My Dad grew up on a farm, and they had plenty of tractors and other large equipment that would occasionally break down. He learned early on how to fix those things plus cars, trucks and anything else that would fall into disrepair. It should come as no surprise that he majored in engineering. Later in life after he married my Mom and had us girls, he continued to be a master of all trades. He branched into wood working and auto body repair after my first fender bender. Little did I know that I too would be learning auto body repair as we fixed my car together. He was always our go to guy for work around the house as well. His favorite saying was, “You can fix anything as long as you have the right tools!” He was right, which was why after he passed several years ago, we discovered he had tool boxes everywhere. In his car, in my Mom’s car and many, many more in their garage, attic and shed. 

Thanks to my Dad, I appreciate a good toolbox. My most used one, however, is filled with wardrobe necessities that I keep in my closet. Do you have one? Do you have a box or a designated area for your “wardrobe tools?” I first discovered the need for this toolbox when I was working full time and had a newborn at home. My time was very limited for getting ready, and I had no wiggle room for changing outfits or shoes. But inevitably, I would have to change when I got spit up on as I was kissing my girl goodbye or giving her a bottle.Other times I would discover the shoes I was planning to wear had mud on the side or needed a quick wipe down from something that had fallen on them. I would stand in my closet, regretting the additional minutes it cost me to deal with these issues in the kitchen or bathroom. That’s when the wardrobe toolbox was born, and I’ve been adding to it ever since. While I’m no longer cleaning up baby messes on my clothes, I  might need a little tape or safety pin to close a gaping blouse or a wet wipe to quickly clean a pair of leather shoes. I may reach for  a pair of inserts for shoes that are just a touch too big or a petal for ones that are a bit too tall. The issues can spring up on us at just the worst time, and as they do, I add to the toolbox again and again. To create your own, see the links below. In doing so, I hope that  you too might find that, “You can fix anything, if you have the right tools!” 

Miss you Dad.

Oh by the way, here’s the list and a few toolbox ideas that could be fun as well. I’m attaching them as links should you want to order, but a number of them could be scooped up from your local dollar store inexpensively.