Bloggy Giveaway: $25 Target Card
POSTED BY Amy at 11:05 AM
School days are returning and who wouldn't love some money to put towards their children's school supplies? I am excited to participate again in the Bloggy Giveaways and would like to offer up a
$25 Target Gift Card to one lucky winner!
Please leave a comment by
Friday (08/01) at 7PM Eastern Time and tell me
one way that you keep your family or children organized for returning to school. I am looking for tips for getting your dinner on the table, keeping paperwork organized, managing your day, etc...
I can't wait to hear your ideas and please look around my site, especially if you haven't been here before. I specialize in sharing ideas on money management, home management, and ideas for creative parenting.
Don't forget to head over to the
Bloggy Giveaways Carnival and enter to win a whole bunch of cool prizes!
Labels: giveaway
707Comments:
Rachel
"When I was going back to school one way I helped keep us organized was to write down 4-5 dinner ideas. I didn't assign them a day but just having a short list to look thru always helped a bunch!"
BlondeMomBlog (Jamie)
"I pre-prep everything the night before and I do mean everything that can be done ahead of time down to making coffee and setting out our favorite coffee mugs by the coffee maker, selecting my daughters' school outfits, making lunches, and placing everything by the back door.
Also, with permission forms and money requests that come home with my daughter, I go ahead and fill them out and return them immediately, even if there is a two-week deadline. Otherwise they get lost in the shuffle."
Lori - Queen of Dirty Laundry
"When it's time for back-to-school, I have to get back to basics on organization.
Planning meals is my top priority, and participating in Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie helps."
Carolina Mama
"Love, love love folders. I could buy a store. Recipes, each child, etc. Hope it helps and Thanks!
I'm hosting as well. Come enter! ;)"
Mrs. Pear
"One thing that helps us (although we are just starting to homeschool) is to have a morning plan/schedule and have everything ready the night before."
Adventures In Babywearing
"Oh, I NEED organization!!
But, one thing that does help is that I have a nice wire basket near our "homework area" that also is near where their backpacks go when they get home from school. I empty out their backpacks into the wire basket and go through it as I can. We also use a nice looking three drawer stand that matches my dining room to house their school work and supplies (each child has their own drawer.) This has helped immensely with clutter!
Steph"
"Use a color coded calendar (google has one for free or iCal if you have a Mac) to keep everyone's activities straight."
Kim
"I don't go anywhere with out a pocket calendar in my purse. Keeping the family organized can't happen if *I* don't know what's going on. This way, I have my day, week, and month at a glance."
Julie
"We homeschool but during the school year I seperate all the books each kid will be using for the week into their basket. That way they are easy to find and they know what they have to do everday."
CP
"Two words, Franklin Covey! I carry my planner all over the place and it is the hub of all things Riggle (that's my last name);). We also have a calendar on the fridge which holds special weekend events, company, when library books need to be renewed and also major school projects. If that wasn't enough, we have a dry erase board that is updated daily with chores, what dinner will be that night, and anything else that is a daily reminder to the family. We also plan our dinners a month out, and go shopping once a month and gather a few staple items like bread and milk when needed throughout the month. We just pick a dinner each night before bed, so we know what to expect after school and work the next day!
I have two kids in school so a $25 gift card would be amazing, plus after looking for all the sale fliers, Target seemed to have the best deals on school supplies!"
Evan Pangburn
"Hey Great ideas!!
One way my wife and I have already talked and have used before is the first two hours home from work and school no TV, internet or any other distractions. You can either talk, do homework, or help out with getting dinner ready. Than after dinner you can carry on entertainment for the evening. Just a thing we have used to try to do more family time and get work that needs to be done around the house or schoolwork.
Thanks again,
Evan Pangburn
www.evanpangburn.com
sacredmpp at gmail dot com"
rachel
"I really haven't had much experience with kids and school yet but I can tell you that my mother always packed my lunch and put it in the fridge the night before school.
I love Target!"
momo3
"I write each of my boys their own little "to do list" each morning. When they get up they grab their list and cross off the things they have finished. They like taking charge of their own lists. I like that I don't have to be constantly telling them what to do . . .it's all right there for them to do on their own. Kristen :)
ryankristenwilson@msn.com"
"I'm a teacher....so getting my sons out the door as well as getting back into the routine myself is difficult after Summer! My best advice is to do as much as you can the night before and have a strict out-the-door routine in the morning. My boys have this routine: up, bathroom, teeth, dressed, breakfast, shoes....
HTH!
b.k.parr (at) netzero (dot) com"
Alyssa @ KeepingTheKingdomFirst
"This is my kind of giveaway!
I slowly adjust bedtimes about a week before school starts. My kids are so uses to sleeping in during the summer, it also helps to adjust their morning wake up time by a few minutes each day."
hayley
"one thing that helps with lunches, is to have the bread, peanut butter, honey, and sandwich baggies in a basket so you can just grab it to make the sandwiches. also, it saves time to make the lunches the night before."
Jane Marie
"The only way to manage your day is to start each day with a list. Try to list everything you need to do and even fun things you'd like to do and then do things in order of importance. Cross off each as you go to make you feel like your are successful. I write down the smallest things!
pianananna@gmail.com"
canearl
"Count me in!"
"My oldest is going to start his 2nd year in pre-school, but we are already up to our heads in art projects from last year, so before he starts we are going to pick his 10 favorite projects from last year and put them in his plastic school bin (we already have a bin for my 20 month old also!) and clear off the walls for the new stuff that will be coming in soon!"
Jen Clemmer
"I have been trying to keep all the school supplies all in the my son's bag so there in one place. Also, when school time comes, I try really hard to start my day at 5am . . . sounds crazy but it helps me get my ball running and also get a head start with the kids."
Kimbrah
"My back to school might look a little different than most because we are starting our homeschooling adventure with our oldest this year who is 5. Since we have a baby due around Thanksgiving time as well, I am trying to keep it simple by having a designated "work" spot for when we do our hands on stuff, instead of the kitchen table. That way, if a project takes longer than I thought it would, I don't have to clear it all away to set the table for meals. I have a book case that is specifically designated for our home schooling supplies, that is near our home schooling area. This has made it a lot easier (so far) to keep track of three little ones and still have everything we need for whatever project is going on at the time.
