Spring Cleaning Made Easy

What is it about this time of year that inspires us to set aside a whole day or maybe two to get our whole house spotless and clean? Is it the weather? The sun is shining and we are feeling good, do we want that to reflect on our household? Maybe.

Did you know that spring cleaning started as a common tradition because years ago households needed to practically board up their homes to prepare for the winter and keep their homes warm? When the only heat source was from the fire in the hearth, by the time spring came around there would be a layer of soot on everything in the house. It was necessary to shake out all cloth materials and wipe the house clean from top to bottom and fly open the windows to air out the room.

Today, while many people still keep a tradition of thorough house cleaning during the spring, it isn’t really entirely necessary to give the house a complete run through. Especially since we don’t have to worry about layers of soot, and we are better able to keep the house clean with regular upkeep year round.

Keeping up with the spring chores year round is the ultimate time saver. By the time May comes around, you may have a big project or two that you want to get done, but smaller tasks will already be done and you will feel more accomplished.

If you still have your spring cleaning to do here are some tips to help you do so a little easier and will save you time in the future.

1. If you are storing away your winter clothes, consider using large plastic storage containers that feature snap-on lids. These can be found in the house wares department at most stores and are very inexpensive. Storage containers are very important to keeping your clothes dust and discoloration free, which may otherwise be a problem if they are left hanging in the closet from one season to the next.

2. When packing your clothes, roll them instead of folding. This not only eliminates creases and wrinkles, but also saves a lot of space. You will be able to pack a lot more clothes with this technique.

3. Label your clothing containers as “Spring”, “Fall” and “Winter”. This will help you to easily locate your wardrobe inside the closet.

If you have any clothing that you don’t plan to wear or simply have outgrown, consider donating them to a local goodwill or other nonprofit organization. Rather than tossing them out, your clothes can provide revenue for a worthy cause and help the less fortunate to be able to afford clothing that would otherwise be unattainable.

4. Break down your chore list so that the overall task will be easier.  For the bigger outside jobs like pressure washing driveways and decks etc. hire a company to make the over job of spring cleaning easy.  Then break down the inside room by room and break it down over time to make it easier.

Remember that Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service and other professional companies are skilled at organizing, cleaning, and many,  many other jobs that can help you with your spring cleaning. There is no project too big or too small and overall you get to enjoy a bit more of your time, rather than facing the job yourself, and you can relax knowing professionals are taking care of you and you can actually enjoy your spring.

Luxury Time is Now Hiring!!!!

If you read last weeks post about Spring being the busiest time for Luxury Time, then you may have assumed that we would need some help. And that assumption would be correct!

We are now in the process of looking for some top-quality concierge assistants!

There are several part-time positions available with the positions potentially  evolving to become full-time positions. These positions are perfect for those who enjoy spontaneity rather than monotony, and are looking for a challenging position that offers something new every day, rather than the Groundhog Day environments of traditional positions.

Candidates must have the following:

Personality Traits:

• Well-groomed
• Well-spoken
• Ability to conduct themselves appropriately
• Charisma
• Integrity
• Problem-solving
• Efficiency
• Extreme flexibility
• PRESTIGIOUS TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
• Communication skills
• Organizational skills
• Friendly
• Ability to tolerate highly stressful situations
• Ability to follow directions explicitly
• Ability to handle basic household duties

Basic Requirements:

• Must have vehicle in good working condition in your name
• Must have vehicle insured in your name
• Must have valid drivers licence
• Must have clean driving record
• Must be able to pass background check
• Must be able to pass drug test

Position Responsibilities (all examples):

• Be able to provide ALL services found here
• Maintain client satisfaction
• Represent the company with utmost integrity
• Be at work on time, everyday
• Participate in all work-related activities.
• Additional projects as directed.

If you are interested, please email your resume, with at least 3 references (preferably professional), to info@ltpcs.com.

Phone calls, incomplete emails, and casual communication will be immediately disqualified from this position.

Springtime is Busy Time!

Spring is almost here! How exciting!

