Back-to-School Style

One of my favorite things about going back-to-school <i>(besides all the brand new pencils and notebooks),</i> was getting new clothes. Even from an early age, I loved fashion and shopping <i>(always on a limited budget!).</i> My daughter, however, is not interested in shopping. Which is pretty funny considering she has a strong opinion about what she wears, and definitely has her own quirky style.<br /><br />She likes creative and off-beat combinations <i>(where oh where did she get that?!),</i> but her first priority is comfort. She wants to be able to run and play, and not have her clothes be scratchy or restrictive. Since discovering <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/284284884;110819426;p" target="_blank">Mini Boden</a>, she's completely changed her tune about shopping. She said their clothes are so comfy she could sleep in them, and there are no itchy tags or seams...but they are also really cute and fun! That's high praise from a picky third-grader! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="825" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/14847656768_be434d43f9_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I've been a fan for a few years, and always appreciate the quality that goes into <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/283917021;110819426;a" target="_blank">Boden</a> and <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/284284884;110819426;p" target="_blank">Mini Boden</a> clothing...everything is so well-made, and launders beautifully. And can we talk about how dang cute?! I wish they had these Dalmatian pants in  my size!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="825" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/15011267176_b26e39aa07_b.jpg" width="550" /></div>  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="804" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5588/15033901612_894fa7c895_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="595" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/15034259585_68af177460_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="767" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14847656638_1200c077a6_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="721" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/15031204741_53b4b66b11_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="569" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5590/15033900752_186d957d18_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="377" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/15034261755_f65b6bc5b4_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Some of my favorite pieces in my closet are Boden, and I know I'll have them for years <i>(like this outfit)</i>. Their collections are always full of fun colors and prints that I love to mix and match. You can bet you'll be seeing a lot of these pieces on me this fall! I mean, stripes, polka dots, gold collars?!? Throw in a colorblocked clutch and I'm swooning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="832" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/15033901462_9356e30fa5_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="736" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/15031203641_dcd2353eb9_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="754" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/14847657398_15d48e2c4c_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="581" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/14847715807_00f9586112_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="712" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3913/15011267836_b79e6f88a2_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="805" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/15031202341_30358da75d_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Back to School with Boden" height="711" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14847719037_c8b26df5f4_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />With these cute clothes, it's sure to be a fun fall semester! Have you been back-to-school shopping yet?!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Outfit Details:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Me}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/283916437;110819426;k" target="_blank">Boden Sparkle Collar Breton</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/283917121;110819426;b" target="_blank">Boden Jersey Jacquard Skirt</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leopard Heels (<a href="http://bit.ly/1qrEpP8" target="_blank">similar</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/284311040;110819426;q" target="_blank">Boden Zip Top Pouch</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wristsoiree.com/collections/tassel-bracelets" target="_blank">Tassel Bracelet</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1mKoQxe" target="_blank">Watch</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1yihdVu" target="_blank">Ring</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Sloan}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/283916583;110819426;m" target="_blank">Mini Boden Glittery Graphic T-Shirt in Blue Heart</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/283916439;110819426;m" target="_blank">Mini Boden Cord Slim Fit Jeans in Grey Dalmation</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/284285068;110819426;k" target="_blank">Mini Boden Cosy Vest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/284285069;110819426;l" target="_blank">Mini Boden Spotty Hightops</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1renZ92" target="_blank">Backpack</a> <i>(on sale!)</i><br /><br />And just for Hi Sugarplum readers, use code SUGR for 15% off, good until October 5, 2014.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This post was in collaboration with <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/283917021;110819426;a" target="_blank">Boden</a> and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, but the clothing selections, outfits, and opinions are all mine. Like always. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!</i></span></div></div>

Back-to-School Style

One of my favorite things about going back-to-school (besides all the brand new pencils and notebooks), was getting new clothes. Even from ...

