seconds).same cloth! Just do the toilet last.

Swoosh the toilet bowl with a brush (15 seconds).if you see a ring, give it a quick scrub.

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Squeegee the shower door (30 seconds).Wipe down glass doors to remove water droplets that can cause spotting. no squeegee? use a dry towel.

Spray the shower and curtain liner with a shower mist (15 seconds).a quick spray with a daily cleanser will reduce buildup of mildew and soap scum.

Bedroom

Make your bed (2 minutes).even a fluffy down comforter pulled up over messy sheets will look polished.

Fold or hang clothes and put away jewelry (4 minutes).even better: resist the urge to toss them somewhere in the first place! Put them away as you take them off.

Straighten out the night-table surface (30 seconds).take last night’s water glass to the kitchen, stow your reading glasses in a drawer, and straighten books or magazines.

Living Room

Tidy the sofa (2 minutes).it’s likely the focus of the room, so neaten it. fluff the pillows and fold the throws.

Pick up crumbs with a handheld vacuum (1 minute).Concentrate on surfaces in plain sight: sofa cushions, coffee table, and rugs in the middle of the room. look for dust bunnies, too.

Wipe tables and spot-clean cabinets where you see fingerprints (1 minute).use a microfiber cloth or a swiffer cloth to pick up dust. if the surfaces are streaked or sticky, use a moist cloth.

Straighten coffee table books and magazines (2 minutes).toss old newspapers and corral the remote controls into one place (a drawer, if possible).

Clear major clutter (5 minutes).stash video games, toys, and anything else you might trip over.




Wardrobe Basics Checklistuse this checklist to build a strong foundation of timeless pieces that can be paired with almost anything in your closet.

Always in Season

Black tank.a white tank has its place—at the gym or on casual outings—but a black one is more universal. Dress it up with dark jeans or a skirt.

Short-sleeved white T-shirt.White tees become unwearable quickly, so skip the costly designer versions and buy a bunch of good-looking inexpensive ones. then replace as needed.

Short-sleeved black T-shirt.the best short-sleeve length is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer than a typical cap sleeve—it shows just the right amount of arm.

Long-sleeved white T-shirt.for a trim silhouette in white, choose a slim-fit t-shirt that skims your body but doesn’t cling.

Long-sleeved black T-shirt.a surprisingly sophisticated layering piece, this works well under a dress shirt—or even a dress.

Black turtleneck.Consider investing in cashmere: you get more warmth with less bulk.

White button-down shirt (one cotton, one silky).fitted ones will get the most wear: they’re easier to tuck in and look neat when left out.

Crisp white blouse.softer looking than a button-down, a white blouse is a timeless addition to any wardrobe.

Crewneck sweater.thin knits, in cotton or wool, layer easily for versatility and comfort.

Cardigan.a neutral shade goes with everything, and a longer style that hits at the hip flatters most figures.




A black dress.the “little black dress” is a cliche for a reason: it’s a wardrobe necessity.

Pencil skirt.this classic piece should be tailored so it grazes the tops of the knees.

Jeans.it’s worth paying extra for jeans that fit and flatter. your best bet? a dark, bootcut pair made from stretch denim with no more than 2 percent lycra. (the fabric will follow your curves while keeping its shape.)

Black pants.to get the most from this wardrobe staple, select a style made of an all-season fabric, like tropical wool or viscose.

Skinny jeans.once considered a trend, they are now a denim staple. skinny jeans look best when they don’t fit too snugly at the waist.

Khaki pants.for a casual, comfortable look, forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease.

Denim jacket.a dark wash and a slim fit look the most polished.

Cropped jacket.Made famous by Coco Chanel, this item has become a fashion mainstay. you’ll have more opportunities for pairing with one in a solid color or traditional tweed.

Black cashmere wrap.a fabric that was once seen only in fall and winter has become a year-round regular.

Ballet flats (in a neutral or a versatile red).equal parts sophisticated and practical, ballet flats, especially those with rubber soles, are easy on the feet but more polished than sneakers.

