Kid Bedroom Organization

Having 2 children share a room, no matter how big the room, or how young the kids, can get messy. Really any kid room is a very tricky thing to organize. You want the room to be clean and neat, but also functional for the child, it is their room after all. Here are some things I do to make my kids rooms, organized, but also kid friendly.

I say you can never have enough bins or containers.  I love these / these from JJ Cole Collections, and these from Target.  Everything has a "home" and even my 4 and 6 year old know where everything belongs.

 

I know this isn't an option for everyone, but if you have another room for playing, I would consider doing that.  Of course I have some space to play, and the kids are allowed to play in their rooms as they please, but I do limit the amount of toys upstairs.

 

These systems really work for us.  I still need to finish the file bins (labeling them and tabbing each grade) and will share more detail about them later.   Also the under the bed storage bins are great for anything really.  I use them for keepsakes, but they can be used for clothing, blankets....the list goes on.  I actually have some of these under my bed, one for wrapping paper/gift products the other for Christmas tags/tissue paper/ribbon.

For me what works is more bins.  Lillian's clothes we hand down to a niece, so as soon as I realize they are to small I throw them in the bin that is in the bottom of there closet, and once the bin is full I pack up the clothes for my sister-in-law.  Matthew's clothes we are saving for JD so once his bin is full we pack them up for our attic.  JD's clothes automatically get packed up for my sister-in-law also.  Clothes can get really overwhelming if they start piling up!

Be sure to check out my Youtube channel for a video walking you though my kids rooms in more detail. 

Also Check out these post for more info on their rooms!  

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Baby Food Storage - Tips and Tricks

Since Joshua turned 6 months old, we started him on solids, which he LOVES!  I do homemade purees, mixed with a bit of baby led weaning, and add in some store bought packaged stuff for when we are out of town or my hubby is in charge of a meal.

So organizing all of this "stuff" has taken me a bit of time.  My first "baby station" is the cabenit seen below.  Joshua is formula feeding, I keep all of his bottle needs here.  Formula, room temperature water (which we refill the jugs from our filtered fridge water) snack puffs, and yogurt melts. pouch style pre-made baby food (I use Gerber Organic), containers of baby foods, I stack these with veggies on top and fruit underneath.  Also I keep bowls that are specifically for Joshua's baby food in here as well, so they don't get mixed up with other kid bowls used for crackers, cereal, ice cream.

Another "baby station" is in my freezer.  I have a side by side LG fridge/freezer so there isn't a ton of space.  I have 1 dedicated shelf to frozen purees.  I use a gallon size Ziplock bag, 1 each for fruits and vegetables,  Inside I put a quart size bag that contains the cubes of food.  I label the quart size bag with the contents and the date (I write small so I can cross it off, wash the bag. and reuse.  The other half of this shelf is used for my freezing molds.  I found these at Bed Bath and Beyond, and I think it is the perfect way to portion out the purees.

If you are interested in how I organize my other kids kitchen items check out my YouTube channel for a video walking you through my kitchen organization. 

Hall Closet Organization

So yesterday morning I went to grab some shoes, and BAM, 10 things came falling out of our hall closet.  It was time to clean.  Luckily it is a small space, so it didn't take too long.

 I started by cleaning the top shelf.  I pulled anything that wasn't summer related and stored it in another location.  Now along the top shelf is a basket of miscellaneous items, a tote bag for the beach/pool, a basketball, and a picnic blanket (this is a spare, I also have a waterproof one that stays in my van)

During the summer we don't need a ton of things hanging, so I keep it simple, a hood for each child, and some jackets for me.

I also have some storage bins for items.  This keeps them nice and neat, and from gathering all over the floor.

Shoe storage was the most difficult for me to tackle, so I broke down and got an over the door shoe organizer.  I really dislike this form of organization, but I will say, that for the kids shoes (and a few other items) it is working well for us.  I still don't like them though :)

MY Planner - An Update - 1 Year Later

So, I am beyond excited for my new Erin Condren Life Planner to arrive in the mail.  I thought I would do a 1 year later to show how much I still love it!

Here is my original post showing my planner brand new. 

I am not surprised, but happy to report that I have used my planner every day at least a handful of times.  I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about my planner.  

