Ahh, it’s summer! It’s time to linger over a sunset meal with friends and family, relax on the hammock, splash in the pool with your kids, and generally just let your hair down a bit. Whether it’s the heat, an anticipated vacation, or the extra Vitamin D we all somehow tolerate (and dare we say appreciate) imperfection around the house a bit more during the summer months. Happily, it is possible to relax without letting things go to pot organizationally speaking. As fall rapidly approaches and you’re looking for a few appropriate ways to stay Buttoned Up without losing your summer cool, read on.

Alicia on “Group Tasks”

“Summer is all about spending as much time outside as possible. Nobody wants to be inside doing chores, making meals, or cleaning rooms, especially you! Instead of tackling everything yourself, get the whole family to jump in and help get things together. Many hands do indeed make light work. So the next time your kids or spouse beg you to come out and play, point out that quicker they come in and help out, the sooner everything will be finished so everyone can go play.”

Sarah on “Little Tasks”

“During the summer months, I look to maximize the impact of those in-between moments, those two to five minute windows of time. I’ll keep a running list in my head of little things that I can do in small windows of time. For example, I know I should throw out some old magazines in the living room. Or take a pile of clean laundry to the bedroom. Or empty the trash from the upstairs bathroom. I’m always amazed at how much I can accomplish by the end of one week by taking advantage of little time windows.”

Here are a few specific ideas on how to make those lazy summer days a little less lazy.

1. Commercially Clean

Ever look over from in front of the TV and see a quick task you could, and should, do? Any time you’re watching TV, take the time during commercial breaks to tidy up one room of the house. You will be amazed what you can accomplish in just two minutes and two seconds. And all you people with DVRs, no cheating by fast forwarding though all the commercials!

2. Delegate 3 things on your list

One of the easiest ways to cross tasks off your list is to delegate them. Sure, it may seem difficult at first to relinquish certain tasks – will others do it poorly or wrong? - but it is one worth overcoming. Start by having people help out with three things you had planned on doing yourself. You’ll not only be surprised at how willing others are to help you out, but also by the weight taken off your shoulders once you’re used to delegating effectively.

3. Focus on the reward

“You can go swimming once you clean up your room.” “No ice cream until you’ve helped clear the table.” Ah, yes, rewards. It’s the oldest trick in the book, but that’s because it’s also the most effective. The summer months are a particularly good time to use rewards as it’s a time when, not only are there the most fun activities, but, as the parent, you’re in charge of most of them.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.” We welcome your thoughts! Please visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com or send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com.

Have you heard of the television show on TLC called “What Not to Wear?” Well, this is our little organizational twist. Our organizational instincts tell us to make “To Do” lists, and only when everything is crossed off are we able to truly say we are organized. Unfortunately, that state of perfection is next to impossible. There will always be some new task to take on, or some old task that needs to be done again. It’s a never-ending cycle!

The secret to getting organized lies not so much what you have to do, but in knowing what you don’t have to do. Of course, this is easier said than done. By even acknowledging that something could be a task, you’re going to think about taking it on. But, believe us, by creating a “Not To Do” list, you’ll end up realizing what is most important, and you’ll feel much more accomplished when you’re finished with your actual “To Do” list.

Alicia on “Turning off Distractions”

“The biggest upside of identifying those things you don’t have to do is that you gain some focus. Our lives, both at work and at home, are overflowing with notepads and sticky notes, each full of reminders of all the things we haven’t done yet. Unfortunately, these supposedly helpful reminders only serve to interrupt and distract us from doing what we actually need to do.”

Sarah on “Getting Momentum Working for You”

“Another benefit of making a “Not To Do” list is that it feels good! The happy truth is, you don’t need to have your clothes perfectly hung and color coded, your photos cataloged and in elegantly labeled boxes, your DVDs alphabetized and on index cards, or a paperless desk in order to be truly ‘Buttoned Up.’ But all too often they’re still on our mental organizational “to-do” list week after week, month after month, even year after year. And we wonder why we get stuck! Since the simple act of completing an organizational task, no matter how small, gets the magic of momentum working for you – you can get the ball rolling today by crossing needless tasks off of your list!”

Streamline your to-do list with these three simple tips.

1. Embrace Imperfect Organization

Imperfect organization is a novel concept that examines organization within the broader context of your total life. The basic premise holds that in order to get more sanely buttoned up overall, you may need to let go of the need to be perfectly organized in some individual areas of your life. Organization should be a means to an end (freeing up time to do what you really want to do) not the end itself.

