by Kara | Aug 2, 2021 | Organizational
With summer break coming to a close and the world seeming to re-open, getting organized for back-to-school season can be stressful. Luckily I’ve found several apps that have really helped me and my family with remote learning, project management, and staying focused and positive.
Check out these five apps for making this school year a little easier, and feel free to share your own favorites in the comments.
[Related: All About Pepper’s Personal Assistants — and How We Can Help]
GoPeer Tutoring
I discovered this app during the pandemic while my family was adjusting to remote learning. I was struggling with helping my son with his virtual school work and it was really taking a toll on our relationship, so I searched for help and found GoPeer.
This app connects you with college-student tutors in a variety of fields for personalized learning — and the process was very simple to set up. The tutor I ended up picking was amazing. Her and my son instantly connected virtually over video and I got to see him fully engaged and learning more effectively than ever before with this one-on-one remote option.
Our family will definitely continue to use GoPeer once he is back in school this fall.
GreenLight Family Money App
We’ve been using this family-friendly money app and debit card program for a few years now. My kids have their own debit card that I can manage easily from the app. Their allowance gets deposited automatically each week, and they can even request reimbursement for some purchases (as long as they provide an accurate description in the “notes” field!).
They have the independence of how their money is spent or saved — but I am kept in the loop via notifications that tell me where they’re spending it, and how much.
GreenLight has really opened up some great conversations on money management, which I think will be very beneficial as they grow up and begin handling more adult finances.
[Related: Our Advice to Parents Managing Remote Learning]
Calm Wellness App
Parenting can be overwhelming and stressful, especially during the unprecedented events of the last year or so. We have to remember we are the only ones in control of our emotions and how we handle them. The Calm app not only helps me by providing daily meditation prompts, but it also helps me get to sleep quickly. Let’s face it — quality sleep is a top priority for a happy and functioning parent — and we rarely get enough of it.
Calm also offers soothing stories that can lull you to sleep quickly, allowing your mind to slow down and set aside worries and anxieties. My favorite bedtime story is “The Grand Plan to Rise and Shine,” a simple and relaxing tale of a woman and her evening routine that helps her get ready for the next day.
[Related: How Hiring a Personal Assistant Can Support Your Family While Remote Learning and Working From Home]
Trello Task Management
Here at Pepper’s Personal Assistants we use Trello to stay on top of project management and the day-to-day tasks of running a small business. Trello is a collaborative task management app that streamlines the seemingly endless online tools, software, and programs we’ve had to use while remote learning and working during the pandemic.
While dealing with remote schooling with my kids, it was impossible to stay on top of 12 classes, due dates and deadlines, use Google Classroom and Canvas, and keep track of schedules and asynchronous days (a term I had never heard of pre-2020). Trello has helped me stay on top of everything and teach my boys important lessons on accountability and project management.
We plan on continuing to use Trello even when we are back to school in-person, and currently are using it over the summer for chores and trip-packing lists as well. During the start of the pandemic, I shared the Trello board that I created, and recorded a tutorial video. Check it out if you think it may help your family,
Google Calendar
Being a busy small business-owner and mom with two households, I’ve come to realize Google Calendar is the glue that holds everything together. I have six separate calendars for business, personal life, employees, and shared calendars with my boys, my sister, and my partner.
My assistant is able to make sure I’m not double-booked; my newly-employed son has just learned how to add his work schedule; I can see when my sister isn’t working so I can go spend precious time with her and my nieces; I can add all my youngest son’s sports practices and games each season; and for trips I can input all of our travel information so that I can easily pull up that Airbnb door code when needed.
I love that with Google Calendar, everyone in my life can connect to it using their laptop or phone — it is definitely one of my favorite organizational apps.
[Related: Six Virtual Tools to Keep You and Your Family Organized in 2021]
While apps are extremely helpful for staying organized, sometimes we can all use a little in-person help when it comes to staying on top of household tasks and errands. That’s where Pepper’s Personal Assistants can step in. Learn more about our services on our website or contact us today to set up a consultation!
by Kara | Jun 15, 2021 | Organizational
The last year or so has been one filled with obstacles, adjustment periods, worries, and even loss. Thankfully the vaccine is helping people move forward with their lives, and the world is starting to go “back to normal.”
Shopping centers and recreational facilities are opening their doors, travel is becoming an option again, kids are going back to in-person school, and people are returning to their office (and that dreaded commute).
This new period of transition can feel like a lot to handle, so we’ve prepared a guide that can help you get back on top of your routine and enjoy your summer.
Get Organized Digitally
Gone are the days when you needed a pen and paper to write yourself reminders and grocery lists, schedule meetings on your calendar, or give detailed care instructions to a sitter or co-parent. Luckily we live in an age where this help can come virtually, and many of these digital tools already exist in the palm of your hand via phone apps.
