Valentine’s Day has a pretty bad rap: Hallmark Holiday, the least romantic day of the year, a day of obligation rather than celebration. To make matters worse this year, the steady stream of depressing headlines and the looming specter of more layoffs and economic struggles are enough to diminish even Cupid’s enthusiasm for celebrating.

We know how hard it can be to get up the energy to do something special when you’re stressed out. But it is well worth the energy. Think of how much a few words of genuine appreciation from another person can do for your mood, energy level and sense of well-being. Make this a day of true appreciation for those you trudge through everyday life with (and deserve a little special treatment). Approach it with an open heart and some creativity, and we promise you’ll get back more than you could have ever expected.

Sarah on “My Love Don’t Cost a Thing”:

Get inspired and play J-Lo’s song “My Love Don’t Cost a Thing” in the next few days. It doesn’t have to cost a penny to make a grand romantic gesture or two. This year, my husband and I have agreed to a zero-cost (but still big and important) Valentine’s Day, which forces a little more creativity than flowers, chocolate and a romantic dinner. It has sparked our imaginations and given us a real treat to look forward to. We know we won’t be getting the same-old-same-old, but something truly thoughtful and special.

Alicia on “Book Time to Get Creative”:

When you’re in the thick of day-to-day stuff, it can be difficult to think out of the box. The best way to ensure you don’t fall into the usual candy/flower/card trap is to schedule time in your day to get creative. Block 30 minutes on your calendar sometime this week to brainstorm and think about innovative and truly heartfelt ways of saying “I love you.” If you’re stuck, try an online search to get inspired. Then once you have a list of ideas, narrow it down to a few that you can actually pull off with style by Feb. 14.Here are some fresh low-cost or free ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

1. Try a Yoga Class Instead of an Expensive Dinner

Romantic dinners are certainly lovely and often comforting. But they are not necessarily the best aphrodisiacs. If you enjoy the culinary delights too much, it may dampen your libido later. Try taking a yoga class with your significant other as a cheaper alternative to a big dinner out. Many local yoga studios offer classes that cost $10 per person. You’ll stretch and bend away your stresses and leave feeling invigorated, not weighed down.

2. Give from the Heart

No amount of money spent on a gift could ever really compare with an honest and heartfelt gesture.Gentlemen, write a few notes letting your special someone know all the ways she is special to you, and leave a trail of them where she’ll find them in the morning (on the bathroom mirror, on the breakfast table, on her rearview mirror).Ladies, leave him a series of love notes that he’ll find throughout the day — on his wallet, in his briefcase, on his rearview mirror — notes telling him how much he means to you and promising a romantic rendezvous.

3. Make It a Family Affair

If you have kids and securing a baby sitter for the evening is out of the question financially this year, make Valentine’s Day a family affair. Get the whole family together at dinner and, at the end of the meal, have everybody go around the table and share the specific things they love about each member of the family.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, Inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

So, how do you get your car organized, prepared and safe for any trip this winter? Keep your eyes on the road and we’ll tell you how.

Sarah on “Get a Tune-up”:

You may be thinking, “Well, it’s already January; it’s too late to get a winter checkup.” But with at least two more months of bad weather ahead, it’s certainly not too late. Make an appointment this week with your local garage to ensure your car is winter-ready. Have them change the oil and check the tire pressure, fluids, anti-freeze, heater and tire alignment. If you need new tires, consider replacing your current ones with the all-weather variety, which can handle snow and ice better. You’ll feel better just knowing your car has been put through its winter paces by the experts.

Alicia on “Drive Intelligently”:

Unfortunately, many people keep driving in winter as though the road conditions have not changed much. They don’t pay attention when signs say “Bridge May Be Icy” or “Maximum Speed 25.” Especially in the winter, with black ice and snow, extra caution is always necessary. And remember: Unless there’s some bona fide emergency, you never have to drive. If news reports tell you to stay off the roads, well, take that to heart. The warnings are issued for your protection.

