Have you ever sounded like a broken record?

Back up [ from the TV ]. You’re too close.
[ in a sing-song voice ] No, no, no… Drinks stay in the kitchen.
[ gasp ] Watch out!… awwww, crap [ or alternate expletive ]… too late.

Well, I’m not afraid to admit that I have experienced this phenomenon since becoming a mom… However, I recently picked up this really great tip from Keely, one of my “mom friends” from MOPS and owner of BookJingle.com :

Use a small (but not too small) colorful area rug to designate a spot on the floor for your child(ren) to sit while watching TV. The rug is also a great spot for doing artwork or eating a snack.

I have personally used a blanket or towel to serve this purpose in the past, but the area rug’s backing and overall density virtually eliminates any tripping hazard—and, let’s not forget, saves the carpet (or hardwood or tile or whatever kind of flooring you have) from utter disaster!

Plus, when your little area rug gets too grungy (’cause you know it will), it’ll be a cinch to replace!

With the start of the new school year just around the corner, now is the time to shop for school supplies. Hit the sales and save!

(And, don’t forget… Staples, Office Max, and Office Depot offer free delivery on any orders over $50! Huge time saver!)

BTW, If you’ve not yet received a school supply list from your child’s teacher, refer to the Back To School Checklist (1212 downloads) to get you started.

Now is also the time to gather your child’s emergency medical information into one place. Check out the In Case Of Emergency (2297 downloads) form.

Back To School Checklist (1212 downloads)   In Case Of Emergency (2297 downloads)

If you’re anything like me, you have at least one thing in life that you absolutely abhor doing. I personally dread making phone calls. The truth of the matter is, however, that these tasks still need to get done, whether we want to do them or not. So what’s the solution?

Well, world-renowned time management expert, Brian Tracy, has the answer:

By identifying, then tackling, your biggest, most unpleasant task first—the philosophy of “eating a frog”—you can learn to plan and organize each day, set priorities, get started right away, and complete jobs faster.

So, my challenge to you this week is to “Eat That Frog” first thing in the morning, before you work on anything else. Not only will you end up with an immeasurable sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, but your mind will be freed of its burden, allowing you to focus your creative energies and make the rest of your day far more productive.

What tasks do you regularly put off as long as you can? Or, what strategies do you regularly employ that help you “Get Things Done”? Enlighten me!

If you are involved in an accident or other emergency that leaves you incapacitated, who will speak for you? The following tips are quick and simple, and could very well save your life.

• ICE Sticker : Store the phone numbers of your emergency contacts in your cellphone, prefaced with the acronymn ICE (i.e., In Case of Emergency). As an additional potential lifesaving measure, and an indicator to emergency personnel, affix an ICE Sticker to the back of your cellphone.

• Wallet Card : Keep a hard copy of your family’s emergency plan and medical history in your wallet. For additional peace of mind, use a self-laminating sheet to protect your wallet card from everyday wear-and-tear.

• Medic Alert : If you have any potential life-threatening allergies or medical conditions, check out the latest fashions of Medic Alert Jewelry. The once-utilitarian bracelets now have a ton of stylish variations, from dog tags and sports bands to watches and necklaces.

• ICE Packet : Get ‘hip’ with a specialized USB flash drive keychain that stores all your medical data for easy access by emergency personnel. ‘All the kids are doing it…’ 🙂

So, what about you? How do you store your vital medical history in an easily-accessible format, just in case of an emergency? Do share!

Courtesy of Lorie Marrero, creator of The Clutter Diet, owner of Living Order:

Homeostasis is a medical term that refers to the tendency of the human body to seek and maintain balance. What is your house’s “HOME-eostasis?” What is that balanced condition of your home to which you would always like to return?

Your house’s homeostasis results from preventing clutter, reducing the clutter you have to a manageable and acceptable level, and consistently maintaining your home with systems and routines. It’s a state of balance and readiness—the kind of feeling you have when you’ve just straightened up the house for company to come over for dinner. It’s a state of satisfaction, pride, and comfort. Homeostasis is your definition of success!

We are not talking about perfection, as we’ve often emphasized. Homeostasis is a flexible state that adjusts to transitional times and periods of less or more activity in your lives. The definition will change as your family and situations change. Your ultimate organizing goal is to know what homeostasis means for your home and have the education, motivation, and support to easily and confidently achieve it when things get out of balance (as they surely will).

Make your list today—take 10-15 minutes to go by each room and note what needs to happen to make you feel balanced and ready. An example: My guest bathroom needs to be clean enough for people to use without my being embarrassed, and have plenty of toilet paper, a fresh hand towel, and soap.

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