tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16125256192941495722024-03-13T12:30:01.204-07:00Heaps or HappinessThis is a 365-Day blog with daily tips and ideas to organize your life!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-42400986998651387312011-12-28T07:06:00.000-08:002011-12-31T20:42:45.160-08:00Surprise in 2012<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJdZZdxF0Yw/TvsxJr38cgI/AAAAAAAAH3E/W-yGNFDkzAw/s1600/DSC_1308.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 532px; height: 800px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJdZZdxF0Yw/TvsxJr38cgI/AAAAAAAAH3E/W-yGNFDkzAw/s800/DSC_1308.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691196596578710018" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">There is a surprise coming...tune in January 1st to see the plan for 2012!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Can't wait!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">~Laura</span></b></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-45673318226230831642011-10-24T10:50:00.000-07:002011-10-24T11:05:09.398-07:00Organizing tip with baskets<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Today I am linking to one of my favorite organization blogs</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://www.iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/">www.iheartorganizing.blogspot.com</a></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This girl is adorable, kind, and amazing at organizing AND blogging about it.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My tip today has to do with baskets.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Everyone has them, so put them to use.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Here are just a few ideas we have used here at the Cecil house.</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 25px; font-size:16px;"><div class="date-outer"><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-bottom: 1.5em; "><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1365792594077288355" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; "><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;">Today is <strong><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-size:37px;">FAST-FIX FRIDAY</span></strong> and I have tried to post this post <strong><span style=" color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size:37px;">THREE</span></strong> times!</span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;">Let’s see if three times is <em>really</em> a charm!</span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"><strong><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-size:37px;">FAST-FIX FRIDAY</span></strong> is full of fabulous baskets that we can use to store many different things in a very visually appealing way. (Say that line five times fast!)</span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style=" ;font-size:29px;"><u>Here are some ways that we use these great baskets:</u></span></strong></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQiXe153I/AAAAAAAACpQ/sSdg_yKOQJ4/s1600-h/DSC_0666[4].jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:21px;"><img title="DSC_0666" height="500" alt="DSC_0666" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQi_6264I/AAAAAAAACpU/MPAPDv8gN20/DSC_0666_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" border="0" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: initial; display: inline; " /></span></a><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"><strong><u><span style=" color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size:37px;">CD BASKET</span></u></strong>-This is a great rectangular basket that works beautifully for CD storage. This one is just the little collection of CDs that we keep in the kitchen near the stereo for some sweet music to calm this place down and fun music to dance in the kitchen with.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQjYWqPkI/AAAAAAAACpY/MsrizISkSac/s1600-h/DSC_0661[4].jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:21px;"><img title="DSC_0661" height="500" alt="DSC_0661" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQj3dXtAI/AAAAAAAACpc/YIBgwPKDxnI/DSC_0661_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" border="0" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: initial; display: inline; " /></span></a><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"><strong><u><span style=" color: rgb(255, 128, 0); font-size:37px;">TOY BASKET</span></u></strong>-Toys are often needed at a moments notice with little ones around. Medium wicker laundry baskets do just the trick for storing toys in a family or living room. These baskets fit in the corner and don’t take away aesthetically from the look of the room.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQkjwu-ZI/AAAAAAAACpg/WzGSRdzT9kI/s1600-h/DSC_0668[4].jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:21px;"><img title="DSC_0668" height="446" alt="DSC_0668" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQlE8Cx0I/AAAAAAAACpk/N5iQ4QZfCPk/DSC_0668_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: initial; display: inline; " /></span></a><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"><strong><u><span style=" color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-size:37px;">DIAPER BASKET</span></u></strong>-I love having a diaper basket ready on every floor of our home. It makes changing a wet baby much easier. This is just a basic basket with all the goodies needed to change the diaper. This is a well-loved basket in our home. Notice the gnawing marks of our puppy, Daisy.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQlhChKwI/AAAAAAAACpo/JLA1WpLTBMU/s1600-h/DSC_0660[4].jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:21px;"><img title="DSC_0660" height="446" alt="DSC_0660" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZS06jVGI/AAAAAAAACpw/yS9bBp2XrxM/DSC_0660_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: initial; display: inline; " /></span></a><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"><strong><u><span style=" color: rgb(0, 255, 0); font-size:37px;">HOMEWORK BASKET</span></u></strong>-I have a great system for papers to be signed and returned, field trip forms and homework, BUT this is the place where everything is stored that gets used daily, but not turned in. Things like Everyday Math workbooks, exercise records, Brooke’s part in the play as Little Bo Peep, bookmarks, and flashcards. Anything that I find that is school-related goes right here. Easton, literally just walked in the office just now and asked where his school planner was…in the <strong>HOMEWORK BASKET</strong> was the answer!</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZTpUwfVI/AAAAAAAACp0/lU8ebj_OwM4/s1600-h/DSC_0662[4].jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:21px;"><img title="DSC_0662" height="446" alt="DSC_0662" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZUTztn3I/AAAAAAAACp4/C_WU3366UdU/DSC_0662_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: initial; display: inline; " /></span></a><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"><strong><u><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-size:37px;">CHURCH BASKET</span></u></strong>-The <strong>“CHURCH”BASKET</strong> sounds like a funny name, but that is really what it holds…church stuff. It holds our pass-along cards, quick reference information, Faith in God books, YW/YM booklets and class information. Much like the HOMEWORK BASKET above, any time that I find church stuff that is not tucked away in scriptures, I put them here.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZUzzHCnI/AAAAAAAACp8/qVimQ2ioeTY/s1600-h/DSC_0669[4].jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:21px;"><img title="DSC_0669" height="446" alt="DSC_0669" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZV3VeVsI/AAAAAAAACqA/yzXtCN31aKg/DSC_0669_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: initial; display: inline; " /></span></a><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZWNOaBZI/AAAAAAAACqE/si-KT0MV6RQ/s1600-h/DSC_0670[4].jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:21px;"><img title="DSC_0670" height="446" alt="DSC_0670" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZW6M7bhI/AAAAAAAACqI/mv9pepuLU0A/DSC_0670_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: initial; display: inline; " /></span></a><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"><strong><u><span style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size:37px;">BOOK BASKETS</span></u></strong>-Baskets, like the ones above, are perfect for storing books in a visually appealing way in any room you want. I love books! Who doesn’t? I love having books on hand, anytime, when a little one wants to grab one and take a look. Having books in more than one location makes for more opportunities to read with our children.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZXMnydgI/AAAAAAAACqM/KaKil9n9kgc/s1600-h/DSC_0672[4].jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><span style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:21px;"><img title="DSC_0672" height="446" alt="DSC_0672" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZXlWyPnI/AAAAAAAACqQ/R7XvblESdII/DSC_0672_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-left-color: initial; display: inline; " /></span></a><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;"><strong><u><span style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-size:37px;">SOCK BASKET</span></u></strong>-We will go into more detail on the <strong>SOCK BASKET</strong> tomorrow, but for now,<strong><span style=" color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size:37px;"> I LOVE</span></strong> this basket! It sits near our front door, and insures that little ones have socks available for shoes anytime. We don’t like stinky shoes around here, so if you don’t either, make a <strong>SOCK BASKET</strong>!!</span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;">The possibilities are endless for <strong><span style=" color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size:37px;">BASKET STORAGE</span></strong>. Remember that you can find very in expensive baskets at places like Marshalls, TJMaxx, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Wal-Mart, Target, garage sales, etc.</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style=" ;font-size:29px;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;">Tomorrow for <strong><span style=" color: rgb(128, 0, 128); font-size:37px;">SUPER SATURDAY</span></strong> we are going to talk about <strong><span style=" color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size:37px;">SOCKS</span></strong>! Too fun!