Basic black pumps.the workhorse of shoes, a good black pump can take you from day into evening without losing a step.

Metallic evening shoes.no shoes make you more party-ready than strappy sandals or pumps in a metallic tone. the surprise? gold and silver are remarkably versatile.




Fall Basics

Cotton waffle robe.Perfect over pajamas or after a shower, this robe is far less bulky than its terry cloth cousin. The tuxedo shirt.the ultimate day-to-night top, it has a crisp quality that makes it a great multitasker.

Fleece vest.terrific over a turtleneck or peeking out from under a coat, a vest offers versatility in unpredictable autumn weather.

Athletic sweatshirt.as comfortable as a flannel pajama top—but appropriate for wearing in public.

Lightweight waterproof coat.ideal for traveling, this practical item looks as right with a skirt as it does with a pair of jeans.

Khaki trench coat.structured and stylish, it’s a true classic.

Leather blazer.a trim leather blazer brings a little sophisticated edge to any piece. add a scarf and you’re ready to go anywhere.

Peacoat.no longer just navy blue, peacoats come in a range of colors and a variety of lengths.

Flat boots (black or brown).knee-high styles work well with anything from full skirts and a-line dresses to narrow silhouettes.

Black heeled boots or booties.high-heeled boots are a fall-to-winter essential. ankle-grazing booties fall somewhere on the daintiness scale between pumps and boots and make a stylish alternative to both.

Winter Basics

Heavy sweater.look for a big, chunky knit that’s both comfortable and stylish.




Cashmere hoodie.More luxurious than the cotton variety, this layering piece is a sportier version of the cardigan.

Dark-wash jeans.a wardrobe standby in the cold winter months that’s available in a variety of cuts. keep in mind that boot-cut and wide-leg styles work well over boots.

Pantsuit.Wear the jacket and pants together to show you mean business—or treat them like separates to maximize their use.

Gray flannel pants.these stylish standards look great with brown, navy, and black—and also with brights.

Wool trousers.look for a lined pair in fine gabardine wool, made with a twill weave, which won’t feel too heavy.

Down vest.Works best in a neutral color like brown, black, or navy, so you can wear it with anything.

Black cashmere wrap coat.Whether calf or fingertip length, this elegant item will work for day or evening.

Winter coat.fur-trimmed, down, or wool, a winter coat should offer enough room to accommodate a sweater or jacket.

Spring Basics

Cotton polo.More tailored than a t-shirt, it offers cool comfort on even the stickiest days.

Cotton blouse.an airy and attractive springtime fundamental.

Printed tops.a few boldly patterned pieces add life and color to spring basics.

Lightweight cashmere sweater.single-ply cashmere offers comfort in over-air-conditioned offices and movie theaters.




Cotton button-up cardigan.Combines the softness of a sweatshirt with the elegance of a cashmere sweater.

Lightweight waterproof raincoat.easy to carry as a guard against spring’s fickle skies, it blocks wind and rain without weighing you down.

One-button blazer.a cotton or lightweight-wool jacket is a pulled-together layer that can be removed when the temperature rises.

Inverted pleat skirt.as good looking with a tailored button-down shirt as it is with a tank top, it can be paired with a jacket for a more professional look.

Capri pants.these ankle-baring bottoms look great with ballet flats or strappy sandals.

Chinos.Comfortable cotton pants that are durable enough for a day in the park but still look proper in the office.

Summer Basics

Bathing suit.a well-fitting one- or two-piece in a go-anywhere color like black, white, or navy never goes out of style.

Convertible strapless bra.this adjustable undergarment looks smooth and natural under a strapless dress, tank top, or halter.

Cotton pajamas.a pretty patterned pair works as both loungewear and sleepwear.

Built-in bra tank.offering coverage and support (and an end to visible bra straps), this tank can be worn to workouts or cookouts—and even to the office, under a jacket or sweater.

