Teaching Kids How to Graciously Accept Gifts of All Kinds

We’ve all been there. Our child has been given a gift and had a super embarrassing response, such as “I don’t want this,” “I already have this one,” or they toss it aside like it is nothing. And, as their mom, you want to crawl under a rock. First, please know that this is a rite of passage for all parents during the holiday season. It does not mean you are a bad mom, or you are raising naughty children. The truth is kids have to be taught how to graciously accept gifts – even gifts they may not want.

Talk to Kids Beforehand

The first thing you need to do is talk to your kids beforehand about your expectations. Don’t expect kids to know they shouldn’t tell grandma they don’t like something if you have been raising them to be truthful. That is hard for little ones to understand. Instead, explain that they may receive gifts they don’t like or that they already have. In these cases, they should say “thank you” rather than something that may hurt the gift giver’s feelings. Depending on your situation, you may also want to explain what they should expect, such as “Uncle Joe is giving you one small thing, so don’t look for more gifts.”

Gifts are Not Owed

An important thing to teach kids is that they are not owed gifts. This is difficult for them to grasp, so just stick to explaining the word gift means “something given” instead of something expected or demanded. You may want to explain that the gift-giver spent their time and money finding their gift, so it is rude to act ungrateful – no matter what the gift is.

Set Gift Receiving Rules

As a family, define your gift receiving rules. For example, your family may decide that you will open one present at a time instead of everyone opening everything at once. Another rule is to a say kind “thank you” after opening each gift.

Describe Unacceptable Responses

Along these same lines, you should also explain what responses to gifts are unacceptable. Some examples include:

• A sarcastic or rude “thank you”

• I don’t want this

• I don’t like this

• What else did you get me?

• Is this all?

• I already have this

A good way to make this stick is to have your kids consider how they would feel if someone responded in these ways to their gifts.

You’re Welcome

Along with teaching your kids to say “thank you,” you should also teach them how to handle being the gift giver. The holiday season is the perfect time to teach kids how to say, “You’re welcome” when they are thanked.

Model It for Your Kids

Finally, and most importantly, model how to graciously accept gifts to your children. They are watching you. If you say “thank you” and show genuine enthusiasm for the gifts you receive, they will be more likely to follow your example.

What tips do you have to help other parents handle holiday gift receiving?

Why You Need to Reduce Your Closet in 2020

You may be surprised that as a personal shopper and a fashion lover and shoe addict, I am telling you that you need to reduce your closet in 2020. But I have very good reasons. And, they are reasons that do not go against my love of having beautiful clothing, purses, and shoes in my closet. If you want to go into the next decade feeling lighter and freer, then you need to reduce your closet in 2020. This is why.

Less is More

It is easy to get caught up in wanting to have it all – that’s what society teaches us. But, instead of embracing a “more more more” lifestyle, try to remember less is more. Let’s think about this idea and our closets. What is more attractive? A closet that seems to explode when you open the door because there is too much stuff or a clean and organized closet where you can easily find everything you are looking for? See? Less is more when it comes to closets, too.

A Capsule Wardrobe is Easier

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that can be worn in multiple ways by mixing, matching, and accessorizing. When you simplify your closet to a smaller number of essential items, you will find it is easier to get dressed and ready to go in the morning. Plus, it will help you stress less because you will know you look good and feel good since you have chosen the key pieces of clothing in advance for this purpose.

Times are Changing – Don’t Get Stuck in the Wrong Decade

You can still be fashionable if you embrace the idea of a capsule wardrobe for each season. You may even be more fashionable. By reducing your closet to key clothing items that don’t go out of fashion, you won’t find yourself wearing something no longer in style. Think about your closet. Are there clothing items that are “so last decade” or even further back? If so, it’s time to say goodbye. You don’t want to carry decades worth of clothing baggage into the next one.

Quality Over Quantity

Rather than stuffing your closet with a bunch of cheap clothing items, choose to purchase fewer, more expensive items that will last longer. A closet that has a few quality clothing items is much better than one overflowing with stuff that will fall apart after a few washes. Take time to get rid of the clothing items in your closet that look cheap or already show wear.

Because It’ll Bring You Joy

If we learned anything towards the end of the 2010s, it was that we should care about what brings us joy. And, according to Marie Kondo in her book Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, cleaning your closet will bring you joy. By removing the items in your closet that do not spark joy, your closet will begin to make you happy rather than overwhelmed.

