Thank you for waking up to

The Q102.7 Morning Show

with Bret & Sara! 

 
  To chat with Bret & Sara or participate in our contests,
call the Q102.7 Studio Line at 719-531-9745.

Bret Stevens & Sara Taylor will jump start your day with plenty of family fun,
contests, interviews and information. You'll  hear the latest news headlines every
hour, traffic updates every 15 minutes, and entertainment to keep you and your family
safe and smiling.

What is the Drive Thru Difference?


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Do something for a random stranger today and pay for their drive-thru order!
You can even hand the cashier this letter so the stranger knows what happened :)
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 Daily Features
6:00 a.m.    News
6:50 a.m.    Breakfast Brain Buster
7:00 a.m.    News
7:50 a.m.    Celebration Club
8:00 a.m.    News

Monday Features:
6:05 a.m.   Monday Mom Song with Anita Renfroe
6:40 a.m.   Weekend Plugged in Movie Review re-run
8:05 a.m.   Monday Mom Song with Anita Renfroe

Tuesday Feature:
8:45 a.m.   Contest: Post Caption Attraction

Wednesday Feature:
8:40 a.m.  Announce Caption Attraction Winner

Thursday Feature: 
8:30 a.m.  Making Old Things New Again

Friday Features:
7:40 a.m.   New Plugged In Weekend Movie Review
7:50 a.m.   Song of the Week

If you missed a show, check out

Morning Show Highlights here!

KBIQ Morning Show with Bret & Sara

-Highlights-

October 24: Our prayers are with all those currently effected by the Wetmore Fire.

Kum & Go stations are kicking off their presence in Colorado Springs with FREE GAS! Up to 12 Gallons at each store today, tomorrow, and Saturday. For all the details on how to get free gas, visit here: http://www.gazette.com/articles/kum-146321--.html


July 23-27: The Morning Show shared some helpful tips on yummy, affordable meals and getting out of debt! Here are the highlights:

Eliminate Credit Card Debt
(KBIQ and it's staff are not licensed financial adviser. Enjoy this free information. Check with a financial adviser about how you can pay off your credit cards)
1) Target just one card first. If you have multiple cards, pay the minimum requirements on them all, but throw all your efforts at just one card at a time. Your credit score takes a hit every time you reach 20% or more of the limit on a credit card. Keep the balance under the 20% mark and you're off to a good start.

2) Ask your creditors for a lower interest rate. They would rather get something from you than nothing and are often inclined to negotiate a lower interest rate.

3) Transfer your balance (cautiously). If you know for sure that you can pay off the balance within a short time frame, (6-18 months), then consider transferring your balance(s) to one card with a "no interest for X-mount of months" (i.e. no interest for 6, 12, or 18 months). Visit www.smartbalancetransfers.com for more info!

4) Use a peer-to-peer lender. Some lenders will offer you a fixed interest rate that is usually 20%-30% lower than a credit card interest rate.  Visit www.LendingClub.com and www.Prosper.com for more details.

5) If you're really strapped, make 2 minimum payments each month. It can be overwhelming to fight credit card debt. If you're not at a place where you can pay off a lot at once, just pay the minimum... but do it TWICE a month to get ahead of the interest.

Delicious Meals for your Family for less than $2.25 a serving!
- Spiced Chicken with Chickpea and Cucumber Salad
- Seared Scallops with Fennel and Cherry Tomatoes
- Grilled Pizzas with Ricotta, Summer Squash, and Scallions
- Herb-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Lemony Asparagus
- Beef and Corn Tacos with Garlicky Roasted Peppers


July 16-20: Bret and Sara talked with Julie Ziglar Norman all week! Julie is the daughter of motivational speaker and ministry leader, Zig Ziglar. She offered up some great encouragement about coming out of hardships to living a full and joyful life! For more encouragement form Julie, check out her book Growing Up Ziglar.


June 6:
Bret and Sara talked about SUNSCREEN and addressed some common questions about it...

• How much sunscreen should I use?
• Is there sunscreen for oily or sensitive skin?
• Do I need it for my lips?
• What's the best kind of sunscreen for working out?
• Can a long-sleeve shirt replace sunscreen?
• How do I know if I'm using enough of the spray sunscreen?
• Can my make-up with SPF count as sunscreen?

-Find all the answers to these questions HERE-



June 4: Budget-Friendly Road Trips
Bank on gas-saving apps
Look to budget-friendly websites, such as GasBuddy.com, which also offers an app that helps you find the closest gas station with the best prices near you. Another gas-saving app is Gas Hog. It costs 99 cents and calculates your car's fuel economy, then provides tips on ways to make your car more fuel-efficient.

Rent a car
It turns out that, contrary to popular belief, it can actually be cheaper to rent a car for weekend getaways than it is to drive your own. When renting a compact car, the savings can come to 12 cents per mile. If your getaway is a 300-mile round trip, the fuel savings could be more than $20. Plus, you save wear and tear on your own vehicle. Hotwire.com and Enterprise.com/familytravel are great places to start.

