Top Ten Favorite Foods

Organize for Success® Turns 10

In honor of 10 years of business for Organize for Success®, I will be posting a "top 10" list to this blog each day through Wednesday, May 31st. Each Sunday, my team will randomly select from those who commented on the prior week's "top 10" blog posts for a gift card giveaway and free download of one eBook from OrganizeForSuccess.biz/shop. The grand prize package for celebrating Organize for Success, LLC's 10 years in business will be awarded on Thursday, June 1st, randomly selecting from all those who commented on any of the month's "top 10" blog posts as well as those who have subscribed to my eNewsletter for a winner to receive downloads of all 5 eBooks, a pass for my Stress and Time Management online video course as well as a 60-minute productivity consultation via video conference.

Today, let's talk favorite foods, including some recipes and restaurants. While there is much discussion about whether folks eat to live or live to eat, I lean towards the "eat to live" camp. I think I'd forget to eat more often than actually eating if I didn't use meals as a time to connect with others or get a headache that reminds me it's time to refuel. However, our bodies need nutrition to function properly, and it's important to pay attention to our bodies' needs. With that in mind, here is today's top ten list, which are all foods that feed my soul as well as nourish my body:

10. Soup - Depending on my mood, my favorite soup can waiver between lentil, tomato bisque or bean and bacon. I absolutely loved the tomato bisque at Joule Coffee + Table; however, with its closing in December 2016, I think this favorite recipe from Ashley Christensen might've become hidden for awhile. I have wonderful memories of bean and bacon soup with Dad at Mayberry Ice Cream Restaurants, and I really like how lentil soup is both flavorful as well as filling, especially for lunch on a cold, dreary day.

9. Grilled Cheese - Whether lining the outside of the bread with butter or the new option of mayonnaise before grilling, you can't go wrong with a fresh, hot, grilled cheese. I especially like the Grown Up Grilled Cheese from Jubala Coffee, and a good grilled cheese is always an excellent pairing for any of the aforementioned soups.

8. Shrimp and Grits - There are plenty of tasty options for shrimp and grits, but I especially like the Crispy Shrimp and Grits from Driftwood Southern Kitchen as it's a little bit different from others.

7. Hot Dog - I prefer the red, Bright Leaf hot dogs made by Carolina Packers in Smithfield, NC, and, when I get mine from Char-Grill, I like to pair them simply with slaw and ketchup. It's a quick, easy and inexpensive way to shop local right here in NC.

6. Salmon - My favorite fish is a nicely grilled salmon, and, as long as it's not cooked too long, there are so many tasty variations; however, my favorite is the Cashew Salmon from Winston's Grille, which pairs well with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.

5. Sweet Potato - There is no wrong way to serve this root vegetable. From baked with cinnamon sugar and butter to as a casserole such that it's mashed with marshmallows on top, sweet potatoes can be good enough to eat for dessert.

4. Broccoli - Hands-down my favorite vegetable, broccoli is its best steamed with a little bit of butter on top; however, it's also mighty good as a casserole. Whether fresh or frozen, it's flavorful while being low in calories, but it must be broccoli, not broccolini.

3. Pimento Cheese - I prefer Musten and Crutchfield's Pimento Cheese, which is made in my hometown of Kernersville, NC, but whatever kind of pimento cheese used by Jubala Coffee on its delicious biscuits is certainly a great second option.

2. Biscuits - I've grown up loving Bojangles' biscuits, but, since its opening back in January of 2011, Jubala Coffee's biscuits have found a place in my heart. These sweet, made from scratch and highly addictive biscuits pair equally well with apple butter, honey, season jam, pimento cheese or fresh berries and whipped cream.

1. Macaroni and Cheese - I'm a sucker for macaroni and cheese in any form or fashion, but I do have a couple that top my list. Y'all have not lived until you eat the Macaroni Au Gratin from Poole's Diner, but the Ashe Co. Pimento Mac-N-Cheese Custard from Beasley's Chicken + Honey is a nice second option.

Now that we are all sufficiently hungry, it's your turn to share. What are your favorite foods and from where can I get them for a taste? Are there any here that you'll try?

