Simplify Life

Thoughtful Gifts for Busy Moms and Dads

noreply@blogger.com (C. Guizar-Sanchez) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 07:27:00 +0000

Busy moms and dads appreciate anything that saves time and makes life easier. So think about what your busy moms and dads need. Is it help in the kitchen, on the job, or just something fun to make their commute more enjoyable?

Here are some thoughtful gift ideas you may not of have considered before:

A chest freezer may not be romantic but it can save busy moms and dads a lot of time and money. They can simply repackage the bargain-sized packages into single meal sized packages using a vacuum-sealing machine. The savings are huge especially when purchasing meat. And when your busy mom or dad cooks, it’s just as easy to make two dinners and freeze one for later. Another great help would be a Slow Cooker and Slow Cooker Cookbook.

Create a voucher for a cooking club made of four friends with similar family size and tastes. Once every three months, each person shops for enough groceries to make a favorite dinner recipe – one to keep and three to share – totaling 4 dinners apiece. Meet at a designated kitchen to assemble dinners together and share in the clean up. Not only is it a fun afternoon of friends being together, but it also creates four easy, diverse dinners for each person to take home, plus a collection of new recipes.
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Custom create a gourmet gift of the month club. Choose from wine, beer, chocolate, fruit, flowers, and so much more.
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What about new technology that will make life easier for a busy parent?

A great gadget for accurate note taking is the Livescribe Smartpen and Dot Paper. It records what you hear as you take notes and synchronizes the two. Simply touch the pen to a word in your notes and it will play back the recording at that point.
With the impressive amount of Apps available, you’ll find one just right for busy moms and dads. Here’s one for those who struggle with carpooling schedules. On the go people will appreciate Dragon Dictation that converts speech into an email, reminder or text message hands free.
Noise Canceling Headphones like the ones from Bose cut down on distractions so the busy mom or dad can concentrate on 100 Greatest Classics preloaded on MP3 player.

Don’t forget to give them the best gift of all – more time to spend with loved ones. When you hire professionals to care for the to-do list, it creates that time. Contact us at Simplify if your special busy mom or dad lives in the Silicon Valley and we’ll set it up for you or you can purchase a gift certificate they can use however they wish!

Fun Gifts Ideas to Make Life Simpler for Your Single Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:30:00 +0000

What can you give to your single friends that they’ll like? You don’t want to give the same old boring gifts that just lie in the closet. A truly thoughtful gift takes into consideration the activities and lifestyle of your friends.

Here are some ideas that will make life simpler for your single friends:

Gift certificates or cards are always in style. It could be to their favorite bookstore, coffee shop, nail salon or spa treatment. Even some year-round farmer’s markets, (Ecology Center Farmers' Market is one example), have gift certificates, which is very welcome to friends who enjoy eating and cooking the freshest foods.

Another idea is to give new phone apps. (iPhone, iPad, and iPod are easy. Blackberry and Android take a little more effort.)

Tickets to their favorite events would be welcome, too. Whether they love sports, music, or the arts we have them all here in California. (If you don’t want the hassle of coordinating this, Simplify’s concierge service can arrange it for you.)

Are your single friends trying to eat healthier? Why not gift them a fruit-of-the-month club. Goldenstatefruit.com, Thefruitcompany.com. Cherrymoonfarms.com and Harryanddavid.com are some here on the west coast you can check out.

Have you noticed their refrigerator is usually bare? A gift certificate to a grocery shopping service or to a meal delivery service would guarantee that they eat well.

A case of their favorite beverage would go over big. Whether they love wine, beer, or specialty teas, this is a gift they’ll use and enjoy.

Make a voucher for something you can do together. Leave it open as to their choice, but you could suggest a visit to a spa, a class, a book club or new-recipe club to join, etc. This will be especially appreciated if your friend is newly single.

An invitation to join your family may be the best gift of all, especially if they’ll be alone this holiday season. Including them as ‘part of the family’ will go over big.

When you’ve visited their home, have you noticed that there’s some household chore that they hate to do? Why not give them a gift certificate to a home concierge service? That way they can use it for whatever task they desire. If they live in the Silicon Valley, contact us at Simplify for a truly unique gift!

Thoughtful Gifts to Make Grandparents’ Life Simpler

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Grandparents deserve to receive thoughtful gifts from the family. Of course, anything that the grandchildren make for them is a sure hit. But what are some gifts you can give that will make their lives simpler?

Photo gifts are always a big hit, especially if grandparents can get them out of boxes and easily see them. If you’ve already given them a digital photo frame with memory cards, why not make a bookstore-quality photo book they can display on their coffee table. You can do-it-yourself online at Blurb, Shutterfly, and Snapfish, or have Walmart, Costco, or Walgreen’s do it.

If your grandparents have lost mobility, a trigger-action long-reach gripper/grabber is a great gift so they don’t have to painfully bend over. And it keeps them off the stepladder when reaching items on the top shelf. Find a sturdy one that will last.

TV Ears, a wireless listening device, is a great solution that lets one person have increased volume without deafening everyone else.

A gift certificate to a food delivery service or online groceries deliveries would ensure that your grandparents don’t have to run to the store and that they’re eating well.

End the frustration of daily searches for lost TV remotes, wallets, keys or cell phones. Get a wireless remote control locator that has 1 transmitter and multiple receivers.

Help grandparents stay in touch with friends and family by teaching them how to use Skype. They’ll love seeing the person they’re talking with. And don’t forget that a cell phone with larger buttons that they can see and push easily would be handy.

Does getting out of the car trouble them? Check out a Swivel Seat and the Standers Handybar. It fits into the door latch and supports them as they boost themselves out.

For gardening grandparents a foldable garden kneeler/seat plus a caddy of ergonomic gardening tools would be a great gift. The kneeler/seat is also helpful in the house for easily cleaning lower cabinets or spills on the floor. You can find them online or local gardening centers.

Help your grandparents open that horrible plastic packaging without frustration and slit fingers with a Zipit Electric Pack and Clamshell Package Opener. And throw in enough take-apart, dishwasher-safe kitchen scissors so there’s one for every room.

Of course, the best gift is a visit from you and your family. If you’re having trouble coming up with a perfect gift for your grandparents, perhaps it’s time to visit them and ask them what they’d like done but can’t do for themselves anymore. If they live in the Silicon Valley, you can give them a gift certificate to our home concierge services. It’s a gift that they can really use and will make their lives simpler.

