Day 1. Scrutinise your Party Room:

You’ll need an hour and maybe a friend. Grab a notebook and pen and review all the aspects of your room. When you’re done you’ll have your ‘to do list’. Consider:

1. How the room functions:
   1. What do I currently use this room for?
   2. How can I get this room ready for a party?
   3. What should this room contain?
   4. How will guests use the room?
   5. How do I want to use it after the party?
   6. What’s working/ not working?
   7. What’s causing the problem?
   8. What has to go?
2. How it feels:
   1. How does this room feel to me?
   2. How does this room feel to others in the household?
   3. How do I want it to feel?
   4. What would it take to make it feel fabulous?
3. Physical features (draw up an existing floor plan to help):
   1. Is the lighting right?
   2. Are there sufficient power points?
   3. Is the furniture adequate?
   4. Sufficient storage?
   5. Do you need heating / cooling?
   6. What are the finishes like? Curtains, cushions, etc
   7. What’s working / working?

Now check-in with other household members and get their opinions.

Day 2. Reality Check: You only have 7 days, so take half an hour now to:

o Schedule: The things you WILL do this week. What can you put off ‘til phase 2?
o Zone. If the party’s in a living / dining room there are about four zones. Tackle each zone one at a time to make the job easy.
o Budget: Can you afford those new chairs? Or that wall hanging? Decide what you can you afford now and what needs to wait til later.

Day 3. Set up the job.

25% of your effort goes into setting the job up, 50% to DO the job and 25% to finish it off. Skip the set up and the job will take twice as long. For your 2 full days of de-cluttering who’s going to look after the kids? Do you need a day or two off work? What tools do you need to buy (bins, containers, markers, etc)?. Do you need furniture? Do you need time to decorate? Remember you need:

• Your Room Assessment checklist (see point 1)
• Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
• Plastic Storage Tubs
• Pencil and Note pad
• Post it notes – for labelling your zones
• Cleaning materials
• Labels for boxes and bags:
  • Keep
  • Relocate
  • Repair
  • Throw
  • Donate
  • Return

Day 4: The hard interview!

This is the main part of the job: deciding how each item fits into your plan. Label at least 4 Containers ‘out – donate’, ‘out – rubbish’, ‘out – relocate’, ‘out – return’ and put your out items in each one. Then label containers ‘stay – zone 1’, ‘stay – zone 2, etc. Before you pick up a single item set very firm rules – so you achieve your de-clutter goal. Here are three kinds of rules: rules for quantity (how many of a certain item) to keep), rules for space (e.g. only toys that will fit into this space) and rules about time (e.g. I’m only keeping the National Geographics from the 70s). Now create some rules of your own. Here are some suggestions:

• One item in one item out;
• Only buy what fits
• Only have one of what you need
• Use what you have before you buy more
• Lead us not into temptation
• Damaged = out

Take a hard look at each item and get serious. The more you toss, the better. Your rules will make this process easy.

Day 5: The Big Toss.

You’re surrounded by loads of ‘out’ bags, bursting at the seams. Now set the timer and get rid of it all. Load up the car and start driving: to charity bins, to the library, to friends to return items. The golden rule: DO NOT RETURN HOME WITH ANYTHING IN THE CAR!! For the keeper items, you need to:

• Repair – lid, label and set to one side – only items are worth repairing rather than totally replacing. Once it’s done and clearly labeled put it in the car.
• Relocate – those keeper items that belong elsewhere. Close the lid, label and set to one side. Stay focused on the party room and don’t get distracted.
• Keep – those items you want to keep in this space. Order them into ‘like with like’ groups; i.e. all crockery and platters together, all table linen together, and so on.

Day 6: Nail it down.

Now you can make room for your party. Your zones will make this easy. Label each zone with a post-it note. Then put your prized possessions in place, one zone at a time. Phew! You now have 40% less stuff to store!! Now nail it down and you’re done.

Day 7: Party time!

Stand back and enjoy your hard work. Review how it all works and do any finishing touches. Now it’s time to party!!!

