Living Better Out Loud ~ A Blog

cozi_pic — My first official book talk for Barbies in the Horse Bin ~ Living Better with Organized Children is scheduled at one of my favorite places, the Sandwich Public Library. Please join me on Tuesday, March 10th at 6:30 pm, as I sign my first book (hmmm….what to say?) and donate it to a terrific group […]

Cozi Family Calendar to Sponsor Book Talk

movies_first_date — We covered it all for his first date, from cleanliness, to manners, to paying for the tickets. He bought a new shirt and given his bouncy, happy demeanor all day, I could tell he was not only looking forward to his first date but he likes her. I’m pretty sure, he really likes her. I’ll […]

The First Date My Son Will Not Soon Forget and Neither Will I

Before you register your child for that “elite”, “travel”, or “AAU” team, make sure that you ask the right questions up front to help clarify if this team is a good match for your child. Don’t let prestige or money determine where your child plays, because the reality is, if you are not careful your child […]

AAU? Travel? Elite?…. What to ask BEFORE you register!

Amazon Hot New Release – Thank you!

run_toddler_converse — Today’s rainy, snowy, morning in New England reminds of one of my favorite “adventures” with toddlers! The Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, MA opens its doors early for walkers and in my case runners of all types. I would pack my crew of twin toddlers and a three year old and head out for a […]

Top Five Favorite Thanksgiving Memories!

sports_coach_soccer — For the Love of the Game Dear Coach, Here is my child, a player for your team. This is difficult for me because I am entrusting you with a child I love more than life itself.It seems silly that a volunteer with 8 games and 6 practices can shape my child’s life, but it’s true. So […]

Dear Coach…. Sincerely, Every Parent

My first job out of college was “working” in the playroom of the Floating Hospital for Infants and Children in Boston. (And yes, the original hospital was a floating ship in the harbor – picture above.) As a fundraiser for the pediatric and NICU wards, I learned the true meaning of strength, but more importantly […]

NEW Virtual Organizing Services

pumpkin_costume_twins — October means pumpkins. I have never looked at a pumpkin without thinking of my twins and their first horrifying, yet funny visit to the pumpkin patch. Raising twins boys has its joys and challenges. In my case, my twins are as polar opposite as you can get. The best way I can describe these boys is to say […]

October and Pumpkins and Twins – Oh My!

binder_clips_school_supplies — Homework is here, homework is here, let the battles begin! A few weeks into the school year and any novelty to the fresh new notebooks, pens and pencils has worn off. It is homework time, day after day, night after night you dig in for a fresh battle with your child. Here are two tips to aid in […]

Homework Battles ~ two easy tips you can use today!

swim_dolphin_ friends — As my twin boys embark on their high school careers tomorrow, this Mom’s wish for them is friendship. I stumbled up on this incredible video of friendship between a Labrador and a Dolphin. An absolutely unlikely pair, from different worlds, with different talents and abilities, different interests and priorities, and yet they are undoubtedly friends. […]

A Mom’s Wish for High School~ Friendship

organizing_school_name_ paper — Simple advice but oh so effective! One of many school organizing steps I have used for decades to help even the most organizationally challenged students. As soon as your child is able to write their name and understand dates, teach them to name and date all of their papers! Every handout, every worksheet, every notebook […]

School Organizing, Name It, Date It

Robin_Williams_star_hollywood — Our recent trip to California brought my family to the famous Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame. My ipad wielding, digital children snapped picture after picture after selfie of every name they recognized on the sidewalk. Being reared on film, I still possess the old school mentality known as “fear of wasting film” and was subsequently teased […]

One Picture, One Star, Robin Williams

school_paper_lined_drawing — It’s true, my life as a writer was derailed in the fall of 1974 by my third grade teacher. I was caught plagiarizing and the truth is, I was guilty. Not only that, it was one of those moments that I can recall like it was yesterday and I know it has had a profound impact […]

Even though I am no longer in front of the classroom, the beginning of August makes my stomach clench at the thought of summer ending and heading BACK TO SCHOOL. I am definitely one of those teachers who loved teaching as much as I loved my time off. Nevertheless, I must now fight the urge […]

Back To School Organizing!

The summer basketball league is off and running and for the first time one of my children is no longer a player, she is now a coach. An ordinary request to volunteer, some emails, roster lists and shirt deliveries did not in any way alert me to the proud moment that would soon follow. As […]

Passing the Coaching Torch

An excerpt from the book, Barbies in the Horse Bin, Living Better with Organized Children… Some days I need to read and follow my own advice! Some days I write things that I really kind of like. Some days I would rather make memes than do my work. Today would be one of those days. […]