Our Workboxes

This is how we have adapted Sue Patrick's Workbox concept to fit our needs. Since we do not have the space for her exact design, I decided to use these plastic file boxes. I put hanging file folders in them marked with the days of the week, & then in each file folder I put that days assignments, activities & a few surprises.

 
I really like this whole concept because the kids can work independently while I am working with the other. Also to avoid interruption, I printed these "Help Please" cards so that if they need help with something they just place the help card on top of their work & leave it stacked & I can go back & help them when I am done working with the other child.
I got these great exercise cards at Spell Outloud 

I interspersed these exercise cards throughout their workday folders & also added surprises like a fun game, or a yummy snack.

New Free Online Chore Chart!

We had been using Accountable Kids which is a great program. However, I stumbled upon this free chore website & it is AWESOME! You can sign up all your kids individually & assign them daily, weekly, monthly chores & it keeps them all organized for you! PLUS it keeps track of points they earn & the points can be used toward free things like tv time or an Amazon wish list that they can create & earn points toward prizes they would like. Then when they have reached the set amount of points you have set up for each reward item, it lets you know & then you can purchase a prize for them on Amazon. I think this will be a lot easier to use & more motivating for them, since they can see what they want to save their points for. Here is a picture of what it looks like online.

Watch this video for more:

My Job Chart Video

To sign-up for a free account go here:

http://www.myjobchart.com/

My girls are doing their chores as we speak! This is totally awesome! :)

Laundry Organization

I love sharing solutions that have helped me to organize better! I used to have piles in my laundry room & it was never organized. I would walk into the garage overwhelmed by the enormous task in front of me, until... my helpful hubby came up with a way to organize it all! He went to Home Depot & bought a shelving unit & baskets. Then, I found these PERFECT labels for the baskets & it has not only changed the look of the laundry area, but how I feel when I walk in there & how I do laundry. I printed these labels BHG laundry labels 
cut them out & then put clear contact paper on them. Aren't they cute?
Happy Laundering:)

N's first 2-wheel ride!:)

Look-no training wheels! I am SO excited for my girl!:)

Fresh Shrimp & Vegetable Spring Rolls with Thai style dipping sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup finely sliced green onion
• 1 avocado diced
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 package thin rice paper wrappers
• shrimp

Cook shrimp (I used coconut oil to cook mine in & it gave it a really great flavor).
After chopping all veggies, make Thai sauce.


Thai Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soyaki
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon hot sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp agave nectar
• dash of red pepper
• salt to taste
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped

Wisk together. Then, wet rice paper wrapper with water, fill with desired veggies & wrap. Dip in sauce & eat! Yum!:)

The Artistic Side-on a budget!

 This is a necklace/scarf I made out of a t-shirt. You take your shirt, lay it flat down (front facing you). Starting at the bottom of the shirt you cut strips (they will look like circles when you hold them up). I cut about 10-15, but you can do as many as you want to get the look you want. Then once you have cut out all your strips, take your flat hand & roll the material to make it curl up (see picture above). Then tie off the back & strut your cute new look:)

I bought this canvas & it had just the background squares painted on it. I always felt like there was something missing, so I decided to add to it after I was inspired by an amazing speaker at a women's retreat. Since red is one of the colors in my dining/living room, I thought painting this huge heart would be perfect. It symbolizes God's love for the world. Then I painted the world & the scripture verse John 3:16.
Taking a painting that you already own & just adding to it with some of the colors in your house is a great way to decorate your space on a budget:)