Sorry I’ve totally neglected this blog.  Forgot to post a link to look on my other blog for updates.  So if you’re looking for more of Seema or our family or just random updates look here: www.sarahshahportraits.blogspot.com

I have a few things that I use daily to help me be more organized.  Really I don’t think I could live without them, even though there was a time that they didn’t exist in my life.

1.  Ping.FM. I am addicted to social network (facebook, twitter, etc) To be able to update all my statuses at once I use ping.fm.  This also updates my LinkedIn and MySpace statuses.  Check it out, it’s a real time saver.

2. Morning Coffee.  I’m not talking about a cuppa coffee that you drink, even though that does help me through the day to get with the program.  I’m talking about this nifty little application that works similarly to your browser favorites, but will load all the sites you have in your Morning Coffee with the click of one button.  For more information go here.  I use Firefox most of the time, and this is an add-on.

3. Android G1 phone.  I just got this phone recently but it’s already making my life easier.  I can get my photography emails delivered to the phone, having a calendar always with me is a godsend, to do list application, OI Shopping list (even lets you cross of the item), Compare Everywhere is also a neat application (it lets you scan an items barcode and will compare the prices with other stores).

4. Household Handbook.  Have you heard of this?  If not you are so missing out.  I just started mine in Oct 2008 and it’s the best thing.  It’s a 3-ringed binder that holds everything needed to run the household.  Monthly calendars, weekly calendars for scheduling, weekly meal planners, take-out menus, cleaning matrix (broke down by yearly, monthly, weekly, daily cleaning), and more stuff.  It’s like central command.  I keep it in the kitchen by the phone.  There’s a section for phone messages too.  If my hubby needs to know where we’re going to be he can just look in there.

5. Magnetic Clips.  These are a lifesaver for me.  We have a magnetic door and it’s just so handy to stick these clips on there.  They hold outgoing mail, money, etc.  Pretty much anything I might need to grab on the way out the door but otherwise would forget it if it wasn’t in front of me.

I’d love to know what makes your life easier?

I’m on the look out for some quick, yummy new recipes to try out… please let me know if you have any.

Geez… sorry I’ve been gone so long.  I enjoyed some very much needed time with my family and did a couple photo sessions during the past 2 weeks too.  I just had fun!

By now I hope you’ve thought about your 2009 to-do list.  (I like calling it a to-do list instead of resolutions.)  My list is long, and I’m so hoping to accomplish 80% of it.

• One word to focus on in 2009: INVEST (this is inspired by Ali Edwards).  I will be working on an INVEST scrapbook to document how I invest in my life and the life of others around me during 2009.
• People scrapbook.  This is going to be a mini scrapbook of all the people that my daughter knows.  It will be on chipboard so that it’s a bit more sturdy for her to use daily.
• Marathon training.  I am teaming up with one of my online friends (we’ve known each other for about 3 years but have never met in person, yet) to train for an upcoming marathon in March.  Personally I don’t think I will be able to do it.  I don’t have the endurance yet, but I’m still walking/jogging and going through the training of it in hopes to lose some weight.  My total goal is 20 lbs.  Even if I don’t participate in the marathon I will be on the sidelines cheering her on.  (Go, Lisa, Go!!)
• Baby Photography.  This year I am going to focus on getting newborn and baby photography under my belt.  To date I have only photographed 2 babies (one was 7 weeks old, the other was 7 days old) and I want to master this.  Great opportunity for this is my Sister is due the end of January.  If you are located in SE Kansas and are expecting and would like to have maternity and/or newborn photography done please contact me.  I am currently searching for maternity and newborn models.  I will post about the model search on my blog soon.
• Come up with a business slogan.

I have them all written down on my dry erase board at home.  I know I’ve missed a couple but can’t remember them ALL from the top of my head.

What’s on your list for 2009?

Just a few items that I’ve either bought or I’ve heard about and thought they were worth mentioning.  Be sure to leave a comment with a link to your favorite Etsy shop(s).  I’m always looking to be looking.

I received this address card file last week and I’m already in love with it.  I choose this particular address holder because it’s different than a normal rolodex, it’s pretty.  And because my business colors are teal and brown the heading cards fit right in.

For the girl teen… order a few Scrabble Tile Pendant and Chains.  They are under $7 a pendent and this seller has a variety of styles and colors.

For the romantic… how about some Glowbowls.  Never heard of them before?  I hadn’t either until I read a blog post from Tara Whitney about them.  They are ceramic bowls strung together that give off a nice glow at night when used with tealight candles.

This year I’m all about time with the family, at home.  We have enjoyed movies with popcorn in the living room, lots of cups of hot cocoa and coffee with cinnamon, staring at the Christmas lights around our home and around the neighborhood, Christmas music.

