celebrate father's day

To celebrate Father's Day, here are a few fun and inspiring quotes I found about Fathers. Make sure to show appreciation for the Father(s) in your life today!

It’s only when you grow up and step back from him―or leave him for your own home―it’s only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it.

Margaret Truman, in an address to a joint session of Congress (1984)

Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap on a rope.

Bill Cosby, Fatherhood

Your father. He never loses patience, never doubts or complains, but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him.

Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.

Tim Russert, Big Russ and Me

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.

Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontents

save money on insurance

Insurance is one of life’s necessary evils. We pay the premiums every year even if we don’t use any of the benefits; it’s something we do “just in case”. I often think of how much money we could save by not having health insurance, but then I quickly remind myself that there are very few things that can blow a budget like unexpected medical bills. Even if you save and invest, your finances can be torn apart by unforeseen health problems.

Even though medical insurance can be expensive, there are a few things you can (and should) do to make sure you’re not paying more than you have to:

1. Keep your Information Organized:

Of course, I would suggest this! But in all honesty, you can save a lot of time, money, and stress by organizing your insurance and medical information in one, easily accessible area.

2. Understand your Insurance Policy:

Insurance policies can be are confusing. Take the time to read, and re-read, your policy to be sure you understand what is covered and what you are responsible for. Know what your deductibles are and what doctors are included in your network. Know how your plan works in the case of emergencies and don’t be afraid to call your insurance provider with any questions.

3. Pay Attention to your Bills:

Don’t assume your medical bills are accurate. In the last year, I have personally been overcharge 3 times! Take the time to carefully read all your medical bills and make sure to ask questions if something seems wrong. Believe me; you care more about your money than your insurance company or your doctors, so take charge of the situation.

4. Always Look for a Deal:

You’ll never know unless you ask. Some places will offer you a deal and some won’t… so pack up your pride and just ask! Even if you have insurance, you may still be able to save big bucks by negotiating with your provider’s financial office. I recently had a filling at the dentist and negotiated a lesser fee base on the amount my insurance covered. I saved about $20.00 on just one filling!

5. Be Smart About your Prescriptions:

Don’t necessarily assume that brand name drugs are “better” than generic. You could save as much as 75% just by asking your doctor or pharmacist if your prescription comes in a generic form. Also, make sure you shop around for the best price and always look for coupons. Even if you do get the generic, prices can still vary. Call around to different pharmacies and see what their prices are and if they have any coupon offers for transferring a prescription to their store.

6. Stay Healthy:

This may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to save on insurance is to stay healthy. Regular exercise and a proper diet reduce the risk of many diseases and improve self-esteem, both of which will help with your pocketbook.

As with all things in life, spending a bit of time upfront can save you lots of time and money in the long run. Take a few moments this afternoon to get your insurance and medical papers in order and see how much money you can save.

kid's clothes

Schools out...Great!

Your kids are home all day...Great! Except that they seem to instantly create clutter the moment they wake up!

One area that seems to easily spiral out of control is the closets. It is so difficult to keep up with your children's changing sizes, the seasons, school clothes, play clothes, nice clothes, etc. etc.

It might seem overwhelming, but try out a few of my suggestions below and see if you can't make it a fun experience for you...and your kids!

1. Have a mini fashion show: get your children to try on all their clothes and walk up and down the hallway to "show them off". This is a great time to see what fits and what doesn't. Anything that doesn't work should go to charity.
2. Make it fun to stay organized: Install a basketball hoop above the hamper for a fun way to pick up clothes.
3. Implement lots of colored boxes, bins, etc: You could use these colors to sort specific seasons (blue for summer, red for winter) or to sort types of clothing (blue for shorts, red for pants). This is a great visual way to help your kids remember where there clothes belong.
4. Get your children involved in the process: They are SO much more likely to keep there space organized if they get to make some of the decisions too. Ask them what they like and actually listen to their thoughts. It will make a big difference.