Here are some additional ideas for getting your car squared away for the rest of winter.

1. Ensure Your Car Has a Proper Kit

Every car, regardless of the climate, should be stocked with a basic emergency kit. Your glove compartment should hold a pair of sunglasses, the trunk should have extra water and a blanket, and you should have a first-aid kit under the passenger seat. In case of an accident, a helpful tool is something called Collision.kit by Buttoned Up, which includes information cards and a camera to ensure you have everything you need to record the details of the incident (Available at www.getbuttonedup.com and Target stores; $15).

2. Keep a Universal Charger

If you’re going to take a substantial trip, take a cue from truck drivers, and be sure your car is equipped with a universal charger. A universal charger plugs into a cigarette-lighter plug — and which any normal, two-pronged plug (like the wall chargers for your phone, camera or iPod) can plug into. They’re also lifesavers if you’re on a longer family trip and need a way to recharge batteries.

3. Keep ‘Em Entertained

Now for the hard part: the back seat. Don’t worry, though, since a little preparedness will go a long way in keeping kids (and adults) not just occupied but genuinely entertained. Always bring plenty of snacks, plus trash bags and wipes for the resulting mess. As far as keeping kids entertained, DVD players are becoming ubiquitous. But try some of the classic games, such as keeping tabs of the states listed on the various license plates of cars on the road. Not only are these more interactive, but they tend to be the ones your kids will remember when they grow up and go on their own road trips.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, Inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

The holidays are over and by now you’ve missed your goal of getting your thank yous done before New Year’s. But don’t fear, you can still get them into the mailbox before January is over with a few simple steps.

Alicia on “Organize Your Supplies”

I like to save time by using the Internet and get my stamps at Stamps.com, lovely thank-you cards at CraneAndCo.com and clear adhesive address labels at OfficeDepot.com. The items are shipped right to my door. Another shortcut I take is making address labels on computer. I have such messy handwriting, and I’m sure I also save the Postal Service time and energy, too!

Sarah on “Schedule Your Time”

If you don’t block off time in your schedule to write thank-yous, it’s highly likely you’ll fall into the “tomorrow” trap. This is especially true for families with young children. Early in the week, arrange a schedule with your spouse so that you each get some quiet time to write them. And if you have children old enough to write, set aside time to help them get theirs done as well. One great way to help younger ones get started is to buy pre-printed thank you cards that let them fill in the blanks. 

Other reminders:

1.    Keep it short and sweet. Remember that thank-you cards don’t have to be books! It is more than OK to be brief. You can convey a true sense of appreciation with just a few lines. If you’re suffering from writer’s block, try picking a detail about the gift that you love or are excited about and writing a line just about that.

2.     A personal detail is one of the best ways to bring your gratitude to life – for you and the gift-giver. For example, “I have been wanting a digital camera for so long, you made a wish come true. I am going to be able to capture so many great memories of the kids and look forward to sending you lots more fun photos of them.” In addition, you might want to bring up something about the giver: “It was so nice to spend Christmas Eve caroling with you as well. Let’s have lunch in the middle of January.” If the giver is not someone as close to you, you can still be thoughtful. “Good luck getting that promotion you were telling me about.”

3.    Sometimes it takes a little while for your creative juices to get going. If you find that you’re staring at a blank piece of paper for a while, getting bored, give yourself a five- or 1- minute creativity break. Just be sure to get back to it!

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, Inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

After the mad dash to get everything done at work before the year’s end and the rush-rush of the holiday season, it’s no wonder so many of us end December fried, physically and emotionally. If you’ve fallen to the bottom of your own to-do list over the past few months and find yourself exhausted and drained, take heart. Over the next, relatively quiet, two weeks, it is possible to not only recharge your batteries, but to plan ahead for ways to make time for yourself in the coming year.

