Become the COO of Your Home

By Bobbie Friedman of Simplified by Bobbie

Each new year is an opportunity for a fresh start; a chance to make your life better. Which is why now is the perfect time to become the COO of your home.  The CO-what?  The COO – Chief Organizing Officer!  As moms, wives, and even just as women we typically have the very BIG and important job of running our households (day in and day out).  So, why not have the title to go along with it?!

But, I don’t want you to just have the title… I want you to live up to it.  And here’s how you’re going to do it:  run your home like a business that’s been infused with order and lots of love.  Sound silly? Well, think about why big businesses are successful.  They have structure, plans, organization, and the dedication to make it work.  I have a feeling that you already have the dedication part which stems from love; so I’m going to show you how to put the rest into place.

Create a Business Plan: this is the backbone of a company. It’s like the road map for how the business is going to run. Your equivalent to this is a Home Management Binder.  An all inclusive binder that holds all of your important contacts, household, financial, medical, and personal information. If anyone in your home needs to know something – this is where they find it. If there is an emergency, this is where you go. I could write an entire article just on creating a home management binder! If you decide to make your own, you can find a template on the Tips & Resources page of my website. (You’ll notice that mine is a no frills version. You can get as pretty and detailed as you care for, but like everything I do I tried to keep it as simple as possible!)

Set Hours of Operation:  the big point I want to make here is that structure and routine are important parts of managing a household (or business). Make certain that you:

• keep a basic routine for the recurring chores & tasks you do,
• write everything down in your planner,
• make time for yourself (even OSHA requires break and lunch time), and
• “close down” in the evening and allow yourself time to rejuvenate and refresh.

Act like a CFO: the CFO is the Chief Financial Officer… in short he/she is the director of finances. You can imagine why this is incredibly important in a business setting, but it’s absolutely crucial to running your household smoothly as well. When your finances are not in order it creates stress; and there is no doubt that this stress will take a toll on you and affect every aspect of your life and home. Here are some of the financial basics you should have in place:

• create a budget (and stick to it),
• track your spending,
• balance your checkbook frequently,
• pay your bills on time (or early),
• keep your financial records organized, and
• set money aside for both savings and for fun.

Let’s face it, your family and home are more important than any Fortune 500 company… but when you combine their tactics and your dedication, your household is sure to become Simplified. AND you will be the proud COO of your home too!

Bobbie Friedman is a Professional Organizer, Home Management Consultant, and the owner of Simplified by Bobbie located in Pennsylvania.  She is dedicated to helping individuals and families simplify their lives!  Through personalized organizing services, hands-on help, and knowledgeable guidance she’ll help you establish effective ways to manage your schedule and home; turning CoMpLiCaTeD into Simplified.

Visit www.simplifiedbybobbie.com to learn more, view before & after photos, and read helpful organizing tips.  Contact Bobbie for your FREE phone consultation, and make your space & time work for you

 

5 Tips for When Mommy Has To Travel

By Melanie Moore of Only a Breath

Many jobs, like mine, require mothers to take occasional business trips. These trips may cause anxiety in both children and parents. Normal routines become disrupted and children often feel very sad while mommy is away from home. However, Mom, don’t despair! There are several things you can do to make these times easier on everyone in your family!

Plan Ahead!

It is essential to plan ahead and ensure that all necessary school and appointment drop-offs, pickups, and childcare is arranged. If your family’s schedule is complicated with multiple appointments, you may even want to consider creating a “master plan” that identifies all responsible parties for drop-offs and pick-ups throughout the entire length of your trip.

Talk to Your Children Often

Children love to know that Mommy is thinking of them. Before your trip, explain the length of your trip, the purpose (so they don’t imagine you sneaking off to Disney World!), and how often you expect to be able to call them. Then, be sure to make every effort to call each day just to reassure your children that you are thinking of them.

