Simple Yet Seriously Impressive Entryway Storage Solutions

by Oz SpiesJanuary 10, 2022

The entryway of any home is a tricky spot—it’s a magnet for piles of shoes, backpacks and unopened mail but is also the first impression of your home your guests get when they come over. Luckily, you can turn your cluttered entryway into an organized landing spot with these clever storage solutions. Keep reading for the easiest entryway decor ideas for small spaces and beyond that will not only fit your style but also your budget.

Best Entryway Decor: Extra Small Spaces

If the floor space in your small entry space is too small to accommodate a furniture-like storage solution, look to the wall to solve your organizing needs. The beauty of this DIY pegboard is that it can be customized to fit your space—make it as big or small as you need it. If picking up the drill is too much of a commitment, you can also buy off-the-rack versions on Etsy.

Click here for the full instructions for the wooden pegboard wall from Vintage Revivals.

Best entryway storage solutions — Wayfair

Looking for an entryway organizer on a budget? This affordable bamboo entryway table/shoe rack is the solution you need. This narrow beauty offers everything, including separate spaces for umbrellas and boots, three shelves for all those shoes and a spot for your bag and backpacks.

To buy: Wayfair, $53

Best entryway decor for small spaces — 1919 Home Goods via Etsy

An extra-narrow entryway can still get its upgrade with an extra-slim console table. Pair this table with a hook or two, and you've got a place to put your mail and keys when you walk in the door. We love that this sustainable pine wood table can be ordered in different lengths, heights and stains—ensuring it fits in with your particular space and decorating style.

To buy: 1919 Home Goods, $149 & up

Another great small space solution? Use lucite furniture. This clear console table doesn't take up a lot of space visually but offers storage solutions for catch-alls on top and a basket below. Add a welcoming piece of art like this Why Hello art print to warm up the space.

To buy: Target, $473

Best Entryway Decor: Hall Trees

This classic cottage hall tree is supplied by none other than the DIY mecca known as Home Depot. Pull-out drawers, hooks for hats and coats, upper shelves for books and decor make this all-in-one piece an organizer's dream.

To buy: Home Depot, $909

Dreaming of being a minimalist? This hall tree takes you there with its clean lines and neutral-colored bench seat. With just enough spots to keep the things you need handy, getting cluttered and overwhelmed is just not an option with this entryway piece.

To buy: Wayfair, $336

Thanks to this corner hall tree, typically overlooked (and wasted!) space is now a landing spot for books, shoes, coats and more, thanks to ample hooks and shelves galore.

To buy: Amazon, $244

For those watching their budgets, head to eBay, where there are a variety of new, in-the-box hall tree options. This one comes with a shoe rack, a set of double hooks and a bench in a neutral black iron frame and sandalwood combo and costs just a little over one Benjamin Franklin.

To buy: eBay, $107

—Oz Spies & Andie Huber

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Beyond the Red Wagon: Radio Flyer Introduces Cargo eBikes & eScooters

by Kate LowethDecember 8, 2021

Parents are very familiar with Radio Flyer for its red wagons, tricycles and ride-on toys, but did you know that they recently released a line of eBikes and eScooters? You’ll want to check them all out, especially the longtail cargo bike that’s ready to cart your kids and your gear on your next family outing. Here’s what you can expect from the new Flyer line:

Flyer L885—Longtail Fat Tire Electric Cargo Bike
You’ll love the sleek look of the aluminum frame on this cargo bike from the moment it arrives in your driveway. The rear rack is an integrated part of the bike making it extra sturdy for carrying your precious cargo. Pop on kid & cargo carrier to the back rack and you can port two kids or a week’s worth of farmer’s market finds with ease. The addition of the Thule Yepp Maxi seat allows you to travel with even younger kids with them safely secured with a 5-point harness. The rear wheel is slightly smaller than the front, making for a better center of gravity. The L885 has a 400 lb. payload capacity and can travel up to 20mph in throttle-only mode. Cost: $1,999.

Flyer L880—Midtail Fat Tire Electric Cargo Bike
You’ll love the versatility of this smaller option that comes with a shorter cargo rack that’s perfect for porting one kid in the Thule Yepp Maxi seat or popping on a rear storage basket to transport a small cooler or sports gear. As with the longtail, the rear rack on the midtail is integrated into the bike’s frame so you don’t have to worry about flimsy connection points. We had a chance to give it a try and our teen tester found that the 5-level pedal assist and 3-inch tires definitely make for a comfortable ride around the neighborhood. Parents will appreciate that the motor automatically cuts off when you brake. Optional accessories like the front storage basket are well thought out with zippered pockets for keys and other small items. Cost: $1,699.