Sarah on “Space Time Continuum”

When my brother-in-law asked my husband what he wanted for Christmas, he glibly replied, “Well, I’d really love it if you could find that wrinkle in the space-time continuum and buy me an extra week or two to just relax.” Everybody laughed at the absurdity of the request, and yet, wished it were a gift that could be given at the same time. It got me thinking. If someone you love has a hard time making time for himself or herself, maybe you can help that person find a wrinkle in time. I drew up a list of 50 ways I could give him the gift of time in the New Year, like a quiet breakfast in bed with the paper and no screaming 2-year-olds, an afternoon stroll with the family in a pretty spot, and a weekend without the kids. Then I made a plan to do all 50 things throughout the year, scheduling them like appointments in my calendar. I don’t know if it is the equivalent of two weeks, but it should make a noticeable difference.

Alicia on “Turning Off”

In this 24-hour, seven days-a-week, 365-days-a-year world we live in, it can be incredibly difficult to truly relax. One trick that definitely works is unplugging your digital items — literally. Make a plan to ditch e-mail, voicemail, instant messaging, the Internet, texting, and any other form of electronic communication you can think of. If you can swing a week, it’s ideal. But even if you switch off for only an hour a day, the act of tuning out for a bit gives your mind and body time to relax and recharge.

Here are additional ideas for making more “you” time in the coming year.

1. Pick Something to Delegate

One of the surest ways to buy back some time is to identify one or two tasks on your mental or actual to-do list that someone else can do. We’ve piled more on our plates today than ever before and yet, even though we’re frazzled and exhausted, sprinting from activity to activity, most of us rarely ask for help. By enabling others to take on some of the work, you’ll not only have a much lighter load, but you’ll give them the opportunity to stretch their full potential as well.

2. Find a Getaway Place

You don’t necessarily have to go far to find a good place to truly relax. Possible options include the basement rec room, a coffeehouse down the street, a hot bath, the gym, or a nearby walking trail. Simply designating a place that is your “getaway” means that you’ll have a way to easily trip the relaxation trigger and truly detach from the crazy world for a moment or two.

3. Have a Cut-Off Time for Work

In this topsy-turvy economic time, it is easy to feel the pressure to burn the midnight oil at work. But studies have shown that productivity actually increases when people have time to relax and recharge. In the New Year, establish a time that you will leave work each evening, and stick to it. Even if you go back to work from home after a few hours, the break will help you clear your head, focus on other priorities (like your family or your health) and boost your energy.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, Inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or something else entirely, the chance to see your family and friends is truly one of the best parts, if not the best part, of the holidays.

But hosting family members and friends in your own home can also be one of the most stressful parts of the holidays. It’s unfortunate that this cheery time of year can become overwhelming, and trying to make everything perfect for guests at your home can only add to your stress. However, with some simple planning you can have a stress-free time while hosting the ones you love.

Alicia on “It’s OK Not to Be the Ritz”:

As much as you’d love to give your guests the perfect, five-star experience, putting chocolates on the pillows, cooking amazing meals and doing anything else a top-flight hotel would provide is just not realistic. In fact, setting the bar that high will only make you more stressed and less likely to be able to enjoy the company. The best way to make guests feel comfortable will be to treat them as though they are truly part of the family. People become uncomfortable if they feel their hosts are waiting on them hand and foot. Instead, focus on a few small details ahead of time so they feel welcome. For example, if a cousin is in town, leave a photo album that contains family-beach-vacation pictures from when you were kids on the dresser. Avoid slavishly tending to their every need the entire time. You don’t need to vacuum twice a day (your guests will want to sleep in in peace).

Sarah on “Mapping Out Fun Around Town”:

If guests are coming from far away, they probably want to see things that are unique to your area. You should partake in these activities with them if you’re able to, but know that if you have to work the Monday before Christmas and can’t join them at the local ski resort, that’s OK. Gather up a few Web sites and e-mail your guests information for local activities that you think they might like, such as going to a festival of lights, concerts or museums. Also, if you have something in mind you would like to do with everyone, be sure to ask your guests ahead of time. It would be discourteous to assume they want to go see “The Nutcracker” if their 5-year-old isn’t really at a sit-still phase yet.