Let’s Take Time and Be Thankful for Family

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Sometimes during the holiday season it can feel like there’s too much family time! The kids are home from school, your parents are in your guest room and your husband is in the living room watching football – again! Maybe you feel like you need some space. But can you imagine what life would be like without them? It would leave a gigantic hole in your life wouldn’t it?

Yet the simple fact that we have our family with us day after day can lead us to take them for granted or even worse, get irritated and take it out on them in a way that we would never treat our workmates or neighbors. To counteract this, why not take a moment and create a thank you list for each family member.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

To my parents:

Thank you for your patience, kindness, family standards that you held me to, and love.

Thank you for teaching me to love traveling, exotic foods, all sorts of music…

Thank you for giving me the confidence to believe that I can do anything.

Thank you for the years of caring for my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs.

Thank you for gently giving me my wings to grow and support when I needed it.

Thank you for teaching me not to take myself too seriously.

To my spouse:

Thank you for seeing the positive when things get messed up.

Thank you for pitching in when I’m tired and can’t take another step.

Thank you for really listening when I’m down.

Thank you for saying, “I’m sorry.”

Thank you for the hugs, kisses and pats on the back for the kids and me.

Thank you for always being my biggest fan and supporting me.

To my children:

Thank you for being the lovable you.

Thank you for all the sweet hugs, kisses, and cuddles even as you get older.

Thank you for trying so hard to do well in school.

Thank you for picking up your toys without being asked.

Thank you for being so kind and polite and for saying, “Thank you and please.”

Thank you for the beautiful pictures you draw for me.

Now, add yourself to the list and thank yourself for all the good things you’ve done and the good qualities you have. And then treat yourself to a little relaxation by having one of our professionals do something that’s been on you to-do list too long.

Or better yet, schedule a family dinner party during the holiday season and let us help you with ideas of how to make it simple and successful. Contact us at Simplify for a free consultation if you live in the Silicon Valley area.

Thankful for the Teachers in Our Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:01:00 +0000

“Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions.” – Anonymous

Throughout our lives there are people that we have a special fondness for because they taught us something that changed our lives. Perhaps it was the third grade teacher that opened up the world of music to you, or a high school coach that pushed you and showed you how far you really could go.

“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called ‘truth’.” - Newsman, Dan Rather

Our greatest teachers more often than not are our relatives or parents. Their lessons have made us who we are. They patiently taught us to walk, talk, learn, love, and live as good citizens. Of course, none of us have the fairytale, happy-ever-after childhood, but even in difficult situations we probably learned something we can use.

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams

Sometimes it’s the tough, unexpected circumstance in life that teaches us the most about who we really are. Not until we’ve come face to face with tragedy, loss, or adversity do we see our own strengths and depth of our own character.

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.” – John E. Southard

We should be thankful and show appreciation for the teachers in our lives. It would be terrible to forget what they’ve done, but instead we can pass onto others the treasures they’ve given to us. And they’d appreciate hearing us express how much they mean to us.

“The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate ‘apparently ordinary’ people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in making winners out of ordinary people.” – K. Patricia Cross

Our children have been back to school now for a few months. And while Teacher Appreciation Week is observed in the United States the first full week in May (May 7 – 11, 2013), as parents we can show appreciation for all of the hard work the teachers have been doing. We can build a relationship with them and support their efforts to teach our children. We can be involved in classroom projects as much as our schedules allow.

This time of year people especially remember what they’re grateful for. If you live in the Silicon Valley and the thought of hosting a party stresses you, let us at Simplify help you so you can enjoy the special times together.

Let’s Be Thankful for Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Hurricane Sandy really reminded all of us how much we rely on today’s technology. Without power, many people are suffering in the dark without a way to cook or keep warm. Even some of us on the West Coast were affected when we couldn’t conduct business or access our favorite websites, which seems trivial by comparison.

It does remind us to stop and be grateful for what we have. It hasn’t been that long ago that many of the things we take for granted didn’t exist. What would we do without…

Electric lights, Security systems, Garage door openers,

Running water in the house, Flush toilets, Water heaters,

Washing machines, Dryers,

Electric ranges, Gas ranges, Ovens with accurate temperature sensors, Microwaves,

Radios, Televisions, DVDs, TiVo,

Computers, Laptops, Nooks, Kindles, Blackberry, Ipads, Ipods,

Telephones, Cell phones, Smart phones, Answering machines,

Copiers, Fax machines, Calculators,

Electric razors, Curling irons. Blow dryers, Electric toothbrushes,

Furnaces, Air conditioners, Heat pumps, Generators,

Comfortable automobiles, Airplane travel, Gas stations,

And Grocery stores full of wonderful produce from all over the world?

Compare our lives to the early settlers of California. They cooked over an open fire. They knew how to split wood and stockpile for the winters. They knew how to scrub clothes on a scrub board or in the river. They walked or rode horses, mules, or a buggy to the store a few times a year to get the essentials like flour, sugar, and coffee. They knew how to grow a garden and preserve food throughout the year. They lived without our technology. Can we?

What would you do tomorrow if you woke up and it was all gone? That’s what people are facing on the East Coast. Do you have your emergency kit ready to go? Have you fixed potential hazards in your home? Do you know how to shut off the water to your house? Don’t expect someone else to shut the gas off for you, either. If there’s an emergency, you won’t have time to ask.

And if a disaster occurred and technology was gone, what would you be left with? Wouldn’t you be grateful to have your life, your family and friends? Doesn’t that highlight that human relationships are most important ultimately? Which brings up the thought that we shouldn’t allow today’s preoccupation with technology rob us of time for caring for our family, our friends, and ourselves.

We, at Simplify, are very grateful for today’s technology. Without it, it would be extremely difficult to manage all of the services that make your life easier. If you live in the Silicon Valley, schedule a free consultation today so you can maximize technology to give you more time for the most important things.

Be Thankful for your Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:05:00 +0000

When you hear the words “my friend,” doesn’t a warm feeling wash over you? Whose face pops up in your mind? Is it someone that you’ve had as a lifelong friend since school days? No doubt it’s someone who truly gets who you are.

Albert Schweitzer said it so well, “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”

So much has been said about friendship because it is such an important part of being alive and happy. We need people we can openly communicate with without fear of being rejected. We need someone who will be there with a sympathetic hand when we’re under stress. We need someone who points us in a better direction when we have a bad idea.

