The experts of Full Circle Six have the answers to all of your lifestyle needs, one checklist at a time. Each week, one will answer questions in her respective area.
Q: I'm constantly late for everything. How do I break out of this vicious cycle?

Dina Farrugia, The Concierge, Full Circle Six: It's admirable that you recognize the need for change and want to take steps toward correcting it. Pat yourself on the back! Still, it's important to realize that change takes time, so introduce new changes gradually. Remember, just as bad habits develop over time, so do good ones. Below are some suggestions that will help you go from tardy to timely:
• Jump-start your morning by setting your alarm clock ahead at least 30 minutes earlier, and use that time to organize your day. Plot out what you need to get done so you can better manage your time.
• Decrease the amount of time you spend on a certain task. For example, learn how to put on your makeup in five minutes rather than the usual half hour; subscribe to an online news outlet that you can read when you have a few minutes instead of lingering over the newspaper in the morning.
• Prioritize tasks (a MUST!). Complete the important or necessary tasks first, even if they are the most difficult or boring. You'll thank yourself later.
Stick to your game plan and you will start to notice positive changes soon. Good luck!
Q: My boyfriend's family, whom I've never met, is visiting from out of town this weekend. HELP! Please recommend some activities we can enjoy together.
Dina, Full Circle Six: There are so many wonderful activities that you can do together to break the ice. To alleviate some of the stress, first find out if there is something special your boyfriend's family would like to do or if they have any particular interests. Here are some of my suggestions:
• Take an organized walking /bus trip around your city
• Visit local galleries and attend art show openings
• See a play at an independent theater company
• Watch a live music show (classical, jazz)
• Visit a museum
• Shopping (everyone's favorite!)
• Dine at one of your favorite neighborhood restaurants
• Have a picnic (weather permitting)
• Attend a sporting event
• Go bowling
Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind that the family is probably just as nervous about meeting you as you are about meeting them. So relax, and have fun. Remember that you have your boyfriend there to support you.
Q: I'm going out of town for two weeks and I have to leave my dog behind. Who should get to take care of him while I'm away, and how much will it cost?
Dina, Full Circle Six: Of course you want to make sure that your lovable pooch will be left in the best hands. Here are few suggestions that will help you feel more at ease during your separation:
Your dog sitter should be responsible, caring and trustworthy and make you and your pooch feel comfortable! Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian or even a dog trainer. Ideally you want to find someone who loves dogs and has experience taking care of them. It's a bonus if they have a dog of their own!
A friend or family member may be a good candidate to take care of your pooch if you don't want to leave her with a stranger.
Contact the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org) for ideas on the best way to choose someone to watch your pet. Pet Sitters can also help you find a sitter.
Costs can vary depending on the service you choose. Prices range from $10-$25 per day or $40-$80 for an overnight stay. Whichever option you choose, remember to leave your emergency contact information with your dog's caretaker. Enjoy your trip!
BHM MEDIA NEW
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
Julien Hekimian, WireImage
Full Circle Six is: Annie Tse (The Interior Designer), Vanessa K. Bush (The Chef), Dina Farrugia (The Concierge), Sharon Pendana (The Fashion Stylist), Jen M.R. Doman (The Organizer) and Lindsay Messina (The Wellness Expert). Contact them at info@fullcircle6.com or 718-783-2075 or http://fullcircle6.com.



Comments: (6)
Add a comment
By: E on 4/14/2009 9:41AM
For the late person,
I would recommend preparing your necesary things, ironing your clothes, packing your lunch, getting an easier less-time-to-manage hairstyle, and leaving 1/2 hour earlier (which requires getting up 45 mins earlier and going to at least 1 hour bed earlier) to keep from being late. Don't think that you being early on the road gives you time to stop somewhere else! Turn on your coffee maker, get a thermos and get gas the night before! Do EVERYTHING the night before for the next day! That is the key to being on time!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Gina on 4/14/2009 10:41AM
E, you give good advice to stop being late.
I used to be late all the time, until I no longer wanted to explain to my supervisor why I was late. I am a grown woman? And, what I do with my time is my time, I don't want to explain myself.
Now, I get to work early at least 15-20 mins, and the rewards are a great parking space, and a minute to be alone before the workday begins, which leads to a calmer day.
Although, at times I like to be fashionably late, but even then it might be to late, party's over.
Report This
By: Sheryl on 4/14/2009 11:21AM
I was late for everything! To the point where I was almost fired. So, what happened? I married a soldier (LOL).... and my world completely changed.
Now my lunch is prepared the night before, my clothes are put out the night before, I have the two minute shower down to a science, but I normally shower the night before and 'hit the strategic areas' in the morning.
From start to finish, it takes me exactly 30-35 minutes to be ready, and if I have to take a morning shower, 45 minutes tops.
I usually have on the radio, because if the TV is on...it's over!
Report This
By: Anna Jean on 4/14/2009 12:36PM
Good comments...but a morning shower is a must...it helps to keep you fresh all day...wake you up...and get you going...I would make time for that if nothing else.
Report This
By: eric on 4/14/2009 2:04PM
It's rather simple! Try some personal "time management", try taking a few minuets to prepare for the next day's activities, along with getting your attire laid out, reducing your phone time,and for some try coming straight home from work, and not stopping off at the club for a drink!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: E on 4/14/2009 3:18PM
Hey, yall are funny! I don't know about the club thing. I'm a mom and my ritual clubbing days are most non-existent! Lol! But I can see what u mean about the showering thing. Yeah, that, do in the morning! It all comes down to how you see yourself, and breaking those generational curses of lateness and making a lie of those sterotypes that people have about us black folk! We have to see it as inexcusable and unacceptable-which it is!
Reply to this Comment | Report This