I also have done a video showing just how much I used it and love it.  You can find that here.

 {A look at my 2011-2012 planner, It is "Candy Lace" I believe the colors were Pool and Brown}

{My 2012-2013 edition, The print for this is not an option for the latest edition.}

I was also so happy to make it through an entire 12 months without it getting ruined.  It is so sturdy.  The aluminum coil and laminated covers has a lot to do with that I think.  The Laminated Tabs were also a huge plus this past year!

And as you can see inside my planner, I use this so much.  With 2 kids, and one on the way this past year, I had a lot to keep track of.  I will continue to be a customer and rave about the products because they fit my needs so well, while adding the vibrant personal touches that you just can't get from a regular planner in a store.

Stay Tuned, because you better believe the day my new planner arrives I will be sharing!!!

JD's New Ride

As I mentioned I got my 800th like 7th new stroller for Mother's Day.  I spent hours in Buy Buy Baby trying to decide on which one fits us best, while not completely breaking the bank since we all know this is our last baby, and will not need it for more than a few short years.

I went with the City Mini by Baby Jogger.  It has a lot of features I really like, and some I am still not so sure about.

One thing I was reluctant about was the lack of cup holders.  However, there is an attachment you can purchase. 

Also the underneath storage isn't that generous, so I bought the Petunia Pickle Bottom stroller hooks.  And it seems to be working pretty well so far.

I am in love with the sleakness and look of this stroller.  It rides so smoothly too.

My favorite feature is the fact that it folds up SO small. And to fold it up is so simple, one handed.Here is how it looks in the back of my Odyssey.  

I haven't used it too much yet, and am already looking at all the amazing attachments I can purchase for it.  I think, hopefully this is our last and final stroller! 

**This isn't a review asked to do by a company, and I wasn't compensated in any way for this, as a mom, I just like sharing what I know, and also reading reviews from others before purchasing baby gear and other products!

A Fresh Start.

For a few weeks now I have been feeling the need for some changes to make things run more smoothly in our house.  There are some things that go really well in our routine, like our bedtime routine, but others that need some attention.  Hopefully within the next month or so I will feel better about the things that need some help.

1.  My kids are such picky eaters.  Me being a short order chef at dinner has GOT to stop.  For the past week I have been making one meal for the entire family, and there is no other option.  It has been hell so far.  Matthew has done really well, and eaten somethings I would have never even put on his plate.  He ate more vegetables this week than I think he has in his life.  Lilly on the other hand....is making this a nightmare.  She refuses to even try anything new.  I think it is the age difference.  Matthew understands that if he just eats it, then it isn't that bad, and he can be done.  Lilly screams, cries, yells, hits, makes us feel like the worst parents in the world.  I am really hoping that if we stick to the plan that she will come around.

2.  This mama needs some time to herself.  I have got to starting eating meals throughout the day, and not just forgetting because I am too busy/tired.  Since we know we are done having kids, I really want to lose the baby weight that has lingered between children for the past 5 years.  Taking the 45 minutes to an hour to work out once a day should not be that difficult.  Yet I seem to never make the time.  This is going to change. I feel so much better once I work out and have so much more energy.

3.  I also need to start taking at least 1 day a week where we just stay home.  Where we get Matthew off to school, then come home and stay until we pick him up.  Play dates are fun, but when we are out of the house every single day, my house becomes a disaster.  I have also noticed that Lilly enjoys being home, playing with toys to herself.

I guess I just feel like now that Joshua is sleeping through the night (yep, my 7 week old is sleeping in his crib, in his room, through the night!  Lucky me) I need to get myself out of that "I have a newborn" phase.  I have no excuse to be tired.  It is time to regain some control over things, and have a little less chaos in our life!

Wish Me Luck!

New Items for a Third Baby

Now that we are going on baby number 3, there weren't many items that we needed to purchase before his arrival.  We had saved everything from our first 2, so I actually think we ended up getting rid of more than we bought.  But with every new little one, there are a few things you can purchase/need to purchase to make life easier, and here are the things I have gotten over the past 9 months.

1.  A new diaper bag, or 2 or 3!  I was to the point with a 5 year old and 3 year old that an actual diaper bag was no longer needed on a daily basis.  So the search began.  Here is what I have chosen.

