Today is Clean Out Your Computer Day -- a day to review and delete old files and programs -- and as many readers know, I love random holidays like this, especially when they inspire me to get more organized! As part of my work via the Office Champions program (and because I was in desperate need of laptop cleanup!), I thought it would be helpful to share my top tips for digital decluttering, and also how to keep those precious files safe.

1. Make note of your disk space. This is a super quick step and really more for your data collection gratification. Make a note of your remaining disk space so you can see your starting point.

2. Delete old programs. Go through and delete old programs you no longer use. Sort by most recently used applications for specific details on usage to help your process.

3. Break the process down into small chunks. The idea of cleaning out your entire computer can be a daunting one. Break the process down into small chunks so it feels more doable and so you can enjoy the satisfaction of checking off sections. For example, start with cleaning off your home screen (I have a terrible habit of dumping temporary files there) and then work your way through individual folders.

4. Clean out folders, tackling digital photos LAST. Clean out and delete/reorganize files and folders. I recommend tackling digital photos last because of the nostalgia rabbit hole factor. Get in a good rhythm with the easier files first!

5. Be ruthless. As you tackle #4, BE RUTHLESS. I recommend this tactic with physical decluttering and the same goes for digital decluttering. For example, with photos, delete images where people have their eyes closed, mouths open and full of food, etc., as well as repeats of the same shot or photos that really don’t contribute to storytelling in any way. I like to think of the process as curating the very best images; I may shoot, say, 300 photos at a party and I'm happiest when I can reduce that collection to 25 or so images.

6. Empty your trash/recycling bin and check your disk space again. This is the gratification side of step #1; you’ll feel happy seeing your increase in disk space!

7. Back up your data. After some catastrophic file losses in the past, I cannot recommend backing up your data enough! I use both an external hard drive + cloud service. Using something like OneDrive or Dropbox is awesome so you can access your files from anywhere. (To learn more about how Office and Dropbox work together, see here and here!)

8. Run a scan. Once your hard drive is cleaned up, I recommend running a scan. Just initiate and go make yourself a cup of coffee!

9. Maintain a digital decluttering routine. Prevent future overwhelm by maintaining a digital decluttering routine. If you digitally declutter once a week, or even once a month, the process will be quick!

Have other great tips to share? I’d love to hear them in the comments!

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Disclosure: This post was inspired by my role as a compensated Office Champions ambassador; ideas and opinions are, of course, my own!

Hello everyone, I'm launching the Weekly Blueprint early again because, well, we've already had school cancelled for tomorrow! I think because January was so ridiculously crazy for me, I'm sort of unphased by it at the moment, but if you're starting to go nuts and need some ideas for things to do, here are 10 snow day ideas, 16 fun places to sled, and 8 sources for Valentine's Day inspiration. Hang in there, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

February 9: Find the best summer camp without ever leaving home. (Virtual)

February 10: From page to screen: an inside look at children’s book adaptations. (Boston)

February 10: The How and Why of Family Dinners lecture and book signing. (Boston)

February 11: Who has the best chowder on The Row? (Somerville)

February 11: Have tea with Queen Elsa. (Wenham)

February 12: Just how do animals keep warm in the winter? (Acton)

February 12: Take a cooking class with your bestie or your sweetie. (Cohasset)

February 13: Come explore the Great Hill. (Acton)

February 13: Romancing the Square. (Arlington)

February 13: Celebrate love at the MFA. (Boston)

February 13: Italian Culture Night with performances, visual arts, science and more! (Boston)

February 13: Valentine’s Day story time with Curious George. (Cambridge)

February 13: Valentine crafts encouraging creative expressions of love. (Easton)

February 13: Valentine’s date night with clay. (Lincoln)

February 13 - 22: Frozen on Ice! (Boston)

Image credit: Artbeat

Last year, when I first heard Jessica Shyba speak about how her Instagram pictures of Theo and Beau went viral, what struck me most was her grace, humility, and clear love for her family. That love is so beautifully pervasive in the incredible naptime images of her son Beau and rescued puppy Theo; some of these images now can be found in Jessica's new picture book, Naptime with Theo & Beau, which I'm sharing as this week's Friday Find.

