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!!!!

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. 

Greeting Cards

It's so great to receive a card, who doesn't love that? Always brings a smile to this gal. But if you've saved every card you ever received, it's time to think about letting them go. Grandma won't mind if you don't keep the card she sent you on your 5th birthday - I promise. I know, you think you're going to cozy up one rainy day with hot cocoa and a blanket and re-read those cards. Guess what? That's never going to happen! Too harsh? Ok, how about you go through that giant stack, box, chest of cards and pick out a couple that really are meaningful. Maybe somebody made it for you or wrote a really beautiful note. Then, sure, that might be a keeper. Now, where are you keeping it? If it's in a box in a closet, it's not going to make you smile. Put it in a frame or display it some place that you'll see it everyday...and smile. If it's special, treat it like it's special.  Now for the others...if you can't get rid of all the Number One Mom cards, how about scanning them? Now you can put them on your desk top in a slide show that can remind you all day long that you're a super mom! Oh, what's that, a smile? Make sure to recycle or find someone who'll use those old cards. During specific times of the year St. Jude's collects the front of greeting cards and the kids use them to make their own cards and earn some pocket money...try it, and pass along that smile. : )
www.stjude.org

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!

Pack up the Holidays!!

Ok, we've had a great time with family and friends, we've enjoyed the decorations and the candy and the get- togethers...now let's put it away. Make sure everything is clean - those Easter baskets are empty, right? No stray jelly beans???? If anythings broken- let it go. If you didn't use something this year, why would you store it all year to not use it again next year? Can you think of someone else who might like it? If not, recycle or donate. The idea, as with the rest of the year, is to love, need or use everything you have in your home. Ok, wrap up the breakables and pack it all in a sealable (tape is okay!) box and label it Easter, Passover, Bunnies- you get the idea! Now put the box some place where you won't see it, trip over it, move it everyday. Maybe the garage, attic, a shelf in a guest room so that it's not in your way during the year. Now take some time to check out the pictures, remember your favorite moments and well, just smile! : )