What to Get Your BFF for Christmas

The older I get, the more I value my friendships. As we build our own lives and families, our friend circle grows smaller and smaller. But, I can’t imagine my life without those friends who have stuck by me through all the different seasons of life. That’s why I think it is important not to overlook them during the holidays.

As Mandy Hale writes, “Celebrate the people in your life who are there because they love you for no other reason than because you are you.” What better way to celebrate your best friend than to give her the perfect present at Christmas? Here are some ideas to help you find a gift that will show your BFF just how much she means to you.

Something Personal & Fun

You and your BFF likely have tons of inside jokes. You know what makes her laugh more than anyone else – possibly even more than her husband. So, look for a present that is personal and fun, such as a coffee mug with a funny saying from her favorite television show. What does she love? What makes her laugh?

Something Memorable & Meaningful

If your gal pal is sentimental, then look for a gift that is memorable and meaningful. For example, frame a photo of the two of you from when you were younger or give her a bracelet with a special message (such as “You’re my person”). You may also want to consider personalized items.

Something for the Two of You

Instead of giving her physical present, consider giving her an experience gift that the two of you can enjoy together. For instance, book a spa day for the two of you, take a winery tour, or get tickets to a concert. Just make sure the experience is what she wants to do and not just what you want.

Something She Needs But Won’t Ask For

You know her better than anyone, which means you also know what she really needs even if she won’t ask for it. Use this information to give her something special. This may not even be a gift you can wrap. For instance, your friend may need a date night, so offer to babysit her kids. Or, your friend may be overwhelmed with the current state of the laundry, so offer to help her get it all done.

Something She Can Use Over and Over Again

Instead of giving her something that ends up collecting dust, choose a gift that keeps on giving. For example, purchase a year-long subscription for Hulu or Netflix, a subscription for People magazine, or a subscription for FabFitFun. These are gifts she will get to enjoy over and over again.

Something Priceless

Ultimately, the best gift you can give your friend is to be a friend. Give her your time and attention. Listen to her, laugh with her, and give her a shoulder to lean on. Sometimes it is more important to simply “be there” for your friend than it is to arrive with something new and shiny.

Is Your Kid Frozen 2 Obsessed? Here are Some Unique Gift Ideas.

If your kids are anything like my girls, then they are Frozen 2 obsessed! I thought my years of hearing my girls sing “Let It Go” were long over, but with “Into the Unknown” my house is just as loud. From seeing the movie to acting it out at home, my daughters are living in Arendelle in their minds. And, honestly, there are A LOT worse things they could be into. Some kid’s television, movies, and music are rough on my ears, but I can handle the Frozen 2 soundtrack, and I appreciate the message of the story.

So, it did not surprise me at all when they visited Santa and requested tons of Frozen 2 merchandise. If you have been to ANY store in the past week, you know that Santa and his elves will not have any difficulty fulfilling this wish. Even so, you may be looking for something more unique for your Frozen princesses or prince this Christmas, and I have come up with some fantastic ideas.

A Karaoke Machine

Your kids are already singing the songs from the movie at full blast, so why not encourage this love of music by investing in a karaoke machine for the whole family. There is currently a Frozen 2 karaoke machine, but I say off for a regular machine, so you get use out of it even after the Frozen 2 fad ends.

A Frozen 2 Themed Lesson

How about getting your kids a Frozen 2-themed lesson? For example, sign your kids up for ice skating lessons or horseback riding lessons near New York City. These are gifts that will keep on giving and help them find themselves.

Tickets to the Broadway Show

Splurge on tickets to see Frozen on Broadway. This will be a magical experience for anyone who is a fan of the movie – but especially for kids who are fans of musicals. There is nothing that can compare to a live Broadway show.

A Frozen 2 Craft Box

If your kids are little artists and craft-makers, then put together a Frozen 2 craft box. You can purchase pre-made Frozen 2 craft kits at stores like Michael’s or use this list from Cool Mom Picks of DIY ideas.

A Bag of Insta-Snow

New York families get to experience snow each year, but it never seems to be at the right time. If this sounds relatable (or you live in a warmer climate), then purchase a bag of instant snow. Just add water to Insta-Snow and watch the magic happen.

Frozen Colour Pop Makeup

Instead of wasting money on the cheap Frozen makeup kits you will find everywhere, purchase one of the high-quality Frozen 2 ColourPop kits, which come in either the Elsa or Anna palette.

A Frozen 2 Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are all the rage right now – and for a good reason. Weighted blankets help little ones feel more secure and relaxed. So, the combination of the weight and their favorite characters is a solid win. They are selling different types of Frozen 2 weighted blankets at most department stores and online.