“A friend is a gift you give yourself.” That’s a truism you’ll see on cards and plaques in many gift shops. The values we hold dear are embodied in our closest friends. We admire our friends and even want to become like them in some ways.

How can we show our friends that we appreciate them?

Keep in close contact. It doesn’t take a lot. A simple phone call, text message or even a handwritten letter tells your friend that he or she is important to you.

Be a good listener. Have you fallen into the habit of always talking about your life? A true friend shows interest in others. Ask questions and really listen to what is said.

Be open. That doesn’t mean telling your friend every little detail. Counselor and author of “The Friendship Factor,” Dr. Alan Loy McGinnis observed, “People with deep and lasting friendships may be introverts, extroverts, young, old, dull, intelligent, homely, good-looking; but the one characteristic they always have in common is openness. They have a certain transparency, allowing people to see what is in their hearts.”

Be willing to spend undistracted time. Friendship shouldn’t be sacrificed for less fulfilling pursuits.

Maintain mutual respect. Everyone needs to be shown consideration, especially when opinions differ. Being overly possessive can smother a friendship; everyone needs his or her space.

Have you ever thought about gifting a home concierge service to your friend? Is there something that needs to be done around the house that your friend can’t do? Or maybe you want to give your friend a night off while one of the professionals at Simplify comes in and cooks a tasty meal? If your friend lives in the Silicon Valley, contact us and let’s work something out.

When Is Not Exercising a Good Idea?

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:10:00 +0000

“I just don’t feel good today…but if I don’t push through my exercise routine, I’ll lose all my motivation and fall into a slump.” How do you know when you should keep pushing and when you should simply forgo exercise for the day?

While we can’t give medical advice, we’ve gleaned some ideas from our reading to give you some things to ponder. There are times when it’s wise to listen to your body (and doctor) and forgo your exercise program.

Exercising directly after eating a meal isn’t a good idea. There’s a lot of truth to the adage, “Don’t go swimming for an hour after eating.” That goes for other strenuous exercise as well. You’re body is expending its energy to digest your food. So you’ll avoid stomach cramps if you give yourself an hour or so before exercising.

Many find that exercising right before going to sleep may be a bad idea. A lot will depend on how vigorous your routine is and if you have an adequate cool down period.

If you have a cold, Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., at the Mayo Clinic website makes this statement: “Exercise is usually OK if your signs and symptoms are all ‘above the neck’ —such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or minor sore throat.” It’s advisable to choose a less strenuous type of exercise like walking at times like this.

If you’re running a fever or have flu like symptoms, Dr Edward R Laskowski, M.D. goes on to say, “Don't exercise if your signs and symptoms are ‘below the neck’ — such as chest congestion, hacking cough or upset stomach. Don't exercise if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches.”

When you’re pregnant, it’s important to discuss exercise with your doctor. However, if you’re in good health, a low-impact exercise can be beneficial. Avoid anything that could cause risk to your abdomen or potential falls. Be mindful to drink plenty of water and take breaks so you don’t get overheated.

When you have muscle or joint pain from overexertion, you don’t want to keep pushing through the pain. Muscles need time to rebuild after exercise. Try an alternate light intensity form of exercise until you’re pain free. And if the pain continues, contact your doctor.

Have you recently broken a bone, pulled muscles, or simply become overwhelmed with trying to get everything done? When you live in the Silicon Valley, you can ask Simplify’s professionals to come to the rescue. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation and see what we can do until you’re back on your feet again.

How Busy People Can Squeeze in Time for Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:32:00 +0000

There barely seems to be enough time to go to work, take care of your family and home. To squeeze in time for an exercise routine seems impossible. And the truth is, that if you’re planning something out of the ordinary, it may well be impossible.

If however, you simply plan on increasing your physical activity throughout your normal routine, you’ll find yourself accomplishing a lot. Here are some suggestions:

Get up 30 minutes earlier. Sure it sounds great, but when the alarm goes off, it’s really easy to hit the snooze button and roll over for a few more minutes of rest. So a successful morning exercise routine depends on planning the night before. Try this…

Place your exercise clothing and shoes out the night before as a visual reminder that this is what you want to do.
Write in your journal the benefits you anticipate from exercise, whether your goal is to feel more energetic or fit into a special outfit for an upcoming event.
Set an easily obtainable goal, maybe once around your block. As soon as your half way around, you’ll be awake enough to include a couple more blocks before heading home.
Write your accomplishment on your calendar so you can track your progress.

Turn everyday chores into an exercise routine.

If the school is close enough, walk your kids to school.
Do you need to go up/downstairs to transport laundry or something else? After delivering your load, do more stair laps until your heart rate increases.
Do you need to take something to the garage? Extend your trip to include a couple of times around the yard.
When bringing groceries and supplies home, use them for weight lifting as you put them away. Canned goods or jugs with secure handles make great weights.
Step up the pace as you mop, vacuum, scrub, or mow the lawn. All of it counts!

Squeeze in more activity at work.

Wear your walking shoes to work so you’re in the mindset for exercise. Once you’re in the office, you can change to your business shoes.
If you ride the bus, get off a couple of blocks early and walk the rest of the way.
Instead of a coffee break, go for a stair-climbing break.
Form a lunchtime walking club with workmates. The extra support helps.
Deliver memos in person rather than relying on the phone or emails.

What’s your favorite way of sneaking in some exercise? Please share it with us. The key is making exercise convenient and part of your daily habits. Would you rather hit the gym and let someone else do the household chores? If you live in the Silicon Valley, contact us at Simplify and we’ll set up a complimentary consultation.

Finding the Motivation to Maintain Your Exercise Routine

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:28:00 +0000

You know you should exercise, but you just can’t make yourself do it. Of course, you tell yourself that you’ll feel better once you get going, but there just seems to be too many roadblocks.

Here are some common roadblocks and suggestions for what you can do:

I don’t like to exercise.

Exercise is anything that gets you moving. It doesn’t have to mean an hour at the gym. There has to be something that you enjoy– walking the mall, swimming, gardening, or tennis. When you find a way to exercise that you like, it will be easier to schedule time to do it. It might help to include family or friends to make it more enjoyable.

I don’t have the energy.

You’ll get energy from simply starting to move. Just add 10 minutes of one simple activity to your day like stretching or walking. Make reasonable goals. Set a timer or clock the distance around your block and use these are markers for reaching your goal. Others find that using a pedometer that tracks how many steps you take each day helps in increasing your weekly goal.