For the full de-clutter program, come and visit www.didyourememberthemilk.com.au

It’s never a great time to confront the sober facts: that merging your money, your belongings and your plans can make or break your relationship. Which group will you both belong to in 10 years’ time – the together forever group or the ‘other 50%’ who’ve ended in divorce? Of course, you’ll be in the first camp! A little planning now will guarantee it. The most important thing is to communicate: your ideas, needs and wants. Book these ten date nights in with your partner before the wedding to plan for happily ever.

1. Date #1: A clear vision: A shared set of plans and goals for the foreseeable future will keep you inspired when the going gets tough. Where do you want to live? Do you want children? What are your financial goals? Career ambitions? What holidays do you dream about? Get excited and record it all! Vision boards are a great way to capture your dreams.

2. Date # 2: Time management: Think about how each of you manage your time. Chances are it’s going to be different. Take your shared goals (above) and start plotting important dates and events in your diary now before other events take over. Check each others’ diaries to make sure you’ve made time for all the important events and tasks.

3. Date # 3: Purge before you merge: If you’ve got a wedding registry, you’re about to receive lots of beautiful items. Now’s the time to get rid of what you don’t need. Who’s garlic crusher will make it into the second drawer? You don’t need two. Give each other a challenge to get rid of 40% of your stuff.

4. Date # 4: Health check: Time to get up close and personal. What have you been screened for? Do you both have health insurance? You may need to change your insurance plan now in time for children. Will you exercise together? Discuss your family’s health history. Put all your health and wellbeing dates and check-ups in your diaries and make them happen.

5. Date # 5: Keeping your paper Flowing: Who is going to be the ‘paper captain’ in your house? Or will you share some of the tasks, e.g. paying bills, correspondence, etc? It starts with the wedding thank-you’s and then the paper just keeps flowing from there. Set up your paper management system now and avoid stress and arguments downstream.

6. Date # 6: Sharing your home office: It doesn’t have to be fancy but it needs to be well organised. If your’s is not set up well, then do this before you get married so you can come home and hit the ground running.

7. Date # 7: Managing your money: Money is the cause of most of the arguments so set out your financial goals now. Come clean and admit all of your expenditures and create a budget to pay for your goals. A simple financial system will keep you on track.

8. Date # 8: What’s for dinner?: Some partners suffer from culinary amnesia: they cook to impress in the early years and then gradually ‘forget’ how to boil water. Heard of that dreadful disease? Time to talk now about who’s going to cook dinner on what nights. Don’t fall into the trap of just doing it because no-one else will. Easy meal planning systems will continue to make mealtimes a lovely time to connect when you both get back into your busy lives after the honeymoon.

9. Date # 9: Children? If you haven’t already started your family yet, discuss how many children you’re going to have and how you want to raise them. Who’s going to look after them? Which one of you will take time off work after the baby(s) are born?

10. Date # 10: Who will feature in your future? After your wedding, you’ll enjoy a sociable time. Talk about all the different groups of people important to you: your friends, extended family, colleagues, sporting and community groups. How do you want to keep in touch with them all and how can you support each other to do that?

For tips, books and inspiration on organising your ideal life, visit www.didyourememberthemilk.com.au

MyInvites, gives us a fabulous e-vite service. Now what about all the other paper, e-mails and downloads that parties bring? Each invitation you receive generates more paperwork: RSVPs, gifts, cards and correspondence with friends or family. Parties you host?; invitations, shopping lists, torn out magazine articles of party themes, project plans, supplier quotes, RSVPs, phone messages hastily written down, gift list, receipts, menu, thank you cards, gift vouchers… the list goes on. Time to get your party planning flowing.

Tip 1: One ‘entrance’ for all your party paper

From now on, all party paper you receive via your letterbox, handbag, printer, wallet, will come into your home through ONE point only: your in-tray. Choose a nice dedicated in-tray in one spot in your home and dump ALL your paper here. Date stamp it all so you remember when you received each item – especially invitations!