I know that I should be grateful that we had a mild winter and while we had many beautiful days these past few months, I can’t help but be excited for Spring! I love the Spring and Summer! Everyone buzzing around enjoying their time! Celebrations for no specific reason, weddings, birthdays, Independence Day, Sunday Fun-days, backyard BBQ’s, bonfires, spending time with friends late into the summer nights. LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of year!!!!

BUT WAIT!!!!! There is so much to do to get ready for all the good times to come! Spring cleaning, clean out the garage, plant the flowers, pull out patio furniture, fill pool, and OH MY! This list feels endless and how to get it all done while still enjoying the last few days of winter?

Well, if you are familiar with Luxury Time Personal Concierge, you might know that we provide services that cover all of this! And if you didn’t know, you might be surprised to find out just how much Luxury Time can help when it comes to getting your “chores” done, so that you can enjoy your time rather than be overwhelmed by your To-Do List.

Here are a few of our special Springtime Services, and as always, if you don’t see your specific need listed, please don’t hesitate to ask if we can do it, chances are as long as it is within our realm of possibilities, we would be happy to help.

Spring Services:

• Managing trade jobs such as roof cleaning, pool cleaning, replanting flower beds, power washing cement, window washing, pruning, and anything other estate maintenance. We work with some of the best in these fields!
• Organizing the garage, pool house, and other spaces that will be more heavily used in the summer months.
• Bringing outdoor furniture out of storage, cleaning the boats, and preparing outdoor spaces such as the pool, patio, and a private dock.
• Addressing missing items in advance such as pool umbrellas, patio heaters, or simple mosquito repellent options.
• Researching and providing recommendations for summer schools or camps for children or managing travel plans for family.
• Arranging and overseeing large projects. These could be interior design work such as redoing a bathroom or redesigning landscapes, etc.
• All other normal services.

Some jobs may require a bit of planning, and we book fast this time of year. Also remember that purchasing a Luxury Time Package for these types of jobs may not only save you time, but save you money!

Please give us a call at 330-734-9302 now, so that we can begin to plan your Spring Services so that you can sit back and smell the roses!!!!

Mom Brain is Huge Time Waster!

If you have ever lost your keys you know how stressful it can be when you have somewhere to be in T-minus X minutes and counting. You probably also know what it is like to have to make that call and say you will be late  - or worse, can’t make it – because you can’t find the keys. And yes, then there are those moments, when after we have exhausted all possible places on where those dang keys could be, we find them hanging on the hook where they belong.

But have you found yourself forgetting more and more lately? Keys, cell phone, appointments, parent/teacher conferences, etc.? I bet you even blame it on being tired or hormones or the like, don’t you? Well I have your diagnosis, and I am sorry to say, it is Mom Brain. Seriously.

As a mom, you have the ability to remember who did what, where and when, down to precise seconds in time. You know each of your four children’s class projects inside and out and could recite their papers quicker than you could the Pledge of Allegiance, and do it while preparing their favorite meal without looking at a single recipe or pulling out a measuring cup one time. But when it comes to finding keys, cell phones, or remembering that dentist appointment it took 3 months to get **POOF**! The memory space for all of that has seemed to disappear.

I won’t go into the technical reasoning for the mom brain, but I will sum it up quickly for you. As children, we build our memories through use of repetition and game use (i.e., the board game, Memory) and we are able to remember anything we choose. I still sit in awe of my 8 year old who can tell me where we lived 6 years ago and what he was for Halloween when he was 2 years old. I can’t tell you what my kids were for Halloween last year, without looking for the pictures.

I digress.

Over time without challenging our brain, playing mind strengthening games and such, we lose the ability to store as much memory as we used to. Think of mind exercise like body exercise. When we fail to exercise the muscles of our body, we lose some of the capabilities those muscles have.

Fear not, just as I provided the diagnosis, I can provide a cure.

You can gain back memory “storage” through use of memory building games and brain stimulating activities. There are sites such as Lumosity that provide such games and activities and claim to improve memory, attention and creativity in quite a short amount of time. Lumosity does charge a small monthly fee each month, but they also do provide a money back guarantee.  In exercising your brain for just a few minutes every day, you should see a huge difference in your memory very quickly.

And with a growing memory, you will remember where those dang keys are, saving you 20 stress-filled minutes of searching and cursing. Who wouldn’t play a couple games a day to have that?

