Can you tell I've been trying to organize and simplify everything? That is one of my goals this year-I am pretty scatterbrained and often forget and loose most things. I like to be organized and have a plan but I hate feeling like I have to do something at a certain time. This means I really struggle with schedules. Being a stay at home mom really is ideal for me. We spend most of our time home doing what we want when we want. However there are something like bills, cleaning, cooking, etc that need to be done. I love lists and calenders but back to the scatterbrain part-I have piles of stuff everywhere-thinking I am being organized but really can't find anything when I need it (those lovely lists are often lost within an hour). So here is my latest project to help me organize things a bit easier. I am just starting it so I am really hoping it works!
I have this plain filing box (I should probably decorate it). Inside I have 31 files-labeled 1-31 one for each day of the month. I am putting everything I need to do in the file that cordinates for that day-for example any bill that need to be paid (check written and in envelope), appointment cards, recipe for dinner, preschool activities, etc. I also move my daily cleaning list to the next folder each night. That way everything is in place for the day and I know what I need to get done. No more loosing my preschool activities (I plan and prepare most of them the weekend before), searching for my recipes, or any of my bills!
Here's an example of what was in today's file
I have a file behind my daily ones to hold anything that needs to be filed in the daily folders the next month. My file box also holds coupons, projects like my family history, embroidery patterns, my journal, homemaking and parenting ideas I like, and pretty much anything I want to save but doesn't need a separate binder.
I decided to take this one step further. I have a small dish drying basket that we don't use so I turned it into a file holder. I am putting my current week's files in it. It also has space to add anything to bulky to fit in a folder that I might need that week (mostly applies to preschool stuff and craft projects). It also fits my organization binder and planner. I love that it is sitting on my desk, everything together and a great reminder to look at it. 
I have turned this little black frame into a holiday/seasonal piece. Its been so fun switching it out for the different holidays (
Shabby princess Festival
Can I just say this was a tough project for me. I don't have much experience sewing clothes (let alone really sewing-I am just teaching my self as I go). I've never sewed on stretchy fabric and often avoid the zigzag stitch when I can. I tried four different ways to make the arm sleeves and each one (but the last) ended up with me ripping out the seams (with out a seam ripper-I really need one of those). Overall I'm glad I did it and LOVE how it turned out. Jessica's tutorial sure helped me out (I remembered it half way through and so grateful I did). I can see many more clothing refashions and children's clothing in the future (probably with a pattern though).
