For a few weeks now I’ve been in a study called “Apples of Gold” where ‘more seasoned’ women teach us young guns some of the lost arts of homemaking, in addition to coaching us on how to be better women, wives, moms and friends. I crave each meeting and am already wondering what I can do when our 6 weeks come to a close.

This week, we got a short tutorial on organization from one of our mentor’s (Cilla Crane) and I was delighted to find I was already doing most of what she recommended! Here are just a few tips from my house (and hers) to yours that will help you get organized in a jiffy:

1. Divide Cleaning Duties by Days

Instead of dreading the weekend because you know you have to clean the whole us, break up your tasks into daily duties. For example: Monday- dust, Tuesday – vacuum, Wednesday – bathrooms, Thursday – laundry…you get the idea.
Pro: Breaking it up into more manageable pieces not only helps you get it done faster
Con: My husband sometimes says he never feels like the whole house is clean at the same time!

2. Post Lists on the Fridge

The kitchen is one place we all seem to congregate regularly, so I not only post the aforementioned cleaning schedule on our fridge, but also our Prayer Shield (we have different friends and family that have assigned days to pray for us each month and in turn we pray for them specifically on that day), kids chore chart, grocery list, etc. Having a central hub where to look at your information is critical for you and your family to keep organized.
Pro: Everything’s all in one place
Con: Out of sight, out of mind; you have to be in the kitchen to remember what you have to do that day!

3. Alphabetize Your Spices

It may sound silly, but am I the only one who used to have a black hole of a spice cabinet? I know have a mini turntable/lazy Susan that my spices spin on in an organized, alphabetical way. (Bonus – this would be a great activity to involve elementary children in helping you do!)
Pro: No more confusing chili powder with paprika!
Con: You have to do a little rearranging every time you add a new spice to the mix!

4. Prepare the Night Before

Whether it’s making lunches, picking out clothes, picking up toys on the floor or taking time to write out your to-do list, taking 15 minutes before you go to bed to take stock of what you’ve done that day and prepare for what you need to accomplish the next morning is an incredible way to set yourself up for success!
Pro: You don’t have to scream at your family to hurry up 33 times in 30 minutes
Con: You can’t just fall into bed after watching American Idol

5. Keep Your Receipts

Having a budget doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I stash all my receipts in old envelopes (I got for free from a company changing their stationary) divided by month. Not only is it a quick way for me to tally what I spent at the end of the month, it’s also great for keeping track of big purchases and knowing where to find a receipt if anything breaks or need to be returned (I then keep all the envelopes for the year together in an old shoe box. Fancy – I know).
Pro: An easy system everyone can figure out
Con: Not the prettiest of most space-efficient way to store things

6. Bin Your Car

I keep several bins in our family van to collect the inevitable mess that would ensue if I didn’t. There is a kids bin for some toys, books, wipes, CD’s…and you don’t want to know what else ends up in there. We have a bin for returns. I keep a small bin up front for pens, coupons, CD’s, etc. I also have a bin or bag to put garbage in so it’s easy to collect and dump. I know, I’m revolutionary. Just call me Marie Antoinette.
Pro: You don’t step on gum or end up on the floor at a red light trying to find junior’s favorite action figure
Con: You do need to go through said bins regularly if you don’t want a nice moldy surprise 3 months from now.

7. Go Through Mail Right Away

When you pick up your mail, don’t drop it in the front hall or the kitchen. Peruse immediately to see what needs to be tossed (junk mail), what needs action (bills/correspondence), and what you want to save to read later (like a magazine). I always say: Manage your mail before it manages you!
Pro: Recycling is your friend + no late fees!
Con: Can be hard if you’re also trying to wrangle kids, put groceries away and answer the phone when walking in the door!

Through March 16, discover Alice in Wonderland audio files for FREE! Just in time for the release of the new movie, you can listen to celebrities such as Michael York re-tell this classic children’s book.

I can say that I will not be taking my children to see the new version on the big screen (a bit much for the under six generation from what I can tell from the commercials), so this is a fun way to still let them participate in what everyone is buzzing about.

This week’s Publix Penny Item is…
Publix Tortilla Chips (another favorite in the Cone Home!)

Remember, you can get one penny item for every $10 you spend (before coupons). One item per transaction. Some stores will let you break up your shopping into multiple transactions to get multiple Penny Items. This is good for March 10, 2010. Florida stores do not participate, but often have their own in-store specials; inquire at customer service. Publix reserves the right to change the Penny Item if they choose, so don’t wait until the end of the day if this is an item you really want!

Bring the coupon below in to the Sephora counter at JC Penny’s and you’ll receive a Deluxe sample of Too Faced’s Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara for FREE! (However I wouldn’t recommend saying it three times fast – that’s really too much of a tongue twister, don’t you think???)

Between the FREE Lancome Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss and now this, I think you deserve a night on the town! Let me know where you decide to go (I promise I won’t crash your date).

Bring in the cover of Seventeen Magazine (or print the home page of their website) in to the Lancome counter at any Nordstrom store and you’ll receive a FREE full size Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss (we’re talking $18 value people).

I’m sure these won’t last long, so head on out soon if you have a Nordstrom near you! Make sure to come back and let me know if you were lucky enough to get one and what flavor, I mean color, you chose. Pucker up!

The latest Restaurant.com gift certificate codes are out! Now through March 11th, $25 gift certificates are only $4 PLUS you’ll get a $50 Orbitz gift with your purchase. Just use code BONUS.

Remember, with spring break coming up, you can look for restaurants in cities that you’ll be traveling to; if you’re going to be eating out anyway, why not save money?

Click here for Restaurant.com

Try Yoplait’s new Greek yogurt for Free!

This just in, Publix just released a coupon for a FREE Yoplait Greek yogurt. Not only did I just tweet today about how much I love Greek food, but I LOVE Greek yogurt. It’s great on its own mixed with a little honey, but it’s also a wonderful base for dips and more!

But I digress. So get your FREE Yoplait Greek Yogurt at Publix before I gobble them all up!

Regardless of the weather outside, it’s important to savor the season you’re in. Though most of the country is ready for the snow to stop and the sun to emerge, I want to encourage you to take time to embrace these six steps before life passes you by (adapted from body + soul magazine):

1. Slow Down

Don’t rush through life. Enjoy the moment and stop to soak in what’s around you.

2. Soften your focus

#1 being said, don’t get too caught up in the moment. It’s important to enjoy where you are without dwelling there too long that you become obsessed with minute details. Look to the bigger picture.

3. Roll with it

We all experience unexpected moments in our day; learn how to roll with the punches and forget the little things.

4. Observe

Many of our disappointments stem from unmet expectations. Try to see the people and things around you as they are, not as you wish them to be.

5. Awaken Taste

Do you eat out of boredom or true hunger? Is dining an experience for you or just something else to check off your to-do list? Whenever you put food in your mouth, make it a point to really taste it!

6. Breathe First

One of the best quick-fixes you can make for your health is to take deep breaths. Breathe deeply through your nose and mouth and watch the stress melt away.

Borders just emailed me an in-store coupon good for 40% off any DVD or Blu-RayDiscs, as well as a coupon code good for 25% off any item at Borders.com: BSS4499W.

I don’t remember the last time I saw a 40% off coupon good for any disc, so you may want to think about buying ahead for Christmas with something like this. This could also make for a cheap kid’s video for a class birthday present! Both coupons are good through 3/11/10.