My Christmas Spirit this year also includes making things for my family and friends and to having in my house.
This year’s projects consist of:

• Handmade Christmas ornaments and trinket boxes
• December Daily scrapbook album (Inspired by Ali Edwards) (I need to take some new pictures of the completed pages)
• We’re also have 2 days worth of Christmas celebration (Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day brunch)
• Spending more time with friends and family over dinner or just talking.
• Cookie exchange party with other Moms from our church

How are you spreading holiday cheer this year?  Are you doing anything differen this year from previous years?

I take my lunch to work at least 25 days out of a 30 day month.  I’ve been taking my lunch to work for so long that it feels weird to go out to eat during the day.  If I forget my lunch I have three options: 1) eat the junk out of the vending machine; 2) eat at the cafeteria.  The food isn’t that bad but I have to do at least $25 payroll deduction even if I’m only going to eat there once; 3) drive off campus to a fast food or fast sit down restuarant.

I used to use one of those big bulky lunch bags.  Rectangle in shape with a shoulder strap.  It screamed “I bring my lunch to work”. Lately I have been resorting to using brown paper bags.  You know the kind.  Usually I can’t fit all the food I’m going to eat (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack) in there so I end up skimming myself out of healthy food to get make sure I get the breakfast and lunch in there for sure.  And the bag is ripped down the side almost every day since I have too much to carry out to the car (purse, lunch, baby, etc).

I found an awesome solution that would work for me. Mario Batali has a line of lunch bags.  They aren’t just any lunch bags… because they aren’t ugly and ordinary.

I don’t necessarily like to stick out from the crowd with my clothes and accessories so this bag makes sense for me.  It’s in Espresso color, which is a change from the black I would normally choose. All of Mario’s bags are insulated, collapsible, and come in a variety of sizes.

Mario Batali Insulated Collapsible Tote - Espresso

The countdown to Christmas has begun.  Well it really began for most people this past Friday, Black Friday.  I didn’t shop on Black Friday this year.  Too much chaos to drag a 18 month old out in.  I did do some online shopping yesterday though, Cyber Monday.

Did you snag any of those awesome Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals?  What did you get?

I bought 3 peoples gifts (and a rolodex for me ) from Etsy.  If you’ve never heard of Etsy you have to check it out.  It’s a place where all things handmade are for sale.  There is a wide range of prices and you will be drooling like I was.  I have drooled over the pretty little things for sale there for months but just made my first purchase yesterday.

I am making a bunch of gifts this year too.  Christmas ornaments and some trinket boxes.  Each is different and unique.  I will try and post pictures of them later.

Another place that I really like to shop is World Market.  We only have one of them in my town and it’s all the way on the other side of town so we only go there once a year.  Usually in December, before Christmas.  They have things from all around the world.  Furniture, knick-knacks, food, drinks, glassware, soaps, etc.   I always pick up great stocking stuffers there… chocolates, nuts, flavored teas, etc. that you can’t find in your regular grocery store.

This year we aren’t going all out like we have in the past, and I’m not just talking about gifts.  Christmas dinner is not going to be a huge feast.  I’m just not in the mood to slave in the kitchen all morning so I’m sticking to turkey breast or chicken, with some sides.  This year I want Christmas to be more about family being together than about the gifts, the food, etc.

sorry I have been MIA lately.  Just so much to do around here.

With Thanksgiving being tomorrow, what are you thankful for?
I’m thankful for a house to live in (Someone’s house caught on fire from the kitchen this week.  They were invited to Thanksgiving at my friends’ house), to have a family around me, and to be blessed with so many caring friends.

That’s what I think life should be about… family and friends and making memories and loving life.

Wishing you and your family a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

I’ll be back next week with some Christmas gift ideas that are great for a budget.

I know, I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving and I’m mentioning Christmas and shopping in the same sentence.  ahh!  Do you start to sweat when you think of the jam packed malls or the lines or the stop and go endless traffic?  I sorta do.  So this year I have vowed to do the majority of my holiday shopping online from the comfort my cozy house in my pjs.

To help me with my online shopping I am using WishPot.  I learned about Wishpot a couple weeks ago and since have started to love it.  It’s going to make online shopping so easy!  What is WishPot?  It’s a online wishlist, but it’s not limited to just one store.  You can add items to your wishlist from any online venue.  The easiest way to add items to your list, that I’ve found is using a bookmark in your browser called Add to Wishpot.  You click that when you find the items you want and it will automatically add the product name, price, and description to the list you want to add it to.  You can post your wishlist (or other lists.  You can create more than one) on your blog, website, and other places for others to see.  Check it out!

Looking for unique gift ideas for kids and babies?  I found this great gift guide for a multitude of products.  They range in price from $3 to $300, eco-friendly products, handmade products, wooden toys, and just a whole range of unique gift ideas that you won’t find in chain stores.

Please vote for me in this popularity contest.

Here is the page to go to: http://www.classymommy.com/wii_giveaway/vote.php?contest=wii&name=Sarah Shah
All you have to do is click the “vote” button next to my name (Sarah Shah) for vote for me.

Thank You for your vote!