Old Item New Use

Bakers racks are very versatile and can be great in homes in need of additional storage space. Most people limit the use of bakers racks to the kitchen or dining room. I tend to think outside the box and use items for things other than they were intended for.

I was able to pick up this old kitchen bakers rack at an auction for $35. I did not even think of the kitchen when I was bidding on it. I knew it would be perfect in my little girls room. I added a few shoe box size storage tubs to organize her hair accessories.

Nest time you are out at a estate sale, auction, or yard sale have an open mind. You just might find a new use for an old item.

Six kids and 60 cups!

It was the end of the first day of spring break and I was headed to the sink to wash dishes when I realized that every single cup and glass in the house was dirty! There must have been sixty of them! I knew that this was going to get old quick. It was the first day and I was already fed up with it. Dishes are after all my least favorite chore.

I got out some hooks and hung them under the cabinets and hung up six cups. Each child knows which cups is theirs and is totally responsible for it. That includes washing it after each use and hanging it back up.

It has saved me lots of time doing dishes. I am glad that we started it early so that they are used to it before summer gets here.

Wine Table

I LOVE my new Wine Table. I shopped around for about 6 months before I purchased one. It holds 21 bottles of wine and wine glasses too. I have not put wine glasses in it yet. I am not that brave with a 2 year old. Now all I need is more wine to fill it up.

Recycle your Formula Containers

Jenni aka Just a Mommy has a great idea for Similac containers. On a recent visit to her house I was amazed at how handy these little things are. They would work great in any kitchen.

For more on this and more ideas from Just a Mommy Here check out-

http://justamommyhere.blogspot.com/2009/03/recycled-containers.html

Unexpected Company Clean Up Tactic

What do you do when you have unexpected company on the way or someone knocking on the door and the living room is full of toys, remotes, and books? My end tables are also storage baskets. I just open them up and toss everything in. If you do not want new end tables you could go with a bench that has baskets or just plain baskets.

Chore Ideas for small children

This topic has came up often when talking to other work at home moms. Many moms seem unsure about chores that are appropriate for their young children. My older kids are 3 and 4 and they both have chores. I feel that it is important to start early and build good habits. Children who are raised having daily chores learn responsibility. So what chores are acceptable for what age? Her is a list of some suggested chores for 2 to 5 year olds.

2-3 year olds

1. Make their bed with help

2. Clean their own room

3. Bring in the newspaper or mail

4. Keep pillows straightened on the sofa

5. Empty small wastebaskets into a larger one

6. Help pick up trash out of the yard

7. Wipe surfaces with a sponge

8.


4-5 year olds

1. Help clear table and load dishwasher

2. Put toys away

3. Set table for dinner

4. Sweep floors

5. Water plants

6. Water and feed pets

7. Help put groceries away

8. Dust

9. Straighten books on shelves

Pony Tail Holders

Got a ton of pony tail holders? Keep them organized by slipping them on a empty toliet paper roll. You can see all of them by color and slip off the one you need without digging through a pile of them.

Got a tip you would like to have seen on this blog? Email it to me at mjlampe@pld.com .

Organize Those Toys

Is your child's toys a mess? I suggest using baskets that slide under the bed.

These baskets are made by Rubbermaid

Some good places to find storage solutions are

IKEA

THE CONTAINER STORE