Back to School - Get Prepped!

It's almost back to school! Take a night to have kids try on clothes. Make it fun- 


smaller kids can have a fashion show...craziest outfits! You just want to see what 


fits and what you need to buy, alter, mend. Have older kids decide what they will 


or won't wear this year. No point taking up space in the closet for something that 


will never leave it! And don't forget the shoes!!!!

Centerpiece!

Tonight's 15: Let's work on the centerpiece tonight (unless, of course, you are using fresh fruits!). If you decided to make your own, start tonight. This way you have time to actually enjoy the craft! If you are undecided, look in a magazine or the internet for ideas. Keeping it simple? Pull out the candlesticks or what have you and clean them up. If you need candles, put them on the shopping list. This is definitely something the kids can help with, too! And have fun!!!

Ready or Not!!

Starting your Holiday shopping list? Think experiences! Movie passes, a baking date, visit to the spa? Maybe something you can do together like a cooking class. Maybe it's time to share that secret recipe...you get the idea. As for the kids, they want your TIME- be creative! A picnic with mom? An afternoon video game marathon with dad? How many times have you asked what they want to hear "I don't know"? We all have enough stuff that we don't need or even use. Have a family meeting now and let everyone decide what "gifts" you can swap this year. 

The Kid Gets It!

I thought I'd share one of my all time favorite pictures!! My nephew, Joey, (3-years-old when this picture was taken) was asked to help put the pool toys away. Notice his use of vertical space? I think he did a FANTASTIC job! : D

Let's Talk Trash!

Ok, so it's garbage night and you finally get someone to empty the trash can...but have all the wastebaskets been emptied? Let's make garbage night a chore for everyone...not just mom. Everyone empties their wastebasket and recyclables from their room, bathroom, office, whatever. Don't forget the laundry room! While we're at it, let's get rid of everything! Take this time to empty the fridge of all expired foods, unused leftovers and those things that have gone bad. One simple guideline my mom always said "When in doubt, throw it out!" While we're at it, let's give the freezer a once over- really quickly. Now, all the garbage is out of the house, the garbage trucks will whisk it away tomorrow and you have a clean slate! How lovely! : D

Back to School - Get in Gear!

I know you're running around getting everything ready for the kids to get back to school. Take this time to get the whole family set up and back in the routine of the school year. Start with your time schedule. Get everybody up earlier and to bed earlier so that your inner clocks are prepared. Set up homework stations, chores lists, shower schedules and leisure time now before you have homework and carpooling and after school activities. Don't forget your desk. Is it stocked?- take advantage of the back to school sales especially for expensive items like ink and toner...And, as always, get everyone involved- maybe have a night of brainstorming ideas for each area. And don't forget to add fun stuff too!! How about a cook-off, a hidden treasure to be found while cleaning (nobody will miss a spot!), or a contest for donations (c'mon, you knew I'd say to declutter ; )  The closer you are to getting back to routine when the times comes, the easier it will be to be to handle the new challenges and changes that every new school year brings!

Back to School! Already??

It's almost back to school! Take a night to have kids try on clothes. Make it fun- 


smaller kids can have a fashion show...craziest outfits! You just want to see what 


fits and what you need to buy, alter, mend. Have older kids decide what they will 


or won't wear this year. No point taking up space in the closet for something that 


will never leave it! And don't forget the shoes!!!!

Let the Kids Help!

Summertime is the perfect time to establish new routines and habits into your household.  The kids are home from school and the daily routine has slowed down a bit. (I know, just a bit!) Are you taking advantage of this time? It's also a great time to do some things together while getting "chores" done. Make cleaning out the garage a family event! Make it fun. How about throwing in a scavenger hunt? Whoever finds mom's 45 of  "How Deep is Your Love?" wins a prize or gets to skip a night of doing dishes...use your imagination and make it fun!! Then move onto the next project. It's a great time to start teaching the kid's how to do things...here's where you need to let go of "perfect" or "crazy"a little.  For example, towels don't need to be folded a certain way - they really don't.   A ten year old will load the dishwasher like a ten year old - not like you but hey, dishwasher is loaded...let it be! Be sure to incorporate these new chores into  the schedule on a regular basis so when school starts, the routine is already in place and expectations are already being met!!