Get Comfy Outdoors

Here is another helpful hint I found thanks from Pillar to Post:

Summer outdoors can be a very enjoyable experience. Here are some ideas to increase your pleasure outdoors.

Keep flies away.
Put vases filled with mint and basil in the middle of the table. Flies don't like the odor and they'll find somewhere else to land.

Light up the area.
Keep votive candles from blowing out by stashing them inside terra-cotta pots. To double the glow, line the insides with aluminum foil.

Keep salads fresher longer.
To make sure a salad stays crisp and fresh in the outdoor heat, nest the bowl in a bigger bowl filled with salted ice. Toss regularly to keep everything cool.

Create a smoke-free zone.
If you're grilling your dinner, set up the grill downwind of the party so guests wont get smoked out.

Fend off mosquitoes.
Set up an area with bug spray or wipes in case mosquitoes come out at night. Add a box of baby wipes to clean residue off faces or hands.

Time For A Vacation

Vacations are key to staying energized, focused, rested and motivated. When you are energized and motivated, you perform better. Not all vacations are created equally however, and there are definitely some guidelines and "best practices" to ensure that you get the most out of your vacation.

Here are "The 5 Secrets to Taking A Great Vacation" -- enjoy!

Secret #1: Schedule and pay for your trips at least six months or more in advance.
By planning, scheduling and paying for your trips far in advance, you're almost certain to actually take them.
Benefit: When you plan that far in advance, you get to look forward to it for months! It's a great motivator.

Secret #2: Go somewhere special.
Make a list right now of the six places you and your family would love to go to. Then enlist their help! It's a great family activity. Book it now. Buy the airfare, book the hotel and car and pay for it.
Benefit: Watch the attitude of your family change -- for the better.

Secret #3: Don't return to work until Tuesday!
Even though you get back Saturday or Sunday, don't go right back to the office. Give yourself time to readjust. Nothing ruins a good vacation more than going back to work the very next day.
Benefit: Reduce post vacation stress.

Secret #4: Take at least one mini vacation per quarter.
Also, plan to take at least one extended weekend break per quarter. Go somewhere on one. Spend others around the house getting things done or just relaxing. All the rules apply: plan, schedule, and pay in advance.
Benefit:Even more to look forward to!

Secret #5: Don't work while on vacation.
Your vacation is exactly that - a vacation! Leave your laptop, blackberry, and paperwork at the office. Resist the temptation to check in with your office. This is your and your family's time. Ask your sales manager or assistant to handle all business while away. They will do fine without you, and it will all be there when you return.
Benefit: You will actually feel like you're on vacation and you'll enjoy it even more!

If you follow these rules, you will not only enjoy your life more, but you'll be more productive at work as well. Imagine that -- more successful and happier!

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM ON A BUDGET

1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads:
"Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim, I went to teh gun shop for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls - they attached the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood.
PS - I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside."
INSTALLATION COMPLETE!!

(hey, we all need a good laugh now and then!)