Creative Mom Cafe

OK…so how sick are you of running around like a chicken with her head cut off each morning making sure one child has her instrument, the other has his inhaler and the third at least has pants on before you run out the door to the bus stop?!

This idea for a Creative Placemat solves your problem! Simply make your own placemat that highlights what needs to be done and what needs to be grabbed before heading out the door.

For little ones, I would suggest finding pictures/clip art of items instead of using words they can’t read.

For older ones, who think placemats are for babies, I would suggest a large chart near the coat rack or the shoe rack.

A little attention-getting goes a long way and makes mom more relaxed so the guilt doesn’t arrive as the bus pulls away!

OK…you don’t have to tell me twice to dive head-long into the cheesy goodness of pepperoni slathered with greasy, melted cheese!!

But organizing with pizza?? C’mon!

Well, here at the CAFE, anytime we get the chance to have a reason to EAT…we do it! And we do it well!!

A large pizza box is a great way to save the odd-shaped art projects, the spelling tests and math homework and all the other goodies that form gluttonous piles all around your house this time of year!

Although, I don’t have a picture for you yet…the steps are easy.

1-Line the bottom of the box with contact paper (sticky-side down, obviously) - this will keep the pizza grease that you didn’t lick up from harming her papers.

2-Start piling.

You could go farther if you wish, you know I would…

Use the old duo-tang folders with the metal bendy tabs for whole punched paper ad organize WITHIN your box. Have a spelling folder, math, science, etc and punch holes in the papers you want to save. Odd-sized work can just be placed in the box without a folder.

While it is fresh in your mind, staple a comment card to some of the most poignant pieces. A 3 x 5 index card is perfect. Jot down a comment about the work - something you want to remember.

Clearly mark the exterior with child’s name, grade and year.
These should store nicely on a shelf in a closet or in the space between your fridge and the wall.

Start now, it will be easier!