Who's got a shoe box full of receipts?
Howdy friends! Now, don't get your feathers ruffled just because we brought up the "T" word. Whether we like it or not every year this day comes around. But you don't have to dread tax season. Why? Well GTC to the rescue of course! And while we can't give you any advice, or file for you, what we can do is make sure that you are as prepared as possible so that instead of handing your accountant a shoe box full of receipts, you hand them an accordion file, sorted, organized, and filed, courtesy of your friends at GTC. Making their job that much less painful and your tax filing experience that much more enjoyable!
Feeling like you'd rather have a better handle on things by sorting through it all yourself? Well, if you know us, you know we l.o.v.e empowering you so here is a handy resource we found through A Bowl Full of Lemons showing you (what we think is) a mighty fine "How to Organize your taxes."
Did we say something about making tax season more ENJOYABLE?! You bet your button we did! Because that's the GTC way, and why it's our mission to help make every day your very best day. So, let's add some fun facts to this week's blog read with 25 Fun Facts about taxes by Molen & Associates. Or the fun infographic below with some interesting numbers on Tax Day 2022 by WalletHub (yeah we know it was last year, still a cool read though!
Source: WalletHub
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Keeping your eye on the horizon; start a new Daylight Saving traditionBy the time Daylight Saving Time arrives, it will be three months into the new year. If you are like many of the population that set a New Year's Resolution, that goal has already come and gone lacking the result you were hoping to achieve. Or, perhaps with spring on our heels, you realize that the hustle and bustle of everyday life has again distracted you from what you are trying to accomplish in this beautiful thing called life. What if you took the saturation of Daylight Saving Time propaganda this year and utilized it as a reminder for something far more transformational? What if you used the idea of "daylight" and imagined it as a new horizon? What if, starting this year and all years going forward, for as long as we continue to use Daylight Saving, you stopped thinking about losing an hour of sleep and instead thought of gaining perspective? So that starting now, when you hear the phrase "Daylight Saving Time," you think of it as an opportunity to remind yourself to keep your eye on the horizon. There are many points of origin stories for the phrase—some are biblical, aviation in nature, and of course, nautical references. No matter where you land, the point is to stay focused on a singular point in the distance to help keep you centered and on target. The saying motivates action and creates focus. It inspires hope and gives courage. It enables you to get back on course when life inevitably distracts you. It provides a source of clarity in decisions and priorities. When all else seems to be disrupting the ground beneath you, it assists in regaining perspective. It reminds you that when life pulls your gaze and chin downward in defeat, you must raise your head to see what you've so clearly and purposefully laid for yourself in the distance. By remembering to keep your eye on the horizon, you block out all the noise that obscures your focus and instead stay steadfast on your target. Whether your target is getting more "me" time, spending quality time with your children, making memories with your significant other, or learning a new skill or hobby, today, I challenge you to imprint upon yourself a new way of thinking. To take what once was recognized as a wayward and often time confusing societal imposed rule and turn it into something inspirational. I dare you to turn Daylight Saving Time into a beacon of hope and inspiration. So that starting NOW instead of thinking, "it's time to change the batteries in the smoke detector" (by the way, don't forget to test, and check the batteries in, the smoke detector), you thought, "it's time to refocus on the things that bring my life fulfillment. It's time to keep my eye on the horizon." It's time to realign myself with my higher purpose, destiny, and horizon. From my heart to yours, Kelleen Ps - Thank you Cat for the late night inspiration and love <3 
We've compiled the Saint Patrick's Day Guide of Gold for those who are steeped in their Irish heritage and those who are Ir-ish on March 17th. Whether you are celebrating with celtic cocktails at home or your favorite pub, remember, the ULTIMATE HOST knows when to delegate. Go To Concierge IS the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We take pride in seeing you enjoy your party and guests without having to lift a finger and make sure your to-do list is to-DONE so you can enjoy the day's festivities stress free. So, if you need a hand whether it party planning or keeping those pesky leprechaun's at bay, GTC has you covered! Scroll down to find:
WHERE TO LOOK: |
| 1. Pump up the jams! - CEO Kelleen has been on a Meatloaf kick, the Bat Out of Hell album (don't laugh, okay, you can giggle, but only if you ask her to sing you one of her favorites.) WE DARE YOU to call her and straight up ask! |  |
| 2. Get the family (i.e., kids) involved! - Strap mops to your hands and feet and shine those hardwood floors while doing the crab or bear crawl. Family memories AND a workout - it's a twofer! We won't make you guess, here are some fun ways we found through Education.com |  |
| 3. Invite that gang! - Yes, invite your friends, normalize helping. Do you have a friend group? Schedule out who's house you are doing on what day. See #1 and create a shared Spotify playlist that everyone can add to. |  |
| 4. Schedule a reward - Sometimes, we need a little motivation. Knowing a spa treatment, movie night, or that 30-dollar bottle of wine vs. the box wine is waiting can be just the thing to put you in the right mood. |  |