The first is a Bella Tunno bag. I found this gem through a playgroup friend.  She has it and I fell in love.  It is a larger bag, so I am using it as my hospital diaper bag. 

 The second is a Petunia Pickle Bottom.  After debating back and forth between so many bags, I decided on the Sashay Satchel.  I ordered mine through Nordstrom and am still waiting on delivery.  I have seen it in the store so I know it is what I want, I just wanted a color they did not have in stock.

I wanted the red interior....isn't it lovely!

Anyway, I obviously haven't used either bag yet, and hope to do reviews/ what's in my diaper bag posts once I know what I love/dislike about them.

2.  A Carrier.  I didn't wear Matthew or Lilly, but it is something that I really want to do this time around, mostly for convenience.  We are much more on the go now, and I know it will be useful on play dates, school functions, sports practices/games.  After researching I decided to go with the Boba 3G.   I like the Boba because you don't need an insert to use for infants.  This was actually a Christmas present from my husband.  I put my 3 year old in it, just for fun one evening, and it was surprisingly comfortable even with my 35lb big girl on my back.

 
 3. Aden and Anais everything.  I love this product, and I don't even remember them being around the last time I had a newborn, so I stocked up with the swaddlers and the burpy bibs.  Once again I got mine at Nordstrom, but they are available at a number of retailers and online.

 4.  I also start out every new baby with fresh bottles.  I bottle feed from day 1, so they get a lot of use.  Every baby is different, but my first 2 both used Avent without any issues, so that is what we will start with this time.  I have also received a few of the new Similac bottles in the mail, so I have those as a backup.

We will also need to purchase a highchair at some point.  After 2 kids our old one was in no condition to use again.  And eventually we will need a new convertible car seat as ours expired and can no longer be used.  These are items we can wait on though, and not buy until we need them.

 

The Hospital Bag

As I prepared for my 3rd c-section delivery, and the 2nd scheduled, I knew when starting to pack to keep it simple. I know the things I will use, and the things I can do without for a few days. Obviously the items people take are different based on their preferences, but this is what I am taking.

For me, I know I will not be laboring, so I don't need anything for that time period.  I will however, be in the hospital for at least 2 nights (really hoping for only 2).

1.  Toiletries.  Travel size of everything.  Shampoo, face wash, toothbrush/toothpaste, mouthwash, cleansing wipes for the first night when I am still confined to a bed.  I also have my make-up bag with a few items.

2.  Clothes.  I try to not over pack.  I have a pair of pajamas, 1 going home outfit (I will also have the outfit I am wearing to to the hospital which will include a fleece jacket), 2 tank tops, socks, sports bras, underwear.

3.  Hairties, clips and a headband.

1.  I keep my little ones in the hospital supplied clothing until leaving, so all I have is 1 complete outfit, and a sleeper.  1 of which he will wear home.

2.  A big blanket for the car ride home, and a muslin swaddler.  

3.  My Ipad, phone, a charger.  I also need to add my wallet which has all my insurance info, and some cash.  

4.  A hat, some socks and the kind of pacifier we want to use.  

5.  The Boppy pillow, which was so nice for holding the baby the first few days when I am either not mobile or trying to be as sensitive to my abdomen as possible.

In my last bag, I have my big camera, and gifts for big brother and big sister from the new baby.  There is extra space in this bag to add things in as needed.

Some items I will be adding before we leave.

-my life planner and a pen/pencil (not sure if I will use it, but it goes everywhere with me)

- a hairbrush

- my husband will be packing some clothes in the suitcase as well.  He will also be taking his laptop/computer bag which is why I won't be taking one myself, I can just use his.

Some items I am leaving at home on purpose.

-My own pillow....it just is another thing to remember, so I will just stick with the ones provided. 

-snacks/other items for my husband....no offense, but he can fend for himself!

Also I know that if I forget something, I can either have my parents bring it to the hospital when they visit (they are staying at our house with the older siblings) or I can do without it for a few days.

 

A New Love In My Life

.....my mini-van.  We knew once getting pregnant that my tiny Hyundai Accent would no longer fit our growing family.  My husband wanted a big SUV.  I did not.  I eventually want to switch back to an SUV but with a 5 year old (who just learned to buckle and unbuckle himself, and a three year old who cannot unbuckle herself, that me climbing in the back would get annoying fast.

