I didn't really plan to post today, but I've used all of these resources within the last week and thought hey, that might be something fun to share! Any little tip or tool that makes life easier, happier, or fuller is always worth passing along if you ask me. Here are five websites that you may or may not have heard of, but that I think you might enjoy:
1. The Skimm.
For my work as a publicist and just my knowledge as a human being, it's important I'm up to speed on the latest news. But with my little girls in tow, I don't always have a chance to read article after article, full papers, or even watch the news. I've been subscribed to The Skimm for years now. When you sign up, you receive a daily newsletter highlighting top news stories in digestible ways. It's am quick, easy way to catch up on what's going on in the world while you're still in bed or eating breakfast.
2. Rover.
This one is for my friends with fur-babies. :) If you're like me and don't like the thought of boarding your pup at a typical kennel while you're away, you need to check this website out. You can search for dog sitters in your area using a number of different criteria (for instance: no kids, no other dogs, years of experience, fenced yard, etc.). There are sitters available to take your dog for multiple nights at their house, come to your house for visits, simply take your dog for a walk during the day, and more. We found a wonderful local dog sitter this way years ago and will still have her come to our house to check on Layla and take her out, feed her, and walk her if we take a long day trip.
While we're on the subject of dogs... But really, don't laugh. If you're one of those people (like me) who cringe more when an animal gets harmed than a person in a movie, this is my secret weapon. I'll quickly search the movie we're about to watch to find out if an animal dies or gets hurt and be able to prepare myself. There's nothing worse than that sort of sadness surprising you mid-movie. My fellow animal lovers will understand. ;)
Do you ever look in your fridge and think, hmm, how can I piece together a meal with this stuff? As you know, I try to meal plan for the weeknights, but by the end of the week we're usually running low and might have a few leftover ingredients on hand. For instance, I had some leftover kale and uncooked chicken breast so the other night I used this website to search recipes using both. It's easy to just click on the ingredients you have on hand and instantly receive lots of tasty-looking recipes to use up what you have!
5. United Way.
If one of your resolutions this year was to volunteer more, this is a fantastic place to start and a resource I use for coordinating volunteer events for my company. Search tons of volunteer opportunities in your area and connect with a local representative who will set it all up for you. What I love about United Way is that they work with organizations of all different types, so chances are whatever it is you're interested in helping with, their team members will be able to help coordinate it. So far I've worked with them to set up a corporate volunteer event at a local food bank and am working on setting up an event with Habitat for Humanity now.
What are some online resources that have made your life easier, better, richer?
I need to try Fridge food. That is such a great idea and something I struggle with all the time.
ReplyDeleteSame here! I always end up with a couple of random ingredients/leftovers and hate to throw things away. I love the genius ideas/resources people come up with!
DeleteOk I love this post and bookmarking basically all of these! I read the Skimm every morning and it really helps me stay in the know!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it! I love The Skimm, also! Such a good way to start the day and feel like you're up to speed on major news stories.
DeleteI love The Skimm! I need to check out Fridge Food though. That is a brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteIt really is! It's one of those "why didn't I think of this?" things. Have a great day! :)
DeleteMy Fridge Food sounds interesting! I often look in my frig and wonder what to make. I am curious to try this out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBowlines and Lace
I'm the same way, Amy! I think we all can relate to standing in front of the fridge like, "hmmm..." ;). If you try it out, let me know how you like it!
DeleteThis is a brilliant post! Like Amy I am going to check out 'my fridge food' - would definitely make life easier! Talking about fridges I finally posted a pic of my new kitchen you were asking about (half finished) - it is definitely still a project in development! All the Best - Joanne x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne, so glad it was helpful! Eeeek, heading over to check out your kitchen progress now. :)
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