Ribbed cotton tank.originally made for men, these shirts are now available in female-friendly shapes. Pick one that fits your figure—it works well alone or under a suit jacket.




Cotton blouse.Choose a lightweight top from a range of colors and a variety of prints.

Cotton printed dress.stay comfortable even in heavy-duty humidity.

Strapless dress.a white one will show off a great tan, but black, navy, and camel also work beautifully.

Khaki shorts.the summer-wardrobe equivalent of air-conditioning, khaki shorts keep you cool, comfortable, and looking crisp.

Cotton drawstring pants.a good-quality pair will take you straight from yoga class to lunch with a friend.

White jeans.available in a wide range of styles, white jeans look chic with almost any warm-weather top.

Flat leather sandals.a good pair of flat sandals will pair up with virtually anything from shorts to jeans to flowing skirts to bathing suits—and can even sub in for slippers, for minimal vacation packing.




Vacation Essentials Packing Checklistuse this cheat sheet to remind yourself of what, beyond clothes, you need to pack.

Accessories

Contact lenses and/or glasses, if necessary (consider packing extra pairs, too).

Slippers

Sunglasses

Equipment

Alarm clock

Batteries for small electronics and cameras

Camera (and film, if needed).

Chargers for your cell phone, camera, video camera, and laptop

Hair dryer (if your hotel doesn’t supply one).

Headphones for watching in-flight movies

iPod and iPod dock

Tripod

Video camera

Health and Beauty Items

Antibacterial wipes




Body lotion

Comb and brush

Contact lens solution (if needed).

Deodorant

Face cleanser

First aid kit, including gas-relief tablets, antacid, antidiarrheal medicine, antihistamine for allergies, bandages, candied ginger for motion sickness, mild laxative, non-aspirin pain reliever, and a thermometer in a hard case

Floss

Insect repellent

Lip balm (choose one with SPF 15).

Makeup

Personal-hygiene items

Prescriptions

Razors

Shampoo and conditioner

Shaving gel

Sunscreen (pack at least one all-purpose sunscreen with SPF 15).

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Travel-sized detergent




Miscellaneous

Addresses of friends and family for postcards

Healthy snacks, such as chewy granola bars, dried fruit, mini bagels, nuts, and pretzels

Cash, ATM cards, and traveler’s checks

Maps and directions, if driving (try randmcnally.com for maps, directions, and traffic information)

Photograph of luggage contents in case of loss

Printouts of reservations

Sealable plastic bags for stowing small liquid containers

Travel journal

Travel pillow and blanket




some tips will be helpful reminders; other ideas will be new to you. each tried-and-true strategy could save you $100 or more.

To Lower Your Mortgage Costs

Refinance.you’ve heard it before, but this is the easiest way to reduce your housing expenses substantially. Annual savings: $1,984 (These figures are based on the average U.S. house price of $272,000).

Appeal property taxes.if your house has lost value since it was last assessed, you could qualify for a lower annual bill.Annual savings: $1,400

Get rid of your private mortgage insurance.as long as you have at least 20 percent equity in your house, you’re not required to have this coverage. Annual savings: $2,050

To Lower Your Utility Bills

Use a programmable thermostat.lower the temperature (or raise it in summer) seven to eight degrees when you’re not home, and adjust it at least four degrees for the hours that you’re asleep. Annual savings: $180

Unplug electronics when they’re not in use.or use the Belkin Conserve smart aV surge protector ($30, belkin.com), which automatically shuts down players and game consoles when you turn off the tV. Annual savings: $100

Launder everything in cold water.and to save even more on energy costs, let your laundry air-dry. Annual savings: $103

To Lower Your Transportation Costs

Drive sensibly.gas mileage decreases when the speedometer tops 60 miles per hour. Annual savings: $585

Lower Your Monthly Bills Checklist


http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F7C007



Fill up with the right octane grade.Check your manual and use a higher grade of gas only if instructed to do so. Annual savings: $217

