Back to School Organization Ideas

1. Lunch Prep Organization:

Lets admit it, life gets a little crazier as Summer nears its end and school is just around the corner. As Moms, we do the best we can to shave off time from everything we possibly can to help our mornings run more smoothly and stress-free. Packing your kiddos lunches & backpacks the night before - will help relieve some of that morning stress. 

Here are a few tips for packing school lunches

1. Have a container for everything!

Clear containers work best - you can see exactly whats in them (super helpful for those little ones who can't read yet), and two, you can see when they are near empty and its time to add the items your low on to your shopping list. 

2. Label Everything!

I found these classy chalkboard labels at Wal-Mart in the Kitchen aisle (by the clear containers I purchased for my fridge, tupper ware, hand towels, ice cube trays, etc).  I used a silver sharpie pen (permanent markers work great for labeling) - to write on the chalkboard sticker labels - which makes it look like chalk, but it wont rub off. On each label I wrote - carbs, proteins, fruit, veggies, snacks/treats etc. Under each category I wrote how many items my child needs to pick out of each bin to pack his/her lunch. (Yes they pack their own lunches :)

3. Add Variety

In each bin - have a variety of items offered to keep things exciting and to give them options (especially if they are picky eaters). 

Examples: 

Fruit (pick 1): bagged apple slices, bananas, applesauce, fruit cups, fruit leather, oranges, jelly/jam (in tupper ware containers for sandwhiches) etc. 

Veggies (pick 1): bagged baby carrots/sliced carrots, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, sugar snap peas, etc. 

Proteins/Nuts (pick 2): cheese sticks, yogurt, boiled eggs, peanut butter, deli meat, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, trail mix, almonds etc. *Note: the more proteins your children eat, the longer they will last without snacking in between meals...which also means they will eat healthier too.

Carbs (pick 1): Teddy Grahams, graham cracker sticks, goldfish, pretzels, crackers, bread (for sandwhiches) etc. 

Snacks/Treats (pick 1): fruit snacks, granola bars, pudding cups, jell-o cups, cookies, sweet breads (zucchini, banana, pumpkin breads), etc. 

Drinks: water bottles, juice boxes, or milk.

FRIDGE: Proteins (pick 2) - Veggies (pick 1) - Fruits (pick 1) - Water bottles ready for on the go

PANTRY: Snacks - Shelf stable items for lunches

-Quick breakfast items kiddos can do on their own to help save you time.

2. After School Homework Station Organization:

Its important to get into an after school routine that works well for you and your family to keep the stress levels down in the house. From after school until bedtime is going to be the craziest and most hectic part of the day...if you let it. However, if you are organized and think things through ahead of time - the "witching hours" will become the "welcoming hours" and you and your family will learn to love the afternoons and evenings as you spend them together working as a team. I'm not saying everyday will be a piece of cake...there will still be times where things go crazy for one reason or another - I mean we're all human okay? :) Having a routine will simply make things easier, even during the crazy, stressful times. 

I find it works best (for us) to check backpacks at the door - so we don't lose any papers along the way. They hand me their homework folders, place their lunch boxes and water bottles on the counter, hang up their backpacks, put their shoes in the shoe bucket, wash their hands and then sit down at the counter for a snack. After their snack, we unpack their lunch and pack it for the next day - then put it in the fridge. Wash/fill up their water bottle and place it back in their backpack, then get started on homework right away. If not, then I'm stressed trying to help them with homework, make dinner, clean house, and keep the younger kiddos out of trouble. Everything runs smoother - if I slow down and spend some one on one time with them to help them do their homework and talk about how their day went, then let them have quiet time and play together while I get dinner ready. However, this may not work for you and your family - do what works best for your home. These are just some ideas to get you started. 

Some families may have a large house and have the space to create a permanent homework nook or area for their kiddos to complete their schoolwork. On the contrary, not all of us have that luxury - and will need to create more of a "mobile homework station" if you will. 

As you shop the sales for your kiddos' school supplies, be sure to get an extra set of each item to keep at home for homework purposes. (Keep some pencils, crayons, scissors, markers, glue, paper, etc. for your own collection)

*Target has some great finds in the front of their store in the dollar section. I found this cute mint green metal tote there and am in love with it! It matches my decor perfectly - and works great for holding school supplies needed to complete homework and art projects. (Not to mention its just handy to have in the kitchen for those spur of the moment cards to Grandma, coloring pictures or finger painting). They may also have something similar at the Dollar Store, At home, Walmart, or Ross.

*Wal-mart has a variety of peel and stick chalk labels that work great for organizing things around the house! And they're adorable too! I write on the chalk labels with silver permanent markers instead of chalk - I don't use chalk because it rubs off, and two, using the marker leaves a cleaner/nicer line. 

