{ Trash to Treasure }: Kitchen Sideboard - 2018 Update!

Last week on my SSS FaceBook page I shared one of my favorite furniture flip projects I've done [see it here]. and I mentioned that I've since changed the look of my kitchen, so here it is!

Be warned, that my kitchen is on the small side. I wanted a "sideboard" to add more surface space and additional, much needed, storage. I got rid of my teal dresser because it was too big and I needed a more compact version. I didn't have to look much further than my own living room... this piece went under major renovation and has been used for many different purposes [SEE IT HERE] 

So far, this piece has exceeded my expectations and doesn't take over the entire wall, yay!

Scored the 3-Tier dish at a garage sale for $5. SWEET!

I like to keep a lot of foods that are usually found on the counter in glass food containers. Food packaging tends to be very busy especially when you have a mix of products and brands. When poured into glass containers, it leaves the counters looking really organized but yet serving it's purpose. That's my idea of a win/win.

I spray painted the original hardware with Rust-Oleum: Oil Rubbed Bronze, which I LOVE. It has a matte finish but also leaves a little shimmer behind and it gives it a really beautiful almost authentic finish.

The bottom drawer pulls were from Amazon. 

Nice, right?? L.O.V.E.

A glance at the recent before:

eeeeeek!!!

I used 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Dove White. My go-to shade for white furniture.

The blue crates also got a paint job. I didn't take a before because it was a spontenous decision. I mixed a bit of teal paint I had with the Dove White, it was a very close shade to the original color, just now it's in much nicer condition.

Let's have a peak inside, shall we?

The top-left drawer is reserved for food containers! Storage containers tend to take over cabinets and drawers, we're definitely guilty of it. Having a small drawer however forces us to keep our stash to a limit. Now that the kids are in school, we have their lunch containers in here. (I'll share more about these containers on IG, follow me @SarahSweetandSimple!)

Underneath the food storage containers (bottom-left): kitchen towels, aprons, tea towels etc. 

The top-right drawer holds all of the other essentials: storage baggies and rolls of aluminum and parchment paper. I also leave a couple of Sharpies so I can immediately label baggies when necessary (which is almost always).

 Bottom-right drawer is other miscellaneous but often used kitchen supplies: Lids to our mason jars and straws, as well as lids to our Bullet machine and the kids ice cream bowls. The set-up was created so the kids could independently "help themselves", it's been a game changer.

 And what's on the blue crates, you ask?

My tools. 

Truth is, I access my tools at LEAST once a day. I'm always making or fixing something. I need easy access to them at all times. Having them in the open space of the dresser was ideal, I just didn't like LOOKING at my tools - so I used these blue crates which are pretty and practical. Score.

There you have it! My current kitchen sideboard!

I do have a beautiful white IKEA hutch beside this sideboard... it will be going under a much needed makeover. My poor girl has seen better days! I promise to share a before and after. 

Meanwhile, please share this post and leave me a comment with your thoughts and questions!

T H A N K  YOU!

Cheers,
Sarah

2 Budget-Friendly Homework Caddies!

Hi friends!

I don't know about you, but Homework time can be quite daunting trying to get all the kids to cooperate and focus. That's why I make sure to limit distractions; no electronics at the table, TV off and a fully equipped "Homework Caddy" with all the supplies our kids may need to complete their work effectively.

This year we have a 6th grader, a 4th grader, a Kindergartner, and a Pre-Kindergartner. They each have different needs when it comes to homework, therefore I've customized two caddy's; one for my older boys and another for my younger two kids.

Here's what I have in the caddy for my older kids (8 & 11 y.o.)

This caddy was a curbside find! It could be used for so many different things but I liked it for this purpose, it just looks great on display wherever I put it; usually its on my kitchen table. But as you can see below, my other caddy just cost me $1 at Dollar Tree!

What you'll need:

• No. 2 Pencils - pre-sharpened
• Pencil sharpener 
• Calculator (I don't encourage them to use it, but we keep it handy to check their work)
• Glue - we rarely use this for homework but always need it when they're given a project
• Ruler 
• Scissors
• Timer - I use the little hourglass from our Taboo game. We use it when our kids are practicing their "no hesitation math". You can use it when your kid studies flash cards!

