Notebook for Sunday, December 18, 2011

Read, Reading, Plan to Read
I just finished The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern.  This is one of those books you wish you could erase your memory and start again fresh, because it is so magical and delightful as it unfolds.  

I'm currently Blake Mycoskie's book Start Something That Matters.  This was a holiday gift from my friend and co-worker Melissa.  Meeting Blake is on my bucket list. 

Next, I'll choose a book from my Shelfari shelf.  What are you reading?

Family Activities

I am planning to make this super-cute "dart" game for Zoe over the Christmas break.  You can find instructions for making this here.

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Templates and Tools

Have you seen this great blog called Merriment?  I wanted to share some great kid organization ideas from her recent post. 

Shoe-Bag Car Organizer to hold kids’ toys/car necessities within easy reach

Clear, labeled zip-up bags stocked for every situation (First Aid, Outdoors,
Snacks, Activity Bag, Baby Items, Travel Games, etc.)

Mudroom/Exit Bins Labeled with Photos to hold each family member’s on-the go items (coats, shoes, umbrellas, soccer balls, dog leashes, etc.)

Cereal dispenser used as a trash can for the car – Brilliant!

Files with photographs to organize and label each of your child’s (or your classroom’s) schoolwork and records. Separate each file by grade with the teacher’s name/other important info. labeled on the front cover.

Cute, labeled Chest of Drawers

Tidy closet – always a stress-reliever! I love those green bins; I have some that I absolutely love from Target. The curtains are also a great idea for when the closet doesn’t look quite that perfect (probably on weeks like this one)

Buckets labeled with chalk for different toys and outdoor items
(Chalkboard paint is a great item to create instant chalkboard surfaces, so you can label and erase away. Useful for so many organizational projects!)

Kitchen Drawer just for the kids (with all of their cups, plates, etc. low enough to reach and easily managed with the separate, designated spaces)

Cute Toy Bins from Pottery Barn

Individual Mailboxes (message center) for Kids’ Playroom

Inspiring Kids’ Bookshelves with baskets to organize the toys

Bathroom towel organization tip

Cute Toy Bins from Pottery Barn

Art Supply Idea

Lunches Tub – Have a labeled tub in your refrigerator, stocked with all of the items you use to prepare your kids’ lunches for the entire week. Then, when it comes time to pack lunches, you just pull out your tub and everything is easily accessible for a speedy packing time.