Countdown to Memorial Day: Natalie Perkins' Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and the countdown to summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day has begun! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the fifth in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers. We'll cover their preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Ms. Natalie Perkins

This week, I am pleased to share my interview with Natalie Perkins, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Design, an award-winning brand + advertising agency that she has grown over 300% since joining in 2007. Ms. Perkins' invaluable industry expertise comes from over 25 years of industry experience, including market research, integrated marketing, graphic design, brand awareness and digital strategy. She leads business development for the agency and has played an integral role in recruiting major clients, such as Lenovo, Red Hat and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to traveling for Clean Design clients, Ms. Perkins' civic and charitable leadership takes her statewide across North Carolina, a state she is proud to represent as a 2015 graduate of the acclaimed Leadership North Carolina program. Most recently, Ms. Perkins received the 2016 Triangle Advertising Federation Industry Career Achievement Award, a lifetime achievement award that recognizes individuals for their dedication to the industry and the community, and Clean Design has been named "Best Places to Work" three years in a row by Triangle Business Journal. For more about her work as well as the multiple personal and team honors she has received, click here.

EP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

NP: I've been a heavy traveler all my career, and, for 2 years not long ago, I flew every week for my job, leaving out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Atlanta, DC or Pittsburgh. Most of my travel has been for business.

EP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

NP: I prefer to travel by car because I'm in control, but that's just not always feasible. But, if you mean a cruise ship for traveling by boat, I'll go with that option.

EP: What is your favorite destination and why?

NP: My husband and I love to travel throughout Europe. Everywhere we go is special in its own way. Last year, we took the Orient Express train journey from Venice to London. It was absolutely amazing!

EP: What is your preference for airlines?

NP: Domestically, they are all equally awful. I hate to say it, but it's true. Just look at the news over the past few weeks. I wish I could say that recent occurrences happening with United Airlines and, now, American Airlines are isolated events, but it is time for passengers to demand a new passenger bill of rights, requiring the airlines to treat us with dignity.

EP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

NP: I have traveled so much that, when I travel now, I look for unique experiences.

EP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

NP: Domestically, I book my own using an online travel service; internationally, we use a travel agent.

EP: Do you have any suggestions for making the most of loyalty programs or points?

NP: My points are scattered across many brands and programs so I have options.

EP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

NP: Anything I can't live without for 24 hours. Essential toiletries, make-up, medications, chargers, etc. On our honeymoon to Paris and Venice, the airlines lost our checked luggage for 2 weeks so we lived out of our carry-on bags for our entire honeymoon!

EP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

NP: Absolutely! I hate to pack so this is the only way I make it bearable.

EP: How do you organize your time while on-the-go?

NP: You have to be careful not to overcommit yourself. When traveling, you're always trying to find time to catch up on what's going on back home so it's best to just schedule that time.

EP: What tools or tactics do you use to keep your accommodations organized while traveling?

NP: I love those zipper organizers. They help keep me from forgetting anything.

EP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

NP: Only the airline apps... I'm sure you can help make me more productive, Emily!

EP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

NP: A delicious Italian restaurant in Venice. I think we ate everything on the menu.

EP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

NP: A time travel portal so I never have to get on another plane!

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Ms. Perkins!

Readers, do your preferences mirror hers? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that she's mastered over her countless travels? Which tip do you plan to implement in the future?

Countdown to Memorial Day: Olalah Njenga's Travel Tips

Spring has sprung, and the countdown to summer's unofficial start on Memorial Day has begun! As temperatures rise, I find that travel planning increases so this is the fourth in my series of interviews highlighting frequent travelers. We'll cover their preferences and best practices, giving you takeaways to try for your next trip.

Ms. Olalah Njenga

This week, I am pleased to share my interview with Olalah Njenga, who is an award-winning strategist. As CEO, Ms. Njenga leads a strategy consulting company that helps business owners and business leaders transform dreams and goals into plans and outcomes. She shares her unique perspective about strategy, leadership and the small business economy by presenting to audiences across the United States. Working with Ms. Njenga is high-impact and results-oriented, leading to clients' greater success. Ms. Njenga's career highlights include the distinction of being a Forbes Braintrust® Member as well as a featured small business expert for the Washington Post. She serves as a trusted resource for major media outlets, including The New York Times, the BBC, NPR, Marketplace, Fox News and local affiliates for ABC, NBC and CBS. A Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, Ms. Njenga is appointed to hold the designated seat for Small Business on the NCWorks Commission, where she advocates for initiatives that impact North Carolina's small business economy. Ms. Njenga serves as the Commission's Vice Chair, leading its Strategic Planning Committee. Visit http://olalah.com to learn more about Ms. Njenga's efforts to help private, public and non-profit organizations develop proven strategies for building, growing and scaling in their respective markets.