Here are more tips to keep you and your guests happy during the stay:

1. Delegate

There’s no reason the entire family can’t pitch in and help you get ready. The holidays are a family affair for both pitching in and having fun. Have your husband get the air mattresses out of the attic, clean the extra sheets and towels, or take care of other chores around the house that you need done. Have the kids help bake Aunt Maggie’s favorite cookies, make welcome cards and generally get the guest room ready.

2. Stock Up on Favorite Things

Make your guests feel comfortable by asking them ahead of time a few of their favorite foods, like deli turkey or the kind of milk they usually drink. Small details will make them feel comfortable and welcomed. The best part about these items is that you can take care of them before they arrive. As an added touch, leave guests some of your favorite lotions or soaps in the bathroom.

3. Prep Your Kids

Children don’t always react well to changes in the routine. Be sure to explain to younger and older children that the whole family will be welcoming guests. Talk about the rules of hosting before guests arrive so the kids will know what to expect. Explain that guests come first. That’s how they would like things when they visit another home, so they should treat their guests in the same manner. Practice ways that the kids can make guests feel welcome and at home. The more prepared they are for the disruption, the more likely they are to roll with things once guests arrive.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

The temperature has already dropped in most northern states, but that doesn’t mean it is too late to get your home buttoned up for the really cold winter months ahead. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is prepared to weather the ice and snow efficiently — in other words, without costing you an arm or a leg.

Alicia on “Knowing Your Home”:

It can be tempting to run everything in your home by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” motto — not touching or thinking about maintaining an appliance until it dies or fails. When it comes to your house, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For example, a dryer from 1985 that still works well and is problem-free probably has a filter system that isn’t working as well as it did the day it was purchased, which makes it a serious fire hazard. So, put your preventive-medicine hat on and get ahead of fires, leaks and other costly damages by enlisting a professional to check the pipes, and appliances like the refrigerator, washer/dryer, furnace and water heater.

Sarah on “Tracking Warranties & Service Plans”:

Warranty papers and service plans, especially those that come on the actual product receipt, have a way of floating around kitchens, home offices, purses, pockets and dresser tops without ever landing in a permanent, easy-to-find spot. Think about taking some time now to round up the paperwork on all of your appliances and storing them in a designated file or folder. We recommend buying an inexpensive accordion file, titling it “Appliance Files” and using it to safely house all of the warranties, service plans and receipts for important household items. Keep your file folder in an easily accessible spot, like a filing cabinet, utility closet or bookshelf and refer to it as needed. That way, if a professional checks an appliance, like your refrigerator, and finds it isn’t functioning properly, it doesn’t have to mean hundreds or even thousands down the drain.

Here are other key areas of your home/property you should winterize to save money.

1: Check Seals on Doors & Windows

If the heated air is escaping your home through creaky, leaky doors and windows, you’ll be wasting hundreds of dollars heating your home. On the next blustery day, check to see if cold air is blowing in by holding your hand next to windows and doors. If you do find a drafty door, try an inexpensive fix — those sand-filled, fabric-covered draft stoppers for doors leading in and out of the house. For windows, check to be certain that they are properly closed and, and if you have them, that storm windows are in properly. Thick drapes are also helpful at nighttime, but during the day, be sure they’re open for windows that get direct sunlight.

2: Check the Chimney

Be sure your fireplace damper is closed when there is no fire lighted. Think of it this way: Leaving the damper open is like keeping a 4- by -4-inch window wide open, thus allowing that precious warm air (and the hard-earned money it took to heat your home) to go right up the chimney. In addition, check the seal on the flue damper to be certain it’s as snug as possible. If you never use your fireplace, then go ahead and plug/seal the chimney flue. There’s no sense in losing heat from something you never use.