</span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style=" ;font-size:21px;">~Laura</span></p><div style="clear: both; "></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="margin-top: 0.75em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.1em; font: normal normal normal 78%/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4em; "><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1"><span class="post-author vcard">POSTED BY <span class="fn">LAURA</span> </span><span class="post-timestamp">AT <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/2010/03/fast-fix-friday_17.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "><abbr class="published" title="2010-03-12T20:09:00-08:00" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; ">8:09 PM</abbr></a> </span><span class="reaction-buttons"></span><span class="star-ratings"></span><span class="post-comment-link"><a class="comment-link" href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/2010/03/fast-fix-friday_17.html#comments" style="white-space: nowrap; margin-left: 0.6em; color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">0 COMMENTS</a> </span><span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link"></span><span class="post-icons"><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1027823516" style="display: inline; "><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1612525619294149572&postID=1365792594077288355&from=pencil" title="Edit Post" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(85, 136, 170); "><img alt="" class="icon-action" height="18" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" width="18" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0.5em !important; vertical-align: middle; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); " /> </a></span></span><div class="post-share-buttons goog-inline-block" style="margin-top: 0.5em; vertical-align: middle; position: relative; display: inline-block; "></div></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2"><span class="post-labels">LABELS: <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/Basket%20storage" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">BASKET STORAGE</a>, <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20baskets" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">BOOK BASKETS</a>, <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20Storage" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">BOOK STORAGE</a>, <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/CD%20storage" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">CD STORAGE</a>, <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/Church%20basket" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">CHURCH BASKET</a>, <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/Diaper%20basket" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">DIAPER BASKET</a>, <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/Homework%20basket" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">HOMEWORK BASKET</a>, <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/Sock%20storage" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">SOCK STORAGE</a>, <a href="http://heapsorhappiness.blogspot.com/search/label/Toy%20basket" rel="tag" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">TOY BASKET</a></span></div><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3"><span class="post-location"></span></div></div></div></div><div id="latency-1365792594077288355"></div></div></div><div class="date-outer"><h2 class="date-header" style="margin-top: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 78%/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4em; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.2em; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><br /></h2><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-bottom: 1.5em; "><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5022456501953338186" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 21px; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;font-size:15px;"><a href="<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/10/free-organizing-returns-basket-and-link.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/freeorganizinglinkpartybutton300.jpg" /></a>"><img src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/freeorganizinglinkpartybutton300.jpg" style="border-top-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-bottom-style: none !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; position: relative; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; background-image: none !important; background-attachment: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; -webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; border-width: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; " /></a></span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-55163465396158099192011-10-24T05:27:00.000-07:002011-10-24T12:09:40.011-07:00First Day of the rest of my organized LIFE!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9q_ue4G-QeE/TqVdsvXqZjI/AAAAAAAAGRA/3sOdID_NKGQ/s1600/DSC_1157.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 532px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9q_ue4G-QeE/TqVdsvXqZjI/AAAAAAAAGRA/3sOdID_NKGQ/s800/DSC_1157.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667038729326978610" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNHgicTXfDw/TqVdsJ-y8HI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/idN2ZkOT8f8/s1600/DSC_1158.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 532px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNHgicTXfDw/TqVdsJ-y8HI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/idN2ZkOT8f8/s800/DSC_1158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667038719290568818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">GARAGE: BEFORE & AFTER</span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfygbXUtM7Y/TqVdq_2pLtI/AAAAAAAAGQo/cn89P8dge9E/s1600/DSC_1156.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 532px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfygbXUtM7Y/TqVdq_2pLtI/AAAAAAAAGQo/cn89P8dge9E/s800/DSC_1156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667038699392151250" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciL3iun4oGw/TqVdqaR8qVI/AAAAAAAAGQc/lBNhHiCm6Tw/s1600/DSC_1155.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 532px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciL3iun4oGw/TqVdqaR8qVI/AAAAAAAAGQc/lBNhHiCm6Tw/s800/DSC_1155.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667038689306126674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Above is a garage I helped a friend with a few weeks ago.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Her husband wondered if I had any ideas for their garage, and <i>this </i>is what we did!</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(names have been held to protect the owner of that little tricycle.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">As many of you know, I love organizing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I mean, I absolutely love it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">If I could do anything I wanted everyday, I would organize.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">(other than play with my husband and children on the beach somewhere)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I would organize anything in <i>my</i> house, but the <b>real</b> fun comes from organizing <i>someone else's </i>home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I love going into someone's "trouble zone," assessing the needs, visualizing the solution and doing it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When I climb in my car, though usually physically tired, I am on a high. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The high that some people get with shopping, or finishing a great book with an interesting fictional character, or eating a delectable cupcake from one of those fancy cupcake stores.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I get <i>that</i> organizing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So, today I decided that I am going to start a new series called "Heaps to Happiness."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I know, I know, a little play on the blog's name, but it is about time I just live my life and share on the side.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">As I work on something here at the house, or if I get a chance to help someone else, I am going to BLOG about it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I have been pretty good at blogging about our family at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://www.thisheavenonearth.blogspot.com">www.thisheavenonearth.blogspot.com</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, but <i>this</i> will be great for my organizing efforts.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Can't wait to start!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I have a master closet that has been destroyed by baby clothes for a baby who, by the way, is growing WAY to fast, shoes that could be worn by Tymber, Annie <i>and </i>myself, and both maternity clothes and six different sizes of other clothing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">It's Monday, and I am motivated</span>.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I will show you what I did soon!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Don't forget. If you have an area you need help in, you may be able to find it on the sidebar. Just click the room you need and follow the step-by-step.</span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-30639665457533923612011-02-03T19:07:00.000-08:002011-02-03T19:32:47.741-08:00Look what we are having...another GIRL!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvTStuD01ko/TUtt0Wg44tI/AAAAAAAAEf4/wVsxwTlMfbc/s1600/DSC_0501.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvTStuD01ko/TUtt0Wg44tI/AAAAAAAAEf4/wVsxwTlMfbc/s400/DSC_0501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569666110337901266" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a GIRL!! I would show you the actual picture of proof, but for some reason it just seems wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>She is so cute! Look at her! If I turn the picture right side up, she looks just like Annie. Too fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>Many of you know that I seriously told the big man upstairs that I would love to have a house full of boys.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, as I embark on having another little girl join our crew, I am so thrilled.