Take a few moments this weekend to host your own fashion show and get your kids a little more organized.

attitude improvements

I’ve experienced so many technical problems over the last few days that I actually considered hiring my own personal IT specialist (not really…but almost!)

For example:

• Cell phone: stopped working for no reason at all
• Internet: down for 3 full days with no explanation from AT&T
• Desktop computer: too much to say…but it’s not pretty
• Laptop computer: wouldn’t turn on, wouldn’t turn off, wouldn’t do anything
• Camera: (practically brand new) randomly takes pictures before you press the button
• SD memory cards: not 1, but 2 of our memory cards bit the dust…on the same day…with all our pictures still on them :(

If I could buy a T-shirt to express my feelings...this is the one I would want!

I could go on, but I’ll stop there for now!

Need-less-to-say, running a business out of my home with no cell phone, internet, computer, or camera can be a little…well, um...frustrating to say the least.

How did anyone survive without it all?

So last night I broke down; I had enough! I was on the phone with AT&T for about 35 minutes and FINALLY got the internet problem fixed, only to find that both our computers now had massive viruses because of the aforementioned faulty internet connection (sigh).

I was up until about 1:00am uninstalling programs, installing new anti-virus, and updating both computers. Thankfully the majority of our computer related problems seem to be on the mend. The cell phone and camera are yet to be determined!

As I worked on the computers (and watched the time tick on), I was REALLY feeling sorry for myself. And then I felt bad about feeling bad…and the whole cycle was worsened!

So, as I waited for uploads, downloads, reloads, etc; I searched my newly connected internet for a few ways to improve my attitude. And these are 5 that I really liked.

1. Find a positive response to every situation. Yes, often my first response is negative; especially these last couple of days. But on a positive note, I wouldn’t even be able to run my business if computers, cell phones, and the internet didn’t exist. Yes, I have to maintain them and fix them…possibly throw them out the window and buy new ones, but at least they are available for my use!
2. Act happy, even if you’re not. You don’t have to be happy all the time, but you can try to look happy. Interestingly, studies have shown that the more you act happy, the happier you will actually feel!
3. Look for the good in other people. Rather than seeking to identify the negative traits in the people around you, look for the positive ones. (This was extremely difficult for me as I tried to explain my internet problem with the non-English-speaking AT&T representative…but we figured it out!)
4. Drop the sarcasm. Sarcasm can be a lot of fun, but in the end, it’s just negativity wrapped up and packaged as a joke.
5. Get plenty of rest and eat a good diet. Ok, I have the eating part under control…but I did chuckle to myself as I read the part about “plenty of rest” at 1:00am! I’m usually pretty good about getting at least 7 hours of sleep…and I do know that diet, exercise and rest make a HUGE difference in my attitude.
   

Now instead of my T-shirt...I'll try out this mug!

After last night, I think my husband would be very happy if I started implementing one or more of these ideas. I guess I have nothing to lose; and neither do you! Let’s try to add a little more positivity to our lives.

keepsakes and family heirlooms

I recently worked with an elderly client who had enough “stuff” in her basement to furnish a second home or cottage. She was very depressed that her basement was basically unusable and was frustrated that some of the things had been ruined due to water damage and mold. When I asked her why she was keeping it she said, “I’m saving it for my kids”.

This might sound like a loving gesture…but her children are now all 40’s or older; and they have their own homes, families…and stuff! Most of them live over an hour away, and none of them have appropriate vehicles to cart the stuff back to their homes.

I have seen this situation several times before… and in most cases, the kids don’t want any of their parents “stuff”. They may want one or two keepsake items, but that is it. Unfortunately, my client felt that her adult children should be delighted to have these treasures.

