So tell me, now that it’s February, how are all of those New Year’s resolutions going? You know, the vows you made to declutter and get organized this year? My husband and I hit the ground running New Year’s weekend and let me just say, it’s been riveting!
It’s not that we are hoarders or disorganized people in general, but until we moved into our current house, we had relocated several times. As a result, there were a large number of boxes that just never got unpacked, and just kept moving with us from home to home. And since we are fortunate to have more than ample storage in our house, tackling what I like to call the “black hole” never was much of an issue. We’ve still got a long way to go, but I am confident THIS IS THE YEAR!
One item that was contained in many of our boxes, was an (over) abundance of books. My husband’s plan was to build a huge bookshelf to house these on. This would have been a fine idea, but as we were going through these boxes and I saw with my own eyes how many books were actually there, (mostly his) I was like, “SERIOULSY???? “When in your lifetime are you ever going to read all of these books, and more importantly, why? I get why you’d want to keep some, but in the interest of being reasonable, let’s be selective here.” He ultimately agreed that I had a point (of course, he did!) and this brings me to my latest “jem.” Oh, you’ve missed the jems, haven’t you?
I was recently told about a site called Cash 4 Books. Here’s the 411 on that. You go to the site and enter the books you have, by their ISBN number. The title of the book comes up, and it tells you if they are currently buying that book, or not. If they are, it goes into your cart. You can add as many books as you like. At the end, you checkout, and print out a mailing label. You package the books up, and take them to be shipped. Cash 4 Books pays for the shipping, and then sends you a check for the books. Win – Win!!!
Other than a little time, it costs you NOTHING! Now realistically speaking, depending on what books you have, they do not buy everything, and when they do, it may not be much money. But a few bucks here and there adds up, and could be worth it because it again, costs you NOTHING! You have already sorted through them and decided to part with them, so the leftover books that are not bought by them, can be donated to libraries, charities, etc.
Worth a shot? Here’s one example I just had to share. I recently told my sister in law about this site. The next week she was over my house and told me she had gotten rid of a bunch of books on my recommendation, some textbooks she had, and a few others as well. She made well over 100 bucks, which she in turn used to buy a NOOK. How’s that for a double score???? Talk about a WIN! Not only did she get the books out of her house, she bought a device that allows her to never have to have them enter her home again! Ahh, technology today! If I had more time to actually read, I would totally invest in one of those bad boys.
Now, go clean out your book shelves! You know you are never going to read that Philosophy text book again ~ be honest, you didn’t even read it when you took the class that required you buy it in the first place!!!
My kids were not even back to school a week, and I was already experiencing paperwork overload. Forms to fill out, PTO information, upcoming fundraisres, dates to remember, and those special art projects that just need to be saved and displayed. What’s a mom to do, and just how does one keep it all organized? Having two kids in school for the first time this year (a first grader and preschooler) I knew immediately I needed to put a system in place. I assessed my space, and figured out a way to utilize it, to meet my needs.
The Hall Wall/Wall of Fame
Outside of my office lies a hallway, which connects the kitchen to the mudroom. It’s a major traffic area and we pass through it every day going to and from school. The wall was large and empty, and screaming for something, anything, to keep it company. Ideally, I would love to open the space, bust out a few walls, and do a complete renovation of the space. But since that plan didn’t make it on the short list this year, I decided to go to Plan B.
This wall, typically referred to as “The Hall Wall” or “Wall of Fame,” is where ALL of the important “stuff” gets posted. School calendars and schedules, cafeteria menus, homework assignments and any important dates or information are displayed for everyone to see. It’s in your face, so you have no excuse not to see it. I also post up those special projects that come home, that my little guys are oh so proud to show off. When the wall is filled, new projects can go up, only after one comes down.
Anything that doesn’t make the “Wall of Fame,” or comes down from it, goes into a binder – each kid has one. This way papers are not left all over the place. If you have a wall that is empty, it’s a perfect way to utilize the space. And it keeps the refrigerator door clutter to a minimum as well. I put a cute little ABC teacher boarder to outline the space – it defines the space, and being a former teacher, that’s just how I roll!
Get FAT
This is the only place in my life where this word is a good thing! Just to clarify, getting FAT does not refer to eating bons bons while watching Regis and Kelly when the kids are in school, as tempting as that sounds. FAT, in this case, refers strictly to my organization system and stands for File Action Toss. When papers come into the house, they must fit into one of these categories. The paper either gets filed, acted upon, or tossed. Realistically, it may not be convenient to take action at that very moment, so ACTION papers are placed in a file in my office, and are weekly acted upon.
