Chalkboard labels
In order for things to stay organized in and around our home, I make use of labels.

I use these labels for mason jars with edibles like cereals, grain, snacks and spice jars. I also use them to differentiate similar house hold items that belong to different individuals.

These labels have saved us a lot from mix ups and yelling. They do stick so much better than the masking tape. They also look a lot nicer . You could either use chalk or a fine point chalkboard marker to write on the labels. I have found the marker simpler to use with a neater cute finish. They are also water proof and so won’t wash off.

I get mine from Game Lugogo and a pack of 35 goes for 20,000 UGX. Most stationery shops do sell the chalk and markers.

Portable Sewing Machine Stapler
In this day and age, the old fashioned 90’s looking stitching machines are not a smart choice for sure in terms of size and effort. With the several bad encounters I have had with commercial tailors, I purposed to find a way of doing the sewing myself. And it has saved me lots of time, effort and shrieking at tailors with panic and displeasure.

This mini machine is portable, handy, sleek and very affordable. It has come in so handy for emergencies at ours. I have used it to repair damaged cotton fabric, jeans, chair covers; and recently by torn bag zipper; all at home. It’s very quick and easy to use. I bought mine from some Indian store on Equatorial mall at 50,000 UGX.

Sticky Notes
These are a Godsend for me since I am a visual learner and function so much better with lists.

I have a whole bunch of sticky notes that I use on a daily basis. I have sticky notes inside kitchen cabinets, on the fridge, inside my planner, wallet, bedroom etc.,

I use them as reminders of what I need to buy on my next grocery trip, noting down quick thoughts, phone numbers, or ideas, to do lists, side notes as I read a book, among others.

Much as I would honestly love to say that ‘ I use a paperless list-making system’, am afraid that you might have to wait forever for that announcement to come in.  I guess sometimes we just have to do what works for us, even if there are several other newer, “better”, more sophisticated ways available.

What are your favorite things this January?