Thanks so much for hosting this great give away!
Kimbrah"
Jessica
"We try to lay out the clothes for the next day, before bed. That way, in the morning things aren't as hectic"
Mrs. Mordecai
"None of us are in school right now, but last year when my husband was, the best thing we ever did was to right down our schedule and post it on the fridge. That way, everyone knows when to get up, when dinner is, when extracurricular activities are, etc."
Marin...
"My kids aren't school-aged yet, but one idea I've heard that I love is having a basket near the door for each child that all their school related items go in."
Quilter Mom
"I find it helpful to transfer information about activities coming up to our central calendar, and then I can file away the paperwork that goes with it. Then when the event arrives, I know where to find the details, because I haven't had to keep track of innumerable pieces of paper."
Brandy
"I start with my menu plan every Monday using what I have on hand. Then I prep as much as I can ahead of time for quick dinners during the week. I save the weekend for "big dinners" since we're so busy.
In addition to my menu, I also have a calendar that is on my fridge so that I can list activities and see at a glance what we need to do each day. It's gets crazy at my house during marching season!
Brandy"
"My peanut is not in school yet, but with both mom and dad working, getting ready in the morning can be tricky. I lay out everything for the peanut and myself the night before. I also cook and freeze meals every other weekend. I spend 3 hours cooking one sunday afternoon and I can get seven meals to serve over the next 2-3 weeks."
Karen
"From August to the end of October I put everything(I mean everything)in my outlook calendar. That means meals, homework/study time and assignments, sports, workouts, school activities, work, chores... the list goes on and on. I sync this with my phone and I sync/share the schedule with my husbands and kids outlook calendars so that they have access and can add/change things, as well.It helps us all get back on a schedule and I don't have to answer endless questions of what time and where is..
Usually by the end of October things calm down and everyone is set in a schedule. I think September 1st should be "New Years Day" since so many changes and adjustments start at that time of the year.
I love your site I really enjoy Amy's Notebook. You have sent me to sites that I wouldn't have found and and have since added them to my RSS feeds list.
Thanks"
Keely
"I don't have kids in school yet, but when I get ready for work, daycare or anything else I make sure I have everything ready the night before (diaper bag, lunches, clothes, etc) so that the morning will be less hectic. I also plan out our meals on Sat. and grocery shop for the week."
Barb, sfo
"Thanks for hosting this contest!!
We have a bench near the front door. Schoolbags go on that bench. And the rule in my house is: homework isn't done until you pack it. I put the packed lunchboxes next to the schoolbags on the benches in the morning. This way, at bus time, the kids just grab their full schoolbags and go!"
Victorian Lady
"Hey there :)
After school, I have tea with my daughter. I started taking her when she was 18 months old and she loves it...she's 6 now. We pull out all the "good stuff" and it really only takes a muffin or two...not a full out tea. We go over her papers and she starts her homework. It also keeps her wind down.
Thanks!
Mere"
Jill
"Place a drop of point for each member of the family near the front door. I don't have school age children (yet) but I rely on this sort of management for diaper bags, stuff I need and such to make it to the car each day. I bring it in put it in baskets and at the end of the night once kids are in bed I fill the baskets with the needed stuff for our next trip out. This could work for school kids. You can go and find papers and notes and such while your kid is taking in an after school snack!"
Dawn
"We are just starting this year, but even to get me out the door for work in the morning, it helps TONS to have everything including breakfast ready to go. Just add milk! :)"
Chrissy
"I have 2 favorite organizational tools. One is my google calendar..can't live without it! My second is my coat rack, only I put "bags" there. We have individual bags for tumbling, gymnastics, soccer, etc. That way, when it is time to go, I just grab the appropriate bag and run out the door!
I love your blog, btw."
Nancy M.
"I have to make sure my son gets enough sleep so he's not ill when he gets up. I also tried to have everything for school in one place, so I wouldn't have to search for everything in the morning."
Mrs. Sprinkles
"My kids aren't old enough for school, but I imagine when they do go, I'll make their lunches the night before to save time."
"I guess my suggestion as a first time mother of a school-aged child is get clothes ready the night before. It should be interesting this year! :-)"
"We homeschool so you would think we were organized. We use a bookscase to organize books, two subjects per shelf. This year I will be using a plastic filing crate. Each days work will have its folder and there will be an extra folder at the end of the days of the week for completed work. Graded papers that are going back to be reviewed will also have their own folder. At the very back of the filing crate will be folders for each subject (we are in high school) and all papers will end up there by date. I have the crate, but not all the hanging files that I need or labels. I spend a bit of time each Sunday afternoon organizing the work for the week and this keeps us on track."
NeedANap2
"We've been painting and getting our house ready to sell so I've been trying to simplify meals. Thankfully the kids haven't rebelled against having baby carrots AGAIN today. I'm trying to plan easy dinner meals, using the crockpot and planning for leftovers. Last week Meijer had ground chuck chubs on sale so I plan to cook all of it and put it in the freezer, faster to defrost and get dinner ready! Great giveaway!! :)"
Heather
"I add the following chores to my daughter's chore-chart:
1. empty backpack
2. put away coat and shoes
3. homework"
The Gunters
"Making a weekly menu helps out a lot. I am the queen of making lists. Make lists according to stores and what you need at each store. Keep coupons in a folder labeled by store as well so you don't forget you have those coupons!"
Day by Day
"We have a bathroom schedule. We also use a timer so that the boys don't spend 20 minutes in the shower. We lay all our stuff out the night before."
Sareen
"I pre-make dinner meals and freeze them for the first 2 weeks of the school year. There is too much going on to worry about cooking something new. I also lay out the full weeks worth of clothes for every member of the family - no need to worry about finding what to wear for that first week. makes everything else go much smoother. japansara {at} hotmail"
Stephanie
"I love your blog and have been reading it for a while now. To keep organized I try to match the school calendar with the home calendar so I know what is coming up and what I need to prepare for."
