Whether it’s a rash, hives, bee sting or mosquito bite, or whether you’re a parent of one or a parent of multiples, having a well-stocked, family-friendly first aid kit or medicine cabinet is a must. Gathering essentials and being prepared is a necessity – plus, organizing a first aid kit is an easy-to-assemble, thoughtful project and loving gesture that will be greatly appreciated when it’s needed. Assembling the contents in a fresh, clean, easy-to-find yet out-of-reach place doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive – it just takes a bit of planning.

Good news! No need to spend a fortune!
The “kit” can be a recycled backpack or tote bag, a plastic dishpan or a wooden wine crate. It doesn’t have to be a brand new box designed especially for this purpose. Look around your home and chances are you will have a container that can be “repurposed”. One key element is that the container you select should be easy to spot and open.

More good news!
All “ingredients” can be purchased in one shopping trip from any drugstore and can be budget-friendly if generic brands are purchased. (more…)

In the course of my work as a professional organizer, clients have told me that the holidays are not always merry and bright for them. Final exams, lack of cash, coping with in-laws or stepchildren, calorie consumption, travel and commercialism are just a few of the reasons they name. However, the most common reason clients don’t fully enjoy the holidays is they have gotten ‘wrapped up’ in things that aren’t necessary. Things they purchased on the Internet and had delivered. Things they were given as gifts. Things they thought would be helpful only to discover that seemingly good organizing products don’t always translate to real world functionality. Once your things are no longer helpful, they become a burden. At this point – when things are out of order – it is time to analyze and re-prioritize. While I can’t send you Santa’s little helpers – they are busy as I write this – I can give you professional insight and advice. Starting with the questions like, “What am I passionate about?” “What would make this season more joyful for me?” More closet or garage space, a gift wrapping center or maybe a system for all the mail and school papers that arrive five days a week? The clearer your focus, the more energy you can devote to issues that matter most to you. (more…)

Wouldn’t parenting be better if post partum school-like curriculum courses consisting of topics such as “How to Find a Babysitter” were offered? Truthfully, most of us rely on neighbors, friends, family, and sometimes fate to find sitters. Even with new options, like Babysitters.com, parents need to be organized and prepared to interview candidates.

There are always two facts to consider: the age of your children and the life experiences of the sitter you are interviewing. (more…)

PLAN- IT

What in the world were we thinking calling it a chore chart?

Despite the fact that we have typical Mars-Venus-type conversations, my husband and I are both die-hard optimists and made an executive decision to rename “the chore chart”. It is now known as: “The Reward Board”. Our thinking is based on the belief that enthusiasm is contagious. Focusing on the results or the goals should always be kept front and center in anyone’s mind—especially a child’s.

While creating a Reward Board we had a clear, pure purpose. We wanted our boys to understand that there is a direct correlation between hard work and rewards. “The harder you work the luckier you get” is something we chant daily. (more…)

As busy parents, who has time to read a bunch of etiquette books? Here are a few tips to assist you — Clever Parent that you are — appear more polished, educated and civilized.

1. Sit down and get up on the right side of your chair at formal luncheons.
2. Introduce the person with a lesser title to the person with a higher title or rank, men to women, younger people to seniors. The easiest way to remember how to do this is to speak the most important person’s name first. For example, Madame President, this is your new assistant, Jane Doe.

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Are you starving to be the hostess with the mostess? Casual supper clubs, elegant dinner parties, or child-friendly snacks; planning any of these are easier with a well-stocked, freshly organized pantry. Organizing the pantry is truly one of the most efficient ways to save money, time, and shelf space. (more…)

Organizing an emergency pack is a good idea for everyone. Once accomplished, it gives a great sense of relief. In the event of a water disaster such as flood, hurricane, tropical storm or mudslide these are a few priorities to act on today—before an emergency. (Depending on the type of emergency, contents for the pack will vary.) (more…)