When you compete against yourself, using time or distance as the marker, it will give you encouragement to keep trying until your energy level rises. If it doesn’t, you might want to see a doctor and find out if there’s a medical reason for your lack of energy.

I start but fail after a week or two.

If you’ve started, you haven’t failed. If you feel you’ve failed, perhaps you need to reexamine your goals and work at accomplishing something simpler. Think of it as building on what you’ve already begun. Ask yourself, what can I do today that will make me more active than I normally would be?

I don’t have the time.

How can you make more time? Buy out time from some other activity. It can be something as simple as getting out of bed 30 minutes earlier or giving up 30 minutes of TV at night and going go for a walk instead.

You’ll achieve measurable improvements to your health by simply exercising 10 minutes at three different times during the day. Think of small ways you can increase your activity. Instead of reading that book, get it on audio and listen to it as you walk. Park your car further away from the door. Take the stairs. Little things like these all add up.

Want another way to make more time? If you live in the Silicon Valley, contact us at Simplify to see how our home concierge services can help you make more time for what’s important to you and your family.

How to Keep to Your Exercise Routine Despite Seasonal Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Every season has its challenges for maintaining an exercise routine. In the winter, there might be days that are too cold, windy, or wet. The summer heat may force you indoors. Spring and fall may have allergy seasons that curtail your exercise program.

No matter what the challenge is, you can overcome it by having more than one way to fulfill your exercise routine. Here are some basic tips for exercising in hot and cold weather conditions.

Exercising in Hot Weather

When you get too hot, the body takes blood circulation away from your muscles and directs it to your skin. And, if the humidity is high, your body temperature increases even more since your cooling system – sweat evaporating – won’t work as well.

Pay attention to weather forecasts and health alerts. If it’s going to be a scorching day or there are high allergy counts, change the time you go out or switch to exercising indoors.

Drink plenty of water. If you’re exercising intensely or for over an hour, you might want to consider a sports drink that replenishes the elements you lose through sweating.

Dress in loose fitting, light colored clothing, and wear a hat. Also remember to generously apply sunscreen.

Exercising in Cold Weather

In the winter slippery conditions can cause falls, and cold temperatures can be worsened by wind chill. So check the forecast for the time of day you plan to exercise. Shorter days mean it may be dark when you normally exercise, so plan to wear reflective gear.

Dress in layers that you can remove as you start to sweat. Wear a synthetic material that draws sweat away from your skin first. Then layer a good insulator like wool. Top it with something waterproof, yet breathable. But don’t overdo it – you want to avoid overheating because you’re too warmly dressed. If it’s really cold, put a scarf over your mouth to warm the air before you breath. Make sure your footwear has good traction.

If it’s possible, plan your route to allow you to return home with the wind at your back, that way you’re less like to get chilled. Make sure you let someone know where you’re going and when you plan on returning.

Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen – you can still get dehydrated or sunburned in the winter!

While we don’t have severe weather extremes here in the Silicon Valley, our busy lives make it difficult to find the time to get everything done. If you want to make more time for your exercise workout, contact us at Simplify and see how we can help you.

Exercise – How to Find Something You’ll Stick With

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:30:00 +0000

People resolve every year to eat more nutritious food and get plenty of exercise. Yet, there never seems to be enough time for exercise and it’s all too easy to slip back into bad habits.

The only way to stick to a routine is find something that you really like. The nice thing about exercising is that if you don’t like one form there are so many others you can try. The goal is to increase your heart rate and lung capacity, maintain and increase flexibility and bone mass, strengthen muscles and connecting tendons.

Your personal health goals will partially dictate what form of exercise you choose. Do you want to exercise to be social, lose weight, get fit, improve cardio, relieve pain or reduce stress, or enter a marathon? It would be good to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine to see what will benefit you the most.

The other part of the equation is to think about what you enjoy. Are you happier in a group or on your own? Do you enjoy competition? Do you need a trainer to keep you motivated or are you self-motivated? Are you uncomfortable with someone watching you? Would you prefer popping in a DVD at home? Do you like music or time for quiet reflection? Do you prefer being indoors or outdoors? Do you like repetitive routines that you master or do you enjoy mixing it up?

Here’s a partial list of types of exercise to give you ideas of what you may choose:

Aerobics involves continuous movement of large muscle groups that increase cardio respiratory endurance and promote weight loss – cycling, swimming, rowing, jumping rope, Tae-bo, kickboxing, hiking, stair climbing, brisk walking, jogging, running, tennis, racquetball, soccer, baseball, skiing, spinning, jazzercise, treadmill, stepper, dancing or low-intensity water aerobics.
Anaerobic or resistance exercise forces muscle contractions and increases speed and strength – weight training, sprinting, plyometrics, sit-ups, push-ups, and leg lifts.
Flexibility and stability exercises enhance muscle and joint range of motion – yoga, stretching, tai chi, core training, pilates, and mini trampoline (rebounding).

Which exercise is right for you? The one that you enjoy doing! After assessing your needs and preferences, pick two or three activities that create a thorough workout over the course of the week. Don’t overlook playing with your children as a great way to get exercise. The key is to get moving and enjoy life.

Can’t find the time to squeeze in enough exercise? If you live in the Silicon Valley and want time for self-care, contact us at Simplify and find out how our professionals can cover the essentials so you have the freedom to choose what you really want to do with your time.

Parents – How to Be Flexible With Your Children

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:30:00 +0000

All parents are faced with the dilemma – should I allow my children more freedom or do I need to provide more structured guidance and help? Every day children grow and change. One strategy works with one child, but another child needs a different approach. On one hand, you don’t want to leave them without any guidance, on the other hand you don’t want to be a ‘helicopter parent’ who’s always hovering and controlling.

Flexibility is key to providing the best guidance. If you can modify your discipline to fit the situation and not be stuck to a rigid code of rules, you’ll help your children learn how to become responsible for themselves as they become older and more independent.

Flexibility doesn’t mean always giving in to your child. More often it applies to the approach you use as a parent. For example, once you’ve established fair and simple rules, how do you react when those rules are broken? Do you immediately punish? Do you allow your child to experience the consequences of their actions or do you step in and shield them every time? Do you spend all of your time saying “No” while overlooking the times you can praise your children for behaving well?

While reading on this topic, I came across three suggestions I’d like to share:

Prevent problems. Parents know what situations trigger good or bad behaviors, so think ahead to how to make the outcome better. For example, if children always beg for items in the store, why not turn their attention to doing something that makes you happy. Before you leave home, show them the empty containers of one or two items you need to buy and ask for help to do your grownup shopping. Because shopping is less stressful, you have time to reward your child with an ice cream on the way home.

