droolicious : organization

Our Four Best Picks for Kids' Packs

JeanneSager — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Summer vacation is coming. Whether you'll be packing the kids up for a trip to grandma's or getting a vacation yourself, you can't go wrong with these picks for packing:

1. Little Passenger Sparky Junior Travel Backpack - They'll be so busy making their way through the adventures in this car-shaped backpack, they'll forget to ask "are we there yet?" seventeen times over. Stuffed with their own map and road atlas, plus travel-themed playcards and activity books, there's room to add a few more of their favorites into the bag before you hit the road.TIP FOR PARENTS: Use the accompanying dry erase markers to plot your road trip route in the map so they can follow along.

Sparky's see-through make-up also means they can spot their toys from the outside, leaving you to drive while they paw through their Little Passenger. Get it from CSN Stores for $23.50 with free shipping.

2. Ramblin' Kids Suitcase by the Piggy Story - Retro- and rover-licious, this hard case is made in the grand old traditions of overnight cases. And while it really is an overnight case with limited room for their goodies, I say that in the best sense of the word. Packed with a soft blanket and pillow, the Piggy Story case is covered in a fun doggy print that suits both girls and guys.

Take out the pillow and blankie to pack in an overnight outfit and a few of their favorite toys, or leave them in and send them off to granny's where she has doubles of their duds anyway. The case is small enough for them to carry, and sturdy enough that it will survive the trips. Get it from The Chocolate Cake Club for $54.

3. Dastardly Dragon Overnight Bag by Sassafras - Let them out of your castle for an overnight adventure with a small bag that packs a surprising amount of room. The cuddly dragon (didn't know that could happen, did you?) lets this bag double as a friend to squeeze when they're away from home at night, but it's the ample space inside the zippered body that makes this a must buy for parents. Well, that and the sparkly "fire-breathing" tongue? Get it from the Chocolate Cake Club too - for $26.95.

4. Duffel Bag, Little MissMatched - The last thing you want when you're five hundred miles from home, is to find out your daughter's sippy cup that he chucked onto the bag beside her has soaked through the bag into all of her clothes. Hello waterproof linings! It doesn't hurt that these are cute (and a little on the kooky side), but the Little MissMatched bags make it onto the list thanks to ample space for all of their clothes (I packed ten days worth in my daughter's duffel on a recent trip), handles for little kids to cart them or a strap for Mom and Dad, and a lining that helps them stand up to being dropped in mud puddles on the way into the hotel or left too close to the pool. Get one for $30 (check out the different designs).

Check Out More On the Go Goodies:

Five Finds for On-the-Go With Your Little Monkey

Be Mine from Ju-Ju-Be

elizabeth leach — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Ju-Ju-Be designs a lot of fabulous add-ons to make your Ju-Ju-Be bag or any bag more organized. Be Mine is the perfect size for credit cards, money, business cards, cell phone, driver's license and whatever random stuff that would usually float around your bag.

Much like Be Major (read that review here), but smaller, Be Mine is great to grab when you want to leave your diaper bag in the car or at home. Bag can be worn on your wrist and comes with an extended shoulder strap if wearing it on your shoulder is your thing. There's even a mini mirror, so bring your Be Mine to the pool or beach. You never know when your make up will run or you need to apply more sunscreen.

Be Mine is available in twenty patterns and solid colors. Shop Ju-Ju-Be.

Freebie of the Week: Foxy Book Label

JeanneSager — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:35:00 GMT

We're big fans of the public library, but the "friends" library is just as loaded. Ready to pile up some of your favorites to take along on a playdate? Don't go anywhere without these labels.

Designed by Helen Dardik, they're up for free at her blog, Orange You Lucky, with the foxy little girl and a tiger-ific tot for boys. Yes, I said free! The retro labels are available in high resolution over at Orange, where you can download and print. If you're having trouble, she's even got her e-mail address for troubleshooting.

Their favorite tomes will never roam too far from home again.

Keep Things Swinging from the Car Top

JeanneSager — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Tell me if this story sounds familiar:

You're driving along, and the baby starts crying in the backseat. That stuffed elephant you carefully tucked in their carseat? Yeah, it's on the floor. AGAIN.

Not anymore.