We looked and compared vans, when we started it was between the Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, and the Honda Oddessey.  We ruled out the Sedona pretty quick, we have a Kia Sorento that we LOVE so thought we would research it, but right away knew it wasn't for us.  I thought the Sienna was what I wanted but couldn't pass up the deal we got on the Oddessey.

We have only had it for about a month, but already know what I love and dislike about it.

Loves:

1.The automatic sliding rear doors.  I mean it is fantastic.  

2. I love that it seats 8 if needed.  I thought I didn't want that because I had it in my head that the 8th seat wouldn't be able to hold an 80lb person, but I was wrong, there is plenty of space between the carseats for grandma!

3.  I love all the space.  It is such a difference from my small car.  It is great.
4.  The back seat windows have sunshades built in.  So no buying the ones from the store that you have to stick to the window, these slide up and hook in, or you can slide them down and not use them.

Dislikes:

1.  I don't like that their isn't any room for storage under the seats.  I was looking forward to using bins to organize under each middle seat, but that just won't work.

2.  I don't like that when I have a stroller in the back (which is always) their isn't much trunk space.  I have some space for an organization bin, but that is about it.  No room for groceries.

Below are photos of how and what I am organizing in my van so far.  

1. Glove Box.  I have all the car information, a first aid kit with all the essentials, and I have my IPhone charger.  

2. Center Console.  This is my mommy bin.  I have deodorant, lotion, a hairbrush and hair ties, mints, wet ones.  The kids DVD players and cords are also stored in here (we only pull them out for long road trips, but it is nice keeping them in the car, just in case!)

3.  Between the kids.  Right now I have a bin that I purchased from The Container Store, it has some books, dvds, small toys.  It is great while sitting at the kiss and ride at my sons school.  My daughter sits and reads books instead of whining that it is taking too long.

4.  Under the Passenger Seat.  I have two containers....like I said earlier there isn't much space, and these slide around a lot (need to find a solution to that).  Anyway, 1 holds drinks (water bottles, and juice) and the other has snacks (things that won't go bad in the car, goldfish, vanilla wafers, granola bars, lollipops)  These have already come in very handy for when I forget something.  **The other day I had to make an unexpected trip to the Dr.  and dropped my kids off at Daddy's work, I didn't have any food on me, so this was a lifesaver.

5.  Trunk.  I have a picnic blanket, I love that it zips up neatly (similar), Stroller (Baby Trend Expedition), Grocery Bags, a bin that holds a change of clothes and a jacket for each child, a jacket for me, and sunscreen/bug spray.  Matthew's baseball bag.  On the side is the portable potty (this is a must have item for me!), bags, changing pad, wipes, and garbage bags.

I am sure the organizational needs will change with what season it is, and once the baby is here, but for now I am happy with it.  I really want to add a label maker in there, but am afraid of what my husband will say....I just always feel like there is something I am forgetting to put a label on, and hate doing it with marker.


 

Closet Update

I knew once getting pregnant that I wanted to add more storage options in the kids closet. Since one kid bedroom is bigger than the other, we knew before the sex was determined that the bigger bedroom would have the baby and sibling that matched genders. So we were able to redo the closet before we found out the sex, then added the bins once knowing pink or blue. I am so happy with how it turned out.

 I don't have before pics, but we tore out everything and started with a completely empty space.

Here is the finished product.

The top will have all of Joshua's clothing.  Also above is a shelf (that is hard to reach) that has blankets and extra sheets.

All the bins are JJ Cole Collection found online at babiesrus.com 

The bottom hanging sections are for Matthew.  I love that he can now reach his own clothing, because he dresses himself, but still needed my help to get the clothes down.  Under the clothes on this side is a hamper. 

The other side has more clothes, and a bin that I put clothes that are too small in.  Once I realize something is too small, I wash it, then when putting clothes away it goes into the bin.  Once the bin is full I label it and it gets sent to the attic. 

The small bins have receiving blankets, baby shoes, toys, and anything else that I have started stocking up on.  Right now there are also bottles, monitors and toys stored as well, but those things will find new homes closer to baby's arrival.

It is pretty cool that I started with the drawing below, and my wonderful husband made it into exactly what I wanted!