Plan a Special Surprise

My children love to have a special surprise to look forward to when I come home from trips. This can either be a little souvenir from where my trip adventure took me or it can be a special privilege when I come home. For example, my oldest son loves to have “movie night” and sleep on the sofa together when I come home from trips.

Thank Your Spouse

My husband travels frequently with his job so I know first-hand how difficult it is to manage schoolwork, home responsibilities, and my own job duties — alone. It means the world to me when he takes the time to thank me and let me know he appreciates everything I do while he is away. Please remember to do the same for your spouse and everyone who helps to step in the gap while you are away!

Enjoy Your Time Away!

Of course you are going to miss your husband and children, but since you are going to have to be gone anyway…. Enjoy yourself! Try to enjoy the opportunity to do things you don’t normally get to do at home — like sleep all night, eat in restaurants, or take super-long showers with no little knocks on the door! You will come home to your family refreshed and ready to get back to Mommy Life!

Melanie writes at “Only A Breath” about life as a small-town, southern, girly-girl mommy of two rough and rowdy little boys. She is so thankful for a wonderful, hard-working husband who makes her laugh and is a wonderful daddy. She works full-time as an industrial software developer (“computer geek”) and offers practical tips and encouragement for moms who work outside the home. Her heart’s desire is to encourage others to celebrate life and cherish each breath of this journey.

 

Cooking with Kids without Losing Your Mind

By Jennifer Ascher of Organizing without Limits

Do your children constantly bother you in the kitchen wanting to help you cook, but you just want them to leave you alone because it is quicker and easier to do it yourself?  I know what you’re thinking; cooking with my kids will create a bigger mess in the kitchen, it will take longer to prepare the meal, and I don’t have the time or patience. Well I am here to tell you that the benefits of learning, fun and family time outweigh the mess and extra time it takes. Let’s look at some of the benefits and learning that occurs when you cook with your children and then I will share how with some planning and organization you too can involve your children in the kitchen without losing your mind.

The benefits of cooking with children:

• Creates family time and bonding
• If your child is a picky eater. By getting them involved they are more likely to try new foods because they helped create it.
• Teaches them concepts such as math skills, following directions, thinking, planning, sequence and so on.
• Boosts self esteem, confidence and gives them a sense accomplishment.
• Encourages creativity
• Teaches them the art of giving for other’s enjoyment.
• Promotes fine motor skills.
• They are learning skills that will be invaluable later in life.

Some steps to take to make this an enjoyable experience for both of you:

• Cook with your kids when you are not pressed for time and can devote the time to it. A good way to plan for this is to incorporate a day during the week in your schedule where they will be chef for the day. This will let them know that they will be in charge of preparing or helping with the meal(s) that day. My boys love this because not only does it let them decide what is for dinner but gives them a true sense of accomplishment knowing they helped prepare the meal. My oldest who is a picky eater has become less of one since I started doing this.
• Start small let them help you with something very simple but provides immediate success for them.
• Provide them with their own equipment (small rolling pin, apron, etc) make sure that it is age appropriate and safe.
• For younger kids set up a work area at a lower height.
• Be generous with praise. Everybody likes to be acknowledged for a job well done.
• Model the behavior you want them to follow (washing your hands, cleaning up as you go)
• Be clear on what is expected of them in the kitchen (safety, listening, following directions, cleaning up etc)
• Lower your expectations. Don’t expect perfection and stay calm.

The most important tip I can give you is enjoy the time with your kids and know that you are teaching them valuable life lessons and creating family memories that they will cherish when they grow up. What better time to start than the holidays!

Jennifer Ascher is an Organizing Coach and owner of Organizing Without Limits. It is her belief that organizing goes beyond pantries, closets or even time management. It’s about taking control of your WHOLE LIFE.

Organizing Without Limits provides organizing solutions to transform your life and offers both hands-on and virtual organizing services. You can reach Jennifer at http://www.organizingwithoutlimits.com

Stress-Free Christmas Shopping

By Melanie Moore of Only a Breath

For many people, Christmas begins as a time of joy and celebration, but becomes quite stressful when faced with a never-ending Christmas shopping list. Does Christmas shopping have to be stressful? Should we just accept that stress is just as much a party of the holidays as mistletoe and Christmas trees? No, I hope not!