| 5. Catch up with distant relatives and friends - Nothing makes time fly more than being in good company, even when it's virtual. So throw in the airpods and call grandma or the friend you have talked to in ages while cleaning the window jams and sliding door tracks. Catch up while cleaning up. Another twofer that makes you feel good on multiple levels. |  |
Spring cleaning is an important activity that can help you maintain your physical and mental well-being. Don't roll your eyes at us! It is a great way to declutter and organize your home, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Doing so in your workspace can lead to improved focus and productivity. It also helps to reduce stress levels as it allows you to take control of your environment and make it more organized. Additionally, spring cleaning can help you to focus on the positive aspects of life by removing any negative energy from your home. It is also a great way to reconnect with yourself and your home by taking the time to appreciate what you have and make changes that will improve your life.
While spring cleaning can help reduce stress, improve air quality, and make it easier to find what you need when you need it, it also helps reduce allergens in the home, making it a healthier place for everyone. According to this article from Healthline (key points shared below), there are multiple ways that spring cleaning can make you healthier:
While spring cleaning can help reduce stress, improve air quality, and make it easier to find what you need when you need it, it also helps reduce allergens in the home, making it a healthier place for everyone. According to this article from Healthline (key points shared below), there are multiple ways that spring cleaning can make you healthier:
- Strengthen your immune system
- Decrease stress and depression
- Prevent illness
- More healthy eating, physical activity
 |  |  |  |
BONUS
You know we love lists, so when we stumbled across this article from Good Housekeeping, we couldn't keep the goodness to ourselves. Click here to learn 38 Easy Spring Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Home
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and it requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. We've jotted down a few notes to help you make the most of your move. Our guide provide tips on how to plan efficiently, including creating a timeline, finding the right moving company, and tips on packing. With our helpful resources, you can make sure that your move is as stress-free as possible.
Start Planning
| Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Planning and preparing for the move are essential to make the process easier and less stressful. This includes decluttering your current home, renovating if necessary, creating a honey-do list of tasks that need to be completed before the move, getting quotes from movers, and setting a budget for the move. Additionally, you should research realtors in your area to find one who will help you find the perfect new home. With proper planning and preparation, you can ensure your move goes smoothly. |  |
Create a Timeline
 | Creating a moving timeline can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach and some planning, you can ensure you don't stress out and get everything done on time. * The first step is to list all the tasks that need to be done. This will help you track what needs to be done first and what can wait until later. Starting the process early is also important, as this will give you more time for any unexpected delays or changes in plans. * When creating a moving timeline, it's important to remember not to stress out too much and take one thing at a time. It's also helpful to remember the old saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Meaning if you break down your tasks into smaller chunks, it will become easier to manage them all without getting overwhelmed. |
To hire or not to hire
| Selecting a moving company can be daunting, as there are many factors to consider. You need to consider the size of your move, the distance you are traveling, and the items that need to be moved. Additionally, it would help if you considered whether or not the company offers packing services, hauling for large items, disassembling and reassembling furniture, and more. It is also important to read past customer reviews to get an idea of their experience with the company. By considering all these factors when selecting a moving company, you can ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. |   |
Deciding what to pack and when
 | To make the process easier, plan ahead and consider what items you need before moving. It is also helpful to consider which items can be put away now and which should wait until closer to the move date (think seasonal decorations and clothing and grandma's china). Additionally, it is vital to consider how many of each item you need and if any unused or out-of-season items can be stored away until they are needed again. Like, do you need 12 of everything? Can you pack the cutlery and serving dishes way, minus one for each family member? By taking these steps, you can ensure that your packing process goes smoothly and that all your belongings arrive safely at your new home. |
Donation Items
| It's easy to accumulate things over time, but it can be hard to know what to do with them when you no longer need them. Fortunately, there are many options for donating or disposing of items you no longer want or need. When deciding what to donate and where it is important to consider when the item was last used and if it is still in good condition. Many local organizations, such as the Salvation Army and churches, accept donations of gently used items that can be put to good use by those in need. You may also have the option of scheduling a drop-off or pick-up from these organizations so that you don't have to worry about transporting your items yourself. |  |
Before you pull your hair out, filing for divorce, or selling the kids.... there is another alternative (sides staying put). If life has you bogged down, stressed out, and with not enough time on your hands, you guessed it. GTC can help with that! It's one of our specialties,
Photo Credit: Canva
Photo Credit: Canva
This one's for the ladies!
