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 have been calling myself a Chill Mom™️ since having Jack and now I’m realizing that I’m even chiller with Rory. (Like is birth order really less about sibling order and more about the version of mom you’re born to?) I’ve been just rolling with Rory’s infancy and I’m so much happier. Maybe it’s just that I’m more tired with a toddler too, or know that it’s going to go by so fast, or just have more confidence… probably a combination. I feel less obsessive and less stressed out by the details. I’m “making it” without having to fake it. As an example, today I noticed I hadn’t tracked a single nap- just watching sleepy cues and trying to get to a “good enough” pattern as Rory’s naps consolidate. Is he following a ~perfect~ nap schedule? No. Are we thriving? Frankly, yes!
(If you want to read my original Chill Mom post, comment “chill mom” and l’ll send it to you via DM!)
We came, we saw elephants, we ate ice cream 🐘🦒🦓 @ashleybrooke and I always talk about how we became FAST friends. Somehow we have been right there with each other during some of life’s worst moments… so it’s extra sweet that we now get to celebrate the good ones! Watching our boys play together, a little baby in a stroller, and another baby on the way… it’s everything we dreamed of.
Somehow yesterday felt like a week, last month was last year, and last year was a decade ago… but then time is simultaneously going by so fast too. The past ten weeks have gone by in a blink! Everyone warns you it goes by fast and they’re not wrong…. The days are long but oh how I wish time would slow down a bit? Or that maybe I could bottle up a tiny bit of these precious boys at every stage so I could revisit them down the road 🤍
I have grown to LOVE baby wearing. Not only do I think it’s such a nice and cozy way to bond with baby, it’s also incredibly practical, especially when you have a toddler to keep up with too! The @wildbird aerial carrier was a treat for myself- and I’m so obsessed with it. 👶🏼 Leave a comment “wildbird” and I’ll DM you the color I have as well as my personal review of it (including some troubleshooting tips).
Some top level things I like; - it’s easy to put on! - it’s so, so comfortable (for me AND baby!) - the little flap is seamless and provides extra support while baby naps and privacy when we need/want it
This affordable rechargeable LED lamp is cute and then made even cuter with this wicker lampshade! 💡✨ No cords needed- just charge and place wherever you want. (Will be extra perfect for dining outdoors this summer!) 💫 Comment “lamp” and I’ll send you links to the LED lamp ($38 for a pair!) and the lampshade (available in a few styles- including a darling blue).
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
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!