Affordable Kitchen Message Centers

Weekly Features Highlights: Virtual Cookbook Harvesting Vegetables Sassy Salsas Bushels of Beans Easy Snacks for Busy Kids Back to School Breakfasts - Quick and Easy Beating the Breakfast Rush Hour Lunch Smiles Ask The WebChef Freebies and Fun Stuff by Rachel Webb "I know it's here somewhere"...If this sentence is used frequently in your home, may I suggest a new method of organization may be in order? If you think your current organizational method is working well for you think about this. As a general rule, important documents necessary to keep the home running smoothly should be easily located within 2 minutes or less. So how can you keep your family organized and running smoothly? If your household is like mine, Mom seems to be the only one in the family who ever knows what is going on. This is the first thing you should change. Don't expect the change to occur overnight but having an organized schedule of events located in a central center will definitely help. Most professional organizers advise utilizing a message enter located in the kitchen and I agree. Why the kitchen? In the majority of households family activities, decision making and telephone scheduling all take place in the kitchen. Here are some ideas on creating an affordable message center to start getting your family organized. Three Ring Binder Method Purchase a large binder and packet of monthly section separators at your office supply store. Next, copy a separate calendar for each month of the year. Each month as paperwork comes into the home make your binder the end of the paper trail. Hole punch and file anything and everything that has to do with managing the home. Some suggestions of what to include for each child include: School calendars, dance class schedules, car pool arrangements and drivers phone numbers. Add a list of babysitters names and phone numbers too. Your binder can also serve double duty by adding a meal planning and preparation section that can include a copy of your basic grocery list. Large Magnetic Fridge Calendar A large fride calendar can also provide easy access to your families calendar of events, menu planning and emergency numbers. They are economical too because they are easy to write-on/wipe-off and are used year after year. Most magnetic calendars differ in two areas. The markers they use and how they are attached to your hanging surface. Why should the market type matter? If you have young children I definitely recommend finding a product that used WET erase pens. My toddler found a dry erase marker and I still have his "pretty" pictures on my entire oak dining room set as a permanent reminder of the experience! Wet erase markers are "non-toxic and water soluble" two phrases that bring instant relief to a mothers ears. The attachment method can include strips of magnet, completely magnetic, Velcro or nails are sometimes required. Completely magnetic calendars are made of heavy duty flexible magnetic sheeting and in my book receive a higher recommendation because they will not slide off when the kids slam the fridge door! Most calendars will include a Velcro attached pen or you can use "vel-coins" and attach your pen to save yourself from always searching for something to write with. Here is a tip if you want the option of color coding each child's activities: Wet erase pens A.K.A "Overhead Projector Pens" and they generally come in 4 colors. Purchase a different color for each child's activities. This tip works great if you homeschool or are using the calendar as a job chart too. No matter what method of organization you use, try "Scheduling Family First". About the Author: Author Rachel Webb designs magnetic fridge calendars for other busy moms - Available in 5 decorative styles! Visit: http://www.Note-Ables.com or Rachel@Note-Ables.com for a $2 off Coupon! Mail this article to a friend (or yourself) You will be returned to this page after your mail has been sent. Your email address Your Name To email address