Teenaged Girl's Bedroom in Scandinavian Design

It has been several months since we redesigned my teenaged daughter's bedroom for her birthday, but I wanted to share how lovely it turned out. It's difficult to get into her room and photograph these days, as she is now homeschooled and spends an enormous amount of time in her room, and more specifically on her bed! If you've been following me for any time now, you may remember that we re-did her bedroom a few years ago! She is now a full fledge teenager and has very specific design ideas and so for her 14th birthday, I told her we could redecorate her room. It has been FIVE years and she's a lot different at 14 then she was at 9 years old! Here is what her room looked like before:

THE STORY OF MY ONGOING WEIGHTLOSS JOURNEY

About 8 years ago, I lost 40 pounds - I guess it was "baby" weight but I was well passed that stage! I worked really hard, walked daily, used Weight Watchers to help me keep track of every little thing I ate, and felt amazing. 

About 4 or 5 years ago, I began gaining back that weight. I hadn't changed my eating habits much and I was still working out. I was puzzled as to why I began gaining back my weight and started realizing my addiction to sugar and breads and thought that I needed to figure out a way to get that under control. Meanwhile, in the last 5 or 6 years, I have discovered all things natural, clean, organic, and wholesome! Our family now does as much clean living as possible. 

SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE Organizing Clipboards

There are many times that organizing ideas just happen, and this is one of those times! I wanted something to hang up the schedules for each of my kids' activities but I didn't really want it out in the open. I've done file folder and they do fine, but I changed thing around since re-doing my command center recently and wanted to keep those papers close by me in my home office. 

AMAZING Wall Treatment and Command Center Update

This post is sponsored by the Formica® Corporation. All opinions are my own.

Last time I shared with you how I was getting that organizing itch again! Remember that? Well, I've been doing a LOT of fun projects in our home because I just love organizing and decorating! Our command center area had been working well for a while, but then it stopped really working and we needed to update it! I have the big reveal of what we did - and it's AMAZING!

The Organizing Itch

This post was sponsored by Formica Corporation

I've got that organizing itch again and so I've been busy trying to work out a few areas in my home to fine tune and get re-organized. I've noticed, and I'm sure you have to, that many of the areas around my home need an organizing update - kinda like my schedule as the kids get older and more independent. I no longer need the big command center area that I once did, but I still need that entry dresser and I wanted to make the space even more functional for our lives now.

I decided that things weren't looking so well and my friends at Formica Corporation told me about a few amazing new products that they wanted to show you, in a normal, everyday environment like mine! So, I agreed - let's do this!

First, I needed to figure out what was the problem because lately our command center area was piling up with more and more stuff. So, I went through and cleared out the clutter on the top of the dresser and got rid of a lot of unnecessary stuff. 

Second, I went through the dresser and determined that I had too much in there, also - surprise! It didn't take me very long to do this process, maybe 20 minutes.

Third, I decided to make this area function a little differently. Instead of having so much stuff on the wall, I wanted something functional yet pretty! This is where I decided that using the Formica® Writable Surfaces came in! I decided that using these surfaces both on top of the dresser and also writeable panels for the wall treatment would be exactly what would work for this area! Formica® Writable Surfaces come in six colors and designs, giving you the opportunity to make lists, jot down inspirational quotes or even doodle. These surfaces, like all Formica® Brand products, are budget-friendly and durable.

 

Now, I can't wait to show you the surfaces I chose and how the project came together....but, you'll have to wait just a little longer before it's ready!

 

  Want to know where I got that product?

 Go HERE and find it!

**I have a few affiliate links in this post - this does not mean you pay a dime more for the product when you purchase through my link. It just means I made it easier for you to find what you might like, so I make a few cents if you purchase. I SO SO SO appreciate when you support Organizing Made Fun. Thank you!!**  Like what you see here? Consider becoming a follower or subscribe via email! 

Connect with me:

 

Bathroom Cleaning Essentials From Grove Collaborative + Mrs. Meyers

To be fair, the bathroom is not most fun place to clean, but a fresh bathroom is essential to a stress-free day. Fortunately, the right products and tools can make bathroom cleaning so much easier. I absolutely do not like chemical, bleach smell in our house ever! It's bad on my family's allergies and

Right now, Grove Collaborative is offering my readers these bathroom cleaning “must haves” for free with your first order of $20 GO HERE:

• Free Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap
• Free Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Lotion
• Free Mrs. Meyer’s Tub & Tile
• Free Grove Collaborative Walnut Scrubber Sponges
• Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial

If you’re already a customer, you’ll receive a Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap for free. I consider a nice hand soap a “must” for a clean bathroom, and Mrs. Meyer’s soaps are my favorite.