2. Stop Worrying

If you feel yourself resisting the idea that you can choose amongst your long lists of to-dos, you might be concerned about what will get left behind. You may worry …if I cross it off my list today, will my bedroom ever get painted, will my lawnmower ever get fixed, will my holiday cards ever get written, or will I ever get to go to the gym if that to-do doesn’t make it into my top priorities? The quick answer is: if you decide it needs to get done, it will get done. You pick your own priorities. They can be for the month, for the week, or for the day. You decide.

3. Make a “Nothing Else” List

Once you let go of the fear that some things might not get done (at least today), turn your attention to what must get done. Make a list of ‘top three tasks’ in a few areas of your life. If you were able to accomplish only three things today, what would they absolutely, positively have to be? What three phone calls do you definitely have to make? What three emails must you send? What three errands must you run? Writing them down as if “nothing else” matters increases their urgency and generally the speed in which you are able to get them done!

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.” We welcome your thoughts! Please visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com or send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com.

Rock legend Alice Cooper memorialized the joy of the last day of school in the band’s ubiquitous 1972 hit, “School’s Out.” With no school to fill youngsters’ summer days, it’s up to parents to figure out how to keep them busy and out of trouble.

Why not stretch their creativity muscles with fun activities? Here are 10 to generate memories.

1. Broadway Babies. Have the kids write, produce and put on a play each month. Check out library books on plays and theater, and have them encourage friends to join in. If your kids are tech savvy, let them create movies.

2. Memory Makers. Start a summer scrapbook. Let youngsters take photos of anything their hearts desire, using a child’s digital or disposable camera. Have them work on scrapbooks of their work each week. By summer’s end, they will have a keepsake capturing tons of memories.

3. Freebie Frenzy. Get on your local visitors and conventions bureau Web site. Search for possibilities such as free movie nights or free or low-cost tickets for museums.

4. Host a Pirates Party. Gather your little Blackbeards for a pirate-themed party. Fill a treasure chest with candy and other treats, and have the children dress up. Draw a treasure map, and have the kids complete tasks before receiving the next clues. Consider activities such as making puzzles, solving riddles or competing in pie-eating or bubble-gum-blowing contests.

5. Get Global. Each week, check out a library book on a foreign country. Learn with the kids about different cultures, foods and clothing. Declare “(Name of Country) Day,” on which you all prepare typical foods, learn phrases and play popular games from that nation.

6. Super Savers. Institute a coupon-clipping contest and have your kids help you hunt for savings. Put them in charge of coupons for alternate weeks and keep a running tally of what was spent each week. At summer’s end, the one with the lowest dollar amount wins a prize.

7. Freeze Time. Build a time capsule for the summer of 2008. Have your kids keep a diary or journal, take photos, make a mix CD of favorite songs and collect souvenirs. In late summer, have them put the items in an airtight container and bury it. In 10 years, they can dig it back up and laugh at the fun times they shared. Bury it at least 4 feet underground, but check with your utility companies before digging. Mark the spot and record where you’ve buried the time capsule.

8. Wet ‘n’ Wild Time! When the weatherman predicts hot and steamy weather, host an old-fashioned sprinkler party. It’s fun, inexpensive and always a blast. Ask neighbors, friends and relatives to bring different kinds of sprinklers, water guns and slides, and fill up water balloons. It will be a great way to keep the neighborhood entertained and cool.

9. Kiddie Kitchen. Have your youngsters create fun meals on their own. Start with a cookbook such as Emeril Lagasse’s “There’s a Chef in My Soup.” Let the kids do everything from setting the table to seating their guests to serving the food. Be prepared for a mess — and for a good time and great pictures. But always make sure you or another responsible adult is on hand to supervise the kitchen activities.

10. Karaoke, Anyone? On the next rainy day, try a karaoke DVD for kids. They can set up a stage, make costumes from old clothes and rehearse. They’ll be ready to give a concert in the late afternoon or evening.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.” We welcome your thoughts! Please visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com or send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com

You’ve no doubt got a handle on the fundamentals you’ll need for your new little one: crib, bassinet, stroller, changing table, and glider or rocking chair. And your family and friends have probably showered you (or soon will) with sweet gifts like fashionable clothes, plush toys, DVDs, and soft blankets. But what else is essential to have in place before you head to the hospital? Trust us, there’s nothing more stressful than coming home with your new bundle of joy only to find that you don’t have what you need to care for him, her…or them!

