New Mama Tip #30

Take the normal exhaustion that pregnancy brings, combine it with a sick 2 year old, a husband in graduate school, a part-time job, laundry, groceries, etc...and you have one crazy mom! I barely made my 30 tips in 30 days goal.

So, my last tip for January is to JUST RELAX and play with your family! Pick just a few things to focus on this year and let the rest go.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

New Mama Tip #29

So, if you haven't had enough organizing tips to last you the entire year...then maybe Organize Magazine is for you! Or, if you prefer the blog format...check out Clutter Control Freak. Maybe you already have lots of organizational ideas in your head...you just need to purchase some tools to get you started...check out TheOrganizedParent.

New Mama Tip #28

Everything month I get 7 or 8 "bills" in the mail. I'm never sure which ones I need to keep and which to throw away...so I pretty much save everything, at least for a year.

I have a 3-ring binder for the year, with dividers for each month. In the front pocket I put bills that need to be paid. As I pay them, I place them behind the appropriate divider. At the end of the year, I go through all the bills and keep anything that is still important (i.e. warranty information, medical bills, tax information, etc.).

Here are a few other tips I found online:

Real Simple has an easy solution.
Check out MomReady for bill organizing tips...and other great organization tips.

Now is a great time to get your bills organized and ready for the year!

New Mama Tip #27

Want to get the best SanDiegoMama has to offer delivered weekly to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter, complete with information on weekly events, giveaways, mom-owned shops, online discounts and more!

New Mama Tip #26

Though my daughter is just starting to create her own artwork, I can see that in a few months we could accumulate quite the stack. Check out Design Mom's tips to not only curb the clutter, but make it useful, beautiful and memorable.

FYI: This is one of my daily blog reads...I love Design Mom!

New Mama Tip #25

I have to admit that I thought the "going green" movement was just that...only a movement, a trend, a fad...but it seems as if it is here to stay. So, I have been contemplating what changes I can make in my family. Here are a few resources that I enjoy as I look for ways to make changes...big and small.

The Daily Green - The Consumer's Guide to the Green Revolution
Danny Seo's blog - he is a green living expert, and a contributor to Country Home Magazine. I love his crafty ideas!
Green Mom Finds - the perfect resource for moms going green!

New Mama Tip #24

One of my new year's resolutions is to volunteer more in my community...especially with my family. So, I thought I would compile a list of both local & national resources that can help in determining which organizations you want to support...

Volunteer San Diego is the best resource for everything you need to know about volunteering in San Diego. Find projects you can help with, research organizations, check out their youth volunteer guide or list an event or project of your own!

There are still a lot of ways you can help with the fire relief efforts from last year's tragic fires. Check out our joint-fundraiser with SanDiegoBargainMama.com and SanDiegoTravelTips.com.

Also, check out the So-Cal Fire Poster Project...."Donated by designers and artists around the globe, posters sold at the So-Cal Fire Poster Project raise funds for victims of the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. All proceeds will be given to the Salvation Army, for the 2007 California Wildfire fund."

Or, if you want an easy way to give back and get your shopping done at the same time check out IGive.com. You shop from over 680 stores online, then a proceed of your purchase goes to the charity of your choice.

If you are unsure about which charity you should give your money to, check out Charity Navigator...they evaluate charities nationwide to make sure they are legitimate.

There are plenty of ways to get involved and give back...at whatever level you choose...the key is to choose one!

New Mama Tip #23

I have boxes and boxes of photos from my childhood...before the age of digital cameras. I really enjoy pulling them out to reminisce; however, they are in complete disarray, and I am afraid they are going to get ruined if I don't do something to organize them. I'm not sure what method to use, but here are a few tips I found online:

Better Homes & Gardens offers these suggestions here and here.
There are many companies that will scan your photos for you to preserve them, and provide you will digital copies.
Or, check out these beautiful photo albums...which will definitely provide hours of entertainment.

New Mama Tip #22

I have great pregnancies...my only complaint is that my sense of smell is heightened so much I can't stand the smell of anything, i.e. the kitchen sink, my refrigerator, sometimes my husband, and almost all cleaning products.

So, in my attempt to keep my kitchen sink and refrigerator clean, but without using harsh smelling cleaning products I turned to the Method Home products. They are non-toxic, non-hazardous, and smell delightful...or if you would prefer you can buy the unscented versions. You can buy them directly from their website or from your nearest Target. They not only smell wonderful, but also clean wonderfully.
They offer products for cleaning your entire house, as well as doing your laundry, dishes, mopping your floors, cleaning your air, and body care products. My favorite is the eucalyptus and mint scented tub and tile cleaner...it makes my whole house smell so fresh and clean! I will definitely continue to use these post-baby.

New Mama Tip #21

Looking for ways to cut back on household spending in 2008? I'm sure we can all learn a few tips and tricks from the self-proclaimed "America's Cheapest Family."

