i thoroughly enjoy the noise and business that comes with being a family of 6. however, there is a fine line between business and complete chaos. for me, there is also a fine line between going with the flow and wanting to lock myself in the bathroom. (i mean, do your cleats really have to be on the counter while i’m making dinner? right?)
there are certain times of the day that tend to get a tad too close to crazy and for those times i’ve found 2 things that really help. ONE, making items the kids need easily accessible (pencils and sharpener for homework time, etc.) and TWO, using a tray. they make everything look put-together + organized without having to be high strung about it.
here is a look at our brekkie tray….
confession. i borrowed the VERY cute tray above from a friend for pictures because our big one is, well, fugly . on the lookout for a new one if you know of a good place to find one!
O N our B R E K K I E T R A Y :
1. hand warmers + vanilla protein powder to sprinkle on cereal…. hard boiled eggs are another easy way to get protein in the a.m. 2. mama’s coffee creamer + kid’s fave bowls 3. a good morning sunshine kind of mini print (or a note) 4. fresh fruit + a small pitcher of milk to make it easier for them to DIY. also makes clean up more manageable if they end up spilling. liquid measuring cups are a fantastic alternative 5. a jar of cereal 6. tilly’s hair ties… the only time of day she sits still which makes doing her hair a cinch.
keeping an arts and crafts tray stocked and ready is also helpful. it makes clean up easy and the kids from tornadoing through my craft supplies. i try to swap supplies and change things up every couple weeks to keep them engaged, but crayons, paper, scissors and tape are a perfect combo.
right now we have stamps and letter writing materials…
1. pencils 2. twine 3. kid safe scissors 4. stamps + stamp pads 5. note cards + easel paper 6. goodie bags + envelopes 7. address labels, washi tape + scotch tape
hmmmm, maybe it would be fun to post new craft tray ideas every other week or so in insta.gram, #youtrayme??? let me know if you are down! would be fun to see what kid craft goodies you have
also, let us know (in the comments) how you tame the chaotic moments in your home!?
and if you are looking for a homework tray idea, check out our video on mom.me.
xo . rae
ps – images by my talented homegirl stacy jacobsen.
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love this idea! where did you get those stamps from? they look perfect for little hands
found them at a little stamp store near us, but here is a link to the same set: http://www.craftsupercenter.net/hampton-art-little-classic-rubber-stamp-minis-alphabet-set-classic/
xo . rae
I love the plates above your kitchen cabinets! Did you make them or buy? Please share!
they were a gift from a friend…. she bought white plates from a dollar store and cut out our monograms with a cricket. the woodgrain is drawer liner
xo . rae
I always read, but never comment…so first off, I love your beautiful photos and witty writing! But, I really LOVE the #youtrayme idea. I think that could really take off! Now to uncover my beautiful trays and search for perfect spots and treasure! Happy Wednesday!!?
Whoops, no question mark, haha! It will be happy!
Great idea! I will need to find a great tray…or two. Mine are “fugly” as well. Great seeing you the other night. Coffee, soon?!
Brilliant idea! I usually use a big cutting board, but I like this idea much better, and with the special little extras as well, so cute. Definitely going to start a craft one too! Thanks
cutting boards…. good tip!!! xo
We also love trays in my house (my husband is from Sweden and that definitely influenced it!) Ikea has a very basic tray we like to use for transporting snacks and dinner things outside when it’s warm, although it’s not very attractive! A nice one we did get was at Pier One Imports. Look forward to reading more of your stuff!
Mornin! I discovered your blog through Pinterest and I LOVE IT! Love your ideas Rae and love your sense of style! Please tell me where you got those adorable cow bowls
Much <3 From the East Coast…
hi danielle, what a sweet note! the bowls are from cost plus and there are 4 different animals… very fun to eat out of! xo
Great to know! Thanks for the reply. Keep that (much needed) inspiration ah-comin!
Loved your feature about covered buttons! I made some many many years ago, long forgotten but now you have inspired me again, along with my beginning journey into textile design with Spoonflower. I would glue mine on magnets for my frig magnets, and also to hairpins for hair accessories. My studio name on Spoonflower is Debann Imagery. So glad that I found your blog!!