Day: February 25, 2014

  • Tips for an Inexpensive Kids Bedroom

    Tips for an Inexpensive Kids Bedroom

    Grab these quick actionable tips for an inexpensive kids bedroom. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click through and make a purchase. 

    Hey everyone, I’m Steph from Crafting in the Rain, and I think it’s so fun that Adelina has asked me here to share my girls’ room with you! 

     

    I almost feel like I should give you a couple of disclosures before I jump in here.  What I’m going to show you is not a high end, designer bedroom shopped from a catalog.  It’s also not a knock-off, DIY, cheaper version of previously mentioned $$ bedroom.  I have my fair share of complaints about the room even…(eventually we want to scrape ceilings, replace carpet and baseboards, paint everything, and I wish it was bigger)  

     
     

    BUT, I feel like this can be a very useful post because I’m going to show you how we are using the space the best we can, and with cheap or free storage solutions that anyone should be able to come up with.  Additionally, these pics were all taken with my phone because by the time I thought about getting out my real camera, the girls had come home from school and it didn’t look quite as good anymore 😉

    Ok, here we go.

     

    Storage solution 1: Boxes, boxes, boxes

    In the girls’ room we have boxes from Ikea, magazine file boxes, random cardboard boxes that have been decorated with colored Duck Tape, shoe boxes, and a few plastic boxes. When possible, use boxes with lids so they can be stacked. 

    What they hold: small toys, craft supplies, “treasures,” school papers, jewelry

    Storage solution 2: Wall mounted bookshelves

    Use as much vertical space as possible in a small room (I’d like larger shelves here soon) I made these bookshelves a few years ago when I first started blogging, so the pictures aren’t great, but here’s where I posted about them. The bunk was also against this wall, so the placement isn’t ideal now.

    What they hold: Books that the girls are currently reading, journals.

     

     

     

    Storage solution 3: Bookcase 

    There are two bookcases in the room…one at the end of the bed, and one turned on its side under the wall shelves.  At the end of the bed, most of the before mentioned boxes hang out. The sideways one has 3 baskets in it that hold the majority of the girls’ books.  The baskets keep the books more contained than just trying to line them up next to each other.

    What they hold: Boxes, books

    Storage solution 4: Use under bed space

    Remember having to clean your room as a kid, and you’d get busted for just shoving stuff under your bed?  I say set your kids up for success and use that space!  There are several options too…you can build your own wood boxes with wheels, buy plastic under-bed tubs, or take cardboard boxes and cut them down shorter so they fit!

    What they hold: Littlest Pet Shop, Barbies, houses and cars that go with them.

    And in case you’re interested, here is the tutorial for the ruffle curtains.

    So thanks for having me Adelina!  I hope I’ve given you all some good suggestions for taming kids’ rooms. What are your tips for keeping kids’ rooms organized?

     


  • National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

    National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

    February 21 to February 27 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. 

    I’m pleased to welcome Samantha Hope to the blog today to share her experience and why she is involved with Project HEAL

    Eating Disorders are an illness. Help spread awareness and end the stigma
     

    Eating Disorders don’t just affect young girls.  There is such a lack of understanding when it comes to eating disorders.  Eating Disorders come in all shapes, sizes, genders, and ages.  There is no “cookie cutter” eating disorder as I am sure some have heard the saying before. This is where my story comes in. I was 33 years old, married with 4 kids when this dreaded illness took me over.  Yes…an eating disorder is an illness.  Another thing that is misunderstood.  Someone does not wake up one day and say I think I am going to have an eating disorder. Eating disorders aren’t just about weight either.  

    I grew up as an only child and was raised by my Mom as my Dad passed away from cancer when I was just 10 months old.  I had a good upbringing, no trauma.  I was loved and cared for.  Growing up, I was happy with myself for the most part.  I was shy and did have a low self-esteem, but nothing that was out of the  0rdinary.  In July of 2008, I had a hysterectomy.  Shortly after my recovery came to an end I ended up getting sick.  It took months to finally figure out what was going on and to realize that what started with an
    illness quickly turned into an eating disorder. After searching and searching, I came across the Center for Change.  I was able to see a therapist and a dietitian as I tried to work on things outpatient, as I did not think there was a way for me to do a higher level of care.  Well after a year of that and not much progress I entered the day program.  I spent 6 months visiting the Center daily Monday – Friday’s.  When I discharged was I recovered???  No.  Was I on my way to recovery???  Yes. 

               
    Being a Mother and a Wife that has suffered from an eating disorder I want to reach out to other women and help them.  I want them to know they are not alone in the battle.  There is help no matter how old you are, how long or short you have struggled.  I want them to know that recovery is possible.  That is why when I heard about Project HEAL I knew I wanted to be involved. I saw that a Project HEAL – Utah Chapter was just created and I became the Co-Founder.  I love speaking out on this issue and my heart breaks for all those that have been affected by an eating disorder.  I have also returned to school so I can get my degree and help those suffering more in depth than what I can, working with Project HEAL. 
             
    I do want parents that are suffering to understand how their actions are affecting their children.  Children are smart and they pick up on what we do and don’t do, what we say and don’t say.  You may think you are being secretive but in reality, you are causing damage to yourself as well as to your children. Please again know that you are not alone, please reach out for help.  Eating disorders have such a stigma and are so misunderstood.  I have
    chosen to speak out to help people to understand more about them and I hope to be a positive influence to even just that one person.  If I can be an example and help one person it will make everything I do worth it. 

    Samantha Hope. Co-founder of Project-HEAL Utah ChapterMy name is Samantha Hope.  I was born and raised in California and moved to Utah when I was 19.  Shortly after moving here, I met my husband and we got married in Dec of 1995.  We currently live in Spring City, Utah.  We have 4 kids, 3 boys, and 1 girl.  I am currently taking online classes through Utah State University and will graduate in April with my Associates than I plan to get my Bachelors in Family Life Studies and Masters in Social Work.  I want to be able to help those that are
    struggling in Sanpete County as there is nothing here to help those struggling.  As well as being the Co-Founder of the Project HEAL – Utah Chapter. I am also a Pink Zebra Independent Consultant.  I lead a busy full life and I love every minute of it.

     
     
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     Get help for yourself or a loved one