</div><div><br /></div><div>Something happened a few weeks ago when I realized that having another girl was a very strong possibility. I thought about the five of them becoming mothers. The thoughts that crowded my mind of grandchildren, missions, college graduations, and hopefully, many phone calls for opinions and ideas just brought light to my eyes and literally, warmth to my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>These girls are going to be extraordinary. They are so far beyond where I was at their age. Their testimonies, their hair-styling abilities, and even their brilliance far surpass anything I was. They are helpful, wonderful and challenging. They are also surrounded by all of your girls who are equally extraordinary. I love it!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have no idea what this little one's name will be, or what color her eyes will bare, but I do know that she will be loved.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so grateful and feel so blessed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Grow baby grow. We can't wait to meet you!</div><div><br /></div><div>~Laura</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-57073439957321156592011-01-30T05:57:00.000-08:002011-01-30T06:09:05.777-08:00Once A Week Might Do The Trick!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvTStuD01ko/TUVw--jwk5I/AAAAAAAAEfs/mGPtxbUOWvs/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JvTStuD01ko/TUVw--jwk5I/AAAAAAAAEfs/mGPtxbUOWvs/s400/DSC_0825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567980741560669074" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Life has just become busier with every passing day. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I thought, "it's summer" on my last post, I can find time everyday to do a project, take a picture and post it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But, as you can see it was a busy summer.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Then Fall came. Great! Five out of six kiddos in school. I can do this once a day, but alas, it was a busy Fall.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I don't have to tell any of you about how the holidays are. Parties, presents, church, traditions, etc.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So here we are, almost the final day of January.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I figure it is just like that first day you swim in the summer, sometimes you just have to JUMP IN!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My goal is one, hopefully great, organization idea a week. Maybe after a few more years of doing that I will have </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">accumulated</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 365 posts!!! Thus making the blog a true success!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I am going to try and post on Mondays, because Mondays are the days when I am usually home running crazy amounts of laundry, making the bread for the week, and feeling a fresh start from Sunday!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">See you Monday!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">~Laura</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">***If anyone has any requests that they need immediate attention to, just comment and leave me a suggestion, and I will try to be helpful!</span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-73938866455741192462010-06-14T06:54:00.001-07:002010-06-14T06:54:43.743-07:00Back by Popular Demand<p><font size="4">Ok, I don’t know if “popular” is the word, but I would say that dozens of emails has done the trick.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/TBY0nyVbqqI/AAAAAAAACrc/ewEIC7hNm34/s1600-h/DSC_0789%5B4%5D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="4"><img title="DSC_0789" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0789" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/TBY0oawOKqI/AAAAAAAACrg/1m88VfHjcFI/DSC_0789_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">Have you ever felt like the shoes you decided to put on were TOO BIG?</font></p> <p><font size="4">Well, I decided that I was going to be <strong><em>that </em></strong>mom this year.</font></p> <p><font size="4">You know the one.</font></p> <p><font size="4">The one who puts her kids first. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Before signing up on the meals for others sheet, before pursuing personal indulgence, before dates with friends, and even putting their goals and aspirations before my own.</font></p> <p><font size="4">You see my children have been helping me fulfill my responsibilities at church for awhile now, so I figured this year was their turn.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I had all the balls in the air and it was all going along just fine, until we hit Spring Break.  </font></p> <p><font size="4">We headed to Arizona and had a great time.</font></p> <p><font size="4">When we got home, <strong><em>life</em></strong> took over.</font></p> <p><font size="4">It was the home stretch for school and with 5 out of 6 kids in sports, teenagers running track at school on top of travel teams, gymnastics for a 6 year old who had waited too long to try something herself, an 8 year old with piano competitions and a recital, not to even mention the school play, talent shows, field days, field trips and so on….</font></p> <p><font size="4">I was overloaded….just like these shoes are for the feet trying to fill them.</font></p> <p><font size="4">It is summer and the children are ready and willing to help me with one of my dreams…to help any one I can get more organized.</font></p> <p><font size="4">So, each morning mom has <strong>TWO</strong> hours, one for the<strong> </strong><em><u><strong>exercise</strong> </u></em>she has just reestablished in her life and one for our <strong><em><u>organization blog</u></em></strong>.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Yeah!</font></p> <p><font size="4">See you tomorrow!</font></p> <p><font size="4">~Laura </font></p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-67130388165509461902010-03-27T12:18:00.000-07:002010-04-03T14:28:04.576-07:00Super Saturday-Oven Cleaning<p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Saturday is a perfect day to clean the ‘ole</span> <strong><span style="font-size: 180%">OVEN</span></strong>!</p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">If you have a</span> <strong><span style="font-size: 130%">SELF-CLEANING</span></strong> <span style="font-size: 130%">one, Saturday is a perfect day to set the OVEN to clean and then play or work outside.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">If you have one without that feature, there are some fumes from the spray cleaners that you would probably not want your children inhaling, so send them out to play.</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%">Follow the same steps that you would if it were a cabinet or drawer.</span></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000">EMPTY-</span></u></strong><span style="font-size: 130%">Leave all racks IN for the cleaning, but remove everything else.</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff8000">VACUUM-</span></u></strong><span style="font-size: 130%">Use the edger on crumbs, so that it lessens the burn.</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ffff00">WIPE OUT-</span></u></strong><span style="font-size: 130%">Wipe out large chunks BEFORE cleaning and wipe down all walls AFTER the cleaning process.</span></p> <p align="center"><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #00ff00"><strong>ORGANIZE-</strong></span></u><span style="font-size: 130%">I store the broiler pan in the bottom oven, so make sure that it is clean before you put it back.</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #0000ff">REPLACE-</span></u></strong><span style="font-size: 130%">Replace all racks and other items after everything is clean and ready.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><font size="6"><strong>DON’T FORGET…</strong></font></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">For our next <span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>GIVEAWAY</strong></span>…many of you have been working very hard right alongside us everyday and I think a night out is in order.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">So…for those of you who are willing to share our organizing website with a friend, family member or friend…you have many chances to win this time.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>First, you can comment on your favorite post and enter yourself to win</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>AND</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>Second, you can pass our site along to someone, have them comment so that we can welcome them, and then we will add BOTH your names to the drawing.</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>THE GIVE-AWAY FOR APRIL IS…</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>a $50 GIFTCARD TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE and </strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>a $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THE MOVIES!!!</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>Who doesn’t want to go to a great dinner and the movie after working so hard all week?</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>Tell someone every day in April and you will have 30 chances to WIN!!!</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong>JOIN US AND WIN</strong>! Not just this month’s prize, <strong>BUT the PEACE</strong> that comes from putting your life in order!!!</span></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"></span><span style="font-size: 180%"><strong><u>For tomorrow:</u></strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Tomorrow is <strong><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #800080">SPECIAL SUNDAY</span></strong>, and we are going to explore a “new” kind of </span><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>RESEARCH!</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">See you tomorrow!</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">~Laura</span></p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-89509816351700167512010-03-26T11:57:00.000-07:002010-04-03T11:58:20.212-07:00Fast-Fix Friday-Towel Drawer<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today is <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">TOWEL DRAWER</span></strong> day!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Yeah for us!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">EASY, EASY!