My Favorite Items -November

Happy November! I thought it would be nice to start a "My Favorite Items" blog post. To let you all know what me and my family are currently loving. (I love to start a new tradition)

Here are my November Favorite Items.

Honest Kids Super Fruit Punch

Ava, 7, and Ayden, 6, are big on drinking water. But when it comes to juice they love Honest Kids. I've been buying this for them for the last 3-4 years.  I love it because its organic and low on sugar. So it's a win-win for us.

O Ball Flexi Loops Teething Toy

Little Mason loves, loves, loves this toy! Its perfect for his little hands when it comes to gripping. Now that he is smack in the middle of teething, this toy has been his best friend.

Its also easy to clean, I usually hand wash it with warm soapy water. It can be cleaned in the dishwasher also, top rack of course.

Sassy Build and Discover Block Set

The vibrant colors and textures keeps Mason intrigued. He also gets to work in his fine motor skills by gripping the blocks in his hands. 

Sassy Build and Discover Block Set, Babies R Us

Another great thing about these blocks - they wipe down easily. Which is why I opted for these rather than the traditional wood blocks.

Olly The Essential Postnatal Multi-Vitamin

I wish I knew about this brand while I was pregnant. These vitamins taste great and don't leave me with an upset stomach. Even better, the citrus flavor it perfect in the mornings!

Olly The Essential Postnatal Multi, Target, $14

The Honest Company Body Wash and Body Lotion

This made my favorites list because I love that this soap is not harsh on Mason's delicate skin and there are no harsh chemicals added to it. Another plus for me is the sweet, non overbearing scent.

Honest Baby 2 - in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash, Honest Baby Face and Body Lotion, Target, $10 each

Covered Goods Multi-Use Nursing Covers

I'm proud to say that I've been exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months and still going strong! One thing that has helped tremendously was my Covered Goods Nursing Cover. I use the cover while were out and about and its time to nurse Mason.

Covered Goods Multi-Use Nursing Cover, www.coveredgoods.com, $35

The material is super soft and breathable. The cover can also be used as a carseat cover for infant car seats as well as a scarf for mama!

www.coveredgoods.com

JJ Cole Pacifier Pod

This little pacifier holder it large enough to hold two of Mason's pacifiers. This comes in handy now that he has taken to throwing objects. 

JJ Cole Pacifier Pod, $8, Amazon.com

You can snap the strap onto the inside of the diaper bag so its easy to locate. Its a lifesaver being able to carry around two back-up pacifiers in a clean easy to locate holder. 

So these are my November favorite items for the kids. What are some of your can't live without items? 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.

via serenityblognow.com

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!