Of course, the one bathroom cleaning product I can't live without is Mrs. Meyer's tub & tile cleaner. I used to hate cleaning our tub and shower because the fumes from traditional cleaners always gave me a headache. At the same time, I'm not a fan of scrubbing, so I need a cleaner that really works. Mrs. Meyer’s tub & tile checks all the boxes! It works so well on our hard water buildup, plus it smells amazing.

Paired with effective natural cleaners, the right tools are a game changer for your bathroom cleaning. I never thought of sponges as a bathroom cleaning necessity until I started using these Grove Collaborative walnut scrubber sponges. The scouring side is made from crushed walnuts and is great for cleaning grout, while the soft side is perfect for wiping down sinks and shower glass. I always keep a couple of these in my cleaning kit.

Since I’ve started using Grove Collaborative, I can simply add those items to my next shipment and they arrive at my door, on my schedule. So easy! Grove has saved me countless trips to the drugstore for an overpriced roll of recycled paper towels.

Plus, my Grove VIP membership helps me save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales, and personal service. When you use my link to get your Bathroom Basics Kit and submit your first order, you’ll be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial.

This offer truly makes bathroom cleaning so much easier, so don’t miss out. The offer ends April 9th, and supplies are limited.

1. Sign up for Grove Collaborative here HERE. You will receive the:
   • Free Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap
   • Free Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Lotion
   • Free Mrs. Meyer’s Tub & Tile
   • Free Grove Collaborative Walnut Scrubber Sponges
   • Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial for free when you sign up!
2. To receive this offer, your order needs to be a minimum of $20. Choose the combination of products and scents you love and receive your first box within a few days.
3. You made it! Click Finish & Pay and place your order.

Make sure your grab this offer right away - whether you want to sign up for the first time OR if you've already signed up and want to get your FREE hand soap. Hurry!!

 

  Want to know where I got that product?

 Go HERE and find it!

**I have a few affiliate links in this post - this does not mean you pay a dime more for the product when you purchase through my link. It just means I made it easier for you to find what you might like, so I make a few cents if you purchase. I SO SO SO appreciate when you support Organizing Made Fun. Thank you!!**  Like what you see here? Consider becoming a follower or subscribe via email! 

Connect with me:

25 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas + FREE Christmas Budget Printable

Every year I find you amazing gift ideas that don't cause clutter! And, I've found some more again this year! I've broken them up into categories to help give you an idea of what to give for a specific person. Also, as a reminder, feel free to download my FREE printable for making you list and budget for Christmas.

Getting the right gift for the person you love in your life is easy if you know what to look for, but it's especially important not to cause them any more clutter, too! Here's 25 gift ideas for not causing clutter!

Five Natural Ways Your Family Can Keep Well This Season

Having a well-organized, well prepared home is key to me. It is a calming and relaxing thing, right? If you don't have that, the chaos can make you feel anxious and stressed. Well, I feel this way about the possibility of getting sick in this season, as well. We like to stay organized and prepared. One of those ways is through natural means and essential oils - we've been using essential oils for years now. And, we are rarely sick in our home, due in part to the use of essential oils and other natural ways. The best way is for us to naturally boost our immune system and to have the proper oil ready for us to do this. I want to share our family's five natural ways of keeping well.

Welcome to my Organized, Colorful Home

I haven't updated my home tour in awhile so I thought it would be fun to share how my house looks right now, since doing my new kitchen and a few other areas this year. So, I'm going to walk you through the house! If you want to now specifics about that room, just click on the link I provide for each room. 

Welcome to our home!

Our front yard got overhauled last year and is now completely drought tolerant and all native. Go HERE to read more about it. 

How to Organize Cords Easily

Living in the 21st century means we have cords, lots and lots of cords. Cords are messy, very messy! You know there are cords by the couch, next to the bed, in the kitchen, in the office, behind the TV - you know, everywhere! So, I consider myself somewhat of an expert in this area now, especially having a husband in the IT field - yes, cords and more cords. My husband also runs the sound system at our church and he's become quite meticulous about how to keep cords out of the way and from view, so I've learned things from him too. I'm going to give you my solutions and some of the basic things you need to keep around your house to keep up with the web of cords - cause I like them hidden!