Pack and save
On road trips, most people grab a few snacks every time they stop for gas. Those candy bars and sodas can really add up and you can easily spend $15.00 for drinks and snacks at just one stop. The solution: pack your own food. Fill a cooler full of bread, peanut butter, string cheese, water, juice and plenty of fruit. You'll be less likely to splurge at stops plus it's healthier.

Book hotels on Sunday nights  
This is when the weekend rush is over and hotel managers have time to talk on the phone and discuss available discounts. Ask to get a free night's stay if you're staying for more than two nights. That's at least $100 saved right there.

Better yet - skip the hotel
Find cheap - but chic - guest rooms in local homes and apartments through websites such as AirBnB.com and OneFineStay.com.

Happy Traveling!

May 17:
Spiced Chicken with Chickpea & Cucumber Salad (Under $2.25 a serving, time to make: 30 minutes. Serves 4)
    In medium bowl, toss chickpeas (15-oz can), cucumber (1/2 thinly sliced), basil (1/2 cup torn leaves), shallot (1 thinly sliced), with olive oil (2 Tablespoons), sherry or red-wine vinegar (2 teaspoons), and salt & pepper (1/4 teaspoon each). Salad = done.
    Then, heat grill to medium. In small bowl, combine sesame seeds (2 Tablespoons), paprika (2 teaspoons), salt & pepper (1/2 teaspoon each).
    Remove the skin from the chicken and discard. Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seed mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere. Grill, covered, until cooked through (about 9-10 minutes per side). Serve with the chickpea salad. YUM!

How to Save When Dining Out
- Become a regular. Acknowledge your server by name or mention detail from your last meal. Things like this may help you get more personalized attention-as well as free stuff. Waiters and restaruants usually like to reward loyal and pleasant customers.
- When with a group, order individual drinks instead of pitchers. They are often filled with lots of ice and it usually costs more in the end.
- Avoid ordering chicken or pasta. These are the cheapest items to make, so restaurants mark them up more than other dishes. Seafood, beef, and pork are better values for the price.
- Examine your bill closely. Many restaurants add a gratuity before the total is tallied, even for parties as small as five. So be careful to double-tip.

How to get out of an uncomfortable conversation
1) Make a Pit Stop: Excuse yourself to the restroom and hang out there a few minutes. When you come back, change the subject right away
2) Use Flattery: People tend to listen to praise more carefully and love to hear about themselves :)
3) Enlist Help: Pull a friend, family member, or co-worker (etc...) into the conversation. i.e. "Hey Mike! Come on over here, how you doing?"
4) Play Word Association: Take one thought and make a 180 with the conversation. i.e. "I love cars too, but I'm actually more of a running gal."  Then go into your favorite workout, etc...
5) Deflect: This works particularly well if someone is cornering you, perhaps trying to get you to say something negative about, say, your work place. Simply make a generic statement about the situation, like, "Yea, I think that situation is reprehensible," then follow it up with a "bridge" that reflects something positive about the situation like, "But what's important to remember is that the company is great for..., or contributes to... and I'm proud to be a part of that."



May 16: Great Gifts for Your Grad! 
- Robot Measuring Cups: He breaks apart into standard measuring cups & is dishwasher safe, $8

- Eco-Friendly Charger: Shuts off after smartphone or "iAnything" is 100% charged, $28-35

- Recycled Notebooks: Made of 100% post-consumer paper with fun, unique cover designs, $8

- Portable iPhone Speaker: No batteries required! Silicone megaphone that triples the sound, $10

- Mini Ping Pong Table: Legs fold up flat for easy storage. 35" long, 30" tall, $125

- Gilded Mouse Pad: A luxurious gold-and-blush leather mouse pad to have any old mouse look glamorous, $35



May 11: Curb Your Cravings! If you're guilty of a little non-disciplined eating from time to time, here are 4 tips to help you out:
1) Drink water!
    Often when we think we're hungry, we're really thirsty. So down a glass of water. Plus, it'll fill your belly for the time being :)
2) Chew gum!
    Pop a piece of sugar-free gum to keep from obsessing over your favorite indulgence. Plus, it'll distract your taste buds. And when you do eat, you'll be less likely to OVER eat with minty-fresh breath :)
3) Find a distraction!
    When you're home alone or at your desk, it can be easy to eat out of sheer boredom, not hunger. So every time you reach for the fridge or snack drawer, use your go-to distraction (or yellow tape with a "do not enter" sign ;)
4) Take 3 polite bites!
    If all else fails, and it's something you really want, use the 3-bit rule. Take 3 reasonably sized bites that's just enough to satisfy your taste buds... then put your fork down and walk away :)

Happy Self-Controlling!



May 9: A new survey revealed that nearly 1 in 5 married couples go without kissing for as long as a WEEK AT A TIME! And when they finally do lock lips, it lasts no more than 5 seconds for 40% of them. HOW SAD! We say... PUCKER UP!! Kiss your spouse.