As I sat there thinking of what I could say to help her “get a grip”, I reminded myself that I am one of the most unemotional people I know, and that many people have strong emotional ties to their stuff. If you can relate to my client, here are a few things to think about:

1. Remember that it is just stuff, and it is not the physical objects that you are attached to, it is the memory associated with the objects. There are many ways to preserve those memories even after you get rid of the stuff. You might try taking pictures of it all and creating a scrap book, or you can take scraps of old clothes and make a small quilt.

2. Respect and accept your children’s wishes. Your children are more important than your stuff and you don’t want to strain your relationships over a basement of stuff. Accept that they might not want to keep anything at all.

3. Offer the items to extended family or friends. If your immediate family doesn’t want it, there might be others who will. However, make it casual and don’t pressure them!

4. Sell the items via Craig’s List or Ebay. If you feel your items have real value, you could try selling them and donating your profits to a worthy cause; or split the money with your children. They certainly will appreciate that.

5. Donate the rest of your items to your favorite charity and take your tax deduction. Think of all the people who will benefit from your treasures and create new homes for them.

Handling family heirlooms and keepsakes can be an emotional project, but it is important move the stuff out of your home before your children have to do it for you. I have seen too many situations where the kids just come in with a dumpster and trash everything because any other option is too much work. You certainly don’t want to leave your children with the burden of cleaning out all your stuff.

decluter your kids' paperwork

The school year is winding down and you are getting ready for summer break, right?

But before you take all the paper and memorabilia left from this school year and shove it in the bottom of a closet or drawer, (where it has the potential to magically multiply over the summer months) take an afternoon to organize your kids’ school papers!

Take advantage of the slower inflow of new paper and get on top of what’s accumulated over the last school year. Clean out your files and discard papers that pertain to the past school year’s teachers, schedules, and assignments. Discard paperwork from sports teams and seasons that have come and gone. Clear your refrigerator of hot-lunch slips, spelling tests and art work. Be ruthless, and save only the MOST meaningful items in three-ring binders (one for each child).

With a little bit of effort now, you can enjoy paper-free surfaces all summer long; and next fall, you will enjoy not having to declutter your multiplied paper mess.

family fun for less

Who says you need to spend a lot to have fun? Oftentimes, the most rewarding family moments are the simplest and most affordable. As summer approaches, get in the habit of establishing a regular family time; here are a few free and inexpensive ideas to get you started.

Plan a Picnic:
Grab a blanket, sunglasses, finger foods, and lots of water and enjoy an afternoon of fresh air at a nearby park, playground, beach...or in your back yard.

Stargaze:
No need for a fancy telescope, Google Sky can help you find stars, planets, and constellations where ever you live. Just choose a dark, clear night and head outside for a night of educational fun!
Here are the "new moon" nights for the summer of 2010: June 12, July 11, August 10.

Let's go to the Movies:
The cost of movies have skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible for a family to enjoy a night out at the movies. Instead, create an in-home theater with a variety of popcorn, movie-sized candy (at Walgreens or most Dollar Stores for $1.00), and rent a family favorite from the movie store. Turn the lights and other electronic devices off and snuggle up with lots of blankets and pillows.

Treasure Hunt:
Hosting a treasure hunt is a simple as making a list of items you might normally find in nature. Or, to liven it up, you could hide small bags of candy, small coins, and other prizes around your yard. For children who can't read, you can create a "picture list" so they know what to look for.

Water Works:
Oh hot summer days, nothing is better than going to a water park. However, you can create a water park in your back yard with multiple sprinklers, a kiddie pool, water balloons and squirt guns. It is still tons of fun at a fraction of the price!

Sundae Supreme:
Replace a costly trip to the ice-cream shop with an at-home sundae supreme party. Serve vanilla and chocolate ice-cream with a variety of fancy toppings set up in stations around the kitchen. Let everyone mix-and-match toppings for their own individual creation. Chopped candy bars, crushed cookies and hot fudge are a few must-have toppings.

Family Game Night:
Break out your cards, board games, and video games for a fun and interactive evening. Mix Monopoly and Sorry with Wii and there will be something for everyone.

