Whether your child is making sandcastles at Kits Beach or kicking back with a bottle of formula, wearing Little Pipsqueak means they’ll be doing it in urban chic style.

Getting organized doesn’t necessarily mean buying out IKEA’s entire stock of magazine racks, shelves and baskets. Everyday items that you thought were only good for one or two things can be transformed into ultimate organizing tools all while saving time and money.

Imagination and an open mind are the keys to converting common household items into tools for organization through out the home. Try on these 10 household item transformations in your own home.

It seems like children can grow faster than biologically possible … at least to us sorrowful moms who want them to stay babies forever. In the first year of life, a child may wear that cute dress once or twice before it’s unable to fit over that ever-growing noggin. Whether you are unwilling to pay $50 for that adorable dress at Baby Gap or you just couldn’t resist that $50 dress at Baby Gap, children’s consignment stores can be a lifesaver on both fronts.

Summer is finally here.

So what does that mean? Lots of BBQs, outdoor activities and trips to the beach. Here’s how you can beat the heat with this sizzling summer look.

Don’t just show up to the next BBQ in a boring pair of khaki shorts and a linty tank top. It’s super easy to look pulled together with a classic stripe and adding a pop of colour

Look back through your archive of photographs. In how many did you make it into the frame? I’m in less than 10% of all our family photos because I’m usually the one behind the camera taking the photos. Does this sound familiar?

Dun, dun, dun! The kitchen can be one of the most welcoming – albeit scariest places in the home for organization. If you regularly cook at home (which I encourage!) the kitchen is likely one of the most used rooms in the home, and with frequent usage comes disorganization and mess. Recipe books, utensils, containers and knick knacks fill most kitchens hiding away in random drawers and cupboards.

You’re exhausted from chasing the kids around all day, the mountain of laundry doesn’t seem to go down and you can’t remember the last time you had a full night sleep. The last thing you think about is how you look. So to console yourself, you say, “Well, at least I took a shower!” Let’s stop making excuses and start taking care of ourselves. Looking great can be fast, easy and affordable!

Check out soccer-super fan Cathy Collis’ suggestions for enjoying World Cup – Vancouver family style.

In a busy household, a little bit of organization can go a long way in increasing efficiency, simplicity and sanity. Today’s focus is about purging all the stuff that piles up – old toys, out grown clothes and junk. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the little things as people often think they are going to find a need for it someday or it may hold sentimental value.