Frozen 2 Build a Bear

Why not purchase a gift certificate so your child can build their own Frozen 2 Character Plush at Build-A-Bear? This gift works as both a gift (the stuffed toy) and an experience (building the character plush). Your child can add tons of unique pieces to their stuffed toy, such as Frozen costumes and songs.

Don’t worry – if you have to wait until Christmas Eve, there are still bound to be tons of options on the toy aisles at your local Walmart or Target.

Forget Cyber Monday. I’m All About Travel Tuesday.

While many of you may be reading this while you are trying to decide if you are going to go out in the shopping rush today. I have news for you. There is another big savings day right around the corner that you may want to save your money for.

Travel Tuesday is the Tuesday following Black Friday. It occurs on December 3, 2019, this year. Travel Tuesday is one day of the year when you can find huge discounts on travel – flights, hotels, cruises, and more. Since Travel Tuesday is a newer sales day, fewer people know about it, which means you will have an easier time scoring deals.

As someone who absolutely loves to travel both with my kids and kid-free, I’m telling you to save some of your money today so you can treat yourself on Tuesday. I’m here to help you get ready for the newest most exciting shopping day of the year.

Prepare Your Travel Bucket List

If you suffer from wanderlust, Travel Tuesday is your jam. However, you do want to have some places in mind that you’d like to visit rather than purchasing flights for an unknown destination at the spur of the moment. Instead, make a travel bucket list and start crossing your fingers that Travel Tuesday offers deals for these destinations.

Research Ahead of Time

While there are sure to be great deals on Travel Tuesday, you don’t want to get suckered. Take some time today to do a bit of light research on the destinations you have in mind, so you’ll know a good deal when you see one.

What to Expect

You should expect big discounts on travel – 70% off domestic and international bucket list destinations. Plus, Hopper found “more flights discounted on Travel Deal Tuesday than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined.”

Good Morning America’s Think Travel Tuesday for the year's best vacation deals is already listing some of 2019’s Travel Tuesday deals such as luxury resorts at 50% to 70% off in destinations like the Grand Cayman, Mexico, Negril, and more.

Where to Check for Deals

In addition to following news sites like Good Morning America, you should also plan to check individual airlines, cruise lines, hotel chains, and travel company web pages (such as Cheap Caribbean) and social media sites for Travel Tuesday deals.  

Don’t Forget to Read the Fine Print

Finally, it is super (super) important to read the fine print when it comes to travel deals. While you can get an incredibly awesome deal, there may be some reasons for you to hesitate hitting the “Book It” button. For example, many Travel Tuesday deals are non-refundable. Also, many Travel Tuesday deals may wind up costing you significantly more than the sticker price due to baggage fees, resort fees, and parking charges.

After you book your trip on Travel Tuesday, be sure to comment to let me know where you are going and what kind of deal you received!

A Lazy Mom’s Holiday Bucket List

The holiday season seems to make moms lose their minds. We feel so much pressure to do all the things. It makes the holiday season extremely stressful, and ultimately, not very fun. And, it is so easy to get caught up in it all and feel like your kids have to do what Little Sally next door did or else they won’t have wonderful holiday memories, and you have failed as a mother.

I’m here to release you from the burden of having to do it all. No more intense Christmas crafting or cooking! Let’s embrace doing the bare minimum. Plus, I’m betting our kids will be even happier when mom is more relaxed. Toss out the giant holiday list of things to do you’ve made in your mind and embrace the lazy mom’s holiday bucket list.

Decorate the Tree

Yes, you should decorate the tree. But let’s make it a little easier. Let the KIDS decorate the tree while you sit back and drink some wine or eggnog and try not to rearrange all the ornaments. Speaking of ornaments, go to the store and let the kids pick out a special ornament instead of trying to make salt dough ornaments.

Bake the Treats

Sure, you want to have some Christmas goodies in your house. If baking is relaxing for you, then go crazy. If not, don’t stress! Buy some pre-made goodies or buy some of the pre-made Christmas cookie dough. Your kids will not care. Cookies are cookies.

Hunt for the Best Lights

Do you know which holiday tradition requires very minimal effort from parents? Going to look at Christmas lights! All you have to do is pile the kids in the car after dark and drive to a lit-up neighborhood. Super easy and very enjoyable for everyone.

