To-Do Bin

Show of hands, who has a "slush pile" on their desk?

A "get-to" pile?

You Moms know what I'm talking about. The birthday party invitations, the lunch order forms, the community service forms, grocery store flyer, the coupons, the appointment cards, the reading logs to be signed, the permission slips.

Yeah. THAT stuff.

I had a sizable slush pile, myself. As in, I needed mountain climbing gear to tackle it. And I was always forgetting what was in it, and handing things in late. Bulletin boards, side of the fridge, they haven't helped much because things still have a way of getting hidden behind other papers.

Well the other day, I did something about it. I had an old file box that I used to use for keeping recipes, but I changed the recipes over to a different spot, so it was sitting empty. It's made out of that plastic that you can write on with dry erase markers, and it holds hanging files.

So I stared at it for a few minutes.
I scratched my head.
I stared some more.
I squinted my eyes and I pondered.

Then I said "Ding ding ding!" and all the kids looked at me like I was off my rocker again.

I quickly made up a few file folder tabs, then drew a list are on the front of the bin in Sharpie, with several categories such as School, Medical, Critters, and a couple others.

I thought the words needed a little more contrast to be viewed clearly, so I taped a piece of plain printer paper to the inside of the bin. That helped.

Then I put papers from my slush pile into the appropriate folders, and wrote each task on the front of the bin, using dry erase markers.

I threw a calendar into the front of it, so as dates come up, I can add them to that pretty quickly.

Now all I have to do is glance at the front of the bin to know what my to-do list is, and I can just reach into the folder to retrieve the item, rather than shuffling through a slippery stack of papers.

For instance, lunch order forms? They're in the school folder. The dog license renewal forms? In the critter folder. And those items are written on the front of the bin so I have a visual reminder of what-all's in there. No more "mystery pile".








Since I originally made it, I added another file for coupons and flyers, because I realized that was something else I tended to find all over my desk or kitchen counters. So now when I get them, I stick them in that folder and then pull them out to look them over when I get the chance.



And you know what? I love this. I REALLY love this. And once again, I did not have to buy a thing, but just repurposed something I already had lying around.



How about you? What do you find works well to keep you organized?


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Repurposing for Reorganizing

I've been doing some reorganizing lately.

I've been kind of a crazy person going through my house room by room to empty, clean, toss, donate, and organize.

I should be done in roughly 12 years.

When I was working in the kitchen, I looked with new eyes at my old Hoosier cabinet. It had become a catch-all for everything that didn't have a proper home. It stored the pens, pencils, scrap paper, receipts, phone numbers, files, phone books, dog medicine, tooth fairy bags, you name it.

What would Martha say???

I decided it should be used for what is was designed for: a piece of kitchen furniture. So I took everything off the surface and out of its cabinets and drawers. I cleaned it. Then, instead of putting back the flotsam it had previously housed, I placed canisters of sugar and flour in the flour mill. In the upper cabinets I put all my spices.




Yes, Hershey's cocoa powder is a spice in my book.

It was a great place to put my cook books, so in they went, as well as table cloths in the drawers and oversized kitchen implements like grill forks and tongs.




I stood back, wiped my hands on my proverbial apron, and smiled. I was pleased.

But then I turned around and saw all the junk I had removed. Insert curse word of choice here.

I wanted a way to keep it all handy, and yet look nice. I started looking around. I found the old tool box I had picked up for about ten bucks to corral the charger cords by the sofa. It hadn't worked out as I had hoped, and it was sitting empty and forlorn, looking for a new job.

And I had one for it.

I went to the store and bought some larger mason jars. We have plenty of the smaller kind for drinking and other purposes, but I needed the next size up.

I arranged the jars in the toolbox and started filling them up.

Colored pencils, Sharpies, chalk, rulers and magnifying glasses, scissors, highlighters, pens and pencils. I even have a separate jar for unsharpened pencils in the back, so if someone picks up a pencil with no point, they can at least put it in that jar instead of back in with the good ones. The pencil sharpener is tucked in there, as well.




Along with the toolbox, there is also a phone charger caddy and the homework basket.  On the wall above is a year calendar and a dry erase/bulletin board for messages and to-do lists.  




In the cabinets below, I have a drawer organizer with paper clips, tape, glue, etc. There is space for the phone books, the receipts, loose pictures, photo albums, yearbooks, and lots of etc.






Happy sigh. I feel fresher. I feel lighter. I feel better.

And all I paid was a few dollars for the mason jars. Everything else was already on hand.