From assigning daily chores to your kids to scheduling daily reminders for yourself, our blog post on virtual tools can be one of the first stepping stones to getting you and your family organized.
[Related: How Pepper’s Can Help Moms After the Pandemic]
Schedule Time for Nothing
With the world “opening back up” you might feel pressured to jump right back in where you left off. You may even be tempted to schedule more social events and visits with family and friends than ever before, but be careful. Overexerting yourself socially, and not allowing for any open time on your calendar can result in burn out.
Be intentional with your calendar and block off chunks of time two weeks out so you can control the busyness. Take time to breathe between events, and do your best to balance out your work life, social outings, and some essential “me time,” as you ease back into normal life.
Continue to Keep Clean
When it comes to cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, don’t throw your new habits out the window just because life is starting to go back to normal. Continue to pay more care and attention to keeping your home—especially germ-heavy areas like the kitchen, pet areas, and the bathroom—in good, clean condition. And remember: wash your hands, and stay home when you’re feeling sick!
[Related: Overcoming Stress – A Guide to Better Communication Within Your Home]
Understand You Went Through Trauma
Understand that this last year has been hard on you, and you’re experiencing the after-effects of mass trauma. BBC recognizes 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic as the first global mass trauma event since World War 2. Although the impact of the last year might be subtle, the pandemic has been detrimental on many people’s mental resilience.
Be gentle with yourself and others during this time of recovery. Check in with your friends and family, especially your children to see how they are feeling. Consider talking to a therapist if you’re having difficulty expressing yourself or dealing with your stress in a healthy way. You’ll bounce back—but give yourself grace.
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, now more than ever. It might take you a while longer to get back in the groove of things, such as in-person meetings and returning to the office, and you’re going to be out of the house more than you have been in the last year.
A personal assistant can help cross some tasks off of your to-do list, take care of tedious errands, grocery shop and meal prep, and help you make the transition easier overall.
Schedule a Consultation With Pepper’s Personal Assistants
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to handle the adjustment of taking your kids to their extracurriculars, going back to the office, and everything else that comes with the world reopening, we understand and are here for you. A dedicated personal assistant can help you get back on top of your routine and have things running smoothly in no time.
Eliminate some of that stress and set up a consultation with Pepper’s Personal Assistants today!
by Kara | Mar 31, 2021 | Home, Laundry, Organizational
With the change of season comes a reset of home life, and when we talk about spring cleaning, the question on everyone’s mind is: Where to begin?
This is our four-week guide on efficiently checking every nook and cranny off your list and who to call if you don’t have the time. Pro Tip: Start saving those Amazon boxes now for donations, repair, and storage.
This is a 3-minute read and a month full of activities. If you don’t have the time, we understand, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, and we will make sure you get the spring cleaning bullet points.
Week One
Dust Everything
From top to bottom, start in the corners of the ceiling with either a broom or vacuum attachment to reach those pesky cobwebs hiding in your kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Then to the drapes, either launder them yourself or have them dry cleaned because, depending on how old they are, they have been collecting dust for years.
Now to shelves and tabletops, not forgetting your books and other decorative knick-knacks while adding anything for donation to the donation box.
Finally, the floors, vacuum, mop, wax, and shine because what goes up must come down, and this task will no doubt leave debris.
Clean Your Electronics
With a damp microfiber cleaning cloth, wipe down all the surfaces of remote controls, phones, both mobile and landlines, tablets, and computers. As some of the most touched items in the home, they are also the least clean.
Week Two
Sort Through Your Shoes
Open toe season is right around the corner, meaning the snow boots and wellies can be stored away, and any older shoes that need repair should be taken to the cobbler.
Clean Winter Bedding
Wash your couch covers, pillowcases, and any other linens used around the house to keep cozy, and take your winter coats to the dry cleaner.
Store Winter Items
As the weather begins to warm, the amount and weight of our clothing start to lighten. Begin boxing sweaters, coats, scarves, gloves, and woolen socks. Don’t forget to check the under-bed storage boxes. Is there anything to sell, donate, or consign?
Week Three
Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
Believe it or not, cosmetics and medicines expire, and now is an excellent time to weed through them. Get rid of liquid makeup over three months old and powdered makeup that is over a year old. Remembering to be cautious if you have children or pets and where possible dispose of your expired medicines at your local pharmacy. Do not flush them.
Toss Bathroom Clutter
Take everything out of the bathroom linen closet, cabinets, bathtub, and shower. Wash all towels, rugs, and bath mats. Wipe down all surfaces before returning the items and sort those for trash, donation, or consignment.