3: Care for Your Heat & Water

Have your heating system serviced and be sure that anything on your heating system that is covered under warranty is replaced. Change heating filters and walk through the house to make sure that all heat vents are clear. You don’t want any of your children’s toys melting when you turn the system on for the first time. In addition, changing the filters will also help remove pesky allergens. For the water system, drain sprinkler pipes if you have them. Otherwise, the pipes underground can freeze and break over the winter, costing you money and time next spring. Also, never turn your heat off fully, even if you are going on vacation for a week. Your indoor pipes can freeze and burst, causing an indoor flood. Having a friend drop by to check on your home during winter months if you go away is always a good idea.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, Inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

Cleaning the house, shopping for all the ingredients, cooking the large meal, baking desserts and everything else that is associated with Thanksgiving — by the time the wonderful day comes you want to spend time catching up with your family. However, if you have a lot of kids in the family like we do, it can often become difficult to relax when you’re constantly watching the children.

This is especially true since the meal is longer than most, and while there may be a lot of cousins to play with, the weather may keep everyone cooped up inside. Here are some ideas to entertain the kids who require little supervision, a good deal of youth creativity and a whole lot of fun.

Alicia on “Holiday Decor”:

It may be Thanksgiving, but wouldn’t it be nice to have some homemade decorations for Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa or New Year’s? Let the children decorate all sorts of fun items for the next holidays. Break out crayons and markers (washable, of course) and items like tablecloths that can be colored on, construction paper for greeting cards, pipe cleaners, felt and foam for ornaments or posters. Then let their imaginations run wild as they create decorations for the next holiday. This way they feel like they are contributing to the next holiday and they will have plenty to keep them busy with their young family friends. If you really want to see them immersed in the activity, offer a prize for the best Hanukkah card or Christmas-tree ornament. But give them all a treat, like a cookie, when they are done. They will be excited to show off their creations and you’ll be able to mingle with the adults while they are occupied.

Sarah on “A New Tradition”:

One of the best Thanksgiving traditions in my family has been going on ever since I can remember. Each Thanksgiving, while the entire family is sitting around the dining-room table, we all say what we are thankful for into a tape recorder. Just recently, I found tapes from more than 30 years ago, and hearing my grandparents, aunts and cousins all say their various thanks gave me goose bumps. Keepsakes like these are priceless and show the history in your family. So this Thanksgiving try this tradition in your family. It is truly a one-of-a-kind treasure when, years down the road, your kid can hear you giving thanks for being blessed with her birth this year, you can hear your brother say thanks for the bright red sports car he just bought, or you and others can hear your parents express gratitude for 50 years of marriage.

Here are three additional ways to keep younger ones entertained this Thanksgiving.

1.    Get Theatrical.

Have the older kids write and videotape the story of Thanksgiving, with all of the kids as the actors. Provide them with old clothes and props, and then at the end of the night you can watch the film. Or if you want to be more old-fashioned, you can have them put on a live play.

2.    T-H-A-N-K Bingo.

This classic game is always a hit and the older kids can definitely be in charge. You can create your own game via Word with a clip art, or use items already made on the Internet like http://www.brownielocks.com/thanksgivingbingo.html. If you don’t like this page, you can Google “Kid’s Thanksgiving Bingo” and buy sets or create and print different bingo games. Be sure to make goodie bags or prizes for winners to keep the kids interested for up to five games (remember that there may be three winners in one game, so plan accordingly). This should provide 30 to 60 minutes of fun for kids of all ages.

3.    Puzzle Play.

Puzzles are an easy way to capture the attention of a child, especially if it has the kid’s favorite characters on it. Pick up puzzles that are age appropriate. For example, if you have children ranging from ages 10-14, they’ll enjoy putting together a 3-D puzzle.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

 With the price of travel increasing, and the amount of money in American pockets decreasing, many families won’t be spending the holidays together this year. But there are options.

Alicia on “Non-peak Visiting”:

One of the easiest ways to get through a holiday without everyone together is to plan to get together in January or February when travel prices are cheaper and terminals are less crowded. Try to schedule the trips around President’s Day or MLK day when children have time off from school.

