I know, you are busy trying to get through this year…we still have Thanksgiving & Christmas to prepare for! You really should start thinking about January. Get your files in order, start filling in your new calendar…you know, get ready. Here are a few ideas for making the transition easy.

Busy Body Books – Personal and family grid organizers. I love these books! Not only are they super cute, they are extremely functional. Each family member can have their own column. I make each column for a different type of activity – Work, school, kids activities, Church, and running. One quick glance and I know exactly how my day looks! Also included in the book is 2 monthly planners, months at a glance, key contact page, removable shopping lists, 2 inside pockets, and a bookmark. I actually had the pleasure of speaking with the owner/designer of this product – let me tell you, this was made for you by someone exactly like you and me!! A busy mom, wife, etc. I also like that the left side has plenty of room to jot down notes, it even has handy tips like “get your halloween costume ready” or “check the battery in your smoke detector”. She really has thought of everything! You can even print out some sample pages and try them out before you buy. I really love this product!

Go Mom by DayRunner – The “mom-based”Planning System. This is another great complete family organizing tool. These organizers come in tons of different shapes and sizes…there is one for everybody! They come in some really nice leatherette versions. They have a place for everything inside of them. Shopping lists, menus, appointments, medical, field trips, pets…and so much more! You can purchase them dated or undated. I like the undated version…if I happen to fall off the wagon and forget to use it, I haven’t wasted any pages! Go Mom Inc. has also developed a handy Home Organizer and School Organizer. I love these! Now you have a place for all of the papers that your kids bring home each day.

WhoMi – Beautiful and functional. Perfect. A simple and innovative way to organize all of your coming and goings. Color Coded grids help you stay on top of things, gorgeous styling makes you proud to pull it out. I love the Hidden Agenda – a zippered clutch that holds your WhoMi Agenda. Or how about the Clarity Agenda? The hardest part will be deciding between the 6 different covers available – I like them all! The unique color coded lines let you customize your planner for you.

Prep by Month – This monthly calendar is literally the size of a cd case. The case opens into a compact frame for your desktop or you can remove the monthly card and post it on your bulletin board, locker, or fridge. Each month is a different super cute, super preppy design. I love this! I have one on my fridge right now and get compliments on it all of the time. I love it because it is small and preppy! This would be a great gift for the holidays…and it is only $15.00. Check out the month of July…

My Vital Files - One of my big projects (and I mean BIG) right now is re-doing my filing cabinet. My Vital Files have literally saved me in this job! This is a one of a kind filing system. First of all the files are already pre-labeled! You simply drop them into a file drawer or box containing hanging folders and start your filing! You don’t need to use those annoying plastic tabs and inserts. There’s a place for everything…and soon…everything is in its place! It comes with great instructions and tips too. You literally take these out of the box and start filing. Easy.

JOYS - Just Organize Your Stuff. These are simple and integrated systems to get your life in order. This is not a filing system, it is a binder system. Perfect for people who don’t like to use a filing cabinet. The binder has 5 color coded major categories that encompass all areas of your life. Your entire life will fit into the Household Binder…kinda like a control center for your family. Imagine that…your life all packaged together in a beautiful binder. Ahhhh, pure bliss! They also make a filing system if you really want to file

Home Box Filing System – Another alternative to a filing cabinet. This is a beautiful faux leather box that contains 9 preprinted storage envelopes to organize all of your papers. Each storage envelope has a major category listed on it, and also has a list of items that would fall into the category. All you do is shove your important papers into the correct envelope. Easy! The envelopes are super made out of a sturdy archival poly material and hold over 100 sheets of paper. You literally can hold every piece of paper in this one box. This is a great system for people who live in small spaces or people who don’t like to file.

Another great way to be organized for the year is to have a great selection of greeting cards handy. I love the boxes of cards that you can buy that have every occasion in them. Here are 2 of my favorites:

Cardstock by Set Editions- Simple, elegant, and amusing. The perfect box of cards. 40 cards that will handle any occasion that comes your way. Each card has a simple tiny drawing on the front and a simple sentence on the inside. From get well to congratulations…its all there.

Emergency Kit by Bumper Cards – Choose from three different sets…dogs, cats, or simplicity. You know which set I picked don’t you? DOGS! These little cards are adorable. My favorite one is the Dog dressed up like super man….the card reads “Thanks for being super!”. The set of 10 cards comes in a handy little red tin..very cute. I love sending these cards out! Look…even Marcia Cross likes Bumper Cards!!

The Couponizer - I have been hearing everyone talk about how expensive groceries are right now. One great way to cut down your grocery bill and save money is by using coupons. But what a pain they can be! The Couponizer is the best organizing system for coupons that I have ever seen. It is a wire bound book with pockets, tips, scissors, a shopping list and a carrying bag. It makes cutting, sorting and using coupons so easy. My daughter manages all of our coupons using this system. She actually thinks it is fun! It even came with coupons. and you can download coupons from the site. If you have ever wanted to start clipping coupons the Couponizer will have you saving in no time.