Fun dessert alert! Did you know you can whip up your batch of ice cream right at home without any extra appliances? All you need are the right ingredients and plastic bags. Read on for the “scoop” on how to make homemade ice cream in a bag.
Ingredients for Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag:
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup milk (will make about one scoop of ice cream, can sub soy, coconut, or rice milk or use cream)
1/4 tsp. vanilla
6 tbsp. rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to Make Ice Cream at Home:
1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt.
2. Seal the bag.
3. Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
4. Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
5. Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
6. Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully.
Insider Tips:
A 1/2 cup of milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don’t increase the proportions more than that—a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy. This ice cream won’t have quite the same consistency as a pint of store-bought, but you can control the ingredients so that’s a big win.
If there is a milk allergy, try this with fruit juice. Use straight pineapple juice—it’s a terrific fruit sorbet. OR rice/soy milk as the milk substitute.
This recipe for how to make homemade ice cream in a bag is courtesy of Yuumii, an online community founded by a San Francisco family who wanted to come up with creative ways to spend more quality time with their kids.
Stroller car seat combos are the ultimate 2-in-1 deal
Head to a baby gear shop and you’re guaranteed to find parents-to-be staring wide-eyed at all the stroller and car seat options. Even the most seasoned among us can be completely thrown off by the unbelievable number of choices in both aisles. This goes far beyond just color choices (although we agree that’s also important). There are some basic safety standards every stroller and car seat has to include, of course, but aside from those, the choices can feel endless. Allow us to introduce (or re-introduce) you to the stroller car seat combo that’ll make thing at least 50% easier.
Here’s a pro tip: opt for a travel system. This hero stroller + car seat combo is easy—well, easier—and means you just have to make one decision. Plus, buying a travel system is usually more affordable, which is always a bonus. When you’re buying the stroller and car seat together, you also don’t have to stress about compatibility or adaptors. Now, just because travel systems are easier, we never promised you don’t have any decisions to make. But, as always, we’re here to help.
Chicco Bravo Trio
Chicco USA
The Bravo Trio from Chicco is seriously popular, so if you've been boning up on your travel systems, there's a good chance you've already seen this one. So we'll make it easy on you: the Bravo Trio system is a complete winner. It's an A-frame carrier, travel system, and toddler stroller—this one grows with your kiddo, newborn to toddler (that's a major bonus). Oh, and it's a one-handed operation, moms. You won't be fighting with it in the parking lot, and it's self-standing and compact. Win, win, win. Chicco Bravo Trio ($449.99)—Buy Here!
Chicco Corso Travel System
Chicco USA
Looking for years of easy breezy travel? The Corso's got you covered. It comes with four adaptable parent-facing and forward-facing modes—four. And if you're into a little bit of luxury, multi-position reclining seat, adjustable footrest, zip-extend canopy with mesh panel, leatherette details, and lots of extra storage make the Corso one sleek stroller. There's even upgrade options, which make for a collection of 3 different Corso models. Corso Chicco ($549.99—$749.99)—Buy Here!
Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller Travel System
Chicco USA
Whether you're a serious jogger or just prefer a 3-wheel stroller model, the Activ3 system is a solid choice. It's super lightweight and easy to maneuver, plus the one-handed operation lets you fold it and lay it flat in the trunk without the struggle. Chicco Activ3 ($579.99)—Buy Here!
The Peg Perego Booklet
Peg Perego
The Booklet from Peg Perego is a parent favorite, thanks to its multi-position backrest, adjustable footrest, large basket ,and adjustable handlebars. It folds compactly and sits upright, for easy storage in small homes, closets, and cars. In this travel system, it's paired with the Primo Viaggio 4-35 car seat. The car seat base includes a built-in anti-rebound bar to maintain stability in case of a collision. The Peg Perego Booklet ($583.99+)—Buy Here!
UPPAbaby Vista Travel System
UPPAbaby
This combo, featuring the Vista V2 stroller and Mesa car seat, is pricier than the others on this list but does come with amazing extras like a bassinet, rain cover, bug net, and more. The biggest bonus? It can be adapted to carry three kids in different ages and stages. If you have another little one or are planning to expand your family soon, this is a smart investment. UPPAbaby Vista Travel System ($1299.98)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Does your child’s bedroom look like a toy tornado blew through it? Are you tripping over piles of clothes and stepping on Legos? If you’re a parent with major space needs, you’re in the right place. We know firsthand the struggle of trying to fit all of your kids’ belongings into their bedroom while still leaving enough space for them to play and sleep comfortably. Loft beds are the answer to all of your space-saving problems. These “lofty” goals may seem impossible, but thanks to these clever kids loft beds, the dream can now be a reality.
So, whether you’re dealing with a small bedroom or just want to give your kiddo the coolest bed ever, keep reading. These fun sleep setups not only save precious floor space but also provide a fun and adventurous sleeping arrangement for your little ones. out our favorite kids loft bed setups below, and be prepared to take their room to brand new heights. We know parents will love these:
This loft bed with desk hits all the right mid-century notes: from the classic wood color to the streamlined styling, we are pretty sure this piece will stick around long after the kids have moved on to their own abodes.
This workhorse not only delivers a spot to sleep, but the built-in shelving units also provide ample storage—whether your little one needs a spot for their dinosaur collection, books, or a place to display their sports awards.
