Omaha Home Life Style - January 2014 by Omaha Marketing Solutions

Home • Life • Style • January 2014 • For Advertising Inquiries Call 402.763.9491

Happy New Year!

2014 is here and it’s the perfect excuse to stop procrastinating or to start fresh. Of course everyone has those “resolutions” they try to stick to, but often have a hard time keeping up with. Maybe this year that gym commitment or dieting plan will finally stick. In the meantime, the new year also means you can start a new project that will help you keep all those memories you make throughout the year. Why not start now? How often do you get to December 31st and wonder what in the world you did all year? Here are some great ideas from our Operations Manager, Allyn.

Yearly Photographs:

The easiest way to document life and its major changes is to take photographs. A simple project that’s sure to wow you after the first few years is taking a picture in the same place with the same pose every new year. Whether it’s just you or of the whole family, you’ll love seeing the little (or big) changes you go through every 365 days.

Annual Photo Albums:

There are many websites that make creating and printing professional looking photo books easier than ever! And it’s a great alternative to scrapbooking for those who are a little more pressed for time. A few examples to look at are Shutterfly, Snapfish and Picaboo. Putting pictures collected over the span of the year of family members, friends, parties and travel is a great and convenient way to keep track of the memories.

Memory Jar:

You know when you’re having a rough day and someone does something small that actually makes your day much better? It really is too bad we tend to forget these moments. A fun way to catch up on the little things to be thankful for is to write down little remembrances of each day and put them in a jar. Then read them all on New Year’s Eve to prepare you for the amazing year ahead.

Blogging:

For those of you that love writing, live away from friends and family, or have a hobby you’d love to share with the world, the first day of 2014 is the perfect time to start writing your own blog. Blogging is a great way to keep out-of-town loved ones up to speed or to share your adventures in traveling, cooking, or your favorite books and movies. Or maybe you just want to keep track of all the amazing things you’ve done for your own reference.

Stacey Penrod Managing Partner Home • Life • Style

A Product of Omaha Marketing Solutions

Reach me at: stacey@omahamarketingsolutions.com

Home • Life • Style • January 2014 • For Advertising Inquiries Call 402.763.9491

Make the

Dominican

Your Destination Article provided by Travel & Transport

travel

Let Travel and Transport arrange your ultimate Caribbean vacation to the Dominican Republic. We will take care of the flight, transfers, hotel and excursion planning allowing for a relaxed approach to your getaway. Simply choose the location you prefer and your tropical oasis is one step closer.

Punta Cana This picturesque escape is sure to satisfy a beach-lover’s dream. Punta Cana is known for its pristine white beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. Spend the day beachside soaking up the rays or take a dive into the crystal clear waters to explore the island’s longest coral reef. If you need a break from the sun, there are countless outdoor activities via land and sea to make your vacation one to remember. La Romana La Romana’s charm dates back to when it was once a sugar cane town. Today it boasts some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean and the world-renowned golf course at Casa de Campo. Casa de Campo’s “Teeth of the Dog” course ranks in the world’s top 100 golf courses and satisfies both pro and amateur golfers. La Romana also features water sports and horseback riding for the adventurous at heart.

Santa Domingo Bustling Santa Domingo brings vibrant and historic life to the Dominican Republic. As the seaside capital, Santa Domingo is a cultural melting pot with an abundance of international cuisine. Beyond the mile high buildings and cityscape, Santa Domingo is a historic treasure filled with museums and evidence of a time only history books remember. Samana If you are planning on taking a vacation between January and March, plan on watching the whales in Samana. The city of Samana is comprised of beautiful varied terrain featuring beaches and rainforest that brings out the explorer in you. Whether you prefer the luxury of an all-inclusive resort or the quiet escape of Las Galerasis, Samana meets the tastes and preferences of any traveler.

Book your Delta Vacations package to one of over 45 resorts in the Dominican Republic or find out more information by contacting a Travel and Transport specialist today!

Home • Life • Style • January 2014 • For Advertising Inquiries Call 402.763.9491

FIVE

to Getting Org a n i z e d

From Omaha’s Clutter Coach, SECRETS Cyndy Salzmann

Research shows that about 90 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions to get more organized give up before month’s end. If this sounds familiar, here are the top five strategies from the 10 percent who have managed to get and stay organized. 1. CAST A VISION As with any project, if you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll have little chance of getting there. Try this exercise I use with my clients: Focus on the unorganized area that is bugging you the most, soak in all the feelings that frustrate you about the space, then close your eyes and picture the space with clear counters and neatly organized shelves where you can easily find what you need. How will this improve the quality of your life? 2. MAKE A PLAN Now that you know where you want to go, make a plan to get there. My three step plan for de-cluttering and organizing any space is available on my website (www.cyndysalzmann.com ) as a FREE DOWNLOAD. 3. GATHER THE RIGHT TOOLS Any craftsman knows the right tools make all the differ-

tips

ence. When it comes to organizing, the most important tool is the right container. *One of my favorite containers are Glideout shelves made by ShelfGenie. I always use the ShelfGenie brand (www.shelfgenie.com) because of the quality of the design, construction and installation. Unlike “similar” products, each ShelfGenie glide-out carries a lifetime warranty and is rated to hold 100 pounds. The rails are fully extendable and the finish will hold up to even the most mischievous children and messiest cooks. It’s okay to scrimp on some things (cute labels, baskets, etc.), but not on something that takes abuse everyday. Think function and durability when choosing how to contain your stuff. 4. WORK A LITTLE EACH DAY A teacher once responded to my complaint about a semester project with a question of his own. “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” I suggest spending at least 15 minutes per day on your project. As long as you keep going in the right direction, you’ll get there. 5. CELEBRATE! You’ve worked hard. You’ve persevered. And now you’ve made it to the top 10 percent. Celebrate already! Cyndy Salzmann is a nationally known organizational expert and multi-published author on the subjects of organization and productivity. She and her family reside in Omaha.

Home • Life • Style • January 2014 • For Advertising Inquiries Call 402.763.9491

Getting Ready for a

Remodel

fyi Written by Toby Asplin, President of Handyman Joes

A good remodeling plan is always the best starting point. Every plan has 3 basic components: time, cost, and quality. Establish these with the contractor and note which component is the priority. Keep in mind the timeline should be developed jointly with your contractor and you should build flexibility into your plan because unfortunately unexpected things do happen.

associated costs. Ask for references and pictures of previous remodels before you decide.

Give some consideration to hiring an interior designer to help you with your plan and the project. Not only will they help with the project design, but many should be able to give you a list of reputable contractors to help jump-start your contractor selection.

Yes, a remodeling project is a lot of work. The process will make a mess of your home and life. Just remember you’ll enjoy the end product for years to come and increase the value of your home along the way.

Other ways to find the right contractor are talking to friends and relatives or checking out Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau. Be sure to check their credentials. Do they have liability and third-party loss insurance? Are they licensed for the work you’re having done? Do they conduct background checks and drug screens on employees? Look for a contractor who will give you a fixed bid and document the scope of the project. Then discuss their policy for scope changes so you know how they handle them and the

Kitchen and bathroom remodels can take a few days or a few weeks. That space will be out of commission through most of it. Think about how to adapt while your kitchen or bathroom is inaccessible so your family’s needs are met during the remodel.

Home • Life • Style • January 2014 • For Advertising Inquiries Call 402.763.9491