New Mama Tip #20

So, as I was unloading the ice cream out of my Von's grocery bag a few days ago one of those "coupons" that the cashier handed me with my receipt fell out. Normally I just trash them, but this one caught me eye. It wasn't a coupon, but an advertisement for Vons' new FoodFlex program. Basically, after you sign-up online using your club card you can download a nutritional snapshot of the groceries you just bought. You can also review your purchase history, find food alternatives, and track individual nutrients in your diet like sodium or carbohydrates.

I have to wait 24 hours until Vons will have all my information posted, but it will be interesting to see how healthy my grocery purchases are each week...

This could be a great way to make sure your family is eating healthy in 2008.

Check it out!

New Mama Tip #19

I LOVE to have buttered toast every morning for breakfast, but I hate putting all that fat into my body first thing in the morning. So, when I discovered Brummel & Brown's Spread made with yogurt, I was ecstatic. It has half the calories and fat of regular butter and spreads, and the yogurt makes it slightly sweet. YUM!

New Mama Tip #18

Is one of your new year's resolutions to start working out more regularly, but you're tired of the same old workouts you've always been doing? Then, head on over to Java Mama this Saturday, January 26, for the Love your Baby, Love your Body event from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM.

At this free event you’ll be able to try many different exercise classes of various formats free of charge. There will be free workshops, tips on how to fit it all in, and of course prizes! Discounts will be given to moms who sign up for a fitness class during the event, so come with one in mind.

To get the entire event schedule check out Java Mama.

Vote By Mail

Moms are busy, and it is often hard to find a time on election day to vote...so, just vote by mail. You only have one week left to go to sign up for this convenience...so do it now! Just click here.

New Mama Tip #17

It doesn't matter how many times I de-clutter my house, I can always find more things to get rid-of. With the new baby on the way, I have been trying to appease the nesting bug and I am constantly finding new spaces in my home to organize. Check out these great tips to get rid of the clutter in your house from Good Housekeeping.

New Mama Tip #16

Check out all the great organizing tips at Vital Juice Daily today...it definitely has me thinking about one of my resolutions to make sure that all of my family members get their b-cards on time this year!

New Mama Tip #15

I love getting my free daily email from Vital Juice Daily...a great, entertaining source of information about fitness, nutrition, healing & beauty. A great way to stay help you stay well in 2008. Check it out and sign up for your own daily email!

New Mama Tip #14

Check out Organizedhome.com....a great site full of tips for organizing your entire home!

New Mama Tip #13

One of my new years resolutions has been to organize my recipe collection. It is currently housed in a binder that started out very organized, but hasn't been easy to keep that way. So, in my quest to find the perfect solution I've been scouring the internet. Here are a few options I've discovered:

• For a very professional organization of your recipes, you can use Blurb.com to make them into a beautiful hardbound book. This is perfect if you have a large collection that you would like share with friends and family.
• Here are some step-by-step instructions for the binder method...if you would like to try it.
• Check out this blogger's post about her own recipe organization techniques.
• RealSimple.com shares very helpful tips to organize your recipes on your computer...
• There are also several recipe organization software programs....examples here, here and here

Once I decide which system to use...I'll let you know! If you have a system you would like to share....please do!

New Mama Tip #12

You might all think I am crazy after this post, but I wanted to share with you my all time favorite cleaning product...baby wipes. I didn't realize how handy these little wipeys can be until after I had my first baby. Not only are they perfect for diaper changes but also for giving your bathroom a quick once-over to shine things up quickly...and without harmful chemicals.

New Mama Tip #11

We have the benefit here in San Diego of great weather year-round to help us with any workout resolutions. I love to get outside and go for brisk walks...check out my guest blog post about walking workouts at the Mamas in Training blog.

New Mama Tip #10

Since 2008 is a very political year for our country, many of us may have new years resolutions to get involved! San Diego Mama is extremely happy to announce our partnership with the San Diego County League of Women Voters...

Throughout the year until the November elections, we will be discussing election issues that will affect our communities and our families here in San Diego. Stay tuned to the blog, our newsletter, and the MamaVote section of our website as we post information each month about such election issues as healthcare and immigration.

To get started...if you're like me, you might be looking for more information about the upcoming Feb. 5 presidential primary election ...attend a LWV meeting in your area where they will be discussing the issues on the ballot...just check out our calendar of events for one near you!

New Mama Tip #9

Is 2008 your year to start saving money? Check out these helpful hints from San Diego Bargain Mama.