Set up a transportation-reimbursement account.Pay your commuting expenses, such as parking and public-transportation rides, with pretax earnings and reduce your overall income-tax bill. Annual savings: $375

Patronize the cheapest gas station.Download the no-cost GasBuddy app to find the best-priced fuel in your area. Annual savings: $500

Carpool.the website eRideShare.com helps like-minded drivers connect. Annual savings: $2,280

To Lower Your Cable and Internet BillsStop paying for TV channels that you don’t watch.go to BillShrink.com to figure out which cable package is right for your viewing habits. Annual savings: $450

Use Skype, the communications software program.it’s free for all domestic and international calls with other skype users, plus you’ll receive up to 25 percent off international calls with a subscription. Annual savings: $156

Cancel call-waiting and caller ID on your landline.this is an especially pain-free move if you use your mobile as your primary phone anyway. Annual savings: $105

Lower your Internet speed.if your at-home computer use is typically limited to checking e-mail and social-media sites, you may be able to downgrade without too much of a sacrifice. Annual savings: $360

Bundle your services.using one company for all your entertainment services can reduce your costs by about 20 percent if you tend to make a lot of long-distance calls on your landline, watch cable tV, and require high-speed internet. Annual savings: $216


http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gasbuddy-find-cheap-gas-prices/id406719683?mt=8

http://erideshare.com/

https://www.billshrink.com/



To Lower Your Cell-Phone BillMatch your texting plan with your family’s needs.if you have teenagers, you may need to sign up for an unlimited option, since they send and receive almost 2,300 more texts a month than adults do (gulp). no adolescents in the house? Make sure you’re not overpaying for a texting plan that you don’t utilize. Annual savings: $240

Know your data usage.use the calculators offered by at&t, Verizon, sprint, and t-Mobile, or sign up for message alerts to figure out how much data you use, then downgrade your plan accordingly. Annual savings: $240

To Lower Your Health-Care Costs

Visit in-store pharmacy clinics.for minor illnesses, they’re a great alternative to your doctor or the local emergency room if you can’t get an appointment with your doctor or don’t have health insurance. Annual savings: $200

Double-check invoices.nine out of 10 invoices contain errors (such as charging for routine services or equipment fees that are already factored into the price), according to the Medical Billing advocates of america, which can inflate your medical expenses anywhere from 17 to 49 percent. always compare the explanation of Benefits (sent by your insurer) with the bill from the provider to verify that all the charges match. Annual savings: $537

Receive an annual checkup at a dental school.Visit oralhealthamerica.org for a list of educational facilities in your area. you can save up to a third off your bill by trusting dental students to perform a cleaning. Annual savings: $684

Open a flexible-spending account.eighty-five percent of employers offer these accounts, which allow workers to set aside pretax dollars for medical expenses. Annual savings: $775


http://oralhealthamerica.org/



Party Planning Checklistthese think-ahead steps from professional party planners will help you enjoy your party as much as your guests.

Three Weeks Before

Make an invitation list.for a large cocktail party, invite 20 percent more people than you can fit, since typically only 70 percent to 80 percent of invitees attend.

Decide on a theme, if you want one.Make, buy, or borrow any decorations or music you may need to fit the theme.

Send invitations.Mail, e-mail, even phone invites are all acceptable.

Plan the menu.assemble the recipes (choose only those that can be prepared in advance, perhaps even frozen, with just warming and assembling required on party day). Make a list of how far in advance each can be made, and compile a shopping list. Place an order with your local delicatessen or bakery, as needed. Related: No-Stress Gourmet Buffet

Line up any help you may need.Consider hiring a high school student or a professional to help with pre- or post party cleaning or to pass drinks or appetizers, replenish buffet food, tidy up, and generally take some weight off your shoulders.

Two Weeks Before

Clean any crystal, china, and silverware you’ll be using.and launder and iron linens.