I filled my bucket with Elmer's glue, watercolor paint set, a ruler, pencil sharpener, a box of 24 crayons, colored pencils, #2 pencils, a pen, kid friendly scissors, and a set of washable markers. Its nothing super fancy, but it gets the job done and keeps the stress levels down. Finding things last minute with kids can become very stressful - so this little tote has been a wonderful item to have. 

I wrote "homework" on one of my chalk labels with the silver marker and stuck it to the front of the bin and voila! Now we have a portable homework station that they can take wherever they need to - in order to complete their assignments successfully. (It also just looks really cute on the counter too :)

pic of homework tote

3. Chore Charts:

My husband and I designed and created these magnet boards (you can find them at KMD Boutique in our Etsy Shop) to be used in the home, in the office or at school. They come in two sizes and can also be custom designed to the size needed for your home, office or classroom. They work perfectly for daily routines, chore charts, to do lists, menu planners, cleaning schedules, shopping lists, reminder notes, hanging children's artwork, displaying family pictures, etc. 

I found my chore chart magnets at BusyKiddos on Etsy. I ordered them, printed them off and placed them on adhesive magnet sheets, then cut them out and voila - my chore charts were done! Ha ha...let's be real here...these chore charts took me a while to make - but I was so excited at how well they turned out! It was totally worth the work! I've also found chore chart magnets (that are already made into magnets) online on Amazon or other places - so you do what works best for you.

4. Family Command Center/Mudroom Ideas:

1. Morning, after school and evening routines/schedules & Reward Stickers or magnets as tasks are    completed.

2. Reward Jars 

3. Family pics

4. Family photo books

5. Chalkboard wall decor

6. Clock

7. Shelf with hooks for backpacks and next day outfits

8. Preschool Calendar (for the little ones - if your kids are older - you could do a dry erase calendar in     replace of it).

9. Shelf for Calendar magnets, reward dollars and chalk

10. Favorite Family saying wall decor

11. Another family pic (pics are the best and cheapest decor and we love them!)

8 Steps to a Successful Evening Routine

A Good Morning Routine Begins with 

a Successful Evening Routine

Create a Successful Evening Routine in 8 Simple Steps:

1. Kitchen Clean-Up (Right After Dinner...Don't Put it Off)

• Do all dishes (not just dinner dishes)-hand washed or run a load in the dishwasher
• Turn dishwasher on, that way you can empty it when you wake up
• Wipe down all surfaces (counters, table, chairs, etc.)
• Quick Sweep and spot mop

2. Ten-Minute Tidy Up Around the House 

• Help kiddos clean up toys
• Put up bags and shoes where they go
• "A place for everything, and everything in its place."
• This includes family room, hallway, living room, bedrooms, playroom, etc.

3. Pack Your Bags

• Stock the diaper bag with diapers, wipes, snacks, bottles, soppy cups...the works!
• Clean out your purse and fill it only with what you need for the following day
• Pack lunches if needed (park, play dates, zoo, school. Work, picnic, etc.)
• Pack any extras you may need for your specific activities for the following day (ex: beach bag)

4. Hygiene Helps

• Brush/floss your teeth
• Wash your face 
• Clip Nails/mani/pedicure (as needed)
• Brush hair 

5. Write it Down and Plan Ahead 

• Write down anything on your mind (reminders, upcoming events, to do items, shopping list,etc)
• Prioritize the items you wrote down
• Plan tomorrow's day out. (What do you want to get accomplished? What fun thing are you looking forward to? Who are you going to serve? When and where will you have quality time with your children & spouse? Etc)
• Go over your schedule with your spouse and keep each other up to date on events and other items that they may need to know about
• Plan your route: are you heading to the bank, grocery store, a friends house, the post office? Instead of running errands mindlessly- take the time to make a plan of action. Go to the furthest place away from your home first and the closest place to your home last to save on time and gas money.

6. Dress for Success

• Pick your outfit out for tomorrow
• Set it out along with shoes and other accessories
• Choosing to get dressed for the next day and setting it out the night before helps you choose to be more proactive and productive.
• "You are what you wear": if you choose to live in sweats and a baggy t-shirt all day...you might as well throw away your to do list and park it on the couch because you're dressed for sheer laziness. If you want to succeed in this life and go places, you need to dress for success. Choose an outfit that you wouldn't mind opening the door in, or seeing an old friend from high school in, always put your best foot forward and be confident in who you are. You are beautiful and have so much to offer...why hide your incredible self behind stained, baggy and holey clothing? This doesn't mean you need to wear business attire every day. There's nothing wrong with a pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt, just make sure to take a look in the mirror and if seeing  your reflection of the outfit you chose to wear brings a smile to your face and helps boost your self confidence, then you've chosen to dress for success!

