Snack Solutions for Kids

I can see it like it was just yesterday, the backpacks being drug across the floor as my children walked into the kitchen looking like they were rolled in a dust pile from playing on the playground. 

 “MOOOM, I’M STARVING!”

Fortunately, I quickly learned that having healthy snacks on hand in the fridge or pantry made my life much more pleasant and it kept me from worrying about them eating so much junk food. (Small Mom win!)

 Disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist; just a mom and former kindergarten teacher that wanted to have some healthy choices for her kids to have on hand. My daughter, Riley, has learned even more smart tips now that she’s babysitting school aged children. These ideas are a conglomerate of things I did and things we’ve learned from other Mama’s through the years. 

Here are a few of our favorites.

Sweet

There is nothing better than cold (or frozen) grapes after a long, hot day in a Louisiana classroom. Fruit is a big winner at our house. I also love dehydrated fruits.  

As long as the apples were cut, my kids would devour them. If I left them whole, they would rot! Why is that???

To keep apples from turning brown, add a little lemon juice to the container. Using a peanut, sunflower or almond butter “dip” is a great way to add some protein too.  

Also, if you are making a lunch with fruit as a side, mixed fruit is not too popular with kids for some reason. They much prefer tiny compartments with a variety of separated food. 

And if your children have a sweet tooth, Trader Joes has chocolate covered bananas and strawberries that you can keep in the freezer. Let’s be honest, this Mama LOVES these too. It’s just enough to curb my sweet tooth.

Sour

Tart fruits such as grapefruits, oranges, green apples or tart cherries are a great alternative to sour patch kids! 

***Cut grapes in ½. Sprinkle with some lime juice. I haven’t personally tried this but Riley says you will love it if you like sour candy!

Greek yogurt is delicious!

Lemon and Lime sparkling water is a refreshing treat too!

Salty

Baked carrot chips or kale chips are a great go to snack if your kiddos need a salty fix.  

Here is a great recipe to try.

Trail mix and Veggie Straws are another great choice. You can always add dark chocolate chips to mix the sweet and salty flavors. 

Hummus with cut up veggies such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers is also a healthy snack! You can put small baggies of different veggies in your fridge snack bin and the individual packs of hummus in your pantry snack bin! These are great for snacks or lunches!

Sweet Potato Fries have been a family favorite of ours.

Wash and dice your sweet potatoes. Put in a bowl; mix with olive oil and Lipton Onion Soup Mix, salt and pepper. Spread on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 until brown and crisp on the bottom, about 15 minutes, then flip and cook until the other side is crisp, about 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Riley uses her air fryer instead of the oven to make these. Whatever your choice, it’s a healthy snack!

 High Protein

My son needed protein ASAP to improve his mood. I would cut up ham or turkey along with cheddar cheese and he would devour it! You can also roll the meat slices. My kids called these “meat roll-ups” and ate them right up. 

Celery or apple slices with peanut butter is also a winner. Peanut butter also comes in individual serving sizes. Be sure to check the sugar amount in the peanut butter if this is important to you.  

Thin slices of salami make a great “chip” to dip in warm Brie.

I also search the Internet for great snack, lunch, and dinner ideas. Here is a blog I love with one of my kids favorites!! 

Snack Bins

I had a large, plastic basket in the bottom of my pantry for the non-perishable snacks. Had I had more pantry space, I would’ve had the individual hummus cups in a bin, the individual, peanut butter cups in a bin, etc…you get the point. I didn’t have the space back then for it to be beautiful, so I did the next best thing and made it practical! 

Here are my tips when choosing a bin:  

Clear if possible. That way you can see when you are running low and add the items to your grocery list.

Needs to be large enough to hold a weeks worth of snacks. I really didn’t want to go to the store more than that! Who has that kind of time?

These are just a few quick go-to ideas that I hope can help you! 

As for storage bins for the refrigerator or pantry, check these out! 

Here is another choice from The Dollar Tree. These are not as large but work great if space is limited.

Don’t over think this! Start with something you have around your house and change it if it isn’t working.

We Mama’s have enough on our plate!

The last point I’ll make is make sure your children know that this is where to go for snacks after school. Labeling is a simple way to alleviate having to show them over and over! 

Here are a few of our favorites:

We have more pantry organizing ideas in this blog. Take a look!

Meal plans can be simple as well. Here’s a great example of how to maximize your meals and minimize your groceries. I’d love to tell you that this is my meal plan, but I’m just not that good at the cooking thing!  A dear friend of mine created this genius meal plan and thankfully shared it with me. 

Being organized with food will take a little more planning on the front end but you will gain so much time during the week not having to run to the grocery store more than once or staring at the fridge waiting for a dinner idea to come to you. Trust me, I do not like to cook so planning was awful but needed!  