Preschool At Home and September's Wrap Up

At OMF we've had a month full of posts that have focused on training our kids as well as a few updates on my kitchen renovation.  If you've missed anything you can find the links at the end of this post.

I have a busy home filled with four girls aged 20, 17, 12 and an almost 3 years old.  The 20 years of experience as a mom hasn't changed my desire to keep my little ones close to home for their early years, but it has given me confidence to teach them myself.   Today I'd like to briefly share one tool I've created this year to organize our preschooler's learning. 

3 Tips to Get Kids to Do the Dishes

This post contains sponsored links from Full Circle. 

All opinions are my own and the tips are yours to keep!

Is it me or are dishes one of those things that you just either love to do or hate? Sometimes it's pretty much hate! But, my kids have to do their share of dishes! How do I get them to do it? Well, I've got three tips that help kids get the dishes done - hopefully, without complaint!

5 Reasons Why Your Kids Need to Do Their Own Laundry

I am absolutely in favor of kids doing their own laundry. Let's be real, at a certain age they are totally able to handle it! But, I've also received some criticism or excuses why it's too much for kids to do. In our house, starting at age 10, my kids are expected to do their own laundry. They are each assigned a day of the week to do it. I have my own "laundry day" and they have theirs. Here are five reasons why your kids need to do their own laundry, too:

Have a Stress Free Morning

I am partnering with IKEA to share some of my best tips for the #First59 Campaign. 

With school just around the corner, or just having started for many of you, I am guessing that the one area you struggle with is having a stress free morning! Am I right? Yes? Well, let me tell you that you aren't alone! Having a stress free morning CAN be done and I have a few tips that will definitely help you out the door and on your way to work or kids off to school. 

Top Dorm Room Accessories to Keep You Organized

If you have a college student or you ARE a college student, you are probably getting ready to head off to college in the next few of weeks! I've shared with you lots of great ideas for dorm room organizing, RV small space organizing, and small space organizing! It's a fun challenge to see what you can do to maximize a small space! So, I found some really cool products for your dorm room that might help you keep much more organized - I only wish I had these when I went away to college! Soon, I'll have my own college student! 

Feel free to share this with your favorite college student, as I have a special offer for them at the end of this post, too!

How to Help Your Teenager Get Work (Even If No One is Hiring)

Call it frustration or call it determination -- whatever you call it, I call it a mom on a mission! My 17 year old son CAN NOT find a paying job anywhere -- and I'm not alone. The jobs for teens are scarce or non-existent, at least where we live! So, we are taking matters into our own hands and we figured out a way to help my teenager get work, even though there was no one hiring!

Let Them Struggle a Bit

Yesterday was SIX years since I first started this blog. On May 26, 2010, I decided to give it a try. I'm somewhat amazed at what it's turned into! 

Today we're going to chat a little bit about parenting and organizing. Why? I have just noticed something going on whenever I read online - what is it? Parents who are afraid to let their kids struggle, to feel pain, to have disappointing days, to get out and experience things. Now, this is mostly my observations and opinions so you may completely disagree with me here, but I grew up experiencing disappointment, having to struggle, earn my way, and feeling pain. Some children, sadly, experience far more than others and I'm not talking about those. I'm dealing with organizing - yep, organizing, of course!

Tips to Improve your Nighttime Routine

I am partnering with IKEA to share some of my best tips for the #First59 Campaign. 

It's always been important in our home to have a nighttime routine. I've been a mom for nearly 17 years and STILL have the kids do a simple nighttime routine, and I have my own too! I have come up with 16 great ways to do that, using a few simple everyday products from IKEA and some creativity, to keep your mornings and evenings from becoming a nightmare! Today I'm going to share two of my tips, focusing on your nighttime routine. You can find all the tips from myself and other experts by going to IKEA's First59 page. 

How to Organize with CARDBOARD - 11 Ways

When it comes to organizing, I'm a big fan of getting the most bang for your buck! Cardboard is one of those things we all seem to have around, for FREE, that we can use to organize! So, I've got 11 ways to organize using cardboard. 

What Mom Really Wants for Mother's Day

The longer I've been a mother, the more I realize what I really want for Mother's Day isn't something fancy or even something expensive. Being a mom is hard work, there's no doubt about it. And, I have to "adult" just about every day, that's just part of it!