Another 5% of married couples age 45 and up squeeze in more than 30 kisses a week, an average of 4 a day. After a "good morning" and "good night" kiss, that leaves 2 more to spare. Learn from these couples... AND KISS YOUR SPOUSE! =) Keep the love alive and show your sweet heart a simple "I love you" with your words AND your lips. PUCKER UP!!


10 Tips to a Great Plate! Don't change your lifestyle, just adjust a few of your habits for healthier living.
Check out the 10 Tips here.


May 8: Need some ideas for mom for Mother's Day? Not all moms are so materialistic and often they love gifts that are from the heart. So here are some not-so-material-girl items...
- Grocery store flowers
- Bag of chocolate
- Discount jewelry
- Gift cards
- Small appliances
- Exercise equipment
- Coupons for chores
- A day out with the family
- Something from the dollar store
- Any thing HOMEMADE!

((HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!))


FINANCE WEEK: April 23 - 27, 2012

April 27: The Rule of Reciprocity
Often times when you're shopping (in grocery stores, department stores, beauty salons, etc.), sales associates will offer you freebies or even samples as you're coming in. This gimmick has greatly increased sales since it's beginning 40 years ago! The idea is that when given a freebie, we tend to feel we own something in return and spend MORE to make up for the free stuff. So remember this bit of advice the next time you're at the mall or grocery store: If you want to stay on buget, SAY NO TO FREE STUFF :)

April 26: Throwing It Away
When it comes to wasting food, Americans are pretty guilty. Its estimated that 14% to 40% of food produced is wasted in fields, stores, and our kitchens. It can be bad for the enviroment and it can be very bad for your wallet. Tossing out our food (browned bananas, outdated cheese, unused leftovers, etc.) can cost us between $1,500 and $4,000 a year! Here are few tips for making better use of your food... and your money:
- PLAN AHEAD: If you buy just what you need, you'll find yourself wasting less right away.
- TIDY UP: If you can't see it, you probably won't use it.
- CHILL OUT: If you keep food cool, it will keep longer.

Managing Bills & Saving Money
- Call your service providers to see if they're running specials. You could save on your cell phone and cable bills just because you asked! :)
- Switch car insurance companies: Do your research, because you don't want to end up with inferior coverage...but this little tip could save you about $150 a month
- Refuse to pay credit card membership fees.
- Pay bills on time: Sometimes we let bills slide out of laziness and one little "slip up" can cost a LOT in late fees... $35 here, $20 there


April 25: How To Save Money On...
Everyday Items:
- Pack a lunch every day. Buy snack foods to keep at school/work
- Give homemade gifts (including baked goods) or candy pakaged in decorative contatiners that can be repurposed instead of expensive pre-packaged items
Big Purchases:
- Shop around for appliances in stores and online during various holiday weekends when stores offer big deals. The best season to buy, Fall.
- Color trends in appliances come and go, but a classic is WHITE. It's timeless, easier to clean, and often comes with a smaller price tag.
On The Road:
- Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday to get the best deal. Avoided checked bag fees.
- When it comes to holidays, travel by plane, train, or car ON the actual holiday to save money. Check in online and get your seat assignment early to prevent getting bumped from your flight.
In Your Home:
- For a fresh look to a kid's room without a big price tag, have the kids pick a color for their own room, or buy a new bed spread. Decorate the walls with their artwork hung from a clothesline or gallery-style in frames.
- Give a fresh lift to your home the cheap way by updating hardware on the cabinets and dressers (something as simple as new hinges or handles/doornobs) and hang new towel racks and hooks in the bathroom.


April 24: How To Live Well on $40,000 a Year (from a Special Education Teacher Danny Kofke)
- You have supported your family of 4 on LESS than $40K a year. How did you do it?
The key was long-term planning. This would be next to impossible if we had a huge morgage and a lot of debt. My wife and I were married 4 years before our first child. During that time we tried to live off one salery (she was also a teacher) while we paid off our debt and saved up an emergency fund with the other.
- Can anyone really succeed at this?
I do feel alomst anyone can. I've never taken a financial class in my life, so if this 35-year-old school teacher can learn the basics of money & management and finances, then other can too.
- What is some unsual advice we may not have heard before?
If broke people are making fun of you, you're doing something right. Many people told me to get off my wallet and spend money. Pride is sometimes a hard thing to swallow. Just remember when making financial desicions, you have to do what's right for YOU and your FAMILY and not be influenced by the many temptations that surround us.
- What's the hardest financal rule for you to follow?
Living below my means is by far the hardest. There are so many temptations. When this occurs, I give myself 24 hours to wait and if I still feel strongly about buying it after this time, I discuss it with my wife. By that time the emotional aspect has gone away and my more rational side speaks up.
- How are you teaching your children about money?
I'm not a fan of rewarding others for things they should already be doing, but I wanted to teach my kids about money management. When my oldest turned 3, we gave her a list of chores to do every day. At the end of the week we would add up the list and pay her for her work (aka, gave her allowance). Just make sure your kids DO the work :)


April 23: Stress levels are DOWN for the first time in 5 years, but guess what we're still stressing about... MONEY! 75% of people say this is their leading stressor. There's new research from Yale that says stress can actually SHRINK your brain! It actually can reduce the amount of gray matter in your brain. So here's an idea some have suggested: Schedule 30 minutes in your day to get all your worry and stress out, then don't worry or stress about another thing till your next "scheduled appointment"!