Games like Mahjong Titans are Good Brain Workouts

What is a Personal Concierge Anyway?

The term “concierge” evolved from the French Comte Des Cierges, The Keeper of the Candles, who tended to visiting nobles in castles of the medieval era. In medieval times, the concierge was an officer of the King who was charged with executing justice, with the help of his bailiffs.

We have all heard of hotel concierges. The guys who know everything, everyone and everywhere to do, see and go. These magical people can be the difference to whether or not your trip is a blast or a bust. Nobody knows their secret or how they do it, but they know the trend in the city before the visitation center even wakes up in the morning.

I have heard head spinning stories about hotel concierges and their abilities to make the impossible happen. I recently read a story about one client wanting to watch a movie on the beach, but he didn’t want to get sand in his feet, so the concierge arranged to have the beach carpeted. True story. Don’t believe me? Read about that here.

So what is a Personal Concierge?

A personal concierge is based on the same idea as the traditional hotel concierge, except – well –  it’s personal. Unlike a hotel concierge, a personal concierge is comparable to a personal assistant for residential services. The purpose of a personal concierge is to save it’s clients time, reduce stress and lead more focused and productive lives.

Personal concierges provide their clients with an array of services including informational requests, setting dinner reservations, making telephone calls, researching travel arrangements, arranging quotes for household and auto maintenance and much more.

In today’s busy world with so much going on and so much to do all of the time, a personal concierge can be extremely indispensable to your life. How many times have you said, “I wish I could do _______, but I have to do _______”. With a personal concierge service, we take care of the things that you need to get done so that you can enjoy your life and the people in your life. A personal concierge can also help you to be more productive at home and at work. With less to worry about, you can focus on the things that would normally be overlooked or buried under the rest.

Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service provides a vast variety of services to our clients in Northeast Ohio, helping our clients live happier, stress-free lives. With both hourly and monthly rates available and an extensive list of vendors and service providers we work with, we ensure that not only we are providing you with an invaluable time saving service, but also providing you with the highest quality of services available in the region.

For more information on Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service please check out our web site here. If you have questions, or comments, please feel free to call us at 330-734-9302.

Martha Martha Martha!!! Must Read Book of the Week!

Debi Stack brings humor to address her perfectionism and the perfectionism of those around her and ultimately the stress and unhappiness it brought trying to maintain the facade.
Many women today try to balance the perfect life, work, kids, house, career and get burnt out.
Luxury Time was created for those women. By delegating tasks that run you down and overwhelm you, you in turn get to enjoy your life and know that your “chores” are being done to your perfectionist standards.
Pick up a copy of this book here today and take a moment to actually read it. We’ve got your grocery shopping covered.

Luxury Time Launches New “Time With Friends” Program!

Just when you thought that Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service couldn’t get any better, we start rolling out this awesome customer “Time With Friends” Program. I mean, yeah, we outdid ourselves by offering 51% off on Living Social, and then doing it again on AAA’s Member Deals, but heck we thought, we need to offer our peeps something year round, something that really lets them know how much we love ‘em. After all we are only this awesome because we have such great customers.

Welp, here it is. 2 more fantabulous ways to save.

Let Your Friends Know How Great We Are!

Picture this: You are having lunch with a friend of yours that you haven’t seen in months. She knows how busy you are and asks how you ever managed to get away. Your answer? Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service. Your To-Do List didn’t magically disappear – well, I guess in a way it did. You get to enjoy your afternoon with your friend shopping and having lunch because Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service took over all of those pesky tasks that took up all your time and stopped you from being able to enjoy your life.

Your friend tells you that she wishes that she could have more time to enjoy her life as well. Well! Whatdoyoknow?! You can help her out with that!

Now when you book services with Luxury Time, we will give you referral cards to give your friends. After all you are going to need someone to be able to enjoy all that free time with! The best part? Your friend gets 20% off their services with the card, courtesy of you, their best friend. Now that’s a reason for them to pick up the tab on the next lunch.

They Get Time, You Get Time. 

