Do Your Chores!

The dreaded chore list.  Kids hate doing them.  Parents hate arguing over them.  On the up-side, a family chore chart can help teach organization and responsibility to your little ones.  Here's a perfectly simple way to keep track of the daunting list without ruining your decor or your family.

Here's what you'll need:

• magnetic paper (found at any office supply store)
• computer with Microsoft Excel
• fun family pictures
• a list of chores for kiddos and grown-ups!

Our family chart on the fridge - so easy to move magnetic chores!

Thanks to years in the corporate world, I've learned a few tricks when it comes to Excel.  Luckily, the program is really intuitive.  Just size the cells however you wish, add some fun background colors that fit into your kitchen color scheme, and - if you really want to get personal - copy and paste family photos onto the spreadsheet. Use a color border for other cells with the chores. Print onto magnetic paper, cut out the chore blocks, and voila!

The Snail Mail Thank You Note

Overwhelmed by others' generosity this past holiday season?   Don't forget to send your written notes to show your appreciation, even for the little things!  As Emily Post says, "It's never wrong to send a written thank-you".

Snail mail is (almost) a thing of the past, but a hand-written letter can still make a big impact, especially if it's on the right paper.  I LOVE stationary.  It's certainly one of my must-haves in any household.  Here's a few of my favorites for every member of your house!