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Category: Organization

Playroom Storage

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Before we organized the playroom, toys didn’t have a “place” and the room was overwhelming, honestly.  But, once we came up with a plan and executed it, we have enjoyed years of good use of the space.  The fun and memories made in the playroom are many, from movie nights to sleep overs to craft projects, and everything in between.  If your playroom is overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.  Read on to see how we created playroom storage.

Shop for Playroom Storage

Here are the items used in this room:

Canvas buckets

Melissa and Doug wooden toys like the Melissa & Doug Wooden Take Along Tool Kit (24pc)

Land Of Nod: Design for Kids and People That Used to be Kids
Chalkboard labels are key to keeping everything organized!

Galvanized buckets (with chalkboard sticker labels)

Candy jars –Ikea

Metal storage caddy and buckets

Easy DIY Chalkboard Wall

Playroom Chalkboard Wall

Chalkboard wall –Chalkboard paint can be bought from your home supply store or from Amazon and will work on multiple projects, like making a chalkboard wall, chalkboard table top, chalkboard labels, or herb pots painted with chalkboard paint for labeling. We outlined a square on the playroom wall and then painted 3 coats of chalkboard paint. After all is dry, add a border. We used contrasting leftover paint from the playroom paint project.

Corkboard to display arts and crafts

Hanging clothesline to hang artwork on the wall- Simply take fishing line and tie it between two hooks. Have your children decorate a few clothespins and then hang their artwork!

Additionally, you can display their special artwork in frames.

 

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Organized Mom ~ Best Apps for Moms

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Nobody has it all together, all the time, or if you’re like me, even most of the time!  These apps do help though.  Get organized mom!!  Here are the best apps for moms.  From organizing your spend, lists, errands, calendar, team sport, and more, these apps are amazing help!  I cannot recommend them enough so you can live your priorities.

Best Apps for the Organized Mom

  • AnyList makes grocery list making and shopping simple and easy to share with other family members!  Simply start typing the grocery item, and it fills in the rest, sorting the items by type.  When you add the item to your cart, simply tap the item name and it will cross it out.  The basic app is free, however, you can purchase a premium subscription and have more options.  With premium, Any List can be used with major recipe sites like Allrecipes, saving the recipe and automatically adding the ingredients to your shopping list!  This is a great app that is making my life easier!
  • Errands is a task manager that reminds you of the commitments you make and helps keep you organized.  I have used this app for several years now and it is super simple- just add a reminder like “call the vet”, set a due date (and time, if you need that), and a reminder will pop up on your screen, based on the settings you set.  Streamlined, simple, but very valuable.  If I’m in a conversation with someone and I say I’ll do something, it’s simple to add a reminder into this app.   It’s important for me to keep my commitments, and with so many distractions, I can easily forget by the time I get back to my desk or a notepad.  This app is so helpful for that!!
  • Cozi is a popular app that helps families stay organized… READ MORE HERE

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Teacher Appreciation

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Teacher Appreciation Week May 1-5

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up the first week in May!  This always sneaks up but we can’t forget the amazing teachers!  At our schools, oftentimes the whole class will go into together and give the teacher small gifts for every day.  A few examples of small gifts each day would be

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas  teacher gifts striped tote

  • Fresh flowers from your yard, in a mason jar that says “thank you for helping us bloom!”
  • Apples for the teacher!
  • A beach bag filled with simple summer items like chapstick, a magazine, lemonade mix, flip flops.  Different children bring in the various items and fill the bag.
  • A simple card signed by the class

Gifts for teachers vary from simple to elaborate homemade to simply purchased, but the most important thing is letting teachers know they are appreciated.  Check out Mom’s Priority’s Pinterest board for a variety of ideas, and thank those teachers!!
teacher gift monogrammed sun hat
For the purchased route, gift cards are always appreciated, and Amazon gift cards are good for most anything!

For the semi-homemade route, go to Tagxedo and make a word cloud with your teacher’s name, the grade and any other words that fit your theme.  Put it in a simple frame and hang with ribbon!

Our teachers pour so much into our children all year long, and it is a gift to be able to show them how much we appreciate all they do!

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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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6 Good Mother’s Day Gifts

mother's day gift ideas

6 Good Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day is coming up on May 14, and everyone is looking for good mother’s day gift ideas, including myself!  As a mom, I can share what I think a good mother’s day gift would be and hopefully give you a few ideas:

  1. For a mom who is in the thick of motherhood, between messy diapers and friend issues at school, an amazing gift would be a gift card to the spa or a day of relaxation!  Gifted with a heartfelt card and a plush robe, this is an amazing mother’s day gift!

    Mother's Day Card

    Mother’s Day Card

  2. For a mom of a capable teenager or for a grandmother, a photo book of recent memories would be so special.  Read about books I have made for others to get ideas here.

3.   For any mom or woman, a cute bag or beach tote would be put to good use! MyPublisher, Inc.

4.   Jewelry is always a good purchase, and a specially engraved charm or bracelet for example is very meaningful.

5.   A card with a handwritten note never goes out of style.  Our online store has a bunch to choose from.

6.   Homemade art from a child, especially if it has their handprints, will be cherished for years to come!  Check out Mom’s Priority’s Pinterest page for lots of ideas!

