TAKING A BREAK

Well, I am sad to say, but I am  officially "retiring" from the vinyl business. 

Not forever, but for a bit. 

It's been a decision I've been contemplating for a while now. The fact that my machine recently started to need some maintenance only helped confirm to me that it is indeed time for a break.  

Oddly enough the past 6 months have been my best 6 months of business to date thanks to all of you! However, having 5 small children, and having recently moved has caused me to re-evaluate some of my priorities. And as much as I absolutely love being organized and helping others achieve the same goal, I feel like my children need me a little bit more right now with the ages they are all at. Juggling both worlds has become a little challenging.  I know I will be back--hopefully sooner rather than later-- but for now it's time for me to pursue some other interests and take a break from the world of vinyl. 

Thanks again for everyone who has ordered with me and has supported my little venture! Please keep checking back as I still intend to blog some additional fun ways to be organized.

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I'M BACK!!

I am officially back in business! As I mentioned in my previous post, we recently moved (from East Coast to West Coast) and boy was it a hectic move! Nothing (of course!) went as planned. But I suppose that is to be somewhat expected with such a big move. It literally took nearly 6 weeks for the movers to bring us our furniture, can you believe it? Just try to imagine having 5 kids (all home for summer break) with no beds, washer dryer, couches to sit on, ect. It's been a little crazy around here to say the least! Hence, the delay on my coming back to work. But, I think we are feeling a little more settled and I am ready to fill more orders!

Thanks again to everyone who hung with me and took advantage of the free shipping option.

I'm hoping to have some fresh new organizing ideas posted here soon as moving to a new house has sparked some new ideas!

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A Few Changes and FREE SHIPPING!!

Well, I know I have been MIA, but I assure you I have been busy, busy, busy over here, thanks to all of you!

Today I hit my 100,000 visitor count, so that was super exciting!!

 Thank you everyone who has stopped on by and taken the time to order! I hope you have been having fun becoming more organized!

Now I know I promised a new site (www.organizeables.com)...and it is still in the works. However, it is going to be delayed a bit longer as my family is now going to be moving across the country and I will be needing to take a little "vinyl break" to make that happen. 

I sure hope you all understand.

So, what this means for you, is that I will be taking orders and filling them from NOW until JUNE 1 2012..but...

Any orders placed AFTER June 1, 2012, will not be filled until JULY 15, 2012. 

Now, does this mean you shouldn't order? 

Absolutely not! 

In fact, as a little incentive to keep you ordering, not only am I offering FREE SHIPPING  on all orders between NOW and JULY 15, 2012, but I am also offering 1 Free Chalkboard Label to every order placed between now and JULY 15, 2012.

So, spread the word!

And Happy Organizing!

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Shoe Organization

This is my shoe organizing station that I use for my kids in my garage.  Since I don't have a mud room (although I would desperately love one!) this is our make-shift solution. I found these boxes at IKEA for around $2 each, hot glued some laminated pictures of each kid onto the boxes, and of course labeled them. There are NO questions as to where each kids shoes belong--even for my 2 year old who can't read because she recognizes the picture of herself there. The older kids get the boxes on the top shelf, and the younger (shorter) kids get the bottom shelf. 

Other substitutions for this same system would be to keep each kids sporting items (since we are into spring sports right now) in the same containers labeled the same way. That way jerseys, cleats, ect. all land in the same spot (I hate looking for that stuff right before a practice or game). The possibilities for uses are endless!

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Chalkboard Tag-It's

Not only are these chalkboard tags adorable, but they are also extremely functional as well! They are perfect for those containers that you want to label, without having to commit to a certain phrase.

Regular classroom/sidewalk chalk works great (I've found that I like to dampen the tips of that chalk before I use it). But, I've also found an even better solution: Chalk Ink Markers!

Seriously love them! 

(I found mine at my local craft store--but they can also be purchased on line)

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Water Bottles

Last summer for my oldest son's birthday party we had a little camping theme. I found these water bottles to use as party favors at the dollar store and of course had to label them. After the party when we still had these water bottles lying around for my boys I realized that it really was quite handy to have them labeled  and here's why:

See, my kids have a tendancy to pull a new cup out of the cupboard each time they need a drink and I found myself washing so many extra dishes because of this (especiallly in the summer time when they are all home more) and so I picked up a couple of pink ones for my girls,  added their names  to them and found that it has been a GREAT solution to minimizing the cup usage in our house. The kids can easily see which water bottle is their's and just use the same water bottle all day long. And the greatest thing is, I've run those suckers through the dishwasher multiple times and the names have all stayed intact.

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Pardon Our Dust...

while we make some exciting new changes to the look and functionality of this blog.

Thanks to some exposure on Pinterest, and a large boost in business,  I've been encouraged to get a bit more serious about all this vinyl business.

