Getting dinner on the table EVERY SINGLE NIGHT can be challenging enough...but when your kitchen is a disaster -- it's at least twice as hard!  Never fear, Shelley from OneRoastVegetable.com to the rescue!

Shelly's hosting a FREE teleclass where she'll actually walk you through organizing your kitchen -- right there on the phone!  

Just imagine what you could get done with a little support and motivation.

So go sign up for it RIGHT NOW at:  http://www.OneRoastVegetable.com/teleclass.htm

And while you're there, get her incredible FREE Roast Vegetable Salad instructions as well. You can get that at  www.OneRoastVegetable.com

Enjoy!

There are SO MANY kinds of day-planners out there -- but very few that are made with the needs of a busy mom in mind.

The FamilyTime.mine Day Planner was not only made by a mom -- it was developed with the input of LOTS of moms -- so you get a planner that has everything you need -- and nothing you don't!

When I first got my FamilyTime.mine planner, I just loved the colorful cover and it's spiral binding -- no worry about losing pages. Then, I loved that it opened to flap where I could create a Master Schedule for each season. This is a feature I have ALWAYS WANTED in a planner because I have many re-occuring appointments.

The weekly calendar is great too -- enough space to write what I need each day -- and I can can still see the whole week at a glance PLUS a place for my ever-running lists.

And you're never stuck without a number you need too!  The "Family Business" Section will keep all of the numbers you need handy too. Plus, the page for babysitters is a nice addition.

All in all, if you need a planner, and you like the paper-and-pencil kind, consider the FamilyTime.mine planner. You can get it at your local Borders, on Amazon.com OR at http://www.timemine.com/family.html

"A man work from sun-to-sun, but a woman's work is never done."  

This old adage is especially true for mothers, which is why we need learn how to STOP adding to our own workload.

Your mother may have taught you when you were a a child that it is  impolite to say the word "“No." But you are not a child anymore!  ”

Mothers need to learn that saying "No"  as an adult is not rude. It is not a sign of being unreliable. Rather, it is a sign of someone who is in control of her life and her schedule. She knows what she is capable of accomplishing and she is aware of her other commitments.

Here are a few ways to gain back control of your life, simply by learning how to say, “"No"”:

1. Keep your calendar or planner up to date and use it. Schedule everything on one calendar, even exercise and family time, and keep it near the phone for easy reference when someone calls asking for a favor.

 2. If saying "No" is very difficult for you, get in the habit of saying "Let me check my schedule and get back to you." You can say this even if you calendar is right next you. It buys you time to consider the pros and cons of adding another commitment to your busy life.

3.  Do not feel obligated to offer a detailed explanation when saying "No." You can simply say something like,  "I have an appointment then". There is no need to explain what the appointment is (and yes, appointments with yourself DO count!)

4.  Be selective when choosing to volunteer your time.  Do not feel the need to serve on  every school committee (or soon you may feel the need to go postal!) . Instead, choose one or two activities or committees that interest you and schedule that time on your planner.

5. Set limits on your childrens after-school activities. Team activites are fun and help improve social skills, but that does not mean your children have  to be on a different team each season or take multiple lessons a week. Instead, teach your children how to choose activities that are most important to them and keep their focus on their studies. You'll be preparing them to say "no" properly as adults.

Saying, “"Yes",” to too many things is a habit that can be un-learned. Before committing to anything, spend some quiet time with yourself and decide what things you want to be a part of and how much time you have in your days. Sometimes we must compromise so we can successfully balance our family, work and volunteer lives.

For more ideas on busy moms can   simplify their lives and stay sane I recommend the terrific (and affordable) ebook called "Don't Fall Into The Supermom Trap" Check it out at http://www.solutionsforbusymoms.com/supermomtrap

As you may know, I love food! I have more cookbooks than one person should be allowed to own by law!

But as much as I love food, and cooking and cookbooks,  you may also know that I don't LOVE planning out meals every week.

And yet...when I don't plan out my meals for the week, I find that we eat too much junk, and spend too much money on "quick" food. 

 That's why one of my all-time-favorite solutions for busy moms is to subscribe to an online menu-planning service. For a small fee these services will deliver premade meal plans & shopping lists RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL INBOX every week. No More "What's for Dinner?!?" crisises at 4:30 in the afternoon.  Just print out the shopping list and go to the grocery store on the weekend (or whenever you do your shopping). Then follow the meal plan and you'll be prepared for the week!

I'll get right to the point -- one of the best menu planning services is having a half-price sale and I URGE you to take advantage of it!  

MenuPlanningCentral  offers  more value than most of the online menu planning services out there. Instead of one type of menu, this program offers three (one family friendly, one healthy menu, and one vegetarian) – enough of each type for one entire month.

You also get a special monthly report (with past products archived), covering different  culinary topics  - such as grilling or Mexican - expert advice, videos, a community forum, and a "menu maker" service for even MORE personalized options - coming soon.  

Menu Planning Central usually costs $19.97 to join and then $19.97/month  (and it is worth it at that price!) but if you sign up before the end of January, you can join for only $9.97 and then pay only $9.97 per month for as long as you choose to remain a member. 

You'll definately want to check this one out at: http://www.solutionsforbusymoms.com/menuplanningforbusymoms.

Just sign up for their terrific freebies...and then you'll be taken to a page where you can learn more and sign up  for pre-made dinner plans, complete with shopping lists, and more for just 9.97!  

Moms,

You know how I LOVE to write...well...I'm sorry, but this solution is purely visual!

Check out this incredible pocketbook for busy moms -- or any busy lady! 

One day the creator of this purse took a dishwasher tray and placed it in her bag and "voila", everything had a place!  No more digging.

Then she started creating them for the rest of us! Thank you, Jen! 

Now...if only she would start making diaper bags...hmm.....

You can check out her entire line of butler bags here:

http://www.solutionsforbusymoms.com/butlerbags 

I've always wanted a butler...

This will have to do ;)