Robin Baade
Age: 38.
Home: Tucson, Arizona.
Family: Married, to husband John, with two stepchildren — Eric, 22, and Emily, 17 — who don't live with them.
Job: Freelance and fiction writer.

I am a writer working from home, which means my day isn't as structured as it would be if I were in an office. But every night at six o'clock, I'm exercising, no matter what. If I skip yoga, I get stiff from sitting at the computer all day. If I skip karate, I lose my focus, which I need for writing.

How I've Simplified My Evenings: I really enjoy television, but I gave it up because I just can't devote time to it when I could be reading or relaxing without noise. Believe me, there are nights when all I want to do is veg out in front of the TV — and I do occasionally — but I always feel better if I read instead.

Streamlining Secret No. 1: I eat early so I can work out without feeling queasy. I stop work at 4:30 to make dinner for my husband and me. I eat mine and leave his in the fridge to reheat when he gets home. Then I work a little more until it's time to leave for yoga or karate class. By the time I get home, the only thing left to do is shower.

Streamlining Secret No. 2: I set aside one morning a week when I can get all my errands done.

My Perfect Night: Reading in bed with John and the dogs.

Robin's Night
4:30 P.M.: Make dinner. John usually works past six, so we eat separately.
6 P.M.: Ninety-minute yoga or karate class.
8:15 P.M.: Shower, grab the two dogs, grab a book or magazine, settle into bed.
9:30 P.M.: Bedtime.