When it comes to paying bills, what would you give up to skip a month of paying? A new survey finds that...
- 18% would give up romance for exchange to not pay bills for a month
- 26% would turn off the TV for the month
- 21% would give up all digital devices for the month
- 14% would go without Internet access for the month
- 9% would add on 15 pounds of body weight in exchange for not having to pay bills for a whole month.
What would you give up??

CHECK YOUR CHARGES
Surprises and hidden charges happen all the time for those who don't check their receipts. Watch out for these:
- Cell Shock: 1 in 5 people have spotted an unexpected charge on a cell phone bill in the last year.
- Checkout Scam: Some stores have charged customers higher prices at the register than what was on the shelves, often because checkout scanners aren't updated regularly with sale prices!
- Bogus Bank Fees: Bank disclosure documents can be over 100 pages long (and lets face it, no one reads those things), so go to your bank and ask for a concise rundown of fees in person. Even if banks don't want to, they MUST provide it.

April 12: If you're looking for a job or know someone who is, new research suggests you only have 6 seconds to make your impression! Recruiters spend nearly 80% of their time focusing on 6 different areas of a resume.
1) Your name
2) Current title/company
3) Previous title/company
4) Current position start & end dates
5) Previous position start & end dates
6) Education 
Keep your resume clean and neat, and don't elaborate much. Be direct in your statements and if the recruiters are interested, they will ask about it. Keep it to 1-page as well.
 

April 5: Bret & Sara discussed 10 Ways to Monitor Your Sitter this week! Check out all the tips on a PDF PAGE HERE

April 4:This Saturday is a very special day internationally... It's INTERNATIONAL PILLOW FIGHT DAY!! Want to organize a pillow fight for your area? Add it here and learn about the dos and don'ts of Pillow Fights as well all right here... Happy Pillow Fighting! =) http://www.pillowfightday.com/

March 26-30: Get the Time Back!
To catch up on Bret & Sara's talk of time, how to find more of it, and how to get the most out of it... visit thes links with all the helpful tips:
Where does your time go?
Why you might be loosing time.
What would you do with extra leisure?
How 5 successful women find free time.

March 23: What to do when your the itmes you're emotionally attached to start taking over you're storage space.
Here are 7 helpful steps to working through Sentimental Clutter:
1) Box it up. Don't let fate (i.e. a leaky basement) determine what you save and what you don't. Even if you're not ready to purge, put things in "question boxes", lable thme, and stash them somewhere safe and dry. And give yourself space, wait about 6 months in you're in an emotional place (just downsized to a smaller home, lost a loved one, or recently have an empty-nest)
2) Enlist help, if you need it. A friend can be great for support and for physical help moving things and boxing them up.
3) Work in short intervals. Going through emotionally loaded items can make you feel depleted, so limit work sessions to three or four hours.
4) Take a picture (it lasts longer). Admittedly, a digital image is not the same as having the item, but at least it's something to remember, and it does save space.
5) Save the best, toss the rest. Meaning, keep on to represent many! We are inclined to hang on to things in bulk, when a sample might be more powerful.
6) Give things a new home. It's easier to part with objects if you can later envision them being used and cherrished by others.
7) Know your ABC's (Always Be Clearing). Your relationship to sentimental items will probably change other time, so give yourself permission to get rid of things you once cherished.

And one last note... Once you've purged through your items, bring them into your day-to-day life! If a stack of dishes has precious value to you, display them or even use them. Enjoy the items you've chosen to keep.

March 21:
Hair Brushes!
Biggest Time Saver: Goody Quikstyle Paddle Brush ($12)
Best Frizz Fighter: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Mega Brush ($26)
Most Versitle: You Style Brush ($10)
Cult Classic: Mason Pearson Handy Mixture White Handle ($$$)
Best Detangler: Sephora Collection Paddle Brush ($29)

March 12-16: This week, Bret & Sara share some great ideas for simple, healthy BREAKFAST and 10 THINGS TRAINERS WISH YOU KNEW:
Breakfast:
- Oatmeal with Apricots & Raisins
- Toast with Yogurt & Smoked Salmon
- Apple & Cheddar Tartine
- Egg Sandwich with Ham & Spinach
- Yogurt with Grapes & Granola
- Waffles with Nut Butter & Bananas
- Mushroom & Egg White Omlet
- Scrambled Egg Tacos
- French Toast with Rasberry Syrup
- Cottage Cheese with Minted Pineapple