Give choices when you can. No one likes to feel forced to do something. Your child may hate to go to a necessary dentist appointment. Though there’s no choice of going, you can give the choice of what snacks to take or what clothes to wear.

Give reasons not commands. “Because I said so” is an often-heard phrase. If a child is never taught the reason, how will they see why behavior is inappropriate? By telling them how you or someone else feels because of the child’s behavior, you teach them to consider others. They’ll also learn how to express themselves with words when they have trouble rather than resort to something physical like hitting.

Parents must decide what’s best for their own children. And I think it’s important to thank all of the hard working parents who are trying so hard to train their children to care for themselves and others. You really deserve to treat yourself to a night off. If you live in the Silicon Valley, one of our Simplify chefs can prepare a scrumptious meal for you in your own kitchen and then do the clean up while you relax and enjoy time with your family.

Flexibility – Six Ways to Keep Your Mind Flexible

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:30:00 +0000

“You’re in a rut. You’re a stick in the mud. When was the last time you ever did anything spontaneous?” Have you ever thought that way about yourself? We tend to settle into a routine, which is really a good way to get things accomplished. However, it can also lead to a person feeling stagnant and dissatisfied with life. Sometimes, you just have to break out and try something new.

Naturally, some people are more open to trying new things than others. So, here are some ideas that anyone can comfortably do to keep your mind flexible:

When feeling stymied by a problem, walk away from it. Go for a walk or put on some music and dance around the room. Not only will the increased flow of oxygen help your brain function better, by taking a break you allow you mind to work on the problem in a new way. More often than not, you’ll come up with a great solution.

Your mind needs exercise, so learn something new. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn but have never taken the time? Why not try it now. Take that art class, learn to dance or try a new language. You’ll find your creativity and problem-solving skills blossom in all areas of life.

Pay attention to your response to situations. Do you find you automatically dismiss new ideas or activities? Are your thoughts tending more toward negative or critical rather than positive responses? When you notice self-limiting thoughts and words like “I can’t”, why not substitute more productive ones like “It would be fun to try…”

Adopt a new goal in life. Instead of trying to be perfect, the more flexible goal is to simply do your best and enjoy what you’re doing.

Spend more time with children. If you want to look at the world in a new way, listen to a child. They’re full of questions and surprisingly delightful observations.

Make room for spontaneity. Rather than scheduling every minute of the day, make time to do something different like stopping at a new coffee shop or traveling a new route to work or school taking note of places you’d like to visit. You could also think about what would please a friend or family member and do it. Unexpected gifts, especially gifts of your time and attention, are best.

There’s a saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road…unless you fail to make the turn.” A flexible mind isn’t attached to specific outcomes but can tolerate uncertainty, adapt to change, learn from mistakes, and take risks to solve problems in new ways.

Why not discover for yourself what our professionals at Simplify can do to open up that extra time so you can afford to be spontaneous and flexible. If you live in the Silicon Valley, our home concierge service can do what you need so you can focus on your life and family.

Flexibility – Why Stretching is a Must to Maintain Your Health

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:22:00 +0000

You did it again… You know you need to schedule time for exercise, but instead of a little every day, you cram it all in the weekend. And you end up overdoing it every time. Now you have painful pulled muscles and very little sleep. How are you going to get the kids to school and yourself off to another day of work?

Experts recommend 30-60 minutes of exercise every day. However, an often-ignored component of the exercise routine is stretching to warm the muscles up and cool them down. It keeps your core muscles strong enough to keep your entire skeleton in proper alignment so undue stresses and tears to your muscles and connective tissues don’t occur.

An article on CNN about flexibility carried this fascinating statement: “Flexibility is the third pillar of fitness, next to cardiovascular conditioning and strength training,” says David Geier, the director of sports medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina.

The amount of flexibility you have is due to your genetics. However you can choose to improve it by stretching. Stretching lengthens the tendons, or muscle fibers, which connect your muscles to the bones. As they lengthen, your muscles become bigger and stronger. The general rule is to stretch to minor discomfort and stop if it’s painful.

What are some of the benefits of stretching?

Reduces stress
Prevents exercise related injuries
Staves off arthritis
Increases circulation of blood to your muscles – good circulation protects against diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease
Boosts metabolism and fitness level
Everyday activities are easier and more enjoyable
Enhances ability to balance and prevent injuries from falls
Young athletes can prevent sports injuries

Today, we tend to engage in activities that shorten our muscles, such as hunching over a computer, driving long commutes, and even wearing high heels. As we age we naturally lose our muscle elasticity, so stretching exercises that keep us flexible will go a long way in making our lives much more enjoyable.

Why not ask us at Simplify how our professionals can help you organize your life so you have the time for a good exercise routine as well as everything else that’s important.

Flexibility – The Key to Weathering the Storms of Life and Having More Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Everyone has seen news coverage of hurricanes whipping massive trees back and forth. Those trees can withstand the tremendous power of the storm because they’re flexible. They can bend with the changing wind. Most of us, especially working parents, who often experience busy, stressful days can learn a lot from those trees.

Not only does flexibility make a difference on whether we “snap” under pressure, but it also influences our quality of life. As you were growing up, do you remember parties where some children would jump in and play all the games, whereas others would stand stiffly by watching? Who had more fun? The ones willing to be flexible and try something new!

One of the first things you need to realize is that you can’t control everything. And secondly, you can’t please everyone. Too many of us worry unnecessarily about what others think. When in reality they’re not thinking about us at all. Of course, it’s good to care about what our family thinks since our decisions have a direct effect on their lives. But why make life decisions based on what your neighbor or hair stylist may think.

Tunnel vision keeps you from looking outside the box. In olden days, they’d put blinders on horses so they couldn’t see anywhere but straight ahead. It quieted their fears, because if they couldn’t see it, it didn’t exist. You and I know that what you don’t see coming can hurt a lot. So while being extremely focused is good for accomplishing a great deal, we all need to take a step back every so often and reassess if we’re going in the right direction. Taking a quick walk around the park may be all that is needed.

Learn to compromise and let go of perfection. There really is more than one way of doing things. Focus on the desired results and try something. If it works fine, if not try something else. And if someone has a valid suggestion, give it a try.