If you ask your bosses for the time off now, you’ll be certain to get it and may even get brownie points for working when many others in your office plan to be away. It might not seem ideal, being one of the few still working in late December. But trust me: In January, they will be the ones with the winter blues when you are on vacation visiting your loved ones.

Sarah on “Holiday Creativity”:

Here’s a grand idea that will make your family laugh and smile even when you can’t be there in person. If, for example, one-half of the family will be celebrating in Atlanta, and the other in New Orleans, have each side make a lighthearted video for the other to watch over the holidays. It can be something silly like acting out the quirky things each family member does that you will miss (like how Grandpa unwraps his gifts at snail speed) or the kids putting on a living room Christmas play.

Family members can then send the Atlanta video to New Orleans and vice versa and watch it on the holiday or post the videos on YouTube and watch them together online. You’ll have new memories and a keepsake, too.

Here are three more ways to stay close to loved ones even though all of you may be miles apart this holiday season.

1. Technology

We are so lucky to have amazing technologies like cell phones and instant messaging services. They are solutions that connect you to the people you love in real time, so even though you’re miles apart, you can feel like you’re in the same room. If you don’t have one already, we recommend investing in a webcam. These video devices have gone down significantly in price. Today you can get a decent one for less than $20. A visual connection, even if you can’t hug the person on the other end, makes the distance between you and loved ones seem less vast.

2. Send Along a Memory

Shrink the distance between you and a loved one this holiday by sending along a little bit of you. Whether it’s an old, favorite teddy bear for your daughter, an envelope of funny pictures of you and your best friend during your high-school years or your famous peanut-butter cookies, something that sparks a happy, shared memory can make both receiver and giver feel closer.

3. Start New Traditions

As much as you love your family, if you have to be away from members, try to make a new tradition so you don’t spend the whole holiday season pining away. For example, go caroling with new friends in the neighborhood or volunteer at a homeless shelter to make another person’s holiday brighter.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

Our financial world is topsy-turvy. Each week, Wall Street takes us on another stomach-turning ride, new job cuts are announced and reports from the media leak out comparing our economy now to the Great Depression. With that as a backdrop, it’s no wonder a recent poll showed that 70 percent of Americans are stressed about money right now. The fact is, this isn’t some crisis happening elsewhere to “others” — we’re virtually all feeling the pinch directly.

The net result: stress. People report that their anxiety over bills, mortgage payments, late fees, interest rates and the depressingly low bank balances blinking back at them on ATM screens is mounting. That stress can affect your health, relationships and even your ability to get a decent night’s rest. For most, the worst stress comes from the feeling that you have limited control.

Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps that will help you save a bit, even in the midst of the upcoming holidays. In the spirit of helping you get back some semblance of control over your financial situation, we will show you how to save $500 by Dec. 31. The trick: Take the money you save on little things each week and put it away until the last day of the year.

Sarah on “Discipline”:

Just like weight loss, there is a certain, unequivocal math to saving: fewer dollars out than in. There’s no fudging the math; you just have to be disciplined. With temptation to spend everywhere, sticking to your plan is easier said than done. One of the most effective techniques for staying on track is to visualize the prize. Whether you will use the extra $500 toward paying off some debt, investing in a CD or in your 401(k), or toward a winter trip to Disney World with your kids, if you can keep your eye on the prize, it helps with discipline. So make a goal poster, hang it in a high-traffic area at home and track your progress every day or week. You’ll soon see how your daily choices make a difference. It also doesn’t hurt to get the whole family involved — especially your spouse.

Alicia on “Ditch Perfection”:

Being realistic, you will occasionally slip up — and that’s OK. It’s hard to change habits. Knowing this, it’s important to think ahead and develop tricks for getting back on track quickly if you have a moment of weakness. We recommend a healthy dose of forgiveness followed by one or two significant steps to help you recommit to your plan. If you don’t forgive yourself for slip-ups, you’re actually more likely to throw your hands up, call yourself a failure and keep on over-spending. Bad spending habits may not be easily broken overnight, but if you make room for imperfection, your chances of reaching your goal and developing positive, long-term habits are significantly better.