Keep it simple!

 Good luck y’all! I’m cheering for you!  

Want to have a little fun with us while gaining some organizing tips?  Join Martha-Carol and her daughter, Riley for Cocktails with Chaos on Thursday nights at 8:30pm on Facebook!

If you love our blogs, hit the like button below and/or share us with a friend!

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How to Put Together a Vacation Capsule Wardrobe

After months of quarantining in our homes, are you ready for that favorite summer getaway? It’s needed even more so this year. I am truly tired of my own home and I LOVE my home. Let’s get you ready to GO!   

“Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces. This idea was popularized by American designer Donna Karan, who, in 1985, released an influential capsule collection of seven interchangeable work-wear pieces.” -Wikipedia

 Alexandra Martin from Hemline Towne Center Boutique joined us on our Facebook live and showed us how to put together a capsule wardrobe for vacation. Read on to discover all her fabulous tips!

5 reasons why a capsule wardrobe is great. (for vacation and in regular ‘ol life)

•   You use items you already have

•   Just a few new on trend items changes your look.

•   Mixing and matching classic pieces creates hundreds of different looks with just a few items.

•   Invest in the basics by buying high quality items that last longer. Some can be worn year-round.

•   Accessories take up less space in a suitcase or closet but can make an outfit go from day to night.

Items you need: video items from Hemline are in parentheses.

•   Short sleeve top- focus on things that can be styled a variety of ways. (Layered or worn with different bottoms)

•   White short sleeve top (White eyelet)- Elevate your typical tee with a white top that can be worn with shorts and sneakers during the day or dressed up with wedges and jeans in the evening.  

•   Light weight blouse (Tie dye pink)- this could be a fun summer color. A blouse can be trendy but also last long after summer is gone. You want to choose one that mixes and matches with the shorts and jeans that you are bringing. This is definitely an investment piece that can be worn over and over.

•   Classic cotton tee- laid back, easy to throw on with shorts, leggings or jeans and a pair of sneakers or flip-flops.

•   2-3 Shorts (High waist, tie front)- keep it simple. Neutral color. 

•   Jeans (white skinny jeans)- white jeans in the summer look great with any top! Very versatile.

•    T-shirt dress (Short black)- you can’t go wrong with this one. Easy one and done look. Comfortable and flowy. Can be worn with a variety of accessories for various times of day.

•   Button front dress (Striped tie waist dress)- effortless and easy. Perfect for date night or “off duty.” Can be versatile by varying shoes (Sandals, white sneakers, or classic wedges).

•   3 shoes. Yes, I just typed that. Seriously. You can do it. I’m not sure I can. white sneakers (quick slip on for shopping time!), neutral sandal/flip-flop (beach to pool or even lunch), nude wedge or block heel (jeans, shorts or dress. Elevates your look).

•   Hat- Martha-Carol added this one because she loves hats!

That’s it. Now throw in your swimsuit, towel, hair and makeup stuff and off you go! Enjoy! Don’t forget the sunscreen!

 To see the video in full, click here.

Need help paring down your closet to the essentials? Let us help you! Call us at 225-205-6400.

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All Things Dorm and Preparing Your Student for the Big Move

AGGHHHH! My son is heading to college and moving in the dorm. I’ve got to start thinking about the dorm essentials he will need. Good news, I’ve done this once already. Easy peasy right? Not so much. In 3 short years things have already changed a bit. Not to mention, the girl versus boy thing is very different. (My son could care less about matching his bedding with his roommate’s bedding and doesn’t need the cutesy headboards, matching towels or monogrammed anything! Lucky me! ) So, I did what I do best and found good resources to gather information and advice. I already had a fabulous list given to me three years ago by a mom of four (Thank you Kathy!) so I had a really great baseline to start. Next, I contacted my parent friends with kids who did this just last year-very helpful! And my secret weapon, an LSU Resident Assistant who has been in the dorm for the past three years. Her job is to help dorm residents thrive and survive so this was really helpful!

My updated checklist is in PDF printable form on the Free Printable's section of our website. Here is the link to that.

In addition to that list, here are a few other tips.

•  Read your “Living on Campus” handbook for your school. Each school will have varying rules about what they allow.

•  GET A MATTRESS TOPPER! The beds are uncomfortable. If your student is going to be in a humid climate, the RA suggested getting one with a case or getting a waterproof mattress cover to put between the topper and the sheets. She said that there have been cases where the mattress topper absorbed water when the rooms were not climate controlled (Holiday breaks) leaving all of the students bedding wet for a period of time.  

•  Command hooks are great. Some schools want you to use push pins instead. (Command hooks can pull paint off the walls if not installed correctly.)

•  2 power strips cannot be put together. (Power strip plus extension cord) because it’s a fire hazard. Order a power strip with a long cord if you plan on raising the bed high. 