Forgive yourself for letting some things go in order to accomplish something more important. You may have the goal of being a multi millionaire by they time you’re thirty, but if your child is injured and needs a year out of your life in order to make a full recovery, which are you going to choose?

Rigid thinking may help you make quick decisions, but flexible thinking is key to mulling over a problem and finding the best solution based on all extenuating circumstances. If you’re having thoughts that aren’t serving you, challenge them and shift to something more positive.

Being flexible depends a great deal on thinking things through and then deciding what’s important to you. If you’ve decided you can delegate some less important things like household chores so you can concentrate on the more important things, contact us at Simplify. If you live in the Silicon Valley, our team of professionals can relieve you of what’s a burden and gift you with more time.

Parents – Are YOU Ready for Back-to-School

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:39:00 +0000

If you’ve always entrusted your childcare to relatives or close friends, it can be especially traumatic for the parent to relinquish that care to a total stranger. The ability to control what your child is exposed to is greatly diminished when you entrust your child to a teacher.

How you deal with sending your child to school will greatly influence your child’s success. So, what’s your attitude toward the teacher and school policies? Are you struggling against an adversary or are you viewing your relationship with the teacher more like a partnership? And most importantly, what will obtain the best results for your child?

A partner refers to two people working toward a common goal. The common goal you have with a teacher is to get the highest quality of education for your child to help him or her succeed in life. What are some ways you can partner with a teacher?

Meet the teacher as soon as possible and express your interest in hearing how your child is doing. Share any special goals your child wishes to achieve this school year. Ask how the teacher prefers future communication, whether through phone calls, notes, emails, or visits.
Read all school notices thoroughly and respond promptly.
Get to know all school professionals including the principal, office personnel, librarian, counselor, nurse, and so on. By establishing open communication now, problems will be easier to resolve if they arise.
Volunteer to chaperone on school trips.
Volunteer to work at the school. Let the teacher know what skills and hobbies you have and that you’d be happy to use them in working with the students.
Learn the schedule for homework and test days and be sure not to schedule appointments or activities that would take your child out of class.
Speak positively to your child about your own experience in school, especially sharing humorous things that happened. Speak highly of the teacher so you child will follow that example.
When problems arise, don’t rush to blame someone. Instead, concentrate on finding a solution to the problem.
Attend parent conferences. If you’re involved all year with what your child is doing, you’ll have constructive comments and questions to discuss.
Support the teacher by making sure your child finishes all homework.
Don’t expect the teacher to give your child an unreasonable amount of time and attention.

By taking the “partner” approach as your child goes back to school, you’re setting the stage for your child to have the gift of a great school year. Why not give yourself a gift as well and contact us at Simplify. Find out how our team of professionals assists families in the Silicon Valley to take care of the house and garden chores so you have more fun time with your family.

Create a Dedicated Area for Your Child’s Homework Station

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:30:00 +0000

You come home from work expecting your children to be nearly finished with their homework. It’s a house rule that there will be no TV or games before it’s done. And yet there they are on the living room floor, books and papers scattered and their eyes glued to a show on TV.

Before school starts this year, you might want to think about creating a homework station that keeps them focused and undistracted. After all, office workers are given cubicles or offices that screen them off from the hustle and bustle of those around them so they can concentrate. So why not provide your kids, who are more easily distracted, something similar?

Few people want to devote an entire room to an in-house classroom. Depending on the child’s needs and level of self-motivation, isolation in the bedroom might work for some. Others who require more monitoring will benefit from being where you are. All homework stations should be quiet and have enough space to spread work out, a good writing surface, good lighting, comfortable seating, and a way to organize supplies.

So, what are your options? Here are some suggestions:

Desk in the bedroom. This works well for older kids and those who are motivated to do their homework unsupervised. Make sure that they have a system to keep the desk organized and clear of clutter.

Dining room table. The dining table is a solution if you store all of the supplies in a nearby bin. However, it can become an irritation to set it up for homework everyday and then rush to clear it off for dinner.

Small desk in the living room. The only drawback is that the family will have to keep the noise down until all the homework is finished.

An armoire converted into a homework station. The inside can be converted into a station that can easily be put away by shutting the door. Take some shelves out so you can install a corkboard or pegboard to hang supplies and important papers.

A moveable, tri-fold screen with supplies attached. You can modify the idea on this website to suit your needs. Just be sure you choose a product that won’t scratch your tabletop.

For more ideas, check out the suggestions on This Old House. At the very least, it will inspire you to think outside the box and come up with some creative solutions that will work in your home.

A homework station really becomes effective when you also have a system for doing homework. Offices have long utilized systems of how, when, and in what order tasks should be accomplished. The same is true with household chores.

If you live in the Silicon Valley and are finding that you don’t have time to do everything, contact us at Simplify and we’ll discuss what our team can do to help lighten your load.

9 Ways to Remember Your Child’s Progress Each Year

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:09:00 +0000

The first day your child attends school is truly monumental. Your whole life changes quickly from that day forward. With time flying, you’re going to want to capture special memories of each passing school year.

Here are some ways you can do that…

Plant a small tree in your yard the year your child begins school. On the first day of school, pose your child next to the tree to mark the annual growth of both the tree and child.

Have your child hold a small chalkboard or a poster on which he/she has written his or her first name and what he/she wants to be when grown up. A quickly snapped photo shows how the penmanship changes as the years go by.

You can help your young children record additional information on that small chalkboard or poster such as the name of the school, the grade, date, and the teacher’s name, and then snap a photo.

Post a clearly visible tape measure somewhere you don’t mind leaving it from year to year and take a photo recording how tall your child is on the first and last days of school.

Create a journal that you add to each year for each of your children. At the beginning of each school year, write a short story about your child, his or her goals, interests, school subjects, extracurricular activities, and dreams. Include your special feelings in a personal message that will be truly special to your child as an adult.

Begin a collection is behalf of your child that can be added to each year. Make it something that your child as an adult will appreciate. Some parents collect a bottle of wine each year; others collect holiday ornaments. Make it something meaningful.

Start a new family tradition. You can have a Back-to-School cake decorated to celebrate the first day of school.

Make a new time capsule each year and store it in a secure spot so all of them can be opened when your child graduates. Use a jar, tin, or shoe box to store a letter your child writes to the future about herself, what she wants to do in life, her favorite toys, pets, movie or outfit. Include a list of special world and family news items, and pictures of important events and places.

Bring autograph books back into fashion. Give your child the opportunity to capture school chum’s thoughts all year long, so by the end of the school year, all the pages are filled rather than a few at the front of each book.

