Obsessed with: monogrammed jack-o-lantern

Yesterday we were invited to a Halloween play date.  I wasn't sure what to bring and didn't want to show up empty-handed.  In the middle of the night, it came to me.

A monogrammed jack-o-lantern.  I am sure I didn't come up with this idea but it is certainly a cute one.
And so easy... I was able to whip it up without having to run an errand, since it is pumpkin season, we had one by the back door.

The host was obsessed.

xo.

Organizational tip: multitasking for five

I have been a mom to three children under the age of four for about 12 days.  
Something I have already realized is the importance of multitasking.

On Thursday, I nursed Henry while in the pedicure chair at the nail salon; I have found that bath time is a perfect time to fold laundry; and I rarely use the computer (hence the lack of blog posts) as it is much easier to use my phone or Ipad for quick emails, etc.

Spending time with Charlie and Tessa is something that is still a huge important priority, and I try to spend time with them alone and just the two of them whenever I can.  This afternoon Henry was taking a long nap in his cradle, and the house was quiet.  So Charlie, Tessa and I made dinner.  Together we made pizza and meatballs.  We had fun mixing the ingredients, sprinkling on the cheese, and counting the meatballs.

This was so much fun, because we spent time together, and made dinner all at the same time!  

organization tip: sift, scoop and pinch

It been super hot here lately, and being 6 months pregnant, the last place I want to be is outside in the heat. So needless to say, we have been spending a lot of time inside, reading books, eating ice pops, playing, and of course... making a mess!

Today I got a little creative with our clean up.  I gave the kids kitchen tools to help pick up their crayons and pencils.  It definitely made the daunting task a bit more fun...  although it also took a whole lot longer (not that that's a bad thing when you are stuck inside).

Organization tip: get packing

We are always on the go, which means we always have a bag packed for something.  The pool, the beach, the gym, New York...  So I feel like I have gotten really good and getting ready and packing up our things as minimally as possible.    Yesterday we had a little trip planned to go to the pool.  Our bag was ready to go hours before we left.

I think packing is where my organization skills really shine.

Tomorrow we are going to New York for a long weekend, don't fret, we have been packed since yesterday.  I didn't draw any packing lists, but summer wardrobes are easier I think.

Organization tip: snack station

I usually don't post things that I read about on other websites and blogs, but this one was too good to pass up.  It seems so incredibly cute as well as organized so I just had to share.  Check it out here.  And if you have never been to Ohdeedoh, it's seriously amazing!

  

Organization tip: beach minimalism

One of the best things about summer in my opinion, is going to the beach.  But as fun as the beach is, it can also be a bit messy and a little bit of a pain with the packing, snacks, diapers, swimsuits, etc.

Luckily for us in Charleston, we get to go almost all year round.   So I have become a bit of a beach minimalist which makes the whole thing a lot less chaotic and a bit more... organized!

I dress the kids in their suits.

I bring:
1 beach chair for me, it is the backpack kind so I am handsfree... although its a little dorky.
1 bucket of toys.
1 tote bag with snacks, drinks, and a change of clothes for after, 1 towel and a plastic bag for wet suits.

That's it!

When we come home and while kids are still in car, I put away the chair and the toys back on the porch.  I bring in the tote bag.  All the wet items go right in the washing machine, the snacks get mostly tossed at the beach.. and that's it.  Totally unpacked.

When the kids are super sandy, I fill up the kiddy pool and they have a little bath in it (with ice pops of course... no sticky mess!)  I also rinse off all the flip flops, suits, etc and leave outside to dry.   This way they don't even enter the house all sandy...  

We just left the beach an hour ago.  We are all unpacked, kids bathed, fed, and now ready for naps.  And I can relax....  

xo.

Organized question: how early do you pack?

We are going to New York for a week this coming Friday.  In an attempt to be organized I usually pack days in advance.  I think about my outfits, sometimes they are even draw out, I stack up neat piles, and try to come up with the perfect combinations of clothing for my trip.  But what usually ends up happening, is that I look at those piles and continuously take things out, put things back in, etc.

I realized that packing in advance maybe creates more work.  So here it is, Wednesday morning, 2 days before my trip and I have yet to lay out a single item.  I may have draw out some lists, I am not going to lie.

But I am just wondering.. How far in advance do you pack for a trip?  Hours...? Days...?

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Organization tip: spring closet

This past weekend, since it is officially amazing warm weather in the South, I decided to do a little spring cleaning of my closet.  It feels clean and fresh.. and I am ready to throw together some cute warm weather looks.   Here's some ideas...   

I organized my handbags into groups based on sized.  I put some heavy ones higher up in the closet, and broke out some summery ones, wicker, light colors, etc. 

I put away most of my boots and made room for sandals, espadrilles, clogs and floral shoes. 

