Mini organized moment: construction site

Organization tip: illustrated packing list

Now I know this may not be for everyone...  but sometimes when I pack for a little trip, I like to draw out my outfits instead of just a regular list.  Not only is it fun, but it helps me to visualize some cute looks and see what I need from each category.  I was so excited when I found this packing list from a few years ago.  It is funny to see how your style and ideas change over time.    I remember those outfits from that weekend, and I definitely felt very prepared and stylish.

xo.

Obsessed with: alphabet paintings

Over the weekend I worked on a painting for a friend.  It is going to be part of an auction at her daughter's preschool.  Over the years I have made so many and I must say I never get sick of making them.  In a perfect world, I would have so many orders that I could work on one every day.  I am just obsessed with them!

Obsessed with: vintage jewelry finds

A few weeks ago I went to a local thrift shop and found some amazing vintage jewelry.  I think they are going to be great pieces for spring and summer.  I love wearing something vintage, it really makes me feel a little extra creative.   I am totally obsessed!

xo. 

Organization tip: Ikea Expedit

These are the best bookcases ever.  We have 2 of them.  One is in the kids' closet full of bins that house their clothing, in neat little buckets of course.  And the other is in our playroom.  It is amazing how much this guy can hold.  

An organized moment: color coordinated drinks

Guest Organizer: great grains

One reader had a great idea for eating healthy, while also making a cute display of grains in her kitchen.  

Eating grains is a great way of sneaking fiber into your diet.  But here's the dilemma, while buying small boxes is a waste of money, the big boxes are awkward to store, and pretty unattractive.  The solution: mason jars with tags tied on with jute twine. This is definitely much more appetizing!  As an added organizational tool, she also tacked a 1-sheet list of cooking instructions for each to the inside of a kitchen cabinet, for reference.

Thanks Jenny... xo

Obsessed with: wooden kids products

I am sort of obsessed with my kids playing with wooden toys instead of plastic ones*.  It has nothing to do with chemicals or environmental concerns, etc.  It is purely aesthetic.  I just feel like if there are going to be toys visible around my house, they should at least be of good design.

Here are some of my favorites.

Play Kitchen by Educo

Dump Truck by Plan Toys

Tool Bench by Melissa and Doug

High Chair by Stokke

Musical Instruments by Plan Toys

Interchangeable Cars by Automoblox

Ride-on Cow by Prince Lion Heart

*As the years have gone on, we have definitely acquired some plastic toys along the way, but the wooden ones are certainly my favorite!

Obsessed with: dexter

Can we just take a moment and admire this amazing little beast?  

I am totally 100% obsessed with this guy.

Mini organized moment: truck groups

firetrucks

misc. trucks

xo. 

follow up

And here is what happens when you do those things that you should do ONLY during nap time while kids are awake.  

Organization tip: while they were sleeping

It's amazing how much you can get done in the time kids nap.  I try to do limit what I do to things that I can't do while they are awake.  But depending on how long they sleep (don't hate me... its usually about 3 hours) I can really get a lot done.  Like...

Bake brownie cupcakes

work on a painting

watch terrible reality t.v. that I recorded 

check email and do a little online shopping

xo. 

Organized moment: cars in a drawer

It looks like someone else found a purpose for our new table.