Dust off your exercise equipment. Make a commitment to use it. Otherwise, donate it.

My friend Stacy and her husband recently decided to downsize. While happy to have less house to take care of, Stacy admits it has a downside. It is harder to entertain with less space and with a smaller kitchen. But undaunted, she found a way.

She invited three other couples to come for a snack-style dinner. Stacy created a wonderful spread for eight people. She had meatballs in a crockpot. Cheeses and cheese spreads, marinated artichoke hearts, olives, etc. Chips and salsa. Some she put on a small table near the dining room, some on a kitchen counter.

She set the table with fresh flowers and used nice dishes, although we would have all been perfectly happy with paper plates. Sitting around her dining room table, all of us enjoyed the variety of foods, sharing stories and laughter, agreeing it was a wonderful dinner party.

I think I am going to follow her example and do the same. Of course, I will fix different food, but I will do the same thing...lots of snack foods. A charcuterie board perhaps, and maybe a baked-potato bar for a hot choice (each person can add their own toppings.)

This is a whole lot less work than cooking an actual meal. There is no worry about likes and dislikes, allergies, and special diets. Everyone can find something they can eat.

And by the way, fruit counts as dessert. You don't always have to bake something. If you want a sweet treat, defrost a Sara Lee Pound Cake, slice it, and serve it with fruit and whipped topping. Done in a flash...and delicious.

So if you feel a traditional dinner party is too much work or perhaps too intimidating, consider the snack dinner. It's relaxed, it's fun, and a good way to gather together.

P.S. Searching for more time in your life? Here are 501 Tips and Ideas for Finding More Time for the Things You Love!

"Thank you for all the great information you share in your GON in 5 Minutes ezine and on your web site. You're a bright light in this world."
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Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the APRIL 2022 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the APRIL Issue...

Sell, Donate, Give Away, or Trash?
How to decide which option is right for you as you work on your decluttering goals

Taking the Stress Out of Cooking
25 ways to make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable

Making Positive Transformations
5 key factors to ensure we're constantly evolving to be our best selves

Embracing Solitude
10 ideas for feeling comfortable and happy with being alone

The Art of Hesitation
Knowing when hesitation is good...and when it's not

Our Recipes of the Month
* Salami, Artichoke, and Ricotta Pasta Salad
* Keto Coconut Lime Bars

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle, and Rethink
April 22nd is Earth Day...the perfect time to focus on taking care of our environment and our planet. It's easy to be green!

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on APRIL 8. When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

___ 1. Do today's task on my April Monthly Organizing Checklist. The April 5 TO DO focuses on gardening tools. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my April Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Make French Toast for breakfast...or dinner! I'm not a fan of soggy French Toast. Here's what I do to ensure it's crispy. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my Dirty Little Secret on this topic.

___ 3. Find out what I said! A GON reader asked, 'Can I reuse plastic bags for storing food?' Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to read my response.

"Even if you're having a snack, enjoying it in a beautiful teacup or on a lovely plate makes it feel like more of an event."
-- Mary Helen Bowers

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comments, suggestions, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

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