So what in the heck is Galantine's Day?
So glad you asked, let us tell you.
So glad you asked, let us tell you.
Galantine's Day is a day to celebrate the friendships of women. It was created by Leslie Knope in the Parks and Recreation episode "Galantine's Day". In the season two episode 16 of the show Leslie wanted to create a day where she could celebrate her female friends. Why? Because she felt that women were often left out of traditional holidays like Valentine's Day. Galantine's Day is now celebrated all over the world on February 13th. And while that date may be one of the worst for a one-night stand, it could be the BEST to celebrate with your besties. So, single and ready to mingle... with your gal pals?! While 101 ways to celebrate could make choosing what to do that much more difficult. How about 51 ways, found on Cozy Meals that include these fun categories:
Wondering what other funness could be created, here is a link to the extended list! And just in case you were wondering, yup... GTC can help with that!
Photo credit: Flikr & Canva
- Foodie
- Virtual
- Artsy
- Adventurous
Wondering what other funness could be created, here is a link to the extended list! And just in case you were wondering, yup... GTC can help with that!
Photo credit: Flikr & Canva
For many people their home is one of their biggest investments. Creating a home maintenance schedule/checklist is an easy way to protect that investment and stay on top of a house's upkeep. Inspecting the home exterior, heating and cooling, security, are all components of these checks, among other things. Doing so has many benefits including:
GTC has leaned in on its trusted vendors to create a comprehensive quarterly home maintenance checklist that is provided to every client who goes through the GTC Discovery Consultation. This checklist is also adhered to by our Dedicated Concierge providing home and lifestyle management services. And while our resource is valuable, we've decided to share a few free key tips just for our readers as we start gearing up for the spring and second quarter of the year:
Q1 Maintenance Key Tips:
If you want to protect your investment, and could use an extra hand with life and your to-do list, well that's why GTC exists. We can help with that! Fill out the contact form today and find out how GTC can help you stress less and LIVE more!
Photo credit: Picpedia
- Helps you save money in the long run
- Identify potential problems with your house
- You can avoid expensive repairs
- It enables you to be proactive with any issues that may arise
- Aids in maintaining a healthy home environment
- Enables identification of instituting systems that could be put into place for preventative measures
GTC has leaned in on its trusted vendors to create a comprehensive quarterly home maintenance checklist that is provided to every client who goes through the GTC Discovery Consultation. This checklist is also adhered to by our Dedicated Concierge providing home and lifestyle management services. And while our resource is valuable, we've decided to share a few free key tips just for our readers as we start gearing up for the spring and second quarter of the year:
Q1 Maintenance Key Tips:
- Check for loose or leaky gutters. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
- Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and inspect foundation/concrete slabs for signs of cracks.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
If you want to protect your investment, and could use an extra hand with life and your to-do list, well that's why GTC exists. We can help with that! Fill out the contact form today and find out how GTC can help you stress less and LIVE more!
Photo credit: Picpedia
Not another lame game day party?! Claim YOUR party game fame with an epic rivalry shindig featuring themed food & drink, and let's not forget a little friendly competition. Be the host to throw THEE party people are talking about. The party that has people ogling about it for weeks after the game is over. But you're going to need an epic theme, and we have it for you. It's a lot to digest, just like the chili Dan brought last year. Then, from invitations to decor, set up to break down. You guessed it... GTC can help with all of that too! How cool would it be for you to become the hostess with the mostess where all you have to do is show up.
Here are some fun game day themes we’ve comprised. Feel free to call them your own or use them as creative motivation!