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{Organized} Back-to-School Prep

<br />Where did the Summer go?! Or rather, where did the last 13 years go?! I blinked and suddenly we have an 8th and 3rd grader!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10601852_1448893442066958_115906462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10601852_1448893442066958_115906462_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Monday marked the first day of school around here, so it's been a crazy few days trying to find our new rhythm. We all leave for school or work at 7:30 each day, so having an organized morning routine is imperative to getting out the door on time. Preferably with smiles on our faces.<br /><br />We've worked hard over the years to organize the key spaces, and they have been life-saving. My kids share a single-vanity bathroom, so they take turns using the mirror and sink in the morning. Having their <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/organized-bathroom-cabinet.html" target="_blank">drawers and cabinets well-stocked and organized</a> cuts down on the time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8453079665_d68d44fee7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8453079665_d68d44fee7_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/organized-bathroom-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Organized Drawers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8453080171_e5604da1e8_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8453080171_e5604da1e8_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/organized-bathroom-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Organized Cabinets</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Once everyone is dressed, they head to the kitchen for breakfast, and grab a snack for their backpack. I make sure the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/06/organized-fridge.html" target="_blank">fridge</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/07/pantry-party.html" target="_blank">pantry</a> have easy-to-find healthy options.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9128130237_40ffd347e4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9128130237_40ffd347e4_z.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/06/organized-fridge.html" target="_blank">Organized Fridge </a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7510052566_3d80e80668_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7510052566_3d80e80668_o.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/07/pantry-party.html" target="_blank">Organized Pantry</a></div><br /><br />I quickly realized there wasn't enough time in the mornings, so now I <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/04/lunch-box-lunches.html" target="_blank">pack lunches</a> the night before. Is this chore a nemesis for anyone else?! Dang, do I loathe packing lunches! I finally narrowed down some winning combinations, and that's helped the process be <strike>a little</strike> less painful. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/13881165294_fc5be11979_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/13881165294_fc5be11979_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/04/lunch-box-lunches.html" target="_blank">Easy Lunchbox Lunches</a></div><br /><br />Last stop out, and first stop upon coming home, is the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/12/mudroom-complete.html" target="_blank">hallway turned Mudroom</a>...having a designated spot to drop bags, backpacks, jackets and keys keeps us from spending precious moments searching. Not to mention, I don't have to trip over bags strewn all over the house!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8232201339_f29983fb2e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8232201339_f29983fb2e_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/12/mudroom-complete.html" target="_blank">Create a Mudroom</a></div><br /><br />Once bags are hung up, I'm easily able to pull out necessary papers and file away in the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/updated-family-command-center-with.html" target="_blank">Family Command Center.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8569156362_33960e74d1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8569156362_33960e74d1_b.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/updated-family-command-center-with.html" target="_blank">Family Command Center</a> with <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/organized-family-drop-spot.html" target="_blank">DIY Charging Station</a></div><br /><br />These systems have been working for us for a few years, but I'm always watching to see if they need updating as our needs change. I'm sure a few tweaks will be necessary in the coming months. In the meantime, I can't wait to start spoiling our new teachers. Here are a few of the simple gift ideas we've created in the past.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7251080352_288dddd203_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7251080352_288dddd203_o.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/simple-teacher-gifts.html" target="_blank">Gift Cards</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6727901285_c0e1f0e678_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6727901285_c0e1f0e678_z.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/01/pinterest-project-chalkboard-mugs-as.html" target="_blank">Chalkboard Mugs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9920331874_83ca26e549_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9920331874_83ca26e549_z.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/09/diy-monogrammed-glass-jar.html" target="_blank"> Monogrammed Jar</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8759450272_c0a4346c7c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8759450272_c0a4346c7c_b.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/easy-teacher-gift-essentials-kit.html" target="_blank">Teacher Essentials</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/9569019739_ed3e6daa31_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/9569019739_ed3e6daa31_z.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/easy-back-to-school-teacher-gift.html" target="_blank">Monogrammed Notebook</a></div><br /><br />Is it back-to-school week in your house, too? What are you doing to prepare? I hope some of this comes in handy for you...have a great day, lovebugs! And thanks so much for your kind response to our new <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/08/5-steps-to-fabulous-foyer.html" target="_blank">Entrance Hall reveal</a>!

{Organized} Back-to-School Prep

Where did the Summer go?! Or rather, where did the last 13 years go?! I blinked and suddenly we have an 8th and 3rd grader!! Monday marked t...

