Tales of an Organized Mom Wanna-Be: Destress Holiday Shopping.

Are you one of those people that crams all their Christmas shopping into the last few days? The clock is ticking because you only have a few days left. The holidays can certainly be a time for stress and chaos… But with a little pre-planning you have the opportunity to save time, money and your sanity!  With help from our organizational guru April Welch of simplyorganizedonline.com, I was able to take techniques I learned and apply them to the holidays. It helped me streamline my tasks and get through the holiday with much less stress. I hope April would be proud!

Here are a few quick tips that I learned and would like to pass along to you!

1) Take a deep breath!

2) Write a list and check it twice. I have attached a checklist that metime.com created for this purpose. The checklist helps you keep track of the people you need to buy for, list several gift

ideas, the amount budgeted for each person and the amount spent. Check the list twice to make sure you’ve included sizes for clothing etc. One thing I found helpful was also adding the location to purchase the next to the idea.

3) Attach coupons. Once you have gift ideas you can check your mail  or email coupons and attach them to your shopping list. It’s amazing to add up all your savings at the end of your shopping excursion. All those  “$10 off” and ”25% off” coupons can add up after a while.

4) Write a task lists for cards or gifts you are making… I’m famous for under-estimating my time. Write down the overall project and then break it down into smaller easy to accomplish tasks. You can knock-off some tasks as time permits and it helps you keep track of the overall progress of the project.

5) Delegate. Whether your are shopping for or making gifts, there are likely to be some tasks that you can delegate to your better half or even your kids! Take advantage of that. Your elementary school age child may be able to help put stuff envelopes or place stamps on greeting cards… or your middle school age child can address the envelopes. Your boyfriend or husband may be able to help pick up gifts, gift cards or stocking stuffers on the list.

6) Be Flexible. Sometimes you just have to give yourself a break… As your family grows and expands there are more traditions that you may want to incorporate into this busy time of year.  Don’t be afraid to re-evaluate. Discuss the traditions with those most important to you. Maybe it’s time to change or let go of a few traditions. No need to stress yourself and everyone around you crazy as you try to work everything in… you really should try to enjoy the holiday!

7) Breath & enjoy your holiday!

In summary, when I have things more organized and create a plan then I feel more in control and less “stressed out”.  Enjoy your holiday.

About April Welch, BCPO (NAPO)
April is a Certified Professional Organizer and is the proud owner of Simply Organized. She works hard to make sure her clients always have the most up to date industry information by continuing her education. Listed on her site are the many classes she has taken, certificates she has earned along with the accredidations she holds. Rest assure that April’s committment to an improved quality of life she helps her clients find is fed by her passion for education & her hands-on experience. www.simplyorganizedonline.com

Tales of an organized mom wanna-be

For the past few weeks, I have been working with a wonderful time management and organization expert, April Welch (who just happens to be one of our metime.com contributors). Why you might ask? Well… I’m disorganized and I don’t want to be! This is my story.

In that past few years I’ve had an opportunity to review all the pieces and parts of my life that are working well. I’m fortunate to have a wonderful, supportive husband and 2 beautiful healthy kids. For that, I’m am so THANKFUL. I live 30 minutes from my family and in-laws and they are also very supportive. I’m grateful that they are so involved in our lives and love to spend time with us and our children.

But, (there is always a “but”) there were also things in my life that cause unnecessary stress and chaos. I wanted those parts of my life to be different! I’m approaching 40 in a few years and I really want to be “Fabulous at 40.” So I set a few goals for myself to eliminate some of the stress and make positive changes! I’m happy to report I have already accomplished several.

I have recently gone through a career change and my work environment has changed significantly. Instead of working in a hyper-structured/stressful environment, I have changed to a career that offered a flexible schedule that will allow me to “be there” for my kids and eliminate the stress that I often carried home with me. I have been given the opportunity to work from home several days a week and adjust my schedule/hours when there is a need – this was a HUGE and welcomed change.  In addition, my husband has changed jobs. For the first time in 10 years we work the same shift and can do things as a family instead of one of us with the kids. We need to learn to work together in a different ways to accomplish every day tasks, chores and events. My husband is the tidy one and me… I’m well… NOT so tidy and organized! As for our kids… they have fallen into some of my bad habits.

So… time for a little time management and organization help! Stay tuned to metime.com for blog posts containing tips and tricks that I have learned from April to get you a little more organized and less stressed! 

About April Welch, BCPO (NAPO)
April is a Certified Professional Organizer and is the proud owner of Simply Organized. She works hard to make sure her clients always have the most up to date industry information by continuing her education. Listed below are the many classes she has taken, certificates she has earned along with the accredidations she holds. Rest assure that April’s committment to an improved quality of life she helps her clients find is fed by her passion for education & her hands-on experience. www.simplyorganizedonline.com

Fighting the Flu… With Exercise

Winter is here and so are the viruses and bacteria that can have you spending your me time at home in bed. This year, arm yourself with some tools to fight back. The average adult has 2 to 3 respiratory infections each year and children have even more than that! Hopefully you already follow the general guidelines for cold and flu prevention. If not, read the full story to learn how!

Best Hotels for Spending Christmas in New York

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, New York transforms into a magical wonderland. Christmas trees are lit, department stores deck their windows with lights, and visitors and locals alike strap on their skates and hit the ice. Temperatures may be low, but a cozy feeling called holiday cheer blankets the entire city. If you’re spending time in New York around Christmas, here are our favorite places to stay. Read Full Story>