Simple Solutions: Water Jug
I drink an insane amount of water and I am always on the prowl for new vessels. I was at my friend Ariana’s house and spotted this simple glass jug. When she confessed she had picked it up at IKEA I ran over and bought three. Best purchase ever. I keep them filled with water or lemonade in my fridge and hydrate like a maniac. I’m also loving the glass mason jars my friend Mahnee gave me for water or juice.
Happy hydrating!
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Simple Solution: Snack Storage
Snacks are a big part of my life. I am always running around town and need to pack easy snacks to keep my energy up and offer to my little ones. Right now, I am loving these flip top storage cups by OXO. They click open and closed and are easy for little hands to grip. I fill mine with cheese cubes, almonds, berries or little crackers and pop them into my purse or diaper bag for easy snacks on the go. Bonus points for the sleek design, bright fun colors and attached top so you don’t have to worry about the lid falling off.
Happy snacking!
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Inspiration: Organizing by Martha!
Holy smokes. Just in time for spring cleaning, Martha Stewart has done it again. She has just published a collector’s edition magazine containing her best ideas on organization. I am pleased to share that it truly delivers the goods! If you want to freshen up any room in your home she has ideas and images to guide and inspire. The magazine is on new stands through April and coincides with the launch of her new organizing line for Staples: a wide array of folders, binders, labels and storage units for your home office.
Happy organizing!
It’s Workin’ For Us: Toy Storage
I am excited to introduce my new series “It’s Workin’ For Us!” where I will give a little peek into my life and home, highlighting organization, storage and decor ideas that are working for my family.
My two-year old, Chloe, is a big fan of imaginative play and I wanted to create a system where she could help herself to dolls, tea-sets, play food, etc. and clean up easily. Enter, Pottery Barn’s storage bins. They have handles, they are super durable, and they fit perfectly on our bookshelf.
Chloe has six bins and each one has a different set of play things. At the moment we are featuring a tea set, doll accessories, play ice cream, play cupcakes, play cookies and a doctors kit. She loves to pull out the bins herself, play on the soft carpet in her room and then (with some encouragement) toss everything back and put them away. We have been using them since she was little and I rotate the contents every few months or when she gets bored: A simple system that has proven to be very successful!
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Like this:
Love Bites Bakeshop
I am a sucker for sweets and I am always on the hunt for the next best sugar fix.
I met Kathryn, of Love Bites Bakeshop, a few days ago and was fortunate enough to sample some of her incredible cupcake creations. With flavors like Snickerdoodle, Salted Caramel and Red Velvet, and the most delicate moist cake I have ever tasted, I became an instant fan… and addict. The best part is, not only are they delicious, they are adorable! Poor Kathryn has no idea what good friends we are about to become. Like, speed-dial good. BFFs. Family trips.
But seriously, if you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, impress guests at your next soiree, and support a small local business all at the same time, check out Love Bites Bakeshop…
A. I have always had such a sweet tooth and was tired of going to bakeries especially cupcakeries that left me disappointed with calories not worth consuming. I started practicing and after 2 years, I finally created my own recipes and frostings.
A. To be honest, it was a surprise. My brother in law’s cousin was a realtor and ordered a few dozen for an open house. That’s how it all started and here I am!
A. Stands are always a cute way to display cupcakes, but if you do not have any, placing them on large white rectangular platters keep it clean, modern and simple.
Like this:
Recycling Storage
Recently, my friend, Sierra, turned me on to the idea of a large tote-style bag for recycling storage.
I loved the idea because they are cuter than your typical garbage bins, but also handy and practical for taking outside.
How do you recycle?
Cute Little Shoes
I find most children’s shoes to be overpriced and not terribly stylish.
I figure, if we are going to shell out a decent amount of money for shoes, they should at least be cute. (We only buy two pairs per child at a time since we would rather have a few quality pairs of shoes that the kids love and can wear to death).
So, I went on a hunt to track down some winners.
Here is what I came up with:
Native shoes are cute, comfy and even my two-year old can slip them on and off herself!
For the rain, Hunter boots are classic and sharp.
I always like Converse All Stars on little feet:
Superga sneakers are sturdy and adorable and come in an array of styles.
Toms is doing a line for wee ones that is hard to resist!
Finally, Salt-Water Sandals are the perfect cute summer staple and come in every color of the rainbow!
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What are your favorite shoes for little ones?
Hable Construction
I have a new love. It’s pretty intense. I have just discovered the incredible storage options from Hable Construction and someone seriously needs to hold me back. Restrain me!! Laundry storage, stuffed animals, blankets, toys…the possibilities are endless!
See below for a few of my favorites:
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Have a favorite storage product? Share, please!
Zip Pouches
A friend recently asked me to write about storage ideas for tiny toys and loose game pieces.
Although many people favor clear, labeled boxes, I am a sucker for zip pouches.
Blick mesh zipper bags are great because they are so durable and can lean against each other on a shelf without collapsing. We use them for puzzles, play food and games. My two year old can unzip them herself which is a bonus.
I am also loving these stylish sets from Baggu.
They come in all different shapes and sizes, perfect for storing odds and ends.
The larger style is excellent for games and puzzles or collections of action figures or dolls.
We also fill one with kid snacks and essentials and toss it in the glove compartment of our car.
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How do you like to store itty bitty things?
Use Your Resources
It is hard to ask for help. Now that I have two young children and a business of my own, I have been forced to get over myself and ask the people around me for help and support whenever possible.
I have learned that people actually like sharing their talents and skills and being helpful! Here three ideas you can try out to make your life easier while helping out others at the same time. A double win!
1. Babysitting swap: Know someone else with kids who is in desperate need of a break? Offer a monthly babysitting swap. You’ll be helping a friend and also gaining a date night or well deserved break for yourself!
2. Trade your skills: Everyone has something they are good at whether it’s being a fix-it person or an incredible chef. I have traded my organizational services for everything under the sun including personal training, business coaching, yoga classes and marketing expertise.
3. Meal Train: When I had my two daughters, friends and family were kind enough to organize a meal drop-off system for my husband and I. It was such a relief to know that we didn’t have to shop or prepare dinner when we were so busy with the little ones. This got me thinking how great it would be to do on a regular basis. Partner up with a few local friends and take turns dropping off dinner for each other.
How will you use your resources to simplify your life this year? Share, please!
