Avoid the Holiday Stress this year!

The holidays are already stressful enough with family, out of town guests, entertaining, cleaning up not to mention all end of year deadlines at the office.

If you dread Christmas shopping you can now breathe a little easier as we're here to rescue you from the anxieties of crowds, too many choices and too little time. Let us fight the crowds, search for parking and stand in the never-ending line-ups.

If you are time crunched and looking for ways to minimize the stress and hassles of the holidays without minimizing the holidays itself, we are here to help! If you are unable to deck your own halls due to time constraints let us chop the tree, trim the banisters and mantles and get your home holiday ready. Now is the time to book our services as our Elves are in high demand Blitzing around the city.

• Christmas Shopping
• Gift Wrapping
• Stocking stuffers
• Christmas Home Décor
• Office Christmas Décor
• Grocery Shopping
• LCBO
• Gift Baskets
• Christmas Baking
• Catering
• Rentals
• Staffing
• Floral Arrangements
• Travel and Hotel bookings
• Cleaning Services 

Time is precious. Spend it doing and enjoy doing what you love. Leave the rest to us!

Remember: Even Santa has helpers. Let us be our very own secret elf!

Stress Free Dinner Right To Your Inbox

Since we at Balance InStyle are all about saving you time we thought we would introduce you to a company that just might change the way you make dinner.

Do you cook for your family every night? Do you panic when it comes time for dinner? Do you ask your family at breakfast what they want for dinner only to be met with "I dunno" Don't they realize you have to take stuff out of the freezer and great meals don't just make themselves? 

The above is a typical conversation in our household. I'm all about variety and trying new things in the kitchen. I love to cook and bake but found that I was always making the same things. I wanted to shake things up!

We've recently discovered Cooksmarts. Hello sanity saver! For just $6/mth GONE are the days of staring into the fridge with panic and stressing about what to feed the family every night. Cooksmarts tells you exactly what you're having and whipping up easy, delicious, crowd pleasing healthy meals all in about 30 minutes, every weeknight. Here’s how it works:

1. Each week, you are e-mailed your meal plan.  (And not just a main dish…this plan includes what to serve on the side as well)
2. All the recipes for each meal are included – along with free videos demonstrating some of the cooking techniques, tips and tricks etc ...
3. The meals are healthy…made with REAL ingredients and (here’s the best part ) each meal only takes about 30 or so minutes to make!
4. All meals are customizable…each one allows you to choose the Original version, Paleo Version, Vegetarian or Gluten-Free. 
5. Cooksmarts give you access to their archives to add extra meals to your week or switch out the ones you don’t think will be a home-run with your family.
6. Once you’ve chosen which meals and versions you want for the week – a printable shopping list is created so you know what to buy for the week. No more spending hours at the grocery stores making up recipes in your head and wasting food.

Julia Child says it best, "No one is born an amazing cook. One learns by doing it." This program really makes it easy to awaken your inner Julia Child or Wolf Gang Puck and get out of your dinner ruts and get excited about cooking again. 

We all know that our diet is a major influence on our health. Our food choices determine whether or not we are getting adequate amounts of the nutrients our bodies need to function properly. According to research, it seems that eating home cooked meals may lead to better health outcomes than eating out frequently. Cooksmarts makes it easy to cook smart and eat healthy everyday of the week. If you want to try them out for yourself use this link to save $5 and let us know what you think!

Happy Cooking!

Your very own real life Siri.

With Apple meeting the needs of busy on-the-go people this is only further proof that the Concierge/Virtual Assistant industry is on the rise.  The industry has been on a steady rise, with industry revenues of $220 million in 2012. IBIS expects the concierge industry to see an uptick, with annual revenue projected to grow to $264 million by 2017.  The gradual increase is attributed to a decrease in “leisure time” among individuals; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010, the average person was limited to 5.2 hours of leisure time per day, including their household activities. When everybody’s trying to fit “36 hours into a 24 hour day,” time management and organizational skills are of the highest priority.  If you are an iphone user you have in the palm of your hand your very own built in personal assistant. Her name is Siri. She lets you use your voice to send messages, schedule meetings, place phone calls, search the web etc 
                        

Amazing right? While this has some on-the-go benefits, like most technology, there are limitations. Yes, Siri can find the information that you are requesting under 2.5 seconds, but will the information be accurate? Likely not because this type of service isn't intelligent enough to ask the right questions to find out exactly what your specific needs are. This is where the human, high touch services such as the ones that we offer at Balance InStyle is worth its weight in gold.
       