Watch the Holiday Movies

Nothing says Lazy Mom’s Holiday Bucket List like going all in for a PJ & movie day. Tell the family you are going to stay in your PJ’s all day and watch your favorite holiday movies. Pop some popcorn, order pizza, and you will have a new favorite holiday tradition.

Drink All the Hot Chocolate

If you want your kids to feel special, let them get a hot drink when you visit your local coffee shop. They will be thrilled drinking hot chocolate while you get all the caffeine you need to survive school break.

Go Caroling

While caroling is fun, you know what is also fun? Singing carols at home with your family. Play the piano or bust out the karaoke machine and enjoy the loud show your kids will put on. Tell them if they sing loud enough that the neighbors can hear just like caroling.

Hit the Ice

If you need to kill some time, take the kids to a nearby ice skating rink. You will all get some much-needed exercise after all the eating and movie watching you’ve been doing, and you’ll have fun doing it.

Wrap the Presents

Unless you love wrapping presents, find someone else to do it for you. Pay your teenage babysitter to wrap your gifts or visit a local gift wrap pop-up that benefits a local charity. This is especially helpful for those moms who just don’t have enough time.

Embrace Free Shipping

And by golly, if you want this holiday season to be jolly, then you must embrace free shipping! Turn on your favorite tv show and do all your Christmas shopping online. A few days later, all of those presents you ordered will magically appear on your doorstep without you having to leave the house. That’s a mom win.

Traveling This Thanksgiving? Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane on the Road.

Is your family planning hitting the road this Thanksgiving to visit family and friends? You are not alone! According to AAA, “More than 55 million travelers are making plans to kick off the holiday season with a trip of 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving.” That means there will be millions of other drivers on the roads alongside you. That’s why I am sharing my best tips to stay safe and sane on the busy traffic-roads this Thanksgiving.

Leave at the Right Time

If it is at all possible, avoid driving on Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) and Sunday (the one immediately following Thanksgiving). These are the worst days to be on the road with the most traffic. The best day to travel is actually Thanksgiving morning, so opt for a Thanksgiving dinner over lunch if you can.

Have an Abundance of Patience

When it comes to holidays, my motto is always “lower your expectations.” If your expectations are too high, you are bound to be disappointed. This goes with meals, gifts, and traffic. So, when you pile in the family vehicle this Thanksgiving, expect traffic and a longer than normal drive. Then, you’ll be surprised when the trip goes better than expected.

Pack Snacks

As always, pack snacks. You don’t want to be stuck in a car with whiny kids. And you don’t want to be hangry yourself. Snacks can solve a whole lot of problems.

Load Up the Devices Ahead of Time

The day before your trip take some time to download your kid’s favorite movies onto their devices. Bonus tip – download a new movie to watch just for this trip. Your kids will be thrilled, and it will give you at least two hours of peace and quiet on the ride.

Plan Stops on Your Route

Since traffic is guaranteed, make plans to stop along the route to break up the trip. It’ll be good for the whole family to get out of the car and stretch their legs. And, if you can make it a fun stop to a cool location, even better!

Use Apps for Alternate Routes

A major perk of using apps like Google Maps or Waze is because they offer up-to-date traffic information and route optimization. This means as you drive that the apps will alert you to traffic issues and reroute you whenever possible. Travel game changer.

Don’t Drink and Drive

I don’t want to even have to write this one, but facts are facts. People like to drink during the holidays (either to be festive or because sometimes it is a little too much family time. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents spike around holidays, including Thanksgiving. So much so that “AAA is warning the public of the hazards of drunk driving during Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend.”

Put Down Your Phone

Finally, don’t be a distracted driver. Your most precious cargo is traveling with you, so don’t risk an accident for a text. Plus, many states have now banned cell phone use in vehicles, so you don’t want to risk getting a ticket either.

The Dos and Don’ts for Black Friday Shoppers

Shopping’s biggest day of the year is almost here. As a personal shopper, not only do I love to shop for myself, but I also love to shop for others. So, naturally, I am paying close attention to the upcoming Black Friday sales. While I could talk to you all day long about what to buy, I’d rather talk to you about how to make Black Friday shopping a worthwhile experience.

For many, Black Friday shopping has become as much of a tradition as eating turkey on Thanksgiving. But, many of these same people are doing it all wrong. That’s why I’m taking some time today to share the dos and don’ts of Black Friday shopping.

Check the Times

This should not come as a surprise to anyone, but Black Friday no longer just exists on the day after Thanksgiving. Many of the major retailers open their doors to Black Friday shoppers on Thanksgiving. And, it’s getting earlier and earlier. However, opening dates and times vary greatly from one store to the next. This is why it is so important to check the times before you head out. Plus, many stores offer Black Friday doorbusters only during certain hours.