Sometimes you've just got to look around and think.








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Pet Organization Ideas

Pet Organization Ideas

For most pet owners, their animal friends bring joy to their lives. Some people consider their pets to be a member of the family. When you consider this idea, it makes sense that your pet seems to be accumulating toys at about the same rate as your children. In the same way that your family’s items get displaced and are in need of a home, so are your pet’s belongings. You may be running out of space for all of your pet’s supplies and are in need of a storage solution.

There are a number of options as far as organization goes. The goal that you should focus on is the ability to maintain specific places for all your dog’s items.


Dresser
A great idea is to take a dresser and dedicate it to all things pet-related. While one drawer may contain your pet’s medicines, another might include all of your pet’s toys.
Each drawer will house a specific item such as your pet’s veterinary papers. A planner that includes important dates for your pet could be included among other items.


Image source: Pinterest

Grooming Supplies
Your home can get cluttered when it comes to all the grooming supplies you purchase for your pet. Whether it’s a brush or bottle of shampoo you need a place to store it. Large wicker baskets are decorative units that can be used to store your dog’s grooming products. These baskets are convenient because you’ll always know where your pet’s cleanup kit is located.

Leashes
It is likely that you own more than one leash for your pet. If this is the case, you may also be wishing for a designated area where you can store your pet’s leashes. A great idea is to install hooks in your entryway and place your leashes there. Now your leashes are in an easily assessable area near your front or back door. Once opened, a door grants your pet the freedom of playtime in your yard or a walk around the neighborhood. Leashes and doors were made for one another.

Feeding Time
Leaving your pet’s food in its original bag can be a bit of a hassle because insects could possibly make their way into it. Bags not only take up space but they often tear, leaving spilled food on your floors. Try placing food in a storage bin created especially for your animals. Many pet stores provide a large selection of food storage containers. Your pet’s food will be sealed and can be easily served.

Appointments
Did you forget that appointment for your pet’s annual shots? You could probably use an organized system in order to keep track of all the important to-do’s for your pet. In the same way that a calendar is helpful in remembering events for you and your family it can be useful in staying on top of your pet appointments. Place colorful stickers on dates that are important such as a day at the groomer. You wouldn’t want to miss out on giving your pet their medicine either. Mark the date on your calendar. Store your calendar in a visible area to ensure that you will see it and recognize each date. This method can also translate to your computer in the form of reminders. Most phones have a calendar feature that gives you the ability to enter in information for reminders as well.

Whether you have a new puppy or you have had a loyal cat by your side for years, you want to spend time enjoying their company. Organizing your pet schedule and supplies will help save time. You will no longer have to guess about the location of their belongings or whether or not you missed their appointments. With these items in order, you are free to cuddle up next to your buddy.




Author Bio: Karla Jennings is a handy woman to have around the house. She runs her own home improvement blog about her passion for home living and organization. She is also a freelance writer for Maid Brigade, a professional maid service for your home.




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I read every one!
But I can't hit 'reply',
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How to Organize an Inviting Entryway

I have a guest post today from the lovely and talented Karla Jennings. Take it away, Karla!



How to Organize an Inviting Entryway

In many homes, the entryway is a dumping ground for shoes, bills, backpacks and keys. In fact, your entryway may even feature umbrellas, iPods, tablet devices and smartphones. With the large amount of clutter that quickly accumulates in the space, your entryway may be less than appealing. Fortunately, a few tips can help you organize the area to make it a welcoming space that your guests will admire.

Entryway Storage Tips for Small Spaces

Purchase storage cabinets according to the size and length of your entryway. If your space is small and features an immediate entrance into your living room, then add a bench organizer that features storage baskets. The unit will provide multiple uses as you can rest on it while putting on your shoes and store items in the baskets. Give your children their own storage basket. You can ensure that everyone uses their assigned basket by adding their names or purchasing different colored storage bins. With limited entryway space, you may consider installing hooks for coats and bags. If your family needs more storage space, then buy a shelf unit that includes containers. By installing the shelf slightly higher than eye level, you’ll decrease the area’s visual clutter.



Entryway Storage Recommendations for Larger Spaces

A larger entryway may encourage more clutter. Therefore, discourage your family's inclination to fill the space by adding a roomy storage unit, and if you buy one that closes, then you will have a streamlined look in your entryway. Today’s modern décor includes slim profile pieces in various designs, which will permit you to purchase a piece that matches the style of your home. Be sure to measure your entryway’s wall space carefully to purchase a properly sized unit.