While you can’t make time stand still, you can create more time by contacting us at Simplify. If you live in the Silicon Valley, our professionals can take over some of those time-consuming chores, leaving you more time with your family.

Summer Cooking – Healthy Camping Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 22:27:00 +0000

Camping trips are a great way for the family to spend time together relaxing in beautiful places. When you’re camping, you don’t want to pack everything but the kitchen sink in order to have a nutritious meal. It’s more important to enjoy yourself rather than spending all of your time preparing and cleaning up after each meal.

You don’t have to stick with potato chips and hot dogs to keep it easy – the best camping food is quick and healthy. If you’re taking an RV that makes cooking a whole lot easier but you can get creative even if your tent camping. Remember to pack a camp stove and lighter or make sure campfires are permitted where you’re going.

Provide easy-to-snack-on fruits and veggies like baby carrots, celery sticks, snap pea pods, grapes, bananas, oranges, and apples. Pair them with protein rich food like nut butters (peanut, almond, cashew) and cheese. Muffins provide good nutrition, while also being a quick treat. You can find recipes online with oatmeal, fruit, and nuts, rather than just a sugar-filled cake.

If you’re backpacking, the lighter the load the better. This is a great opportunity to trade out the older MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) from your emergency kits. They make quick meals and it gives you a chance to update your emergency kit. Make sure you have new ones to place immediately into your emergency kit.

Check out these simple ideas for nutritious meals using one pot and one pan.

Breakfast: Heat water in the pot for hot drinks like coffee, tea and cocoa. Then use the leftover water for instant oatmeal for breakfast. Serve in large paper cups so clean up is a breeze. Smashed banana, raisins, and chopped nuts are a welcome addition to hot cereal.

Lunch: Sandwiches for lunch are quick and easy. A loaf of bread, sliced meat and cheese, small bottle of sandwich spread, lettuce and tomato won’t take up too much room.

Dinner: Cook pasta in your pot. Drain and cover with a can of sauce and some frozen, pre-cooked meatballs until heated. (Cans are safer to pack than glass jars.) You can stir fry veggies in the pan with a splash of olive oil or butter, garlic salt and pepper.

Get creative and make whole dinners like thick stews in your pan. Spray pan with cooking spray. Cook ground meat first. Slice vegetables to similar sizes. Denser vegetable like carrots and potatoes should be slightly thinner slices than quick cooking veggies like summer squash, sweet peppers or mushrooms. Add to pan. Pour on a can of favorite marinara sauce and cook until veggies are tender. Season it with salt and pepper.

There’s just something about camping that makes simple foods taste so good. It reminds us that we are happier when our lives aren’t so complicated. If you live in the Silicon Valley, Simplify’s team of professionals know how to help you simplify day-to-day chores so you can enjoy an uncomplicated life all year long. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Don’t Want to Cook Tonight? Discover Healthy Takeout Options

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:30:00 +0000

It’s one of those nights when you don’t feel like cooking but you also don’t feel like loading the family in the car and cajoling your kids to behave at a restaurant. What you want is takeout! But you’re sick of pizza and Chinese and you’d prefer a healthier option.

Start by making a list of your favorite restaurants in the area – you’ll find that most will provide takeout. Then take a look at how you can make healthier choices…

Mexican Food: Get whole black beans instead of refried beans. Usually soft tortillas are a lower calorie option to fried taco shells. You can easily replace cheese and sour cream with salsa.

Italian Food: Make a smart choice with the sauce. Instead of a creamy Alfredo or rich pesto, try a marinara sauce or pasta primavera.

Japanese Food: Healthy options include Miso soup, steamed vegetables such as edamames, and sushi rolls with avocado. You should avoid “tempura” which indicates it’s been fried.

Hamburgers: I have a friend that always orders the kid-size portion. You can make your burger healthier by loading it with lettuce and tomato and skipping the cheese. Ask for a side salad instead of fries or onion rings.

Another option is to choose a delivery service. One of my favorites here in the Silicon Valley that uses fresh, local and organic foods is Little Spoonfuls. If you have little ones they have menus geared toward toddler meals, baby pureed foods and family meals with a variety of main courses and side dishes. Order online and Little Spoonfuls will deliver a week's worth of meals that just need re-heating.

And of course if you live here in the Silicon Valley, there's always the option of having one of our Simplify chefs cook a fresh meal for you in your home that you can eat right away. Some of our clients have even dog-eared an interesting recipe to have our assistants prepare it!

Summer Cooking – Fun Treats to Make with Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Summertime is the perfect time to cook with your kids. This is a great opportunity for you to spend some one on one time with them in a relaxed environment. They can learn about new foods and good nutrition. Cooking can even enhance their math and reading skills as they read directions and measure ingredients. Sometimes by getting them more involved you’ll even entice them into trying something new and healthy!

Here are some fun cooking projects you can try out this summer:

Give that boring sandwich a new look. Cut sandwiches with cookie cutters or decorate with vegetables and fruits to make a sandwich face.
Make baking fun! Cupcakes and cookies are always fun but you can go beyond sprinkles. Provide gummy bears, animal crackers, marshmallows, etc. so they can get creative with their decorations. You can use food coloring to teach how colors work. If you’re making purple, let your child add the blue and red drops to the bowl and stir until the mixture becomes just the right color.
Homemade Ice Cream! If you don’t have an ice cream machine checkout online recipes for homemade ice cream in a bag. It’s fun, easy and delicious.
Homemade Popsicles. They’re a whole lot healthier because you can avoid high fructose corn syrup and artificial food dyes. Let your kids get creative with fun flavors. Invest in some non-toxic Popsicle molds to make them easier to manage.
Let the kids plan dinner once a week. They’ll love the idea of being in control. You can help them pick a recipe, make a list of ingredients, and then shop for them. This will give them valuable training on how to organize and follow through on a project.

Have fun but keep it safe. Especially when working with preschoolers, make sure to set up a work area at a lower height, remove any sharp objects from their reach, explain clear rules about the stove and of course always supervise!

Would you love more one on one time with your kids and less time running errands or doing laundry? If you live in the Silicon Valley, Simplify’s team of professionals can help you with the chores you hate so you have more time for the people you love.

Refreshing Recipes for Hot, Hot Days

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Beating the summer heat means not cooking over a hot stove. People usually prefer to eat simple, light, refreshing foods to compensate for the hot weather. Here are a couple ideas we thought you might enjoy.

