PROJECT: KIDS' LOCKER

It has been quite a hectic week. Does it mean a STOP sign is hanged in managing the house? Surely no :) Even though no real projects were done, I did organize here and there. It just took longer than I plan as I had to put more hours elsewhere. Today, I'm sharing with you, a project which I completed last night, my kids' locker!

I really love what Jen did to her son's locker at school. I wanted to do the same! But in Malaysia we don't have locker system as in US. The students here leave their books in book shelves provided in their classrooms (will share the photo later).  The other reason why I did the project is because I want to have a concealed place where my kids can put their school bags - before this they put the bags in baskets or hang them on the coat hanger. 

Steps:

1. Find a place to create the locker - I chose the small store area under the stairs.
2. Clear & clean the area - I moved the stuffs to the other store. 
3. Buy accessories to create the space - as listed below.
4. Arrange the bags and books
5. Decorate the area.

Cost:

Carpet RM9.90 (Mr DIY)
Storage box RM24.90 (Giant)
Small board RM5 (Daiso)
Steel rack RM6.90 (Mr DIY)
Flower frame RM2 (RM2 Store)

Total cost = RM48.70

What next?
I'll find a container to put the kids' sports gear in the locker.

Before and after

So happy with the new arrangement. Now the kids can easily get the extra school supplies I put on the rack. And important school related letters can be put up on the board :)

                      

                      

TOYS ORGANIZATION

That's Adik cute hand & foot

I don't have a 'formal' play room in my house as only Adik (the youngest) is actively playing (read throwing) toys. Since, we mostly spend our time in the living area, I just put all the toys in one big container, under the coffee table. The problem with having a big container, I will tend to put other things in it too when I was in a hurry to tidy up the area. Not a good practice. 

Steps

1. Searched in my kitchen for suitable containers to organize the toys. Found spare ones, similar to container I used to store my cereals. 
2. Grouped the toys as follows: big legos, stuffed animals, connecting-circles (Mr DIY) and colorful screws (Mr DIY) 
3. Put reading books in a basket
4. Arrange the containers & the basket in bottom shelve of the left hand side cabinets.

Cost

Containers RM0

What next?

At the moment I don't need any label on the container. Might put labels there in the future.

Before & after

Enjoy =)

FIRST AID BOX ORGANIZATION

This post is dedicated to Rehana's campaign, urging everyone to have their first aid kit prepared. I do have first aid kit in a 'pouch', a free gift I got after I bought something (couldn't recalled). It's very basic. So, I want to 'upgrade' my first aid kit by putting more first aid essentials in it. It was not possible to do so without getting a new home for the items first. Thus, I bought a first aid BOX, which was the last piece on display. {Am I the last one here, getting my box ready?} At this stage, I just transferred the existing items in the pouch (notice the worn/aged packaging) into the box:

• Scissors
• Soap wipes
• Cleaning wipes
• Adhesive strip
• Non-woven sponge
• Mouth-to-mouth mask 
• Safety pins
• Bandages
• First Aid information booklet 

Cost
First Aid Box RM8.90 (Billion)

What next?

Search in the internet (reliable sites) for must-have items in a first aid box and buy them. From my initial search, the sites listed different items in their must-have lists. So, I have to do some thinking and decide on my needs.

Updates:  I'm considering to add these items as suggested by The Oranised Housewife

• Cold pack
• Thermometer
• Medicine cups
• Pain reliever
• Antihistamine for hayfever and allergies
• Tweezers
• Eye wash
• Antiseptic spray/cream
• Burn cream
• Tissues

Before and after
So, here is the newly bought first aid box next to the years-old first aid pouch :)

HOW TO STORE CEREALS

We all love to have cereals for breakfast. It's fast and nutritious as well. What is the best way to store the cereals? Let me illustrates my cereal-storing-process.

Steps

• Store the cereals in their respective boxes. The problem with this arrangement was that I was not sure the actual amount left as the cereal was perfectly hidden in the box. Plus, the boxes were also taking valuable space in my kitchen shelves.*I put the boxes on the sofa, here* So, I ...
• Store the cereals in their original packaging in clear container. With this arrangement, I've solved the limited space issue as I was able to put a number of cereals' packaging in one container. However, I still can't determine the amount of cereal left in each packaging as it was not transparent (except for the corn flakes). On top of that, new problem was created. I don't know the type of cereal I put in. All the packaging looked the same. Then, I came across a blog that gave me idea on how to put a stop to my cereal-storing-problem. *will share the link once I managed to trace it back*. So, as for now, this is how I tackle the problem.
• Store the cereals in clear resealable plastic bags in clear container. Why not I think of that before? :) All issues are solved. I even managed to reduce the cereals into a smaller container! I'm happy mom.. 

Cost
Medium size plastic bag RM4.99 (Giant)
Small size plastic bag RM4.49 (Giant)
Total RM9.48

What next?

Label the container. Will do so soon :)

Before & After

A before & after. If you have other ideas, kindly share with me =)