In the cute tin jars (from IKEA) I keep the supplies I want to keep out of their reach or need to contain in one place. 

• Markers and Sharpies
• Pens - Blue, Black and Red
• Erasers - can't ever have too many erasers! we all make mistakes :)

SPEND WELL

You can find ALL of these supplies at your local dollar store. However, I've learned some supplies are worth the splurge just because the quality saves you time, frustration or even just a better outcome on paper: Ticonderoga No.2 pencils are the real deal. They sharpen well, the lead doesn't snap right away and the eraser never leaves a smudge! The other is Crayola color pencils or crayons. They're highly pigmented so color is vibrant and applies evenly.

For my younger children (4 & 5 y.o.) I included the following:

• Pencils - pre-sharpened
• Sharpener
• A practice pad - my younger two are still working on penmanship, in this pad I use a highlighter to write letters and numbers which I then have the kids trace with their pencil as a warm up before they start their homework
• Crayons and markers - keep them engaged during tasks with some doodle time for a mental break
• Stickers - rewards that aren't expected are the best kind! Stick a sticker on your kids hand or face when they're trying extra hard, or they came to the table without being called more than twice, or when they've put away their backpack. Acknowledging every bit of effort helps kids determine what is right and what is wrong.
• Sight Words flashcards - I use these cards as a "game" between writing or counting work. For example: I say the word, they repeat and then I place 3 cards on the table and ask them to find the word "Me" and have them follow the sounds of the letters they hear or remember seeing. 
• Blank index cards - to make flashcards (have these on hands to make flashcards based on letters, numbers or words your kids struggle with)

I imagine you've already invested in supplies for the classroom and supplies for your child's backpack, But you should equip your home with these necessary supplies. Shopping your local dollar store will save you a lot of money. Having your own system helps control the madness... at least some of it.

WHY A CADDY?
The idea of the caddy is to keep you and your kids organized and productive. Have all the supplies you need, right when you need them. Another reason I love the caddy? It travels from room to room. So if you don't have an office or desk, just a kitchen table like many of us - you and your kid are ready to work.

WHERE TO STORE IT?
If space is an issue at home, ss far as storing it goes; think UP. Try the top of the fridge, or mount a small shelf just for the kids things. I find it best to keep my older's caddy where they can grab it themselves and the caddy for my smaller children, on the fridge.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO MAKE HOMEWORK TIME MORE PRODUCTIVE?
Again, limit electronics and TV during homework time. In addition, have a snack ready for the kids to munch on while they work. Apple slices, fresh popcorn or pretzels are my go-to. I also know my kids always need water at all times so I have cold water in their water bottles at arms reach. And finally, take breaks! I know this means homework time is even longer but you'll get more out of your kid's when they're fresh for a new task. Have them stretch, color a picture, play rock paper scissors!

How do you get your kids ready for homework time?? I'd love to hear your best practices!

Cheers!
Sarah

Sweet & Simple Ways to Organize: Paperwork!

This post was inspired by my recent need to tame the clutter of paperwork in my home. I can't imagine anyone who enjoys turning their house upside looking for that one document they didn't think they'd need, until that moment they realize it is like, really important after all.

Everyone should have a way of storing their important paperwork such as birth certificates, passports and tax documents. If you don't, keep reading. But its all the other stuff that we don't consider so important that usually end up in piles on your desk or stuffed in a box under the bed or even in that infamous junk drawer. Clearly, you're not the only one. I've been there for sure, too many times.

The light-bulb moment.
Everything changed when I had my first child. It was shortly after my baby shower and we were un-boxing all the amazing baby gear we had received. All of which came with a Manual of Instructions. All of the manuals ended up on a baby box in my son's dresser where we could access it at any given time for any given reason; like when your baby swing suddenly stops swinging and you've got a sleep-deprived Momma and one cranky new-born. Yeah, that simple box in the drawer was our saving grace. But then that box was stuffed to the max with every manual we ever encountered (80% of them from IKEA) and going through it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. And thus, my system was born:

Introducing my $2 or less organizing system for PAPERWORK!