Part of this change will occur on this blog.

But the main change will occur on my new site and company, www.organizeables.com set to launch March 2012.
I'm combining a real passion of mine (a never ending quest to be more organized) and my vinyl all into one happy little company.

We have been working HARD over here getting ready for the launch, so please be sure to keep checking back for the latest updates.

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Tune In

For my first radio talk show:
http://www.wbcl.org/

I'm super excited!

And it all starts tomorrow at 10:10am EST

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Pantry Organization Update

I first blogged about my pantry bins about three years ago.

Since then I have added to my collection and thought I'd update the pictures here as well.

I know it might sound silly to think that looking in my pantry makes me happy, well really giddy on a frequent basis (I'm strange I know).

But it seriously does! 

It is one of the few places in my house that almost always stays cleaned. 

And it is one place that I have prized being organized in because it is something I use EVERY SINGLE day! 

Now I didn't just alphabetize these bins for the picture or for your viewing pleasure (although they are wonderful to look at, don't you agree?).

This is really how they stay in my pantry.

Ask any one of my kids.

There is a method to my madness, hang with me.

See, when I first did the tubs, I found I was constantly looking for which tub I needed because when the tubs were pulled from the pantry and then put away, they never landed in the same spot. 

Drove me crazy.

And so, I alphabetized--quite a simple solution!

Now, I (and more importantly my kids) always know where to

1. Find the tub

2. Return the tub.

Trust me. If there is anything you purchase from me--I would most highly recommend these labels.

And as a side note (for those interested) I purchased the tubs at none other than good old Wal-Mart  (Mainstays Cereal Dispensers) for around $4 a piece. (which again, was why it took me a couple of years to build my collection) a good price in my estimation and well worth every penny spent.

Now as I mentioned in a previous post, a few weeks ago we did some re-building in my pantry to make utilize my vertical space. 

Which also meant I needed to make a trip to Ikea for a few different shaped tubs.

I found these for under $2 a piece (well the cereal ones I found at Costco for $10 for the pack of 3) and I love how they complement the rest of my pantry.

I prefer see-through tubs and was so excited when I found these ones.

Happy Organizing!

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Hair Accessory Storage

Taking a break from vinyl here...

just wanted to share how I keep all those bows organized for my three cute Girlies.

Yes, I know I have entirely way to many, but did I mention I have three girls?? 

I also know that I didn't think of the idea (I saw the idea originally one some hair site).

But I still wanted to share how it works for me.

Hopefully it gives all you moms of girls some ideas to make it work for you too!

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BULK STORAGE

I have a large family. Which I absolutely love and purposely planned :) And part of having a large family means that we go through a LOT of food.

Now, back in the day, I could get away with just keeping my two small pantry sized flour and sugar tubs right in my pantry for easy access--I rarely had to refill them. However, now we fly through that stuff much quicker--and I've found that I have to refill them much more frequently then I once did. 

Now I've always had these bigger buckets that I use to store some food and grains for a rainy day. But do to lack of storage in my house I had to keep them stored in one of my kids closets and each time one of my smaller tubs ran out, I had to trek upstairs, pull out the tubs re-fill the smaller tubs, and then put everything back into place--big huge pain! 

So a couple of weekends ago, I took it upon myself to re-vamp my whole pantry to make for some easier storage. Now I don't have a super small pantry--you can walk in it--but I wouldn't call it exactly large either. But in order to optimize the vertical space in it, I had my hubby remove the bottom shelf and re-hang it above the tallest shelf (wish I had a picture to show). I can not believe how much larger my pantry seems now! I FINALLY have room to keep some of my bulkier tubs at the bottom which makes it much, much, easier to re-stock my smaller tubs. And still have all the same shelving space.

I so wish I had done that 4 years ago when we first moved here.

Lesson learned.

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Lunches Made Easy!

As I've mentioned before, I have 5 kids. Three of whom are currently in school. I have tried about every method I can think of to make packing lunches for them less of a chore for me (anything to simplify right?) and this is the system that has worked the best for us. And so, I share :)

First of all, if I haven't mentioned it before I am obsessed with these pocket organizers. Obsessed!

They are so perfect for organizing so many other items (in addition to shoes). And if you're short on closet space, as I am, then it's a great solution!

Anyways, back to the lunches...this is how our system works:

Sunday night either the hubby or myself makes a few sandwiches (enough to get through mid-week so they stay fresh) and stores them in this awesome cupcake holder that I picked up at Wal-Mart for about $4 years ago.

It stores great in the fridge!

Then, if you look closely at the picture, you can see that I have designated 3 rows to each of my school aged children and of course labeled them with vinyl for the corresponding days of the week (T-F). I didn't label Monday because Monday's lunch goes straight into the lunch box and into the fridge Sunday night.