I’ve gathered some tips to make your Christmas shopping as stress-free as possible. Try them today, and please add your helpful tips to the list below! We all need a little backup during this time of “mall madness”!

• Start Early — It is not too early to start planning and buying gifts! If you start early, the rest of the holiday season will be stress-free, and you can stay far away from the mall madness.
• Make a List — Write down all of the people you need to buy for, any size information you have, and an approximate budget for each gift. If you have a gift in mind, go ahead and jot that down too. It is much easier to plan ahead, in the peace and quiet of home, rather than shopping “off the cuff” in a chaotic, crowded store.
• Keep the List Simple — In the economic times we live in, so many people are realizing that the best Christmas gifts are the ones that are meaningful and from the heart. You don’t have to spend beyond your budget to purchase lavish gifts. Instead, consider any home-made items you could give — like photo books, recipe binders, or even food!
• Think Outside the “Box” — Gift baskets can be a huge hit, and a surprising savings if you make them yourself. Try to think of a hobby or pleasure that your loved one would enjoy, and make a homemade gift basket. For example, make a “movie night” basket filled with popcorn and video rental vouchers. You could also make a basket filled with gourmet coffee, a journal, and a couple pretty mugs for those who enjoy quiet time at home. These gifts show such thought and are always a big hit!
• Skip the Malls — Rather than face the holiday crowd, consider doing your Christmas shopping online! Many online stores offer free shipping during the holidays or exclusive discounts. Also, be sure to “google” for “coupon codes” for any store you purchase from online! I almost always find additional coupons online that can save lots of money!
• Keep Your Perspective — Yes, Christmas shopping can be overwhelming, and the Christmas spirit tends to take a leave of absence when surrounded by impatient, cranky shoppers. However, you don’t have to join in! Be determined to keep a thankful heart for each person on your Christmas list. Keep in mind that we never know what each day may hold, and consider the real gifts you treasure…. the friends and family on your shopping list.

How do you keep Christmas shopping stress-free?  I hope your Christmas season is a wonderful one, and I wish you all the best in the upcoming new year!

Melanie writes at “Only A Breath” about life as a small-town, southern, girly-girl mommy of two rough and rowdy little boys. She is so thankful for a wonderful, hard-working husband who makes her laugh and is a wonderful daddy. She works full-time as an industrial software developer (“computer geek”), is a consultant with Blessings Unlimited, and offers practical tips and encouragement for moms who work outside the home. Her heart’s desire is to encourage others to celebrate life and cherish each breath of this journey.

5 Tips for Easy Thanksgiving Entertaining

By Bobbie Friedman of Simplified by Bobbie

Thanksgiving is approaching quickly… and for many of us that means hosting a holiday dinner for family and friends.  This should be an exciting, happy event but sometimes it can become overwhelming and stressful!  Do you know the feeling?  This Thanksgiving I’d like to help you entertain the easy way!  And in my world “easy” translates to “organized!!”

I love to host gatherings (especially Thanksgiving – it’s my favorite holiday); but the only way I can be a good hostess and still enjoy it is by being organized!  Here are my 5 favorite (organized) tips for entertaining – no matter what the occasion or amount of guests on the list:

1. Plan Ahead:  As soon as you commit to being the hostess, think through your plans from start to finish and write down everything you need to purchase, borrow, set up, and prepare.  Then put these things on your calendar and chip away at them.  You’ll feel good knowing that each time you check an item off you’re one step closer to a successful (and relaxing) event!  This is also helpful when someone asks the famous question “What can I bring?”  You’ll know just what to tell them.  And if you haven’t yet checked out the Frazzle Free Christmas, be sure to do so!  It will help with your Thanksgiving planning as well.
2. Get it Done: Complete in advance as many preparations as possible:  start stocking up during your weekly grocery shopping, make-ahead some of the menu items and freeze them until the big day, and the night before Thanksgiving set the table and set out serving dishes and utensils (so all you have to do the next day is fill them up)!  It’s also helpful to set up a “drink station” away from the main flow of the kitchen (include glasses, mugs, pitchers & carafes of drinks, ice, sugar, and cream).  Now no one will be in the way while you’re trying to baste the turkey and whip the potatoes!
3. Keep it Simple: Buy items pre-made from the store or bakery.  I’ve finally learned that not everything has to be homemade (your guests won’t have more fun just because you slaved over the stove hand-making every last treat).  Start the party day with an empty dishwasher so you can put dirty dishes in as you clear the table.  Leave the mess and enjoy your guests (the mess isn’t going anywhere – relax and enjoy your family and handle the clean-up later)!
4. Make it Beautiful:  Remember that you eat with your eyes first… so if there is one day when you want to pay a little extra attention to detail, it’s Thanksgiving!  When you go the extra mile to make everything look nice it makes your guests feel special.  So spend some time dressing up your table and buffet area, get creative or keep it simple – just put some thought into it.   And make sure the food is presented in a pretty way, even the store bought items!  Use tiered pedestals to serve items at varying heights and top dishes with natural garnishes for decoration (ie. cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and bay leaves)
5. Be a Good Guest: If you’re the guest (and not the host) then make sure to take a gift to your hostess; my favorite is inexpensive storage containers.  The hostess won’t have to send her favorite Tupperware of leftovers with guests.  Trust me, she’ll thank you for it!

Cheers to easy entertaining and a Happy Thanksgiving from Simplified by Bobbie!

 

Bobbie Friedman is a Professional Organizer, Home Management Consultant, and the owner of Simplified by Bobbie located in Pennsylvania.  She is dedicated to helping individuals and families simplify their lives!  Through personalized organizing services, hands-on help, and knowledgeable guidance she’ll help you establish effective ways to manage your schedule and home; turning CoMpLiCaTeD into Simplified.

Visit www.simplifiedbybobbie.com to learn more, view before & after photos, and read helpful organizing tips.  Contact Bobbie for your FREE phone consultation, and make your space & time work for you

Remaining Frazzle Free Checklists for Evernote

As promised here are the remaining weekly checklists for 8 Weeks to a Frazzle Free Christmas in Evernote format.   Remember they are in BETA which means there might be some glitches.  If you have any problems, please leave a comment and I will see what I can do to fix or help resolve it.

Here are the instructions for importing them into Evernote: Read more

Frazzle Free Checklists for Evernote

I am a big fan of Evernote and use it regularly to keep track of lists, recipes, vacation plans for home as well as files, emails, notes, and assignments for work.  And because of Evernote, I am almost paperless when it comes to work.

So this year I have decided to give it a try when it comes to working through 8 Weeks to a Frazzle Free Christmas.  I have created the Week 1 and Week 2 checklists along with a Buy List, and two Gift Lists (Single and Multiple) in Evernote and have exported them here for anyone who would like to download and import them into Evernote (you have to be using the desktop version to import notes). Read more

Planning Meals When You Hate Planning

Laura Rolands of My Attention Coach

How often have you heard us say it?  Plan your meals ahead of time and it will make your evenings easier.  Easier said than done isn’t it?  When I work with my clients who have ADHD, I help them simplify steps to accomplish their goals.  Healthy eating and meal planning are frequently topics of discussion.

What if there is a better way?

How would it help you if we could find a better, less complex way to meal planning?  I propose that we can find ways to make meal planning quicker and easier.

Stocking Up on Basics

Whether you eat meat, are vegetarian or fall somewhere in between, identify the basics that you and your family tend to eat.  List at least fifteen items that you can buy in advance to have in the freezer or pantry.  This list might include different types of meat, pastas, lentils, snacks and breakfast foods.  In addition, list 5 spices that your family loves to use.  Having your favorite spices on hand can ensure that you actually have a way to use what you have available.