Tip 2: The Lead up to parties requires a bit of routine ACTION

A lot of the lead up to a party includes lots of paper and e-mails that you need to act on. For example, you might need to read a brochure, pay a supplier, RSVP to someone, buy a gift, book a venue. As you empty your in-tray (at least twice a week) each piece of paper now has a corresponding recurring action folder to go to. Here are 5 common ones you can set up now. Create the same folders in your e-mail in box:
a. Bills to Pay – for any party invoices or helpers
b. Correspondence to Complete – for RSVPs, thank yous, bookings, liaising
c. Items to Buy – keep all notes about what you need to buy in the one file
d. Items to Read – brochures, downloads, gift ideas, articles, inspiration
e. Claims to make – put all your gift vouchers, concert tickets and anything with future value in this file, as well as invitations with special instructions you may want to keep.

Now keep the party flowing by making sure you have set times and days in your diary that you will deal with your Recurring Action items. Visit www.paperflowbook.com for your free Paper Flow schedule template.

Tip 3: The Party Hotline

Keep ONE notebook for all messages, meetings and notes to do with your party. Use removable sticky tabs to easily locate party info.

Tip 4: Party Project Management

When you’re the host of any event, set up a manilla folder titled ‘Party’. This will hold all your plans at your fingertips so when you’re ready to work on your party, it’s all there. Create a project planning sheet to keep you focussed on the end goal and keep you moving it along (get your free one at http://paperflowbook.com/bonus-downloads ) Include all the summary information: the date, your budget, the timeframe, the list of action items to be completed and the theme. Here’s where you’ll keep the guest list, the menu, the invitations, the checklists, shopping list, correspondence and receipts. Schedule all the tasks and times in your diary to ensure you action everything.

Tip 5: Happy Memories

With the party over and still fresh in your memory, it’s time to close off your project file. The ‘Thank You list’ goes back into your Correspondence to Complete file. Any vouchers you get go into Claims to Make file. Create a memory book of the event for easy reference of party information and happy memories. Keep a copy of the invitation, the menu, the guest list, the gift list, the prices and even photos of the night. Choose from a photo album or a display folder or a memory box to house these precious memories.

Tip 6: Your next project!

Now your desk is clear of the party paperwork and you have room for the next project in your life! Can we suggest a project that will save you enormous amounts of time, stress and money and is absolutely F*R*E*E? Join us in the Paper Flow 28 Day Challenge. It will take the rest of your paper from mess to success in less than 4 weeks.

See you there!

Relish alone time

Between work, partners, friends and family, most of us don’t spend much time on our own doing … well, whatever we want! This year, build indulgent alone time into your weekly schedule – read a magazine, blog, bake a cake, do yoga, or take a nana nap. Relaxing on your own with no distractions is a great way to recharge. And for a few short hours, you won’t have to answer to a soul. Bliss!

Reignite lapsed friendships

In the craziness of day-to-day life, sometimes friendships fall by the wayside. Suddenly, you realise that it’s been months since you spoke to someone who was once part of your inner circle. How do you kick-start the friendship after so long? Don’t stew over whether they still want to be your friend or not. Like you, their life probably went into overdrive and contact between you simply lapsed. Call, text, email or Facebook them to get back in touch – they’ll be thrilled to hear from you!

Work smarter, not longer

These days, there are no prizes for being the last to leave the office each night. Most bosses are more interested in what you’ve achieved than how long it took you to achieve it. So learn to work smarter, not necessarily longer – this year, up your efficiency, concentrate better, manage mail as it arrives, and maintain your focus. And don’t chain yourself to the desk – why miss dinner with friends when you could deal with that work issue later on your BlackBerry? Work-life balance? Tick!

Nurture your relationship

You love your partner to bits, but are there ways you could up the love factor? All too often, we get lazy when we’re in a long-term relationship – which is silly considering our partners are the most important people in our lives. This year, resolve to devote more time to filling the love tank: more surprises, more romantic weekends away, more sleep-ins, more date nights. It doesn’t take much, but your relationship is sure to thrive with greater TLC.

