The Domestic Life Stylist

http://www.thedomesticlifestylist.com

Wife and mom of one, Lisa is motivated by creating a life for herself and her family, that is filled with finesse and style (amidst occasional domestic chaos), but always good food. She shares how she manages the home, the family and

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Lisa is a winner of Top 25 Home Management Moms - 2012

How do you encourage your children to help keep the house organized?

By making it fun. Especially with younger kids, singing songs and dancing while you clean can keep things fun. Creating a reward system/chore chart is also a great help.

What advice do you have for moms trying to manage their home more effectively?

Make a schedule and try to stick to it. It's easier for things to fall apart when there is no plan. Also, designate tasks and chores so everything does not fall on you. Even a 2 year old can help to pick up toys around the house.

What's the biggest challenge when keeping a home organized?

Consistency is key, but it is also the biggest challenge. Frequently utilized areas like the kitchen and bathroom are the hardest to keep clean. But, maintaining a consistent schedule make things a bit easier.

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What's a great cleaning product you've discovered?

The Domestic Life Stylist

My favorite cleaning product is the Mr. Clean magic eraser. It still amazes me that it can "erase" old scuff marks, crayon and pencil marks off of my wall and make them look like brand new. With a toddler at home, this is a great trait to have in any cleaning product. It really is like magic.
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What is your best tip for keeping the entryway clean and clutter-free?

The Domestic Life Stylist

The front entryway is the easiest area in our home to keep clean. We do keep a mat at the front door to avoid mud and dirt getting tracked into our home and a small console drawer to keep car keys. Coats are always placed back into the coat closet once we re-enter the home. This method works for us for now as my daughter is still young. Once she gets older I will adapt getting a little shelf for shoes at the garage side entrance.
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Should allowance be tied to chores?

The Domestic Life Stylist

I don't think that allowance should be tied to chores at all. As a child, you have certain responsibilities like fixing your bed, cleaning your room, doing well in school...those are set expectations. However, if a child goes above the call of duty by washing the family car for example, that may deserve a financial reward.
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Do you have any tips for managing the mail so that it does not pile up?

The Domestic Life Stylist

Managing the mail was one of our household trouble spots but not anymore. We tackle the mail as soon as it comes into the house. It is first separated into a few piles: My mail, hubby's mail, magazines & news/sale papers, junk mail. My husband's mail immediately goes into his home office inbox. I open my mail right away and take action by deciding if I should toss it or file it. We have developed a filing system that even accommodates sale papers, newspapers, and magazines to be read later. So, the pile on the kitchen counter is no longer a problem. Yay! Last month we also opted out of receiving junk mail by signing up here: https://www.optoutprescreen.com Life is so much easier now.
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What are your tips for organizing a child's closet so that you can stay ahead of growth spurts and seasonal changes?

The Domestic Life Stylist

For younger kids, buy closet separators, and use them. Most I have seen go up to 24 months, but I have actually seen some go up to 4T. Also, I put clothes for the upcoming season in the far corner of the closet. That way once it is time to wear them, I just slide them over. Lastly, go through the closet often (every 6-8 weeks, if your kids are still young and growing quickly) to remove clothes and shoes that are too small and overworn. Donate or sell these items to others. In some cases, if they are really worn, you just need to throw them away.
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Please share a link to a photo of the most organized space in your house -- whether it's a closet, drawer, toy shelf, etc.

The Domestic Life Stylist

The most organized space is currently a small portion of my closet that houses my bracelets and my scarves. A little "upcycling" if you will: http://www.thedomesticlifestylist.com/2012/05/how-to-reuse-everyday-items-to-organize.html
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Do you try to give back when you declutter? Please share your family traditions for benefitting others.

The Domestic Life Stylist

On New Year's eve, we take a trip to the Goodwill store to drop off our donations. It is our annual tradition. Even if we have been gathering some items through out the year, for some reason doing it on New Year's Eve makes it that more exciting.
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What helps you stay organized? Whether it's a special coupon binder, calendar app or color-coded closet, we want to know all the little tricks and products that help keep your life organized. Please share a photo if you have one.

The Domestic Life Stylist

I have a 3 ring coupon binder that helps keep all of my coupons organized. I add coupons as they come in and organize them on the 1st of the month to remove expired ones. I also have a separate binder where I keep sale papers and printed coupons that I may have not had a chance to clip.
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What's a light, Springtime meal your kids like to eat? Please share a link to your recipe.

The Domestic Life Stylist

Grilled pesto chicken is quick and easy. If you prepare this dish late into the warm season, you may even be able to use fresh basil from your garden. Serve with rice, cous cous or even a spring mix salad.
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