I recommend you order this book for a few reasons: First, Jessica is a truly wonderful human being. I had the chance to spend some quality time with Jessica, her husband Justin, and baby Evangeline last week in DC and Jessica is the real deal -- a thoughtful, lovely, talented person through and through. Second, Jessica's family is donating a portion of the profits from this book to the Santa Cruz SPCA, where Theo entered their lives. Third, these photos will lift your spirits and the spirits of others. I've been caregiving for my mother the last 6 weeks and one day when she was down and in pain, I whipped out my phone and showed her Jessica's Instagram feed. The immediate turn in spirits and sound of coos and laughter? Well, there's absolutely no pricetag you can put on that. Baby and dog therapy is real!

So, go order Naptime with Theo & Beau! Below are a few images from Jessica's feed so you can see what I mean, and also the trailer, which may make you cry (consider yourself warned!).

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEHtLaKoDTc?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Image credits: all images via Jessica Shyba

Happy Friday everyone, I hope you're enjoying a great week! I finally feel as if I'm getting caught up on things and inching towards normalcy (just in time, I suspect, for more snow!). Anyway, I'm in great spirits and hope you are looking forward to the weekend. Enjoy these 26 weekend events, lovingly curated for your consideration. And if you missed it yesterday, check out the new editorial series Style on a Budget!

1. Especially for Me! FREE evening at the museum for children with Autism. (Acton)

2. Magic show with Rupayan Neogy. (Acton)

3. Check out Mix 104.1's Wellness on Wheels at the winter carnival. (Acton)

4. The Merrimack River Eagle Festival. (Amesbury, Newburyport)

5. Give kids a smile dental day. (Boston)

6. Family day at the aquarium is all about lobsters. (Boston)

7. Boston Musica Viva annual family concert The Adventures of Babar and Bliss. (Boston)

8. Get creative with your Valentine treats decorating. (Boston)

9. Learn the basics of filmmaking. (Boston)

10. Check out Mix 104.1's Wellness on Wheels at the Reilly Skating Rink. (Brighton)

11. Through their Musings at the Museum students learn that history can be magical. (Brookline)

12. It’s never too early to have Lollipops for Breakfast. (Brookline)

13. Final performances of Stuart Little - The Musical. (Cambridge)

14. The amazing world of reptiles and amphibians. (Cambridge)

15. Pancake breakfast, stop by for a stack. (Concord)

16. Big Joe the Storyteller’s snow show! (Concord)

17. Winter birding for kids. (Fall River)

18. North Shore Children’s Theater production of Seussical the Musical. (Medford)

19. Sledding party, bring your own sled. (Millis)

20. Explore the wonder of owls. (Natick)

21. Free open play at the dance studio. (Newton)

22. Storytime and watercolor exploration. (Salem)

23. Find the best summer camp without ever leaving home. (Online)

24. Winter fun at Bird Park. (Walpole)

25. A family winter wonderland of fun. (Waltham)

26. Enjoy tea and cake and wonderful music. (Waltham)

Image credit: Trustees of Reservations

This week, BlogHer's parent company, SheKnows Media, partnered with Public Radio International on the #womenslives media initiative. Basically, we want people talking about women.

We need to do this because only about 24% of all news subjects talk about women in any way, and only six percent of news stories highlight gender in/equality.

So, basically, we're ignoring half the population of the earth. Daily.

You can take a step toward changing that. We're going to talk about gender and womanhood and equality and inequality and stigma and women's health using the #womenslives hashtag.

Did you know JLaw got the paycheck shaft on American Hustle compared to her male co-stars?

Did you know heart disease is the number one killer of women and the symptoms can be different for women?

Did you know young women are harassed online three times as much as young men?

Did you know that people used to believe only boys were dyslexic because only boys were studied?

Would you stay in an abusive relationship? Why this blogger did.