My three tier file holder on the wall, allows a space for each of my kids, and myself (my husband has his own office and dare I say, organization system, in place). The children’s files contain school/sports papers that need action, mine are bills, and any other items non-school related. The “T” in FAT is the easiest of them all and so important to keep clutter at bay. How much junk mail do you get on a regular basic? Obscene, isn’t it? Get rid of it the second it enters your house, and you will feel better instantly. With several weeks under our belts, the system appears to be working nicely.
The key is to implement a system and stick to it daily. A few minutes each day can save you hours down the road and you’ll never miss a homework assignment or PTO meeting as a result! Plus, being organized, will free up some additional free time while the kids are at school…stay tuned for an upcoming post on how to organize that free time ~ unfortunately, this will not involve eating bons bons either.
How do you stay organized?? Here’s wishing you all a great school year ahead!
What did we ever do before our current technology? In my life, I have two pieces of technology that, as far as possessions go, are my lifelines: my green-apple colored laptop and my Canon Rebel XS digital camera. I love photography, especially when my children are the subjects. I bought my first Canon digital camera about 8 years ago, and since then, have taken thousands of pictures over the years. So, you can imagine my horror when my “Green Machine”, my beloved BFF, crashed on me, and I was unable to pinpoint with any great deal of certainty, when the last time was that I had backed it up. To add insult to injury, my husband, my own personal live in tech support, was away on a business trip and unable to answer my cries for help. I had no choice but to wait it out, all the while vowing to the computer gods out there that, if my files can be retrieved, I promise I will never disrespect them again by failing to back up.
Anyone who has ever experienced a similar situation I am sure can relate with a knot in their stomach. After many hours of rebooting, restoring, retrieving, (and reciting a few obscenities), I remembered how wonderful and patient my husband is. I…ok, HE, was able to retrieve all of my formerly lost material. As a result of his efforts, I then spent DAYS organizing my computer in a way that, should this nightmare occur in the future, I would be ready to face it, head on. I was amazed at the amount of useless “stuff” I actually had on there taking up space, and in how many different places that stuff was located. This organizing process was almost as grueling as the thought of having lost everything, but well worth the days and brain cells lost. My computer is now fully operational and organized – all pictures in the picture folder, separated by year and date, all documents are in “my documents”, and further separated into appropriate sub folders. What’s even better is I now have THREE back ups: one on an external drive and two copies each of my photos burned to DVD – one for me to keep and one to keep at my parents’ house, just in case. In the event my Green Machine fails me again, restoring it back to it’s former state will be a snap. My green machine is now set to back up automatically, daily!
This was a tough lesson to learn and really could have been way more tragic then the end result. If you are among one of the diligent backer-upers out there, I bow down to you! But if you are much like the rest of us tech abusers, I URGE you to back up your files TODAY, especially those which are irreplaceable. Sure, with some inconvenience, you can replace all those lost email contacts, but lost memories are something you can never get back. Is that a chance you are willing to take? Don’t delay, back up TODAY!
I was in the sitting area at Great Clips today with my youngest son, waiting to get his curly, mop-top cut, and while he was playing ever so contently, I picked up the magazine next to me. It was Disney’s Family Fun magazine. I have read this magazine in the past, and have always found it to be a great read for moms (and dads). There really are some super ideas in there! I turned to the section on Easter and found a very clever idea worth sharing.
One of my 2010 goals (not resolutions, for past experience has proven I know not how to keep those) is to get my recipes in order. I have countless magazines that I have kept for a few recipes contained inside, along with a huge photo box of recipes cut out over the years. And I can say with great certainty, as the box is overflowing, less than a third have actually been tried. They’re all in one place, and I know where to look when I need something, but I’d hardly call them organized.
So, I was looking for a way to streamline my recipes, and while I am at it, implement the creating of a weekly “menu”, so my grocery shopping can be a bit more efficient as well. I have heard of people doing the whole menu planning thing, and while it sounded like a good idea, it always seemed to get put on the “list of to dos” and pushed to the bottom, as I realized there was nothing to feed my family and a shopping trip needed to happen yesterday. While I really enjoy cooking, sometimes the task of figuring out what to cook for dinner, when a house with 3 “boys” is STARVING, can be quite daunting. A plan would sure be helpful.
