the creative mama » your haven

Guest Room Welcome Basket

Bree — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:25 +0000

We tend to have a lot of house guests, which I love. I love opening up my home to guests, and making them feel comfortable and welcome. When someone is staying in my home, I want them to feel like it is their home as well. I want them to help themselves to the fridge, cuddle up on the couch, and enjoy the time that they spend with us. I don’t want them to have to think about anything.

My mom was just here for the long weekend, and I thought that I would share my guest room welcome basket. I really don’t like when I am staying at someone’s house and bugging them when I forgot my toothbrush or need some Tylenol for a headache. I was staying at my friend Hillory’s house years ago, and she had a basket of sample-sized toiletries, toothbrushes, and lots of other thoughtful things that a guest might need. I thought that it was so welcoming, that I went home and created my own basket.

Here are some of the things that I include:

toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss
shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, hair detangler, ponytail holders, bobby pins, dry shampoo
face wash, makeup remover wipes, facial lotion, facial scrub
contact solution, Visine
Tylenol, Motrin, Advil
body wash, body lotion, baby powder
pads and tampons
Downy Wrinkle Releaser
mini first aid kit
chapstick

I also like to leave fluffy towels, a few magazines, and book that I think my guest might enjoy on the bed. My mom loves Good and Plenty, so I left a box of those on the bed for her too.

The final touches, fresh flowers and a delicious smelling candle. When my guest leaves, I look through the basket and make a note of what needs to be replaced. Usually a quick run through the sample aisle in Target take care of it. My mom told me that staying at my house feels like staying at the Ritz-Carlton, I was flattered that she felt so comfortable.

Creating An Organizing Schedule

Marci — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:26 +0000

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Here is a previous organizing idea from The Creative Mama

The beginning of a new year always gets me in the mood to organize. The idea of clean and orderly are so appealing after the chaos that is the holiday season. Each January, I want to work through my house organizing everything from the kitchen cabinets to my make-up drawer. The only problem is that my enthusiasm can get me in over my head. I can either get so into organizing that I don’t have time for anything else or I dive in and get burned out. Can anyone relate?

A little trick I’ve learned along the way to make sure I get my organizing projects completed and keep my sanity is….scheduling. Just like any other event or responsibility, putting it on the schedule makes sure it actually happens and that it doesn’t interfere with other activities going on in our lives.

How An Organizing Schedule Works

Make list of projects or areas that you want to organize
Prioritize the list
Decide where your most important project will fit in your schedule. For instance, let’s say you want to tackle your kitchen cabinets first. Schedule an afternoon to finish the project. If you don’t have an entire afternoon to devote,schedule a little time each day over a week or two. Do a shelf or cabinet a day. You’ll get an organized kitchen and keep your sanity!
Don’t schedule more than a couple weeks out. Things will happen in life that will be more important than organizing.
Work through your list and enjoy the results!

How about you? Are you in the mood to get organized? What project will you start first?

Nesting

Stacey Woods — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:00:29 +0000

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nesting — n

“Nesting… is commonly characterized by a strong urge to clean and organize one’s home and is one reason why couples who are expecting a baby often reorganize, arrange, and clean the house and surroundings.” ~ Wikipedia

via Pinterest

Yes, amidst all the back to school shopping and organizing we’ve been doing around our home (I still can’t believe he’ll be a 2nd grader!), we are also organizing and preparing for another little darling to grace us with her presence. I’m 37 weeks pregnant, and I feel the nesting instinct swinging into full gear now. Even though this isn’t our first baby, we still had some major preparing to do. Of course, I am reusing as many things as I possibly can, repurposing and “shopping the house”, thinking of ways we can save space (and money when we can), and actually handcrafting many items myself.

Today I thought I’d share a few of my organizing tips and tricks if you are nesting as well, or soon will be. You can also use these as general de-cluttering and reorganizing guidelines for other areas of your home… not just the baby’s room. (For instance, my son’s desk and study area will be “nested” this coming week in preparation for school starting back!)

via Pinterest

BABY GEAR

Do a little inventory. What do you have? What do you (truly) need? What would be nice, or beautiful, or fun? Ask your friends, shop your house, and see if you can repurpose that dresser into a changing table instead of buying a new piece. Be practical and realistic regarding available space, your budget, and do differentiate the “must-haves” vs. “would-be-nice-to-haves”. Styleberry’s Baby List is a fabulous resource and a great starting point for this. Thanks, Shawna!
Make your lists. Organize them however you see fit. For example, I’ve got a list of DIY projects that I’d like to complete for our little one (sewing slipcovers for her cradle bumpers, making some pretty little receiving blankets and burp cloths, and creating a few art prints). I also have a list of must-dos such as installing the new car seat and rearranging our bedroom to accommodate a cradle and nursing chair. I use my Things app on my desktop for various projects, errands and lots more (see my own Things screenshot below) and then I sync them all to my iPhone. This way, I always have my tasks and shopping lists handy when I’m out and about! And if I assign a project or task a particular due date, I’ll also get a little reminder on my phone that it’s still unfinished. Keeps me on my toes. And I LOVE the thrill of checking things off my lists!