</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Here is the BEFORE:</span></strong></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7ePjWhrnqI/AAAAAAAACrE/ycMeQXuQ8-E/s1600-h/DSC_0005[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0005" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7ePj7yi_dI/AAAAAAAACrI/CqMLxsZvOv4/DSC_0005_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">We have about a dozen washcloths missing and several bibs, but we got the job done!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">Here is the STEP-by-STEP:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">STEP #1</span></u></strong>-<strong>EMPTY</strong>-Empty everything out of your towel drawer. There may be things in there that don’t even belong. (Like the licorice we found this morning!)</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">STEP #2</span></u></strong>-<strong>VACUUM</strong>-You may think that you don’t need to vacuum drawers, but you do. Vacuum the corners especially!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">STEP #3</span></u></strong>-<strong>WIPE DOWN</strong>-Wipe down the drawer inside and out. Don’t forget the knob if you have one.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">STEP #4</span></u></strong>-<strong>ORGANIZE</strong>-Organize all the towels folded the same way. Organize anything else that you keep in there. Make sure it makes sense to store the things that you have in the </span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>TOWEL DRAWER.</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">STEP #5</span></u></strong>-<strong>REPLACE</strong>-Place all towels in an orderly fashion back in the drawers.</span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">TOWEL DRAWER-CHECK!</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">and the AFTER:</span></strong></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7ePkdyP2MI/AAAAAAAACrM/XKqHcbQ1AMg/s1600-h/DSC_0008[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0008" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7ePlB8A_NI/AAAAAAAACrQ/KtZq5w4ME4o/DSC_0008_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">For <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#800080;">SUPER SATURDAY</span></strong>, we are going to tackle another <strong>BIG</strong> kitchen project…the <strong>OVEN.</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-53924254726668203462010-03-25T09:22:00.000-07:002010-04-03T09:26:13.807-07:00Therapy Thursday-Pots and Pans<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">You are probable asking yourself, “What do pots and pans have to do with therapy?”</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, we are on our <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>KITCHEN</strong></span> adventure and I love to add a little reflection as we work.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">First the reflection…I seriously <strong><em>do</em></strong> love when my little ones play in the pots and pans cabinet. Truthfully, I only love it for about 30 minutes, then I have to redirect them before the migraine sets in, but I do love the look on their faces when they realize how loud they can be.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Now the work…</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Here is our BEFORE:</strong></span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7drRZ9fKWI/AAAAAAAACq0/tmd_VY1yVbg/s1600-h/DSC_0453[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img title="DSC_0453" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0453" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7drSEMdbbI/AAAAAAAACq4/OHvxG9s9mBE/DSC_0453_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><u>HERE IS THE STEP-by-STEP:</u></strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000040;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">STEP #1</span></u></strong>-<strong>EMPTY</strong>-Take everything out of the <strong>POTS</strong> and <strong>PANS</strong> cabinet.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000040;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">STEP #2</span></u></strong>-<strong>VACUUM</strong>-Take the edger piece of the vacuum and vacuum the corners, the middle and the track of the cabinet.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000040;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">STEP #3</span></u></strong>-<strong>WIPE DOWN</strong>-Wipe everything down. Wipe the inside of the cabinet, the tracks and the door, inside and out.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000040;"><u><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">STEP #4</span></strong></u>-<strong>ORGANIZE</strong>-Organize all like pots together, pans together, and lids. Get rid of pans you don’t use or that you have several duplicates of.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000040;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">STEP #5</span></u></strong>-<strong>REPLACE</strong>-Replace all pots and pans back in cabinet with the most used in the front. It is ok if they would look better in the back, put them where you will use them the most. It will be easier to keep them organized as they are put away.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000040;"><strong>POTS AND PANS-CHECK</strong></span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000040;">AND the AFTER:</span></strong></p><p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7drS6Rdh8I/AAAAAAAACq8/4e090bOx2Dg/s1600-h/DSC_0004[4].jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7drTRS1FpI/AAAAAAAACrA/F7--qYJ1O_U/DSC_0004_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000040;"><strong><u>For tomorrow:</u></strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000040;">For <strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">FAST-FIX FRIDAY</span></u></strong>, we are going to do the easiest drawer in the <strong>KITCHEN</strong>…the <strong>TOWEL DRAWER!</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000040;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000040;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-40143723229601970982010-03-22T08:52:00.000-07:002010-04-03T08:55:39.247-07:00Monday Madness-Spring Break & Kitchens<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I know that normally you wouldn’t put “Spring Break” and "Kitchens” in the same sentence, but here at <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">HEAPS OR HAPPINESS</span></strong>, they go hand in hand!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">At our home, we do a “Spring Clean” on the kitchen on the first day of <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#800000;">FALL BREAK</span></strong> and the first day of <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">SPRING BREAK</span></strong>.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I let the kids sleep in for as long as they can, (which at my house is about 8am,) we have a big breakfast, and then we pick our cabinet and drawers.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Everyone in the house has to pick 3 cabinets and 2 drawers in the <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">KITCHEN </span></strong>to start our cleaning.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I usually come up with a really <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">COOL</span></strong> bribe, like the movies, picking a new swimsuit for the season, or double chore money. Whatever you have to do to get the team on board…</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;"><strong>GO FOR IT</strong></span>!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">Here is the STEP-by-STEP on how to get started and prepare yourself for this major project:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">STEP #1</span></u></strong>-<strong>CHOOSE</strong>-Choose the day that you are going to accomplish this, choose the “bribe” and have everyone pick their cabinets. We use <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">POST-ITS</span></strong> with everyone’s name on them and take turns choosing cabinets. Some cabinets and drawers are much harder and time consuming, so try and make it even. If you don’t have a house full of helpers, choose what cabinets you are going to start with and plan according.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">STEP #2</span></u></strong>-<strong>BEGIN</strong>-Each drawer and cabinet should follow the same pattern. As we go through each cabinet and drawer over the next couple of weeks, you will see the same pattern repeated over and over. <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>EMPTY-VACUUM-WIPE DOWN-ORGANIZE-REPLACE</strong></span>.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">STEP #3</span></u></strong>-<strong>REVIEW</strong>-Review every cabinet and make sure everything is in its’ place. If you have something that came out of a cabinet that belonged elsewhere, put it away. Make sure all of the cabinet doors have been wiped down and lighted oiled (we just use a simple cabinet oil cleaner to polish the doors.)</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">For <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">TACKLE TUESDAY</span></strong>, we will begin with the hardest </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">CABINET…</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">the PANTRY. </span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Part I-Cans, Pasta, Backup will be on TUESDAY</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">and Part II-Baking Supplies will be on </span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ffff00;">WRAP-UP WEDNESDAY</span>.</span></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">With the <strong>TWO HARDEST</strong> done first, you will be able to cruise on the easier drawers and cabinets like <strong>POTS</strong> and <strong>DISH TOWELS</strong>.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Off to clean my two pantry cabinets.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-7412499718027226642010-03-21T06:51:00.000-07:002010-04-03T06:52:10.128-07:00Special Sunday-A Time for Reflection<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Take a few minutes today and <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>REFLECT</strong></span> on the past few months.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">It has been almost three months since Christmas and two months since you made those New Year’s resolutions.</span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Write down some of your memories over the last few months in your journal.</span></strong></p><ul><li><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can pick a certain event and tell about it in detail, or write down a quick list of happenings.