It wasn’t until I was over a friend’s house and saw her system first hand, that I was inspired. It was at that moment I said I was going to commit to implementing this plan. It’s so easy. Just get yourself a large binder, and put dividers separating the sections into categories, i.e. appetizer, soup, desserts, main course, whatever works for you. Every time you make a new recipe, clip it or print it, and put it into your binder. That is, of course, as long as it is something worth making again. If you have recipes you have yet to try, put them in a separate section, and move them into the proper section once you have made it.
Brilliant, right? It may take a little time to build up your recipes inside, but if you are like me and try new recipes weekly, your collection will build up in no time. Then, when it is time to plan your menu, and grocery list for the week, you look through your binder, pick out your recipes, and all the ingredients you need are contained right there. You can even post a menu on the fridge, so when the little (or big) people in your house want to know “what’s for dinner”, you can tell them to read the menu. Who knows, they may even give you a tip at the end of the meal!
Happy Cooking!
Image Credit: DietsinReview.com
Having lived in the same state (and same house, really, with the exception of college and summers down the Jersey shore) for 25 years, I never really had much experience with moving. Then I got married, and my husband and I managed to log 5 moves, and 5 states, in the first 7 years of being married.
The process had proven to get harder each time, as we accumulated more “stuff” and added a few kids to the mix, who also come with their own set of “too much stuff”. Reading Alice Chan’s post, “3 Simple Steps to Keeping on Track During the Home Selling Process,” got me thinking of a few invaluable tips that I have learned through our moves. They relate to the actual packing up and moving process. When you are ready to pack up and make the move, keep these few quick tips in mind.
• Make a master list. When you pack a box, keep a list of general items that are contained in each box. This way if you can’t find something, you know where to look.
• Label/number the boxes. For example, Master Bedroom, Box 1. Underneath it, put your “moving to” address and cell phone number. The reason for this is, if your box gets lost, there is contact info to reach you. It also gives you (or your movers) a reference on which room to drop the boxes. During our moves, my husband and I would check the boxes off our list as they came in the door, so when all the boxes came off the truck, we could quickly see if there were any missing. Also, tape 2 labels on the box, on two different sides of the box, in the left corner. It’s easier to read when they are being carried or stacked.
• Handle important items yourself. Set aside valuable, sentimental and important items and move them yourself. Documents, personal info, photos, jewelry, etc. These are items that can not be replaced easily, and the sentimental value can not be replaced at all. Why chance it?
• Get 3 estimates. When hiring movers, get 3 estimates, and DO NOT go with a company that will not put their estimate IN WRITING, and guarantee it within 10 percent. We learned this the hard way. The first time we moved, we did not do this, and they ended up charging us double on the other end. My husband’s company was paying for the move, and since they did not get anything in writing, they were responsible to pay for it.
These tips will tack on additional time in your packing, but will save you hours, headaches, and dollars in the end. And, wouldn’t you much rather spend your time in your new home decorating and getting settled, than worrying about where you packed the coffee maker? That would be tragic!!!
Best Wishes in your New Home in the New Year!!
Image Credit: Trendology
Can you believe we are almost into August? This summer is just flying by, and we have been so busy with vacations and pool days, and soaking up some summer fun, that it’s crazy to think we will soon be back to school shopping. This is the reason why some of you may have noticed a brief lull in the Jaime’s Jems you are used to seeing posted on Mondays. Sorry to any of you who were looking for them. Unfortunately, my future blog posts will not be as regular as they have been in the past. As we all sometimes do, I have over committed, and have found I have not been able to keep on top of my posting the way I would have liked to. Trust me, I still have lots to say and share, but the TIME to get it all out to you in a humorous and insightful way, is what I don’t have. So, my blogs going forward will be brought to you more in a “Guest Appearance” fashion, as opposed to a regular, weekly insight or tip. I do appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with all of you, and thank all of those who have read and commented on my posts. You haven’t heard the last of me!
In closing, I did want to share one great tip I recently heard, that I thought was a super idea! Coffee drinkers out there – and I know this will apply to most – what do you do with left over coffee, when you’ve made too much? Pop it into some ice cube trays and freeze it! Then when you need a pick me up, and something to cool you off, make an iced coffee using your frozen cubes instead of regular ones, which will ultimately water down your drink. Brilliant, right?
