FOCUS quote

Couldn't help myself making one when I saw the kiddo concentrate on his task, whatever it was, it seemed very important. 

The quote is by Carol Lewis.
Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win. Channel your energy. Focus.

Family communication centre

I have been trying out different wall organizers for ages now. Nothing really work and it sometimes felt like I spent more time planning it and writing it all down than anything else.  This one is basic, simple, effective enough and what's more important - quick and cheap to make. 

I got those writing pads from Target at $1 each.  The green goes with my kitchen color scheme so it worked just fine for me. 

Personalizing the headings and sticking them on a white sheet of paper with a double sided sticky tape, getting a white board marker was almost everything I needed. One Ikea glass frame later, the board was alive. 

Next time, I'll display the previous grand design for our failure that we called a communication centre.  Seemed like such a good idea at the time.. 

Pivo & Víno

Energetické hodnoty alkoholu kj/litr | Infographics

Bunk bed bunker

With a bit of an added lighting and a few homemade car props this otherwise wasted space has become a popular hangout to do puzzles is, play with cars, or to chill on a pillow with a book.  

Cardboard box playmat

Leftover from IKEA table providing enough material for two playmats that can be altered in many, many ways. 

The purpose for my kiddo was very simple - car mat, with some nature (and car also) backgrounds from old magazines to point at and drive towards and an exit/entrance door for cars and trains.  

Very fast to make, has survived for 2 weeks already and the kid still plays with it.  

Cost: ZERO

 Toilet roll tunnel..

 A good place for TV watching..

Dr. Seuss Motto

My baby, promoting one of Dr. Seuss' wisdoms. 

Kids' Activity Board

As inspired by the Lilla a design blog we have created our own activity board for our little toddler who loves fiddling with parts that move, especially those that open and close or those going round and round.  Any wheel is a winner so few car features had to be added.

At 17 months he couldn't care less about the black board but really loves slamming the doors closed and locking it too.  The mirror is a huge hit (bought as set of 3 in Ikea) as the kid keeps kissing his own reflection and laughing at the guy 'opposite'.  The light switch, bicycle bell, and hanging keys etc. on hooks is also very popular.

The flag pole (on the left side) with two flags that are supposed to be moved up or down is a bit of a challenge. For now there is no interest other then trying to rip the flags off which, thanks to the superglue, hasn't yet been successful.  

 The little car is a laminated picture with a magnet.  

The top of the switch could work well as a place for chalks.  If someone wasn't trying to eat them...

Taking the kiddo to a DIY store helps.  We just picked items he was the most interested in.  Well, those appropriate ones, you should have seen what the kid actually wanted to take home!  

In Junior's hand: a small songe with a magnet attached so the sponge for wiping the board can stay right below the board.  He tries to 'stick it' on other things and gets frustrated that it doesn't hold on so the sponge will be 'hiding' for a couple more months I think.