</span></div></li><li><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can write down your accomplishments or how you are doing on those goals.</span></div></li><li><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Take pictures of the things you have finished and write about how it makes you feel to have them done.</span></div></li></ul><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">When you write things down, it gives you the chance to reflect on what is working, what is not, and how blessed you are!</span></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Have a wonderful Sunday!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">For the next <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">TWO WEEKS</span></strong>, we are going to be tackling everything in your <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">KITCHEN</span></strong>, so rest today, and be ready to put on your working shoes tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-6023763293439889522010-03-20T06:40:00.000-07:002010-04-03T08:19:44.448-07:00Super Saturday-Give-away & that Refrigerator<p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">First, let’s get down to some business. In February, one of our followers, <strong>Becca</strong>, won the first ever, </span><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>HEAPS OR HAPPINESS GIVE-AWAY!!</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%">Do you want to see what she won?</span></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7dcjDVc4_I/AAAAAAAACqs/3Qc0jrB2x3E/s1600-h/DSC_0411%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0411" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0411" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S7dcjid1HXI/AAAAAAAACqw/aOC9VES8us8/DSC_0411_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </span></strong></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Lucky girl won a <span style="font-size: 180%; color: #0000ff"><strong>GREAT SUPPLY</strong></span> of everything you would need to start this journey of organizing valued at $60!</span></p> <ul> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Storage containers for storing clothes or holiday items</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Laundry baskets for sorting or you know…laundry</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">An expandable file for kids’ papers, bills, etc.</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">A coupon holder for receipts or coupons</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Dish tubs in four colors for sorting, storing paper or supplies</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">10 shoe boxes with lids for bathroom or office supplies</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">A desk calendar for family scheduling or personal goal setting</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">File folders for the TO FILE pile</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Drawer organizers for pens, pencils, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair ties, etc.</span></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">And a pack of gum to happily chew along the way or for bribing family members to join in the work</span></div> </li> </ul> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #00ff00"><strong>CONGRATULATIONS BECCA!</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Now for our next <span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>GIVEAWAY</strong></span>…many of you have been working very hard right alongside us everyday and I think a night out is in order.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">So…for those of you who are willing to share our organizing website with a friend, family member or friend…you have many chances to win this time.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>First, you can comment on your favorite post and enter yourself to win</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>AND</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>Second, you can pass our site along to someone, have them comment so that we can welcome them, and then we will add BOTH your names to the drawing.</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>THE GIVE-AWAY FOR APRIL IS…</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>a $50 GIFTCARD TO OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE and </strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>a $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THE MOVIES!!!</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><strong>Who doesn’t want to go to a great dinner and the movie after working so hard all week?</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong>JOIN US AND WIN</strong>! Not just this month’s prize, <strong>BUT the PEACE</strong> that comes from putting your life in order!!!</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #800080">NOW TO SUPER SATURDAY…</span></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%"><strong>YOUR REFRIGERATOR!</strong></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Take an hour today and clean the refrigerator.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">This is the <strong><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000">MOST USED</span></strong> appliance in the house, so give it a good cleaning.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">I try to tackle mine the first week of the month, but you may be able to go longer or feel the need to clean yours more often.</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%">Either way, let’s go through it STEP-BY-STEP!</span></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000">STEP #1</span></u></strong>-<strong>EMPTY</strong>-Empty everything out of the refrigerator. Obvious, I know, but sometimes people try to clean <strong>AROUND</strong> what is already in there. Get everything out, and throw away the bad as you go.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff8040">STEP #2</span></u></strong>-<strong>SORT</strong>-As you are emptying, or right after, <strong>SORT</strong> everything that you have in your fridge. Sometimes there are <strong>THREE </strong>bottles of ketchup opened, because they are on three different shelves. Put all dressings together, meats together, etc.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ffff00">STEP #3</span></u></strong>-<strong>CLEAN</strong>-Wash down, with dish detergent, <strong>EVERY</strong> shelf, drawer and space in that refrigerator. Remember that your shelves are <strong>COLD</strong> when you are washing them, so use no hotter than <strong>WARM</strong> water to wash them down. As the glass warms, you can do a final rinse with <strong>HOT </strong>water. If you rinse them with <strong>HOT</strong> water to start, you run the risk of breaking the glass, so be careful! Don’t forget to wipe down the inside of the door, the walls of the refrigerator and even the top. If you have a sticky mess, like popsicle, get your towel full of very <strong>HOT</strong> water and let the towel sit on the mess for a couple of minutes, and it will come right off.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #00ff00">STEP #4</span></u></strong>-<strong>REPLACE</strong>-As you put everything back in, store like things together in a sensible place. This sounds really basic, but you would be surprised how many people store their items all over. Pick a drawer for produce and put <strong>ALL PRODUCE</strong> in that drawer. Choose a drawer for meats and cheeses and store all of them together. Always put the <strong>MILK</strong> on the same shelf, that way, everyone knows where it is, and you can glance quickly to know if you need to add it to the shopping list.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #0000ff">STEP #5</span></u></strong>-<strong>REPEAT</strong>-Repeat the above steps for the freezer and you will have a <strong>CLEAN REFRIGERATOR</strong> in no time! In the freezer, remember to store things that need to be cooked or eaten first, on the upper shelves, so that you see them first.</span></p> <p align="center"><u><strong><span style="font-size: 180%">For tomorrow:</span></strong></u></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #800000">SPECIAL SUNDAY</span></strong> is a time for reflection, so we will do just that!</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">See you tomorrow!</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">~Laura</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"></span></p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-69967570879082568202010-03-19T23:45:00.000-07:002010-03-28T00:03:45.039-07:00Fast-Fix Friday-Bookcases and Baskets<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">For <span style="font-size:180%;color:#000099;"><strong>FAST-FIX FRIDAY</strong></span> we are going to talk about</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>BOOKCASES AND BOOK BASKETS</strong>.<br /><br />We spoke earlier in the week about having a <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">SPECIAL PLACE</span></strong> for reading and relaxing...so what does yours look like?<br /><br />Do you have your books organized and ready to read?<br /><br />The best way to organize them in your rooms and special places are with</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>BASKETS and BOOKCASES.<br /></strong><br />They don't have to be fancy or expensive, just functional!<br /><br />You can find bookcases at your local store, garage sales and sometimes right in your own house hidden in corners.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">TODAY'S ASSIGNMENT</span></strong>:<br /><br />Find a room that needs a <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">BOOK BASKET or BOOKCASE</span></strong>, decide which one you need based on the space available and the number of books.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">BUY or FIND</span></strong> what you need and organize the books, tallest to shortest.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;">SIT DOWN AND ENJOY!!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">For Tomorrow:<br /><br /><span style="color:#330000;">SUPER SATURDAY</span></span></strong> is perfect for tomorrow's task!<br /><br />See you tomorrow!<br /><br />~Laura</span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-89902331707403704862010-03-18T22:05:00.001-07:002010-03-18T22:05:14.269-07:00Therapy Thursday-Making Memories<p align="center"><font size="4">I know that we have been talking about these two rooms for days, but let’s just talk about some things that we can do to make some memories in these spaces.