Small Town Frugal Mom
"I use back to school time to get our craft supply re-organized and get new supplies where the old ones are no longer working and/or broken!! Thanks for the opportunity for the Target gift card!"
"We keep a color-coded dry-erase weekly calendar on the fridge so that when someone calls to schedule something new to our week we know what we can accept and what to politely decline. It also helps to only allow 1 or 2 extra-curriculars per child.
Thanks for participating!
Michelle"
Becky
"I make sure all the permission slips, checks (for lunches)and report cards are signed the night before. Then I have one less thing to remember before I go to work. My daughters help too by pulling all of the stuff that needs signing out of their backpacks and putting it in the designated spot. My email is beckngrls@aol.com."
Veggiemomof2
"I usually start with buying their backpack, then as I get school supplies on sale, I pack it into their bag & check it off the list."
"One visit to A Dinner A'Fare and I have an entire month's worth of meals! All I have to do is pull out a meal the night before to defrost in the fridge, and everything is already prepped - dinner on the table in 30 minutes!"
cupiedollie
"We pick out all clothes the night before and I pack all non-perishable lunch content the night before. We also make sure backpacks are packed, notes signed etc night before.I also get up and get myself ready to go before the kids so they are my one and only job in the a.m.!"
fullofboys
"I keep an excel sheet for the month with a list of lunches...I divide it by things like fruit, sandwich, etc. This helps me make sure I always have enough food for their lunches and snacks and makes sure I don't give them too much of the same thing in a row."
Dawn
"One thing I do to help with back to school is wait to buy clothes for my son. It's still summer here when he starts back so he just wears shorts and after the shopping crowds die down, I hit the stores!!!!"
Lola
"we get as much as possible done the night before. Packing lunches, laying out clothes, signing papers, filling backpacks. I know it's not a new idea, but it truly does work for us."
Alicia
"My hubby's in school right now so getting his lunch together the night before helps our mornings to go smoother. Planning for quick and easy weeknight meals is essential. I try to put something in the crockpot or do a casserole that I can throw together while the kids are napping."
Bloggin' Mama
"We are homeschooling, so I don't have to pack lunches or backpacks, but I do take about an hour on the weekend to make copies of any workbook pages and other projects we will be doing during the week (I save money by just copying the pages, rather than having my son write in the actual book - that way the books will last for all of our kids!).
I also participate in Menu Plan Monday and it helps tremendously."
Melissa
"I have a folder for each child that I keep in a basket on my kitchen island. I put everything in there that has to be returned to school or looked at a lot during the week--reading logs, spelling word sheets, etc. It has saved me so much time looking for loose papers among all of the other papers!"
sassy2
"I plan snacks for when they get home so I don't have to hear I'm hungry all of the time until dinner. They pick their choice at the grocery."
Gina
"I have a binder where I keep a copy of the school calendar, any other notes from teachers, forms that need to get filled out, etc.
The other thing I find helpful for the morning rush is laying out clothes (for my son AND me) the night before, and packing a lunch the night before."
Heather
"We always have everything ready to go the night before... including breakfast dishes, etc."
lisa
"We all have different schedules so we don't have to compete for bathroom time. We also have "drop zones" near the door where we put the stuff we need to take with us in the morning so we don't forget it"
Becky
"I always plan our dinner menu a week in advance. And, just this past year, to make things even easier, I started going to one of those dinner prep places (Dinner by Design). I always do 2 or 3 pre-made meals, 1 or 2 crock pot meals, and then a meal or two with family or at church and -voila- dinner is taken care of!"
Steph
"I don't have a child in school yet but I do have a husband that works outside the house and a 7 month old. I find its getting harder to get things done. So I make my husbands lunch the night before. I prep all meals during my daughter's nap time. That way all I have to do for dinner is put it in the oven or thow it in a pot."
Kristi
"I think the best way I am going to try to stay organized for school this year is to have a checklist of what needs to be done in the morning. This year I have to have two kids ready in the morning instead of one, and last year the one was late for school so often that I got a letter from the principal."
"Hi Amy!
Thanks for hosting this great give away and there are lots of good ideas already posted. My son is only 22 months, but we always have the diaper bag ready with diapers, coat, extra clothes, snacks, etc.. Also my husband and I have a color coded calendar on the fridge with neighborhood events, family gatherings, b-days, etc.. Also next to the computer I have all of the bills, invites, etc in color coded folders. We also pre-plan the menus for the week and plan out shopping trips. Also since my husband is a SAHD it helps to have all snacks, fruit, veggies, etc cut up and in the fridge ready to go.
Since my son is just getting into coloring we stocked up with markers, paper, stickers and I organized them all in old diaper wipe and baby food containers.
Hope this helps. Thanks!
~Nichole"
We are THAT Family
"We clean out all the closets and turn clothes from previous year to resale store. We use the money for backpacks and lunch boxes. This gc would help!"
LeeAnn
"I try to do meal planning once/wk to help ease the stress of making so many decisions each day. Works well when I do it!"
"I use a clothes organizer. It hangs in the closet and is labeled Monday-Friday. I pick out clothes for the week on Sunday and it cuts down on any racing around for clothes each morning"
Frugal Finds
"I make sure everything is ready for school the night before. We also try to stick to a strict routine so that everyone knows what to expect everyday and what they are to do to help.
Frugal Carol"
Reiza
"We homeschool, so it's a bit different for us.
For us, my biggest issue is getting papers put away quickly. I'm a slacker organizer. I have a drawer where I keep their papers immediately and when that gets full, we bust out the big box from the attic and move the papers there.
If I leave the papers out even for a day, chances are they're going to get trampled, torn, colored on by a little brother or lost entirely."
Misty
"i don't know if it counts as a tip. we have an book that houses everything from our cleaning schedule to our social calendar to our dinner plan...."
Joni
"We keep five colored wicker baskets in the girls closet. Each weekend, we get their clothes ready for the next week. We have a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday basket. We make sure to put their outfits, bows, shoes, and socks in the baskets so in the morning we can just grab the baskets and get ready!"
