planning

Five Reasons to Skip the Birth Plan and Go With the Flow

Nearly every expectant mom considers drawing up a birth plan at some point, and there are certainly many benefits if you take the time to do so. If nothing else, it will give you an opportunity to think through and talk about all of the various choices you have. » Read more

An Emotional Stimulus Plan: Why you need one to succeed in turbulent times.

By Margie Warrell, Author of Find Your Courage

Yesterday a friend emailed me to say that after years trying to make it as a freelance writer she's admitted defeat and is now trying to find a paying job.  I replied to her that she needed to drop the 'defeated' talk and instead reframe her situation more positively. » Read more

Free Homeschooling Day Planner & Portfolio

We have created a free printable homeschooling day planner. You can use our day planner to keep organized, make goals, record attendance and keep track of what you are doing. Works great as a portfolio. Use our free printables to help you get organized.   Just print them out, three hole punch the pages, and put them in a binder. » Read more

Holiday Party Planning Guide

As soon as you decide to have a holiday party, it’s time to start planning. If you can, start to plan your holiday party at least several weeks in advance. Check with friends and family who are at the top of your guest list to make sure there aren’t any timing conflicts – or that they’re not planning a party themselves! Take some time, visualize your party from start to finish, make a to-do list, and try to check off at least one thing a day. » Read more

Birthday Party Ideas for Girls

Thinking of birthday party ideas for girls? Sometimes just two words will do: dress up! You can decide on a single theme like Princesses or Superheroes or gather up a big pile of glamorous goodies for the girls to choose from – let their imaginations run free, and the birthday party will pretty much take care of itself! These birthday party ideas for girls can incorporate some dress up and also “come as you are”, and a good time will be had by all. » Read more

Birthday Party Ideas for Boys

When it comes to birthday party ideas for boys, one obvious choice would be a western theme –what better way to “corral” a group of lively little boys? There are many fun ideas for birthday parties for boys which will keep them busy and entertained. » Read more

7 Easy Steps for Organized Holiday Storage

Wouldn't it be nice if you could find your decorations, costumes, cards and wrapping paper in just seconds and put them away just as quickly after the holiday? You can with a plan! Use these steps below for organizing holiday storage and you'll spend less time on this mundane task and more time celebrating. And don't wait until the holidays, or worse, after the holidays, to read these tips. That's too late. Plan ahead. Start now. Start here... » Read more

Getting Started With Freezer Cooking

Are you a busy mom on the go with no time for cooking? Are you looking for the convenience of fast food without the hefty price tag? Then freezer cooking might be right for you. You can jump in with both feet and try once a month cooking or you can start out with freezing a few meals a month for the "crazy days", the "lazy days", or the "I just don't feel like cooking days". » Read more

Planning a Yard Sale

Is your home becoming over run with useless clutter? What a better way to tidy up your home and put a few extra bucks in your pocket then to have a yard sale? Sound overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be. Yard sales can also be a lot of fun with the proper planning. » Read more

Making the Transition to be a Stay-at-Home-Mom

By Maria T. Pepin Once your maternity leave is over, you may find yourself debating whether or not to go back to work full time or stay home with your new baby. If you are leaning towards being a stay-at-home mom, here are some great tips to get you started on this rewarding journey. Review Your Finances Take a look at how much money your family will lose if you decide to stay home.  You need to determine if working is a financial necessity. Grab your checkbook and write down all the expenses/bills your family has every month. » Read more