• Get lightbulbs that stay cool to the touch to prevent fires.

• Fairy lights are a great way to spruce up a room as well as gently light up a space without bothering a roommate who is sleeping. There are even some that sync to music or sound.  

• A first aid kit with cold meds, allergy meds, acetaminophen and other non-prescription medicine is important to have on hand. Living with new people and new germs means more minor sickness.

• Tell your son/daughter to get to know the RA. This person can be a much-needed ally if there are roommate or neighbor issues.  

• A carpet or rug and a bulletin board of some sort to hang photographs can make the place feel much more like home. Rugs also give friends a softer place to sit when they visit.  

• Get a hanging bathroom caddy if they have a hall bathroom. That allows them to hang the caddy on a hook versus sitting it on the floor where it gets wet.

• Collapsible storage or under bed drawers are great for holding food or extra clothes. If your child can’t come home to swap out seasonal clothing, these containers are extremely helpful for storage.

• Steamers or wrinkle release spray to help when they need to look presentable. 

• Furniture with storage is also great. My daughter had a stool to climb into her bed that also stored her shoes.

• Your son/daughter will want a card holder that sticks to their phone, so they don’t forget their room key! Here are a couple of options.  

Some schools give these out free on the first day!  

• It’s a great idea to pack everything in large storage bins and label the bins. Bring a dolly and/or wagon to help get the bins from the car to the dorm room.

• Patience is a MUST because things move slowly on move in day. 

• Pack water and snacks too.

Some other advice that might be helpful.....

 Please don’t get your feelings hurt when they want to unpack and “nest” on their own. Remember, this is the first time they’ve had their very own space! It doesn’t mean they don’t love you when they push you out the door. (Can someone please remind me of this when I bring my son to his dorm? I have a lump in my throat already!) Kids let your parents help a little. It makes us feel better knowing there are sheets on your bed (even if you don’t sleep on them!)

 Make a deal with your son/daughter that you won’t call them every day. Instead, set up a time and day that they check in and let you in on what’s going on. I was so relieved when my daughter would text me and just say, “I’m alive.” My son will most likely not check in as often as I would like so I’ll have to be satisfied with once or twice a week.  We Mama’s worry....Sigh.

Leaving my daughter at school was the hardest part for me. Plan something fun to do that night such as a nice dinner out or visit with friends (if we can!) It helps ease you into them being gone. And trust me, when they come home for the holidays and bring their mess and laundry back with them, you will be counting the days until they go back to school. HA!   

Having the right dorm essentials helps your student feel as if they have a home away from home. I hope this list helps answer some questions and eases your worry a bit.  You’ve done a good job getting them to this place, they will be great. Time to let them fly!  

 Preparing our kids to move into their college dorm and sending them off on their own can be emotional and a hard thing to do. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, give us a call so we can help you get organized and prepared at 225-205-6400.

Remember to hug those kiddos a little tighter this weekend, and have a Happy Father’s Day!

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Cheers! Cocktails and Spring Cleaning with Chaos Organizing

Cheers!  

We are so glad you could join us. We hope you and your family are staying safe during this quarantine. 

 Did you happen to see our Facebook live at my Bourbon Bar? Here is the link to the recipe for the Bourbon Smash.

How are your routines going? Mine went well for the 1st two weeks then Spring Break happened and it all went to hell in a hand basket. Trying to get back on schedule. Adjustments had to be made. The biggest adjustment for us was time. With a house full of college students, we are staying up later and sleeping in more than I have in years.

Meal planning is a must because of ordering groceries via Shipt. We only shop for meat and fruit because my husband does not trust other people to do that for us. Between my garden and my friends organic garden, we don’t need to buy much.   

Spring Organizing

Are any of you organizing and cleaning out spaces during this quarantine? I started on my attic but haven’t finished that just yet. Totally procrastinating. I’ve been spending as much time outside as possible since the weather is so nice. My yard and garden are beautiful…I’ll get back to the attic…eventually.

Here are some of my Spring Organizing Tips:

•  When cleaning, put all cleaners in a bin or bucket that you can easily carry around. Don’t forget appliances, shower doors, air vents, baseboards or fronts of cabinets.

• Go ahead and use all the left over paper goods from past parties so you don’t have to store them!

•  Toss magazines from the Fall or Winter.

• Toss junk mail and flyers.

• Check coats/jackets. Do they need cleaning?

•  Switch Fall/Winter clothes to Spring/Summer clothes if you need to.

• Pack winter sweaters in sealed containers with cedar chips or blocks.

• Check your boots. Do they need cleaning, polishing? Do they need to be stored in the top of your closet so your flip-flops and sandals have the prime real-estate spot?

• Check your linens. Is it time to refresh, get new?

