This might as well be a sponsored post for Target because all but one of the pieces is from there. With a new baby on the way, we’ve been reevaluating a lot of the storage in our house– kids toy storage especially. The focus has been on our playroom for obvious reasons, even though it’ll be a while before the baby is really playing down there!
In general I try to stay away from anything clear for kids toy storage because then there’s less pressure to keep the insides neat and tidy. To me, getting the toy/item into the bin or basket is enough organization. (I don’t want to worry about color coordinating toys for aesthetic purposes because it’s just not practical for our daily lives.) It also allows Jack to feel independent when he can 100% “do” the clean up on his own– it’s not complicated to put the train back in the basket with all the other trains!
I like the look of baskets for organization, but tend to mix and match them depending on the size! We’ve loved these rope baskets and these checkered weave baskets for playroom storage, and love the look of this dark wicker basket and this woven basket too. These braided baskets have been AMAZING for us and such a game changer. I got two and they’re just filled with the little toys and books Jack likes to play with when we’re upstairs. Especially great for when I’m preparing meals because he is nearby but can play independently. And when the toys aren’t in use, they’re out of sight and out of mind. He can also pull the baskets out on his own without adult assistance, furthering the independence!
I feel like so many moms swear by cube organizers for kids toy storage and I’m now one of them! Our latest playroom idea is this bookshelf and it’s the perfect size for our favorite metal bins. The price is SO affordable that I’m curious about longevity, but there’s also this one that’s available in 13″ instead of 11″ and maybe a little better made. Picture ledge shelves like these also come highly recommended for books. Jack’s big Christmas gift is probably going to be this table with the rolling storage carts underneath, which will go into the playroom as well.
The next thing I want to tackle is coming up with cute storage solutions for arts and crafts. Right now, they’re hidden away (out of reach!) in a closet in our basement, but eventually I’d love a solution for keeping some out in an aesthetically pleasing way! Maybe this utility cart? This storage cart might do the trick as well. Target’s Brightroom collection really is the best!!!
My cousins had a pottery barn kids table with matching chairs growing up and I have so many memories at round it! It was in the playroom for the longest time and then it became a coffee table in the teen hangout. I think they still have it the basement! Needless to say it’s a great investment for a young family!
I wrote down a list of things I wanted to do for fun in 2024. I crossed off exactly zero of them (having a baby will do that to ya) and my only hope of accomplishing one would be to host a cookie exchange! I wanted to SO bad but I was also feeling exhausted after a long year (losing a dog, having a baby, running a business, etc.) and I didn’t know if I had hosting a party in me. I sent out the invitations and told myself I’d figure it out. There was no going back! It was SO FUN though and I will be doing this again. I feel like so much of the holidays as a mom is spent making the magic for kids. It’s Santa meet and greets, Christmas shopping, holiday pageants…. And then seeing Santa again (and again and again). THIS party was for us! 🥂
🎧 Five 5-Star Audiobooks I Listened to This Year ✨
Audiobooks have been my secret weapon for fitting reading into a busy life. Whether I’m folding laundry, driving to preschool drop-off, or squeezing in a solo walk, I can dive into a story at the touch of a button—and @Audible makes it so easy. Eligible new subscribers can sign up for a one month free trial of #Audible Premium Plus anytime! #AudiblePartner #amazoninfluencer @amazoninfluencerprogram
This year, I listened to some incredible audiobooks, but these five stood out as absolute favorites:
📚 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: A beautifully written coming-of-age classic. I didn’t want it to end and could absolutely see myself re-listening in a few years.
📚 None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell: A psychological thriller with unreliable narrators that kept me guessing the whole way through.
📚 Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter: Part mystery, part family drama—flawed characters, a gripping storyline, and a chef’s kiss ending.
📚 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker: A masterpiece of storytelling that starts as a serial killer mystery and evolves into something much bigger.
📚 Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors: A stunning exploration of sisterhood, grief, and imperfect people. The ending left me in tears (happy ones!).
#sponsored Bedtime with two little boys can be hectic to say the least! 😅 But I try to do what I can to make the transition smoother and help my baby get the best sleep possible. 💤 Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream is the #1 pediatrician-recommended choice for diaper rash relief. The rich, thick formula creates a protective barrier on Rory’s skin, working for up to 12 hours to treat, heal, protect, soothe, and prevent diaper rash. And after bathtime, we use @aveenobaby Calming Comfort Lotion. This nourishing lotion, made with prebiotic oat, keeps my baby’s skin soft and smooth for 24 hours. Plus, the calming scent is perfect for winding down before bedtime. A little prep goes a long way in making bedtime easier for everyone! 🍼💤 Both are available on Amazon
Holding on for dear life this December ❤️ I have had SO MANY conversations this week with my friends near and far and we are *all* struggling. I have to say, just knowing it’s not just me feeling the pressure of “end of year-holiday magic- cold/flu/stomach bug season-darkest days of the year,” has made it a little easier to handle. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too 😮💨 (Telling myself this because I could use the reminder too!)
If I hadn’t already mailed our Christmas cards*, I would be ordering a reprint because this first photo is IT. ⭐️💂🏻♀️
*Actually only half because for some reason, I didn’t order enough? Our list must have grown over the past year or I just underestimated how many people were on it! I had to order more so the second half will be going out later whoops!!
Traded in my mom jeans for a @jcrew tuxedo this holiday season! Whether you’re dressing up, getting cozy, or picking out a gift for someone special, J. Crew has you covered! #injcrew #sponsored
Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/509U2 #ltkholiday
I’m all about practical storage! So many fun ideas here and all affordable too! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Would love to see how you use the rolling cart! I have one but not sure what the best way is to use it and store it.
Would be awesome to see how these look in your playroom/what toys you put in each if you’re comfortable sharing that!
Check out peg boards with coordinating hooks and pails for art supplies. Just needs a good wall space.
My cousins had a pottery barn kids table with matching chairs growing up and I have so many memories at round it! It was in the playroom for the longest time and then it became a coffee table in the teen hangout. I think they still have it the basement! Needless to say it’s a great investment for a young family!