Office Project - Part 2

     I know I said I'd update twice a week, and I am so sorry, but I'm only just getting back to writing about my current project.  I've done a little shopping and put together a plan.  The first thing on my to-do list was a book shelf.  I needed something to the side of my desk (hint - it's in a closet!) for some additional storage.  I really like those islands you see in craft rooms.  Like this..........

     I found this photo here........Paisley.  Actually, you will find some wonderful inspiration photos for craft rooms, so check her out!  This was along the lines of what I wanted, but without a desk portion.  I wanted it to be shelved on both sides, but I sure didn't want to spend a ton of money.  Where's the creativity in that?

     I gave it a little thought and the lights finally came on!  I went to trusty ol' Target and picked up two of these..........

     These were extremely easy to put together, but I must warn you, those lower shelves are NOT very sturdy.  They will work fine for my purpose, but if you're looking for something stronger, keep looking.  You can certainly use the same concept though.  Okay, so I put two of them together and arranged them in the designated corner like this................






     Next, I grabbed a nice thick piece of plywood from Home Depot.  I'm sorry, I don't know proper wood terminology, but I'll work on it.  This piece of wood is about a half inch thick, nice and smooth on both sides, and not at all wobbly.  I knew it would be perfect for what I needed.  I cut it to the dimensions of my new "shelf table" with about an inch extra.  That extra bit gives you a half inch lip on all sides and helps in the event something isn't quite perfectly squared. 

     The next step is a little extra detail, but I think it was well worth it.  I grabbed some Melamime edging tape for the sides of this piece of plywood.  You actually iron in on to the sides of your wood for a nicely finished edge.  It was easy and really made it look nice.  I'll be sure to use this in the future for any exposed raw edges. 





     The directions suggest placing a bit of aluminum foil between the tape and your iron to protect your iron and then you just simply iron it on.  Couldn't be easier!  Then, you use a box cutter and trim it as needed.





     Next, I gave it about three good coats of spray paint and allowed it to dry well overnight.  I still haven't added the polycrilic, but I will!  I've got another small project that will need it as well and I'm going to just do them at the same time.  The final step was adding legs to support it in the back.





     The legs aren't pretty, but nobody will see them. I did fix up that crooked one and filled the holes, so they aren't visible anymore.  Now, you're ready to life it up and over and plop it down into place.




     Now, it's done!  My very own shelf table for only a fraction of the price!  I'm very happy with the way it turned out, but I have to tell you...................I'm kinda thinking about trying out some chalk paint on it and going with a nice creamy white after all!  I'll let you know if I do!

     Stay tuned to my Office Project.  Part 3 is coming soon!!

I ate a frog for breakfast!

     I ate a frog for breakfast because Tsh Oxenreider (pronounced Tish) over at Simple Mom - Life hacks for home managers  told me to!  She is the author of the e-book called One Bite at a Time - 52 projects for making life simpler.

   No, I'm not being paid to talk about this book.  My blog is about motherhood and trying to enjoy every last ounce of it.  That is why I was so excited when I found this book.  It's downloadable and I put it right on my favorite shelf - my Nook!

      So, did I eat a frog?? Why, yes! Yes, I did!! One of the first things I read was a quote she had by Mark Twain, which said, "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”

      So, take your least favorite chore, least favorite horrible, awful, foul thing you have to do each day and just get it over with! Eat your frog! Then, everything else on your plate just doesn't seem that bad.

     Her book has 52 projects or habits designed to help bring you to an organized, yet simple daily life.  You don't do them all at once or even in any particular order.  You do them in your own time.  You can choose one a week and give yourself a year.  Nobody says you have to be perfect starting tomorrow!

     Tsh is also a really great blogger and I know you'll love her website.  I do hope you'll check her out and let me know what you think about her site or if you've read anything by her already.  God bless!

    


286, a photo by TJoy71 on Flickr.

My Favorite Laundry Tip!

*Sorting - Even Freddy Krueger has nightmares!

(A little cheesy Halloween humor - I can't help myself.)

Photo, a photo by TJoy71 on Flickr.

     If you read long enough, you will learn a few things about me. 


*I have four kids.
*My kids are pigs - cute pigs, but pigs indeed!
*I have twins (they wear the same size!)
*I despise laundry.
*Socks are my nemesis!


     A very dear friend once read this tip in a magazine and passed it on to me.  Unfortunately, it was so many years ago I can't remember which one, but I would like to send a blessing out to the author and I have faith that the Good Lord knows who she is and will one day introduce her to me so I can give her a big ol' hug!
     If you will notice in the picture above, there are dots on each sock.  Each dot represents a child.  The oldest has one dot, the twin who is just slightly larger has two, and so on.  I actually have these on ALL items of clothing for the boys.  EVERYTHING!  Even underwear!  Now, when I'm doing laundry, I don't have to sort for sizes or ask around, "Who's shirt is this?"  It's in relatively the same place on each type of item.  Yes, initially it took some time, but now as I buy clothes, I just grab my sharpie and start dotting away. 
     "Wouldn't initials work just as well?" you ask!  Well, yes and no.  All my children do have different initials so that's all well and good, but this way all I have to do is add a dot as they outgrow the items.  So, when the items are passed down, I don't have a marked out R, a marked out  D, then maybe an M, and truly it would take a miracle for an item to make it all the way to the C!  You see  my point though, right?  Just simply add the dots!
     It's easy for me to sort, easy for the kids to sort, and even easy for the dad!!  Who knew??!!


     I would also like to point out another great benefit to this technique.  When I find a sock laying around, let's say in the hall or on the dining room table, maybe even the fridge.  It's possible, trust me!!  Well, I simply have to check the dots and I know who my culprit is!  For some reason, it's usually the same one.  I won't call out any names, NUMBER 2!!!  You know who you are!



Just to give a general idea of where I place my dots on different items.  It should be in an area easy for you to see as you're folding and sorting. 


     Once I've folded the laundry, I create piles on the coffee table.   When the boys get home from school, I have them simply put away their pile.  It's in order of age, so they know right where to look.  It's the little things that make chores easier. 

I hope this helps somebody out there in Bloggerville!  What are your laundry tips?  Do you have your kids help around the house and if so, what's your trick?  Comment back, I'd love to hear from you!