The Kicky Pants Auto Mobile keeps all toys within reach at all times, but it also keeps them locked in place. The stretchy fabric cord runs across the inside of the roof of your car. Plastic rings come as part of the package, and allow you to hook their toys to the Auto Mobile. So the toys wobble, but they don't fall down.

Ah, who knew you'd ever drive an uninterrupted drive again?

Get it from the Itsy Bitsy Baby Boutique for $19.95.

Introducing the Bagless Diaper Bag

JeanneSager — Fri, 15 May 2009 21:04:00 GMT

The worst part of the diaper bag was always the hefty, bulky back-breaking bag. So what if you could get all the best parts of the diaper bag without the actual bag?

The Quick Change Kit from Kalencom seems to do the trick. A foldable pad to lay out for a diaper change anywhere, it's stocked with a plastic wipes container and space to stow the diapers. An extra zippered pocket on the outside gives you space for your keys, cash and other necessities. But that's it.

Folded up and buckled, it's only a foot wide and about half as tall. So not heft. No bulk, and you've got all you need for the on the go?

Now all you need to know is where to get it (and in more than a dozen funky designs). That would be straight from Kalencom for $24. You can thank us later.

Go GaGa for this Messenger Bag

JeanneSager — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:03:00 GMT

If you want to get technical, it's a diaper bag. But Go GaGa knows we'd all prefer a bag that cushions our laptop just as easily as it carries our little one's dirty laundry.

Introducing the Daddy Diaper Bag that doesn't have to be. With a slot on the outside that could as easily hold a bottle of water as it would a sippy of juice, and an inside well-padded to protect a laptop, the Go GaGa Messenger is a baby and beyond kind of bag.

The ergonomic strap makes this one of the most back-friendly bags we've tried out here on Droolicious, and the easy open buckle made accessing baby's wipes or daddy's keys a one-handed operation.

So get it for him, get it for her, even get it for someone who is totally baby-free. It's over at Go GaGa for $118 in a host of colors.

First Look: Pulp Magnetic Memory Boards

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Preschool photo day, babysitter notes, grocery lists.... keep it all organized with a stylish magnetic memo board.

Staying on top of all life’s details has never been harder. With today’ hyper-scheduled families, reminders need to be front and center, making the memo board an essential tool in the battle to stay afloat.

Don’t think you have to downgrade the look of your kitchen with a shabby corkboard. Pulp Products are equally utilitarian and pretty. The big 22” x 22” Magnetic Memo Boards ($42) are handcrafted and covered with designer fabrics. Pick from 24 modern fabrics (we love the dots)—six stylish button magnets included. You won’t be embarrassed to put this up on a focal wall in the kitchen or to use it as a keepsake holder in a nursery or kids room.

Hippo's Hungry for a Routine

JeanneSager — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

If trying to get your kids off to beddie bye is a nightmare in itself, how about putting them in charge? At least in charge of checking off the routine.

This Hippo Gets Ready for Bedtime chart sports pictures of cute purple hippos doing all the getting ready for bed chores that need to be done. Attached across the bottom of the board by Velcro, they easily come off for little hands and just as easily reattach across the top to let kids "check off" chores that are complete.

With twenty choices of chores and seven slots for "what needs to be done," you can pick your kids' biggest hang-ups and let them take control of checking each of them off. For older kids, the chart gives them a little independence, and let's you check to see everything's getting done.

Get one from Excited 2 Learn for $27.95.

Eco-Friendly Ladder-Inspired Bookcase

Cathy Hale — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT

It’s a cool twist on the traditional ladder bookcase and perfect for storing kid’s stuff. Open from all angles, this bookcase is totally accessible and looks great. It has three shelves for storage or display. The Montgomery 3-Shelf Bookcase is built entirely of sustainable rubberwood and painted with non-toxic green paint. On sale at Pottery Barn Kids for $200.

Roll Out the Royalty With This Toybox

JeanneSager — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:27:00 GMT

We have entered the realm of the Disney Princess obsession, and I'm afraid there is no escaping it. But as we work on our daughter's room makeover, I've been looking to incorporate her favorites in small ways rather than let a character take over.

Her favorite new addition? Her Princess toybox that rolls out of its organizer and around the room for easy clean-up and fun play around the room.

