Create Your Personal “Tool” Box
by Lori Hursey

Part of being “organized” is being prepared for the unexpected.  Put things that would help you remedy unexpected situations in an extra bag (a gallon Ziploc bag will suffice if you don’t have a diaper bag or backpack handy) in your vehicle. 

Some of my must-haves include:  a Tide TO GO pen, a small key chain sized multi-purpose knife, Kleenex, travel pack of Wet Wipes, needle and thread, fingernail clippers, pocket size multi-tool, permanent marker, small notepad.  I don’t carry a duffel bag full of things over my shoulder everyday, but I do have an assortment available within a few minutes if needed. 

Once you determine what your “toolbox” will contain, make a list of those items and post them near the door for quick reference (maybe tape it inside the laundry room cabinet door, out of sight).  Restock your “tool box” when you come home, NOT as you are leaving. 

In case you’re wondering what I use some of those things for, here’s a glimpse into my life.
The multi purpose knife has small scissors that are great for cutting straws a little shorter so the kids don’t angle their restaurant cups too much and spill.  It also has a fingernail file, tweezers and a toothpick – by the way, I can’t imagine using the toothpick on teeth and sticking it back in the knife for next time.  It would have to be a terrible spinach emergency moments before meeting Brad Pitt to do that.

I have a small cardstock embroidery floss holder wrapped with enough thread to sew on a button.  The needle is stuck through the cardstock.  I’ve used it to sew on buttons while waiting in the car line at school before.  Once I used it at swim lessons to reattach my daughter’s strap to her sundress (it didn’t look great, but at least she was clothed).  Several times different friends have borrowed it to fix their buttons. 

Sharpie markers are great for writing names on restaurant drink cups or Chuck E Cheese token cups.

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