Entryway Sorting Tips

To begin organizing your entryway, sort the items that should remain in the space from the objects that should be stored somewhere else. Also, be sure to throw away, recycle or donate the items that your family no longer uses. Review the objects that remain and create categories. In addition to assigning storage baskets to each member of your family, be sure to add extra bins for miscellaneous items such as grocery bags, seasonal clothing and hats.

A Lasting First Impression

By organizing your home’s entryway, you’ll create an attractive first impression of your home. Furthermore, you and your family will be able to locate all of your needed belongings easily.




Author Bio: Karla Jennings runs The Home And Moms , her very own blog about her passion for home living and weddings. She is also a freelance writer for Maid Brigade, a cleaning service for your home.






Image source: http://www.simplifiedbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/organizing+entryway+command+center.png

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*************

Rudeness disclaimer:

I love all your comments,
I read every one!
But I can't hit 'reply',
I've no time for fun.
Please don't judge me,
Please don't hate.
If you have a question that just can't wait,
Send me an email at farmbeachgal@yahoo.com,
And I'll answer right back because I'm, you know, the Mom.

Chicken-Scratch-Saturday: Swimsuits and Mittens

I know I'm posting this tip a little late in the season, but better late than never I always say.

I keep one of those Rubbermaid bins in my coat room/mud room. It has three big drawers in it.

In the summer, the drawers holds all the bathing suits and cover ups. One drawer for Mom and Dad, one for the boys, and one for the girls.

In the winter, I switch them all out so that one drawer holds mittens and gloves, one holds scarves, and one holds hats.

Every time I do the switch-over, I check for stuff that's outgrown, ripped and torn, or missing its mitten-mate. Then I throw away and donate accordingly, and store the rest up in the attic.

I also keep one of those laundry-drying racks and a bunch of clothespins in the same room, and it sees use both summer and winter. In the summer, we hang our wet bathing suits on it, and in the winter, we hang our wet gloves and hats.



Hope this helps!



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In case you didn't know it, I'm like the queen of blog-hoppin' lately. It's kind of like square dancing but without the dated outfits, smelly gym, and elderly caller.

Check out my full schedule over in my sidebar, and come join the fun!

*************

Rudeness disclaimer:

I love all your comments,
I read every one!
But I can't hit 'reply',
I've no time for fun.
Please don't judge me,
Please don't hate.
If you have a question that just can't wait,
Send me an email at farmbeachgal@yahoo.com,
And I'll answer right back because I'm, you know, the Mom.

A Tip for Tuesday - School Supplies

It's August now.

School starts back up the end of this month.

I have started nesting. Taking inventory of, and organizing the school supplies that I keep in an old secretary.

When I get the school supply lists, I always make this my first stop. There are always oodles of items left over from previous school years with plenty of life left in 'em.

The secretary is just an old thing we inherited from a friend's Mom who was downsizing, so it didn't cost us a thing.

In the top shelf area, I keep any required reading collected over the years, along with a few children's classics.

One drawer is set aside for pencils, glue, book covers, calculators, etc.

One is for composition books, spiral-bounds, loose-leaf and graph paper.

In the bottom drawer, I stow all the folders, page protectors and dividers.

I have another drawer for clipboards and assorted odds and ends.

Because binders are pretty large, I store them separately in a Rubbermaid bin next to the secretary.









Any piece of storage furniture could be used for this purpose. An old dresser, some shelves and baskets. We keep ours by the front door, but a study or even the dining room would work equally well. If the kids are running low on papers or pencils or what-not during the school year, they know to always check this cabinet first.




Happy organizing!





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In case you didn't know it, I'm like the queen of blog-hoppin' lately. It's kind of like square dancing but without the dated outfits, smelly gym, and elderly caller.

Here's the schedule I keep:
Monday: Homestead Revival's Barn Hop
Tuesday: Heavenly Homemaker's Gratituesday
and Wrinkled Mommy's Tuesday Archive Link-Up
Wednesday: My Life and Kids Finding the Funny
Thursday: A Rural Journal's Rural Thursday Blog Hop
Friday: Deborah Jean's Dandelion House's Farmgirl Friday
Saturday: Camera Critter's Life With Dogs Pet Blogger Hop and Country Momma Cooks Saturday Link-Up

Since today is Tuesday, that means I'm linking my post "BlogHer '12" with Wrinkled Mommy's Tuesday Archive Link-Up, and my post "Btw? She's Back!" with Heavenly Homemaker's Gratituesday


Come join the fun!