Come up with a playlist.the music should be upbeat and sufficient to last throughout the party. for a summer party, click on the link below to download a playlist. Related: Songs for Summer Entertaining

Do a first round of grocery shopping and cooking.Prepare any dishes that can be frozen.


http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/quick-easy/no-stress-gourmet-buffet-10000001170570/index.html

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/quick-easy/no-stress-gourmet-buffet-10000001170570/index.html

http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/summer-party-planner-00000000016702/index.html

http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/music/download-a-summer-solstice-party-playlist-10000001735958/index.html



One Week Before

Clean the house thoroughly.this way, you’ll need only a quick once-over before the party. (To maintain it for the rest of the week, try the 19-minute daily routine at www.realsimple.com/quickcleanup.)

Set the stage.arrange the furniture as you’ll want it for the party, making sure that guests can move easily from one part of your house to another. Designate a coffee table or side table for coffee and dessert, if you’ll be serving them. tuck away things that will be in the way, precious items that might get broken (or even be taken), and any clutter. figure out the lighting: using low-wattage bulbs or candlelight will create the right mood.

Take inventory of cookware and serving dishes.if you don’t have enough for every dish you’re serving, consider purchasing inexpensive pieces from a discount or thrift store. label each dish with a Post-it so you’ll remember what you plan to use it for at party time.

Stock the bar.Plan three bottles of wine for every four people, three to four cocktails per guest for a two- to three-hour cocktail party.

Three Days Before

Notify the neighbors.let them know you’re having a party if you expect it to be large, loud, or parking-intensive.

Decorate.arrange candles, put up theme decorations, etc.

Check the medicine cabinet.remove any personal items you wouldn’t want guests to see.

Set up clean-up stations.Place a box of salt, Wine away (red wine stain remover), club soda, and a couple of rags in a wicker basket, and store a few in strategic places in case a nasty spill occurs.

Specify a place for coats.Make space in a closet and fill it with hangers. you could also choose a bed for coats (make sure the room is especially tidy and free of valuables, so you won’t need to worry about them), or purchase an inexpensive portable garment rack.


www.realsimple.com/quickcleanup



Finish grocery shopping.Make a detailed cooking schedule for your remaining dishes.

One Day Before

Set the tables.or set up the buffet.

Buy and arrange flowers.

Finish as much of the cooking as you can.also, for any foods that require cooking on party day, do as much prep (dicing, marinating, rinsing lettuce, etc.) as possible.

Give your house a once-over.Do whatever touch-ups are needed.

Day of the Party

Finish any last-minute cooking.this should be absolutely minimal!

Place chairs.Don’t worry about having enough seating for everyone; fewer seats will encourage mingling.

Display food.one to two hours before guests arrive, set out appetizers and snacks that won’t spoil. Wrap them tightly to ensure freshness; tear off the wrap when the first guest rings the doorbell.

Greet guests as they arrive.things should be organized so you’re free to mingle, not tied to the kitchen.




Weekly Workout Plan Checklistif you’re between 18 and 45 years of age and have an average level of fitness, this workout – designed by fitness expert lana titus – is for you.

Monday

Do 30 minutes of cardio,whether it’s biking, walking, hiking, or running stairs. try doing consecutive intervals—1 minute of walking, 1 minute of jogging, 1 minute of sprinting—to maximize your results in minimal time.

Tuesday: Arms

Bicep curls, 10 reps

Triceps kick-backs, 10 reps

Shoulder presses, 10 reps

Repeat this circuit two more times.

Wednesday: Abs and Obliques

Crunches, 20 reps

Bicycle crunches, 20 reps

Oblique crunches, 20 reps

Plank, hold for 30 seconds

Side plank, hold for 30 seconds on each side




Thursday: Lower Body

Walking lunges, 10 reps on each leg

Wall squat, hold for 30 seconds and build up to 1 minute as you feel more comfortable

Calf raises, 30 raises with both legs, then 15 on each leg

Jump squat, 10 reps

Repeat this circuit two more times.

Friday: Cardio

30 minutes of cardio of your choicesee Monday for more details.

Saturday and SundayRest.


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