Emergencies can be happiness killers.  Small mistakes become emergencies when I leave things to the last minute,  try to to do many things at once, or don't take the time to things right.  If I don't use the right tools for the job I create an emergency even when there isn't one. Being prepared gives me back control of my life.

Life Threatening Emergencies
Real emergencies can be life threatening. Rotating my 72 hour preparedness kit during camp-in's or camp-out's makes it less of an emergency when I need to know how to use it. This way my family enjoy's practicing our disaster plan.

Daily Emergencies
The same kind of planning can save time when a daily crises hits. Putting a water bottle in the car saves time and money when the kids and I need a drink. I don't have to stop and/or buy them. As I reduce the physical and mental demands in our lives, we have more time and choices.  We enjoy each other more.  What I prepare, has to be in good shape, easily accessible and I must know how it works, for my family  to find it useful 

I don't have to waste more time than money. Setting limits and goals become the steps I climb on my ladder to happiness. I set limits on work time and play time that I indulge in. I take time to be the type of person I like & respect.  Here are some of the basic tools I use to build happiness in my life and with my family. 

Simplicity Tools
1st: Resources: "The Simplicity Resource Guide" Simplicity is the art of living meaningfully.

"This approach to living calls into question our society's tendency to equate money and material possessions with the good life. Adherents to this way of life reject the notion that our life goal should be to amass as much material wealth and prestigious accomplishments as we possibly can."  The more simple I make my life, the easier it is to manage what I want from it.

"Lifestyles tend to involve patterns of working less, wanting less and spending less. This site provides a wide spectrum of resources related to simple living, including book reviews, links to related sites, and relevant articles." -Linda Breen Pierce

2nd: Humor Free Stuff I was so busy getting ahead, I almost lost my behind. 

"So I get this coupon in the mail. It reads "You Are A Real WINNER" across the top, so of course my heart leaps as I realize my ship has finally come in."  Read one person's journey in how *not* to simplify happiness.  

3rd: Network Simplicity authors are referred by their subscribers and reviewed before being listed. Preferred sites and leading authorities are researched online. You, too, can build resource tools and network with other authors. Contact me with your additions.
Arts and Crafts: Michaels, Mary Fleer
Conservation: International, GreenPeace, Bernie Quesada
Car Care: CarFax, Penzoil car tips
Family Life: about.com
Food: Epicurious, Cooking/Gardening, Marilyn Wilkerson
Home Maintenance: Appliance Care, Energy Saving
Health: Drugstore,Family Doctor
Savings: Quicken, Consumer Report, SalesHound, Deann Curtis, Sharon Leming, Nancy Twigg