On Sunday, (well--that is at least the day it's supposed to happen) the idea is to then stuff each pocket with snacks and drinks. It changes from week to week, usually just whatever I have on hand.

Then, small zip-lock bags are packed with fresh fruit/veggies and stored in my fruit keeper in my fridge.

Now the hubby and myself are done until at least mid-week when sandwiches need to be replenished.

The kids know to grab a sandwich, stuff from their pouch, and a fruit/veggie each day for lunch.

Makes for MUCH easier mornings---that is when we stick to it ;)

Now a few things (just to keep it real here) to note are that yes, my two year old has recently discovered how to reach those snacks and I often find her getting into them...something I'm working on.

And two...if I were to label it again...I would probably just color code each row for the kids, rather than label each day of the week.

Overall though--I love this system and would love to hear about your ideas on what works for you!

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Laundry Ideas

Labels for everything Laundry!

I especially love the labels on the sorting bins. Makes it easy (in theory ;)) for the clothes to be pre-sorted before the wash.

And, of course, some fun wall-art!

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TOY ORGANIZATION

So I recently had my fifth baby...hence the neglect on this blog. However, I've had quite the influx of interest in vinyl (I suppose it has something to do with all the fall holiday's and some good exposure from Pinterest) so I thought I'd throw out a few posts on some of my favorite uses for vinyl. I tend to be a bit OCD when it comes to organizing things and so vinyl for me helps me in my never ending venture to be ultra organized. I know I have entirely TOO many toys--but like I said--I have 5 kids. So at least they get played with :)

Let me also preface this by saying that no, my toys don't always stay this neat and cleaned, however, they at least all have a home and for that I love this system.

This little toy system was first introduced to me with the idea of the bins on the shelves with the pictures from my sister in law--so genius! However, I then added my vinyl touch and this is what I've come up with.

Onto the BOY shelves.

I have each row color coordinated with a star on the side. For example, all the Red labeled bins go on the Red star shelf. That way, I can keep some of the more obnoxious toys, such as legos, up high and hopefully out of choking distance from the little ones. 

My girl shelves are essentially the same things, only the rows are flowers instead of stars.

Example tub

For anyone that's interested...

The Bins and shelves came from Ikea and I lamenated the pictures at home and just hot-glue gunned them on.

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CHALK BOARD VINYL

That's right, my chalkboard vinyl has arrived-- and man am I in love! This new vinyl is definitely my new favorite thing! You can write directly on the vinyl and the chalk just wipes off. No more messy chalkboard paint. You can put it on any hard smooth surface without fear of damaging any walls. Use it as a menu, calendar, to-do list, shopping list, the uses are endless! 

My whole family has loved having this menu posted because they always know what to expect for dinner. Not only is it convenient to have posted front and center, but it looks cute too!

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More Great Inspirational Quotes

Check out this link with some more AWESOME quote ideas! http://www.greatquotesmovie.com/

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Oh the Wonderful World of Vinyl!

Well, here we go. I know it's still got some work to be done on it, but I've decided to give the vinyl blog a-go. It's meant to be more of a supplement to my vinyl website which one day {fingers crossed} will be happily updated and a bit more functional. But until the holiday's pass, and life cools down a bit, I've decided to use the blog as a way to keep some updated pictures and ideas brewing. Some of these ideas I'd like to think I thought of on my own, and others are ideas that I've seen floating around and have tried to put my own personal touch on.

I'll try to keep updating more pics, and certainly if any one has a cute fun vinyl projects (I know you have them...share, share, share!) I'd love to add them here.

Have fun looking, and have a great Holiday season!

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Advent Calendar

As an alternate to using the round pizza pan displayed below, try using a rectangular cookie sheet instead! And as an alternate to using ribbon to hang the pizza pan, try displaying the finished product on an easel.

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Teacher Gifts

Every year at this same time I start going crazy trying to think of something {thoughtful} I can pass along to those blessed people who take such good care of my kiddo's at school. Gift cards are always nice {and easy} but I always feel like they're so generic. So over the last couple of years I've discovered how much my kids teachers have loved recieving gifts similar to the ones I have posted here {especially the ones where I've personalized it with their names!--sorry no pics of those}.

I love these gifts because even though it looks like lots of moo-lah was spent {no offense if you've happened to be the beneficiary of such a gift} the expense was very minimal. So, let your imagination go wild--and have fun spoiling the teachers in your life.

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Holiday Coasters

I picked up these tiles at my local home improvement store for $.14 each. I also bought the sheets of foam grippers because they can be easily cut down and they go a long ways for the price, but as an alternate you could use similar products that are found in the same section of the store as floor protectors such as pre-cut felt pads. Mix and match your favorite sayings to make a complete set.

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