“You have a right to say no. Most of us have very weak and flaccid ‘no’ muscles. We feel guilty for saying no. We get ostracized and challenged for saying no, so we forget it’s our choice. Your ‘no’ muscle has to be built up to get to a place where you can say, ‘I don’t care if that’s what you want. I don’t want that. No.’
– Iyanla Vanzant, American Author
It’s almost time for back to school!
Dare I say that while summer is still in full swing. Have you had time to take a break? The heat, high humidity and large volume of rain in late June and July has been a bit too much! Make the most of what’s left of summer–while you still can.
Is organizing your child’s bedroom on the list of tasks before he/she heads back to school?
If so, let’s get started and turn over another leaf!
ORGANIZING CHILDREN’S ROOMS
“I take a very practical view of raising children. I put a sign in each of their rooms: “Checkout Time is 18 years.” Erma Bombeck
Planning
It’s important to be clear about the functions your children’s rooms have to fulfill before you begin. When it comes to children’s rooms, think about kindergarten. Designate an area for storing each type of item–books, toys, art supplies, etc.
Before starting any organizing session with children, remember to keep their attention span in mind. You might be able to organize for 3 or 4 hours at one session, but most children can’t stay focused for that length of time. Setting a timer is often helpful. It’s also a good idea to schedule a snack break.
Try to make it fun!
Supplies
Use clear storage containers as much as possible, so your children can see what is inside. Be sure to label all containers. If you have young children, attach a photo to the container to make it easier to put their belongings away. Or get your children to draw an image they can attach to the container.
Getting Started
Similar items should be stored together. The most important thing to remember is that items should be stored as close as possible to where they are used. An item is more likely to be put back where it belongs if it doesn’t take a lot of effort.
Arts and Crafts
Plastic storage towers are great for storing arts and crafts supplies.
Art Work and School Projects
You and your children should go through their art work from the past school year. Set a reasonable limit, and let them decide which pieces are their favourites. Store these items in a plastic container or memory box, and label it with their name and the school year.
Some school projects are too bulky to store. Take a photo of your child’s volcano; that way he/she will be able to view it whenever he/she likes.
Check out Artkive–a clutterfree way to enjoy your children’s artwork.
Books
Place books in an open bin or basket so that the covers face the front. If you put them on a bookshelf, young children who can’t read yet aren’t able to identify books by what’s written on them. They identify books by the image on the cover.
Movies/CD’s
DVD’s and CD’s can be contained in baskets or small bins.
Toys
Have your children sort through their toys. Discard any toys which are missing pieces or are broken. Any toys that they have outgrown can be donated. Suggest to grandparents, family members or friends that they could give tickets to a show, a gift card to their favourite ice cream spot or have them contribute to sports activites or lessons, their education fund, etc.–instead of purchasing more toys.
Items which hang on the back of a door can provide storage for shoes, stuffed animals, etc.
Clothing
Remove any clothing that your children have outgrown. Pack up clothing and label containers if you have younger children who aren’t able to wear the clothing yet. Donate clothing to friends, family or a children’s thriftshop.
It may be a good idea to install a lower rod in children’s closets. It can be removed once they are tall enough to reach a standard rod. Young children have difficulty hanging clothes on hangers. Clothing may end up on the floor because that’s easier. Children also have difficulty opening dresser drawers–because they are not strong enough–so baskets on shelves might be a better option.
Getting dressed may be easier if you separate clothing by colour or category (shirts, pants, dresses, etc.). You can also hang clothes as a complete outfit.
For older children—especially teenage girls—you can double your closet storage by adding a second rod.
Safety
When it comes to children’s rooms, safety is critical. Ensure that any heavy items are secured. Bookcases and shelving should be attached securely to the walls. Young children have a tendency to climb.
Reward
Don’t forget to reward your children for all your hard work at the end of your organizing session.
Maintenance
Schedule a daily or weekly clean-up time so that your children’s rooms don’t get too out of control. Make tidying up part of your children’s chores. It may take some time to figure out what works best, and it may be different for each of your children. If all else fails, close their door and remember that they do eventually move out!
These recipes have been generously provided by Chef Dierre of Never Enough Thyme Catering.