Have you tried quinoa (pronounces keen wa)? It’s a powerhouse of protein. If it’s not pre-washed, rinse it thoroughly 3 or 4 times. Otherwise, it can be bitter. Since there’s no mayonnaise in this recipe it can be the perfect salad to take on a picnic. The inspiration for this recipe came from the cookbook, Quinoa 365: The Everyday Superfood, by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming.

Quinoa Salad

Cook 1-cup quinoa in 2 cups boiling water. It takes about10 minutes until it’s translucent and plump.

Whisk together the salad dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)

4 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar

2 ½ teaspoons of ground cumin

1 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeno (you can substitute canned mild green chilies)

Dash of salt and pepper

After fluffing the cooked, and slightly cooled, quinoa, stir in the dressing.

Toss with:

1¼ cups thawed kernel corn

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1 – 14 oz. Can of black beans, rinsed

1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro

This can be refrigerated up to 3 days. And you can creatively add other ingredients like jicama, water chestnuts and black olives.

Lemonade Slushy

Wash lemons with vegetable soap, dry, roll back and forth on the counter under your palm four complete times. Lay wax paper on the counter. Peel the zest – just yellow rind, not the white pith – from all the lemons. Reserve ½ teaspoon for this recipe. (The excess lemon zest can be frozen for future recipes. Form 1-teaspoon mounds on a baking sheet to freeze individual portions so you’re not dealing with a huge lemon zest cube. When frozen, transfer to a freezer container or bag.)

Put these ingredients in a blender:

2/3 cup sugar

1 cup lemon juice from 3 or 4 lemons

½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest

Enough ice to fill a blender

Blend on high until consistency of a slushy. Enjoy!

We, at Simplify Home Solutions, hope you’re enjoying our summer cooking ideas. And if you’re longing for someone to prepare a simple meal for you, give us a call and we’ll discuss the menu.

Summer Cooking: Simple Backyard Grilling Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 04:09:00 +0000

Summertime is for fun in the outdoors, enjoying summer evenings with friends. You want something easy and quick to fix for dinner. That’s when the backyard grill becomes your best friend. Here are some simple ideas we hope you enjoy.

Create a Deluxe Hamburger

Rather than just slapping a burger on the grill, let everyone pick their own ingredients to make them special. Buy about ¼ of a pound of ground beef per person.

In a bowl, mix the burger well with 2 well-beaten eggs, half a packet of Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix, a dash of Worchestershire sauce, and ¼ cup breadcrumbs. (It’s easier and faster to do this with your thoroughly cleaned hands. Although it may not be pleasant, it does wash off easily with dish detergent.)

Now, let your guests choose from diced jalapenos or green chilies. Those who don’t want the heat can choose from diced mushrooms, scallions, diced olives, bacon broken in small pieces, diced onions, roasted garlic, thinly diced celery, grated zucchini or grated carrot.

Cover a baking tin with aluminum foil. Write with permanent marker names of people to match with their special burger. Cover with plastic wrap. Spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Quickly mix their choice into a handful of meat (about ¼ lb.) Pat it out fairly flat so it cooks evenly. Place each burger by the name. Give the top of the burgers a quick misting of cooking spray. Place burgers on the grill in the same pattern as on the tray so you keep everything straight. Grill on hot heat until done.

Serve with choices of mayo, mustard, ketchup, relish, salsa, guacamole, cheddar cheese, feta, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, cucumber slices, pickles, roasted red peppers, and potato chips. Your imagination is the limit. And it’s a way to sneak veggies into dinner.

Grill Corn on the Cob

8 corn cobs- Remove the silk and husks. Dissolve ½ cup salt in 4 quarts of cold water. Soak the corn in it for 10 minutes and up to, but no more than 8 hours.

Place on a high grill turning every 2-3 minutes. It will take about 10-14 minutes to cook and get that light charring. Serve with cilantro-lime butter.

Cilantro-Lime Butter

Blend:

4 Tablespoons softened butter

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

2 Tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro

A pinch of each – chili powder, salt, black pepper

We, at Simplify Home Solutions hope you have a great summer. We’ll give you some more fun summer cooking ideas in upcoming blogs. If you’d like some suggestions on how to free up more of your time for fun things, give us a call.

Get Up and Move this Summer Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin Campbell) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:57:00 +0000

Childhood obesity is plaguing the youth in the United States. In an article by Thomas N. Robinson, MD, MPH he reported on a recent sampling of 3,155 children and found: “that 2- to 7-year-old children in the United States spend an average of approximately 2.5 hours per day and 8- to 18-year-old children spend an average of about 4.5 hours per day watching television and videotapes and playing video games. When these data are combined with typical sleep data from children, it is found that children in the United States are spending more than 25% of their waking hours in front of the television set.”

How can you pry your children out of the house and get them doing something? Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. It can be as simple as finding a new sport like rollerblading or spending a day at an amusement park. A really good place to start is swimming. It works seldom-used muscles with less strain than other activities. Here are some swimming places within the Silicon Valley. If you have a favorite spot that’s not listed, please let us know about it.

Bair Island Aquatic Center

Boomerang Bay at California’s Great America, Santa Clara

DeAnza Cupertino Aquatic, San Jose

Morgan Hill Aquatics, Morgan Hills

Prewett Family Waterpark, Antioch

Raging Waters Water Theme Park, San Jose

Biebrach, Camden, Fair Swim Center, Mayfair and Rotary Ryland pools, as well as Silver Creek High School pool are available for recreational swimming. Almaden Lake offers recreational swim and a beach setting. Check them out at aquatic centers in San Jose.

Shoreline Lake Aquatic Center, Mountain View

Bicycling is another great activity the whole family can enjoy. With so many paths in the Silicon Valley to choose, you’re sure to find a favorite where you can enjoy beautiful surroundings.

Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, boating, water skiing, bowling and even flying a kite are all fun activities your family can do together. Why not make up your own list and ask your family which ones they’d like to try? See how many new activities you can experience this summer vacation.

Want to make more time for fun? Ask us at Simplify Home Solutions about how we can handle some of your have-to-dos and leave you with more time for want-to-dos. What you do this summer may change forever your child’s health and happiness.

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite summer vacation theme by hitting the “like” button after you’ve read them – Be a Tourist and Visit The Silicon Valley’s Great Outdoors, and Plan Your Summer Vacation with Your Kids around “Animals”, Enjoy the Arts this Summer Vacation.