10 Things Trainers With You Knew:
1) Switch up your workout! Repetition can strain your joints, but adding variety will help you stick with your routine and increase your weight loss and/or muscle toning.
2) Cardio isn't the Magic Bullet for Weight Loss. It's great for your heart, but hardly helps your metabolism. Keep to cardio 3 times a week, but add 2 or 3 strength-training worksouts as well. (www.acefitness.org/exerciselibrary for some great ideas.)
3) Wimpy weights will get you nowhere. Choose a weight that you can lift for only 10 to 15 repetitions before losing good form - but not to the point where your arms feel like noodles!
4) Muscles come in pairs; train them that way. Consider doing weight training in "a split". Work your biceps & hamstrings one day, then triceps & quadriceps the next, etc... That way you'll hit every muscle pair over a week's time.
5) Crunches aren't crucial for strong abdominals. Instead, lie facedown on the floor with palms down and forearms under your sholders. Tuck your toes under and tighten your abs to lift your torso. Keep your body in one line from head to feat. Hold for 30 seconds.
6) A workout doesn't merit a post-gym pig-out!
7) Bad form is bad news when you're strength-training. If you lift too fast, you let momentum, not your muscles, do the work. Also, keep your back flat, your wrists straight, and always keep your neck aligned with the rest of your body.
8) Working out on an empty stomach WON'T burn more fat. EAT! Even a small snack with carbohydrates, protein, and a little fat, eaten a half hour before will power your workout.
9) A death grip on the cardio machine strains your body and burns fewer calories. Maintain proper form or else your strength will go to your grip and you'll loose the benefits in the rest of your muscles.
10) The fat-burning zone isn't really a fat-burning zone. Slow, steady workouts are a good place to begin if you're just starting a cardio routine. Bust as you get more fit, bump up the intensity. Try inverval training once or twice a week on nonconsecutive days.

March 9: Healthy Habits for BEAUTIFUL Hair
1) Minimize Heat, 2) Be Gentle, 3) Snip the Ends! 4) Be Strong, use good products that strengthen hair.

January 26: Walmart is coming out with their version of a Talent Show. It's called Get It On the Shelf and it's a chance for you to have your invention sold at Walmart! For all the details, visit www.GetItOnTheShelf.com.  

January 17: 12 Things to STOP Paying for in 2012
1) Coffee Shop Visits. If you're gettin fresh brew every day, save some money and by a bag of beans from your favorite coffee place (or even your local grocery store) to make your own coffee every morning.
2) Incandescent Light Bulbs. You've heard it pays off to be greener, so start today!
3) Disposable Water Bottles. Buy a washable/reuseable bottle or even one with a self purifier and save as much as $18 or more a month! 
4) Baggage Fees. Less is more :) Even if you ship your items ahead, it would most likely cost less to ship than to pay baggage fees (as much as $50 one way for a checked bag!)
5) Subscriptions You Don't Use. If they're just collecting dust on your coffee table, cancel the subscription.
6) Baby Food! There are many websites and articles that tell how to make your own with ease.
7) Credit Scores. Sure some offer to tell you them for cost, but others do it for FREE! Do your research and make sure it's a trusted company.
8) TV or Cable. If you're not watching all the channles you're paying for, consider minimizing your subscription, or using internet only for Hulu Plus, Netfix, or even RedBox
9) Landline Phones. Even with Google Voice that lets you make free calls throughout the US and Canada, there are few reasons to pay for a landline phone.
10) Cleaning Supplies! You guessed... make your own! Searching the web is one of the fastest ways to find simple AND affordable ways to make your own cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent!
11) ATM Fees. Plan ahead, or take advantage of a purchase at Wal-Mart or CVS who give you cash back when you use a debit card for no additional fee!
12) Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself. The Family Handyman is a website that offers step-by-step instructions from how to change a light bulb to replacing a leacky faucet.

January 16: What to do with Unused Gift Cards? Over $5 Billion in gift cards goes unsed each year! A dollar or two here and 0.78 cents there really adds up. But if you can't find a way to use those last few nickles and dimes, consider donating them to GiftCardGiver.com. They collect unused card amounts and trasfer them to a single cards then provide them to people in need!

Save $$$ at the Grocery Store!
- Produce: you usually buy it by the pound, so break off what you don't need! You'll save a few bucks and you'll waste less.
- Dairy: Upsize! It takes seconds to spoon a serving of yogurt into a reusable container, so don't frok out more cash on the single-serving packages.
- Packaged goods: Go generic! When it comes to one-ingredient items like canned beans, rice, oatmeal, dried spices, noodles, there's virtually no difference in taste. Choose generic over brand-name items.

January 13: The Styles of Spring for 2012! Freshen up your look ever so slightly with these simple and easy-to-do tips from Make-Up Experts. (Get the 1-Page PDF here.)