From Delta products, the three-tiered organizer is surprisingly easy to put together (alas, I can't lie and say I did it - thank you honey!) with each piece well-labled, holes pre-drilled and dowels already in place. It's also sturdier than most of the particleboard toyboxes I've found (the one downfall to this box, it is particleboard rather than real wood), able to withstand a preschooler packing it full of EVERYTHING she owns.

The roll out toybox uses the organizer as its "lid," so there's no need to worry about a lid getting beaten up with the constant up and down and no fear of fingers getting pinched. This gets bonus points for the three plastic organizing bins on the second shelf, each of which comes out separately so they can keep cars separate from little action figures and so on.

Better still, this is a small set, which easily fits into a corner of the room and at under $50 doesn't cost you an arm and a leg for something they'll soon grow out of. Get it at Target.

School.files Keeps the Papers Tidy

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:06:00 GMT

Until I had my own kid, I mistakenly thought day cares were places where kids played. Not so. Yes, the kids may play, but they’re training both you and yours to attend school by sending home a landslide of papers to see if the household can unbury itself. Reminders, recitals, Valentine’s lists, calls for volunteers ... that’s not including the art. Oh, the art.

Buttoned Up School.files ($19.95) offers a neater solution than the piles — if they’re even piles — on the kitchen table. Designed to corral papers for three kids, each section includes five folders for stuff to do, stuff to keep, stuff to return, fun stuff and calendars. Of course, there is one more lesson that you’ll have to learn: how to choose what to keep. Good luck with that!

Roll Away Clothes and Clutter

Lisa Mulcahy — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT

It’s the time of the year that I dread, time to pack up the winter clothes and unpack the spring stuff. It’s just one of those chores I’m never in the mood to do because storage space is always an issue. Instead of lugging crap up and down from the attic maybe some under bed storage like this would be easier.

Especially if you have more than one kid, this storage drawer, $229, from Room & Board could help keep things organized. This way each kid’s stuff would be right under his bed instead of in random bins tucked away in the rafters. Or forget the clothes altogether, the easy rolling drawer could also be a great clutter catcher to keep toys out of sight.

Colorful Storage Bench

Lisa Mulcahy — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Great for an entryway, mudroom or playroom a storage bench does double duty as a place to perch to put on shoes or read a book, as well as stash clothing and toys. This eco-friendly find adds a splash of color and function.

From Viva Terra, one of my favorite eco-friendly retailers, the Barcelona Bench, $398, is compact and comfy. Instead of chemical-laden foam it’s filled with kapok, a green alternative stuffing.

An Organizer To Hold All Your Knick Knacks

Lisa Estall — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:37:00 GMT

This wall organizer would be really handy in my home. You can set up the chalkboard, storage bins, magnetic clips and all the little extras in different ways so it always looks fresh.

Price is $65 for the whole thing. This is something I would definitley use for my home office or the playroom.

Sold at Pottery Barn Kids

Store Books In This Modern Playhouse

Lisa Estall — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:43:00 GMT

This Dollhouse Bookshelf would be a nice addition for a little girl’s bedroom. Store books and knick knacks in each of the six “rooms”.

Painted white with green accents, I think it's a nice modern take on a traditional dollhouse. You do have to assemble it yourself and it’s only sold online at Pottery Barn Kids. The price is $399.

Visit Pottery Barn Kids.

Plush Lamb Storage Baskets

Cathy Hale — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Friendly and functional, these handmade white baskets are perfect for a nursery, child's room or playroom. Two plush lamb-adorned baskets can store toys, diapers, blankets, burp cloths, etc. Stay organized. Stay cute. On sale for $45 at Overstock.com.

Tired of Ho-Hum Hangers?

Cathy Hale — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Is your baby's closet full of cute clothes on cheapo hangers? Fear not! There are actually quite a few small-scale hangers out there that can jazz up a closet instantly if your an OCD kinda gal (or guy). I was all about pretty hangers in the beginning, but now I'm lucky if anything makes it onto a hanger - even my clothes! I like to think of the dryer as a big, warm, hanger-free closet. Anyway...

These sweet Antique Look Wooden Hangers by Melissa Frances are perfect for your baby boy's closet. Set of three retails for $13 at Baby Ant.

