Happy new year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, and now get busy on those resolutions, right? Well, as much as I love a new year's resolution-leads-way-to-a-magical-transformation story as much as the next girl, I am pretty sure those stories are few and far between. So, my approach for this year is kind and simple changes toward a better me and a better family.
I would imagine many of you have organization on your list of things you wish you could do better. I mean, unless you are Peter Walsh (you know, the Brit who's Oprah's decluttering guru) you probably have some challenges keeping your family running smoothly. In my kitchen on any given morning you'll see a jumble of leotards and tights, lunchboxes, snacks, Daisy Scout vest, permission slips, library books, homework, mittens, hats and gym shoes. And that's not even on crazy hair, show & tell or spirit day. (And heaven forbid you forget one of these days. You can join me in the mommy hall of shame.) Oh, and if you think you're done once carpool pulls out of the driveway, you're wrong. Let's not forget about the healthy display of nutritious yet yummy food called dinner you need to prepare while working, caring for baby, or at the gym.
Needless to say, as far as organizing goes, it doesn't exactly come naturally to me. Not for lack of effort, though. I blame my more dominant right side of my brain. So, in thinking of a new & improved scheduling system for our kitchen, I promised myself to keep it simple. Trust me, I was super tempted by the uber-organized bloggers out there with binders and files and dry erase boards within bulletin boards and fabric-covered framed boards for each and every member of the family, as well as magnetized meal planners with pockets and clothespins and recipe cards. But, one of my life’s mantras is to TRY to not start something I can’t finish.
I found these cute days of the week magnets at Target for only $4. (You could even make your own!) And then I created this printable: Days of the Week Sheetswhich gives a place for meal planning, main calendar items and other notes. Two fit on a page, so just cut them down the middle and pin them up on your fridge with the proper day’s magnet. Voila! It is a simple way to hit the highlights of the week, like when your afternoon sitter is on vacation (this week), which day the kids go back to school (today), and when the PTO meeting or book club is (tomorrow). Good luck and happy 2012!
Written by Lauren Goldman