Pizza Bianca
3/4 C warm water
1 T honey
1 T yeast
2 C all purpose flour
1 1/2 T olive oil
1 t salt
Handful of arugula and spinach
10 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
8 basil leaves, torn
4 oz goat cheese
2 T white balsamic vinegar
1 T extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Place warm water and honey in a small bowl; stir in the yeast. Allow to activate for approximately 5 minutes.
Pour in mixing bowl; add flour, olive oil and salt. Mix with dough hook for approximately 5 minutes. Place in oiled bowl and cover with cellophane. Allow to double in size. Divide dough in 4. Roll out on floured surface, into an oval shape. Drizzle olive oil on pizza dough and rub oil around. Place on (med heat) grill, and allow to bake through–about 4 minutes. Then flip over the dough to cook through. In a stainless steel bowl, place arugula, spinach, tomato and basil. Add balsamic and olive oil. Toss with salt and pepper. Place on top of grilled pizza dough. Add crumbled goat cheese on top. Serve with slices of grilled steak or chicken if desired. Happy grilling!
Mackenzie’s Favourite Lemonade
In a water jug combine
5 lemons squeezed – 2 lemons sliced
Agave syrup ¼ C T or sugar 1 C to taste
First, squeeze the lemons into the water jug. Then slice the lemon into wedges. Place in the jug as well. Add ½ C of sugar or the agave syrup. Stir well and place in the sunlight for a few hours. (This is where the anticipation comes!) Pour into a chilled glass filled with ice and enjoy!
Strawberry Rhubarb with Candied Ginger Fool
3 C fresh strawberries
1 C chopped rhubarb
1 T diced candied ginger
1 C sugar
2 t fresh lemon juice
3 C whipping cream
1 t vanilla extract
Sort through berries (checking for inedible ones); wash well. Hull the berries. Place in a large heavy bottomed saucepan. Over low heat, mash the berries with a spoon or potato masher. Add sugar and allow to dissolve. Simmer for 3 minutes. Add lemon juice and finely diced ginger. Allow to cool. Using a hand wand or blender, puree the fruit. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Stir in vanilla. Gently fold the berry mix into the cream; do NOT over mix. Spoon your fool into a serving dish.
It’s never too late to make healthier choices!
Summer Down Sizing
Hot. Hot. Hot! This time of year cooking with simplicity is absolutely necessary. My objective is to not turn on the oven! As a chef, that is a very difficult task! At the end of the day, a light refreshing meal makes for a happy family and mom!
Entertaining in the backyard, simple means grilling–as much as possible. Thankfully, we have pots of tomatoes, herbs and greens ready to harvest. Pizza Bianca is a great choice–pizza dough rubbed with olive oil and grilled to bake through. Snip arugula, basil, spinach, cherry tomatoes off the vine and crumbled goat cheese…yum! Add a grilled steak or chicken breast, and dinner is almost done. Strawberries are still available, so a Strawberry Rhubarb Fool is a tasty addition to the outdoor dinner. No oven required!
My daughter Mackenzie adores her lemonade. We make this often, and enjoy the refreshing taste. You can also use limes and oranges for a twist. Enjoy the summer with all its fresh outdoor flavours. Happy cooking!
Chef Dierre
Never Enough Thyme Catering Inc. was created with one thought in mind…to create more thyme! Chef Dierre offers corporate and celebratory catering, a specialty food shoppe including cakes and cooking classes. We’re located at 83A Arthur Street South, Elmira, ON. Contact us by telephone at 519.669.0374.
Like us on facebook and follow us on Twitter – NEThymekitchen.
Have you accomplished your objectives in the first half of 2013?
If not, is fear holding you back?
Here’s a personal short story about overcoming fear.
At Christmas I received a gift certificate for bungee jumping. I said to my sons, “I don’t know what’s on my bucket list, but I know that bungee jumping isn’t.” Several weeks ago when we were altogether, we set a date for the five of us to go to Quebec. About noon on Sunday, June 30 I conquered my biggest fear. I have never been more scared in my life. But I did it! I took the 200 foot jump!! OK, it took three countdowns before I actually jumped, but the important thing is that I didn’t let my fear get the better of me.
If I can do it, you can too! I’m almost positive that most of the items on your list aren’t as scary as bungee jumping. So don’t waste any more time procrastinating. As the Nike slogan says, “Just do it”!