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Easy Back-to-School Teacher Gift

Happy Friday, my sweet friends! We're busy prepping for our son's birthday party tonight <i>(see the theme and inspiration <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/party-planning.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>, but the rest of the weekend will be spent preparing for Monday.....the First Day of School! Even though I'm dreading it as much as they are <i>(don't tell my kids!)</i>, I'm trying to generate excitement for the new grade.<br /><br />Babygirl just found out she was assigned to the teacher she was hoping for, so we created a small gift she can give her on the first day. It will give my daughter something to be excited about Monday morning <i>(as opposed to anxious)</i>, and be a great ice-breaker for both of us meeting her new teacher.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9569019739/" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="531" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/9569019739_ed3e6daa31_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Just like <strike>me</strike> most of my projects...it's cheap and super easy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9569020177/" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="353" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9569020177_b1068351f5_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />I'm a sucker for composition notebooks...all those wide-lined pages, just waiting for lists! And right now, you can find them everywhere for practically nothing. I picked up a stack at Staples for ten cents each, then raided my stash of Scotch and Duck tapes <i>(thanks to <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-duct-tape-snakeskin-mouse-pad-tray.html" target="_blank">Megan's fun project</a>, I can't seem to stop buying them).</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9569019941/" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="593" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/9569019941_f46d19082f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><a name="more"></a>I forgot to take a picture of the front, but you simply lay strips of tape, starting next to the spine's binder. Choose a tape that completely covers the notebook's print <i>(no see-thru)</i>, and if it has a pattern, try to line it up so it looks like a solid sheet. Then open the book and fold the corners down first, and then the rest of the pieces.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9569020335/" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="485" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/9569020335_8cef602a8e_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Using the same method, apply more strips of tape to the inside flap. The tape is really strong, so it also helps to reinforce the cover.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9569020265/" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="453" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/9569020265_9bc824dc6e_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I never miss a chance to personalize things, so I added stickers in her teacher's initial.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9571815678/" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="603" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9571815678_01106d98be_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9571815608/" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="418" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/9571815608_edd9b72ec9_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />We paired the notebook with <a href="http://rstyle.me/~J54K" target="_blank">this set of colorful highlighters</a>, for the cheeriest little Back-to-School gift.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9571815426/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="681" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9571815426_a35b728b98_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free printable found <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/backtoschoolprintables/" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table></div>This cutie can't wait to meet her teacher!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9571816014/" title="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Back-to-School Teacher Gift" height="645" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/9571816014_0a7da74d9d_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />These gifts only cost a few dollars, but are sure to brighten up anyone's day. Do you have a go-to gift for teachers? Happy weekend, lovebugs!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few more easy Teacher Gift project ideas:</div><!-- inlinkz code start --><br /><br />    <br /><center><script src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/ar.php?id=56354" type="text/javascript"></script></center><br /><br /><!-- inlinkz code end -->

Easy Back-to-School Teacher Gift

Happy Friday, my sweet friends! We're busy prepping for our son's birthday party tonight (see the theme and inspiration here ) , but...

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{Organized} Prepping for Back to School