7. Take Time to Unwind

• Study your scriptures
• Write in your journal
• Do some P.M. Yoga or other exercises 
• Take a bubble bath (These are just a few ideas to start with)

8. Early to Bed, Early to Rise

• Getting to bed early (around 10:30pm or earlier) will help you get enough sleep to tackle the next day's itinerary 
• Waking up (around 6:30am or earlier...no earlier than 5am) will help you feel well rested and ready to start your day.
• By doing this, you will get more done in your day. Not only because you've chosen to get a good nights rest, but also because you will get some time to yourself (as a mom) to get ready for the day/start your morning routine before your kiddos get up for the day. Believe me, this step alone will energize you and give you more reason to smile throughout the day. It's important to take time for yourself and get energized, so that you can then focus on helping others (like your children for example) through out the day.

Acini De Pepe Fruit Salad

Acini De Pepe Fruit Salad

(Better known as Frog-Eye Salad)

The Ingredients: 

 1 lb. Acini De Pepe Noodles
-------------------
1 cup Sugar
2 T Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1 3/4 cup Pineapple Juice
2 Eggs (Beaten)
---------------------
1 Tbls lemon juice
---------------------
16 oz. Cool Whip
3 cans Mandarin Oranges (drained)
2 cans Pineapple Tidbits (drained)
1 can Crushed Pineapple (drained)
1 bag Mini Marshmallows
-----------------------

The Instructions: 

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk sugar, flour, salt, pineapple juice, and eggs until thickened.

2. Remove from heat, add lemon juice and stir.

3. Cook Noodles according to package. Remove from heat and drain. Set aside to cool.

4. Combine sauce and noodles, mix well and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

5. Combine noodles with all other ingredients and serve chilled.

How to Create a Morning Routine with 10 Simple Steps

10 Simple Steps to a Successful Morning

Photo by: Taylor Jay Photography

1. Make Your Bed

• Making your bed motivates you to clean everything else.
• You can start the day off by accomplishing a task from your to do list very quickly.
• It makes you feel good knowing at least one thing is clean, tidy and put together in your house.

2. Exercise

• It relieves stress
• Helps you make healthier choices throughout the day
• Helps you to accomplish more
• Releases endorphans which makes you happier
• Keeps your body active and healthy
• Helps your body rid of toxins - which helps you stay healthy

3. Shower & Get Ready for the Day

• Good Hygiene goes along way
• You tend to be more productive when you're not living in yoga pants
• Helps you feel good about yourself
• Your Husband will appreciate it :)
• Boosts Self Confidence 
• A great chance to have "Me time" as a Mom

4. Take Time to Study & Be Still

• Spend some time in solitude with no distractions - unplug...put the electronic devices away!
• Its best to study or pray in the early mornings when everything is still and silent. 
• Focus on your spiritual side - clear your mind and take time to rejuvenate yourself
• This is the time when I study my scriptures, talk with my Heavenly Father and write in my journal or meditate/ponder or think deeply about things that are weighing on my mind. 
• Instrumental music and natural light also help me to focus and enjoy my study time more.

5. Plan Out Your Day

• Get out your planner of choice and have it readily available at a moments notice - since you will be referring to it throughout each day. My Mom used a Franklin Covey Planner all growing up and gifted one to me a few years back, so that's what I use to plan with now. 
• You can use a notebook, planner, calendar, google calendar, online planner apps, etc. 
• Choose the "Big Rocks" - or most important (and urgent) things first, and then fill your schedule with the remaining "pebbles" and "sand" - that are important, but not as urgent.
• Alphabetize your to do list: A-1,2,3, B-1,2,3, C-1,2,3, 
• For example: 
• A1-Make My Bed
• A2-Exercise
• A3-Study My Scriptures
• B1-Daily Chores/Menu Plan
• B2-Make Zucchini Bread for a Loved One
• B3-Read to my Kiddos
• C1-Take Kids on an "Ed-Venture" (Educational Adventure outside the house)
• C2-Lesson Prep. for Dance&Fitness Classes
• C3- New Blog Post
• Schedule your to do list in between your appointments and other filled time slots
• For Example:
• 9am-Dentist
• 10-Play date
• 11-Daily Chores
• 12-Lunch/Menu Plan
• 1-Naps/Lesson Prep
• 2-Blog Post...etc.
• Check off Tasks as you do them or (delegate them to someone if needed)
• Plan out your day the night before or early the morning of each day.