“Nothing binds you except your thoughts; nothing limits you except your fear; and nothing controls you except your beliefs.”
– Marianne Williamson, The Law of Divine Compensation
“I still think of summer as the best time to read for fun.”
– Margaret Haddix, American Author
It’s officially Summer!
Summer is now in full swing with Canada Day already behind us. Happy Fourth of July (later this week) to our neighbours south of the border!
Have you made any plans for the summer? No matter what you do, take time to relax and enjoy the great weather. Summer never seems to last long enough.
Let’s get started and turn over another leaf!
ORGANIZING YOUR KITCHEN
“My grandmother was the greatest cook in the world. She could just go in there, the whole kitchen would look like a tornado hit it and then she’d come out with the best food.” Edie Brickell
For many people, a lot of time is spent in their kitchen. Did your kitchen function well when you made Easter or Thanksgiving dinner? If not, take some time to organize your kitchen so you’re not frustrated the next time you entertain.
Planning
You may not be able to complete your reorganization all at once. Divide the kitchen into sections, and work on one section at a time.
Supplies
Once you’ve finished purging, you can determine what you need.
Getting Started
It’s important to think of your kitchen as prime real estate space.
Frequently used items should be stored in the work triangle in your kitchen–between the stove, refrigerator and sink. Store items for food preparation, cooking/baking, serving, storage and cleaning there—close to where they will be used. Make your kitchen as efficient as possible.
Start by grouping similar items together by category.
China/Glassware/Silverware
Setting the table and washing dishes are things to consider when determining the best location for these items. A cabinet close to the dishwasher or sink makes putting away the dishes easier. Or you may want these items in a cabinet close to the table. Do you have a cabinet located halfway between your table and your dishwasher?
Pots and Pans
Pots and pans can be reached more easily when they are stored in a drawer. Display pots and pans by hanging them on racks if you have limited cabinet space.
Serving Items
Serving trays (and cookie sheets) are best stored in divided racks, so that they slide out easily. For items that are only used several times a year, you may wish to store them in your dining area or basement.
Food Preparation
Try to keep your countertop clear for food preparation. Limit the countertop to items used on a daily basis. This will also make it easier to keep clean.
Storage
Clear storage containers should be used as much as possible, so you can see what is inside. You need to know when you are running low on a particular item, so that it can be added to your grocery list. Square or rectangular containers stack more easily, fit better on a shelf and take up less space. Be sure to label all containers.
Items like gravy and sauce packets can be easily retrieved if stored in baskets. Baskets also work well for children’s lunch or snack items.
If your kitchen utensils are crammed in a drawer, determine which ones you actually use. Empty the drawer, put everything in a box and then take utensils out as you need them. Get rid of the ones that are left at the end of a month or two. Frequently used utensils can be stored in a handy container on the countertop.
Pantry
Discard items which are past their expiry dates.
Consider storing items like rice, pasta, cereal and crackers in plastic containers to keep them fresh. Adjust shelves or add extras to maximize your storage. Heavy items should be stored on lower shelves for safety.
Spices
There are many storage options for spices today—a traditional spice rack, magnetic spice containers or a tiered drawer insert. In order to keep spices at their best, do not store them too close to heat sources.
Refrigerator and Freezer
Clean out your refrigerator on a weekly basis. Get into this habit the night before your garbage is collected.
Post a grocery list on the refrigerator, so that it’s easy to add items to your list.
If you haven’t cleaned out your freezer in a long time, don’t despair. This is a chore that’s easiest to do when the weather is cold. Discard items that have dried out or items that won’t be eaten.
Junk Drawer
Try to avoid a junk drawer. Items typically found there are usually best stored elsewhere.
Renovations
If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen, make some notes about what you’d like to change—as you think of them—such as a drawer for storing pots and pans or a roll-out pantry.
Rewards
Reward yourself with a cup of flavoured coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Organizing your kitchen is one of those tasks that will pay dividends every day. Your eating habits may even improve!
What are you doing to get or stay healthy? When was the last time you had a complete medical checkup? If you don’t remember, add that task to your to-do list!
It’s never too late to make healthier choices!
Cathy Mendler
Phone: 519-669-1377
Email: info@anewleaforganizers.ca
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