Register for what you don’t have. Yes, register, even if you’re not having a baby shower. Even if you don’t share it with anyone. You see, if you don’t get everything purchased by your baby’s due date (or even during your last months of pregnancy), often you’ll receive a “registry-completion discount” for items you wait to buy at the last minute. Amazon is a great place to register, as well as the more commonly known baby stores and boutiques.
Shop around online. Grab coupon codes when you can, utilize price matching and free shipping. It does your cankles no good to tromp around big box stores for hours on end. Do your circulatory system a favor and order what you can from your laptop… while your feet are up!

via Pinterest

BABY’S ROOM PREP

Buy this book: Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider. It’s filled with cleaning and simplifying tips, and really gets you in the mood to start clearing the clutter away. It’s an invaluable resource that I’ve relied on several times, and Tsh does not disappoint! She even includes lists and charts to get you started. Love. That.
Gather your cleaning supplies. Delegate, spread out your job over a month’s time, or just hire the deep cleaning done if your budget allows.
Start from scratch. Empty the baby’s room as best you can. Take it all out, clean the walls, baseboards, floors, etc. then put back only what you love and what will work for your family during this time.
Get rid of the rest. Sell it. Give it away. Just get rid of that clutter. You won’t miss it, I promise. Host a garage sale, drop off your donations to your favorite charities, or give your goodies to friends. Karma is a wonderful thing.
Paint. If you decide to paint your baby’s room, please use no-VOC or low-VOC paint whenever possible. Always open windows and doors, and use a fan if you have one. Or… maybe you can just get Daddy to do it for you. :)
Enlist help! You can’t do this alone, you shouldn’t do it alone, and you’re gonna be too tired to do it alone. I flew my extremely organized sister down a couple of months ago to help me paint, rearrange and organize my house. She got a fun trip to the beach… I got an organized house. Win-win!
Organize what’s left. Like goes with like. Hang up what you can if you have the closet space, but fold those everyday onesies and keep them within reach at the changing table. Use closet-organizing systems to make the most of your storage. Use pretty baskets or bins to contain all those tiny things. Plan your area as if you were planning your kitchen… create zones and make it efficient! You’re going to be spending a lot of time in there, and you want those middle-of-the-night diaper changes to be as seamless as possible on two hours’ worth of sleep.

via Pinterest

Now, add some fun / pretty stuff. Okay, so it doesn’t have to be 100% utilitarian in your little one’s space. You want it to be beautiful, comfortable, cozy, and relaxing (or stimulating) in your baby’s room. Browse Pinterest for ideas, and add unique touches that personalize your baby’s first views of her little world.

via Pinterest

A FEW ORGANIZATION TIPS

Schedule it. I utilize Apple’s iCal for prenatal appointments, shopping trips, projects and responsibilities (or you could use Google Calendar if you like). I can color-code my different roles and responsibilities to make things easier to remember. For instance, my photography business appointments are green, TCM is aqua, prenatal appointments are pink, kids’ activities are purple, school events are orange, etc. Share a specific calendar with your husband or business partner if you like. Sync them all to your phone. You can even set alerts and alarms on your desktop and phone, so you won’t forget an appointment. An organized mama = a happier mama!

Get your family on board. If you already have little ones at home, their lives are going to change soon, and irreversibly so. You’re going to ~~want~~ need your household to run smoothly for you while you all adjust to having a newborn in the house. A few months ago I downloaded Kelli France’s BonjOrganization Guide, and put my kids on her Worst First Routine. It’s been such a life-saver for us, and I don’t have to nag anymore to get my kids to help out. My three-year-old can pull up her own blanket and put her dolls back on the bed, and help me set the table. My seven-year-old feeds his various pets, makes his own bed, and other age-appropriate chores. Even Daddy and I have our short lists to check off every morning. The best part is that you’ll likely feel more peaceful and more settled if you can come home to a clean and tidy house every evening. And peace is more than necessary during pregnancy, if you ask me.
Think functional, then beautiful. If it’s pretty… but not useful, then it’s just clutter. Out it must go. Be ruthless.
Don’t do too much on your own. Most importantly, remember that you’re growing a little life within you… you need to take lots of breaks and split up your nesting projects over time. You’re a wonderful, amazing mama, not Superwoman. No one expects you to do it all, except you. Let that go.