Alicia on “Safety First”

“There are so many things you could do to try and prepare for the arrival of your little bundle of joy that you could practically still be preparing when your child is applying to college. We strongly recommend focusing on the basics, like creating a safe environment. Baby proofing certainly counts as an essential. Cover those outlets, eliminate or round off hard-edged corners, put a gate in front of stairs, and lock those cabinets. Another essential is having an emergency plan and numbers handy. When was the last time you and your family ran through a fire drill, after dark? Or made sure you could find you way around with no power? The time to realize you are not as prepared as you like is not when there are little ones who are depending on you to know just that information.”

Sarah on “There’s No Such Thing as Perfectly Ready”

“When my husband and I were expecting our first child, we had done what we thought was a pretty thorough job of setting up the nursery. We had a crib, changing table, diapers, clothes, soaps, lotions, a thermometer, toys, blankets – the works. But we were in for a rude awakening. The day we brought our son home from the hospital we found that the list of things we had forgotten was a mile long. You’ll get an avalanche of advice from doctors, relatives, friends, books, TV shows, and even total strangers. So, no matter how prepared you think you are – you’re likely to fall short of the perfect mark. Rather than beating yourself up for being imperfect, focus on what is most important: providing a loving home. People worry a lot about the best way to raise a child but, at the most basic level, kids need love, time, and attention.”

The following lists cover everything you will need to have ready when you bring home baby. We’ve grouped the lists into logical shopping expeditions so you don’t have to cram it all into one day (unless, of course, that’s more fun for you!). If your family and friends are throwing you a baby shower, we recommend that you wait until it’s over to go shopping because you might be able to cross a few things off your lists.

Shopping Trip #1: The Super Store

• Diaper Genie or diaper pail
• Diaper Genie refills or a pack of garbage bags
• Baby monitor
• Night light or light dimmer
• Baby hamper
• Receiving blankets (get at least one 5 pack – you’ll use them for everything from swaddling to positioning the baby and covering yourself up while breast feeding)
• Burp cloths (we recommend at least 6 because you’re likely to go through them at the rate of 2 per day and you don’t want to have to do laundry every day)
• Bibs (we recommend at least three to have handy. And if you’re planning on bottle feeding – get ten – babies can be messy eaters!)
• Hooded towel
• Sleep positioner
• Waterproof pad for changing table
• 2 waterproof mattress pads
• Diaper caddy
• Plastic bowl for holding water (many pediatricians recommend using just water and a washcloth to clean newborn bottoms rather than wipes)
• Washcloth – get two or more sets and keep one for baths and another for diaper changes if you’re not using wipes
• Baby bathtub
• Baby brush
• 20 baby hangers
• Dishwasher basket

Shopping Trip #2: The Grocery Store

• 1 pack of diapers for newborns (don’t buy too many diapers in advance because you just won’t know what size your little one will be until he/she arrives!)
• Baby shampoo
• Baby soap
• Baby lotion
• Diaper rash ointment
• Petroleum jelly
• Baby laundry detergent
• Ziploc bags (larger sizes are great for diaper bags, smaller ones for formula)
• Bottles with caps and collars (we recommend having one or two 4 oz bottles handy even if you’re planning on breast feeding because you may want them for pumped milk).
• Extra nipples (if bottle feeding)
• Bottle brush
• Antibacterial soap (especially great for guests to wash up before holding the baby)
• Hand sanitizer
• Extra batteries (AA, AAA and D)
• Coffee! (or tea)
• 3 gallons purified water (if planning to bottle feed)

Shopping Trip #3: The Drug Store

• Baby nail clippers
• Infant nasal aspirator
• Infant thermometer (rectal or ear)
• Infant Tylenol or Motrin (make sure it’s INFANT)
• Little noses saline drops
• Infant chest ointment
• Cotton swabs
• Large cotton squares or large oval makeup pad removers (you can use these with water to wipe the baby’s bottom instead of a washcloth if you want a disposable option)
• Infant pacifier (you may want to consider getting more than one so you can keep one in the diaper bag, one in the crib, etc.)
• Safety Q-tips
• Nursing pads
• Motrin (for mom!)