Review the Ads

The best way to save money is to go into your Black Friday shopping with an idea of what you are buying and where you are buying it. You can do this by reviewing the ads before going shopping. This will help you strategize where you need to go and when.

Go for Quality

Yes, there are going to be some crazy low prices, but that doesn’t mean you are actually getting a good deal. Just because you can buy something for a very low price doesn’t mean it is worth it. For example, opt for sales on a few quality items rather than purchasing several cheap things that will fall apart or not last long.

Control Your Impulses

It is very easy to get caught up in the sales on Black Friday, but you don’t want to blow your budget – especially on things you don’t need – and especially not on things you don’t really want. There are few things worse than buyer’s remorse. And who wants to go back out in that craziness to do returns?

The official Giphy for NBC.

Don’t Lose Your Mind

For some strange reason, Black Friday shoppers lose their minds and act like someone other than themselves. We’ve all seen videos of Black Friday shoppers fighting over toys, and we’ve all witnessed someone’s rude behavior in a store. Don’t be this person! Instead, go into your Black Friday shopping with extreme patience and lower your expectations.

And, for goodness sake, be nice to the retail workers! Trust me – they do not want to be there dealing with rude people when they could be spending Thanksgiving with their families.

Prioritize What Matters

Is it more important for you to get that huge deal or rest? Do what is best for you. If you love the rush of Black Friday shopping, then, by all means, go for it! But, if you find it more stressful than fun than just do your shopping online at home in your pajamas.

Remember, More Sales are Coming

Finally, don’t forget that there many more shopping days after Black Friday before Christmas. Even better, there are many more sale days coming. Cyber Monday follows immediately after Black Friday. Travel Tuesday is right behind it. And, the final Saturday before Christmas always hosts big sales. You still have time. Don’t lose your mind.

Are you a Black Friday fan? Let me know in the comments!

Why a Disney Cruise is Worth Every Penny

Over fall break, my family went on the Disney Fantasy Cruise. It. Was. Amazing! I know people often wonder if the price you pay for a Disney cruise in comparison to other family-friendly cruises is worth it. I am here to tell you that hands-down, a Disney Cruise is worth every penny! By the time you finish reading about our over-the-top cruise, you will want to start saving your pennies.

Spacious Staterooms

Many families avoid cruises because they dread being stuck in a teeny tiny cabin on a ship with their whole family. This is not the case with a Disney Cruise. Not only is there so much to do on the ship that you will practically never be in the room, but their staterooms are spacious and very (very) nice. Our family has traveled and stayed at exclusive all-inclusive resorts, and this Disney Cruise stateroom was just as nice.

Outstanding Ports of Call

Part of the fun of going on any cruise is getting to travel to different destinations within the same week. Plus, this is such a fun way to start filling up your kids’ passports!

But what makes Disney’s ports of call stand out from other cruise lines is that you can visit Disney’s own private island – Castaway Cay! It is what dreams are made of!

We also visited Virgin Gorda in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and Secret Harbour Beach in St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands). They were both beautiful. Visiting these islands felt like stepping into the perfect beach postcard.

Character Greetings Galore

If you think going on a Disney Cruise means you will see a few characters, you are wrong. You will not see just a few – you will see a ton! It is like Disney Character Greetings overload! My girls were thrilled to get to meet so many of their favorite characters. For those of you who travel to Disney World, you understand how challenging it can be to ride all the rides and get to meet with many characters. This is not the case on a Disney cruise (as my pictures show).

Delicious Dining

One of the best perks of going on a cruise is having someone else do all the cooking. And those doing the cooking on a Disney cruise are doing an excellent job! The food on the cruise is delicious, and they have various options. For example, my husband and I enjoyed an amazing meal at the restaurant PALO, which is an adult-only Italian restaurant. We also loved the chocolate covered strawberries we had from the Sweet on You Café.

Fantastic Entertainment

It wouldn’t be a Disney Cruise if it didn’t include signature Disney entertainment. We were truly blown away by the entertainment options on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, like the Aladdin Musical show. It was a quality show with wonderful actors, musicians, and dancers that entertained the whole family.

Disney World Fun at Sea

As a huge Disney World fan, I was thrilled to discover some of my favorite Disney Parks options were also available on the Fantasy Cruise. For example, the cruise ship has a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and offers a Royal Tea with Princesses. Since you typically dress up for meals and pictures on a cruise, these options are perfect for families with little princesses.