Now, pour yourself a cup of red raspberry leaf tea, take a prenatal vitamin and put your feet up… and admire your beautiful nest.

via Pinterest

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR ORGANIZING YOUR HOME? DO YOU HAVE ANY “NESTING” ADVICE OF YOUR OWN? PLEASE SHARE WITH US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

Bedside Reading Baskets

Marci — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:34 +0000

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No matter what time I go to bed, I have to read – at least for a little while. I usually have a couple books going on at the same time. Sometimes, I have a little crochet project going on as well. Instead of cluttering up my bedside table or just having a pile on the floor, I keep everything together in this basket.

I, also, stash a couple notebooks and pens in the basket to write down notes, inspiration or the next day’s to-do list.

My daughter has inherited my “need to read” gene and has her own basket.

Do you read before bed? Are you a bedtime note-taker? In-bed knitter? Where do you keep your stuff?

Marci Goodwin

Marci has a passion for helping people get the busyness and clutter out of their lives so that they can slow down and enjoy what is really important. She is proud mama to an 10 year old daughter and a 6 year old son. Head over to Marci’s blog Overcoming Busy to read more about how she cuts the clutter and gets organized!

Creative Photo Displays

Marci — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:00:11 +0000

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This month, The Creative Mama will feature the always popular Creative Photographer series. If you are even slightly interested in photography, you won’t want to miss it. Since I am probably the only member of the TCM writing team who can’t even work a point and shoot, I’ll let the others wow you with their photography knowledge and skill. I’ll stick to what I know.

Right now, I am on the look out for creative ways to display snapshots and photos (generally that others have taken) in a way that is not cluttered and that looks fresh. Here are a few of my inspirational finds.

I love the re-purposed forks and crib springs being used in these photo displays.

These are all great ideas that any of us could use in our homes. I could see changing the ribbon color and photos with the seasons. I could imagine old family photos looking perfect in the rustic frame. The blocks and the accordion books could be themed for babies, holidays, vacations and left on the coffee table for everyone to enjoy.

Have any creative photo display ideas to share?

Fork Photo Holder – The Shabby Chic Cottage
Crib Spring Photo Display – My Blessed Nest
Ribbon Photo Display – Style Me Pretty
Rustic Frame – Talia Christine
Photo Blocks – Innervision -Etsy
Accordion Photo Book – Jenna B Designs – Etsy

Marci Goodwin

Staying Creative

Deb — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:52:01 +0000

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A few weeks ago, I came across this list, which I loved and then I came across this video, adapted from the original list.

So, a few days ago I was inspired to make my own list of simple ways to stay creative (adapted from above), which I keep pinned on my inspiration / treasure board, right next to my desk.

WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE

DO WHAT YOU LOVE
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
READ BOOKS
CARRY A NOTEBOOK AND PEN EVERYWHERE
STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER
QUIT BEATING YOURSELF UP
TAKE BREAKS
JOURNAL YOUR THOUGHTS
PLAY
LISTEN TO MUSIC
BE OPEN
WORK HARD
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH CREATIVE PEOPLE
BE INSPIRED BY OTHERS (NOT DISCOURAGED)
COLLABORATE
GET FEEDBACK
DON’T GIVE UP
DRAW FREELY
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE
TRY SOMETHING NEW
ALLOW YOURSELF TO MAKES MISTAKES
GO SOMEWHERE NEW
EXERCISE
DANCE LIKE NO ONE’S WATCHING
WATCH FOREIGN FILMS
LAUGH MORE
WORRY LESS
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
TAKE BREAKS
GET LOTS OF REST
TAKE RISKS
CHALLENGE YOURSELF
GIVE BACK
break the rules
DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
DON’T FORCE IT
HAVE A SOLID FOUNDATION
STOP TRYING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE
CLEAN YOUR WORKSPACE
HAVE FUN
FINISH SOMETHING
BREATHE
BE GRATEFUL

Being creative day after day is not always easy. And as we all have probably experienced at one time or another (or maybe even many times), there are the dreaded funks. I hope that the above list of ways to stay creative will help you get through those funky kind of days…or that you will inspire you to make your own ways to stay creative list.