Weekly Planning

Personally, I hate spending a lot of time on meal planning.  In my book, if we make the process quick and easy, you are more likely to do the planning.  You do have to spend some time planning to make this process work though.  My suggestion here is to spend 15 minutes over the weekend planning your meals for the week using what you have available in your freezer and pantry.  You might need to buy a few things at the store, but if you have stocked up on the basics the planning and shopping should go quickly.  Finding a favorite cookbook has helped me in my planning.  I have found The Best 30-Minute Recipe cookbook from the Cook’s Illustrated editors to be a great help.  There are wonderful recipes and most really can be made in 30 minutes!

Planning a Break

If you don’t plan your meals, chances are that you end up getting carry out more often than you would like.  By planning one or two nights for carry out or eating out, you can be more mindful of your decisions.  In addition, I find that you have a better chance of finding coupons and even making more healthy choices when you plan to eat out rather than realizing at 6pm that you need to eat.  Unhealthy choices always seem to be the closest when that happens to me!

What do you do?

Share your meal planning tips with everyone below!

Laura Rolands is the founder of LSR Coaching and Consulting, LLC. She is a coach whose passion is to support, lead and inspire independence and success for people who have either been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD or who are facing other attention-related challenges. Her clients include individuals with attention-related challenges and/or their parents. If you have any questions or more suggestions to add, please visit her website at www.MyAttentionCoach.com.

Have a Frazzle Free Holiday

By Bobbie Friedman of Simplified by Bobbie

I am so excited that it’s time again for the Frazzle Free Christmas (FFC) by Families with Purpose! I have enjoyed this amazing resource so much for the past two holiday seasons, that by the time summer rolled around this year I was already thinking about and looking forward to the holidays! However, I wasn’t always so excited for this season to begin… Read more

Organizing Family Documents

Laura Rolands of My Attention Coach

Small Steps Matter

If your family documents are disorganized or unorganized, chances are the idea of getting yourself organized is overwhelming.  Those stacks of papers, books, toys or other stuff can be pretty imposing can’t they?  Remove some of that pressure by taking some smaller steps to get your documents organized.  True, you would rather get it all done today, but you need to determine whether that is realistic.  If it is not realistic or seems too overwhelming, take a short time today to identify small steps that you can take to overcome at least some of your disorganization.

Set Goals for Getting Organized

Before you begin getting your family documents organized, think about what goals you have regarding this documents.  What documents need to be organized? What can you accomplish once they are organized?  What small steps can you take?

Small Steps to Implement

If you have family documents to organize, pick a couple of the steps below to implement and start moving toward organization success.

• Set a timer for 10 minutes and organize one stack of documents.
• Define somewhere for the documents to “live”.  Binders, file folders, and other storage tools are good bets.  There are some great options here at Families with Purpose!
• Make an appointment with yourself to organize.  Check in with yourself – how much time works best for you?
• Systematize:  Set up a simple system for yourself when going through the mail.  Give yourself a few options such as File, Trash, Do and Delegate.
• Motivate:  Identify a reward for yourself when you accomplish a small goal.  Anything that will keep you going and that is affordable for you is a good idea.
• Get help!  Kids and spouses should be involved in the establishment and maintenance of organizing family documents.
• Limit distractions when you are getting organized.  For example, turn off your computer and don’t answer the phone.  It will take a significant amount of time to refocus on the organizing which makes the overall process take longer.
• Set up simple file folders that work for you.  Label them in bright colors and use them!

How do you organize your family documents?

Laura Rolands is the founder of LSR Coaching and Consulting, LLC. She is a coach whose passion is to support, lead and inspire independence and success for people who have either been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD or who are facing other attention-related challenges. Her clients include individuals with attention-related challenges and/or their parents. If you have any questions or more suggestions to add, please visit her website at www.MyAttentionCoach.com.

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