Shopping Trip #4: Clothing Store

• 6 newborn sleepers or gowns (the ones that look like a sack are great)
• 10 onesies (think about getting 6 short-sleeved and 4 long-sleeved ones)
• 1 newborn cap
• 2 or 3 pants made of soft fabric – look for ones with elastic waistbands that are easy to pull on
• 4 or 5 side snap t-shirts
• 2 sweaters
• 2 or 3 all-in-one outfits
• 6 pairs of booties or socks
• Seasonally appropriate outerwear (sun hat, winter hat, mittens, coat, snow suit)

Shopping Trip #5: Miscellaneous

• Rear facing federally approved infant car seat
• Diaper bag
• Baby swing or bouncy seat
• Baby carrier or sling
• Rain guard for stroller
• Cup holder for stroller
• Books on the basics: Baby CPR, Baby first aid, Sleeping, First months
• Camera and film or extra digital card
• Thank you notes (get a few boxes!)
• Stamps

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.” We welcome your thoughts! Please visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com or send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com.

When you hear the word “organize,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Closets? Filing cabinets? Toys? Bills?

How about these United States? It might seem far-fetched at first, but this great nation is the direct result of organizational prowess. Our forefathers — from George Washington to John Adams and Thomas Jefferson — saw the potential in a motley group of states and their very independent-minded constituents. They were determined to form a whole from the disparate parts, a whole that was bigger and better than the sum of the individual elements.

And they succeeded because they knew how to organize. They created clear declarations of their intent. They devised a system that would keep power dispersed and out of the hands of tyrants. They set up clear road maps, such as the Bill of Rights, so those independent-minded citizens would know how to navigate the new system with ease.

This Fourth of July, take a few moments to remember their incredible handiwork — and to reflect on the power of organization. If it was capable of altering the course of our country’s history, just think of what a little organization could do for you.

Alicia and Sarah on “Getting Started”:

For most of us mere mortals, the real problem isn’t figuring out the benefits we’d gain from getting organized but figuring out when, where and how to get started. If you’re disorganized, you are likely to stay that way unless you can get momentum working in your favor.

The trick: Do one small thing that you can cross off your list. A series of small steps add up to real progress. Our forefathers weren’t paralyzed by the enormity of the organizational task at hand. They successfully got the power of momentum working for them. They did something, like write an opinion piece, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Here are a few guiding principles for unleashing your own organizational prowess.

1. Organize to your goals

Being organized is not about being perfect or doing what someone else says you should. It’s about identifying what you really want to accomplish and then putting in place flexible frameworks and systems so that you can handle the inevitable twists and turns with confidence and sanity intact.

2. Define your priorities

Think about where this country would be today if the Founding Fathers hadn’t put a top priority on achieving independence and organizing a new system of government.

At first glance, it may seem as though everything on your to-do list is an absolute priority. But only a few things really matter in the long run. Set aside five to 10 minutes at the start of the week to review your list and at least mentally identify the four or five tasks that are most important.

3. Ask for help

This country was not built by a few; everybody played a role. If you have big goals in your own life, chances are you will need others to help you along the way. Learn to ask for help.

Delegating effectively can be a challenge, but it is worth overcoming. Enlisting the help of your “team” — spouse, children, roommates — will make all of you more efficient and happier. Doing everything by yourself demoralizes others because it robs them of the opportunity to add value with their own creative approaches to getting work done.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized (along with everybody else they’re responsible for too!). We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com

While nothing is more rewarding than being a parent, having some grown-up-only getaways is important if for no other reason than to keep you from baby-talking 24/7.

The first thing you need to do is get an idea of what kind of outing your circle would like to go on: just how adult is this to be. That will have a huge impact on the choices you need to research and options available.

Alicia on “Doing Your Own Thing”:

In the initial planning stage, when all things are possible, you might tend to over-plan. But remember that this should be about getting away from it all and recharging with other adults. The best way to do that is to plan for something that, when you get there, you can let things happen with no deadlines, stress or pressure. Things like three-day cruises or camping trips allow for different members of the group to decide individually what to do — say, being active or catching a nap. Also, these kinds of non-structured trips are more conducive to having free-flowing conversations on a wide variety of topics.