What are some of the things you do to stay creative?

After graduating college, Deb Schwedhelm spent 10 years as a Registered Nurse in the Air Force. It wasn’t until she left the military that her career as a photographer began. In 2006, Deb decided to pursue her dream — she purchased a DSLR camera, began teaching herself photography and never looked back. Whether commissioned portrait sessions, commercial assignments or her ongoing personal projects, Deb always remains true to herself and her artistic vision. Deb is married to a U.S. Naval Officer and is the mother to three incredible children, who are often the subjects of her photographic work. She is currently based in Tampa, Florida. Her work can be viewed on her website, and her inspirational photoblog can be found here as well.

Simple and cheap DIY party decor:

Jessica — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:00:19 +0000

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Earlier this year we had a little luncheon to celebrate the finalization of our daughter’s adoption. It truly was a simple luncheon with simple food, lots of sweet friends and of course, yummy champagne in order to toast the celebration!

I did just a few things to give our house a party feel that didn’t take too long (although I may have spent more time than necessary perfecting the details. It was, after all, a very important day for us) and most definitely didn’t cost much money.

With Easter approaching and the inevitable hosting that many of us will do I thought I’d share bits and pieces of what I did in case any of you are looking for ideas to liven up your table.

The key ingredients to my decor were some wildflowers from our local Kroger and fabric, some I had on hand, other bits I purchased from our local fabric store. The runner is simply 3 yards of a fabric I spotted and loved. I did nothing to it, but lay it across the table. I didn’t even go as far as to iron it. And, when food got spilled on it I was able to toss it in the wash and then store it away for a future sewing project.

I spent about $20 on various bunches of wildflowers. Due to impending snow storms I bought the flowers a few days earlier and they began to droop by the time the luncheon started. It made no difference to the purpose and value of the day, but if possible, buy the flowers the day of.

I had miscellaneous jars and vases around our house that I simply covered in scraps of fabric, securing with a bit of double sided tape (if unable to tie). There was no rhyme or reason to how I did it and somehow it all just worked. I think that’s the beauty of just collecting a bunch of things you love and making something out of nothing. It always seems to just work.

I filled in extra space on the table with odds and ends we have around our house. This included a little metal nest with three eggs. So fitting!

The water carafe is something I have a few of. I bought them at Ikea at only $3.99 each. They are the best! I simply fill them with water, add a little bit of cucumber, mint, lemon rinds, even a cinnamon stick at Christmas time or whatever else I may have on hand and place them in the refrigerator. Once we’re ready to sit down I set them out and cold water is readily available for anyone who needs a refill.

Glass carafes can be found here at Ikea or here at Sur la Table.

One of my favorite pastimes is wandering around antique stores. So many are filled with non-antiques and instead just bits and pieces that can be found in stores like Anthropologie, Sundance or Pottery Barn, but for much much more. The recycled glass and wire basket were both found at a local antique store. I got all 5 recycled glass vases for $12 and the wire basket for only $7. I lined the basket with a cute towel from Anthropologie (which of course cost as much as the vases and basket put together!) to keep bread warm.

Fine china with everyday silverware? Why sure! I tied the fork and spoon together using a bit of twine.

Lastly, I had a piece of foam board I painted with chalkboard paint. (the images framing the quote are random iPhone pics I had taken of Charley from the moment she was born to the week of her luncheon). Side note: the chalkboard paint made the foam board warp which ended up working out because I was able to set it on the buffet table and not worry about it falling. If I was wanting to hang the sign I would have used some type of thin plywood.

Oh, and the little sign hanging from the lamp …

A little sign I have hanging near my sewing table. It normally reads “love who you are,” but I changed it up a bit for the party. An old frame framing a piece of foam board that has a piece of scrapbook paper modge podged to it. Then, a small piece of cardboard nailed to it. Leftover fabric is nailed to the back in order for it to be hung. A 10-minute project I did one lazy afternoon (pre-baby, of course; lazy afternoons died when she was born, ha!).

And, that’s that! Have any quick and easy party ideas? What about other party ideas you’ve seen elsewhere on the internet? Please link us up! We’d love to see.

Jessica Cudzilo

Jessica is a full-time lifestyle photographer mainly focusing on families and children. In her free time she loves uninterrupted family time, a good memoir, is a sucker for reality TV, loves DIY projects and is addicted to traveling the world. Find her at 503 Photography and browse through her blog to get a peek into the girl behind the lens!