Resolutions you can Actually Keep!  
- Lose 5 pounds
- Break a bad habit. (Set smaller goals to accomplish throughout the year)
- Find a husband/wife. (Look at yourself and maybe change your approach)
- Rebuild a bond.
- Get more "me" time. (For every one thing you do for someone, do something for yourself)
- Cut down on debt. (Pay with cash. If you buy something, get rid of something else)
- De-clutter your home. (Take a photo of something, keep the photo and get rid of the item)
- Be more creative. (Find a buddy to hold you accountable. Don't dread criticism)
- Be happier at work. (Help each other out. Networking isn't only about getting, it's about giving)

January 9 -13 Clean Sweep! 5 Easy Ways to be Clutter-Free in 2012

1) Be a Ruthless Curator 
    - Show personality by displaying your collections
    - Visual vingnettes look better in 3s or odd numbers.
    - Keep the chosen display pieces together, don't scatter them all over the house.
    - Use instinct rather than strict rules to create proportion, balance & symmetry

2) Think Like a Chef
    - Make sure everything is in its place - and spotless.
    - Store your most often-used items at eye level and keep the rest above or below.
    - Place small items (such as spices) into a small box or plastic container to keep them together. 
    - If you have extra wall space in your pantry, consider hanging hooks aor a bulletin board for must-remember recipes.

3) Get Down to Business
    - Switch to paperless & manage most of your finances with e-bills and online payments
    - Use a document-scanning device to manage receipts, notes, photos, etc. (just be sure to back it up on a flash drive or online with privacy settings on)
    - Stop junk mail and opt out of direct mail.

4) Make a Clothes Call
    - Get rid of unused, ill-fitting items (or something you haven't worn in over a year, excluding "special" items)
    - Brighten up the space so you can see your clothes. Light fixtures or even battery powered LEDs
    - Transparency is critical. You don't wear what you don't see. Stack clothes no more than 10" high 
    - Place rods at various heights in order to maximize hanging space.

5) Take Back the Garage
    - Call a dumpster service and take everything out. 50% of garage clutter is garbage.
    - Once you're down to a "keep" pile, choose an organizing system that works for the space (whether shelves from Costco or a custom-build setup)
    -  Put seasonal items, chemicals, and paint supplies on higher shelves and kid's toys accessible.
    - Set a date to complete unfinished projects or discontinue and clear out.
    - Aside from storage and a place for the car, consider using your garage to express your passions! Create a fine art painting studio, gardening station, or home gym. You'll visit and utilize it more often, creating a retreat you can enjoy :)  

January 3: Is trimming down on the top of your New Years Resolution List this year? Here's a tip to help... eat the same foods over and over. Variety may be the spice of life but it's no good for your waistline, according to researchers. Repetition could actually discourage over eating! Makes sense :) Happy slimming!

 2012 ^

December 7: With all the hustble and bustle of shopping for everyone this time of year, it's ok to treat yourself! In fact, researchers say that gifting yourself with a little something (like perfume, a video game, a new book, etc.) has a lasting and positive impact on your mood! So happy shopping... for you and your loved ones :)

December 5: Your favorite Christmas Movie may reflect your personality a bit. If you love:
- It's a Wonderful Life, you're a softy with a tendency to dive head-first into bouts of nostalgia and gloppy sentimentalism (That's Sara Taylor!)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas, you've got an appreciation for all things that beak with convention. You've also got a pretty serious silly streak and your apartment likely has many throw pillows.
- Elf, you're a kid at heart and an idealist who believes that magic is everywhere if you know how to spot it. You also might be one of the people who mistakenly wears tights as pants, much like Buddy the elf (Bret Stevens all the way... minus the tights.)
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, you are trgically disaster-prone; if you haven't spilled coffee on yourself yet today or gotten toilet paper stuck to your show, it's by the sheer grace of God.

December 1: Subway is offering $2 6-inch subs through the entire month of December! It applies to their most popular sandwiches, the meatball and cold-cut subs :) bon appetit!

November 30: For men who hate to shop... bring the mall to you! Welcome, the Trunk Club. A personal stylist reviews the man's fashion sense and sends him a cardboard trunk of hand-selected, brand-name clothes for him to persue. The man tries on all of the clothes, pays for what he fancies, and sends back what he doesn't, giving his stylist feedback on what worked and what did not.

The Trunk Club pays for shipping both ways and joining is free and non-exclusive. They are kind of the Netflix of clothing :) Learn more about the Trunk Club HERE!

November 21: Keep your sanity this Thanksgiving! Here are 3 tips from Bret & Sara to help you:
1) Don't do all the cooking yourself. Assign a few side dishes or desserts to your guests.
2) Get a head start. A day or two before your feast, chop veggies, prep a side dish, set the table...
3) Keep the kids and the pets out of the kitchen. It'll keep things much calmer while you're cooking :)

November 15: Justin Timberlake is guest attendee at Marine Corps Ball. See the whole article here.

November 11: Happy Veterans Day!