As part of our commitment to share information about great products with our audience, a group of MyInvites Mates members just trialled 1 DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses. See what they had to say about this product on the review page.

OMG, did you just do something ultra-embarrassing at your best friend’s party? Put your foot in it big-time? Here are some fresh approaches to saving face and restoring your party charm. Phew!

Eek! A food-in-teeth moment

You just spent ages talking to a gorgeous looking man. But once you head back to the company of your friends, they tell you that there is green stuff between your teeth. Damn that pesto dip! It’s enough to have you scurrying for the nearest exit. But don’t …

Instead, save face by heading to the bathroom to get rid of the offending greenery. On the way back to your group, approach the cute guy again and say, “Here’s my number – at least next time we go out, we’ll know each other well enough to say if there’s basil in our teeth!” He’ll be impressed you rose above your embarrassing blunder and appreciate your relaxed humour. Oh, and you’ll probably score a date. Crisis averted!

Oops! A foot-in-mouth comment

You’re at a party and have just spotted a friend you haven’t seen for months. Without thinking, you exclaim, “You’re pregnant! When are you due?”, then suddenly realise that she’s not. Mistaking weight gain for a baby bump is cringe-worthy in the extreme, so in this instance, it’s OK to reach for a white lie.

Without missing a beat, say, “I’m so sorry, I’m confusing you with another Amanda. I thought my sister meant you when she said, ‘Amanda’s expecting.’” Don’t leave room for an awkward silence where the friend feels she needs to justify her weight gain. Make your apology and move on ASAP.

Uh-oh! A spilt-drink situation

As you tried to balance your drink and your canapé, you somehow fumbled the lot and ended up with wine down the front of your top. You’re far from tipsy, but what a klutz! How do you save face?

Excuse yourself and make a beeline for the bathroom to dab water on the stain before it soaks in. If it’s still obvious, seek out the party host to ask if she can lend you a top from her wardrobe or a bold accessory (like a chunky necklace) to hide the mess. Failing that, if it’s early on in the night, whip home in a cab, change, and rejoin the festivities. Why miss the fun?

As part of our commitment to share information about great products with our audience, a group of MyInvites Mates members just trialled 1 DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses. See what they had to say about this product on the review page.

Fresh party menus

Macaroons are the new cupcake – offer these sweet morsels at Winter garden parties or as dinner-party dessert. They melt in the mouth, come in beautiful colours and amazing flavours, and look stylish on the plate. Order at your local patisserie.
Homemade lemonade for grown-ups – serve old-fashioned pitchers of icy lemonade. It’s a retro tipple that’s easy to make, and for an adult spin, turn it into limoncello by adding vodka. Refreshing!
Hire a chef – if you’re celebrating a special b’day, consider inviting fewer guests so you can splurge on a sit-down, catered-and-waitered dinner party for a select group. You do nothing (except have fun!) – just like a restaurant, but with no closing time.

Fresh party decorations

Paper lanterns – inexpensive and fun, you can hang individual paper lanterns in trees or string them together as a garland. If you’re having a get-together at the park, for example, define the party space by hanging lanterns in nearby trees. Or place tea lights inside lanterns for ambience at night time.
Customised favours – why should kids have all the fun? Send guests home with a yummy treat. Embrace the ‘personalised’ trend and bake (or buy) cookies shaped in the first letter of your name or the age you just turned.
Bright colour themes – keep the occasion so-now by choosing a strong colour theme that packs a punch. Think fuchsia, turquoise or red. Choose a single shade and stick to it (not a whole rainbow) so it looks stylish.

Fresh party style

Make a statement in neon – dress to fit your bright party theme with an outfit that pops! Be your confident best in a dress or top in bold, highlighter hues – citrusy orange, alluring aqua, punchy yellow or emerald green.
Dress to the max – maxi dresses are still a key look this season, with maxi skirts becoming popular too. Choose one in neon brights, or go softer with jewel tones or florals.
Glam faces – perfect the smoky eye/nude lip make-up look; or pay lip service with a sexy red pout and understated eyes. Don’t forget to get a mani and pedi, so you can clink your glass in style and show off polished tootsies in peep-toes.