That there are so many posts about surviving and witnessing domestic violence is heartbreaking, such as this one from Beauty School Scarlet, this one from Brown Girl From Boston, this one from Living Off Love and Coffee, this one from Loving Ryan (her mother's boyfriend starting their acquaintance by killing her kitten), this one from Heart of Michelle, this one from Not a Stepford Life, and this one from Transparency.

That Super Bowl domestic violence ad was a real 911 call.

I'm a feminist, and I catch myself accepting inequality all the time because it's always been that way. The whole women's paycheck thing hasn't changed, it hasn't changed! Women get charged more for everything from hair products to shoes even though that paycheck thing exists. We still don't have a female president. Women hold 4.6% of CEO positions at Fortune 500 companies despite the fact more women than men graduate from college.

Change takes more than just conversation, but it gets harder to ignore or cover up things people are talking about. If you're the Facebook type, please join our Facebook group, where we'll be sharing information and talking about #womenslives every week.  Because all you need to do is believe in yourself. Like a girl.

No, like a woman.

For the first installment of Style on a Budget, I'm addressing one of the easiest fashion amp-ups known to woman: the necklace. Why start here? Because by virtue of geography, necklaces are a focal point. In fact, as much as I love shoes I usually prioritize my necklace choice over shoes due to said geography reality. Also, necklaces can be very affordable. Today, I want to share 10 beautiful options, all under $50.

Now, in the course of acquiring many, many necklaces (my friend Jess dubbed me Queen of the Statement Necklace -- thanks, Jess!) I’ve learned that the true workhorses are the ones that are pretty and shiny but not so crazy that they are too obvious to wear repeatedly. So, I focused my round up on pieces that are bright and shiny, yet not too in your face so you can wear them again and again (because dollars per use matters when you’re due to buy, say, a case of diapers!). I also focused on gold tones because they go with all sorts of outfits and can instantly make your look appear more expensive and polished. HERE GOES!

1. There are some places you can get jewelry on the super cheap. Old Navy is one of those places but you can’t buy their jewelry online. H&M is another option, and this short floral necklace ($19.95) offers volume and sparkle in neutral tones.

2. I love pendant necklaces, and this geo horn tassel pendant from Bauble Bar (currently on sale for $25) is a total steal. The layers are awesome, as are the mixed elements. So chic.

3. A lot of my jewelry workhorses come from J. Crew Factory; this gold and crystal squares necklace (currently on sale for $29.50) is sparkly yet understated.

4. I’ve been on a bit of a geometric metals bender lately; I love this stacked half moon necklace (also from J. Crew Factory, and also currently on sale for $29.50).

5. I actually gasped a little when I saw this leather ladder necklace from LOFT ($34.50). I’m ordering it right after I publish this post. Such a great piece, casual or dressy.

6. If giant jeweled statement necklaces scare you, this personal edge collar necklace from Banana Republic (currently on sale for $37) is a great pick.

7. This seaworthy geo bib pendant from Urban Outfitters ($48) is another piece that would look awesome with casual or dressy outfits.

8. I love arrows and I simply adore Anthropologie’s archer’s arrow necklace ($48). This would be a great go-to daily piece.

9. I also love and own several pieces of Gorjana jewelry; the minimal style is just oozing with cool...as are the two-strand hashtag necklaces on Piperlime ($48). Choose from #selfie or #nofilter.

10. Triangles are so pretty and modern. Stella & Dot’s Alexia necklace ($49) can be worn multiple ways and is available in gold or silver.

What are your favorite picks? And if you have budget fashion quandaries, send them my way at editor@bostonmamas.com.

Image credits: all product images via linked sources above; compilation image by Christine Koh

Friends, I'm so excited! I’ve been wanting to write more fashion editorial and after pondering and consulting with Kris-Ann, today I'm launching a new editorial series called Style on a Budget. Why? Because while I do believe in investing in key pieces, there are definitely ways to amplify and improve your wardrobe without breaking the bank. I also share the frustration of many women when I see “bargain” fashion editorial that is far from affordable.