Here are some great deals to honor you that you can receive with your Military ID (please call ahead as these are being done by participating entities)

- Subway: Free 6-inch Sub
- Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin' Onion
- Applebee's: Free "signature entree"
- Arby's: Free roast beef sandwich
- BJ's: Free lunch entree or mini pizza
- Chilis: Free meal from 11 AM - 5 PM
- Famous Dave's: Free "two-meat salute meal"
- Olive Garden: Free meal
- 7-Eleven: Free Slurpee from 11 AM - 7 PM
- Quick Quack Car Wash: Free car wash
- National Parks: Free admission to America's national parks for everyone November 11-13
- Colorado State Parks: Free admission to veterans and other passengers in the vehicle
- Lowe's & Home Depot: 10% discount

November 7:  Winter is coming! And your mood may get duller with the sunlight outside. It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder. Have no fear! Just follow these steps and you'll be on your way to a better mood in no time:
- Take Vitamin D. It's good for you, especially since you won't be getting as much sunlight, and it'll brighten your mood and energy level.
- Find a room in your house that gets lost of sunlight... and spend time in it.
- Get out and exercise. It's important to get your body moving.
- Enjoy the extra hour of sunlight in the morning.

November 4: Bret & Sara wrap up the secrets to...

Organizing your Hose Cleaning: The Bedroom
15 Minutes - Freshen the bed by shaking out or changing the sheets; Damp-dust surfaces (and work counter-clockwise so you don't bonce from corner to corner and waste time)
30 Minutes, add - Tackle the floor by damp-mop or vacuum in the room and around the bed
1 Hour, add - Get under the bed and behind it
Half a Day, add - Do windows, spot-clean walls, and wipe down light switches and fixtures.

November 3: Bret & Sara share more secrets on...

Organizing your House Cleaning: The Bathroom
15 Minutes - Clean out the sink (wipe out the inside, around the edge, and over the fixtures); Speed-sanatize and clean the edge of the bathtub, toilet seat, and mirror (use flushable wipes to help with sanatizing)
30 Minutes, add - Deep-clean the toilet, inside, outside, behind, and all around
1 Hour, add - Damp-mop the floor
Half a Day, add - Scrub down the shower and tub; Remove mildew, mold, and other stubborn bits (wear rubber gloves and let cleaning bubbles soak into the bathroom items)

November 2:  Bret & Sara shared more secrets on...

Organizing your House Cleaning: The Family Room
15 Minutes - Clear the clutter; Speed-dust at eye level; Fluff pillows and fold throws
30 Minutes, add - Vacuum or dry-mop the floor (dirt can cut carpet fibers and damage wood floors)
1 Hour, add - Flip & clean upholstery & window treatments/coverings
Half a Day, add - Wash windows; Spot clean walls; Tackle the hidden dirt & dust under and behind furniture and rugs. 

November 1: Bret & Sara talked about ways to save you money on Christmas Shopping and how to save time on Cleaning your home!

Christmas Shopping: 
A: Have a Budget and Don't Budge!
B: Use Black Friday for your Christmas Gift Shopping advantage, not for you're own personal shopping. And have a game plan in mind. Know what stores you want to hit for what deals and don't differ from it.
C: Buy online. Purchasing in a store could cost you 50% more!

Organize you House Cleaning: The Kitchen
15 Minutes - Clean/disinfect countertops & sink;

Sweep or dry-mop the floor; Clean the refrigerator handle
30 Minutes, add - Wet-mop the floor; Wipe down appliances
1 Hour, add - Wash the cabinet fronts
Half a Day, add - Deep-clean Appliances; Dust and degrime inside of cabinets.

October 28: Perfect for the fall season, here's a great recipe for Caramel Apples! This is not the kind you buy at the grocery store, but how to make your very own.  Simple, delicious, and under $20 to make!

Caramel Apples: CLICK HERE to get the recipe (makes 16)

October 24: Bret & Sara interviewed Kathi Lipp author of The "What's for Dinner?" Solution.
Click Here to learn more about this book and others by Kathi. 

October 20: Missed your summer vacation? Were you short a little money and time to travel this year? Japan has the answer! They are giving away 10,000 free round-trip tickets to visit their country for free! Check out the details here.

Beauty Week!

October 13: Angela White
Angela shared her tips and tricks for affordable fashion. She also shared the importance of being confident in who YOU ARE as a woman before you cover yourself with clothes. To read more from Angela, visit her website: http://www.stilettosandgrace.com/

October 12: At-Home Face & Hair Treatments
Cucumbers: Who would have though, but Cucumbers can actually cleanse and hydrate your face, and remove dark and acne spots! Just lay slices of cucumber on your face for 15 minutes and wash off with water.
Avocados: Replenish the nutrients and bring life back to your hair! Mash up an overripe avocado with 1 egg yoke and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Massage the mixture into your damp hair, cover with a shower cap for 15 minutes, then wash. 

How much is enough? 

October 11: Sure they're big for fall, but a basic red and basic nude lipstick are always a worthwhile investment.

RED
For a daytime look, use a little mascara and a healthy dose of blush to balance out the deep color in your lips. For the evening, add black eye liner and gold shadow.

NUDE
This color goes with ANYTHING! But for extra drama (a.m. or p.m.), add a little extra eye liner, shadow, and mascara.

Here are the best options for your color skin tone:
- If you have FAIR skin- use a blue red, or peachy color for your nude shade.
- If you have GOLDEN BROWN skin- use a true red, or soft brown for a natural look.
-

If you have OLIVE skin- use an orange red or tan color
- If you have DARK skin- your best red is brick red, and for nudes, a plummy rose.