Berry Delicious:
Summer is the season for fresh fruit. Take advantage of this by heading out to a local "U-pick" farm to pick as many as your family can eat. Make sure you all wear grubby clothes and go before the heat of the day.


These are just a few ideas for inexpensive family fun this summer. Let me know what you and your family are doing to create BIG memories on a not-so-big budget.

little ways to save time

Are you always looking for some time to sit down and read that latest book from the library, or watch a special program on TV? If so, here are a few hints to help you arrange that time.

1. When preparing your meals, clean up as you go, washing by hand or putting appropriate items right into the dishwasher. Put away ingredients that need to be stored in the refrigerator or pantry immediately after you use them.

2. Take out your clothes the night before work or school. This way you don't waste valuable time in the morning looking for the right thing to wear.

3. Fill up your gas tank when it hits the quarter of a tank level. In case of an unexpected appointment, you won't have to worry about running out of gas.

4. Cook some meats ahead of time and store in the freezer. For those nights you are too busy to start from scratch, this will help you get a quick dinner on the table.

5. Pick a regular day each week to do your bills or any desk-related items. If you don't have bills that week, work on your budget or bank statement. When it comes to finances, just a bit of disorganization can lead to overdraft and other fees.

6. If you are comfortable having bills paid online, sign up for this service. Mark your calendar on what particular day the bills will be paid so you can keep track of what's happening.

7. When making appointments, mark your calendar right away--along with any necessary contact information.

8. Have the family work on planning the weekly agenda, so that there is no one left in the rain waiting for a ride. Try and arrange car pools with other family members and friends whenever possible.

9. Have colors for each family member for towels, toothbrushes, hair care items and more. It can save a lot of time and prevent confusion. Even match the hampers and baskets if possible.

If you do some or all of these items you will be finding that extra time to do the things you enjoy. You will also feel like you are more in control.

create a chaos-free morning (part 2)

Mornings can easily become the most frenzied time of the entire day. For many families, the process of waking up, getting dressed and preparing for each day is hectic. Despite your best efforts, you may habitually struggle to arrive at work, school, or other activities on time because of morning chaos. To make matters worse, a stressful morning can easily set a negative tone for the rest of the day. By creating a chaos-free morning, you can not only reduce stress and calm commotion, but you will also improve your attitude and performance for the rest of the day as well.

If you read our post from earlier this week and are still struggling to get your mornings under control, here are 5 more tips to help you do just that!

1. Set your alarm clock to give you 15 extra minutes every morning. The extra time will allow you to remain on schedule even if there are unexpected snags in your morning routine.
   
   
2. Establish a routine. Make a list of everything that needs to be done each morning and determine what order those things will occur.
   
   
3. Give children a list of things `to do' each morning. Making their own beds, picking up laundry, and other age appropriate chores can make your job easier and keep the children busy while you attend to your own responsibilities.
   
   
4. Delegate responsibility. Assign everyday responsibilities such as cooking breakfast, dressing small children, and starting the coffee maker to capable family members.

5. Give yourself time to clean up. Nobody wants to return home to a messy house. Giving yourself several minutes each morning to tidy up will allow you to relax and enjoy your home once you return.

Recurrent frenzied mornings will quickly become a thing of the past when you use these simple suggestions to get organized. With minimal effort, you can quickly develop evening habits and morning routines for your family that will make the most out of your limited time in the morning. Reducing confusion and establishing a comfortable, yet flexible schedule will calm morning chaos and set the tone for a positive, productive day for your entire family.

create a chaos-free morning (part 1)

Mornings can easily become the most frenzied time of the entire day. For many families, the process of waking up, getting dressed and preparing for each day is hectic. Despite your best efforts, you may habitually struggle to arrive at work, school, or other activities on time because of morning chaos. To make matters worse, a stressful morning can easily set a negative tone for the rest of the day. By creating a chaos-free morning, you can not only reduce stress and calm commotion, but you will also improve your attitude and performance for the rest of the day as well.

