Mama Time: A Cart of One’s Own

March 6, 2012

Work Cart

Mama time… hmmm? That may be a term that some of us are just starting to contemplate, while others of us still can’t imagine. Well, I am in the just starting to contemplate category, which I highly recommend! So, I have decided to toss in some blog posts here and there about the little things that I do and discover that nurture, nourish, and inspire the woman within (sounds bold huh?). I would love to hear how you are caring for your inner beings as well. So here goes…

I am getting geared up for some new and exciting projects that will require more writing and screen time, so I decided to pull myself from the atelier and focus some energy on my own work/creative space. I have been preaching about the virtues that come from creating attractive, organized spaces for children for years, but for the most part have been neglecting my own space.

I started by cleaning out the drawers in my desk and taking on the piles and piles of stuff that have accumulated. I was happy to discover that the task seemed much more daunting (which is why it took me years to do it) then it really was and felt really good to accomplish. So, my advice here is to just set aside an hour for yourself and dive in!

The new addition to the space consists of this new cart, which serves as great storage and a wonderful work surface. Because it was designed for cooking it is just the right height for doing project preparation such as using the paper cutter or wrapping packages. I keep my favorite tools handy and even indulged in some new supplies. I love the “industrial” look of it and know that it will be a versatile piece of furniture that we will be able to use in a variety of ways over the years (it would also make a great art cart).

Now, I look forward to and am able to take full advantage of those special quiet times (however brief they may be) when I get to work, create, connect, and explore. And the best part? I know where everything is! Whooohooo!

Desl Organizer

Files

 

Mariah
Mariah Bruehl is a parent, educator, entrepreneur, and author of the book Playful Learning: Develop Your Child’s Sense of Joy and Wonder (Shambhala Publications, 2011). In 2008 Mariah brought her expertise online, creating the Parents’ Choice Gold Medal award-winning Web site Playful Learning. In 2011 she launched the Playful Learning Ecademy, which takes virtual-learning experiences to a new level by incorporating the best practices in education with engaging hands-on lessons, bringing parents and children together from all over the world into a unique, creative community environment.
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@playfullearning

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4 Comments

  1. Susanne said on September 12, 2012 #

    Hi Mariah

    Do you manage to keep your children away from your desk? I don’t, and things get borrowed and never returned or used up!
    Anyway, I wanted to ask you were you sourced the beautiful file holder on your desk? 

    Many thanks

    Susanne

    • mariah said on September 13, 2012 #

      Hi Susanne – my desk is in my bedroom, which helps a bit when it comes to avoiding vanishing materials… I also try to keep the girls’ art area well-stocked so that they don’t feel the need to use the supplies in my space. Although, I do still have to deal with an occasional disappearing stapler or tape dispenser…

      I ordered the file holder from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006HWLN6/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00

  2. Amanda Wilder said on January 12, 2013 #

    Hi there- I love this cart idea! It’s exactly what I need. Do you mind sharing where you got it?  

    thanks!

    Amanda

    • mariah said on January 12, 2013 #

      Thanks Amanda! The cart came from the kitchen section of Ikea.

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