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">What good does all your hard work to organize your room do if you never take the time to enjoy the spaces?</font></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5">Here are two suggestions:</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="5">#1-CALL SOMEONE RIGHT NOW THAT YOU HAVE NOT SEEN OR VISITED WITH IN A WHILE.  Invite them over and take the time to catch up in your LIVING ROOM!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#00ff00" size="5">#2-PICK A BOOK AND READ TO ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN.  Take the ten minutes, and snuggle tight with them.  They will LOVE this!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">OR</font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#0000ff" size="5">PICK UP YOUR CURRENT BOOK AND READ FOR AN HOUR.  No distractions, just you and your book!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5">For tomorrow:</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><strong><font color="#0000ff" size="5">FAST-FIX FRIDAY</font></strong> is going to reveal the giveaway that <strong><font color="#ff0000" size="5">BECCA</font></strong> won last month, introduce the next giveaway and finish the <strong><font color="#0000ff" size="5">FAST FIXES</font></strong> for your <strong><font color="#00ff00" size="5">READING SPACE</font></strong>!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">See you tomorrow!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">~Laura</font></p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-53243015132234353932010-03-17T21:52:00.000-07:002010-03-18T21:53:36.077-07:00Wrap-Up Wednesday-Are your spaces ready?<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today, we are just reviewing our <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">LIVING ROOM</span></strong> and <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">READING SPACE</span></strong>!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">How does your <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">LIVING ROOM</span></strong> look?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Have you invited a neighbor in?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Did you make sure you cleaned out all the clutter?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Did you clean your spaces?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Have you tried out your <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">READING SPACE</span></strong>?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Is it comfortable?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Does it have enough lighting?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#808000;">ENJOY </span></strong>these spaces!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">For <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">THERAPY THURSDAY</span></strong> we are to ask some prompting questions to help you make the most of these two new spaces.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-91946687731009777282010-03-16T21:37:00.000-07:002010-03-18T21:41:14.318-07:00Tackle Tuesday-Reading Corner<p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6L_lCve06I/AAAAAAAACqk/HsklO5Md6D0/s1600-h/DSC_0381[4].jpg"><img title="DSC_0381" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="500" alt="DSC_0381" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6L_l--qOtI/AAAAAAAACqo/JKUPtwqgMCs/DSC_0381_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Here it is!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">SO SIMPLE, BUT SOOOO GREAT!</span></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">This is our little reading corner.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Finding a reading space is so simple. It can be a corner of your basement, a little corner in your apartment, or wherever you can stick a basket of books and some blankets.</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">Here is all you need to make a space for you and your family:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">STEP #1</span></u></strong>-<strong>CHOOSE</strong>-Do you see a pattern from yesterday? Choose a spot that you want to work your magic on. Think about a space tucked away from the busyness.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">STEP #2</span></u></strong>-<strong>PLAN</strong>-Plan what you need. Do you want a chair, couch or just a basket full of blankets? Beanbags are also perfect for these spaces. Remember, write down your plan, and then FOLLOW IT!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">STEP #3</span></u></strong>-<strong>CLEAN</strong>-Yes. Clean it all up. Vacuum, edge, dust and wipe everything down. No one wants to read with clutter and dust all around.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">STEP #4</span></u></strong>-<strong>SET-UP</strong>-Set it all up. The chair, the blanket, the books. I love having a bookcase right there full of fun books. I even stash what I am reading in there too. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">STEP #5</span></u></strong>-<strong>INTRODUCE</strong>- Introduce the family to everyone’s new reading spot. Not everyone will use it, but it is there. I love to escape to this spot.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#800080;">STEP #6</span></u></strong>-<strong>ENJOY</strong>-Grab a little one and read a classic Dr. Seuss. Maybe, just grab a book you are working on and curl up in the chair!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">WRAP-UP WEDNESDAY</span></strong> is just that. Wrapping up the two rooms we worked on this week. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-50050985916574299862010-03-15T21:12:00.000-07:002010-03-19T06:22:08.925-07:00Monday Madness-A “living” Living Room<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6L5lmHyEHI/AAAAAAAACqc/lLGPsuFbSZg/s1600-h/DSC_0380%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0380" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0380" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6L5mUFT_gI/AAAAAAAACqg/Mm4r_ldjppg/DSC_0380_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Is your Living Room livable in the sense of being ready for company anytime?</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Could you invite a friend in off the porch and visit with them in a clean, organized and inviting space?</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">Don’t underestimate having a room that is ready for a good visit.</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%">Let’s work on it “step-by-step”</span></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff0000"><u>STEP #1</u></span></strong>-<strong>CHOOSE</strong>-You have to choose a room that is going to be your sanctuary. You may have an actual “living room,” which is great, but if you don’t, what room can you dedicate yourself to keeping ready for company?</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff8000"><strong><u>STEP #2</u><span style="font-size: 130%; color: #400000">-<font size="4">PLAN</font></span></strong></span>-What is your plan? Do you need furniture? Do you need to move things in or out to keep it ready? Write it down, step-by-step.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ffff00"><u>STEP #3</u></span></strong>-<strong>CLEAN</strong>-You knew I was going to say this. Clean the entire room from top to bottom. Don’t forget curtains, windows and baseboards. If you start with a clean slate, you will be ready to enjoy everything when it is ready to go.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #00ff00">STEP #4</span></u></strong>-<strong>SET-UP</strong>-Set up your room, so that it is the way you would have your furniture to enjoy company. Don’t forget decor and pictures. Have fun and be creative.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #0000ff">STEP #5</span></u></strong>-<strong>VISIT</strong>-Now just enjoy it. Invite that neighbor in to visit. Let your visiting teachers linger a little longer in a space you put together.</span></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 180%">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%; color: #ff8000">TACKLE TUESDAY</span></strong> is going to tackle another space you have to enjoy life a little more.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">See you tomorrow!</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%">~Laura</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%"></span></p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-60796910675549830882010-03-14T21:11:00.000-07:002010-03-17T21:21:02.890-07:00Special Sunday-Start a book<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today is a perfect day to relax and <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">START A BOOK</span></strong>.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Maybe you are one of those people who are always reading two or three books, sit down and finish one.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Maybe you are the kind of person who never slows down enough to read a book, sit down and read one.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Books are amazing!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I am the kind of person who thrives on multi-tasking, and books don’t allow you to do that.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">They want all your attention!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">They want you to sit down and read with them right now, and they do their best to hold on tight to your attention.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Just like my children.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">When I take the time and read an uplifting book, it truly changes my life.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I love bettering who I am by what I read.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Grab a great one and get reading!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Are you reading a great book right now that you want to tell us about?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Share!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">MONDAY MADNESS</span></strong> is helping us continue in our <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">MARCH MADNESS</span></strong> with a trip around the house. Last week we started at the <strong>FRONT ENTRY</strong> and moved our way to the <strong>COAT CLOSET</strong>.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tomorrow we will conquer the <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;">LIVING ROOM</span></strong>. Does anyone want to be in there? Is is wonderful, or not so wonderful?