              
We are not a call centre. You actually deal with a live, local person who can make things happen while you are doing what you do best. We are efficient, reliable, and exceedingly qualified. Our discrete services are designed to make an immediate difference in your life, thus instantly and dramatically reducing your stress. Your needs are unique and we take the time to get to know you so we can be proactive on your behalf. We think that Apple is genius for creating Siri and thank them for the awareness that they are bringing to our industry. Maybe we are the Siri 2.0 version? Always available, exceedingly qualified, ready to help at a the push of a button but can communicate effectively to decipher your immediate needs. Ummm ... Something to think about when you find yourself short on time and are unsure how to get it all done.We would love to wear all your hats and handle all your must-do's so you can get on with all your love-to'.To learn a little more about our services please visit us Balance InStyle or Like us on Facebook where we share daily tips and ideas to help you better manage your life and your time.

10 Ways to Find More Time in Your Schedule

Most of us would like to have just a little more time: how much more you could get done if you had just an extra hour or two a day? While I can’t magically transport you to Bajor, where they have 26-hour days, I can share a few tips that will help you to take control of your schedule and help to make it seem like you have a few extra hours.

1. Decline meetings. I don’t accept every meeting. If I don’t see real benefit resulting from my attendance, either for me or someone else, I decline the meeting. By only going to meetings you need to attend, you free up some time to do something productive.
2. Have effective meetings. Strive to have shorter, more effective meetings by being organized and always having a definitive end time. Spending a few minutes preparing for a meeting and send out an agenda and other materials in advance; it will mean that you get through the meeting faster, with less floundering around figuring out what you need to accomplish. I also try to keep people on track during the meeting and attempt to end on time or early when possible.
3. Schedule work. We all have certain tasks that require uninterrupted time where we can focus. For those activities, I try to free up big blocks of time on my calendar, and I schedule those tasks the same way that I would schedule a meeting, which allows me the time to work uninterrupted.
4. Schedule recreation. I also schedule my workouts just like any other meeting on my calendar. This has a couple of advantages. First, I get a reminder when it’s time to work out, and second, it discourages other people from scheduling over my workout and makes it more likely that I will be able to find the time for staying fit.
5. Take advantage of off-peak times. Try to schedule activities at times when you can do them in less time. When I need to drive to work (a 45- to 60-minute commute), I get up early to beat some of the traffic and schedule my workout after work, so that by the time I’m done exercising and ready to drive home, the traffic isn’t as heavy. I also try to avoid grocery shopping right after work or going to the bank at lunch.
6. Group and combine. Where possible, I take advantage of logical groupings to minimize travel time, such as scheduling afternoon meetings downtown when I know I need to be there for an evening event. I also try to combine meetings where possible, and I often meet with people for informal discussions at local tech events or prior to meetings. By combining meetings with meetups, I can get more done.
7. Be flexible. I try to be flexible with my schedule to maximize productivity. On days that I work from home, I start work at six or seven in the morning and then take a slightly longer lunch with a workout, which helps me start the afternoon refreshed. I also tend to move things around on my schedule and be flexible to take advantage of unexpected, but productive conversations with coworkers or to stay “in the zone” when I’m really being productive on a chunk of work.
8. Take breaks. When we get really busy, we tend to turn into workaholics and attempt to power through the work even when we aren’t being productive. While taking a break sounds like you will lose time, in many cases, it can help you get a new perspective on a difficult problem. A short walk can help, as can taking a break to accomplish something else, like running an errand or getting in a workout. After a little break, your brain will be refreshed and ready to be productive again.
9. Turn off the television. I used to watch a lot of television in the evenings until I realized I was spending too much time watching other people and not enough time experiencing my own life. I was surprised at how much time I had for hobbies, reading, fitness or even just getting a little work done in the evening when television wasn’t sucking hours out of my day.
10. Block out time for you. I block out my calendar from 4:30 to 5:00 every afternoon to give me a few minutes to reflect on the day, double-check my task list and wrap up any last-minute projects. In a past job where I often had back-to-back meetings all day, I used to block out my lunch hour just to give me time to eat! I know others who block off some time in the morning or afternoon to have time to take their kids to and from school. Think about what is important for you and make sure you find time in your schedule for what you want to do

Courtesy of Dawn Foster 

Should We Be Doing Business With YOU?

WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO JOIN OUR PREFERRED VENDOR NETWORK

Our database of suppliers and service providers is second to none.  To become a preferred vendor of Balance InStyle, there are a few hoops you must jump through…we are hand picking a select few to join our network that we would like to build a relationship with.

Our clients rely on the promises we make. By association, Balance InStyle’s preferred vendors are an extension of our company, and as such are similarly bound by those same promises. In view of this, our preferred vendors must adhere to strict performance standards.

Balance InStyle is strict in regards to compliance; many who apply for preferred vendor status simply do not make the cut. However, if you strive for consistent excellence in your field, have the ability to handle added capacity, and are dedicated to personal service and attention, you may be interested in becoming a preferred vendor of ours.

THE ADVANTAGES ARE CLEAR

• Increased volume in customers by our referrals;
• Direct positioning from our marketing efforts;
• Special features in weekly and quarterly email newsletters and option to offer discounts or  highlight upcoming events;
• We take care of the networking and marketing that you just don’t have time for.