The key to calming morning chaos for yourself and your family begins by establishing groundwork the previous evening.

1. Check your schedule every evening to see what is on your agenda for the next day. Gather any items you will need for tomorrow's events and activities.
   
   
2. Organize yourself and your family the night before. Pack backpacks and lunch boxes. Ensure that all permission slips are signed and paperwork is filled out. Make yourself a `to do' list for items you need to accomplish tomorrow.
   
   
3. Pre-dress for success. Take a moment to check tomorrow's weather forecast and choose appropriate clothing the night before.
   
   
4. Designate a place for keys, purses or backpacks, and coats near the door and ensure they are all accounted for before you go to bed each evening
   
   
5. Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep will almost definitely leave you dragging and nothing encourages morning chaos more than being slow-moving and lethargic

Now that your schedule has been checked, necessities are prepared and placed in a convenient location, and clothing is set out; you are ready to face the day ahead…right?? If you still feel overwhelmed by morning madness, check back later this week for a few more steps you can take every morning to reduce chaos as well.

tip of the week (1/17/2010)

January 17 – January 23, 2010 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Renee from Holland, MI

Renee writes: “To keep school, scouts and sports information, etc. together, I use a loose leaf binder with tabs--one for each child. When I receive a paper I need to keep, I use a 3-hole punch and place it in the binder in the appropriate section.

After I started this method, I didn't lose things on the fridge or accidentally throw something away or forget something special.

In addition, I belong to several organizations and use this binder system concept for keeping my information together.”

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Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizingg tips for every area of your life.

organize your next trip

This is the busiest time of year for travel. It is also the busiest time of year for everything else…so coordinating all the details and organizing travel plans can quickly become overwhelming. So what can you do? Here are few tips to help you organize any trips you are planning for next week…or even next year!

1. Make lists: These can include lists of things to pack, things to do, things to see, ect.

2. Always take extra plastic bags for dirty laundry, shoes, etc.

3. Don’t feel like you have to plan activities for each and every day - have some ideas for rainy day activities too so that you can simply look at your list and choose an indoor activity.

4. Count on purchasing items on your trip. Plan to take 10lbs less than your baggage allowance so that you have plenty of space for any souvenirs and shopping.

5. Choose a color palette for your clothes and stick to it. I find doing this that each pair of pants then matches with any of the tops, and vice versa.

6. Pack travel-size toiletries or if you have some old hotel toiletries, use those. I keep my toiletry bag permanently packed and restock immediately when I return from a trip. This saves a lot of time because all I ever have to do is pack clothes.

7. Always take a backpack. There is a reason why these are so popular with tourists - your hands are free to eat, browse, carry your water, etc.

8. Pack “disposable” reading materials. Take magazines or e-books that have piled up around your house. This way, you can catch up on your reading and leave the magazine or e-book behind. You will lighten your load as you go and hopefully be finished with your reading by the time you arrive home.

9. Take a notebook with you to journal or make some notes about the places you visit. It will help you remember your holiday with greater clarity especially once you're back home.
   
   And now that you're organized, have a wonderful time and enjoy your trip.

start planning your menu

It’s hard to believe but in just one week many of us will be preparing the big meal for Thanksgiving! Whether you’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving, or a different holiday, now is a great time to start planning. Coordinate the menu with friends and relatives by deciding who will contribute which dish for the holiday meal. Then, flag the pages in your cookbook with the recipes you’ll be preparing. Transfer the ingredients onto a list, separated by perishable and non perishable items. Survey whether you have the needed items or not and shop for nonperishable items this week. While you’re out, remember to place an order for your turkey. Save your list and pick up the perishable items when you pick up your turkey, or in the days just before your holiday meal.