You didn’t think that we would stop there did you? Pffft! We have more! I mean, yeah that’s cool that your friends save money when you schedule services, but we really don’t believe that ole’ mantra, “It’s better to give than receive”, and we didn’t think you would either.

Well, check this out. For every friend that you refer to us,  we give you 1/2 hour free services. Yup, that’s right, we said free. Which not only means more money, but more time. Free money, free time and it’s all yours.

Now how cool is that? Everyone saves money, and everyone has more time to do all the things we want to do. More lunches, more shopping, more relaxing and sitting poolside with all your friends who also have more.

The best part? There is no limit. Refer as many friends as you want to and you keep saving!

What are you waiting for? Call us now for more information on our new Time With Friends Program and how Luxury Time can bring ole’ friends together again.

330.734.9302

www.ltpcs.com

info@ltpcs.com

Personal Concierge Company Making Life Easier for Busy Professionals in Northeast Ohio

Personal Concierge Company Making Life Easier for Busy Professionals in Northeast Ohio

Personal concierge services help achieve a healthy balance by giving time back to you.

Personal concierge services are the best solution for busy professionals and multitasking parents struggling to find time to balance work and personal commitments. Similar to a concierge at a fine hotel, a personal concierge helps take care of all the tasks that can add up to hours of lost time every day.

Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service is Northeast Ohio’s premier personal and corporate concierge service. Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service offers a wide variety of services ranging from taking care of general errands such as grocery shopping and picking up the dry cleaning to business related services. “Many of our clients are overwhelmed with daily and weekly tasks – just like the rest of us – and they find our services to be that helping hand. They find our services to be most beneficial because they can call us when they need us instead of hiring someone part or full time,” says Jeanette Albert, founder of Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service.

Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service also offers a unique benefits package to corporate clients. “We know that it can be frustrating to the business professional who needs to take time off to get errands done within normal business hours. We also know that this can reduce productivity in the workplace, causing frustration within the hierarchy of the company. We provide a unique package to corporate clients that can be offered as a sort of benefits package. Employees no longer need to worry about how and when to get time off to attend to these tasks and employers are happy to see productivity increase,” Ms. Albert explains.

Why choose the Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service? It’s simple: convenience, reliability, and trust. The Concierge is available at all times and is happy to take last minute requests. They also offer a satisfaction guarantee.

For more information, please visit www.ltpcs.com  or call (330)734-9302. Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service charges hourly for services and also offers discounted packages and holiday/seasonal specials.

Contact Information:

Luxury Time Personal Concierge Service

Akron, Ohio 44320

info@ltpcs.com

www.ltpcs.com

Things To Do in Akron January 7-8, 2012

So you have this great concierge company that takes care of all those chores and errands that you usually do and now – what’s this? – You have extra time on your hands? Well what are you going to do?!?

Yeah, we thought about that too. And because we said we would take care of all your needs, we decided it was time to start giving you suggestions on how to use all that new time you’ve been saving. It is time to start enjoying your life and going to all those shows and concerts and fairs that you said you would go to – if you could just find the time……

The University of Akron School of Law Open House

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 12:00p to 2:00p

At University of Akron, School of Law, Akron, OH

Price: Free and open to the public

Phone: (800) 425-7668

Prospective law students can learn about the opportunities at The University of Akron School of Law by attending an open house from Noon to 2:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 7. The program will include an admissions and financial aid session; a mock law class; and a student alumni panel discussion. The University Of Akron School Of Law is located on the corner of Wolf Ledges and University Avenue. Free parking is available in Lot 34, south of the building.

 50 % OFF the Start-Up Fee at Akron Area YMCA

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 7:00a

At Akron Area YMCA – Main Office, Akron, OH

Phone: (330) 376-1335

GET FIT LIVE LIFE

Receive 50% OFF the Start-Up Fee when you join the Akron Area YMCA!

Valid until January 31st online or at any of your local Akron Area YMCA Branches.