Hope you all are enjoying your summer and keeping cool. Until we meet again……
Photo Credit: Google Images
I don’t know about you, but I love, love love summer grilling! I like it all year round (the George Forman Grill works well indoors), but especially in the summer, paired with a little cocktail, out on the patio – Yum-o! I have found with summer in full bloom now, spending a lot of time preparing dinner is not something I am particularly fond of. So my Jem for this week is how to plan ahead for some quick and easy meals.
When I can, I try to buy in bulk, chicken, beef, fish, whatever I fancy. If you’re a member of Sam’s Club or BJ’s, you can always get great deals, but often your grocery store will have sales and cheaper prices when you buy in bulk, or you can purchase “family packs”. When you get home from the store, separate your meat/fish into Ziploc bags – one meal per bag – and throw in a marinade. There are lots of store bought ones that are great, but you can also make your own according to your taste. Put it all in the fridge and keep it in for a day or two, then throw anything you won’t be eating in the next few days in the freezer. When you are ready to cook it up, pull it out of the freezer, defrost and pop it on the grill. Viola! Throw it on a salad, cook up some sides, it really doesn’t matter. A little prep ahead of time, and dinner is effortless. And an added bonus to using Ziploc bags is that they’re great for holding marinades, take up less room in your refrigerator and freezer, and you throw them away when you are done – alleviating pots and pans to clean. Sweet!
This may sound like a cheesy plug for Ziploc, but it seriously is not. It really does make my summer grilling so easy. And any readers out there from Ziploc, just have your people put my check in the mail. ;)
Happy Grilling and Happy Summer!
Summer is officially upon us, however if you live in the Northeast like I do, it certainly does not feel like it! When you think summer, it’s only natural to think of being outdoors, running, playing, swimming, loading up on sunscreen, right? It’s been raining here for weeks, and the sun has made but only a few cameo appearances. Couple that with school being out, and in sets panic! It’s hard enough trying to think of ways to entertain your children for an entire summer, but when you are stuck inside it makes it even more challenging. Enter PBS Kids Sprout.
I am not a huge fan of sitting my kids in front of a tv, in fact, during any given day their television viewing is quite limited. Often I will record certain favorites my kids like to watch, to have access to them during “show time”. Several of the shows they enjoy are broadcast on Sprout, which has introduced me to a great website Sprout Online (you didn’t think this jem was going to be all about sitting your kids in front of a tv when you are stuck inside, did you – as appealing as that may sound at times, I know!)
Sprout Online has a nice variety of activities for you and your child. Everything from games and activities, crafts and coloring, even recipes you can make with your children, are all available on this site. I try to do one craft daily with my kids, and since they are 3 years apart in age, it’s easy to modify them to fit their level. The rainsticks we recently made, you know, in honor of all the rain, were a huge hit! The directions are all online, along with templates when needed, and many of the activities also feature some of your children’s favorite characters – Thomas, Elmo, even the Wiggles are coming to Sprout soon. Oh, can you hear the excitement in my voice????
You don’t need to sit the kids in front of the tv to enjoy their favorite fictional friends. Grab your little “sproutlet” and get creative! And while you’re there, tap into the resources on Sprout for Parents! A little somethin’ somethin’ for everyone!
Hope the sun shines where you are this week, if not outside, make it shine inside.
Have a great week!
With summer approaching and school out, many parents look for ways to entertain their children during the summer months. I know I do! I already have the summer calendar going, adding events and activities daily, so I a) have something special and fun to look forward to with my boys, b) have something to threaten my children with if they don’t behave, and c) am certain everything works better with a plan!
While many summer activities occur outdoors, sometimes it’s great to have indoor options as well. What about a movie? Both AMC and Regal Theaters offer children’s movies during the week for little or no cost to you (AMC charges $1 for a ticket, Regal is FREE). A different G or PG rated movie is offered each week, typically on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, and while the movies shown aren’t the newest releases, what kid doesn’t find it thrilling to see a flick on the Big Screen? The biggest bonus is that fact that, since they are children’s movies, and cost nothing, if your child is not interested in the movie, if they’re having a less than quiet moment (read TANTRUM) or if the novelty of the whole movie experience has worn off, soon after the popcorn has been consumed, you can choose to leave and not feel bad about shelling out 15 bucks per ticket. And it they love it, you have something fun to do once a week during the summer. I think this Jem is worth the price of popcorn to find out, don’t ya think?
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