The players all want the same prize; a life of simplicity and contentment: a world free from clutter, missed appointments, and misplaced items. Their training in the past has included countless organizing books, shows, and magazine articles.  Today is the day when they find out if they have what it takes to actually use what they have learned. Read the rest »

I live in a lovely area, but not my dream summer destination. I want the beach! I want sand, seafood, and nights out on the boardwalk. Unfortunately, a beach trip is just not in our budget for this summer. Sure, we could charge the whole trip on our credit card, but we would just have to pay for it in the end (with interest) so we decided to join the many other Americans who are planning their own staycations this year.

One thing is to make this whole “staycation” okay with us, but how do we make it fly with the kids? Quite simple; our kids don’t need extravagance (although we may be training them differently), they simply want our time. Following are some suggestions to making this summer vacation the best ever and not even touch the budget.

Investigate: Ask your friends and neighbors about nearby parks, playgrounds, nature trails, free factory tours, etc. Check out the national park service for other ideas: www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm or check with your state’s park webpage. You may be shocked what tourists have been visiting in your own backyard!

Plan and be prepared: Pack a picnic lunch, bring along your camera and camcorder, create a scavenger hunt for the nature trails, and have a first aid kit in the car.

Sight-see your family: People spend thousands of dollars traveling all over the world to take in the sights and sounds of distant and unique places. This summer, bask in the smiles and sounds of your family. Could any amount of money truly bring you anything more breathtaking than the happy and content faces of your children?

Don’t want to leave your house?
Have a lock down: Wake the kids up one morning and tell them they are in staycation lock down. No friends, TVs, Computers, or cell phones. They may grumble at first (depending on their age) but when they discover that their parents are in lock down with them, and they discover that it is not what they can’t do, but what they CAN it will be a day to remember. Make sure to plan loads of crafts, games and outdoor activities! You can even do “theme” lockdowns, where you pretend you are in a different country, complete with themed foods and activities.

Being stuck with your family in your home is not punishment for them or for you. Contentment is surrounding you, just waiting to be snatched up. Have fun this summer creating lasting memories for you, not your credit card statements!

Betsy

Please share your clever staycation ideas!!

It seems every time I blink, another week has passed. Summer is such a busy time for me, and I simply do not want to waste one precious moment cleaning when I could be outside enjoying all that summer has to offer. Little projects here and there get done, but there is never enough time to tackle the big jobs, like spring cleaning the entire house. Make it your mission this week to tackle the following 10 steps to achieve a spring cleaned home in July. Don’t allow yourself to obsess and get stuck on any particular step. You will feel amazing after you accomplish these tasks, and be able to enjoy all your summer activities guilt free. Read the rest »

The simple reason that we have too much clutter is because we bring more items in than we take out. I always tell my clients that it has nothing to do with what you own, rather what owns you. The challenge I am offering to you today is to focus on what you bring into your home that you don’t really need, and the reasons why you continue to buy more.

Where are you weak? What things do you consistently bring into the house that you know you don’t need yet justify its purchase? In what areas do you notice your willpower tested time and time again, and you lose more than you win? Here are a few ideas, but please think about your own individual circumstances. Read the rest »

Having a baby changes everything and most of it is for good. However, I often hear the same complaint from busy parents that feel their relationships outside the home have suffered since having children. Although being active on online groups and boards can be rewarding, it is not the same. Humans need one on one interaction. It is absolutely imperative that children get to socialize with others, but it is also important for parents to show their child how they interact with their peers as well. Read the rest »

I love new clothes. I love the feeling I have when I am wearing something new, hip, and on trend. I look at the mannequins in the windows of the stores, dressed head to toe in the latest fashions and I want it all; outfit, shoes, bag, and accessories. I watch the style shows and click on the internet links that tout their list for “must haves” for the season. I wish I could take most of last year’s clothes out and bring all new clothes into the closet. What fun! What a fantasy!

Now for the reality; I can’t afford to do that.

So, what is a girl to do? I want to look new and fresh this summer, but I want to do it to fit my budget. Here is my list of do’s and don’ts: Read the rest »

How many times do you utter the phrase, “But I don’t have the time” over the course of a week? Just imagine how much you could accomplish if you could get an extra hour or two a day. Or would you? Often it is said that the more money you make the more you spend, and the same can often be said of time; the more you have the more you waste.

Often times I recommend to clients to do a task with the help of a timer. It is absolutely amazing what can be accomplished in 15-20 increments. Read the rest »