{Vacation Mode} Summer 2013

Do you often find that coming back from vacation or getting back into a routine after a long time away from it to be a little well, difficult?!

So, we got back from vacation almost 3 weeks ago and we still couldn't manage to get it together;until this weekend! I think the 3 day weekend allowed for that extra time needed to adjust. We are still working on schedules, between being on vacation and being sick timing is off.



Here are FIVE things that just had me feeling overwhelmed and well, a little off:

1) Laundry; I could't manage to get it under control with Dos toddlers who are constantly changing and between the Hubby and I and our work clothes and home clothes. I had to finally just wash, wash, wash...and then fold and put it all away in 2 days! It took a lot  but it's finally done!

2) Dishes; we often find ourselves using disposable dishes and still constantly filling the dishwasher or hand washing dishes. Again, I got home one afternoon and washed dishes until I couldn't wash dishes anymore...I did a double dose; ran the dish washer and hand washed as may dishes as I could! Finally getting the job done.

3) Unpacking! Yes, it had been almost 3 weeks and our suitcases were still sitting in our bedroom with some of our stuff still in them. The day{s} that I did laundry I finished emptying them and put them back in the garage! Until our next little getaway....

4) Getting Organized! So, last week I heard some good advice and I can't get it out of my head; Do one thing tonight that will make your morning easier! Last night, I set aside the kids clothes for today and I made sure that the kitchen and living room were clean. It's not something I usually get to do because I run off to bath time and then bed time, usually falling asleep before I can get organized. But, I think this is something I need to keep going.

5) Schedules; being a Blogger {and working outside the home} a schedule is really a blurred line... I Blog when my kids fall asleep but it's getting them to bed while my light is still on and the clickity-clack of my keyboard is going off that's a challenge. Usually we try to be in bed between 9 and 10:30pm. It's a little late but it works for us. Thankfully when the lights go out the kids fall asleep but it's those afternoon/nights when our schedule is super busy or I have too may things to do for the next day that our times are off but we try.

What kind of things keep you organized and going, or ready for the next day?

In our home we take it one day at a time because every day brings a new challenge... but we try to  be as prepared as possible! Un dia a la vez....  

{Back-to-School} #staples

{Momma Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post but I did receive Staples products in exchange for this review from Staples. The statements below are both my true and honest opinions.}

I still remember it like it was yesterday; the first day of school! Summer vacation is over. You get to see all your friends again and meet all your new teachers. Your stomach is in a knot, your brand new outfit and shoes stand out. The most important part; well at least for me it was, I was a bit of a nerd girl...the backpack filled with school supplies. You remember? The brand new wide ruled notebooks, your trapper-keeper, and of course your number 2 pencils. It was a fun time, these days kids are fully equipped with so many new gadgets and trends and how can they not be with all the new school supplies that Staples carries.

Staples was generous enough to send me samples of all the new gear for heading back to school this year.

I immediately took care of using it all.

Here is what we got:

A. Studio C Neon Zip It Notebook
B. Staples Flexible Calculator {Which is so cute and I am totally taking to work!}
C. Neon Tube Pencil Pouch
D. Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery No-Iron Clothing Labels, 1/2"X1 3/4",24 Pack {LOVE!!!!!}
E. Staples Fashion Portfolios
F. Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Message Board, Petal
G. Staples BETTER binder, Screen Print

Some of the awesome ways that Staples is helping give back as you spend is with the REWARD-A-CLASSROOM program; when parents shop for students they receive rewards for the teach of their choice!

Another deal that I would love to take advantage of is; the Binder Recycle program, you get $2 off a new binder when you bring in your old binder during the back-to-school season!

Staples also offers weekly back-to-school deals, some as low as a penny just check out their weekly add at: www.staples.com/weeklyad



Here is how we used it:

I quickly filled the binder and folder with the kids daily daycare/school work. I filled my pouch with Cami's hair ties, they get lost all the time. I used our Martha Stewart labels on the extra clothes that we send to daycare in case the kids have an accident. The Zip It notebook I used for all the extra Momma business cards that I hand out, and  like I said I will be taking the calculator to work for my daily number crunching. I also set up our nifty bulletin board to start pinning important school work and notes.





My kids are not yet of school age but they do attend a daycare. Organization is key in my house and I am always trying to find useful ways to keep our home under control. Staples helped me with this!