Good to Know:
Both eBikes ship almost fully assembled and there’s a super-helpful video that walks you through all the steps. Or, have your eBike shipped to a local bike store for assembly there. Make it super easy on yourself and arrange for delivery and assembly by Velofix Direct. This allows you to schedule delivery and have a trained professional set up your bike to your specifications on-site. Could not be easier.

Flyer S533 eScooter
Also recently released were the S533 eScooter line that let’s you commute around the city in style. They fold up so that you can easily take them when you need to hop on public transit or enter your office building. Weighing in at 30 lbs., the eScooter has a max speed of 16 mph and a range of 15.5. miles. Cost: $599.

These new additions to the eBike and eScooter market have excellent price points, sturdy construction and a sleek style that anyone would love.

—Kate Loweth

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Here’s How to Save Grocery Money & Still Have an Epic Thanksgiving Feast

by Sarah ShebekNovember 17, 2021

Thanksgiving feasts can still be (relatively) cheap! If you’re trying to save money around the holidays this year, you might be alarmed by the news of food inflation and scarcity. Fortunately according to Consumer Reports, there are plenty of ways to conserve cash while you shop for the big day.

As it turns out, your standard Thanksgiving food items are actually cheaper this year than the previous two years. You can get a basket of root vegetables and name brand items (like Ocean Spray cranberry sauce or Pillsbury pie crusts) for $22.31, down 36 cents from 2020. And the prices of big turkeys (16 pounds and up) have dropped around nine percent, making it an economical choice and a great source of leftovers.

funny jokes for kids, holiday jokes for kids, thanksgiving jokes.

Other tips to save money? Check your store for promotions around the holiday, but don’t get tricked into spending over budget just to snag a cheaper turkey. Buy in advance rather than getting caught in the crowds and to take advantage of “while supplies last” deals. And don’t feel the need to spend a lot on pricey appetizers, since the Thanksgiving meal is known to be super filling on its own.

As you’re shopping for holiday meals in general, it pays to get a store loyalty card, which often offer gas deals, too. You can take advantage of tech in the aisles by using a Consumer Reports recommended shopping app, like Basket, Ibotta or Flipp, which help you shop for the best savings. Finally, store brands tend to be 20 to 25% cheaper than their name brand counterparts and often taste nearly identical.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Nicole Michalou, Pexels

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9 Great Storage Solutions for ALL the LEGO Bricks

by Gabby CullenAugust 18, 2021

If there’s one thing we’re always looking for as parents, it’s a better way to store LEGO bricks. While we still haven’t found the perfect storage solution, we did find plenty of options to help get you started. From rolling carts to a bag that sweeps everything up in one swoop, here are our top picks for how to keep those bricks together and out from under your feet.

LEGO Bags Organizer

When it comes to organizing all those LEGO bricks, why not turn to the creators themselves? LEGO Bags is ready to rock your world with a super cool storage system. The 4 Piece Organizer Tote features a playmat and three zip bins to keep everything (including those “in-process” projects) in place. Best of all, it all folds up into one hand tote!

Buy it here, $50.

Stylish Storage Cabinets

lego storage ideas from The Container Store — Container Store

You don't have to sacrifice style when it comes to storing LEGO. This sharp-looking five-drawer metal cabinet from the Container Store is offered in several bright colors (red, orange, green, aqua and more). Simply add in some of the drawer dividers, and you've got a place for every last brick.

Buy it here, $99.99.

Rolling LEGO Cart

Sometimes your kids will want to build with LEGO in their rooms, sometimes they'll want to build in the living room, kitchen or wherever else strikes their fancy. An arts and craft storage cart will also work for their bricks, especially if you find bins to organize the pieces. This one from Michael's is great because you can choose white or color bins!

Buy it here, $29.99.

LEGO Minifig Storage Head

What better place to store bricks than a minifig head? Not only are they stackable, but they’re easy to clean, and they make great room decor for a master builder.

Buy them here, $14.99 & up.

2-in-1 Toy Storage Basket and Play Mat

We love this stylish toy storage basket that turns into a play mat. Simply pour the bricks out onto the play mat and use the handles to scoop them right back up when it’s time to clean up.

