Like most moms, my minivan is like a second home. We have a Dodge Grand Caravan, which I just found out has been the best-selling minivan for over 29 years. That's older than I am...okay fine...almost older than I am. Whether it is driving across the country to visit our family in Nova Scotia each summer, chauffeuring the kids to their activities, or just running errands, it has to be organized. And if you know me at all, the organization has to look good.
I like to think of the minivan as having three zones: the parent zone {in the front}, the kid zone {second row} and the storage zone {the back row and storage area.}
Here are tips to keep each zone stylishly organized.
For the parent zone, I need to have access to electronic devices and chargers, my purse, and drinks. I house electronics in a small basket between the seats, behind the centre console. I only allow the kids to use these for long road trips, so when they are not in the basket, it is freed up for snack storage or to hold my smaller handbags.
In this area, I like to give the kids easy access to items that will keep them entertained. This comes in really handy when you spend close to ten hours in the van on a long road trip. Trust me. I have a sturdy basket stocked with books and toys in between the two seats. We rotate the items frequently. The kids love that they can reach everything themselves. And so do I.
I also love the in-floor storage bins. I use them to store all of my breakable treasures on the trip back from Nova Scotia and for the boys’ ‘treasures’ the rest of the year.
As long as I am not lugging around large pieces for my latest DIY project, I keep the last row of seats up and use the storage area behind them to keep me organized. This area can serve so many purposes. Bins help keep items in place: one houses blankets, umbrellas and a first aid kit, another holds groceries and the last, sporting equipment. For larger grocery trips, you can empty the other two. The bags above are perfect for lightweight items like pull-ups, wipes and a change of clothes for my younger son, who is still potty training.
I have to confess: I was not always this organized. But after being fed up with crawling all over my minivan looking for a small toy or a roll-away apple, I went shopping for the bins and bags and for less than $40.00. Now, I have no more excuses for a messy minivan. And now, neither do you!
Find these stories and more on YMC's ‘Tales From the Minivan’ page.
This is proudly sponsored by our friends at Dodge Canada.
dodge.ca/grandcaravan
Now that the kids are organized and back to school, it's our turn. I don't know about you, but September feels more like a new year than January does. I feel the need to get organized. Whether your home office is in the kitchen, on the couch or at the coffee shop, here are five items to make blogging more organized, in style.
1. I know so many of us use an iSomething for everything, but sometimes I like to kick it old school. A clipboard comes in handy when going to conferences, meetings or making notes. I love this one from Pencil Shavings Studio.
2. Colourful desk accessories mean you will keep your desk tidy, right? Okay, maybe not, but they can make organizing paper work more fun. These aqua accessories from Chapters Indigo will add a pop of happy colour to your desk.
3. We all require a little inspiration from time to time. Displaying a piece of art that speaks to you can help keep you focused or get you back on track when you are in a rut.
4. Every blogger needs a business card that reflects their personal style. These floral ones from Penny Paper Co. are right on trend.
5. For those of us who like to blog on the couch, a lap desk is a must-have. {It's also great for propping your computer on in bed so you can watch an entire season of Homeland on Netflix. At least, that's what I've heard.}
I can't wait see friends, new and old, and to get inspired at BlissDom Canada. Come say hi! I will be the one with a pretty clipboard. ;)
For more articles, tips, and tricks to help you get organized and make the most of your blog and business visit our BlissDom Canada 2014: How Do You Find Your Bliss? page.
Membership Has Its Perks!
We’re offering a special discount for BlissDom Canada to our YMC members. Use our special code for 15% off your BlissDom Canada Conference pass. Find out the details here.
Bonus! BlissDom and YMC want to send you to the conference for FREE this year in the #ThisIsBliss Contest. Have you entered yet?
Homesense is my go-to destination when I am styling a room for my clients, or for my own home. In fact, it was the first place I went the day both of my boys started school. A little retail therapy always cheers me up.
With back-to-school on everyone's mind, Tamara Robbins Griffith has great tips for maximizing any small space, from dorm rooms to living rooms.
Storage baskets and boxes mounted directly on the wall create a collage of cubbies for organizing odds and ends. Stash a few more under the bed to take advantage of previously wasted space.
A double bed full of toss cushions works as an impromptu sofa, and small side tables and storage pieces are easy to move around when the occasion dictates.
Kitchen cannisters are an obvious go to when it comes to clearing countertop clutter.
Consider wire baskets as a option for storing pantry staples like bread.
What I love about Homesense is the constantly updated inventory and the pricing. They make it affordable to stay organized and add some pretty to your home.
Now for the fun part!
I'm giving away a $250 Homesense gift card! To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below and tell me what you would buy at Homesense if you won. You have until Friday, September 20th to enter. You must be a YMC member and please be sure you've registered your email address in our commenting system so we can contact you if you win.
Yummy Rules and Regs: You must be a YummyMummyClub.ca member to win. Click to sign up! It's free and filled with perks. One comment per member. Entries accepted until **SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2013**. Contest open to Canadian residents (excluding Quebec). Winners will be picked using www.random.org. See full contest rules.
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