Hello lovelies! We hope you’re enjoying those final days of summer.
My friend Erin from Two Story Cottage is back today with a few wonderful ideas for getting it into high gear with back to school. We’ve been purging and busting it around our house for the last few days ourselves… getting ready! There’s nothing like a little obligatory motivation to help you manage it all. So without further ado:
August in my part of the world means three little words. Back. To. School. Now all of you after-Labor Day people can close your eyes and hide but the rest of us have to pony up and pretend to get organized. Usually, I make an effort but start fading around mid-September.
This year is different. Before you call “shenanigans” on that, hear me out. My girl is going to kindergarten and I’ve got to keep up. I don’t want to be the slacker Mom. At least out of the gate anyway, right?
Instead of a bunch of convoluted systems, I need simple. Hang your coat there. Shoes here. Lunchbox spot. Backpacks & papers put away.
Rinse & repeat.
My kids are old enough at 3 and 6 to follow simple rules. It doesn’t mean they do but if you train them and stay earnest, they will put their stuff away even in a wide-eyed, post-kindergarten trance-like exhaustion. No yelling required.
Simplicity for me means taking care of business before we enter the kitchen. Junk on my counters is akin to socks with flips flops. Completely unnecessary and hive-inducing.
All the school info gets pinned to the board. It won’t be that empty for much longer! I do a weekly check for recycle bin fodder.
Gotta have a place for those budding Picassos. Art work hangs on display for 1-2 weeks. After that it is decision time for Mom. Recycle bin or art portfolio. The bin wins most of the time but make sure you hide it wayyy down below. Hurt feelings are no fun. Last year’s Tom the Turkey kept reincarnating and I had to act like I didn’t know how it got in the recycle. I tend to keep things with handprints or true artwork vs. crafts. If I’m uncertain, I’ll keep it and evaluate again at the end of the year.
I’m a positive person despite my sarcasm. I like to walk out into the big, scary world with a happy vibe. A positive message gives me that reassurance that nobody else will bother with. “Wow, Erin you did such a great job getting the kids off and ready for school.” Says nobody ever. Hence the out-the-door message.
Did you see the Lucy frame I made with Ashley’s e-book? I’m no artist but even us common folk can whip one of those out. Oh, and the chore cubes are my secret little chore system. It isn’t complicated for us and that is what makes it work. You have to find the right methods for your family that makes life easier not harder.
I’m hoping that I can stay true to the course this year and keep things at least a level or two below insane chaos.
That would be nice, wouldn’t it? Tips or tricks of your own, anyone?
Layla K says
Such great, simple ideas. I am ready to get my act together! 😀
Jenna says
Lovely ideas! And I am in love with that tray. So great!
Alice says
I love the gallery wall. I’ve got a little nook area similar to that-It would be the perfect spot for some stuff! Great idea, Erin!
JT says
Lovely ideas! Thank you!
sarah says
Perfect timing for me and oh how I dread back to school. Such a beautiful idea here, love it. Thanks for sharing Erin with us jumping over to her site now.
Lindsey says
Love, love, love the”it’s going to be a really good day” print.
Sarah says
Where did you get the cork strips to hang the art work?
Sarah
Erin @ Two Story Cottage says
Hi Sarah – Got them last year from a pretty good sale at PB Teen. I’ve been very happy as they are very heavy duty.
Sarah says
Thanks!
Erin @ Two Story Cottage says
Thanks for the love, everyone! Ashley & Jamin have great readers!
Marie says
I love the artwork display! I’m definitely stealing that as soon as I can figure out which wall to put it on! My two year old LOVES art, and this is such a better way to display it than the fridge!
Lindsay at Life of Splendor says
Wow, Erin, you are SO organized! I need to take a lesson from you on this one. Love that you’ve made a place to display their art, too. So sweet!