My Favourite Shoe Storage

About a year ago I found what in my opinion is the best way to store shoes, especially when you don't have a huge walk in closet like in the movies where the shoes can be displayed just like in a store. What I did was purchase plastic shoe/storage boxes and I got rid of the original shoe boxes.  I bought these from Home Depot.

Via Home Depot

Via The Container Store

As I was packing for our upcoming trip and going through my closet, I realized again how much I love these boxes.  They stack up nicely, they fit well (more than one pair of flip flops, for example) and you can see what's in them.  Seeing what's in them is the best part because you can really see what you have when picking which shoes to wear or which shoes to pack.  The boxes can be found at many other retailers, like Canadian Tire, and The Container Store.  Best storage solution ever!

Update to "Keeping on Top of Pictures" Post

In my post of April 24, I expressed how excited I was about the Container Store's photo storage boxes.  Yesterday a friend of mine that follows my blog told me how much she liked this idea and I suggested we place the order together.  Although the Container Store ships to Canada, I was really not happy with how high the shipping fees were so I told her I would look into finding a store in Ottawa that sells them and tonight I found one!  These are sold at Solutions and in the next week or so I am definitely going to purchase them in person and not worry about the shipping fees.

Via Solutions

Via Solutions

Solutions has an online store (not sure how their shipping fees are) and has various locations around Ontario.

Keeping on top of pictures - a part-time and even sometimes a full-time job

For me, pictures are the most important memories one could keep.  If I could I would keep a hard drive of all the pictures I have in a safe at the bank, or maybe several banks to ensure that I will forever have a copy...ok, I know that is a bit extreme but seriously, I value these memories more than anything and hope that I am capturing enough for my children to look back on.  These days because of the digital world, we take more pictures than before.  More memories means more work.  I try to limit my picture taking to my camera, but it is not always handy so I do take many on my phone and so does my husband.  So basically, I have to manage and sort all of these.

My strategy, until I can come up with a better one, is to create a photo book for every special occasion, trip or every so many months.  I use Mixbook for all my photo books, mostly because of the variety of templates and how comfortable I have become using the software.

But certainly not all the photos can make it in the photo books so I had to come up with what I wanted to do with the rest of the pictures.  Although they are not the best pictures, they still are memories worth keeping.  With technology changing, I don't feel comfortable saving them on a USB key, or a CD.  Who knows whether these could be accessed in the future so in addition to saving them on a hard drive and on my computer I am going to print them and store them in boxes.

I found these today from the Container Store and I think I will order them.

Via The Container Store

Via The Container Store

Via The Container Store

I like both options but prefer the carrier because it has more inner cases and can easily be transported.  What is great is that the inner cases are acid-free and you can label each.  Each inner case holds approximately 100 4" x 6" photos.

How do you organize your pictures?  Any ideas you can share?

Practical gifts for kids that are still lots of fun!

I found these storage solutions by Three Sprouts. I think they would make a great gift for any family with young kids. Every mother I know would welcome more storage solutions that the kids would actually like and use! This brand is sold in many higher end children's boutiques and can be found many places online. I found these at PinkiBlue a Montreal boutique that also sells online.

Wall organizers:

via PinkiBlue

via PinkiBlue

Storage cubes:

via PinkiBlue

Toy storage bins:

via PinkiBlue

Clothing hampers:

via PinkiBlue

Diaper caddy:

via PinkiBlue

Bath toy storage:

via PinkiBlue

You can find these adorable products here. They are very well priced between $22-$33. A steal if you ask me!

Getting Organized: Front Entrance Hallway - Coat hooks

Now that we have a little bench for the little one to sit on to put on his shoes we need some sort of coat rack to hang our coats. We have a front entrance coat closet but if you have little ones at home you know how much easier it is just to throw your coat and your little one's on a hook when you're on your way in with your hands full.

Coat rack via Crate & Barrel

So I've searched and searched and I'm considering this one from Crate & Barrel. It has great reviews, looks durable and is affordable for a piece that should become a permanent fixture in our home. I like that the hooks are more like knobs so they won't stick out in our narrow hallway and hit someone in the head or shoulder. I also like that the knobs are not stationary so you can slide them around to use as needed depending on the garments & accessories you need to hang. You can find it as well as other nice options like the one below here.

Coat rack via Crate & Barrel

However the big debate began when I found these darlings. My son is VERY into animals right now and I love that these would add a touch of whimsy to our home. They would kind of alert all that enter our humble abode that we are definitely not an ordinary bunch and that we don't take ourselves too seriously. I know my son would love them and that I secretly would too! They're the kind of accents that just make you smile you know? The thing is, as pretty as they are, I'm not sure they would hold up to the abuse our family might unleash on these little hooks...Could they hold up my husbands heavy winter parka? Could they hold my son's eventual school bag filled with heavy books? Probably not, but that's what the entrance coat closet is for right? Ok...so the debate will have to go on!

Coat hook via Rockett St George

Coat hook via Rockett St George

Coat hook via Rockett St George

Coat hook via Rockett St George

Coat hook via Rockett St George

Want to go completely wild? I found them in color & dinosaurs too! Just one, two or three of these would be a really sweet gift for someone's nursery if it fit their theme!

