v 1 issue 19: Room Revamp

Looking to spice up your kids room? Now that your child is getting older it is time to revamp. We have included something for all tastes that cover decor and storage.


Cover by Marianne Marshall





Revamping made easy

1 These Mini Mighty Magnetic Strip’s found at the Container Store are a great way to jazz up your kid’s room. Perfect for displaying photos or your child’s art. $4.99, Containerstore.com.
2 Safe for babies, functional for tots & stylish for kids. Loom Pop Bins are made of 100% natural canvas with sturdy handles for durability that lasts. Internal coil supports keep bins upright for easy storage and strapping helps to hold them together for compact storage when not in use.
3 Looking for a little inspiration for your revamped room design? Switchplates with an urban flair, available at www.alamodestuff.com, may be just what you're looking for. With an array of styles to choose from in either single, double or triple switch plates, you can cost effectively add just the right touch at only $10.00- $14.00.
4 Studio Luka has created easy to apply modern wall art that is self-adhesive and can to applied to any flat surface. With these vinyl adhesive stickers you don’t have to commit to expensive wall designs…these can easily be removed. $84.95 at TheSillyWagon.com.
5 The Calypso Toy Trolley is a great space-saver for organizing toys, crafts and more. $24.99, Containerstore.com.
6 Now that your child is growing up he is ready to get a big kid alarm clock. Clocky is an alarm clock that runs away and hides to get you up out of bed all while beeping. Clocky is also a great gift for adult kids as well! $50 at Uncommongoods.com.
7 Bring any wall to life with these beautiful hand-cut wall animals created from vintage and reprinted wallpapers by Inke Heiland. Each animal is available in several prints. Choose from a lion, elephant, chimp, ostrige or even a wallpaper tree. $100 at Rompstore.com.


Get your kids organized
If the mess is so overwhelming to you that you feel you cant even tackle the problem anymore it is time to get your kids involved. Depending on their age and abilities your child should be able to assist you each day with a few chores. Before you know it, you will be well on your way to keeping an organized home.
We have listed chores that your kids should be able to help with:
1 Make the bed every day! Even your 2 year old can help you do this (though they wont do a great job they will learn that making the bed each day is part of their routine which will help you when they are older).
2 If you do one load of laundry a day it wont become so overwhelming on the weekends. Have your older child help separate the laundry by colors.
3 Kitchen cleanup. Kids as young as 4 should be able to scrape their plate and put it on the counter.
4 Clean up the living room each evening prior to bed time. Make the kids pick up their toys and put them in their rooms prior to heading to bed.
5 Start a nighttime routine for your family. Include in this time picking up the house of their toys and clothes, putting their dirty clothes in the laundry and setting out their clothes for the next day.
6 Set a clean up time in the evening when everyone picks up their space. Show your kids exactly how you want their room picked up…label bins with photos so that your kids know what should go in them (or words for older kids who can read).
7 Reduce plastic toy buildup. When going through fast food drive-thru’s ask them not to include they toy. For birthdays and holidays ask for gift certificates to activities instead of toys.
8 Stuffed animals must go! They not only can cause health problems due to buildup of dander and more but they cause massive clutter chaos. For those favorite stuffed animals consider a hammock for them up near the ceiling or Boon’s stuffed animal holder is a great ‘pillow’ that keeps them contained.
9 Purchase a rolling under bed basket/bin. This will make pick-up easy for the kids and easy on your eyes!
10 Consider investing in a ‘do it yourself’ custom closet like those from Easy Closets. They make storage of clothes, toys, books, movies, games and stuffed animals easy and look fantastic!


This week's mom tips

Cleaning Tip:
To remove water spots on stainless steel, rub area with a clean, soft cloth dampened with white vinegar. Then wipe dry to avoid spots.

Time Saving Tip:
No time to read? Find the book you want to read on tape and listen in the car, while cleaning the house or walking. Save money by borrowing audio books from your local library.

Financial Tip:
More than 20 percent of 401(k) plan participants don't invest enough to get the maximum company matching contribution. How much you have to invest to get the employer match and how much your employer will match varies. Ask your HR department or the plan administrator how much you need to invest to get the maximum company match. Then change your contribution level to qualify for this incredible benefit. If your spouse has a better policy, consider putting more money in their 401 (k) plan.

Green Tip:
Use soy candles. Soy candles are made from a renewable resource, and are completely biodegradable. They emit no carcinogens, and burn much cleaner than paraffin-based candles. And soy products support farmers!