I did keep 2 pairs of boots out, a light colored pair of riding boots and some black over the knee boots, just in case.  I also like to make little displays in my closet of some of my favorites... like this sequin jacket, mink shawl and vintage Chanel heels.  

In the place where my boots were, I made sure my shorts and jeans had plenty of room.  

I kept a few sweaters down, the rest went in big bins on top of my closet.  

I also cleaned out my tanks and t-shirts and got rid of anything that was not fresh looking.  

In general, I use only white hangers and organize my hanging shirts by color.  

I put heavier jackets and sweaters to the back.   

I made sure cute summer accessories were out on display and ready to go. 

And lastly, you can never have enough cute dresses...  

happy spring  xo. 

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.

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.  

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

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. 

Organization tip: These boots are made for stuffing!

Looking for something to do with your old magazines while also thinking of a way to keep your boots from slouching over? Well I have the perfect solution!

To keep your boots standing tall, insert a rolled up magazine into the leg of the boot. Your boot collection will be perfectly neat and organized and your old magazines are now out of sight!

xo

Guest Organizer: travel jewelry box

Here's a great tip for keeping your jewelry neat and organized while traveling. She suggests converting small tackle boxes into jewelry boxes. They are inexpensive, clear so you can see exactly what you need, want to wear, double sided and adjustable. You can even slide out the plastic dividers to accommodate larger pieces.

Thanks Melanie... xo.

Organization tip: squeaky clean

These kids love bath time! I mean they seriously can spend hours in there. Part of the reason is because we have a collection of some really cool bath toys. But do not fear, their tub does not look like a toy store exploded (as if you would really think that!). As expected it is really neat and organized. Thanks to this amazing bath toy organizer.

I love it because it is simple, it suctions to the wall (no tools involved), you can see all the toys. The mesh bag is also great because you can take it on and off and the toys also dry well.

We used to have this one which was very cute, but it needs to be screwed into the wall which doesn't work well if you bathroom walls are tiled.

How do you stay organized?

For ages I was a total Filofax girl. I love that little leather book, ad believe me, I took it everywhere. I would look forward to the end of the year when it was time to buy m ore calendar pages, and loved the moment when I threw out the past year's used up sheets and replaced them with clean crisp new ones.

I remember one year, my brother bought me a new leather planner. I was so used to the format and style of my beloved Filofax, that as soon I received the gift, I instantly was in hysterics because I wasn't sure how I was going to organize my organizer... yikes!

Anyway, as years went on I have really pared down. I reduced my bulky leather book to a basic 12 month wall calendar. Today, I am proud to say I use the calendar on the iPad to keep track of dinner plans, play dates and appointments. And to be honest, I really don't miss that Filofax... I guess looking back it wasn't necessary to have my check books, full address book, a mini ruler, and a giant calendar with me 24/7.

How do you all stay organized?

Organization tip: wake up

The kids are usually up and ready to go around 7:00. So whenever I can, I try to wake up before them. I don't set an alarm, and I don't get up before 6:00, but I try my best to get up around 6:15 every morning.

It amazing how much you can get done in those moments before the day really begins. I like to use this time to make the bed, shower (if not going to the gym), get dressed, make coffee, let the dog out & feed him breakfast, get my bag organized for the day (this usually happens the night before though), check email and empty the dishwasher.

This way, when the kids are up I can fully devote my time to them, and not worry about having to get all those other things done.

xo

Organization tip: snack saver

We always have a pitcher of lemonade and iced tea in the fridge, so we are quickly going through Crystal Light plastic canisters.

I knew they can be used for something, especially once you peel off the label, they look sort of neat and clean. Turns out, they are the perfect snack saver. I use them to keep granola bars for getting crushed in my bag.

This is a good tip whether you have kids or not. There is nothing worse then a granola bar thats been sitting in your bag reduced to a mushy, crummy mess. This is super easy, works great & doesn't cost any extra.

xo

Organization tip: get out of here

We keep a mini coat rack by the back door, with a few of the kids coats on it. There is also a set of hooks on the wall for backpacks, bulky coats, etc.

When it is time for school, a walk, or play outside, everything we need is right by the door.

As the weather changes, I rotate out what they need. This is also a good way to make sure that each coat gets a "turn." Usually each child has a vest, sweater, and lightweight jacket... and of course they each have their own side.

xo.

Organization tip: mini laundry

It may seem silly but we each have separate laundry baskets; one on my side of the closet, one on his & the kids share one.

The baskets are pretty small so they fill up fast, but this system works. I think it is good for a few reasons.

Since the baskets are not big, you never have heaps of laundry to wash and fold, which is dreadful. And when it comes time to putting it away, it all goes in the one closet so you aren't sorting it all out.

I usually do one basket every other day or so.... so it's just a little bit here and there. And as a rule, I never do laundry on the weekends.

xo.