EP: Do you travel mainly for business, pleasure or both?

ON: Both business and fun.

EP: Do you prefer traveling via plane, train, boat or automobile?

ON: I love airplane travel. I don't have the patience for train rides nor long car rides.

EP: What is your favorite destination and why?

ON: Las Vegas is my favorite destination. There's always some trouble to get into, no matter the time of day or night.

EP: What is your preference for airlines?

ON: I don't really have an airline preference. Somehow, I end up flying Delta more often than not because they always seem to have the best departure times for my schedule, especially when I need to do turnaround trips.

EP: What is your preference for hotels or accommodations?

ON: I am a "Hilton girl" all the way. I've got Hilton Diamond status so any of their properties is fine, though Embassy Suites is definitely my favorite for multi-night stays. The Hampton Inn is my second choice, especially when I need a budget-friendly option.

EP: Do you book your own travel or prefer a travel agency?

ON: I always book my own travel because I am way too picky - A travel agent would fire me for all of the combinations of flight times I would likely ask of her!

EP: Do you have any suggestions for making the most of loyalty programs or points?

ON: To make the most of loyalty programs, keep up with the rewards and adjust your travel to take advantage of bonus rewards. I did that for my daughter's wedding and got 3 suites for nothing but the cost of the tax for the rooms simply by using rewards and adjusting the dates of check-in.

EP: Are you loyal to any particular brands?

ON: In terms of travel, I'm not an all-out loyalist, but I will choose Hilton for hotels and Samsonite for luggage every time when offered a choice. When my husband took my luggage on a business trip, the airline lost his luggage; when we got the check to replace the luggage, I bought the same set in my favorite color of purple. It was a special order and worth the wait. Now, I can spot my luggage anywhere on the baggage claim ramp, and my husband wouldn't be caught dead with purple luggage so he no longer borrows it!

EP: When flying, what do you ensure is in your carry-on?

ON: My carry-on bag contains items that are essential to health, hygiene and my peace of mind, which sometimes means my lucky purple socks, my favorite flash-drive (I named it "sunburst" because it's orange and black) and a hardcopy of whatever I'm doing that requires technology (because I'm paranoid). When it comes to travel, my personal motto is "If it can go wrong, it might go wrong so be prepared."

EP: Do you keep an extra bag of toiletries packed?

ON: I keep a "go bag" of toiletries on the ready in the hall closet. I heard "Hotchner" from the show Criminal Minds refer to his go bag, and I was hooked ever since then. Can you tell that I'm a fan?

EP: How do you organize your time and related details while on-the-go?

ON: I use my mobile phone to manage "where" I'm supposed to be and "who" I'm supposed to meet, but I use my Franklin Planner agenda to manage "what" matters most and "when" it needs to get done. I save everything to my Outlook calendar --- notes, drawings, directions, etc. Then, I sync everything in my mobile phone. Duplicity offers assurance, and that gives me peace of mind.

EP: Do you use technology to help stay productive and organized? If so, what's your favorite program, app, website or tech tool for surviving the chaos of daily life? And what's your favorite for being your best while traveling?

ON: Personally, I don't use a lot of technology because I don't like the eye strain of staring at a screen a million times a day. That might seem strange coming from a former Cisco girl, but I keep things "tech simple". I use Dropbox for storing and retrieving any and all docs. I also use the Dropbox app on my mobile phone. However, for overall productivity, I find that my Franklin Planner (compact size) is invaluable for keeping me on track and productive.

EP: Across all your travels, which restaurant did you enjoy most, why was it your favorite and what was the best food?

ON: A favorite restaurant is an impossible question, but, if hard-pressed, it would be the Grandover Resort in Greensboro. I ordered breakfast via room service, and it was so delicious that I nearly forgot that I was supposed to be on stage to speak to a few hundred people. Yes... It was THAT good!

EP: If you could have one super power to make traveling (or life in general) a little better, what would it be?

ON: Oh, that's easy... My super power would be warp speed movement. As I said, I'm impatient.

Thanks for sharing so many excellent tidbits, Ms. Njenga!

Readers, do your preferences mirror hers? Do you use any of the tools or hacks that she's mastered over her countless travels? Which tip do you plan to implement in the future?