Richelle
"Mine isn't in school, yet, but I know when trying to get ready for other busy things, I try to do as much as possible the night before, so we are not running around at the last minute trying to get everything together."
prairiemama
"We are starting homeschooling this year and one thing I'm going to do is get a BIG whiteboard and put our daily schedule on there. My sister does that, she has 8 kids, it is a necessity!"
Amy
"I always make the kids pick out clothes and everything the night before. Lunches are packed for the next day while I'm making dinner - if not 2 or 3 days worth depending on what we have.
And if dinner has any prepping I can do ahead of time - I try to do that as well. Otherwise we do some of those meals in a box things on really busy nights."
Carol
"This year is going to be alittle different here. I'm starting college!! I am not the worlds most organized person at all but hopefully it'll all work out!
We always post a HUGE calendar on the wall and write every.single.thing. on it."
Sarah
"I pick out all of our clothes the night before, down to underwear and socks. I also get the backpacks ready the night before. We are slow movers in the morning, so anything that helps us there is good."
"Especially since your son wears a uniform, like my 3 boys; I have a closet organizer with 5 slots for the days of the week (it hangs from the closet rod). I have their outfits placed in them for the whole week. No more looking for a shirt or socks! And the children can be independent about getting themselves dressed and putting their clothes away."
Suzanne
"A firm yet flexible schedule and a spouse who helps out!"
"Get the next day's clothes out the night before. Instead of ironing, I lightly spray them with a spray bottle and by the morning they're dry and wrinkle free."
Tracy
"I make sure backpacks are packed (as well as diaper bags and my work bag for the days I'm in the office) and by the door with coats, shoes, etc. Those last few minutes of scrambling to get out on time go much better when the bags are packed!"
Aimee
"We do a lot of laying everything out the night before. We also try to stick to a meal plan each week, so that I only have to do shopping 1 day per week."
Momma Bear
"We're only in pre-school, but one way that I keep organized is to get everything into my son's backpack the night before. I also get his clothes out so that he can put them on right away, by himself."
"I make a main menu for 2 weeks and each day pick what I want to make for dinner. I get things prepped in the a.m. so getting out the door will be easier- milk poured, bkfast dishes ready, backpack, shoes all school necessities at the ready. nachuck2003@yahoo.com"
Christi
"Planning is everything. I plan meals one day, errands another, afternoon routines and before bed routines keep our house of 6 running smoothly. Keep the laundry going is huge here too. If I miss a day, I'm nearly to far behind to catch up."
ella'smom
"I am a list maker. I always make a list for the next day of what needs to be done and then I have a another running list of things I would like to get done."
"I plan a weekly menu and then I process all fruits and veggies as soon as we get home from the store on Sunday. Everything gets washed, lettuce prepped for salads, etc. Some of it gets portioned out for lunches/snacks.
Having chopped onion, garlic, etc makes dinner/lunch prep go a lot faster.
When I cook I make extra to freeze or send off as lunch too."
Stephanie Reed
"Can we slip in a little motivational tip? My daughter is now in college but hated to do summer reading for high school. You'll never believe this, but the promise of a simple sticker worked wonders. What it said to her was, "I know you don't like this, but I'm proud of you for sticking with it." Just having a Disney Princess sticker to show for the time she spent reading made the day more pleasant.
stef dot reed at gmail dot com"
Williams' Family
"Getting cloths out the night before.
Picking up toys and junk before going to bed. Waking up to a clean house helps me get going in the morning."
Toblerone @ Simple Mom
"Hi Amy!
I menu plan a month at a time, and I go through clothes and give away those that no longer fit.
Getting to bed on time is also a huge help!"
flmom
"We homeschool ... one thing I do is lesson plan. Everything that needs to be covered for the week is written down and all books are kept together. We also have a special box, kept in my bedroom, just for library books (so they don't get mixed into our bookshelves)."
Mrs. H
"School lunches... I open a can of fruit, applesauce, etc. and divide it into small tupperware containers for the week so they are ready to grab in the morning to add to lunches."
Mo
"I have a detailed menu plan posted on my fridge that lists breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for every day of the week. I never have to take time away from homeschooling my kids to plan a menu or search the cabinets for dinner ideas, since the list is already prepared. It really helps."
cshopmeyer
"We homeschool, so I make a schedule for all 6 of us (baby included) so everyone knows what to be doing at any given time in the day. It's a tool, not our master, so we're flexible to make changes as needed but it helps us to stay on task!"
fooemery
"I keep track of everything in my .mac calendar and it automatically emails me reminders the night before (to do things like get my son's karate outfit ready, etc). I also will mix up muffin batters, etc., the night before and make them in the a.m. The biggest thing I do is keep an inbox near my front door and all papers go there until I have a chance to look them over -this is a big timesaver!! Thanks for your blog!"
"My daughter gets homework every Monday and she has until Friday to turn it in. To keep from misplacing it she has a basket by her homework station that it goes in until she is finished. When she is done it goes into her backpack to be turned in."
Foxy5
"I have a master sheet of all of the meals I make. (as new recipes are tested they are added)
I make my menu plan a month at a time. It leaves out a lot of guess work when I realize it's 30 minutes till my husband gets home "What's for dinner?!" :)
I homeschool and I have a tote with hanging file folders that holds all of our school supplies. I love it.
We also have a HUGE dry erase board. I really like that thing."
Laura
"I love Target!! Thanks for the ccontest.
We have always tried to pick out outfits the night before for the next school day and that really helps. This year, I am taking it a step further. On Sunday evening, my girls will pick out 5 different outfits for the entire week. They will have the freedom to choose which day to wear which outfit, but they cannot deviate from those 5 outfits throughout the week. We'll see how it works!"
Niki
"We bought this awesome organizer to hang in the entryway, right by the door, to help keep us organized.
It came from IKEA and has a large chalkboard for writing reminders on, 2 slots (we'll keep mail in one and school papers in the other), and has 3 key hooks at the bottom.