1. Manual Madness
We save every manual we ever receive. When we buy a new appliance or the kids get a new toy for their birthday, I take the manual and put it in this $2 accordion file folder. I also keep instruction manuals for any furnishings and warranties for electronics. What we weren't doing was getting rid of the manual when we got rid of the article/product. A recent purge helped me clear my house and this file folder! That extra step kept us organized for sure.

Organizing the manuals by category helps other members of the family find what they need and put things back in place.

2. The Wonder Years... 
I created the simplest school year capsule: a plastic envelope from the dollar just $2, one for each child. Here I save report cards, class pictures, art pieces, writing samples, awards or notes from teachers and friends. I only want to remember this chapter of their lives, not relive it. I don't need EVERY piece of homework he ever completed or ever drawing she ever made, sweet and simple.

I purchased 3 of each color for future years.

3. Parents Get Homework Too...
When the kids come from school, I go through their backpacks and take out all of the forms, notices and calendars sent by each school for each of my kids (we are proud members for 3 different schools!) I know I won't be able to read each document until I put the kids to bed, so I created my own system to avoid the pile of papers on the dinner table or anywhere for that matter. I upcycled last year's plastic folders (which only cost .50 from Staples!) and labeled each one with the kids names. I take any document that requires my attention and place them in their at-home folder and place the folders in my command center. I make it my routine to review all the docs, sign what needs my signature, record any important dates in my planner and respond to any notes from the teachers by returning the completed docs back in the kids to-school communication folder, which the teachers receive. And to keep me accountable; I set a reminder on my phone to review my folders every night. The #goal is to keep you organized and informed.

Always buy your kids PLASTIC folders, they hold up all year. These were too good to toss.

4. Important Family Records
In a simple plastic envelope folder ($1!), I keep original docs such as Birth Certificates, SS cards and passports. I have these in a safe/secured place but also readily available in case of an emergency; Hint: under the bed!). I used to keep the kids immunizations in here until I found myself forgetting to take it for appointments. Now I keep them in a zipper envelope so I can grab and go from my command center. 

Labels from Dollar Tree $1 for 50!

I used sheet protectors to keep Birth Certificates from fading or rips

The envelope is waterproof in case of any spills in my bag. 

As for that command center I've referenced in this post; here's a direct link to a post I put together last year and it's still going strong to this day!

I do hope you find this post helpful! Do tell me your thoughts. And if you have any great ways to organize the paperwork in your home, please share them with me! I love to learn different ways to get the job done!

Cheers!
Sarah

Welcome Back to School Basket - for Kids!

Hi Friends!

Today, I have special treat for the kids! It's a "Welcome Back to School Basket" filled with goodies to help them kick off the new school year successfully.

I came up with this concept after doing something similar with their stocking-stuffers - buying them basic life necessities; like new power toothbrush and character band-aids as gifts! And it works!

Objective: Equip your child with everything they may need to face the facts, their friends, their fears and more... in a simple gift basket made by Mom and Dad.

Consider your child's age and grade, here's some fun items to consider for your basket. 

• A new tooth brush & personal mouth wash. Hygiene is crucial at any age, get them exited about taking care of themselves
• Mini sand timer - did you know your kids should brush their teeth a total of 2 minutes? And they should wash their hands as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday"!
• Back pack charms or new hair accessories
• Toiletry goods - deodorant, yummy smelling body wash and moisturizers
• Backpack zipper pouch with kid-friendly essentials like tissue pack, hand-sanitizer and lip balm
• Got a kid in junior high? Get them Locker accessories and organizers!

Here's a quick snap shot of the basket I made my daughter. My youngest got something similar basket with Paw Patrol and Thomas the Train goodies.

My daughter started Kindergarten and LOVED this little basket of goodies.

You can score all these items at the Dollar Tree!

This little pouch came with my son's backpack. He just started Pre-K and I just know I'll need these items often as we walk to school or home.

My older boys didn't get such a presentation, they're been down this road already so I just organized their toiletries in their backpacks a couple of days before school started. But I did add body spray for my oldest - he was pretty excited about that. Sweet and Simple kid baskets but totally effective, my kids loved it.

Anything you would add to this list or something you'd omit? Let me know your thoughts!

Cheers!
Sarah