Field trips, packed lunches and permission slips—school means much more than just homework. With these extra activities come all sorts of organizational challenges.
Stock up on supplies. Anticipate last-minute school project needs by stockpiling supplies. Buy in bulk or wait for back-to-school sales. Get markers, index cards, poster board and other items that will come in handy throughout the school year.
Choose outfits ahead of time. Deciding what the kids will wear shouldn't be left to the morning rush. On Sunday night, pick out clothes for each day of the week and set them aside.
Simplify lunch packing. Use clear containers in the fridge and pantry for lunchbox supplies. When it's time to pack lunches (see below), you won't have to search for them.
Consolidate meal making. Prepare lunches for the following day while you're making dinner. You'll be able to cross off one more item from the morning checklist and have one cleanup instead of two.
Touch papers once. Take a time management tip from the business world - if a task will take you a few minutes or less, tackle it immediately. So when your child brings home a permission slip, read it, sign it, add the event to your calendar (see below) and put it in his or her backpack.
Use a whiteboard. A functional calendar that everyone can update is essential to manage multiple schedules. Buy a large whiteboard calendar, hang it in a conspicuous spot (e.g., the kitchen) and use it to track practices, games, recitals and appointments.
File school papers. Use a cabinet drawer or file box to store and organize your children's school materials. Each subject should have its own tab and folder; kids can unload weekly papers to save for later.
Color-code your bags. Use colored tote bags, one for each activity, to store equipment and supplies. Stow them in the same place every day, ideally near the door. That way, you can easily grab the right bag on your way out without having to empty and refill a single bag.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
"Once in a Blue Moon"
Do you know where the expression came from???? Check this out...2 full moons in 1 month...not again until 2015 !!!http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bluemoon1.html/
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Keep Your Home Safe While You Vacation
Summer vacation — for most people, this phrase conjures images of sandy beaches, amusement parks, lakeside cabins, or family road trips.
For burglars, summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of unoccupied homes and garages. In fact, property crimes spike during summer months, peaking in July and August.
Here are a few tips for protecting your home while you’re gone this summer:
Stay secure.
Before you leave, double check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget the upstairs windows: AC units, ladders, nearby trees, and even garbage cans can give thieves access to those windows. Trim or remove shrubs that offer easy hiding places. Don’t leave spare keys outside; thieves know where to look, too.
Privacy matters.
Don’t post vacation plans on social media sites. You can’t completely control who sees your updates, regardless of your privacy settings. Have a trusted friend periodically check your home, but resist the temptation to announce your departure on the Internet.
Leave the light on.
Make it appear you haven’t left home at all. Stop your mail, or have a friend or neighbor collect it. Have someone mow your lawn if you’ll be away for a longer period of time. Set timers for inside lights or even a television. Don’t leave a porch light on continuously, though, as that could signal that you’re not home. Instead, install motion-sensing floodlights, even on the sides of your home. Many homeowners light up the front and back of their houses, but leave the sides dark, making it more inviting to burglars.
Don’t forget tiny invaders.
Bugs can also take advantage of empty homes. Before you leave, make sure all trashcans are emptied and cleaned. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and wipe any stray crumbs from kitchen countertops. Many bugs come inside in search of water, so fix any leaks before you leave.
For burglars, summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of unoccupied homes and garages. In fact, property crimes spike during summer months, peaking in July and August.
Here are a few tips for protecting your home while you’re gone this summer:
Stay secure.
Before you leave, double check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget the upstairs windows: AC units, ladders, nearby trees, and even garbage cans can give thieves access to those windows. Trim or remove shrubs that offer easy hiding places. Don’t leave spare keys outside; thieves know where to look, too.
Privacy matters.
Don’t post vacation plans on social media sites. You can’t completely control who sees your updates, regardless of your privacy settings. Have a trusted friend periodically check your home, but resist the temptation to announce your departure on the Internet.
Leave the light on.
Make it appear you haven’t left home at all. Stop your mail, or have a friend or neighbor collect it. Have someone mow your lawn if you’ll be away for a longer period of time. Set timers for inside lights or even a television. Don’t leave a porch light on continuously, though, as that could signal that you’re not home. Instead, install motion-sensing floodlights, even on the sides of your home. Many homeowners light up the front and back of their houses, but leave the sides dark, making it more inviting to burglars.
Don’t forget tiny invaders.
Bugs can also take advantage of empty homes. Before you leave, make sure all trashcans are emptied and cleaned. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and wipe any stray crumbs from kitchen countertops. Many bugs come inside in search of water, so fix any leaks before you leave.
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