The Amazing AquaDuck

Cruise ships keep getting cooler and cooler. And, the Disney Fantasy is one of the coolest! It has the first “water coaster” at sea. It is called the AquaDuck, and it is so much fun! This crazy fun water slide takes riders up, down, and around the side of the cruise ship, offering wild views and a wild time. But that’s not all. At night, the AquaDuck comes alive with multicolored lights making for the most fun water slide ever!

Fun for Adults Too!

I’ve heard many parents say they are hesitant to go on a Disney Cruise because it is clearly geared towards children. While Disney Cruises are designed to be family-friendly, they are not just for kids. There are tons of things that are just for adults, such as the Senses Spa and the adults-only pool area.

Plus, many parents find their kids want to spend large amounts of time in the Oceaneer Lab (Disney Cruise’s youth program) away from their parents. Plus, the Disney Fantasy offers a childcare center and nursery. The Disney Cruise makes it very easy for parents to enjoy some kid-free time on their vacation.

The Absolute Best Customer Service

I don’t know if I have ever been more impressed with the quality of customer service as I was during our time on Disney Fantasy. It was amazing! Seriously, it was the best customer service we have ever experienced! From the time we arrived to board the ship until we said our final goodbyes, we were treated like guests of honor (even though we were on a ship full of people). They went out of their way to make sure every guest was having a wonderful time.

Magical Memories

Finally, I don’t think I can put a price on the magical memories we made on the Disney Fantasy. As someone once said, “The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.” While on the Disney cruise, we laughed and had fun together as a family. We watched our girls light up when they met their favorite characters and fall asleep soundly each night with the help of pixie dust. Our Disney Cruise truly was an experience “where dreams came true.”

Wall Calendar, Day Planner, Calendar App? Which One is Right for You?

Women are busy, and we are only going to get busier. First, let’s celebrate! Check out these awesome statistics from the US Department of Labor.

“Seventy percent of mothers with children under 18 participate in the labor force, with over 75 percent employed full-time. Mothers are the primary or sole earners for 40 percent of households with children under 18 today, compared with 11 percent in 1960.”

Who runs the world? GIRLS!

And how do we manage work, family, marriage, friendship, and self-care? By being devoted to our calendar planning systems!

If you are one of the few women who do not utilize a calendar, I’m here to change your life. And for those who do use a calendar, I’m here to encourage you to switch things up and make your planning system work better for you.

Why You Absolutely Need Some Sort of Calendar in 2020

Ladies, you absolutely need to embrace calendar planning. If you are like me, you need a calendar to keep everything in your life straight. If it is not in my calendar, I will forget or overbook myself. We’ve all been there, and it is no fun. A calendar planning system helps you manage your time and prioritize the things that matter.

Plus, saying “you’ve got to check the calendar” is a fantastic way to take a pause before you commit to something you really don’t want to. You’ll thank me later.

Here’s the good news. No matter what type of planner you are (someone who plans down to the minute or someone who just likes to have a broad overview), there is a calendar planning system that will work for you and make your life more manageable.

Wall Calendar

Some women prefer an old-school wall calendar. They are nostalgic and can be placed in the home where everyone in the family can see what is happening each day. Some families have upgraded their wall calendars to a dry erase calendar so they can make it more personal.

The good – It is simple and easy for the whole family to use.

The bad – Not as much space for busy days and not with you wherever you go.

Day Planner

Other women are obsessed with their day planners. Day planners are bound notebooks that are broken down into different increments (monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly). For women who love to put pen to paper, this is an ideal way to plan. You can visualize your entire month – down to the hour.

The good – It has space for every part of your day (including slots for exercising and self-care).

The bad – The hourly breakdown may be overwhelming for some women. And unless you have a small planner, it will likely not go everywhere you go.

Calendar App

And some women opt to go digital with their calendar planning. There are tons of great calendar apps, such as Google calendar or Cozi Family Organizer, that work on your digital devices to keep track of events. The apps allow you to color code events according to family members, as well as sync with other family members. This type of calendar planning is super helpful for busy parents needing to make changes on the go.

The good – It has space for everything, can be shared with family members, and goes with you everywhere you go.

The bad – For those who don’t love technology, this one will prove ineffective.

Or a Combination of Two or More

Finally, there are some women who use a combination of the above. There is no wrong way – as long as you find a system that works to make your life easier! Which type of calendar planning system do you use?