Ice Skating at Lock 3

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 11:00a to 11:00p

At Lock 3 Live! Park, Akron, OH

Price: Free and open to the public

Phone: (330) 375-2877

Lock 3’s most popular winter feature is their 10,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink, the largest seasonal skating venue in Ohio! The Lock 3 ice rink opens on Friday, November 18 for skating through the end of January. Admission to the rink is free; skate rental is $3 and strap-on skates are free fir toddlers based on availability. Skate rental is free on Thursdays and Fridays from 1-5 p.m. with a DoDowntown card. www.lock3live.com November 25 through January 29, 2012

Old 97 Cafe January Band List

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 8:00p

at Old 97 Cafe, Akron, OH

Price: Free and open to our guests.

Age Suitability: 21 and up

Jan. 7: Jazz Shepherds (jazz quartet) 8:00pm.

Akron Art Museum

One S. High St., Akron, OH, 44308

(330) 376-9185

Price: $7 Adult; $5 Student w/ID, Seniors (65+); Children 12 & under, Members free

Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism Exhibit

This exquisite exhibition of more than fifty paintings will include many of the finest examples of French and American Impressionist landscapes from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum as well as American Impressionist paintings from the Akron Art Museum collection. The exhibition offers an in-depth look at landscape painting as practiced by such leading French artists as Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet and their most significant American followers including John Singer Sargent and Frederick Childe Hassam. On exhibit from October 29th through February 5, 2012 in the Karl and Bertl Arnstein Galleries.

Weathervane Community Playhouse

1301 Weathervane Ln., Akron, OH,44313

(330) 836-2626

Yellowman

Thursday, Jan 12 7:30p

Age Suitability: Teens and up

A drama by Dael Orlandersmith; Directed by Jennifer Jeter

One man and one woman play multiple characters in this drama that explores the complicated dimensions of racial distinction. From black to white and to all shades inbetween, this thought-provoking play explores internalized racism and prejudice, and it probes the negative associations surrounding male blackness as well as the effect these racial stereotypes have on black women.

Recommended for audiences ages 13 and older. Performances Jan. 12th – Jan. 28^th

Feed the Penguins

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 11:00a to 4:00p

At Akron Zoo, Akron, OH

Price: $6 general admission; members free; $2 parking; $3 charge to feed the penguins

Phone: (330) 375-2550

Age Suitability: Kids and up

The zoo will allow visitors to feed the penguins starting December 1st through February 29th when temperatures are 55 degrees or below from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $3.00 at the Penguin Exhibit. The carousel will remain open through November and people can still feed the farm animals through the entire winter season, weather depending.

The majority of the zoo’s animals will be viewable during the winter months. Most of the animals that cannot handle cold weather have indoor exhibits that make them viewable year-round. During the winter the zoo will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad – National Park Scenic

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 11:35a

At Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail – Botzum Trailhead, Akron, OH

Price: $12 adults; $9 children (3-12)

Phone: (800) 468-4070

Age Suitability: All Ages

Enjoy an excursion through CVNP to view wildlife and scenery. Recommended for those who want to relax and enjoy the park in style. This is a 3-hour round trip. Notice the “Cabin Fever” prices. Includes the Audio Tour. The Northside Station is closed in early 2012 due to a construction project. Passengers can board instead at Botzum Station located at Towpath Trail parking lot.

Amateur Photography Exhibit Reception

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 2:00p to 4:00p

at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Akron,OH

Price: Free and open to the public

Phone: (330) 865-8064

The Metro Parks Photo Club hosts this opening reception for the 2012 Amateur Photography Exhibit. Meet the photographers, enjoy light refreshments and see the natural beauty of the Metro Parks through the eyes and cameras of folks like you. Meet at the Visitors Center

Owl Prowl

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 7:00p

at Firestone Metro Park – Tuscarawas Meadows Area, Akron, OH

Price: Free and open to the public.

Phone: (330) 865-8065

Age Suitability: Teens and up

Join Naturalist Mike Greene to discover what kinds of owls live in our area and what makes them such great hunters while exploring the 1.6-mile Willow Trail.

Double Barrel

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 9:30p

at Nashville Nights, Akron, OH

Price: No cover

Phone: (330) 724-7541

Age Suitability: 21 and up

One great evening of entertainment. From Medina Band Members are Brett Cart, Deanne (dee) Pennell, Robert Miller.

