OK. So you're not jet-setting across the country. You're just going across town to do your grocery shopping. You may be tempted to hop in the car and go, but the Organized Parent grabs her Car Bag for those Just In Case scenarios. What's inside? Instead of giving you a list, let's play a little game called "How Organized Are You?" So, grab your handbag or tote bag and let's see how you do!
1. If you have a pen, you get one point. (Keep it out and use it for scorekeeping.)
2. Cell Phone 2 points
3. Tissue 2 points
4. Calendar/Planner 3 points (+1 point if it has dates/information entered)
5. Pad of paper 3 points (+1 if it is a Post-It note pad)
6. Lip balm 4 points
7. Safety Pin 4 points
8. Anti-bacterial Gel or Wipes 5 points
9. Tide to Go Pen or other spot remover 10 points
10. Childrens Tylenol/Pain Reliever 10 points
How'd you do? If you earned 36 to 46 points, you are "Super Mom," killing thousands of germs with a swipe of your anti-bacterial wipe! Unfortunately, you are also the mom that other moms love to hate ... let them, you rock! But try to be kind when they ask if you have a tissue! If you earned 22 to 35 points, you are "Super Mom's Understudy." Some days you're really on your game, but other days it's apparent that you're not the star. Don't fret. One day it will be your pad of paper that everyone wants to borrow. If you earned 10 to 21 points, you are "MacGyver Mom," a super resourceful mom who can work wonders with a safety pin and wet wipe (that you pocketed from the Crab Shack). You travel light and make do and you're teaching your children to be self reliant. If you earned less than 10 points, you are "Fun Mom!" So what if you only carry a cell phone and lip balm (Bobbi Brown Lip Balm to be precise!) That's OK. Since you are fun, the other moms will take care of you. You have the best stories!!
Professional Organizer Krista Colvin, of Organize in Style, offers more ideas for creating what she calls your "mom bag":
First I use a simple tote that has a small box-bottom so that it won't tip over all the time and not too large so that it becomes a catch-all.
Add some magazines that you've been wanting to peruse.
A clipboard w/paper to catch all those ideas + random thoughts you'll find yourself having.
Sunglasses.
Your own secret stash of water + treats!
Favorite CD's.
A book you've been wanting to read.
A couple of cards + stamps.
Tylenol... just in case you can't take it any longer!
The "mom-bag" isn't just for road trippin'.... it's great to keep in the car for when you find yourself waiting for the kids to finish practice or take into your dental appointment with you ... just add a good book and you're good to enjoy those spare moments.
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