Buy it here, $26.99.

Velvet Storage Bins

These chic velvet storage bins can be part of your kids’ room decor! Offered in three colors, they make a statement in storage solutions.

Buy them here, $49.

LEGO Brick Storage Bin

These fun brick storage boxes come in all sorts of colors, are stackable and are available in two sizes.

Buy them here, $44.99.

Travel LEGO Storage Container

Storage ideas for travel are important too! This little container not only has a small drawer for important bricks, but it also has a handle and a building plate on top, which is ideal for car or plane travel.

Buy it here, $19.99.

Mesh Storage Bags

If you want to try to keep LEGO sets together, these mesh bags are super helpful. You can store all the bricks in the set as well as the instructions, and they easily go into a bin or storage container.

Buy them here, $20.95 for 12.

—Gabby Cullen

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This New Version of Monopoly Is Right on Target

by Karly WoodAugust 3, 2021

Calling all Target lovers! Now you can combine your love of the bullseye retailer and your prowess as a property owner in a whole new game: Target Monopoly!

Target and Hasbro are bringing shopping enthusiasts a limited edition version of Monopoly that you can finally get now. Monopoly: Target Edition plays the same way the OG version does, but with all the things that make Target the magical place it is.

Instead of buying property, you get to pick up Target items, and in typical Target Circle fashion you can earn tokens that will help you increase your savings. When you pass GO, go ahead and buy those items in your Target basket! To win, be the player with the most savings at checkout.

“Monopoly: Target Edition is the latest example of how we are always exploring new ways to spark moments of joy with all of our guests within our curated assortment of fan-favorite and Target-exclusive games and toys,” says Nik Nayar, senior vice president, hardlines, Target.

The limited edition game is available now stores and Target.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Target

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The Best Strollers for Urban Parents & City Living

by Jamie Davis SmithJuly 9, 2021

Navigating a stroller through city streets and up and down walk-ups takes some special skills and the right wheels. Whether you need a lightweight stroller you can carry up stairs, shock absorption to handle rough sidewalks, a compact style for narrow store aisles, or the ability to pivot easily through crowds, you’re sure to find the right city stroller below.

Metro Ready

The Ergobaby Metro+ is designed for metro moms. This compact, lightweight stroller folds up small enough to fit on most buses and subways. It also fits in the overhead bins on airplanes so you don't need to gate-check it. This also means it folds up to a small enough package to make storage in small apartments feasible. The Metro is designed for tots who find themselves spending a lot of time in the stroller. Inspired by Ergobaby carriers, it has extra padding for maximum support and has a deep recline and an adjustable leg rest for added comfort. Bonus: This stroller can be used from birth through 40 pounds so it will last a long time.

Available at ergobaby.com, $299.

Electric Dreams

The Cybex Priam has been a popular stroller among urban parents for years, thanks to its table-height seat that gives little ones better views on long walks, the smooth ride and larger than average basket. The newer e-Priam retains all of the features of the original but adds a small motor that gives parents some assistance whenever it detects extra pressure on the handlebar. This is very useful for going up hills and over uneven terrain—or for when Mom or Dad are tired and just don't want to work so hard.

Available at cybexonlineshop.com, $999.95-$1,699.95 for the Priam and $1,179.90-1,529.95 for the e-Priam

Small Wonder

A lightweight stroller is a must in the city. The Colugo Compact folds up small enough to fit behind the passenger seat in a car or an overhead bin in an airplane. That means it can be stored under a bed or in a small closet when storage space is at a premium. It even comes with a storage backpack for easy transport on buses or for when your little one just wants to walk. Bonus: Accessories that parents usually have to pay extra for, including a rain cover and cup holder, come included. It's also available in a variety of fun prints so your stroller won't get lost in a sea of black.

Available at hicolugo.com, $285.

Very Versatile

You never know what the city will throw your way, from uneven sidewalks to narrow doorways to steep curbs, so maneuverability is key. The UPPAbaby Vista2 is a stroller that can handle it all. Plus, it is designed with thoughtful details that make city life easier, including an oversize easy-access basket, reversible full-size seat, shock-absorbing suspension to ensure a smooth ride, and an included bassinet that makes the stroller suitable from birth. Bonus: The Vista can be configured to accommodate two children with an optional rumble seat and a third child with an add-on PiggyBack Ride-Along board.