If you’re having trouble getting your budget in order, here are three tips to help you save up to $500.

1. Go Homemade

How often do you eat out? Even if you just buy coffee or lunch, it is amazing how quickly ordering out adds up. Making coffee at home instead of buying it every day will save you $90 by Dec. 31 — more if you order expensive lattes or other fancy drinks. Brown-bagging it can cut your daily lunch tab in half. Over eight weeks, you can save $160 to $250. Dinners out also add up. If a family of four eats out, it will cost around $50 at an average restaurant. If you can make a meal for four with around $15, you are saving $35 per week.

2. Go Generic

Buying generic instead of name-brand foods at the grocery store saves you anywhere from $75 to $100 per month. There’s another $150 to$200 you can save before 2009.

3. Shop Like It’s 1975

Remember layaway? Instead of paying 13 percent to 20 percent interest on the $1,000 worth of holiday gifts this year, use layaway — you can pay little by little up ahead of time instead of paying a lot extra in January. Money saved (on $1,000): $130 to $200.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com

Daily headlines, news reporters and breathless bloggers make it impossible to escape an all-too-gloomy reality: Financial crisis! Rising costs! Retail sales down! Recession!

It is enough to make you want to forget that the holidays, with all of the requisite spending that comes with them, are rapidly approaching. But just because belts are tightening doesn’t mean you have to turn into the Grinch. In fact, with just a little bit of organization and preparation in the next few weeks, you can make less go a lot further than you thought possible — and that holds for time as well as money.

Sarah on “Being honest with yourself”:

It’s hard not to lavish Christmas, Hanukkah and other holiday gifts on the people we love. But, unfortunately, spending beyond your means is a choice that will always come back to haunt you. This year, set a realistic budget and stick to it. If you find the thought depressing or feel the urge to splurge beyond what you can afford, remember that while the holidays are about giving, they aren’t about giving what you don’t have. What really matters is sharing time with friends and family, not the material gifts we give or receive. We have become too caught up in the consumerism of the holidays — and now, more than ever, is the perfect time to spare our wallets by giving more of our hearts.

Alicia on “Adapting to a New Kind of Holiday”:

So how do you still have a great holiday without spending a fortune? Get creative! Instead of giving all of your office friends $20 Starbucks gift cards (which definitely adds up quickly), throw a company potluck drinks-and-dessert party. If you’ve got kids, think small. They’d rather have fewer little gifts than one big gift. This year, separately wrap up a box of crayons, coloring books and a yo-yo rather than one fancy, expensive gadget. Another tactic: Shift the focus from gifts to the people around you. You’ve probably forgotten about 95 percent of the gifts you’ve ever received on holidays, but I bet you remember, very vividly, experiences or other special moments you shared with your family members. Make memories again this year — go caroling, have Grandpa tell the story of Hanukkah by the fireside or play charades after dinner.

More tips:

No. 1: Don’t Be Wrap-Happy

Instead of buying and using rolls and rolls of wrapping paper at $4 a roll, try using newspapers or recycled wrapping paper instead. You can dress it up by painting or coloring on the paper, or using inexpensive raffia ribbons. If you have multiple gifts for one person, get a box or solid-colored “Santa” sack for each person, and wrap only the large box in decorative wrapping paper. The large box will look pretty under the tree, but your use of old newspaper will reduce the amount of expensive paper that will be ripped open and tossed 30 seconds after opening anyhow.

No. 2: Carpool

If you live in an area where you have to drive to get your presents, coordinate with family or good friends to go shopping on the same day, and carpool. You’ll save money on gas by sharing the cost, plus you’ll get the added benefit of more quality time with people you love.

No. 3: Point to It

One of the best ways to give gifts without breaking the budget is to use credit-card points you have accumulated all year long. Credit-card companies have so many great point programs that you should have lots of interesting things to choose from.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com