There is a brand new catchall basket underneath that will hold backpack, lunch box, and anything else that needs to make it to school the following day all in one spot.
ndisilvio at gmail dot com"
Julie
"Menu planning is a must. And using the crock-pot a couple times a week really helps."
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
"Hmmm, well mine don't officially go to school (we homeschool and the oldest is only 3 1/2), however... I love my moms planner. I use the Polestar Family Planner and it is the best!"
forgetfulone
"At the end of the school year, we take out all their old school supplies, throw away what can't be recycled, and store what can be reused. Before school starts, we'll go through it and see what we have, which is usually a lot, and I will not make a duplicate purchase just so they can have something new. For example, we have perfectly good map pencils and markers in the closet, so I won't buy new ones. I also make them clean out their closets and make a pile of too-small clothes to donate. Then we see what still fits. And that's how we decide what they need in the way of school clothes.
Thanks for the chance to win a great prize."
Daphne
"one way I keep my son organized and prepared for school is staying up-to-date with a calendar, a corkboard & dry-erase board. I write down everything that he has going on with school, I keep a lunch menu up, etc."
SB
"I am #100. How cool is that!!
My tips are simple ones:
1) Use your crockpot.
2) Have a POSTER SIZE daily to-do list: Laminate a poster-board and use wipable markers.
3) Fill juice and water bottles and snacks the night before.
These 3 things help me run much smoother.....when I remember to actually DO them."
soha
"My best organization tool has been keeping a datebook. It absolutely saved my life when too many things started happening at the same time."
Lawanda
"When my kids went to school, I always started putting them in bed early about a week or two before school started. We always have such bad sleeping schedules when we aren't forced to have a good one. LOL
I homeschool now, but I may still do this. Because they act so horrible when they are tired! :-p"
Beth
"We homeschool, so we don't have to leave in the morning for school. But having all our stuff in the areas where we'll use it is the best way we've kept organized. It sounds so simple, but things do like to WANDER away from the school area. :)"
Pate Family
"Shoes, socks, coats, and backpacks are all hung up/in bins in the laundry room by the backdoor. That way it is the last stop to pick everything up on the way out, helps stop running back, looking for socks, etc."
Sarina
"I map out every school related event on the calender and color code based on each family member. We also have a hook for each of our school age children's for them to hang their backpacks and jackets."
Kristin
"picking out outfits the night before so there are no arguments the next morning :)"
Smilingsal
"Prepare lunches the night before - or - leave the correct amount of money if you want them to buy lunch.
smilingsal55[at]yahoo[dot]com"
Melissa
"Last year I just had one in school, this year I have another starting K. Space is at a premium, but I have a wall in kitchen, by basement door, that I am going to hang hooks at their level. That is where backpacks and lunchboxes will hang. That basement door is going to get a corkboard on it for school related "stuff" that I have a tendancy to misplace. I have a buffet in the dining room with lots of drawers (repurposed dresser), each child will have a designated drawer to keep homework/folders, etc that don't go back to school immediately.
At least that is the plan.
Now getting dinner together.... I would also like some ideas!"
"I am a "prep"ing queen. Lunches for the family are prepared the night before, often times leftovers. I plan at least three big meals that include items we like to reheat. (ie lasagna or chicken enchilada casserole) Then I work with those same ingredients for the other meals so that we use up what we have and save money.:-) Also, I lay out what each person needs for the next day so that I can grab the stuff in the morning on my way out the door and know that everything I need to get through the day will be with me (just in case I can't get home in between). It makes my evening a little busy but my days run smoother.
Traci"
Amy
"Take 2 days a month and make a bunch of meals that you can freeze, that way you can pull them out and you're all ready!"
Erin
"Binders!!!
That's what I use - binders for recipes, for bills, for school information - everything! I decorate them to match whatever subject matter is inside and I keep them on an easy to reach but very cool shelf :)
Thanks for the contest and the great ideas that everyone has!"
Tara
"I have THE worst time keeping up with laundry for five kids and two adults. I purchased seven brand new laundry baskets at Target yesterday (at just $1.99 each!), and I plan to fold eachieve person's clothes into their own basket for ease in putting everything away.
Tara @ Deal Seeking Mom"
Sandy
"I homeschool...so we're not in the same time crunch in the mornings as other families. I do lay out everyone's clothes..just for simplicity"
The Chatty Housewife
"I don't have kids yet, but I can remember one thing my mom always did for my siblings and I when we were little. She would always keep the school supplies and craft supplies together in one place- not all over the house. That way when school time came, we could easily see what we already had and didn't over-buy!"
Jennifer
"I have been making detailed dinner plans in advance. It definately helps so I know exactly what I have to do when I get home, instead of searching aimlessly for something for dinner."
Finding Normal
"As a 4th grade teacher with a 3 and 1 year old, I am a huge believer in the night-before prep. I lay all clothes out, pack the bags, fix lunches, fix my daughter's meds, and set things up for breakfast. My husband laughs at me, but it really does help my morning go so much more smoothly!"
BeThisWay
"This is my 4-year-old son's first year of school, so I'm not sure exactly how things will work. My plan, though, is to have his outfit for the day laid out before he goes to bed and to keep the same routine of wake-wash-dress-eat-brush consistent so there are no dramas..."
Munchkins and Music
"This is one of the organizational tips that keep ahead of the game:
The closer I wake up to 6:00am the better my day goes. If I can greet my kids showered and dressed, I am that much further ahead. Otherwise I am playing catch up for the rest of the day!"
Cristina
"A huge calendar. Seriously a big calendar that everyone can use and write in. Each person gets their own marker color. The older kids are responsible for entering their important dates."
DaisyBug
"There isn't much better than a schedule - a routine... Lay clothing out the night before, if you can prepare lunches the night before that is great too - Handle papers from school immediately, mark events and deadlines on a large visible family calendar... kids need and appreciate this kind of struxture - it keeps them relaxed. We also slowly back beadtime up by 10-15 minutes each week in August to get us back in the swing of the school-time routine... Thanks for the giveaway! It's a great idea!"
hutto88
"We can always use a $25 Target card."