Who thinks "retail therapy" in January? Honestly, bargain hunters do! Some of the deepest discounts are found in January, when seasonal merchandise is cleared out, making way for the upcoming Spring inventory. The following are some great bargain trends to look out for when shopping for deals in town this time of year:

• January is traditionally "white sale" month, which translates to heavy discounts and rebates on linens, towels, and bedding.
• By the third week in January seasonal clothing is typically marked 70%-90% off the regular price, and additional discounts are often offered during the weekends. Some of the best buys include boots, coats, sweaters, and purses.
• This is an ideal time of the year to purchase wedding, children's, and baby shower gifts. You will undoubtedly find some great deals during this month's sales events in department stores, and even in boutiques and gift shops.
• Holiday clearance and festive items can now be snagged at 75%-90% off. The best deals tend to be at gift boutiques and department stores, as the merchandise is usually of higher quality. Take advantage of sales on storage tubs and holiday wrap bins, too. Grocery stores and drug stores have steals on promotional items, as well, and towards the end of the month they practically give them away.
• Utilize the Internet and your local newspaper for sales at your favorite malls and outlets. Semi-annual clearances are in full swing now! Before venturing out, check your destinations' websites, for helpful information that is disclosed will translate to even more savings!
• Resale and consignment stores also clear out inventory in January, and the additional savings on quality, gently used items are extraordinary right now!
• Explore quality resources, services, and products for less at www.SanDiegoBargainMama.com, the San Diego website "For Moms Who Love to Find Deals". Be sure to sign up for the free, monthly SDBM Newsletter as well as Bargain Alerts which will inform you of sales in town and deals online. Also, sign up for the free and resourceful daily blog, called San Diego Bloggin' Mama.

New Mama Tip #8

Sometimes the hardest thing to organize is your time...especially when there are multiple children in your house to keep track of.

The owners of Cozi.com understood this problem and created a free online calendar system for families. You just sign up for your own family account. Check out all the features!

• Schedule with Cozi Calendar. View or edit your busy family’s schedules in a central location. Once you’ve signed up, you can also stay connected while at work with the Cozi Outlook Toolbar.
• Organize with Cozi Shopping Lists. Keep track of items to be purchased and tasks that need to be done.
• Communicate with Cozi Messages. Send quick messages to other family members, individually or all at once via phone or email.
• Have Fun with the Cozi Collage Screen Saver. Enjoy all your digital photos with automatically generated collages that you can easily share with friends and family.
• Jot down a moment in the Cozi Family Journal. Streamlined for you, the busy parent, to capture family memories.

New Mama Tip #7

Not only are moms responsible for their own health, but also the health of their kids! San Diego is the perfect spot to raise a fitness-minded family. Check out the free guided hikes offered by the San Diego Natural History Museum...all of the dates and times are listed on the San Diego Mama calendar.

New Mama Tip #6

Are you looking to get more physically fit this year? Check out the Mamas In Training blog...and get fun fitness tips from moms like you.

New Mama Tip #5

Back in September of last year, I posted my all-time favorite organizational tool...check out my post here!

I promise...this will help you keep your pantry soooo tidy.

New Mama Tip #4

I spent this weekend cleaning out a few closets in my house...I've been a bit obsessed (New Year's resolutions coupled with the pregnant nesting bug will really kick you into high gear!).

When I was finished I had bags and bags of unwanted items. Instead of throwing them away, I dropped them off at a local thrift store, which is a great way to benefit someone else.

Look for your local thrift store here.

Or, make a bit of money off your cast-offs using Craigslist.
You can also post them on the craigslist "free" list.

Now I am trying to figure out how to re-organize my closets so they stay that way. Stay tuned for some new ideas.

New Mama Tip #3

With the weekend rain, it is the perfect time to stay indoors and tackle some deep cleaning projects. However, if you don't have a few hours at a time to clean...you can still get great results in 19 minutes. Yep, that's what the folks at Real Simple promise in this CNN article.

So whether you have 90 minutes or just 19 you can have a tidy house!

New Mama Tip #2

Since I am currently 4 1/2 months pregnant, I don't plan on trying to loose any weight soon...however, my sweet tooth has gotten the better of me, and I am trying to rid my diet of sugar as one of my 2008 resolutions (except on the weekends).

I still want a sugar fix everyday so to help curb the cravings I grab a sugar-free fudgesicle, creamsicle or popsicle out of the freezer. Not only are the sugar-free, but they are also 97% fat free, and about only 20 calories each. Curbs the cravings, without all the unwanted sugar...or extra weight to loose after I have my baby!

New Mama Tip #1

I waste a lot of time each month running to the grocery store and Target/Walmart to pick up items that I forgot to get on my last trip...So, when I saw this handy little organization tool from the organizational geniuses at Franklin Covey I thought it was brilliant.
Just take 10 minutes going through your pantry and bathroom cupboards before you run to the store, and make only 1 trip a month...instead of trips every week! And the best part...it's only $6.95, and includes 60 sheets so it will last all year!

Happy New Year San Diego Mamas!

We are looking forward to 2008. We have a alot of fun projects up our sleeves, so check the blog and website often!


To kick off the year, we will be focusing on ways to help us all become more organized, healthier and happier Mamas. Stay tuned every day for a new tip!

We'll also feature new San Diego Mama interviews, mom guest bloggers, and we have a special announcement early next week about a new partnership with the San Diego County League of Women Voters.

Here's to making the most of 2008!