October 10: Your hunt for the perfect Concealer is over! Here's what we found at the top of the list:
- Longest Wearing: Orgins Quick, Hide! It's lightweight, camouflages redness and dark spots and thanks to some infused vitamin E, it works for up to 15 hours! ($15)
- Easiest to Apply: Maybelline New York Eraser Dark Circles. The sponge applicator gets into the smallest inner-eye corners for even coverage. ($10)
- Best Color Range: Nars Concealer. From pale ivory to deep brown, this concealer covers every skin tone with 10 shades! The silky formula also spreads well anywhere on the face ($22)
- Best Anti-Puffiness: Almay Wake-Up. It has a creamy blend of hydrating aloe vera, cooling cucumber, and firming caffeine makes you look like you got that full 8-hours of sleep! ($9)
(From Real Simple® magazine)

October 5: Sara shares new uses for Zippered Plastic Bags she found:
- Pencil Case in your notebook or to hold stamps, post notes, or ink pens
- Compact or cosmetic case/carrier
- Funnel
- Frosting Dispenser
- Wax or Gum remover (put ice in the baggie, rub or hold it on the wax/gum for 10-20 minutes)
- Soup Saver (place extra soup flat in the freezer and stack up!)
- Prep Bowl (grate cheese in a baggie or mash graham crackers or candy in a baggie for easy clean up. Then store the leftovers in a bag with ease!)
- Junk drawer organizer
- Record Keeper (Keep receipts handy and wrinkle-free, hold loose change, or store instruction manuals)
- Jewelry Storage (especially for a quick trip or weekend getaway)
- Store Seasonal Clothing/Bed Sheets to keep fresh
- Cover your small appliances to prevent dust
(source: Real Simple© Magazine)

October 4: Bret & Sara found a whole list of office pet-peeves. Do any of these match up in your office?
- loud typing
- loud talkers
- people who take calls on speakerphone
- loud or irritating cell phone ringers
- people humming/whistling/tapping
- a pungent-smelling lunch
- taking food from the fridge that isn't theirs
- borrowing and not returning items to your desk
- too much perfume or cologne
- and... constant complainers :)

September 29: It's Thursday! And maybe you haven't had time to even think about dinner tonight. Don't stop for fast food on the way home... use a few items in your kitchen to whip up your own fast (and healthy) meal:
- Pizza bagels: Top off a bagel or English muffin with tomato or even BBQ sauce and shredded cheese, then pop them in the toaster oven. Serve with small salad or cucumber slices
- Signature sandwich: This can be as simple as PB&J or sliced deli turkey and cheese with a side of carrots or sliced apples.
- Eggs your way: Depending what's in your fridge, make an omelet with leftover veggies, cheese and meat; or fried eggs on toast with cheese and sliced ham; or egg burritos (tortilla wraps) with cheese, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
(from Working Mother's© magazine)

HEALTH WEEK!

September 22:  Pears are a great source of vitamin C and fiber. At only 100 calories per serving, they are sodium free, fat free, and cholesterol free! 
Click here for healthy & delicious recipe for Pear Brochette with Pecans and Blue Cheese!

September 21: Thai Beef Cabbage Cups are yummy and won't add to your waist line! CLICK HERE to get the recipe.

September 19: It's Health Week on the KBIQ Morning Show! Here are some ideas for cooking light and healthy for your family on a budget.
Feed 4 for $10!
6 Steps to Better Stir-Fries

August 23: Sara shared some yummy dinner salads ideas to spice up your old side salad. Get your kitchen hands on these delicious dinners by clicking each link below:

August 14: Once your kid goes back to school, sign them up for sports, music, or other clubs. Studies show kids are happier, more confident and get better grades when they have an after-school activity to look forward to!

August 12: Bret shares his best tips on scissoring your Grocery Bill:
- Stick with paper coupons. The Sunday Paper ones account for 88% of all coupons issued! The average family can save $1,000 a year!
- Play the 'Price is Right' and forget impulse buying! Wait out the sales (learn to recognize price patterns)
- Go to the 'mass' market. Sometimes buying items like milk at Walmart or Target can save you a few extra bucks.
- Select store brands. Maybe you gotta have your Diet Coke and will settle for nothing else! But things like paper towels... it's smart to buy store brands :)

July 28: How to Stop Worrying. Bret & Sara share some good tips on how to cut-back on worrying over your Job, your Kids, and your Money. You can find the article here.

July 27: How to be a Better Friend -
1) Stop giving advice (Offer supportive comments and wait til you're asked your opinion)
2) Show a different side of yourself (Mix up your friends! Friendships benefit from a breath of fresh air)
3) Be genuinely happy for your friend's success.
4) Make small gestures (Post on their facebook, leave them a nice voice mail, drop off a latte at their work)
5) Act like a 9-year old (You're a grown-up now and it's harder to make time for your friends... but MAKE TIME for your friends. Work hard to see them and spend time with them)
           (via Real Simple magazine August)

All photos are compliments of JE Photography

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