Goo Goo Buy Buy...
"To help things run more smoothly in the morning on those days when my toddler is in preschool, my husband dresses him and feeds him breakfast while I get myself dressed (and the beds made, on good days.) I also make sure to pack his snack bag and his book bag the night before, so all we have to do is grab it on our way out the door. Works very well for us."
Estelle
"We set everything out the night before, clothes, shoes, backpacks, etc. We also have a large calender that everyone writes their appointments, activities, etc. on, so we all know everyone else's schedules. This helps avoid schedule conflicts, and keeps us on the same page."
Stephanie
"We keep a house white board of important dates in the kitchen!
tvollowitz at aol dot com"
Carmel
"One way I keep us organized is preparing what I have to get done tomorrow today... when I have errands to do, I write a list out so that the next day I can complete the list in the most efficient manner possible. Then when it comes time to make dinner I place my baby in his exersaucer close enough where I can see him and he can see me... but far enough where I can get dinner on the table. :)"
M's Mommy
"This is sort of a general household organizing tip - the best way to stay organized is to reduce clutter. Clutter is like white noise and keeps you from focusing on the important stuff. Sort your mail over the recycling bin and don't let any papers just lie around creating clutter. You don't want to find that unopened bill a month later when you clean up and get a late fee!"
Robin
"Thanks for the giveaway!
When my girls were in school we made sure not to overextend with a bunch of extra activities. Also to be flexible... whatever was working one week might not the next. :)
cokelush at gmail dot com"
"I love reading all of the great ideas! I have three school-aged kids. The best thing for me now that they are all involved in activities is a calendar with a line for each person in the family. I hang the Mom's Plan-it calendar in my refrigerator. Love it! Maria"
Tracey
"I always would get ready the night before. Check backpacks before bed."
KEYNOTER
"I buy one of those calenders with large boxes so that I can keep track of who's doing what and when. I have four daughters and I also find planning my menu for the month ahead a great time saver. I make batches of meals that I can freeze in large plastic freezer bags like Irish Stew , Casseroles and Spagetti Bolognaise. I also fill out forms and put them back into the schoolbag straight away as I always forget them if I dont
I prepare the school lunches and put them in the fridge the night before and I set the table for breakfast along with cereal boxes so the kids can get started without me while I putting on my lipstick:)
I lay out the school uniform the night along with socks and underwear so they only have to reach out to the chest at the end of their bed.
Now and then I check to see if I have 'servent' tattood on my forehead.
I use a site called toodledo for planning things. It's great because it keeps sending you reminder to your email until you do something about it.
I also get up early in the morning to have some me time before they are awake. I drink my coffee as I surf the news and blogs and sites I follow and when they've all gone off to school I sit down and check to see if my legs have got any shorter from all my running around after them then I paint:0 For my sanity:)
Good luck with yours!!!"
Joy @ Joy Of Desserts
"Every week-end, cook twice as much as you need. Eat one now and freeze the other. They'll add up fast. Use those frozen dinners on busy weeknights when you are too tired to cook and would otherwise eat out. It will save you time, sanity, money, and you won't have to eat fast food or go out when you'd be better off relaxing at home."
Infinity Goods
"I have lots of tips and an organization page on my blog.
http://infinitygoods.wordpress.com
You might also like to visit Rocks in My Dryer's Works For Me Wednesday.
http://rocksinmydryer.net
She links to 100's of bloggers (like me!) with organization tips.
Thanks for the chance to win at one of my favorite stores."
Cris
"I use a good old fashioned spiral date book and pencil! Everyone's activities are written in there (erasable if necesary!), and I carry it with me everywhere!
Thanks for the generous offer!"
TheAngelForever
"To help ease tension at night we make out a weekly menu for dinners. So things are not hectic in the morning we make lunches at night."
jennwa
"Mine is not anything to new, but I do keep a calendar on the refrigerator to make sure I do not forget anything."
Barbara
"I don't have any children in school now. But I used to make lunches at night and put them in the refrigerator and make sure their clothes were put out for the morning. All the things they needed for the school day (papers, books, etc.) were in their bags ready to leave with them in the morning."
Samantha
"I keep a flat bin right inside the door. When my daughter comes home, she empties her backpack into it. When I have a minute, I go through all of the papers that have been sent home, and discard the junk."
Sarah N.
"I make sure their backpacks are packed the night before and get them to choose their clothes and lay them out. During the school year I really like to use my crockpot for dinner. Get it going early in the morning and then my afternoons are free when the kids get home. I make sure their homework gets done before dinner because after dinner all their energy is gone!
Thanks for a great giveaway!"
cdziuba
"We lay out the clothes for school the night before! Hope I win! Thanks for the GREAT giveaway!! cdziuba@aol.com"
Kristine
"my biggest organizing key is to stay on top of weekly meal plans and once-a-week shopping. Otherwise after school/naps things are CRAZY here and we don't have any idea what's for dinner. Thanks for entering me!"
Mom 2 To Boys
"My boys are not in school yet but I try to meal plan and then get the prep work done in the morning when my little's are the happiest."
"I have a MomAgenda and it has been a real lifesaver! Thanks for such an awesome giveaway!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com"
Yarni Gras!
"I set ALL clocks 10 minutes forward....just for crunch time! I also use a planner. I jot down anything I need in it, including dinner plans for 5 days worth."
Tammy
"One of the things we do to keep organized is that any unrefrigerated thing that will be used for breakfast the next morning gets set out before bed -- makes breakfast a snap!"
jes
"we just have a 2 year old, so there's no school prep for us, but growing up I remember one thing that always helped was having my lunch ready the day before. and my back pack for that matter. Then even when I was running late, I just had to grab my bag and go.
jes (at) beautyfromchaos (dot) com"
The Bayou Belles and Their Beau
"I'm actually in the process of remodeling a closet next to our garage entry door. I'm putting cubbies, coat hangers, and calendars in it to help keep my kids' school stuff all organized. Maybe it will help them not forget so much stuff next year.