Week Four
Clean Your Appliances
Take a microfiber cloth with some baking soda, vinegar, and salt as a natural cleaning solution to the oven, microwave, kitchen aid, and toaster oven, anything you cook with, including their plugs, tops, bottoms, sides, and accessories that came with them.
Clean Out Your Fridge and Cabinets
Pull everything out of your fridge and freezer, including the shelves, racks, and storage bins. Bulky things like this we have found best to wash in the bathtub.
Toss any old or unused, spoiled, or expired food items.
Use a cooler to keep things frozen and cool while you work to avoid spoiling.
Run your icecube trays through the dishwasher.
Wipe down insides and out before putting everything back in.
This is also an excellent time to check the kitchen cabinets for any other food that can be thrown out.
And Done
One month full of responsible spring cleaning activities complete. Now when the April showers begin to clear and the May flowers bloom, your home will be ready. Or you could just call someone:
Peppers Personal Assistants
206-228-5768
We’ll take care of it.
by Kara | Mar 5, 2021 | Home, Laundry, Organizational, Outsourcing
Some tasks only need to be done once or twice a year. In this new world of work-life balance from home, we forget to do them because work became life.
Below are our top five things to mark off your list this March to get the work done to only experience life.
This is a 3-minute read; if you do not have the time, we understand; follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, and we will make sure you get the bullet points.
1: Pull Everything off the Shelf
We put things on the shelf at work because they are good ideas but not the right time to execute. In contrast, we place items up on the shelf at home to celebrate them as done, accomplished, complete, or simply forget about them. March is a great time to clear everything from your home shelves, dust, and sort through to decide what stays and what goes.
2: Un-Box it
Life is one Amazon box after the other. Combined, all of these boxes fill our recycle bin to capacity. What do you do? Do you pay for the extra bin, or do you stack the cardboard in your garage until the next dump run? No! Donate it.
Give Back Box provides vendor services to retailers and charities, giving each cardboard box a second life to help people in need. Receive a box, unpack it, then fill it with the unwanted household items down from the shelf: clothing, shoes, etc., and make a significant difference in the life of another person.
3: Flip your mattress
In the world of foam mattresses, the question is to flip or not to flip, and our advice is to consult the manufacturer when in doubt. Most foam mattresses on the market today: Casper, Purple, Lucid, are not made for flipping; however, you can rotate them, remove the zippered cover, wash it and return it for fresher night sleep.
4: Wash and sort all linens
While washing the mattress cover and pulling things down from the shelf, now is also an excellent time to wash all your linens, and we mean all, even the ones at the very back or bottom of the closet or shelf.
5: Get Help
March can be a lot of work…Why not let us take care of it?
Find your personal assistant
by Kara | Jan 13, 2021 | Organizational
Organizing calendar events, grocery lists, class schedules and work to-dos can be overwhelming. Luckily in 2021, we have some helpful technology to keep on top of it. The following are some of our favorite virtual assistant tools to help keep you and your family organized in the new year.
Cozi Family Organizer
Cozi is pretty much the ultimate virtual assistant tool for family organization. This app works as a shared calendar letting you keep your appointments, activities, school events, and more all in one place. You’ll find it simple to share not only your family members’ schedules, but things like grocery lists and meal prep plans to keep everyone on the same page.
Our Family Wizard
This co-parenting app is a blessing for parents who need a streamlined and easy way to communicate with each other in regards to their kids. Input your schedule, expenses, reimbursement requests to share between parties and document all communication. Our Family Wizard helps avoid conflict and smooth out bumps in the co-parenting road so you can focus on what really matters — your children.
[Related: How to Handle the Household When Your Spouse Travels]
BusyKid
If you have a big family, you know what a tremendous help it is when everyone pitches in around the house. However, assigning chores and managing allowances can be a frustrating part of household management. BusyKid is a virtual assistant tool that helps families simplify the process. You can create a list of weekly chores that kids can check off once completed. BusyKid is also a great beginner saving and budgeting tool. Parents can assign an allowance and can deposit it directly into their child’s bank account or put onto a gift card.
Evernote
There’s nothing quite like crossing everything off of your to-do list. Evernote is a popular list-making and note-taking app that lets you easily share and organize content and reminders with your friends and family. People love Evernote for its visual and audio aspect. They make it simple to add images and record and share audio notes.
Apple Reminders
Sometimes all you need is a simple reminder. Luckily there’s a high chance you already have this built-in virtual assistant tool at your fingertips. Apple Reminders is a task management tool that is developed for Apple Inc.’s iOS, macOS, and watchOS products. You can even share your reminders with family members. Create reminders and set notifications to help “future you” stay organized.
