Command Center and Rewards System

Alrighty!  Round 2 of voting is up at American Crafters.  I would so appreciate it if you would go vote!  Maybe I can make it to another round?

Honestly, I'm quite happy to be done with this project.  I would have liked to do something a little more elaborate and super organized, but we rent and are in school, so I am kind of limited with resources and space.  I'm not limited in ideas for organization, though.  I found it a little frustrating coming up with something I was satisfied with.  

Still, here's what I did.  

First of all, my desk was in desperate need of some organization.

I know!  You can scroll down quickly if you want so you don't have to look at that!

It sits right inside our front door and has become a drop point for the mail and whatever else we don't want to put away (like the girl's shoes).  I have to clean it off on a daily basis because this is also where I work in the evenings.

So, first I took the opportunity to go to the discount store to see what kind of organization inspiration I could find.  Here's what I came back with:

And here's what I did with it.

First, I cleaned everything off the desk, cleaned it, and took a picture before the cleaner dried. 

Then, I took the fun contact paper and covered the desktop with it. 

I didn't get it on super straight (because super straight and I are NOT friends), so I ran an Xacto knife along the edges that were hanging off and made them nice and clean. 

Oooh pretty!  (That paper chain, by the way, is from a date night with my husband; each chain has written on it a reason he loves me.)

Next, I pulled out some cork board tiles I had on hand and nailed them to the desk. 

Yup, I just nailed them right on there (which bent a lot of my nails because that is one hard desktop!)

I also put a basket underneath to hold my new inbox/bills to be paid box.

This is where we put the mail now. 

I traced the frame in the center of the cork and then cut that space out, like so: 

I put some pretty paper in the frame and then glued the frame into it's customized space. 

It's my new dry erase board.

I spray painted those green bowls so they are now a pretty chocolate brown and they are my clutter catchers and outgoing mail "box."

And, here are my "after" pictures:

It's a much happier space now!

For the rest of my project, I'm just going to include an abridged version of the post I submitted to explain my system.

You see, in theory, I am a very organized person.  I have a book full of schedules, plans, and to do lists.  It is beautiful and works fairly well for me.  The problem is, I still have a hard time finding motivation to complete my chores.  

In the center of the cork board, I glued a dry erase board for my Weekly To Do list and beside that is pinned my Daily To Do list and Bonus chores (these are chores that I typically have a harder time doing).

Now, my thinking is that if we motivate kids to do their chores by giving them rewards or special privileges, why shouldn't I reward myself for doing my chores?  And, what is the best reward for myself (aside from a clean house)?  Projects.

So, I now have a shelf in my craft room devoted to my weekly projects.  Each container or basket holds the supplies needed to complete a project.  Once my chores are all checked off for the day, I now have a project waiting for me.  The red basket holds a special weekly reward (such as a good book or fuzzy socks, maybe some occasional chocolate) if I finish my bonus chores.  Now, I have something to look forward to and I may even enjoy the housework more!

There you go!  Now, please go vote!  Thank you so much for your support!