DIY Homework Station

If your looking for an easy way to stay organized this school year, a homework station is the way to go.

With all the notices, art work and documents that are sent home with your kids, it would be great to have a practical place to keep them. (Rather than piled up on the computer desk or kitchen table).

This DIY homework station is so easy to make. Even better, the cost of the supplies are so cheap!!

Here's what I used

• Ikea Pluggis Magazine File (Set of 2), Ikea.com
• Ikea Pluggis Bin w/ Cover, Ikea.com
• Glass Canisters, 4,  Dollar Store
• Folders (3 Pack), Target
• Rust-oleum Specialty Metallic Spray Paint, Gold
• Rust-oleum Painters Touch Spray Paint, Ocean Mist Gloss

First I started with my single most favorite thing to do, spray paint!! 

Seriously guys, this is my new favorite hobby. I'm constantly looking around the house for something to update or bring back to life with a fresh coat of spray paint. It's so fun!

Anyway - back to what I was saying - take the glass canisters and head outdoors. (I know that some people spray paint indoors with the windows open, but I don't recommend that). 

Place a cloth or large paper on the ground if you like. My backyard currently has a slab of concrete in one section that we are going to be getting rid of. In the mean time, I've named that spot my designated spray paint area. 

Line up all four canisters. I separated the canisters into two groups. You can go crazy an spray paint them in what ever pattern you like.

Spray on two coats. Allow 20 minutes between each coat to be sure that the paint has dried. 

Next take your Pluggis Magazine Files and Pluggis Bin.

Place the magazine files in the bin along with the freshly painted canisters.

Viola! A beautiful and fun homework station! Perfect for the entire school year. 

I think I'm more excited about this project than the kids. Mainly because I know I'm starting the year off with a plan to stay organized. Here's to a great school year.

Comment below with a picture of what you use to keep school paper work organized!!

Tips For Getting Your Kids to School Ontime

With daylight savings behind us, my family has been feeling the pain when it comes to waking up in the morning. Needless to say, we have had a few groggy, rushed mornings.

Any parent knows that school mornings are usually filled with constant rushing and the occasional meltdown (by parent or child). Even on the smoothest mornings there is the inevitable road block that derails the entire rest of the morning.

There is hope!! I promise you. Here are some things you can do the night before to prepare you for the morning ahead.

Pack Lunches and Snacks

Doing this ahead of time also lets you plan what type of lunch your child will eat the next day. No more rushed, unplanned lunches. You can even use this as a time to experiment with different tastes and texture to see what your little one likes.

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Pick Out Clothes

No more wrinkled clothes or mix and matched socks for your little one (unless, of course, that was the plan). Picking out clothes the night before takes away the wardrobe anxiety and stress for your early mornings. 

Remember to be mindful of what classes your child has the next day and prepare accordingly.

Check to see what classes your child has the following day

And speaking of preparing for special classes, it helps to know their schedule so that you can plan accordingly. For example, is tomorrow a gym day? It would be helpful to take all jewelry off the night before.

Write out any notes to teachers

A rushed note in the morning could mean that you left out important information that you want to relay to your child's teacher.

Set Out Backpacks by the Door

This doesn't need much of an explanation. We as parents know the importance of having your stuff ready and waiting at the door. 

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 Set Table for Breakfast the Night Before

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No need for anything too elaborate.Use the time that you would spend on setting the table towards something else in the morning.

With these tips, your mornings are sure to go much smoother! What are your morning time saving tips? Comment below.

The Family Command Center

Imagine a place where school notices actually get "noted" and meals for the week are carefully written down.

"When was that birthday party again? - Oh right, Sunday at 2pm." This is all possible when this system is put into action. If your not quite sure how to get your family command center up and running, check out these ideas below.

The Perfect Space 

In order for your family command center to work best for you and your family, you need to right spot for it. Some possible spaces are the mud room, right by the back door or front the entrance. The point is to create this space where your family will be able to utilize the space more.

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A Basic Calendar

This is an absolute necessity in a command center. On here you'll jot down all important dates (doctors appointments, birthdays, school events). When the new year is up, I make sure to hold onto my calendar from the previous year to copy over birthday dates and anniversary. (Because who has time to remember ever special date?) After that be sure to toss the old calendar.

A basic calendar with large spaces to write in is perfect for the family command center

An In and Out System

Wall pockets or just two baskets work perfect for this system. Label them "In" and "Out". You can even get specific by having separate sections for each of your children. These are great for placing important forms that you will need in the near future. Instead of leaving them laying around the house (on the kitchen table, coffee table, bedside table - wait - where is that permissions slip?) there is a designated spot for all paper notices.

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Opt for wall mounted baskets to save on space.

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The "Write" Tools

Whats a command center with nothing to write with? 

Be sure to make a spot for pens, pencils, highlighters and markers. If you have a dry erase board in your command center make sure to include dry erase markers.

Important Essentials

These would include your kids school/class information and any important phones numbers. Keep these items in folders, binders or accordion style folders.

Memo Board

This could be a dry erase board that doubles as a magnet board. Or a corkboard where you can stick your memos on with a push pin. And speaking of push pins...

Adorable Extras

Threshold Owl Push Pins Gold, target.com, $4

 Who says your command center has to be boring? Make it a point to add some character and charm to this important space. After all, you'll be using it on a daily basis - why not have something pretty to look at?

 From decorative push pins, pretty pens to sophisticated frames - the ideas are endless when it comes to adding character to your family command center.

Space for Backpacks/coats

The purpose of the family command center is to make your life run smoother. School mornings can be extremely rushed and stressful. Make these mornings easier by having your kids school items laid out. So in the morning, they can just "grab and go" on the way to the bus stop.

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A space for book bags, shoes and coats is an essential element. You can easily create sections for each child by placing coat hooks on the wall and baskets underneath. One for each child or person in the house.

These are the essentials in creating a family command center. Every family is different and there are some items that you may need to tweak or add to make your own space work best for your family.

What are some items that work best for your family command center? Comment below!