Dapper Bags

Organizing a diaper bag is no easy task. We use them often and often we use them in a rush. They get really messy quick. I try to reorganize mine every Sunday before the little (and her bag) go off to the nursery. Here is how I keep mine organized...

First I empty everything into a bin. I take out my handy dandy hand held vacuum and clean the inside (there will be crumbs).

Then I put the diaper stuff with diaper stuff...and restock...

and food stuff with food stuff...get rid of the gross stuff and add some new stuff...

body care stuff together...

I put a swim bag together: 1 swim diaper, swim suit, and sunscreen. The bag will come in handy for bringing home wet swim wear. And I put an extra clean outfit in a plastic bag (chances are the outfit replacing it will be...not so clean...)

Then I put everything together and try to stream line. I try to just have 1 of everything (3 diapers). Of course this rule changes for day trips and overnight stays. 

Happy organizing! :)

Freesource

I LOVE doing free projects. Here's a new one I found. It requires drinking cute beer and reusing the bottles. Might just be the most enjoyable project EVER! :)

Daunting Tasks

Chores I HATE

Putting away laundry-

 What is frustrating about it?

I usually set aside enough time to wash and dry my clothes but I forget to set aside time to put them away. They usually end up coming out of the dryer and staying in the hamper until they are all used up.

They get wrinkled and sometimes mixed with dirty laundry.

 The Tactic

1. Only commit to 1 load at a time. See it through beginning to end. 
2. Sort the designated load the night before. Have the detergent and quarters set aside. (I live in an apartment complex without my own washer/dryer)
3. Set my alarm clock early to start the load. And another alarm 45min later to switch from the washer to dryer.
4. Separate clothes when transferring from washer to dryer. Sort between his and hers and tops and bottoms. Remove clothing that can dry on its own like dress pants and work shirts. Hang immediately to ensure they don't get wrinkled. 
5. For tedious folding grab your smart phone or iPod and listen to some tunes while you fold or watch that show on netflix you haven't had time to catch up with yet. 

After Dinner Clean Up-

             This chore is frustrating because making dinner is a big chore in itself. Ideally it would be nice if whoever didn't prepare the meal becomes responsible for cleanup. But if you live by yourself or have a crazy schedule this may not happen. So you are left with dirty dishes, a greasy stove top, and crumbs all over the counter.

The Tactic-

1. Clean what you can while you go. This is the easiest way to cut down on cleanup. Pull the trash can over to where you are working so you can immediately dump the wrappers and stems of vegetables. 
2. Fill up the sink with some hot soapy water before you get started so you can toss utensils in as you go. 
3. Keep the hand-held vacuum nearby for a quick crumb cleanup. 
4. Anticipate leftovers. If you don't eat leftovers be careful to only make enough for 1 meal. If you are a fan of leftovers...set aside the containers, plastic wrap, etc. that you will need to store your meal.

HAIR-

             This last chore is one that I truly truly hate. Hair is so annoying. Every morning it ends up in the bathroom sink, the tub, and the bathroom floor. There is nothing worse then trying to take a relaxing bath when you lift up your limbs and wet hair is stuck to your skin. Eewww!

The Tactic

1. Keep your handy dandy hand-held vacuum close by (I store mine under my bathroom sink). As soon as I am done getting ready in the morning I take the vacuum and do a quick 30 sec hair clean up. I try to get the vacuum out before I have turned on the sink because wet hair won't vacuum. If I forget I just use a tissue to wipe out the sink and counter. 
2. Aim. When you are fixing your hair in the morning don't just let stray hairs fall where they may. Aim for the sink (if you are gonna clean it when you are done). If you lack the discipline to clean after every morning ritual aim for the toilet or trash can.

 What are chores you hate? Have you come up with any unique solutions?

Toy Chest

I have a new rule for my daughter. She can have as many toys that will fit into this little chest.

Benefits to limiting your child to a small toy chest...

1. The chest is small yet attractive so I don't mind if it ends up in the living room. 
2. She can move it easily (it's a toy in itself). 
3. It eliminates toy clutter. 
4. She is more interested in playing outside or with random stuff like spice containers.
5. I don't want her to grow up thinking she needs "things" to entertain herself.
6. We can work on clean up time together. At the end of the night we pick up all her toys and put them to bed. 
7. Easily transported to Auntie's house.