So, my goals for this series are multifaceted! First, I want to help you track down great pieces for less. Second, I want to help you figure out how to make the most of what you have. And third, I want to share clever solutions and inspiration. Every now and then I also will likely address pieces worth investing in -- investment pieces are, in fact, part of budgeting -- but largely, my approach will be to help you look awesome at reasonable expense. If you’ve got particular fashion quandaries you’d like me to address, send me an email at editor@bostonmamas.com!

First feature in the series: why necklaces are the easiest wardrobe amp-up ever + 10 gorgeous necklaces under $50

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today, Katy shares inspiration to get out and sled:

The string of recent storms inspired us to shake the cobwebs off of our snow tubes and toboggans for some great sledding. Below includes some of my favorite sledding spots in my old neighborhood around Watertown as well as other recommendations from the Boston Mamas community. Share your favorite sledding spots in the comments below!

1. Robbins Farm Park (Arlington) is a classic, with a sweeping view of Boston and a long, steep hill for great big kid thrills.

2. The Arlington Boys & Girls Club (Arlington) offers a short, steep incline with plenty of spin out room on the field. 

3. Grove Street (Belmont) at the intersection of Grove Street and Huron Avenue offers a more gentle hill, close to a playground.

4. Boston Common (Boston) is right at the heart of things, including close proximity to snacks and hot beverages (see these features on Beacon Hill and Back Bay local gems for some options)!

5. Larz Anderson Park (Brookline) is a favorite, with huge hills that are awesome to sled down and challenging to climb back up. 

6. David Nunes Park (Cambridge) is a smaller -- but still fun -- hill for little ones.

7. Kingsley Park Hill (Cambridge) at Fresh Pond received repeat recommendations.

8. Danehy Park (Cambridge) is one of Cambridge's favorite sledding spots.

9. Williams Hill (Harvard) is a bit further afield and highly recommended.

10. Sugar Bowl (Jamaica Plain) at Riverway @ Perkins Street is a great spot for serious sledders.

11. Tower Hill (Medford) is a popular spot for Medford residents.

12. Tufts University (Medford) is another favorite in Medford.

13. Needham High School (Needham) offers a fun hill that runs down from the school to the football field.

14. Lowell School (Watertown), at the intersection of Orchard Street and George Street, is one of my old favorites.

15. Casey Playground (Watertown) on Watertown Street is a great spot with a big landing area.

16. Mullan Field (Winchester) across from Wright Locke Farm offers a steep and exciting incline. Added bonus: adjacent parking lot.

*ADDITIONAL PICKS: Also, editor Christine Koh just learned about this Boston Magazine feature on sledding spots in Boston; it includes some of the picks shared here, and several others in Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, Southie, and more.

Have fun sledding! And don't forget supplies for the backpack:

• Lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Extra mittens
• Snack and drink
• Towels to keep the car seats dry on the way home
• Camera

Image credits: Christine Koh

Given that it's early February and many of us are wrestling with the "what do we do now?" question as the snow days stack up (if the 10-day forecast is correct, we may have more forthcoming...SORRY!), I thought it would be a perfect time to roundup some ideas for Valentine's Day. It turns out there are some really great ideas swimming around in the archives; enjoy these free printables, crafts, treats, and relationship lessons.

1. The core of everything is relationships! These 4 simple love lessons are a really good place to start.

2. Isn't it amazing that the world is filled with so many beautiful free printables? I used #1 and #5 last year and will return to these 14 awesome free Valentine's Day printables for the girls!

3. If you have a kid who loves to focus on projects, these rosebud Valentine's are simply adorable (sorry, old photo skills don't do it justice!).

4. Here's a fun roundup of 10 lovely Valentine's Day craft and treat ideas.

5. Here are 3 easy Valentine's Day treats you can make with kids; I think I'm going to make the cake this year. YUM. CAKE.

6. If you want to create a treat that's a little fancier, try these Valentine's fudge cakes. YUM.

7. We keep things simple and don't really do Valentine's gifting in our house, but here's a cute idea for Valentine's Day color themed card kits -- you may be able to assemble this from craft scraps in your home (what's old is new!).

8. And here's an article I wrote a while back on creative ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day.