As part of our commitment to share information about great products with our audience, a group of MyInvites Mates members just trialled 1 DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses. See what they had to say about this product on the review page.

Boost your social confidence

Party fear: Entering a party alone
Fresh fix: Don’t freeze and bolt to the bathroom, you’ll only double your nerves! Instead, give yourself a pep talk before you enter the room – repeat a self-esteem-boosting mantra in your head (“I look great!” or “I’m really interesting!”). Then take a deep breath and casually wander through the crowd until you reach a familiar face. Grab a drink on the way so you have a ‘prop’ to keep your hands busy – stopping at the bar also buys you time to: scan the room for friends; locate the host; or find a non-threatening spot to hang until someone you know arrives.

Party fear: Running into an ex
Fresh fix: Don’t spend all night avoiding him – it will only get more awkward as the party progresses, and let’s face it, neither of you will be able to relax until you’ve broken the ice and acknowledged each other.

If he doesn’t approach you to say hi, rise above the situation and head over for a quick hello. You don’t have to hang around for a half-hour conversation – just acknowledge him and move right along. You’ll breathe a sigh of relief and can then focus on enjoying the rest of the party.

Party fear: Forgetting people’s names
Fresh fix: Some people are really good at remembering who is who, but many more of us have hopeless memories and forget names almost as soon as we’re introduced. It can be really embarrassing when an acquaintance greets you by name, but you have no idea what they’re called.

If you’re faced with this situation at a party (and you’re the forgetful one), you have two options. The first is not to call the acquaintance anything, but assure them you know who they are by mentioning your connection (e.g. “Still playing netball?” if you were once on a team together). The other option is to be up-front and say, “I have to be honest, I can’t remember your name … memory like a sieve!” They’ll appreciate you being candid instead of trying to fudge through the conversation.

As part of our commitment to share information about great products with our audience, a group of MyInvites Mates members just trialled 1 DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses. See what they had to say about this product on the review page.

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MyInvites Mates members were given the opportunity to trial and review ACUVUE® MOIST® Contact Lenses.

With 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses, you’ll soon discover a whole new you. Thanks to LACREON® technology, which locks in moisture, they give you that incredible no-lens feel, leaving you comfortable to be the real you. And as you use a fresh pair everyday, there’s no cleaning to worry about.

Read our feature articles below and see what other members had to say about 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® Brand Contact Lenses below.

As with all contact lenses, please consult your optometrist to get personalized advice for the wear & care of your contact lenses.

Feature Articles

	Be your beautiful best this party season Parties are heaps of fun, but there are some situations that can throw you out of your comfort zone. We’ve got some simple ways to deal with common party fears, so you can focus on socialising with confidence (instead of flipping out) More
	Freshen up! Winter party must-haves Is it party time at your place? To throw the best bash ever, we’ve got a rundown of the freshest decorations, outfits and eats of the season. More
	Etiquette Queen OMG, did you just do something ultra-embarrassing at your best friend’s party? Put your foot in it big-time? Here are some fresh approaches to saving face and restoring your party charm. Phew! More
	Your 2011 b’day resolution: celebrate life! About to celebrate a birthday? Hooray! Once you’ve enjoyed the day itself (and had a brilliant party), take the opportunity to map out your next 12 months. And this year, give yourself permission to shine! Plan a year of positivity – aim to recharge, reinvent and celebrate everything that’s wonderful in your life. Here’s how to get started: More

Terms & Conditions – Win 1 of 4 Portmans Vouchers Offer here
1. JJVC data file 8412/11.
Our partner for this offer is Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, a division of Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Ltd., 45 Jones St Ultimo NSW 2007 Australia. Phone 1800 002 832.

MyInvites Mates members were given the opportunity to trial and review Carefree® FLEXIA®.

Read what they had to say!

10 disaster-free dinner party ideas Read more

Stress-free entertaining essentials Read more

5 ways to keep your cool when unexpected guests drop in Read more

Be the best version of you this spring Read more

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