Thanks for the chance to win."
Janet
"Just a little thing but it helps w/ my one little girl who will start kindergarten later this month: discuss the next morning & the next day's plans with her right before she goes to bed so she'll wake up knowing what's going to happen that day."
Jackie @ Our Moments Our Memories
"No kids in school yet for me, but one way I keep dinner organized and on time...I try to decide a week in advance what I'm making, so that I can pull meat out of the freezer or get it in the crockpot on time. If I wait until an hour before dinner, I am clueless as to what to make, and it ends up being a mess. I keep a list of my top 20 or 30 things to make, and then refer to that when I'm planning my menus."
Carrie
"I take care of paperwork as soon as they walk in the door! It either goes in the trash, gets signed and put back in there bags, or filed in the "to keep box". Then backpacks get hung in the laundry room on hooks and they are ready to go for the morning! Thanks for the chance to win!"
Susan
"We homeschool but one way to get us to stay on schedule is I plan a menu for the month. This way I know what I am cooking for dinner and i don't have to stand around and figure out what to make."
"I definitely need help in the "organization" department. BUT . . . using the assemble-your-own-meals places helps out a lot for quick, easy and nutritious dinners! Dream Dinners is great, and there's a locally-owned place nearby as well.
hawkins_lori at hotmail dot com"
Preppy Mama
"Since my little one is starting pre-school this fall I can't offer any back to school advice (but I will be sure to check back here daily for some)...one thing I have learned with getting dinner on the table is to prep stuff the night ahead and plan out several meals from the left overs of the night before. I grill lots of chicken breasts one night, eat our portions and the next night is chicken quesadillas...you get the picture.
Thanks for a cool giveaway!"
Deb
"The best organizational tool I used last year that was an absolute godsend was a closet organizer I got for each boy from Lillian Vernon. They are vertical compartments for each day of the week that hangs from the rail in the closet. After doing the weekly laundry, I'd set up each boys clothes for each day of the week and then each morning they could just go to the cubby and get out a clean and matched outfit. The rare weekends I forgot or didn't get to set up the clothing I paid for in that early morning rush to get out the door. This organizer makes the morning routine run very smoothly. Each compartment is big enough for jeans, tshirt, sweatshirt and shoes! It doesn't take up much room in the closet and is VERY sturdy. Highly recommended."
"Each of the kids has a certain spot
where they keep their backpacks. If anything else needs to go with them to school, it is also placed by their backback in this spot. I also make sure I go through their folders/backpack the night before and sign and return any notes/forms that I can quickly return. We also live by the monthly family calendar. On Sundays my husband and I review it to make sure all rides are covered all meetings/games attended by one of us, etc. Then each night we again check the calendar over for the next day's activities.
masurvey@sbcglobal.net"
"Honestly, I have to have a calendar handy in my purse and transfer it to the big home calendar too!! I must schedule!! Thanks...
stbaisch at yahoo dot com"
freetibet
"The closest we get to organized is keep moving in the morning. After breakfast go directly to brushing teeth and getting shoes on. We aren't great in the morning and can sometimes lose track of time (staring blankly at the wall) if we don't keep it going."
paula h
"I like to make up some extra meals to freeze for when things get busy. When I make a casserole, I double it and freeze one. It really saves time."
socialwork4kids
"Cook meals in advance and freeze them for the week. Use a planner...every day...to stay organized. Get the whole family involved in chores so that I don't feel like I'm missing out on time with them."
Jan Northenscold
"I keep all bills, tasks, etc. stored on the proper day in a day at a glance calendar. No more trying to remember when to do what. My calendar tells me what to do!"
Stephanie
"I think first you need a dry erase board calender so you can post the dinners and stuff you have to do, where you have to go. Take a peek at it in the mornings. Then I think a crockpot is a NECESSITY, its so easy to put a meal in there and go. And we all know its nice to come home to an appetizing dinner you didn't spend hours on. Of course I think and this is huge, for my girls everything is done the night before - clothes, shoes, socks, backpacks, lunches, all ready to go, with a plan for breakfast. :) I hope this helps? Maybe? And we all know this can all go exploding in our faces too with one unexpected thing."
Sarah
"My mom gave me great advice...get everything ready the night before."
Cheryl
"We try and have a set routine everyday when they get home from school I have an after school healthy snack ready. Then homework and folders."
imadramamama
"Well, my son is going into Kindergarten this year so "Back to School" is a new term around here! One thing my mom always did when I was growing up was making sure that my book bag was packed the night before so I could just pick it up and walk out the door."
bethany
"Have a basket at the back door for shoes-this is a huge issue at my house and the basket has helped keep all the shoes in one place."
~Rhen @yestheyareallmine
"We homeschool but organization is huge to us!! A good schedule and lots of notes help to keep things going. I have a shelf with a spot for each child. All of their schoolwork is kept there and within my reach!"
InnaC
"I lesson plan and if we're going somewhere, pack the bags the night before."
Alitheia
"I have 15 min. clutter control every day. Each member of the family picks an area of the house(can be their room, the kitchen, where ever) and sets the timer and works just on that area for fifteen minutes, no more no less. I've found if everyone is doing this, clutter disappears faster then it's created and that makes finding lost items or doing other tasks a great deal easier =)"
kagey10
"there is a morning schedule for the bathrooms and of course a nightly ritual of getting everyone ready for bed.
meal planning is important. and so is the calendar! the office calendar is our best friend and guide to all."
3cookieday
"I don't have a school age child yet, but I would have a hook for coats and backpacks and a bin for shoes/mittens/boots, etc. (like my mom did) by the door.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Julie"
Boomeyers
"I iron all clothes on Sunday and fold them in sets and put them in the kids closets, so all they have to do is reach in and have an outfit for the day. Thanks for a chance to win!"
CC
"Since my oldest is about to enter Kindergarten, I don't really know yet! But I'm guessing I'll do for him exactly what I do for me to get ready... get lunch ready the day before and get up early!"
ispeakbeanish
"My daughter is only 3 so we're not into gearing up for school yet. I do remember that my mom would always move us back into our school year bedtimes and wake up times a couple of weeks before school started. I'm sure this minimized the pain of getting up whiny children a little bit for her."