</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-27542277135052529162010-03-13T20:54:00.000-08:002010-03-18T21:40:42.930-07:00Super Saturday-Socks, socks and more socks!<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday is a perfect day for<strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"> SOCK HUNTING</span></strong>!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"> <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">SOCK HUNTING</span></strong> is a little Cecil tradition where we try to find</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">EVERY SINGLE SOCK</span></strong> we have ever owned. (We sometimes find neighbors’ socks as well!)</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">We look in places like under the trampoline, on the pool deck for those spontaneous dips, the driveway, the cars, etc.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">It is really a fun game, so try it today. Have the kids look under beds in gym bags, and maybe your spouse just leaves them, like usual, right next to the bed!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">When you have collected all the socks…</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">CLEAN</span></strong>, <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">EVALUATE</span></strong>, <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">PAIR</span></strong>, <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#00ff00;"><strong>PUT AWAY</strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#400000;">, and</span> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>THROW AWAY</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">Let’s talk about all those things for a minute:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">CLEAN</span></strong>-Clean all the socks. I would wash the colored ones together and give the whites a good shot of bleach.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">EVALUATE</span></strong>-When the socks are all ready, evaluate each one for holes, wear, stretching, etc. THROW the bad ones away.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">PAIR</span></strong>-This might sound like a simple and obvious one, but pair the socks matching heels together and folded at the top.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">PUT AWAY</span></strong>-Have everyone put their socks away. I also have a fun idea that I showed you yesterday that you might want to reconsider if you didn’t do it yesterday. We have a sock basket by the front door. I know that may sound very tacky to some, but for us, it is wonderful! I store all the kids’ socks here. It is wonderful for my “sock patrol” in the morning. No stinky feet!</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GkCG2sFII/AAAAAAAACqU/heh5kITVOuY/s1600-h/DSC_0672[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0672" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0672" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GkCpX3BMI/AAAAAAAACqY/y3Xn2Aje018/DSC_0672_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">THROW AWAY</span></strong>-Last, but not least, throw away any unpaired socks. This step is very hard for me. The frugal side of me just can bear to throw away a perfectly good little girl sock, but do it. You will be better off. You will have a fresh start!</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#800000;">SPECIAL SUNDAY</span></strong> is great!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-13657925940772883552010-03-12T20:09:00.000-08:002010-03-17T20:12:45.964-07:00Fast-Fix Friday-Fantastic Baskets<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today is <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">FAST-FIX FRIDAY</span></strong> and I have tried to post this post <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">THREE</span></strong> times!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Let’s see if three times is <em>really</em> a charm!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">FAST-FIX FRIDAY</span></strong> is full of fabulous baskets that we can use to store many different things in a very visually appealing way. (Say that line five times fast!)</span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><u>Here are some ways that we use these great baskets:</u></span></strong></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQiXe153I/AAAAAAAACpQ/sSdg_yKOQJ4/s1600-h/DSC_0666[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0666" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="500" alt="DSC_0666" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQi_6264I/AAAAAAAACpU/MPAPDv8gN20/DSC_0666_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">CD BASKET</span></u></strong>-This is a great rectangular basket that works beautifully for CD storage. This one is just the little collection of CDs that we keep in the kitchen near the stereo for some sweet music to calm this place down and fun music to dance in the kitchen with.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQjYWqPkI/AAAAAAAACpY/MsrizISkSac/s1600-h/DSC_0661[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0661" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="500" alt="DSC_0661" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQj3dXtAI/AAAAAAAACpc/YIBgwPKDxnI/DSC_0661_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff8000;">TOY BASKET</span></u></strong>-Toys are often needed at a moments notice with little ones around. Medium wicker laundry baskets do just the trick for storing toys in a family or living room. These baskets fit in the corner and don’t take away aesthetically from the look of the room.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQkjwu-ZI/AAAAAAAACpg/WzGSRdzT9kI/s1600-h/DSC_0668[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0668" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0668" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQlE8Cx0I/AAAAAAAACpk/N5iQ4QZfCPk/DSC_0668_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">DIAPER BASKET</span></u></strong>-I love having a diaper basket ready on every floor of our home. It makes changing a wet baby much easier. This is just a basic basket with all the goodies needed to change the diaper. This is a well-loved basket in our home. Notice the gnawing marks of our puppy, Daisy.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GQlhChKwI/AAAAAAAACpo/JLA1WpLTBMU/s1600-h/DSC_0660[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0660" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0660" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZS06jVGI/AAAAAAAACpw/yS9bBp2XrxM/DSC_0660_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00ff00;">HOMEWORK BASKET</span></u></strong>-I have a great system for papers to be signed and returned, field trip forms and homework, BUT this is the place where everything is stored that gets used daily, but not turned in. Things like Everyday Math workbooks, exercise records, Brooke’s part in the play as Little Bo Peep, bookmarks, and flashcards. Anything that I find that is school-related goes right here. Easton, literally just walked in the office just now and asked where his school planner was…in the <strong>HOMEWORK BASKET</strong> was the answer!</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZTpUwfVI/AAAAAAAACp0/lU8ebj_OwM4/s1600-h/DSC_0662[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0662" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0662" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZUTztn3I/AAAAAAAACp4/C_WU3366UdU/DSC_0662_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0000ff;">CHURCH BASKET</span></u></strong>-The <strong>“CHURCH”BASKET</strong> sounds like a funny name, but that is really what it holds…church stuff. It holds our pass-along cards, quick reference information, Faith in God books, YW/YM booklets and class information. Much like the HOMEWORK BASKET above, any time that I find church stuff that is not tucked away in scriptures, I put them here.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZUzzHCnI/AAAAAAAACp8/qVimQ2ioeTY/s1600-h/DSC_0669[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0669" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0669" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZV3VeVsI/AAAAAAAACqA/yzXtCN31aKg/DSC_0669_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZWNOaBZI/AAAAAAAACqE/si-KT0MV6RQ/s1600-h/DSC_0670[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0670" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0670" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZW6M7bhI/AAAAAAAACqI/mv9pepuLU0A/DSC_0670_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#800080;">BOOK BASKETS</span></u></strong>-Baskets, like the ones above, are perfect for storing books in a visually appealing way in any room you want. I love books! Who doesn’t? I love having books on hand, anytime, when a little one wants to grab one and take a look. Having books in more than one location makes for more opportunities to read with our children.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZXMnydgI/AAAAAAAACqM/KaKil9n9kgc/s1600-h/DSC_0672[4].jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333333;"><img title="DSC_0672" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="446" alt="DSC_0672" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_JvTStuD01ko/S6GZXlWyPnI/AAAAAAAACqQ/R7XvblESdII/DSC_0672_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#800000;">SOCK BASKET</span></u></strong>-We will go into more detail on the <strong>SOCK BASKET</strong> tomorrow, but for now,<strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"> I LOVE</span></strong> this basket! It sits near our front door, and insures that little ones have socks available for shoes anytime. We don’t like stinky shoes around here, so if you don’t either, make a <strong>SOCK BASKET</strong>!!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The possibilities are endless for <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">BASKET STORAGE</span></strong>. Remember that you can find very in expensive baskets at places like Marshalls, TJMaxx, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Wal-Mart, Target, garage sales, etc.</span></p><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></u></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tomorrow for <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#800080;">SUPER SATURDAY</span></strong> we are going to talk about <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">SOCKS</span></strong>! Too fun!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-38747173248592720942010-03-11T05:48:00.000-08:002010-03-12T06:05:26.774-08:00Therapy Thursday-Visitors' greeting<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Now that we have taken care of the physical spaces of the</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">FRONT PORCH</span></strong>, <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">FRONT ENTRY</span></strong> and <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">FRONT CLOSET</span></strong>,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>how does it feel</em>?