Share the Love this Mother’s Day

Moms, from new moms to great grandmothers, more than anything want to know they’ve raised, or married, thoughtful and kind human beings who think of others.  Just this simple act of thinking it through, buying the card or gift, and arranging the time to give it, means so much.  As I get older, I am realizing the importance of this!  It is never too late to show those who love you the most, how much they mean to you!  I hope these good mother’s day gifts will inspire you to share love with those who need it.

 

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Last Minute Easter Outfits

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Looking for that perfect Easter outfit, but realized it is this Sunday?  You are not alone, and you still have time get last minute Easter outfits!  Get expedited shipping in time for Easter if you place your order with Janie and Jack by April 11.  Be inspired by some of their adorable outfits below.  Also don’t forget Macy’s!  I recently ordered online from them and my order arrived within 24 hours of being placed!!  That was with free shipping!!  If delivery will not arrive in time, Macy’s also offers free in store pick up of online items.

Adorable Memories

Spend a little more on the picture-perfect outfit for Easter!  The moments will pass quickly, but these photographs will last forever.  With spring flowers in bloom, and adorable Easter outfits like these, you are sure to capture a precious moment.  Hunting Easter eggs or enjoying Easter brunch, these outfits fit the bill!  Enjoy the moment!

Janie and Jack Easter outfit

Janie and Jack

Janie and Jack Sweet Dress

Janie and Jack

Janie and Jack Boys Easter Outfit

Janie and Jack

Janie and Jack Boys Easter Outfit

Janie and Jack Boys Easter Outfit

Janie and Jack Easter Outfit

Janie and Jack

Gymboree Easter outfit

Gymboree

Gymboree Easter Outfit

Gymboree

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Adorable Easter Outfits

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Janie and Jack Easter Clothes

Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

 Now is the perfect time to get your Easter outfits for kids! Easter is April 16, a little less than a month away.  Shop our online store which includes a wide variety of Janie and Jack Easter clothes, and be sure to check out our deals page to see what offers may apply.

Adorable Memories

Spend a little more on the picture-perfect outfit for Easter!  The moments will pass quickly, but you will have these photographs forever.  With spring flowers in bloom, and adorable Janie and Jack Easter clothes like these, you are sure to capture a precious moment.  Hunting Easter eggs or enjoying Easter brunch, these outfits fit the bill!  Enjoy the moment!  Read the rest HERE.

Janie and Jack Easter outfit

Janie and Jack

Janie and Jack Easter Outfit

Bye, Bye MyPublisher

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MyPublisher Photo Books

Something I have done for our kids since they were born is to make them birthday books after each birthday, to look back over the past year and record milestones, favorites, and special events.  Because we don’t regularly print pictures, unless we are using them in a frame or for a special project, all these pictures that we take are not going anywhere other than on a screen!  I make these books so we can look back and see how much he grew in the past year, what he was interested in, and even special stories that impact his life.  Because the years pass by so quickly, I don’t want us to miss it.  They are also my way of “holding on” to special artwork and writings.  I take a picture of the artwork and include it either as a background  or a photo.  Then, for most I discreetly discard the original.  The artwork goes along great with the story I am trying to tell of their lives!

Birthday Books

So, I make these books, and my go to software and development company has always been MyPublisher.  I have made many books using their program, and have been very pleased with the quality of the books and the ability to customize completely.  They all match and their name and birthday date are on the books’ spines.  You can create custom, or use the quicker method which automatically arranges the photos for you.  I love these birthday books!

Well, a few weeks ago I received devastating news!!  MyPublisher is closing down for good in May, so I only have a few months left to finish up current projects and print/download before then.  If you use My Publisher you should have received a notice.  I will miss them because their service and quality has always been wonderful in my opinion.  And all of my books match!!




Now, they are referring their customers to sister brand, Shutterfly.  I have not had any bad experiences with Shutterfly and have used them on occasion for projects.  It’s just… change!

Recipe Photo Books

These companies are amazing for staying organized and creating beautiful keepsake books and projects.  In addition to the birthday books,  you can make picture-based recipe books.  I did this several years ago to store my favorite recipes and it has been a helpful in the kitchen and fun to look at the memories in those books!  Our kids love to bake with us so there are fun pictures of them through the years baking cookies and watching them bake in the oven.

Gift Books

One other wonderful way to use their service is by making photo books for friends or grandparents.  Better than a card and possibly not too much more expensive, you can make a mini-book for any occasion.   Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day are all great occasions.

My heart breaks just a little at the thought of MyPublisher not being around for the rest of my kids’ childhoods, or even past May, when they are closing their doors.  I appreciated the simplicity and matching books!  But, I will get over it and enjoy Shutterfly or one of the other photo book makers.  In the meantime, I will finish up my projects on MyPublisher, and you should too.

Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase.  For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

 

 

Organize My Family With IPhone Apps!