Available on amazon.com, $969.99.

Convenience on Wheels

City parents know that convenience is key. They don't have time to mess around with lots of different strollers and can't dedicate too much space to storing baby gear. A great solution is an all-in-one travel system like the B-Free & B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit Travel System from Britax. A complete system that can be used from birth through the toddler years means that parents only need to pick out one stroller and there is no guessing whether a car seat and stroller are compatible. This system also features a convenient extra-large basket so urban parents can use it for shopping or day-long adventures and a car seat that does not need to be rethreaded as baby grows.

Available at amazon.com, $501.49.

Views All Around

In the city, there is always something new to see or a new space to squeeze through. The Cybex Eezy Twist 2 provides a unique solution with a seat that swivels 360 degrees, so tots can face the street, a parent or even to the side. Even better, it folds up compactly and stands up straight when folded, making it easy to store in small spaces.

Available on amazon.com, $299.99.

The Stroller that Turns Into a Car Seat

The Doona is a dream stroller for any city mom who relies on Uber, buses or cars to get around. Instead of dealing with a car seat that snaps into a stroller or going without a car seat at all, simply extend the legs to turn the car seat into a stroller, and then fold the legs back up to return the Doona to car-seat mode. The whole process takes seconds. Doona's unique design makes this car seat on wheels an ideal choice for any parent who does not want to haul around a car seat and stroller. It's also a great choice for people who don't want to fuss with taking their baby out of the stroller to ride on a bus or train.

Available on amazon.com, $499.

A Wonderous Wagon

Getting around the city can sometimes mean hauling a lot of things over uneven sidewalks, uneven city parks or gravel. Add in a child or two and a sturdy stroller wagon with tons of space may make sense as an alternative to a traditional stroller. A WonderFold Wagon has plenty of space for kids who need a little more room than a stroller seat, plus playground gear or groceries. Bonus: This spacious wagon easily folds up small enough to store in a closet.

Available at amazon.com, $379.99.

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured image: Ergobaby

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Easy & Awesome Bike Decor Your Kids Will Love

by Abigail MatsumotoMay 13, 2021

After a long winter, bike season has arrived, but don’t settle for the same old ride. Get your kiddos in gear with these super cool (and surprisingly easy) ways to trick out their bicycles and tricycles with serious flash without a ton of cash. Scroll down to get inspired.

Tape the Frame

Who knew that everyone's favorite fix-it material could also be used for a majorly cool bike makeover? You can forget standard industrial duct tape, because these days, it's a snap to find pretty nifty patterns and colors that any kid will dig. The actual makeover process is as easy as it sounds, and you can get the whole sticky scoop at Skunkboy Blog.

Make Your Own Streamers

Ah, don't you just love when a craft looks cool, but is oh-so-easy to create? That's the deal with these handlebar streamers, which can be whipped up in just a few minutes using a hair tie and ribbon. Customize the colors for your kid and you're ready to roll! Get the uber easy how-to over at Green & Gorgeous. And while you're there, get inspired by tricking out the spokes, too.

Add a Basket

Order a cute basket from Amazon and give your kiddo a place to hold her treasures or to bring a stuffie along for the ride! Snag one here.

Decorate the Spokes

Talk about wheely cool bike style! We're loving how this idea is part pinwheel, part optical illusion. You can get as creative and colorful as you want, and use different kinds of paper, tape, and even shiny materials. For all the info you need, head to this Instructables page.

Add a Painted Bike Bell

Ring ring! We're pretty sure the only thing better than a cheerful bike bell is one that's been painted and personalized for your little rider. All you need is paint, and maybe an artistic kid or two. Learn more at Idle Wife, and order a bike bell here.

Make a Name Plate

Does your mini cyclist have a license to drive? This cute sign is not only a great way to personalize a bike—it'll also keep track of which wheels are yours when there's a group ride. You can use your kid's name, or even create a funny vanity plate: SPD RCR, anyone? Get inspired over at Jana Eubank.

Give It a Costume

We can't get over how cool this idea is—or how perfect it is for any kid who pretends his bike is a trusty steed. And not to worry, cowpokes, this is actually easier to pull off than you might think. Start gathering cardboard, practice your horse sketching, and you're halfway there. For the full handy instructions, gallop on over to Makedo's Instructables page.

Add LED Wheel Lights

How much fun are these LED lights? Easy to install and battery operated, you and your crew will be the star of the sunset community ride. Buy them here.