Most folks just want serenity, happiness, peace—an absence of irritation, and occasionally—access to a great meal or night out on the town. Life, well lived, demands balance, rhythm, equilibrium—perfect rhythm. At Balance InStyle, it is our goal to advance this principal. Balance InStyle recognizes that busy people benefit when time accrues to the personal side of the ledger.

WHO WE ARE

Balance InStyle has a wealth of experience in lifestyle management.  We are Ottawa’s First Premier Personal/Corporate Concierge Company. We are select, discreet, unfailingly earnest in our efforts, and dedicated to our mission statement. We are the perfect butlers: unobtrusive, highly capable with impeccable manners and background. Discreet, efficient, and invisible because the last thing our clients need is another intrusion.

WHAT WE DO

Balance InStyle provides a wide range of services that improve, affect and enhance the quality of client’s lives. There are no limits—so long as it is legal, moral and ethical—if you can imagine it, you can consider it done!

HOW WE DO IT 

Balance InStyle’s list of services is infinite.  Our resources are limitless. We will deploy a virtual army of diligent—outstanding staff, or, when appropriate, enlist a strategic partner to accomplish the task.  Our global database of suppliers and service providers is unparalleled. Vendors applying for InStyle approved undergo a rigorous review and selection process. 

Our InStyle approved vendors must comply with strict performance standards. Vendors include industry icons as well as innovative newcomers—the common denominator a single characteristic: excellence in their field. This is the defining difference:  Balance InStyle’s absolute insistence on quality.

                                               

We would like to refer your business to our clients. We would like to be able to call upon you at a moment’s notice and secure a reservation. We would like to refer our elite clients celebrating milestone events to your establishment. We would also like to work closely with you to learn about “what is happening” in our great city and let our clients know about it!

Please email us @ info@balanceinstyle.com and we will send you an application form.

Balance InStyle Concierge Offers Events & Wedding Planning

Balance InStyle offers solutions to busy executives, professionals, business owners and anyone else eager to free themselves from the routine and mundane, but necessary, tasks that eat away at the free time they would rather devote to friends, family and personal pursuits.

It all comes down to what value you place on your time. Ask yourself, when all your must do’s are taken care of, do you have time left over for your want to do’s?

Patrick Graham, president of Tony Graham Automotive Group, has been a client for almost two years. He shares the value of our services. “Balance InStyle allows me to concentrate on building what is important to me without having to worry about managing my home life as well,” says Graham. “I don’t consider this a luxury, but an essential part of a balanced lifestyle.

“It’s wonderful, after a long day, to come home to a stocked fridge and a cleaned and organized house,” he adds. “And if I am having renovations done, or having to deal with some other concern that would otherwise force me to take time from work, all I have to do is call Amanda and her professional team to handle it for me. Even when I travel, Balance InStyle knows what I want and is there to take care of all the little details.”

Late last year I branched out with two new turnkey services developed from client feedback – Events InStyle and Weddings InStyle.

Both offerings take advantage of Balance InStyle’s preferred vendor network, as well as its new location located at 107 Murray Street in the ByWard Market. A chic and intimate space with the look and feel of a New York City-Style Loft.

Our new venue on Murray street offers a blank canvas upon which we work with our clients to create whatever look and feel they desire – modern, urban, romantic or elegant, Our 2200 sf open concept event space features exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, granite bar, attractive lighting, state-of-the-art audio and stylish decor to suit any event.

Weddings InStyle takes on a turnkey approach for a memorable and hassle-free wedding day, with services that include photography, flowers, catering, hair, make up and transportation. The intimate, well-appointed space is the most unique and modern wedding venue in Ottawa – a great alternative to the already-been-there-for-your-friend’s-wedding feel typical of most other banquet rooms, hotels and catering venues in Ottawa.

Whether looking for a simple ceremony with a few close friends and family, a reception cocktail party for 120 or something in between, we can make it happen InStyle!

If you want to go beyond the stale hotels boardrooms and conference centers for your next corporate event, Events InStyle is the perfect venue.

With a keen eye for detail our event space was created to provide a chic alternative to entertaining and meetings in the capital.

Events InStyle hosts a variety of product launches, media & fashion events, focus groups, fundraisers and a variety of other events. Our facility boasts an atmosphere of casual elegance, and offers a wide array of amenities and first-class service.

At Events InStyle we customize each affair and provide you with a chic and upscale palette, so you can create the look and feel that will make your event stand out. Weddings & Events InStyle partner with some of Ottawa’s finest catering services. Whether you need bagels and lox for a corporate breakfast, mouth-watering canapés for your next cocktail party or a private chef to dazzle, we can match you with the right caterer to help make your event a memorable success.

To learn more about us - please visit our Facebook Pages or Websites.
Facebook - Events InStyle
Facebook - Weddings InStyle