Here are some fun game day themes we’ve comprised. Feel free to call them your own or use them as creative motivation!
Puppy Bowl - Friendly four-legged football fiends focused!
Souper Bowl Dip-a-Thon - Bring a soup or bring a dip for bragging rights on the best. Make it an actual competition with voting or just bring the smack talk.
Commercial Bingo - Who doesn't love the big game commercials, right?! If you're watching may as well get the chance to take home your own trophy by being the winner. We love the free bingo cards from Grid Iron Games (and they have other fun game cards too!).
https://gridirongames.com/football-pools/super-bowl-bingo/
Football & Frocks - What's that you're wearing? This ain't your grandma’s moo moo, this is your Game Day Best Dress! Men and women alike wear their best, weirdest, most extravagant, funniest, flattering, ect. gown, dress, or moo moo!
End Zone Wing Challenge - All wings all day long! Can you guess where we are going with this one? You guessed it! Dry rub, wet, extra crispy or boneless, everyone brings their best wings for sharing. Add a voting component to level up, maybe start a new tradition with a ridiculous trophy that gets passed from winner to winner each year. Or, maybe the loser feeds the winner grapes during half time? You get the idea, and.... Added bonus, less work and clean up for you!
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Souper Bowl Dip-a-Thon - Bring a soup or bring a dip for bragging rights on the best. Make it an actual competition with voting or just bring the smack talk.
Commercial Bingo - Who doesn't love the big game commercials, right?! If you're watching may as well get the chance to take home your own trophy by being the winner. We love the free bingo cards from Grid Iron Games (and they have other fun game cards too!).
https://gridirongames.com/football-pools/super-bowl-bingo/
Football & Frocks - What's that you're wearing? This ain't your grandma’s moo moo, this is your Game Day Best Dress! Men and women alike wear their best, weirdest, most extravagant, funniest, flattering, ect. gown, dress, or moo moo!
End Zone Wing Challenge - All wings all day long! Can you guess where we are going with this one? You guessed it! Dry rub, wet, extra crispy or boneless, everyone brings their best wings for sharing. Add a voting component to level up, maybe start a new tradition with a ridiculous trophy that gets passed from winner to winner each year. Or, maybe the loser feeds the winner grapes during half time? You get the idea, and.... Added bonus, less work and clean up for you!
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Valentine's day is a day where we get to express love and appreciation to the people that matter in our lives. It is a time when we have the opportunity to show that love in creative and different ways. Below we have listed some of the different ways you can express your love on Valentine's day. And the awesome part is, if you don't have the time to pull it off - GTC does. It is what we do, and we LOVE love! So we've scoured the internet to find some of the most unique gift ideas to express your love in different ways:
1. Never ahead, ever behind, yet flying swiftly past; for a child, I last forever; for an adult, I'm gone too fast. What am I?
Okay so that's a riddle but do you know the answer? Spoiler Alert! It's TIME!!!! Give that special someone the gift of TIME with a GTC gift card (I mean, you knew we were going to throw that in here, right?!) But seriously friends, when mom/wife/s.o. says that just want a clean house, is that really what they want? Or do they want to not to have to spend the TIME themselves to do it?
2. A.R.K.
No, we're not talking Noah and animals (though it could be animals). We are talking about Acts of Random Kindness. Sometimes the best way to feel love is to give love, and what better way to do that than through acts of random kindness. Drawing a blank? Try this article for some inspirational ideas.
https://www.thegreeleydreamteam.org/14-kindness/
3. Is their love language gifts?
Here are some unique gift ideas to really express your love:
3a. Custom finger print jewelry
3b. Personalized sentimental cuff links
3c. Monthly custom gift subscription
4. Give a gift that gives back!
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g25223818/gifts-that-give-back/
5. Got an animal lover in your life?
How about adopting a humpback whale (or other endangered species?)
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g25223818/gifts-that-give-back/
6. Mystery picnic
How about an exotic location, or rather a local location dolled up to feel exotic? So many ways to make this special with a picnic side personal chef preparing all their favorites, table service, live instrumentals, Easter eggs (passer bys and decor that speak to special memories in your life together). Oh, and btw - GTC can arrange for all of this and make this Valentines the one to top!
7. Name a star after them
Yup, this is still a thing. I mean have you looked up lately, the sky is full of them! And yet you can still proclaim your one in a gabagillion (yes that's word we made up) love by selecting one for that special someone.