Sarah on “Hearing Voices”:

Instead of trying to do everything yourself, ask the participants to make suggestions about where to go and then offer them up for a vote. That way you are not “shoving” an idea down people’s throats while at the same time making your job a lot easier. Besides, someone might suggest something or someplace you have never heard of, adding a new possibility for a future getaway. And remember that life is not perfect. The main idea is to get some time with adults only. So, if your not-first choice is picked, just go with it; there will be plenty of relaxation and adult company no matter where you go.

Here are other tips to help you get back to the world outside your world.

1. Commitment Issues

Once the getaway has been decided on, you must get people to commit. Send them an e-mail that tells them exactly when and where the outing is going to be and give them a hard date they must commit by. This is, obviously, because any reservation for a large group, whether a campsite or a spa retreat, is going to require reservations far in advance. And there is no such thing as commitment without cash. They must send their part of the deposit or they will not be included.

2. Kids’ Camp

Most grandparents would love a chance to spend quality time with their grandchildren, so they are naturals to turn to for some low-cost baby-sitting coverage. Or you might want to consider arranging a round-robin baby-sitting service. Let all the kids camp out over at one person’s house and that way the service you hire can send a rotating shift of sitters. Your trip will not be seen as a negative by the kids: They got to have some fun while you did.

3. Let it Go

Once you are there, the best way to relax and have a good time and good conversation is to not try to be everyone’s mom. It is natural that the person who spends so much time planning and preparing will feel responsible for everyone during the trip. But these are all adults perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. Yes, some will turn to you with questions, which is natural, but do not do anymore than is asked of you (and maybe not even that much). You do not want to come home feeling you had to continue to play the role of mom.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized (along with everybody else they’re responsible for too!). We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com

Late spring and summer is the time when most people move, for obvious school and weather reasons. The feeling of shaking off the old and launching into the new can be exhilarating but also quite intimidating. There will be an enormous amount of responsibilities and headaches accompanying your move. No matter if your move is to the other side of town or the other side of the universe, the word of the day is “organization.” The more you prepare and plan before the first box is packed, the easier and less stressful your move will be.

Alicia on “Being Able to Chew Everything you Bite”:

There is no way of getting around it: Moving means planning, tracking and executing tasks both large and small, which, seen in their totality, can be overwhelming. That is why you will want to put together a binder, or buy a prepared one like Moving.kit from Buttoned Up. It can help keep all the tasks and paperwork organized. More importantly, it should help you view all those tasks as compartmentalized jobs — bite-sized pieces of a huge meal. So, instead of thinking every day for months that “We have to move,” you can think: “I have to hire a mover.” “I have to list my home and schedule appointments.” “I have to contact the power companies here and at the new place.” And so on.

Sarah on “Trust”:

You are certainly going to want to delegate tasks to all members of the family, and it provides a great learning opportunity. Let your kids be in charge of packing up their stuff — with your supervision, of course. Since it is unusual to take everything, the first thing they will learn is how to prioritize and let go of the things of the past. Once the move is complete, and any carelessness has resulted in a broken or lost item, they will understand the value of taking care of the things they care about.

While no one column can cover an entire move, we at least offer these hints.

1. Manga Manga

With the million and one things there will be to do on the days of the move –move-out day, travel day(s) and move-in day — you want to make sure you have a plan for food. You are all going to work physically hard for a few days, and everyone gets hungrier the more physical exertion is required. Accordingly, when people get tired and overtaxed, emotions can get raw. Make sure you have high-energy foods like fruit and trail mix with M&Ms mixed in as well as deli sandwiches in a cooler so that anyone can get something more substantial without a lot of prep time. Don’t forget water.

2. The Long and Winding Road

The best way to stay on an even keel is to be prepared for any deviations from your plan. Make sure you have the phone number for your moving company, whether you are hiring a company or renting a truck. You need to take an inspection of all vehicles before heading out to make sure they are roadworthy. In case of a breakdown, having the national numbers for a few chain motels would not be such a bad idea. Finally, you should have with you the number for the power company in your new city so that if there has been a snafu you can contact it immediately.

3. The Corners of your Mind

You never truly leave an old home; you just move into a new one. Since memories of your old life will always be with you, leave something behind to tie you physically to your onetime home. You could, for instance, bury something in the back yard. The whole family can get together and choose an item that best commemorates the time spent there. You might even have a little ceremony during which each person talks about a special memory.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized (along with everybody else they’re responsible for too!). We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com

We hear it all of the time. ‘I just do not have time to get organized. I want to, but I just can’t fit it in with everything else going on in my life.’ While this may indeed be true, you can get organized in baby steps if you just set aside a few minutes each day. The National Association of Professional Organizers estimates that people waste an hour a day searching for things they know they have but cannot get their hands on. If you find just five minutes each day for a month to clean up your act, you will save much more than that in no time. So let’s get started.