Leigh
"homework as soon as they get home. go through bags immediatley.
plan meals.
lay out clothes the night before.
day planners!"
Meredith A.
"Well I don't have kids in school yet, but my husband is in school! i help keep him organized by keeping up with our schedule... when new classes are starting, I update everything so he can glance at the calendar and know what is coming up!"
Sierra
"I put all my daughter's new school clothes on the opposite side of her closet (which we normally don't use much) so that it's kept separated and nice until she starts wearing them to schooL :)"
Lilith Silvermane
"I always do everything the night before. Packing kids bags, setting out shoes and backpacks, even getting my own items ready and on the kitchen table (sometimes putting certain items in the car the night before) so I didn't have to worry about it in the morning."
jsc123
"An individual letter box with each chids name on it is a great help. that way each childs homework, papers that need signing, permission slips etc are easily located and even easier to keep up with.
Thank you so very much for offering this wonderful giveaway !
I would LOVE to win !!"
"To get up at least 30 minutes before anyone else so that you can have those few minutes for yourself before the day starts. Makes a world of difference."
The Mom
"We start school in 3 weeks and have been staying up late all summer. Next week we'll start going to bed earlier and earlier to get into the groove. It takes a while to get back into bedtime/waketime mode for school, just need a slow transition."
Lydia
"A day planner with to do lists for every day is a must!"
Michele
"It helps us to have a flexible dinner list...then to also have a grocery list to go along with that. It's also easier if lunch is premade the night before...and if the next day's clothes are ready to wear.
And most importantly we have a calendar with everyone's daily/monthly schedules on it. That way everyone knows where you are!"
Matthew and Rhonda
"we homeschool, and one thing i try hard to do is keep a routine...it makes everyone so much happier when they know what to expect."
Mrs. Bubba
"I have a specific plastic tote in which I put all school supplies. My 13-year-old has to take in the bulk of his supplies on the first day. I always buy extra at the super low before school prices and those are kept in the same tote. During the school year we have one specific place to go to for school supplies and for the next school year we know what we have and what we need to buy.
Thanks for the giveaway!"
sandyuu
"i used to be so organized, now I still try to keep it together and not sweat if its together its ok, even if its a pile"
Jenny
"My husband is the one in school, finishing up his BS in Comp Sci. He sometimes has trouble finding time to do homework so I always ask him if he's found time to study. He normally does it at work. I also encourage him to get into a study group because he's had awesome results with that! It's so much easier for him to concentrate outside of our house, without the baby running around shouting "Dah-day! Dah-day!" I also do his laundry."
"I do the "usual" plan weekly menus, we have a color coded schedule we follow, seperate baskets for each child. But the thing I've started doing that helps me the most? I have a dry erase board on my kitchen wall beside our calendar/schedule and each night I write out the detailed things I want to accomplish the next day with the child's name next to the assigned task. Sometimes it's as simple as sharpen pencils or as difficult as scrub the toilet, but it keeps us going AND it's a great feeling as the day progresses (homeschooing 5 children) to see all the checkmarks as we finish the tasks for the day. jfjamie@adelphia.net"
mommomto2pumpkins
"the minute my school girl gets in the car i go thru her folder while i wait for us to be dismissed to leave the aprking lot! i do a quick skim so i know waht homework she has to do and what stuff i have to read. then after snack time she does her homework and i read and sign the stuff i have to and it goes right back into her backpack so its ready to go for the next day!
i also cook up all my meat when i get home from the big grocery trip so half of the meal is done (i just freeze the ground turkey into 1/2 c servings so i defrost hw ever many i think i need) i just have to defrost it and assemble it into what ever meal i want:"
"I keep a master calendar in the kitchen, and a smaller calendar in my purse. This keeps me in the know at all times!"
talesandtrials
"Well I don't have any school age kids but that doesn't mean I'm not organized. I prep everything the night before so we can head out in the morning with out a hitch. I make sure the diaper bag is loaded with snacks and diapers. I also fill up the juice cups at night and keep them in the fridge."
Deborah
"please enter me! no kids yet, but i'm always perusing online to find recipes easy to make so i can prepare in advance and then just pop in oven or microwave for dinner"
CityStreams
"My kiddo is only ten months old, so she doesn't have to do homework yet! When we get home after school (I'm a teacher), she goes down for her evening nap. That's when I make dinner and pick the house up before Hubs gets home.
One thing I try to teach my students though, is to take a short break after school and then do your homework BEFORE dinner. That way you ca enjoy the evening. I think most of my kids do their homework in the period before it's due. Procrastinators!
Pick me!!!"
ariyana9501
"I make a dinner calendar, that way, I know what I'm shopping for, and I know what I'm cooking. There's no, "Mom, I'm hungry...what's for dinner?!" going on, since we already know!"
Terri
"Well...my children are not in school just yet. but being a SAHM I still need to stay organized.
...I have my oldest son (almost 3) help me tidy up his toys before nap. This teaches him to clean up and also then I don't spend my time cleaning up his toys while he is napping.
psst We LOVE Target!!!"
leigh
"i try to map out the week's activities ahead of time and also plan meals and have as many made ahead of time as possible."
Michelle
"You HAVE to make a family binder! It makes our house of six run smoothly - no papers laying around, everything where you need it and anyone can find what they are looking for!
See it in detail here:
http://tinyurl.com/5phoe5"
aahcoffee
"I lay out my daughter's clothes the night before, and I send her forms back the very next day. And I keep her library book in her backpack, so it is never lost. :)
julie_ruhlman(at)hotmail(dot)com"
"My daughter starts kindergarten in a couple weeks so we are going to pick out clothes the night before and decide at the beginning of the week what days she will take a lunch from home and what days she'll eat at school."
School days are returning and who wouldn't love some money to put towards their children's school supplies? I am excited to participate again in the Bloggy Giveaways and would like to offer up a $25 Target Gift Card to one lucky winner!
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