• Check your towels (Beach towels included). Any holes or tears? Do they need replacing?

• Do you need sunscreen or mosquito repellent? Check the expiration dates.

• Clean and organize your garden tools. Here’s the link.

• Make a list and order items needed for Spring projects. Does your house need washing? Do your windows need cleaning from the outside? I will be painting fences this year!

• Clean or replace patio furniture cushions. 

• Power wash or hose your outdoor rugs.

• Wipe down outside surfaces.

If you are cleaning out old towels-dog shelters and vets can use them.

Old baby blankets, burp clothes and bibs can help make masks for nurses. Message me about where to donate in Baton Rouge.

 Want a more detailed Spring cleaning?

Check out our Spring cleaning guide

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Make sure you are following us on Facebook, as we are going live in different areas around my house. Tonight at 7pm CST, we will be live in my closet making a Mojito Mocktail! (For those of us that need a little break from the alcohol or don’t drink!) You can see it on our Facebook page if you miss it.

Don’t forget Mothers day is coming! Gift certificates available.

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 If you are quarantined and needing a little advice, a Virtual Organizing Session is just what you need.

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Spring Newsletter 2020

Spring Newsletter

Our hearts go out to those who are struggling during this COVID-19 pandemic. Springtime is normally full of family celebrations, crawfish boils, graduations, and fun. We are right there with you missing all of our friends, family, and our normal way of life! We thank those of you continuing to support small, local businesses via gift certificates, online shopping, drive through services, or virtual sessions. Thank you. We are here to support you in any way we can! We will get through this TOGETHER! Stay home and STAY SAFE! 

It's Chaos Organizing's 7th Birthday!!!

"No one will ever PAY someone to come into their private spaces and see their mess."  "My wife wouldn't NEED that service!" These were quotes from 2 successful businessmen who I went to for advice before setting off on this new adventure. Neither had the vision that in our busy world of duel career families with busy kids running in a thousand directions, that having an organized closet, pantry or any other space in one's home would bring a sense of calm to the proverbial storm of life. Neither of them understood that chaos and clutter add to your stress and unhappiness, therefore leaving your home as a to-do list instead of a place of peace and respite. They didn't see a path of success. For a brief moment, I felt the wind go out of my sails. Then I looked at my husband and said, "I'm doing it anyway." and he looked back and said, "How can I help you?" 

I've discovered that I'm apparently pretty stubborn lol. (My mother also apparently knew this about me and I'm sure she is laughing hysterically as I am now discovering my daughter has the same trait!) You see, I wasn't looking at my organizing from a business perspective. I was looking at organizing as a way to HELP people that are struggling just as I did at one point. Juggling a life with kids, a husband and a career is HARD and I had a gift that could help others enjoy their home. It wasn't always easy. When I felt overwhelmed, I had my sisters and mother showing me a path that I could now share with others. I don't see the mess as mess; I see it as possibility. It's a puzzle waiting to be solved. My stubbornness helps me keep that perspective. There is always a solution.

Well, here I am now with over 240 clients, countless new friends and an amazing team of women who organize with me. To say I feel blessed is an understatement.

Thank you! Thank YOU for following along with me on this incredible journey. I hope I have been able to bring you solutions that can make your life a little less weary and make your home a place of peace.

Due to the quarantine, we are not working in homes, but we can help via our virtual organizing sessions.  As a thank you, we are offering a COVID-19 Special. See below for details.

Are you a "Do it yourself" kind of person? Are you bored during this quarantine and want to tackle some small projects around your home? Is there an area that has been driving you crazy but you don't know where to start? Virtual organizing might just be the right thing for you! 
For $25 you receive:

• 5-10 minutes of consulting about your space. We ask a lot of questions so we can put together a plan that will work for you.

• A written step-by-step plan with links to products we recommend for your space.

• 20-25 minutes of  one-on-one coaching with a professional organizer to review your individualized plan.

• Access to our "Chit Chat with Chaos Organizing" Facebook group where only our clients and organizers can ask questions, offer solutions and talk organizing!   

This special discounted pricing will only go on as long as we are quarantined!

Chaos Kids

Easter Activity ideas
 

• Hide and Seek the eggs

• Pin the tail on the bunny

• Draw a picture for the Easter Bunny

• Bunny hop races

• Easter Egg letter hunt-Hide letters in the eggs 

• Sort or match the plastic Easter eggs. (Sort by size or color. Match the colors)

• Scavenger hunt

• Egg and spoon races

• Egg toss

• Check Pinterest for Printables or other activities.

• Card games

• Easter books

• Water guns or water play

  Don't forget to take pictures! Have a Happy Easter!

Refer a Friend, Get a Discount!

Like us? Don't be stingy! Share us with a friend. When they book their organizing session, you get $50 off of yours!  

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