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Reclaim Reading Time By Giving Up

Posted on July 29, 2011 by LJ Earnest

For a long time, I felt that if a book had been published, it had merit. And if I wasn’t “getting it”, the fault was mine. Not so anymore. One of the benefits of dumping books mid-stream is that you are not wasting your time. You can move on to something that you can connect with, and will benefit from because of your enthusiasm. Or at least be entertained.

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8 Ways To Simplify Moving

Posted on July 27, 2011 by LJ Earnest

A reader is facing a major move in her life, from a small attached house to a free-standing house, this time with a young child in tow. She asked me to write an article on how to simplify moving. Bear in mind, I haven’t moved in 8 years, but the last time I moved, my husband and I did it with the help of three other adults, and I had a 10 month old baby and 2 cats running around underfoot. The move was successful: everything ended up in the right place, and I had the kitchen in such order that by the second day after the move I made brownies. From scratch. (Yes, it can be done!)

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Using a Supply Schedule to Simplify Errands

Posted on May 27, 2011 by LJ Earnest

Have you ever found out you were out of something you regularly use, just when you need to use it? Things that pop into my mind (because we have run out of them) are toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent. While in many cases it is possible to manufacture a reasonable substitute, how great would it be if you never ran out? You can make sure you never run out…with a simple schedule of supplies.

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Tips to Keep Cooling Costs Low

Posted on May 20, 2011 by LJ Earnest

The hot season is just about upon us where I live, and the open windows will be shut against the southern heat. Living in the south means that we deal with three months of 90+ degree heat and smothering humidity. Cooling is necessary to be comfortable; but at the same time, you don’t have to spend excessive amounts on it.

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Things I Like: USB Powered Lights and Fans

Posted on April 29, 2011 by LJ Earnest

If you’re not aware of it, there are all sorts of things that you can run off of your USB-port, from can coolers to hedgehog-shaped heating mice to lava lamps and glowing snowmen. (No, I’m not making this up. Google it.)

Two of the devices that I use often to make me more productive are my USB lamp, and my USB fan.

Photo by colon+right.bracket

10 Basic Life Skills You Should Have

Posted on February 18, 2011 by LJ Earnest

Fridays are tip days at SimpleProductivity blog. I’ve been working with my Brownie troop as they prepare to make the transition into the Junior Girl Scouts, and we are focused on learning specific skills with them. I was making a list of things they are going to need to learn, [...]

Photo by Patrick Hoesly

Simplify Device “Stuff” With Grid Its

Posted on February 2, 2011 by LJ Earnest

Wednesdays are simplicity days at SimpleProductivity blog. Have you ever seen someone who pulls a bunch of electronic devices from a briefcase or purse, snarled up with headphones? I have a confession to make. I am one of those people. It doesn’t matter how many little pockets you give me [...]

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How To Break Out of A Sh***y Day

Posted on January 14, 2011 by LJ Earnest

Fridays are tip days at SimpleProductivity blog. We all have them. Days that suck the life out of you, run you over like a steamroller and then back over you for good measure. Days when staying in bed would have been a better option. Days when you are hanging on, [...]