Alicia & Sarah on ‘How to Find The Time’

‘We started to think about all of the ‘could be wasted time’ that we make use of to tidy up and get things in order. Think about your day and we are sure you too will find many opportunities for five minutes here and there that will add up to real results over time. Some of our favorite organizing bursts happen while waiting in the car pool lane for pick up, in the morning when we might be talking to our mom or husband on the phone, watching swimming lessons, or the last hour of the evening when everyone else is tucked in and sleeping. Each of us has these moments everyday where we can easily multi-task or finish a quick project. All you need to do is consciously look for these moments and then seize the opportunity.’

Here are some of our favorite quick organizing projects. Most can be done in just five to ten minutes.

#1: Clear out your voice mail boxes

We all have old needless voice messages saved on our home, cell and work voice mails. Delete them. It will save you time the next time you have to find a saved message you really need.

#2: Put 20 pictures in a photo album

But a photo album and keep it handy. When you have 5 minutes, grab a stack of pictures you have been meaning to put away and place in an album. It clears clutter and preserves the pictures.

#3: Run the trash relay

Grab a garbage bag and run around the house and throw out useless things (e.g. old newspapers, junk mail) until it is full. It may not make a dent at first, but a few of these breaks and things start to get cleaned up.

#4: Return one important call

Sometimes only the urgent calls get returned. When you have a few minutes, make a call you have been meaning to do and get it out of the way.

#5: Toss five things in the refrigerator

We all have those things that should be long gone but aren’t. What about the empty mustard bottle that still is in the refrigerator door just in case there is something left to squeeze out? Toss it along with everything past its expiration date.

#6: Clean out one bathroom drawer

When was the last time you cleaned out the drawers in your bathroom? Maybe never. Pick one drawer each day and pretty soon you are done.

#7: Sort it out

Take the time to sort the mail pile and get it in order. Put things in 3 piles: (1) things to read, (2) things that need attention like bills, and (3) things to toss. Just getting rid of the junk should cut the pile in half and make it easier to deal with the rest.

#8: Look at the next 7 days

Take out your calendar and actually look at the next week and take a moment to plan. Are there birthday gifts you need to buy? Sitters you need to hire? How nice would it be to get these things done ahead of time so you do not have to run around at the last minute?

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized (along with everybody else they’re responsible for too!). We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com

Whether you are 22 and just starting out or close to retirement, you need to keep your finances well organized. It is a mistake to think that making a lot of money ensures financial success. In fact, studies show that it is easier to spend a million dollars than one hundred for the simple reason that if you only have a little money, you pay close attention to each dime whereas a million can lull you into a false sense of security. While this is an extreme example, the idea is the same: you need to keep track of your net-worth and have a good plan for the future. Add to that the difficult economic times we are in and it becomes even more important that your finances are organized and well understood by you.

Alicia on “Break It Down”

“Dealing with your finances can seem overwhelming because there are so many huge questions to answer: when are you planning to retire; how much do you need to live on when you retire; can you afford to send your children to private colleges; is it a good time to have another baby; how much cash should you keep on hand for a rainy day. All these questions and more can cause what we call “organizational inertia,” or a sense of paralysis that overwhelmed. And it’s easy to see why! It isn’t always obvious how you can stretch your paychecks across living expenses and long-term savings. The best cure for this inertia isn’t burying your head in the sand, but rather breaking the big problems down into smaller, digestible pieces. Work on one area at a time, don’t try to tackle everything at once.”

Sarah on “Prioritize”

“Very few people have the financial luxury of being able to do it all. For the rest of us, probably the most critical component for financial success is the ability to prioritize. What you choose not to do with your money makes it possible for you to accomplish what really matters. Of course, that is easier said than done! If you feel like a fish out of water when it comes to deciding what not to do with your money, ask for help. A financial advisor, whether a certified financial planner, an accountant, a stock broker, or just a trusted, financially successful friend can be a tremendous help when it comes to articulating priorities and setting plans to meet your goals.”