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organize my familyIf there is one thing that I wish I had more of in this busy season of motherhood, it’s time.  We are given so many opportunities for our kids and our lives, and managing everything is a feat!  It’s a blessing, to be sure, and I love these motherhood days;  but, given the choice, I’d ask for more time!!  These organization apps give time back by organizing my family.  Whether it’s keeping up with things we promised to others (aka, “bring breakfast” via the errands app), or committing to take care of our bodies via My Fitness Pal, these 15 apps have helped our family keep our priorities.  I hope they help you stay organized as much as they have for us.  Organize my family- You can find the list here.  Do you have apps that have helped organize your family?

Playroom Organization and Storage Solutions for Busy Moms

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Playroom Organization

Creative Kids Thrive with these Playroom Organization Ideas

Playroom Organization Ideas from Mom's Priority

Playroom Organization

Organizing the playroom sounds like an impossible mission, but with a mind set on cleaning out clutter, purchasing inexpensive storage solutions, and being creative with storage, you can create an organized playroom inexpensively.  Here’s how:

Clean Out

For this task, first clean out outgrown and seldomly used toys.  You can donate these toys to a Preschool, Goodwill, or other nonprofit.  Another option is to sell at a consignment sale or garage sale.  You can store some that your kids haven’t completely outgrown in storage containers and place in storage, so you have toys to rotate in and out.  Just not having everything on the playroom floor at once is relaxing and gives your kids a chance to be more creative in their play.

Design the space

Before setting foot in a store or online to purchase shelving or bins, decide how you want to use the space.  Most likely, there are different kinds of toys: dolls, trucks, kitchen or workshop areas, puzzles, games.  You probably also have a crayons, markers, chalkboards, paints, and other craft supplies that might need their own space.  Divide everything up on paper, if only by listing these items, so you can get an idea of what you need.

Shop for Furniture

Formal furniture is not necessary in a kid’s playroom for the kids, but the space is more inviting for adults when there is some furniture.  Think about placing a futon or sleeper sofa in the room.  This beautiful one below is found at Walmart and is perfect for reading a book with Grandma, as well as an inviting place for a  sleepover or guests.

Playroom Sleeper Sofa

Playroom Sleeper Sofa

Ikea Billy bookcases – A good height for the space but not heavy duty.  Similar to these, check out bookcases at the Land of Nod.

Ikea Expedit bookcase- Deep and wide cubbies make storage simple with this unit.  Can be placed upright or on its side.  Seems very heavy duty and durable.  Other (smaller and less expensive) sizes available.  Love this bookcase!  This one from Land of Nod looks similar:

Twelve Cube Wide Bookcase (White) - White 12-Compartment Cubic Bookcase

Kid’s Table with Two Chairs

Shop for Storage

Here are the items used in this room:

Canvas buckets

Melissa and Doug wooden toys like the Melissa & Doug Wooden Take Along Tool Kit (24pc)

Land Of Nod: Design for Kids and People That Used to be Kids
Chalkboard labels are key to keeping everything organized!

Galvanized buckets (with chalkboard sticker labels)

Candy jars –Ikea

Metal storage caddy and buckets

Easy DIY Chalkboard Wall

Playroom Chalkboard Wall

Chalkboard wall –Chalkboard paint can be bought from your home supply store or from Amazon and will work on multiple projects, like making a chalkboard wall, chalkboard table top, chalkboard labels, or herb pots painted with chalkboard paint for labeling.  We outlined a square on the playroom wall and then painted 3 coats of chalkboard paint.  After all is dry, add a border.  We used contrasting leftover paint from the playroom paint project.

Corkboard to display arts and crafts

Hanging clothesline to hang artwork on the wall- Simply take fishing line and tie it between two hooks.  Have your children decorate a few clothespins and then hang their artwork!

Additionally, you can display their special artwork in frames.

 

Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase.  For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

Valentine’s Day Photo Books

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Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift for Loved Ones

Valentines Day Photo Book

Valentines Day Photo Book

The perfect Valentine’s Day gift to celebrate memories:  these pocket-sized photo books from MyPublisher!  The best news is you just pay shipping!   If you have young children and want to tell grandparents how much they are loved and appreciated, a Valentines Day photo book is the perfect way!  MyPublisher books are quality-made with beautiful clear images and text.  I’ve used them repeatedly, and I am always amazed at the final product.  FREE photo book from MyPublisher! ($19.99 value) Expires 2/22.

Full-Sized Photo Book

If you prefer a full-size book, these are discounted up to 65% off as well right now 65% off quality hardcover Photo Books from MyPublisher! Ends 2/12..

I use the large size for coffee table books, annual children’s birthday books, and memory books from vacations.  I’ve used the small pocket-sized books in the place of cards for birthdays and valentine’s day.  Every time I order from MyPublisher, I am pleased with the product and delivery is usually ahead of schedule.  Add a quote or a verse and a personalized note, and these photo books will be cherished forever.  A Valentines Day photo book from MyPublisher is a great way to share love on this special day.

Advertising Disclosure: Some tips include links where Mom’s Priority receives an incentive per click or per purchase.  For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.

  • Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.