Pitching In Thankfully

Thanksgiving is around the corner.  In a few short weeks families will be sitting around the table with loved ones munching on turkey and pumpkin pie.  That most certainly means cleaning up for company.  The inside of the house is a given but what about the outside?

 Welcome your guests with curb appeal before they enter.  Here is a list of the most common complaints guest make when visiting homes.

Unraked leaves - Not only is a lawn covered with dead leaves unattractive it is downright dangerous.  One slip and fall could cost you thousands of dollars in doctor bills and insurance claims.
Uncleared pathways - How many times have you visited a home and didn't know to enter from the front or back.  Cut the grass to uncover stepping stones and revamp the path to the door with stones, potted plants, or festive lights.
Dirty cars - You can have the finest car on the block but if it's covered in mud and salt that makes for damage to the exterior as well as an unappetizing trip to the dinner table.  Don't forget to spruce up the inside as well.

Outdoor Chore Chart

Messy Garage - You spent a great deal of money on your home but first impressions are lasting.  Clear out your unwanted belonging and junk in the garage.  Consider setting up a workshop to show off or game area for the overflow of guests.

Don't go it alone, get the whole family involved with this Family Outdoor Chore Schedule available for download at my store on Teachers Pay Teachers, TPT.

Fall Into Organizing

Fall Into Organizing

The leaves are turning brown.  

Lawn chairs and tables are all folded down. 

Take out the pool cover. 

Tis the season for cold winds to hover. 

Rake up all the leaves.  

Get ready roll up your sleeves.  

Come on we'll have a ball.

Organizing for Fall!

I hope you have been inspired by the poem.  Summer is my favorite time of the year but over the years I have grown to appreciate fall, a busy time for families.   Here are some fun products and tips to help you organize your space for fall.

Turn summer objects into indoor household use.

Indoor Interactive Smoothie Yogurt SundaeBar

Drag in your iron bar chairs, and plant stand, clean them off and cover with decorative paper from Michaels with matching straws.  Move them to a lowered wall or pass through bar near the kitchen.  Add tall glasses,ice cream dishes, spoons, a scoop, and a blender to the portable stand.  Fill mason jars with seeds, marshmallows, candy, sprinkles, chocolate pieces, nuts or other treats.  Place your iPad or other portable device on a recipe stand for interactive ideas to make and mix treats.  Great for a gathering, birthday party, or girls night out.

Interactive Sundae Party 

Download my free Interactive Party PDF on Teacher's Pay Teachers, TPT.

Create a Cozy Cafe for two in the basement with outdoor table and chair sets.  Cover with a linen tablecloth and add chair pads.  Add fall themed dinner ware and coffee cups.

Make your space work for you.

Install a Gift Wrapping Station out of baskets and an Ikea bookshelf.
Set up a Gift Card Writing Kit to get those holiday cards written early.  Fill shoe boxes or mini storage drawers with an assortment of cards, pens, envelopes and stamps.

Purchase Gift Cards in advance to slip in the envelopes for last minute gifts.
Bring your Winter Decorations to the front of your storage area for easy access during the holidays

Grow Plants in a Jiffy: Seed Starter Palate Product Test

Dilemma: I needed to grow plants quickly for Mother's Day and read about using seed starter kits.  I thought I'd give it a shot with a 4 week deadline.

Procedure:  We grew Dollar Store Morning Glory Seeds 4 for $1 in a Jiffy Greenhouse 24 count by McKenzie Seed purchased at Home Depot. The Jiffy Palate has a peat formula wrapped in a netting material.   A small one costs around $5.  Students pushed the seeds down into each palate and watered them daily.

Results:  In 7 days we had sprouts.  We transplanted them into Dollar store plastic pots 12 for $1 and the students decorated them with stickers.  (Caution:  These pots are thin and very small).  After 3 more weeks we had leaves and vines.

I laminated tissue paper, cut it into 8 x 8 inch squares, and used it as an outer wrap folding it around the plant and securing with gift wrap tape. Each student took a plant home to their Moms for Mother's Day.  The students report that the plants are still growing!

Let's Do Lunch

Lunch Preparation in a Snap
In these difficult times of financial instability we all are tightening our belts.  One sure way is to bring lunches a few times each week to work.  How do you do it if you are so busy? It is not as difficult as it seems. Here are some tips on fast and easy meal planning.

• Purchase a well insulated lunch bag.  Most look like totes serving double duty while holding other needed items.  Big Lots has mini coolers or you can get fashionable insulated lunch totes at A.C. Moore
• During supper clean up store left overs in small plastic containers portioning out each serving for the next day's lunch. Labeling them for each day of the week.  Color code for each person.
• Purchase packs of your favorite muffins or croissants and split them into quart sized ziplock bags.  
• Store apples, oranges, and pears in small baby food or mason jars for quick easy access. Squeeze lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
• Buy a large tub of yogurt and split it into separate containers. 
• Purchase granola, seeds, nuts in the bulk section of the market and store in small plastic containers.
• Cut up celery, carrots, peppers, and other veggies store in a mason jar and refrigerate.
• Product List

Ziplock - Store and seal containers
A.C. Moore - Nicoles Boutique Lunch Tote