Here are some other helpful financial hints to help point you towards success.

1. Pay Attention to Details

What may seem like small potatoes today over time can have a significant impact. One late bill can cost you $30 or more on unnecessary fees and/or higher interest rates because of your irregular payment history. Stay on top of bills and financial statements by organizing your inbox and switching to e-statements whenever possible. To ensure you don’t fall behind on any bills, set either a weekly or bi-weekly appointment in your calendar to pay the bill. It may seem extreme, but designating a day and time for bill paying each week will keep you on the straight and narrow.

2. Keep a Scorecard

Synopsize your total financial picture once a year. It needs to include everything: what you made, what your investments are and what they produced, and what you think you will make next year. This will help ensure that you are on track. Then keep these yearly summaries so that you can compare where you wanted to be versus where you are. This can also help you understand when you might need to change direction in one or more areas of your financial plan.

3. Your Money or Your Life

As important as this is, money is only one part of life and not even the most important. If you let it, money matters can consume your life. Remember to keep focus on the really important parts of life: family, home, happiness, love and whatever else is in your heart. Pursue long-term financial security but never at the expense of your life.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized (along with everybody else they’re responsible for too!). We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com

When Ted Kennedy’s family recently announced that he had a brain tumor, we were reminded of the critical role organization plays in successful, long-term care. When a person you love is faced with a long-term or debilitating illness, the impact on your day-to-day life can be significant. Navigating these waters as a primary caretaker or simply as a loving supporter with sanity intact requires planning, patience and support. Perhaps the most important rule of thumb to keep in mind during this time is the 80/20 rule. No one can do it all. So rather than obsessing about doing everything, focus on the 20% of tasks that really matter and let go of the rest.

Alicia on “Write It Down”

“When a parent, a spouse, a child, or someone else you love is sick, emotions can run high – and your concentration is liable to fly right out the window. Many people feel during times like this as though they are “underwater” or like they are “living in slow motion.” In addition to the added tasks of caring for your loved one, the uncertainty and stress can divert your remaining attention and energy away from everyday tasks. But the rest of your life doesn’t stop – and you can’t afford to ignore it completely. In times like these, the to-do list can play an important and cathartic role. What you write down gets done! At the start of each day, write down your to-dos and then go through the list and identify the 20 percent of the tasks that are crucial for keeping life on track. Not only will writing down your to-dos make you feel more in control, but taking the added step of prioritizing means you will complete the ones that really matter.”

Sarah on “Ask for Help”

“Illnesses, and their treatments, are demanding and cannot be put on hold. And since the rest of your life cannot be put on hold either, at some point (or rather, many points) along the way, you will need to enlist the help of others. Delegating effectively takes some skill. There will be many concerned people who will offer help, but it will be important right away to get a sense for how much help will really be available. You cannot count on someone to do something unless you are sure that that person will follow through. Therefore, you need to immediately create a list of who can help and how much. That way you will know who to turn to for what kinds of things.”

Here are some other hints to help you through a very difficult time.

1. Create an Organized Medical Binder

Staying on top of paperwork can be difficult even in the best of times, but when you’re dealing with a health issue, it can be downright overwhelming. We recommend putting a binder together to organize all important treatment information, from diagnosis and treatment regimes, to insurance filings, and correspondence. When you give yourself the peace of mind that comes with having the information you need, when you need it, you can concentrate on what really matters most: getting well.

2. Patience

Make sure to schedule visit and non-visit times. Of course friends and family members are going to be concerned and want to come by the house or hospital. And visits from loved ones are an important part of the recovery process. But the down side comes when someone wants to visit when a treatment is supposed to begin or rest is called for. This can turn a positive into a stress-inducing negative. Everyone will understand that these non-visit times are necessary but you need a schedule that you can e-mail around for everyone to be on the same page.

3. Truly the Best Medicine

Both science and anecdotal evidence has long proved that laughter/happiness has a healing ability beyond medicine. And it is easy to get caught up in despair during this rocky road. So, build into the schedule time for funny movies, books and articles. Fill the rooms with positive and humorous images/commentaries. Ask visitors to come prepared to relate any funny anecdotes or daily happenings, no matter how slight. Filling your loved one’s life at this time with positive, life-affirming thoughts and comments will light the path of recovery.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized (along with everybody else they’re responsible for too!). We welcome your thoughts! Please send ideas and questions to us at: yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com