Back to School Organization and a Giveaway!

Giveaway?  Why yes, I am having another giveaway!  Make sure to read all the way to the bottom so you get all the details!  First, let’s talk about back to school organization.

Whether you have one child or a crew resembling the Brady Bunch, this time of year can be filled with disorganized chaos.  I’m going to share some things I’ve learned over the years to help me at least have some organized chaos.

Have a supply central

Who’s ever heard any of these?

• “Mom, I can’t find my pencil!”
• “Mom, I’m out of paper!”
• “Mom, I need x,y,z for a project in class tomorrow!” (usually an hour before bedtime)

Having a well stocked supply stash in a central location can help in these situations.  Here’s mine:

The little caddy on top I made with empty boxes, toilet paper rolls, and scrapbook supplies.  I got the wire shelf at the local home improvement store.  This has changed over the years to accommodate my son’s needs.  I would also suggest keeping a stash of writing utensils in the car for “pencil emergencies”.

Have a “to sign” box

There are so many forms to fill out when kids start school and it continues throughout the year.  Having a place for kids to drop these off is a real time saver.  When you sit down to deal with them, they are all in one place and easy to find.  Try making something like this:

This is my “To file” box which I made out of a cereal box.  I attached it to my office board with sticky backed Velcro.  You could make one for “to sign” and hang it where it’s most needed.

Have a family calendar 

A calendar that shows what’s going on for the month helps keep everyone on track.  Put it in a place that everyone passes by.  Here’s mine:

This is right by my back door.  I used a produce crate, picture frames, and fence wire to make this.  It holds my personal chore list and a notepad as well as hiding the ugly electrical box in my kitchen!

These are just a few thing I do to help organize my chaos.  The most important thing is to find what works for you and your family.  If you’re looking for more inspiration, I started a Pinterest board called “Ready for School”.  There are great ideas for parents, teachers, and students of all ages saved, so check it out!

Back to School Giveaway

Giveaway time!  There’s always tons of stuff to lug around when you have kids (or a husband!)  That’s why I’m giving away this, handmade by me, super, “mom” bag!  It is 15″ wide x 13″ tall x 6″ deep, so it will hold all the mom essentials!  I’ve made this extra large bag many times for mom’s-to-be and I thought it would be useful for just about any mom!

The pictures you are about to see are of an unfinished bag.  Why is that?  That’s part of the fun!  I thought I’d let everyone vote on certain parts of the bag as a way to enter the giveaway.  Whatever option gets the greatest vote, will be added to the bag.  Just vote by leaving a comment below – super simple!

The first pictures are of the outside of the bag and an enlarged view of the details:

These pictures are of the interior of the bag.  It has one zip pocket and two pouch pockets:

Here’s the inside and outside together:

The colors are slate grey, eggplant, and a lighter grey with silver arrows on the outside.  The interior lining is an ice blue with grey floral.

Okay, here’s what we are voting on today:

~>Should this bag be open on the top or have a zipper to close it?<~

Let me know what your choice is in the comments below and be entered for a chance to win this bag!!  If you have any other ideas, feel free to add those too.

Guess what?  This bag is not the only part of the giveaway!  I will reveal the other items, one at a time, on Wednesday and Friday.  So, come back on Wednesday to vote on handles, get another entry into the giveaway, and see what the second item is in the giveaway!!  I will be posting this giveaway on all my social media, so if you follow me, you can also vote where you see this post!  You will have many chances to enter, so don’t miss out!!  The winner will be announced next Monday, August 22.

I hope everyone is as excited about the Back to School Giveaway as I am!!  Don’t forget to leave your vote in the comments!!  See y’all on Wednesday!!