By planning your meal in advance, you’ll have more time to focus on preparing the meal the days before your holiday celebration, giving you more time to sit back, relax and truly enjoy the day.

kitchen and dining room clutter

Do you struggle to stay on top of the enormous amount of clutter than can so easily accumulate in your kitchen and dining room? With so much “stuff” coming in, it’s hard to know where to go with it all and how to help the center of your home to feel calm and inviting. The holiday season is approaching…which means, cooking, baking and lots of holiday entertaining. It’s time to get your kitchen and dining room in order. Keep reading for more tips!

Clear your counter tops. Put away appliances (as many as you can) into drawers or cabinets. Take a look at some of your appliances; if you haven't used it in 12 months then it might be time to donate it to charity or a friend who could use it.

Clear your drawers. How did you ever accumulate all those little gadgets such as lemon zesters and melon ballers that are now just cluttering up your drawers? Empty the contents of a drawer into a box and put it into your garage or a closet. If you need an item, go get it, use it, and put it back in the drawer. Determine a time to clean out the box (such as a month, 3 months, 6 months, or even a year) and donate what is left in the box to charity.

Arrange zones or stations in the kitchen to make your life simpler and easier. For example, coffee, filters, mugs, and the coffee maker should be near each other to make it easy and convenient to make coffee in the morning. Another zone may be your baking zone. Include baking supplies like flour and sugar, cookie sheets, measuring cups, etc.

Make “homes” for your stuff. Is there always stuff piled up on your dining room table? Determine what the stuff is and what solutions can be made to conquer the clutter so you and your family can sit down and share a meal. For example, do you use the table for hobbies such as scrapbooking? Make sure you have a home for your scrapbooking supplies such as a plastic drawer system on wheels. Does your table get piled with mail and other papers? Designate a basket or wall folder system to house all the papers, magazines, and newspapers that come into the house. Make sure you dump the junk mail as soon as it arrives. Empty the basket on a daily basis.

With just a little determination and an afternoon of organizing, you can have your kitchen and dinning room clutter free and ready for your next batch of company!

tip of the week (10/11/09)

October 11 – October 17, 2009 this week’s "tip of the week" was sent from Angela, from Alto, MI

Angela writes: “When I tried to get rid of some of my child's extra baby clothes, I first went to the consignment shops. They just were so picky. Everything seemed to be either too faded, out of style, or stained.

So I just took the clothes, shoes, and blankets to the local crisis pregnancy center. They are so desperate for baby and maternity clothes. The girls who use the services usually have little money and sometimes no where to turn for basic baby supplies.

They appreciated ALL of my extras, no matter how out of style they were. Plus I got the good feeling you get when you know you've helped someone out in need.”

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Do you have an organizing or time management tip that you would like to share? Click here and your tip could be the next one featured in our newsletter, our blog or on our website! For more organizing tips, check out www.andreadekker.com. It is full of great organizing tips for every area of your life.

does it benefit you?

Think about this… what do you do/have that no longer benefits you? Sometimes we fill our lives with activities and things “just because”…even though they don’t benefit us.

It seems crazy but we all do it…sometimes out of a habit we have formed, sometimes out of fear and sometimes…we are just lazy!

Let me explain:

Scenario #1: Your work is really busy for a specific time period so you have to stay late every night for a month or two. After the busy time is over, you continue to stay late because it’s a habit…it’s not something you need to do, nor is it benefiting you. You could be enjoying the extra time at home with your family, exercising, taking up a new hobby, etc.

Scenario #2: You volunteer to serve on the board for you school, church, or community. You enjoyed doing the work for several years but now you feel more passionate about other things so you get involved in other things but never quit the original commitment. Before you realize it, you are stressed out because you are too busy and over committed. This commitment is no longer benefiting you.

Scenario #3: You have a bookshelf full of books you don't like or need to have…and 5 sets of bed linen for your guest bedroom (which only gets used twice each year). These items are no longer benefiting you.

We are already pressed for time and have plenty of things to think and worry about so there is no room for anything that doesn’t benefit us.

