To-do lists are like accessories – always take one thing off.

If your to-do list looks like your great Aunt Bertha, she of the seventeen bangle bracelets and enough gold chain to repave the Yellow Brick Road, you should probably take several things off. You never want your daily plan to make you want to crawl back into bed.

It’s taken me 33 years to learn how to plan my day for maximum effectiveness. And by “maximum effectiveness” I mean not “looking at my list, throwing up my hands in defeat, and hoping for a zombie apocalypse so I’ll never have to finish this day.” Which, to be fair, is essentially how I spent my first 32 years.

• Choose Three Main Goals For The Day

Three is a manageable number. When you’re day feels manageable, you don’t waste time yearning for the zombie apocalypse. For me, these three things tend to be plucked from meeting client deadlines or blocking out time for creative work that will drive my writing or business forward. This forms the skeleton of my day.

• Choose a Priority

Usually, of the important but not urgent variety. Exercise is a big priority for me, because I’m happier and more productive on the days I drag my tail to the gym.

• Niggly Things

Like paying bills and making doctor appointments and doing dishes and feeding any animals in my care. I tend to use these as breaks between the Three Main Things.

• Don’t Schedule Every Minute

Leave some space for the unexpected. Sometimes things take longer than you planned or someone sets something on fire. If there are no fires to put out, then you have some breathing room. If the unexpected does rear its dragon head, you still win at today.

Just because the honeymoon’s over, doesn’t mean your libido is. Yeah, you’ve put all this time and energy into planning the wedding and the magical honeymoon. But what about after, when you settle into your new, officially documented life together? Don’t let it become all leftovers and mowing the lawn. Here’s a vaguely naughty shopping list to help.

• Condoms: Having kids before you’re ready isn’t sexy.
• Lubricant: Always good to have plenty of this.
• KY Intense: Try something new. New is fun.
• Rack up the spouse points with massage oil: You can’t just buy it. You have to actually use it.
• Go all out with the blindfold: Use your imagination there.

Now you can mow the lawns and eat the leftovers. With this list you can probably make even that sexy.

Condoms

$8.75
buy

Lubricant

$6.50
buy

KY Intense

$24.80
buy

Massage Oil

$5.99
buy

Blindfold

$12.00
buy

What better way is there to ring in a season of warm, sunny days than to take lunch, dinner or even breakfast outdoors? No matter what’s on the menu or where you opt to dine, using just a bit of forethought, some creativity—and plasticware—is all it takes to dish out a little picnic perfection.

• Choose your picnic peeps.

Like any meal, the tone is set largely by the company. Decide what kind of picnic vibe you’re looking for. A family brunch in the park? A romantic lunch date? Dinner with the posse? Knowing the kind of experience you’re after will help you choose just the right picnic participants, whether it’s three of your buddies, a couple of kiddos or your number one squeeze.

• Choose your picnic destination.

Want a quiet place to nosh and chat? To admire nature in its solitude? To hone your frisbee skills? Think about what the meal will revolve around and select your locale accordingly. The middle of a crowded park might not be the best choice for a quiet picnic for two, but how about a public garden, the beach, or an open field? No matter the destination, opt for places away from heavy foot traffic where there’s plenty of room to spread out, eat and relax. That’s the whole point, right?

• Choose your picnic noshes.

Whatever your fare, two rules should apply: It should travel well and be easy to eat. Finger foods don’t mean you have to stick to PBJs and Doritos. Sliced ham, brie, a baguette and a bottle of wine makes a perfect picnic for two. Muffins, fresh fruit and a thermos full of coffee say “breakfast is served!” Overall, sandwiches, pita pockets and wraps make for an easy menu but kabobs, cold fried chicken and pizza work too. You’re only limited by your imagination. (And the size of your picnic basket.)

• Choose your picnic extras.

The little things can make or break your picnic experience. Like forgetting insect repellant when the mosquitos are, literally, out for blood. So think carefully about what you’ll need beyond blankets and grub, or what might just be nice to have. Such as finger wipes for cleanup, a wine tool, sunscreen, music, or a football to toss around.

Done all that? Consider your picnic prep complete!

Last week , we covered the Ultimate Bachelorette Party List. This week, we have the guys covered.

We don’t sell kegs or strippers – and you’re too classy for that anyway (maybe) – but we are going to make sure you’re fed, watered, and ready to go the next day. So buckle up, fellas. Someone’s getting married, but first there’s going to be a whole lot of partying. With Doritos. You’re welcome.

P.S. You’re also on your own with the poker, hunting, camping, and diving off things – attached to ropes or otherwise.

Snacks, Delicious

• Cheetos
• Hot & Spicy Chex Mix
• Cheddar Pringles
• Double-Stuff Oreos

Energy, Desirable

• 5 hour energy
• Peanut energy bar
• Energy drinks, in pseudo coke format

Hangover, Unavoidable

• Super C vitamin and mineral water
• Frosted Strawberry Poptarts
• Starbucks Dark French Roast, Extra Bold

For you are extra bold. And probably quite chastened after an evening of hearty carousing.

Outdoor concerts are one of the prime perks of summer. Sitting on a blanket under the stars on a warm evening while sipping wine is actually one of the prime perks of life. Especially if you live in a region with fireflies. But these suggestions are not restricted to entertainment of the musical genre. Consider this your go-to list for the beach, the park, or anywhere you might go this summer to eat delicious things outdoors.

• Travel wipes in citrus, so your hands don’t smell like turkey sandwich all evening.
• Cheese knife. You will be having cheese.
• Crackers. Perfect vehicle for the cheese.
• Pita chips. Delicious with hummus or by themselves.
• Garden Salsa Sun Chips. For sun chips are delicious. And you’re sitting in the sun. Thematic.
• Ginger biscuits. Appropriate park food.
• Kombucha sparkling tea in Niagra Grape. For the people who don’t drink wine. If you know any.
• Bamboo utensils, paper plates and cups. For wine. We’re not telling you what to do with these cups, of course. (Wine.)
• Napkins. For when you spill your wine. Hey, it happens.

Cheese Knife

$8.50
buy

Napkins

$1.50
buy

Crackers

$4.29
buy

Pita Chips

$3.23
buy

Garden Salsa

$3.99
buy

Ginger Biscuits

$4.19
buy

Kombucha

$9.87
buy

Bamboo Utensils

$10.00
buy

Plates

$3.02
buy

Cups

$3.50
buy

Wipes

$3.90
buy