8. Couples boudoir photo shoot
This concept has swept the nation in the past few years and the results are romantic and breath taking. Talk about an intimate gift that lasts a lifetime!
Photo Credit: Flikr
1. Never ahead, ever behind, yet flying swiftly past; for a child, I last forever; for an adult, I'm gone too fast. What am I?
Okay so that's a riddle but do you know the answer? Spoiler Alert! It's TIME!!!! Give that special someone the gift of TIME with a GTC gift card (I mean, you knew we were going to throw that in here, right?!) But seriously friends, when mom/wife/s.o. says that just want a clean house, is that really what they want? Or do they want to not to have to spend the TIME themselves to do it?
2. A.R.K.
No, we're not talking Noah and animals (though it could be animals). We are talking about Acts of Random Kindness. Sometimes the best way to feel love is to give love, and what better way to do that than through acts of random kindness. Drawing a blank? Try this article for some inspirational ideas.
https://www.thegreeleydreamteam.org/14-kindness/
3. Is their love language gifts?
Here are some unique gift ideas to really express your love:
3a. Custom finger print jewelry
3b. Personalized sentimental cuff links
3c. Monthly custom gift subscription
4. Give a gift that gives back!
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g25223818/gifts-that-give-back/
5. Got an animal lover in your life?
How about adopting a humpback whale (or other endangered species?)
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g25223818/gifts-that-give-back/
6. Mystery picnic
How about an exotic location, or rather a local location dolled up to feel exotic? So many ways to make this special with a picnic side personal chef preparing all their favorites, table service, live instrumentals, Easter eggs (passer bys and decor that speak to special memories in your life together). Oh, and btw - GTC can arrange for all of this and make this Valentines the one to top!
7. Name a star after them
Yup, this is still a thing. I mean have you looked up lately, the sky is full of them! And yet you can still proclaim your one in a gabagillion (yes that's word we made up) love by selecting one for that special someone.
8. Couples boudoir photo shoot
This concept has swept the nation in the past few years and the results are romantic and breath taking. Talk about an intimate gift that lasts a lifetime!
Photo Credit: Flikr
It happens to us all. Even being the busy productive, amazing individuals we are, most of us are guilty of forgetting to send a card on special occasions. It is easy to forget with our hectic schedules and commitments. The good news is that you can take a proactive approach!
There are many ways that you can be proactive and make sure that you don’t forget about these special occasions, and more importantly the loved ones behind them. If you’re like most people, you probably have a list of birthdays and anniversaries that you have to remember every year. You might even take the time to make a list of everyone in your family and friends, but after that it’s easy for that list to get lost or forgotten. One of the most popular ways is to create a tickler file for occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. This will remind you when the date approaches and allow you plenty of time to get a card in the mail. This is also one of the GTC Teams favorite ways to make sure you are proactively set up for success. We find that creating a physical tickler file system makes things SUPER simple. Take a day or a few days in the beginning of January to purchase cards in bulk, write a special message in them, address and stamp the envelope and then file them into the month they need to go out. This way at the beginning of each month all that needs to be done is to reach into the file, pull out the already addressed stamped envelope(s), and put them in the mail - and the best part... you don't even have to do THAT because yup, GTC can take it to the mailbox for you too.
Or, you can use a reminder app and take care of things throughout the year. (P.S. - GTC can help there too... we can set up the app for your on your phone, and enter all the information.) Feeling motivated for this year to be the year? Well we have confidence in you!. Here are some of the top rated handy apps we've found or you can let GTC be the app for that.... and so much more. Simply hand your special occasion list over and let the GTC Team take it from there. Let this year be the year you shine and ensure your loved ones know how much you really care.
Or, you can use a reminder app and take care of things throughout the year. (P.S. - GTC can help there too... we can set up the app for your on your phone, and enter all the information.) Feeling motivated for this year to be the year? Well we have confidence in you!. Here are some of the top rated handy apps we've found or you can let GTC be the app for that.... and so much more. Simply hand your special occasion list over and let the GTC Team take it from there. Let this year be the year you shine and ensure your loved ones know how much you really care.
- To Do Reminder with Alarm
- Todoist
- Remind
- BZ Reminder
- Microsoft To Do
Photo Credit: Canva
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Sharing my thoughts and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit easier.
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