6. Unload the Dishwasher

• Put away all clean dishes, wipe countertops, clean up breakfast, sweep floor, etc. 
• Have the kiddos help. They are never too young to do chores and help out.
• My one year old takes one piece of silverware out of the dishwasher at a time, hands it to me and I put it away. Let me repeat that...she's one! Yes, even a one year old can help out. 
• My motto is if you teach them while they're young, they will continue those good habits as they get older.

7. Do a Load of Laundry

• Throw a load in the wash in the morning, dry or hang dry that load, and fold/put away that same load. Never leave a load of laundry unfinished...thats how it molds in the wash or laundry piles up! If you start a load, dont go to sleep until its folded, put away and finished!
• Do the same thing every evening - that way you always have two loads of laundry that get cleaned on a daily basis and your laundry piles will get smaller and smaller-not pile up!

8. Eat Breakfast

• So important to kick start your day with a source of energy...BREAKFAST!
• Not to mention it kick starts your metabolism too.
• Breakfast is literally the most important meal of the day...don't miss out on the benefits of it!!!
• Smoothies, eggs/toast, cereal, muffins, waffles & fresh fruit, etc. are just a few delicious options to start with.

9. Pack Your Bags

• Every morning I pack my purse/diaper bag for that days activities (bonus points: if you do it the night before)
• I also have my kiddos pack their own backpacks
• They fill up their sippy cups, put snacks in their bags, pull-ups, a few toys or books, etc. 
• I always pack 2 water bottles, nutrition bars/granola bars, trail mix, etc. 
• We are always ready to go do something fun and the kiddos get to learn a little independence in the process.

10. Get Out of the House

• Plan to do something outside the house every day...for their sanity and yours!
• You can go to the park, play in the backyard, go for a walk, or go to the zoo, aquarium, etc. 
• You could even have a playdate, go to the pool, have a picnic, go for a hike...it doesn't have to be anything huge, just find a reason to switch things up, it always helps to get a change of scenery. 
• If the kiddos are driving you crazy and you're all getting cabin fever...seriously its time to pack your bags and get out of the house for a bit. :) Believe me, you'll be thankful you did :).

Creating a Morning Routine

Living An Organized Life

photo by: Taylor Jay Photography

Scenario 1: You wake up to your children fighting with each other, cereal all over the floor, every book and toy scattered across the family room and are blasted with whatever odors are coming from the bathroom and garbage can...not to mention the dishes piled on the counters from the past three days. Does this sound familiar?

Scenario 2: You wake up to your alarm, get dressed and hit the gym. After your morning workout and shower, you have complete silence while you get ready for the day. You glance into a sparkling clean kitchen and a tidied up living room. You have some time to read your scriptures/meditate, plan out your day and eat breakfast in peace. You get started on unloading the dishwasher, throwing a load of laundry in the washer, and then smile and greet your kiddos with a good morning hug and smile.

Is Scenario 2 just a dream? No. It truly happens when you create a morning routine for yourself.
Living an organized life is the only way to prevent the chaos from creeping into your home, and the best way to invite peace, serenity and bliss into your home, family and life.

Living an Organized Life begins with what you do each morning...Your Morning Routine. 

10 Steps to a Successful Morning Routine:

1. Make Your Bed
2. Exercise
3. Shower & Get Ready for the Day
4. Study/Meditate/Pray
5. Unload Dishwasher/Wipe Counters
6. Do a Load of Laundry
7. Eat Breakfast
8. Pack your Bags
9. Get your kids ready for the day
10. Get out of the House

Mushroom Zucchini Chicken Pasta

Recipe: Created by Kim M.

Mushrooms:

2 T Butter

1 small box of fresh (sliced) mushrooms

olive oil to taste

lemon juice

salt & pepper

garlic powder

Chicken: 

1 T Re-hydrated onion flakes

1 can chicken or 2 cooked/cubed chicken breasts

olive oil

lemon juice

oregano

thyme

sage

marjoram

salt & pepper

cilantro 

rosemary

basil 

nutmeg

Roux:

2 c. milk

4 T flour

2 T butter

1 c. chicken broth

1 can cream of chicken soup

lemon juice

 olive oil

1/2-3/4 c. water

Zucchini: 

olive oil 

2 zucchinis

garlic powder

italian seasoning

salt & pepper

Corn

Ciabatta Bread - make into garlic bread

Toss all pasta, veggies, meat and sauce together for a delicious Italian meal. 

Cook pasta according to package directions. Remove from heat, drain, add oil and salt to prevent sticking. 

Saute' mushrooms in a sauce pan first, set aside. Saute' chicken next, set aside.

After you've seasoned the sauce pan with the mushrooms and chicken, make a roux and create your cream sauce. 

Toss it all together, throw some garlic bread in the oven on broil and call it good!

We Believe

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, 

we seek after these things." 

-The Thirteenth Article of Faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.