Simple Habit
After running through to-do lists, working from home, helping your kids with virtual learning, assigning chores and setting reminders, we could all use a helpful nudge to relax and breathe. Simple Habit is the answer. This app provides quick and helpful on-the-go guided meditations. Just choose your situation (from waiting in line to trying to fall asleep) and quiet your mind.
[Related: Why Self-Care is Crucial, and How to Make Time For It]
Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants
In conclusion, even with the help of virtual assistant tools at the tip of our fingers, you’re only one person. Reaching out for help is never something to be ashamed of. Pepper’s Personal Assistants is ready to support you with service packages starting at 5 hours a week. From grocery shopping and meal prep to appointment scheduling and bill pay — we can help you handle it and stay on top of 2021. Contact us today to get started!
by Kara | Oct 11, 2020 | Home, News, Organizational, Outsourcing, Parenting, Residential
Hosting an unforgettable Halloween party takes creativity, organization, and attention to detail. A personal assistant can handle all the logistics, making the experience stress-free for you. From sending out spooky invitations to organizing a haunted house, here’s how a personal assistant can turn your Halloween party into an event your guests will talk about for years.
Crafting Custom Invitations
The first step to any successful party is getting the word out, and your personal assistant can make sure your invitations set the tone for an unforgettable night. They can help design personalized, Halloween-themed invitations that match your party’s vibe—whether it’s an elegant masquerade or a haunted house extravaganza. Your assistant will also handle all the RSVPs, keeping track of guest responses and any special requests. With custom digital or physical invites that impress, you’ll create excitement even before the event starts. A personal assistant can look and buy for you personalized invitations in sites like SimplytoImpress.com
Organizing Fun Halloween Activities
Halloween parties are all about the fun! Your personal assistant can design and set up activities that will keep guests entertained throughout the night. From classic games like apple bobbing and costume contests to creative Halloween crafts for the kids, there’s no limit to the fun you can offer. They’ll even coordinate activities that cater to all age groups, making your party an enjoyable experience for everyone. Your assistant can also manage the flow of the event, ensuring that each activity is well-timed and that no one misses out on the fun.
Decorating Your Home Inside and Out
Decorations set the stage for a memorable Halloween party. With your assistant’s help, you can transform your home into a haunted mansion or a chic, fall-inspired retreat. Whether you need spooky lighting for your backyard, cobwebs and pumpkins to adorn your entryway, or detailed indoor decorations, your assistant will handle it all—from brainstorming ideas to shopping for materials and setting everything up. When Halloween is over, they’ll take down the décor and neatly organize everything into storage bins, ensuring it’s ready for next year.
Themed Costumes for the Entire Family
Having trouble deciding on the perfect costume? Your personal assistant can take care of the entire family’s outfits, from shopping for materials to coordinating professional costume makers. Whether you’re aiming for a group theme or unique individual looks, your assistant ensures everyone is dressed to impress. They can even arrange for special makeup artists or hairstylists to complete the spooky look.
Party Planning and Food Preparation
Food is often the highlight of any gathering, and a Halloween party is no exception. Your personal assistant can plan a Halloween-themed menu that’s both delicious and festive. They can shop for groceries, prepare spooky snacks, and even cook themed meals or desserts like “witches’ fingers” or “monster mash” dips. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate family party, your assistant will ensure the food is as impressive as the décor. For more meal ideas, check out our meal planning blog.
Halloween Party Goodie Bags
No Halloween party is complete without a fun parting gift. Your personal assistant can design and assemble goodie bags filled with themed treats, small toys, and Halloween trinkets that reflect your party’s theme. Whether it’s candy for the kids or a more sophisticated option for adult guests, they’ll source and organize the perfect mix of items to leave your guests with a lasting impression.
Clean-Up and Post-Halloween Organization
Once the party is over, the clean-up process begins, so let your personal assistant take care of this! From packing away decorations to cleaning up the party space, they’ll ensure everything is put away neatly, so you don’t have to worry about anything. They can also help organize your Halloween supplies for next year by placing them in labeled bins, ensuring that everything is stored and easy to find when the next spooky season rolls around. You can check here what current clients say about our services.
Planning Halloween Weekend Getaways
If hosting at home isn’t your style, why not plan a Halloween weekend getaway? A personal assistant can handle all the details, from booking haunted tours to finding spooky-themed vacation rentals. Whether you want to explore a local haunted house or visit a popular Halloween festival, your assistant will organize a memorable weekend escape, filled with thrills and chills.
By hiring a personal assistant, you’ll ensure your Halloween party is both spectacular and stress-free. From planning and organizing to clean-up and everything in between, your assistant will handle all the details, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with your friends and family. Ready to make this Halloween your best yet? Contact us today to start planning your ultimate Halloween bash!