I know there are always things that we have to do…but really don’t want to do (like laundry) but if you really think about it, most of those tasks actually benefit you (you get clean clothes!)

What we need to focus on are the activities that we really don’t have to do…and don’t want to do, and the things in our lives that we no longer need… and rid our lives of those get those activities and things. You will thank yourself for doing it!

teach your children to be organized

Do you constantly have toys, homework, clothes, shoes, bags and stuffed animals lying around your home? Have you tried (and failed) to teach your children to be organized and clean up after themselves? The importance of teaching your children how to organize their things, their time and their life is often taken for granted and over looked until they go off to college and find that they have no idea how to prioritize and manage their life.

It's never too early to start teaching your children responsibility for themselves and their belongings... and the best way to teach them is by modeling organization and creating organized spaces for your children. Below we've included several ideas for organizing your childrens' spaces. Don't feel like you you have to achieve them all in one weekend. Pick one to start with and see if you can implement it successfully before you move onto the next space. Over time, organization will become second nature to you and your children!

Click here for tips on how to get your children a little more organized

your kitchen, the center of your home

Your kitchen is probably the center of your home...and possibly the center of your clutter problems too. With so many activities revolving around the kitchen and eating area -- cooking, eating, preparing meals, packing lunches, homework, crafts, paying the bills, etc. -- it is essential that the kitchen be as organized as possible. Here are some tips to help you whip your kitchen into shape!

Click here to keep reading!

get ready for school

Yes, it's true, school is right around the corner...which means you might need to start getting ready for it!
Here are a bunch of tips to help you get started.

Declutter the Bedrooms

If you’re getting kids ready to go back to school, here’s a quick checklist of things to do to get the bedrooms and closets school-time ready!

To-do list:

• Go through the kids’ libraries. Clear out old books they won’t want to read again, and make space on the bookshelves for new books and reading materials.
• Have your child try on clothes to see what still fits.
• Make lists of clothing needed for school, weekends, and special activities such as fall sports and outings.
• Set a day to go shopping and in the meantime, keep your eyes open for sale fliers and coupons.
• Shop for clothes and shoes.
  

Take care of business
Before summer winds down and school gets in full swing:

• Make appointments for things like haircuts, the dentist, doctor, etc. Do this now to get first dibs on convenient times, and avoid having to take your kids out of school, or take care of yourself – you can give yourself that extra boost of joy that comes from a new ’do.
• Register the kids for their fall activities such as sports teams, music or art lessons. And while you’re at it, sign yourself up for a class, too!
  

Stock up on School Supplies
Take advantage of the stores being chock-full of fun and inspiring school, craft, and office supplies. If you have kids in school use these supplies to create a well-stocked homework or craft cabinet, and save yourself trips for extra supplies throughout the year!

To-do list:

• Declutter and inventory craft / homework cabinet.
• Inventory your school supplies. Take stock of what supplies you have left from the end of last school year, and then:
• Make a list of supplies needed for school and home.
• Shop for needed supplies.
• Label and pack school supplies in your child’s backpack (or an even larger bag, if necessary) for transporting to school.
• Organize craft / homework cabinet.
• Order new backpacks (if you need them, or want them!).
  

Now you are all organized and all ready for school to start!

get on organized locker

Below is an e-mail I received from Creative Home Arts Club. It offers some great products to organize school lockers.

Class at 7:00, pick up fabric for those chair covers, call mom . . . sometimes it feels as if our entire lives are made up of scattered reminder notes! A magnetic dry-erase board is a great idea, but they're boring, right? Not so fast! Three by Three's magnetic dry-erase boards are anything but. Sized to fit right into a locker (do I hear a great gift idea?), they look great anywhere. Choose from different colors and shapes and even bamboo and wood—so feel good about saving the environment (and your mind!) in trying to keep up with all the details of everyday life. Add some style to your organization with Three by Three's magnetic dry-erase boards.