Chic Your Buti-Bag

Cathy Hale — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Diaper changes on-the-go just got a lot easier and a bit more stylish. It's a handy tote designed to keep your booty organized. Let's face it, even the most organzied mommy can get frazzled by her baby's unexpected diaper fiasco in public. Just toss this Bundle bag in your big diaper bag to keep everything you need for baby (and yourself) within reach. You can hang it too, so nothing touches the floor. Makes a great shower gift idea for the glowing mom-to-be. Lots of adorable fabric options! The Buti-Bag Co.

Window into the Great Toy Box Abyss

Lisa Mulcahy — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:28:00 GMT

There are two philosophies on storage and organization. In one camp are those that like to stash and hide and in the other camp those that like to see where everything is for easy access. Myself, I prefer to stash and hide, but here’s an affordable toy box for the other side.

With three separate compartments and a translucent front the See-Thru Toy Box, $129, was designed to keep digging to a minimum. The bottom of most toy boxes is a great abyss where Beanie Babies, scuba Diego and an assortment of happy meal toys mingle into one giant mess. At least this box will let you easily take stock of what’s in there.

Have an Answer for “What’s For Dinner?”

Heather Kuldell — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:34:00 GMT

Many days, I start thinking ahead to dinner while I’m taking my lunch break. When I know what the plan is, I have pleasant thoughts. When I don’t, I start trying to remember what I have in my fridge and begin to stress about it. That’s where the “What’s For Dinner?” pad comes in. One side of the pad features the the days of the week, and the other half is a grocery list. The idea is that you plan out the week, then make sure you actually remember to pick up all the ingredients at the store. That way you don’t get ham but no burger or mac and no cheese. And no, I don't think it's cheating to have a day or twoblank for take-out, delivery or leftovers.

Available at The Organized Parent for $22.95.

How’s That Resolution to be More Organized Going?

Heather Kuldell — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:02:00 GMT

What? You haven’t even gotten a calendar yet? How about taking a baby step that will pay off like a big leap? Check out the BusyBodyBook Fridge Grid Pad. Instead of managing a month at a time, take it week to week.

Slap this pad on the refrigerator, then enter the dates in the first column. The other seven columns are up for grabs. For example, you can assign one to each family to track regular calendar work: appointments, lessons, etc. But you could also use a column to plan out dinner each night. Or one to remind when TV shows you want to watch are on. The pad also features a note column for those undated to-do items or to jot down when you run chicken nuggets.

Available at BusyBodyBook for $11.95.

Closet Case

Lisa Mulcahy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:32:00 GMT

In recent weeks I’ve been having what I call “Feng Shui attacks.” Like panic attacks, they come on sudden and often create a ripple effect into other areas of my life. Usually there’s a lot of purging, rearranging and cleaning involved. Since my son’s closet was first on my hit list, I immediately fell in love with this storage solution.

The combination of bins, hanging rack and shelf make Via Toy Box’s Broadway Set, $434, a winner for me. (Compared to a California Closet type project, the price really isn’t that bad.) I can’t wait to banish those ugly white wire racks from my house for good.

This would also be great in a playroom for toys and dress up clothes.

Do & Delegate Takes Sharing the Work to a Whole New Level

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:31:00 GMT

The ideas behind the Do & Delegate spiral notebook are good: You do some of the stuff that needs to be done and then you enlist help for the rest. The To Do section features tear-out lined pages so you can organize yourself. The Delegation section has tear-out notes so you can dole out tasks, but it retains a carbonless copy for your records. Sadly, the notebook does not come with the minions to carry out the tasks for you (it is only $8), nor any guarantee that your note’s authority will be respected. Still, good ideas.

Skip Hop Lights Up Dark Nights!

elizabeth leach — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Skip Hop's Day to Night Baby Log isn't just another newborn journal. This one has an illuminated clock, date indicator, and a timer for monitoring nap and feeding times. Sure, a regular journal could work to keep track of feedings, diaper changes, and sleep schedule, but when you're sleep deprived you can use all the help you can get.

The Skip Log baby log has six months of daily log pages with a section to record doctor visits and baby shower gifts. It's a perfect gift for a first-time mom. I know I was always struggling to stay organized when I had my baby and having everything in one place is key! Buy it for $38.95 from Baby Oliver.

A Very Modern Hang-It-All

Erin Behan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:35:00 GMT

If you've got a budding retro-modernist who won't clean his or her room, I've got the organizational solution for you and from a household name in design.