Second Look Returns with Classic/Dance Rock in the Lighthouse Bar & Grill at the Harbor Inn

Today, Saturday, Jan 7 9:30p

at The Olde Harbor Inn & Lighthouse Bar & Grill, Akron, OH

Price: Free and open to our guests

Phone: (330) 644-1664

Age Suitability: 21 and up

Second Look Band features Shannon and Wes on vocals and J.R. playing a mean guitar. Come out and bring your dancing shoes!

Today’s Bride Akron/Canton January 2012 Show

Sunday, Jan 8 10:00a to 5:00p

at John S. Knight Convention Center,Akron, OH

Price: $10

Phone: (330) 670-9545

Age Suitability: 18 and up

Meet 150-200 of the area’s most trusted wedding experts – offering their best advice, specials, wedding packages, food tastings and giveaways. Purchase discount tickets online at www.TodaysBride.com $3 discount available for a limited time.

Don’t Order the Pizza!

The kids are going back to school. You are going back to work. The holidays are officially over and your life has to resume the craziness of everyday life. But now there is another feeling setting in. Carb overload? Holiday wipeout? Whatever it is it kind of feels like a long lasting hangover. Now it is up to you, the Superman (woman) of the family to ensure things get back to order and the natural flow of things – well, comes naturally.

I know that these are the times when we feel like ordering a pizza, or going out to eat. It’s easier, we reason. Everyone is happy and you can use those precious 45 minutes waiting for the pizza to remember what life was like pre-Christmas break. Checking homework, double checking the family schedule for the week. Just taking a moment to breathe. I know.

But really, do you want that pizza? After weeks of holiday buffets and heavy meals, and the snacking…… Isn’t it time for a simple family dinner?

In the time it takes to order that pizza and wait, you can make your family a delicious meal, and eat it. Not only will it be cheaper and more fulfilling, but believe it or not, it will save you time!

This recipe, found on Foodnetwork.com, takes less than 30 minutes and is deliciously satisfying. Try it tonight and you will be so glad you did. Pizza, schmizza.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Basil and Potatoes with Peppers and Onions

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

Total Time: 27 min

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 12 min

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds fingerling potatoes or red skin baby potatoes
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
• 1 Italian mild green pepper, cubanelle, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow skinned onion, thinly sliced
• 4 large cloves garlic, cracked away from skin
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Coarse salt and pepper
• 2 cups shredded Parmesan, available in tubs near deli — make sure to get shredded cheese, not grated
• 4 (6 to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 plum Roma tomatoes or small, vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 15 to 20 leaves fresh basil, pile leaves, roll then thinly slice — chiffonade

Directions

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Cut fingerling potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on thickness of fingerlings — thin, small fingerlings may also be left hole, larger potatoes should be quartered to speed cooking process. If you are using small red potatoes, halve or quarter them in the same way.

Cover a large cookie sheet with foil. Place potatoes on cookie sheet. Combine with peppers and onions, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Coat the potatoes, peppers and onions with extra-virgin olive oil just enough to coat vegetables in a thin layer, 2 to 3 tablespoons. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Place potatoes in the oven and roast 20 to 22 minutes, until potatoes are just tender and peppers and onions are crisp at edges. Toss mixture with tongs, turning the potatoes after 15 minutes. When the potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and peel the foil off the cookie sheet and discard for super-quick clean up!

While potatoes cook, prepare chicken. Roll out a 2-foot piece of waxed paper or foil near the stove top. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat — your pan must be very hot when the chicken is added. Pile the shredded cheese on the work surface created with the waxed paper or foil. Season your chicken breasts with black pepper but no salt; the cheese will add enough salt to the taste of the dish. Press the breasts firmly into the cheese. Coat both sides of breasts with as much cheese as possible. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet, 1 turn of the pan. Set breasts into the skillet and cook 7 minutes on each side, until cheese forms an even, golden casing around the tender chicken breasts.

While chicken cooks, combine chopped tomatoes with basil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste.

Drain off any excess oil from chicken as you remove it from the skillet. Top chicken with big spoonfuls of raw sauce and serve with potatoes, peppers and onions.

Like it? Find this recipe and more here. Your family will think you have been in the kitchen all day, and you will get those few minutes to cope with your busy day afterall!