Hi friends!! How was your weekend? And how fun were all those {20 Questions} posts last week?! I told you I had some doozies lined up! Thank you to <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/20-questions-honey-were-home.html" target="_blank">Megan</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/20-questions-our-fifth-house.html" target="_blank">Carmel</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/20-questions-i-heart-organizing.html" target="_blank">Jen</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/20-questions-two-twenty-two.html" target="_blank">Chelsea</a>, and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/20-questions-young-house-love.html" target="_blank">Sherry</a> for playing along!<br /><br />We made it home from the beach late Saturday night, and spent all day yesterday shaking sand out of unseen body crevices. We had the best week spending time together, and it was so hard to go our separate ways this morning. I hope we are able to maintain this closeness once the craziness of school starts again.<br /><br />That will be a lot easier if we take the craziness out of our morning routine. For my final <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/" target="_blank">Command Brand</a> project, they challenged me with using their new products to create organized areas in the Kitchen, to help school mornings run a little smoother.<br /><br />First thing's first, is having easy and quick access to caffeine...so that means a tidy, organized Coffee Corner. Since I've already got <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/07/smitten-keurig-where-have-you-been-all.html" target="_blank">my Coffee Station set</a>, I borrowed my aunt's gorgeous Kitchen for demonstration.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9354539756/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station" height="562" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/9354539756_a4a5d2902b_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I know you're drooling over her tumbled marble herringbone backsplash with mosaic glass, but let's focus on the cool Command products I used for this set-up....<a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/~/Command-Slate-Terrace-Hook?N=3294558226&rt=rud&utm_campaign=bazaarvoice&utm_medium=Default&utm_source=Stories&utm_content=Default" target="_blank">Slate Terrace Hooks</a> <i>(I chose the darker finish so they'd blend in with the wall color)</i>, and two sizes of the <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/?N=5584759+5924736+3294857497&rt=r3" target="_blank">Clear Caddies</a>.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9351766505/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station" height="430" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/9351766505_796c5db00a_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />If your cabinet and counter space is limited, look for a nearby wall <i>(even a smooth backsplash) </i>as an alternative for organizing your coffee essentials.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9351766383/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station" height="649" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/9351766383_91f94fa816_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9354540236/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station" height="836" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/9354540236_559e294ec5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />K-Cups are tucked in the small caddy, while spoons and tea bags are kept tidy in labeled glass jars in the medium caddy. Just like all Command products, pulling the clear tab removes the caddy with no damage to the wall. <i>(The tabs aren't really noticeable in person.)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9351766185/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station" height="624" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9351766185_24d3e0c17f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Coffee mugs are held snugly in place on hooks....I mean really, are those hooks the handiest things ever invented?!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9354539960/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station" height="615" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/9354539960_de885c71bd_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />These glass jars are only $1 at Michaels, and are so handy for corralling smaller items.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9351766083/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station" height="603" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9351766083_0305573f1a_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />I don't have any of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=barefoot%20contessa%20cookbook&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abarefoot%20contessa%20cookbook&tag=hisug-20&url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">Barefoot Contessa cookbooks</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=hisug-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, but really want to get one. Which is your favorite?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9354539878/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Coffee Station" height="452" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9354539878_280cc97a6a_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />Now that mama has her caffeine fix taken care of, it's time to make sure the kids know where to find their essentials. We hang backpacks in <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/12/mudroom-complete.html" target="_blank">the Mudroom </a>by the backdoor, but lunchboxes always seem to get left behind, and snacks forgotten. The backside of a pantry door is the perfect spot to create a Lunchbox Station for them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9354541212/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Lunch Box Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Lunch Box Station" height="612" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9354541212_bb421faffa_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />I created name plates from small wooden plaques <i>(found at Michaels)</i>, and attached them to the door with <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/~/Command-Small-Picture-Hanging-Strips?N=5924736+3294737341+3294857497&rt=rud" target="_blank">Command Strips</a>. Each person has a hook for their lunch bag, and a small labeled caddy with snacks for the day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9351767061/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Lunch Box Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Lunch Box Station" height="919" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/9351767061_9461e4bdee_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Most days my kids actually prefer to buy their lunches at school, but if they decide to bring, the rule is they must tell me the night before! I make their lunches and keep in the fridge, then in the morning, hang them on the hooks. After school, they are responsible for cleaning out the bag, and hanging it back on the hook <i>(no more yelling, "Where's your lunchbox, and what is this funky smell?!?!") </i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9351767347/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Lunch Box Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Lunch Box Station" height="748" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/9351767347_440111f459_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br />By laying out the snacks, too, I can better control what and how much they are eating in between meals. I don't refill the caddy until all the snacks have been eaten <i>(or else that banana would sit there a really long time!).</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9354541098/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Lunch Box Station by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Lunch Box Station" height="588" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/9354541098_af9665f6ef_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />What tips do you have for keeping your school morning routine running smoothly? Please share them in the comments, I need all the help I can get!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20.796875px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20.796875px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I'm thrilled to be working with Command Brand from 3M to share this project I created. They provided me with product, but as always, the ideas and opinions are all me! You can check out all their products, along with many project ideas, on the <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Command website,</a> the Command Twitter page (@CommandBrand), <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CommandBrand" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Command Facebook page</a>, and <a href="http://pinterest.com/CommandBrand/" style="color: #d12057; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Command Pinterest page</a>.</span></i></div>

{Organized} Prepping for Back to School

Hi friends!! How was your weekend? And how fun were all those {20 Questions} posts last week?! I told you I had some doozies lined up! Thank...

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