GoodyBlog

Organization Inspiration

I haven't done any spring cleaning yet (I always find something more fun to do instead...imagine that!). But I'm getting inspired thanks to Pottery Barn Teen, of all places. They've got some surprisingly sophisticated and pretty organization tools, like these sunburst canvas bins. I'm loving their dry-erase bins too. They'd be perfect for helping little kids learn to clean up: It'll be easier for them to figure out where their things belong if you draw a picture of whatever type of toy is stored inside.

Plug of the Week: Home Improvment Made Easy

When Marni Jameson isn’t writing for Parents, she’s dishing out very practical and funny home-decorating advice in her syndicated column “At Home with Marni Jameson." Her new book, The House Always Wins, is about how you can create your dream home—but a real-world, budget-friendly dream home that actually works for a family, not a spartan, spotless showroom. And the book isn't all how-tos: Marni has two daughters, one of whom wants gorillas and elephants painted on her bedroom walls and a “furry phone,” so she’s also got great tips on finding a sane compromise when your kids make crazy decor requests. You can order a copy here or enter to win one by sending her your most horrific remodeling tale.

Genius (and Green) Laundry Detergent

I just finished my first bag of Dropps laundry detergent, and I'm officially sold on this product. Dropps are pre-filled packets of  detergent that you can just pop in your washer when it's time to do laundry. This has two really great benefits: 1. Less environmental waste because there's no giant plastic bottle to throw away, and the pre-filled packets dissolve in the wash. 2. I don't have to carry a giant plastic bottle to my laundry room (living in NYC, this is a huge plus) or find space in my apartment to store said giant bottle. Nor do I have to measure out the detergent—inevitably getting it all over my hands and clothes and smelling like cleaning supplies for the rest of the day. So yay to Dropps for making a product that makes my life easier and the environment healthier! ($24.99 for 60 loads worth of detergent)

Spankin' New Headlines

No child support? No hunting! A new program in Illinois encourages dads to pay up. Chicago Tribune

Why being pregnant makes you want to renovate. New York Times

A new study looks at the long-term health consequences of premature birth. Yahoo! News

Pregnancy discrimination complaints are on the rise. Wall Street Journal

Scary trend: Parents sign their kids up for human “cockfighting.” New York Daily News

How does it feel to be a pregnant man?  Advocate

Original photo via

Clever Toy Storage Solution

If your house is in serious danger of being overtaken by your kid's stuffed animals, check out this toy storage/plushy seat combo from Boon. When your child is done snuggling with her cuddly pals, all she has to do is stuff them in this fuzzy bag and voila—she's got a pretty awesome beanbag-esque chair. Take a look at all the cool colors and styles here.

Spring Organizing GIVEAWAY!

Update: This contest is now closed. Check back soon to find out the winner!

Happy Spring! To celebrate the start of spring cleaning season, what's better than a huge set of shiny new organizing goodies? We're giving one lucky winner 18 ButtonedUp products, which are amazing for getting everything—from your car to your work to your taxes (so pretty much your whole life)—under control. Here's what you'll score:

• Valuables.doc, Life.doc, Tax.filer, Collision kit, Do&Delegate.work, Do&Delegate.list, Fitness.doc, Directions.pad, Babysitter.pad, Errand.pad, Nothing Else.pad, (Not) To Do.pad, Homework.pad, Catch Up.pad, Idea.pad, Would You.pad, Baby Pack.pad, and File starter

To enter to win, just post a comment on this post (click on "comments") by 9 a.m. EST on Thursday March 27. We'll post the winner the next day, so don't forget to check back to see if you scored big. Goody Luck!

Full rules here.

Toy Storage Brilliance

As a kid, I had the coolest Lego storage bag ever. When it was open, it was a round piece of denim with cord weaving in and out of grommets along the edge, thus making a drawstring around the circumference (can you picture that?). The Legos would go to the center of the mat, and I'd pull the drawstring and hang the satchel on its proper hook. I never understood why this system went out of style because it's quite brilliant. (If this still exists, please let me know!)

 

When I landed on this project by Soozs, I had a total flashback. Only she's kicked it up a notch. She wanted a place to keep her daughter's barnyard toys, so she created a bag turned play-mat turned backdrop for the animals. Not only does it solve the storage issue, but it also provides an imaginative play world. I heart it! (Check out this talented Aussie's book called Making Stuff for Kids. It looks like a must-have!)

Thanks to Write, Mama, Write for the link!   

Delicious Toy Storage

These super sweet cupcake storage bags from KangaRoom are perfect for keeping small toys and hair supplies from getting lost in your kid's room. You can zip them open or pull the drawstring to reach inside. So cute!

Downsize Your Diaper Bag

Here at GoodyBlog we share a passion for three types of "anythings": anything homemade, anything cupcake, and anything mom- or dad-invented. This cool new product falls under the third category...

Completely frustrated by trying to fit a bulky diaper bag and a baby on the changing table in cramped restrooms, this mother-daughter team created what they hoped would be the perfect solution: the Ticklebug Baby Changing Kit. It's a super-compact diaper bag that opens into a changing pad and has tons of pockets for diaper-swapping necessities (and your wallet, keys and more). Plus, once your tot is out of diapers you can use the kit as a travel activity tote! Just stuff the pockets with markers, books and snacks and you're set.

Cute Closet Organizer

When you have a new baby, it can quickly become a chore to find a 3-6 month size t-shirt in a closet full of brand new clothes. But simple closet organizers, like these super fun dividers from Closet Monkey, can make a big difference when you're trying to change a finicky baby. Just use these tags to sort out your baby's wardrobe by age and you'll be on your way to keeping her adorable new gear organized!