Add a Friend to the Front

This piggy bike basket is over-the-top cute and doesn't require any huffing or puffing to make, either. Materials include cardboard, paint, and a few other things you probably have around the house. For the complete instructions, hit up Pink Stripey Socks.

—Abigail Matsumoto

Featured image: iStock

Hershey’s Has a S’mores Caddy & It’s Perfect for Your Summer Cookout

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 7, 2021

A backyard cookout wouldn’t be complete without roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Hershey’s has made the process even more foolproof with a s’mores caddy that keeps everything organized.

The $12 caddy is shaped like a Hershey’s chocolate bar with a removable tray that you can fill with graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows.

photo: Target

This must-have summer accessory is perfect for the backyard, beach, camping and tailgating. You can find it at Target, just in time for warm weather.

—Karly Wood

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Want Free Auntie Anne’s Pretzel-Themed Prizes? Here’s How to Get ‘Em

by Erica LoopMarch 22, 2021

You’re ready to watch the big basketball tournament—but you need some serious snacks! Auntie Anne’s is here to help. The pretzel-licious brand recently announced a sweepstakes that’s perfect for the salty snack/basketball-loving fan in your fam.

Up to 5,000 lucky winners will score a bucket of bite-sized pretzel snacks, a limited-edition basketball-themed pretzel bucket with backboard and more from Auntie Anne’s.

photo courtesy of PR Newswire/Auntie Anne’s

So how does the sweepstakes work? Auntie Anne’s will give away a bucket of Pretzel Nuggets or Mini Pretzel Dogs to a Pretzel Perks member for every tournament basket scored. If you’re not already a Pretzel Perks member, download the app and create a free account.

As if that’s not enough, Auntie Anne’s is partnering with Coca-Cola to bring basketball fans more prize-filled opportunities. Buy an Auntie Anne’s Basketball Bucket (in-store or online) and scan the code on the backboard to play Auntie Anne’s and Coca-Cola’s Basketball Buckets Challenge Mobile Game.

See how many virtual pretzel nuggets you can get into the basketball hoop in 15 seconds and lucky winners could score prizes such as a small Coca-Cola fountain soda (at Auntie Anne’s stores), an Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel or a $0 Auntie Anne’s Door Dash delivery fee.

—Erica Loop

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There’s a Peeps Easter Inflatable & It’s a Must for Your Yard

by Karly WoodMarch 22, 2021

Who says lawn decorations are only for the winter holidays? It’s time to deck out your yard with Easter decor!

Embrace the season with adorable bunny, egg and even dinosaurs with a few well-placed Easter inflatables. Keep scrolling to see some of our faves!

COMIN Inflatable Peep

Available on Amazon, $44.99

Holidayana 8ft Easter Inflatable Egg Basket

Available on Amazon, $115

Gemmy Airblown Inflatable Easter Bunny Speedster

Available at Target, $55

FUNPENY 5 Feet Inflatable Bunny & Cart with 5 Carrots

Available on Amazon, $37

8 Foot Tall Easter Dinosaur with Eggs

Available at Walmart, $136

Joiedomi 7.5 ft Long Easter Egg Inflatables

Available on Amazon, $50

––Karly Wood

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Best Entryway Decor: Extra Small Spaces

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LEGO Bags Organizer

Stylish Storage Cabinets

Rolling LEGO Cart

LEGO Minifig Storage Head

2-in-1 Toy Storage Basket and Play Mat

Velvet Storage Bins

LEGO Brick Storage Bin

Travel LEGO Storage Container

Mesh Storage Bags

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Metro Ready

Electric Dreams

Small Wonder

Very Versatile

Convenience on Wheels

Views All Around

The Stroller that Turns Into a Car Seat

A Wonderous Wagon

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Tape the Frame

Make Your Own Streamers

Add a Basket

Decorate the Spokes

Add a Painted Bike Bell

Make a Name Plate

Give It a Costume

Add LED Wheel Lights

Add a Friend to the Front

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COMIN Inflatable Peep

Holidayana 8ft Easter Inflatable Egg Basket

Gemmy Airblown Inflatable Easter Bunny Speedster

FUNPENY 5 Feet Inflatable Bunny & Cart with 5 Carrots

8 Foot Tall Easter Dinosaur with Eggs

Joiedomi 7.5 ft Long Easter Egg Inflatables

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