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">When you enter <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">YOUR</span></strong> home, do you feel a sweet feeling?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sometimes, opening ourselves up, has very little to do with the asking of company to come over, and more to do with the peace we feel with the condition of our homes.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Invite a neighbor in.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Next week we are going to work on the</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">LIVING ROOM</span></strong>, <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">DINING ROOM</span></strong> </span>and a <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffff00;">READING PLACE</span></strong>,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">so those areas will be tackled too!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Think about <strong><span style="font-size:180%;">WHO</span></strong> you would like to invite over.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Maybe it is just your sister who hasn't been over for awhile, or a neighbor after she drops the kids off from carpool.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">For our <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;">FAST-FIX FRIDAY</span></strong>, we are going to talk about how <strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#993399;">DECORATIVE BASKETS</span> </strong>can help us organize things.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-38297446417752830282010-03-10T21:29:00.000-08:002010-03-10T21:38:58.740-08:00Wrap-Up Wednesday-Welcome Guests<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today is <strong><span style="color:#ffff00;">WRAP-UP WEDNESDAY</span></strong>, so let's <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">DOUBLE CHECK</span></strong> on our welcome to our guests!<br /><br />Saturday, we conquered the <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">FRONT PORCH</span></strong>. Monday, we did the <strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">FRONT ENTRY</span></strong>, and yesterday, the <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">COAT CLOSET</span></strong> was tackled as well.<br /><br />If you haven't gotten this far, do the finishing touches <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">TODAY</span></strong>!<br /><br />If you are done, take a walk outside. Walk up the front walkway, ring the doorbell and come on in!<br /><br />Does it look clean from top to bottom? Is it inviting? Could it use a nice picture or lamp? Is the closet ready for guests to hang their coat and have a great time? Are there extra hangers for their coats? Did you make a sock basket for your little ones? Could your door use some Spring wreaths?<br /><br />Today is the day to finish!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:<br /></span></strong>Tomorrow is <span style="color:#33cc00;"><strong>THERAPY THURSDAY</strong>,</span> so I will greet you first thing with the question of the day!<br /><br />See you tomorrow!<br /><br />~Laura</span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-37986941501991815402010-03-09T21:09:00.000-08:002010-03-10T21:27:57.116-08:00Tackle Tuesday-Front Coat Closet<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The thing we are tackling today is...the <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">FRONT COAT CLOSET</span></strong>!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Let's just get started!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Here's the STEP-BY-STEP:</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">STEP #1</span></strong>-<strong>EMPTY</strong>-The first thing that you want to do is empty the entire closet. Take all coats, on their hangers, and place them on the floor in the closest room. Take everything off the shelves, and clear the floor.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">STEP #2</span></strong>-<strong>CLEAN</strong>-Start at the top and clean everything. Wipe down the shelf, wipe down the coat rack, wipe down the baseboard and vacuum and edge the floor. Last, but not least, wipe down the door, inside and out!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ffff00;">STEP #3</span></strong>-<strong>SORT</strong>-Sort through everything that you had in the closet. Does it need to be there? Is there a better place or way to store this item? If so, do it.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">STEP #4</span></strong>-<strong>REPLACE</strong>-Replace everything to its' place. Store the jackets sorted style and color. Store all light jackets together, heavy coats together, and so on. Let it result in an organized appearance as you open the closet. Store things on shelf in an organized manner as well. I use labeled dishpans to store chargers and video equipment. What can you use to make it look uniform?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">STEP #5</span></strong>-<strong>REVIEW</strong>-Once you are done, close the closet, and then open it and see where your eyes are drawn first. Does it look in order? If not, what can you change?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>YOU DID IT!</strong></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Great job!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>IF YOU WANT TO VIEW THE OTHER POST ON COAT CLOSET, CLICK ON THE SIDEBAR UNDER COAT CLOSET!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">It has great ideas for bag storage and storage for hats, gloves and scarves!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tomorrow is <strong><span style="color:#ffff00;">WRAP-UP WEDNESDAY</span></strong>, so let's wrap up the front part of the house!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-41315046565769842532010-03-08T20:48:00.000-08:002010-03-10T21:27:34.293-08:00Monday Madness-Front Entry<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday, we started the <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>MARCH MADNESS</strong></span> and today it continues.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Last time we did the <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">FRONT DOOR</span></strong>, now we have the <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">FRONT ENTRY</span></strong>.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">FRONT ENTRY</span></strong> is the first thing that greets your guests after they walk in the door.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">So, let's make it great!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Here's our STEP-BY-STEP:</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">STEP #1</span></strong>-<strong>REMOVE</strong>-Remove anything that is in your entry that does not belong!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">STEP #2</span></strong>-<strong>CLEAN</strong>-Clean your entry from top to bottom. Clean windows, wipe down baseboards, dust all entry furniture, etc.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ffff00;">STEP #3</span></strong>-<strong>REPLACE</strong>-Put all things in place where they belong after being cleaned.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">STEP #4</span></strong>-<strong>ADD</strong>-Decide what you need to add to make your entry more inviting. Do you want to add a bench, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coat rack</span>, or maybe even small table for entry lighting?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Once you have you <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">FRONT ENTRY</span></strong> together, go outside, and walk in the front door. What more can you do? What organization things could you put in the entry to help life go smoother? We keep a sock basket full of everyone's socks for easier mornings. We have a picture of Christ on the table to enjoy as we come in. What do you have? What could you add?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">For tomorrow:</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tomorrow is <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">TACKLE TUESDAY</span></strong>, so let's tackle that <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">COAT CLOSET</span></strong>!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">We already have one <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">COAT CLOSET</span></strong> tackled on a previous post, but let's look at another option.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">See you tomorrow!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Laura</span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612525619294149572.post-16633560358215965242010-03-07T18:53:00.001-08:002010-03-07T18:53:01.957-08:00Special Sunday-Sweet treats<p align="center"><font size="4">Sunday is a perfect day to bake up some <font color="#ff0080" size="5"><strong>SWEET TREATS</strong></font> and share them with a friend!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">They say that, “the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” well, I believe that applies to <font color="#ff00ff" size="5"><strong>SWEET TREATS</strong></font> for neighbors, friends, and family.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Take some time today and put together a little something sweet, pair it with a thoughtful note of thanks or friendship and you have the perfect package for a drop off.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Grab one of the kids for a “one-on-one” in the car and head out.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">My kids <font size="5"><strong><font color="#00ff00">LOVE</font> </strong><font color="#804040" size="4">to</font><strong> <font color="#00ff00">DOORBELL DITCH</font></strong></font>, so recruit one of them to help brighten another’s day.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">Have fun!</font></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5">For tomorrow:</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="5">MONDAY MADNESS</font></strong> brings the mayhem at the <font color="#0000ff" size="5"><strong>FRONT DOOR</strong></font>!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">See you tomorrow!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">~Laura</font></p> Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17991448384606362704noreply@blogger.com0