Coat hook via The Modern Baby

Coat hook via The Modern Baby

Coat hook via The Modern Baby

Coat hook via The Modern Baby

Coat hook via The Modern Baby

Coat hook via The Modern Baby

Hello Monday!: A Great Weekend for Organizing

This weekend was great.  An extra long weekend to enjoy with friends from out of town and with family, and to organize the home!  A very productive weekend indeed. As both Mrs. P and I mentioned before, it is very important in a small home with limited storage to stay on top of organizing.  The goal this weekend was to work on the second nursery with baby number two arriving very soon.  Just like in the first nursery we needed to do something with the closet to maximize space.  We considered a pre-made closet organizer or custom making one, but in the end we just went with removable and changeable closet organizers from Ikea.  We thought this made more sense especially with small clothing items for babies, pyjamas, bibs and receiving blankets.  This way we will leave the permanent customizing for when the kids are older or leave it to a purchaser when we decide to sell and move.  This leaves options for a family that may have different needs.

I love the size and flexibility of these. Plus they are extremely affordable.

Via Ikea

Via Ikea

In addition to white and black, the bigger size also comes in this lilac colour.  I love how it adds colour to the closet.  In store, they also had a turquoise colour that I absolutely loved.

Via Ikea

We also got these boxes to put on the floor in the closet and one on the shelve in the closet.  I use one of these for toy storage in the room and the other I use for extra supply storage (i.e., diapers, diaper genie liners, wipes, etc.).  According to Ikea's site " two boxes fit side by side in a 39 3/8" wide wardrobe frame". They fit perfectly in the closets  in my home.

Via Ikea

Via Ikea

First order of business: Get organized!

My son has a new found obsession with stuffed animals. He's been in love with all things animals/zoo for some time but now has related this to his stuffed animals...and let me tell you these things can easily take over your home. I'm desperate to have one place I can easily literally stuff them while still keeping them accessible to my son. I found these bins at Land of the Nod and just ordered it in red. Now I'm just hoping I'll be able to stuff a 30 animals in this one bin (yes 30!). Will update you upon receipt!

Wire bins via Land of the Nod

They also have a huge selection of other storage solutions for toys and such. See them all here.

My tip of the week: Chalkboard paint = a fresh start

Do you want to give your child's bedroom a bit of a makeover without spending $$$? Try chalkboard paint! Paint a door, a wall or just a board and not only give their space a new modern look but also a way to express themselves. It makes a great outlet when the kids start getting cabin fever during these cold winter months.  Take a look at these spaces for inspiration:

via Lalalovely

via Lalalovely

via The boo and the boy

via National Post

via Design Sponge

via Design for MiniKind!

You can purchase chalkboard paint at most home hardware stores. Benjamin Moore has chalkboard paints and a full how to use chalkboard paint article right here. Also, if you're interested they have a list of creative ideas for chalkboard paint uses here.

If you prefer not to commit to painting a wall or door check out Yolanda's post a while ago on chalkboard wall decals or you can always purchase kid size furniture with chalkboard surfaces:

Table with chalkboard surface via The Modern Shop

P'Kolino table with storage chalkboard lid and matching benches via Style Kid

P'Kolino toy box with chalkboard lid via Style Kid

Or just an actual chalkboard:

Freestanding chalkboard via Restoration Hardware

P'Kolino double sided chalkboard & white erase board easel via Style Kid

I have the P'Kolino products mentioned above (table, toy box & easel) and we use them all! All the chalkboard surfaces give each product dual if not triple purposes.  The extra storage in the table is a real plus and the easel being made specifically at a height for little ones make these all great finds. I recommend them all!

Hello Monday!: SOBU Junk in the Trunk Bed 50% Off!

The Junk in the Trunk Bed with Storage is Genius! (Exclusive and Limited)

via Sobu

"Shoes, clothes, toys, junk. We were tired of visual clutter. So, here’s a solution for keeping bedrooms in tip-top shape and clutter free. Just pull out the footboard and a roomy storage drawer presents itself. Chuck your stuff in there and forget about it. Twin size ideal for small spaces, kids' rooms or guest bedrooms. Super soft, off-white fabric with orange piping is resistant to staining and a cinch to clean. Add a standard size twin mattress (not included) and you're ready to snooze. Simple assembly required. Designed by Alessandro Latini." 

via Sobu

via Sobu

via Sobu

So what do you think? My son is just about ready for a big boy bed and now that this beauty is 50% off I cannot resist! I'm thinking two (he has a very large room that also serves as a guest room when grandma stays over!) Something like this:

via Lonny Mag

Of course it needs to be a boys room so add this wall paper I've been pining over
(ever since I saw it on Gossip Girl years ago)... as an accent wall behind the beds:

via Nursery Notations

Pull it together with some accessories and we're good to go!

via Dwell Studio

via Dwell Studio

via Style Kid

via Design Dazzle

Now to convince the hubby :)...to be continued...