Modern furniture maker, Oeuf, has done it again by applying their minimalist-yet-still-cool-for-kids look onto what can sometimes be a large and overwhelming structure in a room. Their "Perch" loft bed is as versatile a loft as the rest of them but with an eye for design thanks to its pared-down styling.
Amazon
Little Seeds Monarch Hill Haven Twin Metal Loft Bed
If your kid is begging to upgrade their little kid's room to a full-fledged teenager's oasis, this twin loft bed delivers design-worthy results with on-trend metal accents against clean lines. Plenty of space abounds below the sleeping area whether for a full desk setup or cozy lounge.
If you are and your kids still can't get enough of farmhouse chic, then install this rustic-inspired loft bed that also accommodates a full-size mattress—a nice perk for growing kids.
Who could ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed that has a set of stairs welcoming you to start your day? This loft bed, ideal for active kids, also includes handy pockets for storybooks and toys—keeping all their favorites within easy reach.
Do you have a Starbucks-loving teen? This convertible loft bed will make their mocha-frappucino dreams a reality thanks to this clever set-up that provides cafe-style seating underneath their sleeping quarters. Best part? If a playdate/study-sess goes late, the seating area can quickly transform into another bed, turning this loft into an instant bunk for sleepover fun.
Some say a coat of paint is the easiest way to transform a room but they must not have seen this loft bed available in 16 different colors! Pop this loft bed into your kid's room for a much-appreciated splash without any of those rogue paint splatters.
Complete with guard rails, storage shelf, and stairs, this all-in-one loft bed has everything a kid could want with all the safety reassurances parents need so parents can sleep easily too.
This adorable loft bed is designed to have the bed fit inside the classic house frame, surrounded by plenty of open windows and to be ladder accessible. This one is sure to be perfect for the adventurous kiddos.
For the kid who needs it all—a desk, a wardrobe, a place to play, and a spot to sleep, then look no further than ultra-convenient Ikea whose loft bed provides all of that and then some without taking up a ton of floor space.
This fun, stylish, and functional design is made of sturdy wood construction. It's available in many different colors to easily fit into any new or existing decor. Enjoy simple and traditional design, perfect for small spaces.
Target
DHP Junior Metal Loft Bed with Storage Steps and Blue Curtain Set
This loft bed is perfect to keep your little love's room nice and neat. The curtains create a private area (to hide things or to play!) and also has panels above the storage pockets to keep small toys and books neatly out of sight. Finally!
Merax/Amazon
Twin-size Loft Bed with Desk and Reversible Ladder
Maximize space and functionality with this awesome design. The loft bed comes with a wooden desk and two corner shelves, perfect for the older child who needs a study area and lots of storage space.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
These LEGO storage ideas are genius; you might never step on a rogue minifig again
We know, the struggle that is LEGO organization is real. Even if you think you’ve managed to get them all contained, there are bound to be missing pieces that somehow find their way under your bare foot when you least expect it. In order to help you out, we rounded up genius LEGO storage ideas that range from sleek LEGO bags and bins to the ultimate DIY LEGO table. When you’re done looking, check out our other favorite ideas for toy storage.
If you’ve got wasted space in your home, consider making it LEGO HQ. We love how there’s a space to build, pull-out shelves, bins for bricks, and a place for displaying completed sets in this playroom closet.
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.
This stylish pouf is also a storage container! You kids can stash their bricks, zip, and sit! Offered in four colors, the pouf makes a great seat at a play table.
We get it, you dream of a clean look when it comes to LEGO organization. Whether you’re dealing with a small space or just want to maximize playable square footage, this DIY under-the-bed LEGO storage idea designed by The Happy Housie will make things easy. Just load them in and slide them for a quick, clean storage option.
Buy LEGO Bag Organizers
LEGO Bags
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 three super cool systems you can try out: The 4 Piece Organizer Tote ($50), which features a playmat and three zip bins to keep everything (including those “in-process” projects) in place. We also love the Cinch Buckets ($22) for travel.
If you’d rather not have them on display, but still want to use bins, pick a cupboard, measure the space, and find containers that are the right fit. And then, label, label, label.
Display the Minifigs
We love this minifig display case that’ll hold up to 16 of your master builder’s favorite characters. Baseplates are included inside each individual slot, you can mount it to the wall, place it on a shelf or flat surface, and best of all, each case is designed to look like a LEGO and is stackable, for easy storage!
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 crafts storage cart will also work for their bricks, especially if you find bins to organize the pieces. This one from The Container Store is great because it comes with the organizers included in the total price.
Now that all the bricks have a place, find a spot for those building manuals, too. Believe us, once one of those suckers disappears, the chances of re-building that set are slim to none. We love the simple but brilliant idea from My 4 Misters & Their Sister. Even busy parents (meaning all of us!) can manage this one.
If we're being honest, we know that even the best-laid-out LEGO organization idea is no match for a kid who isn't in a hurry to pick up and put away. Everything—eventually—winds up mixed all together, so make it easy on yourself by ordering a few Swoop Bags. These bags have a six-inch edge to help contain small pieces, are offered in small, medium, or large (this one doubles as an activity mat), and you can choose between all sorts of fun colors like royal blue, green grass, sunshine, and Seattle gray. Basically, it's a storage and carryall solution in one!
Bonus: It comes with an easy pull cord that doubles as a carrying strap.
LEGO bricks are something kids love all the way through to middle school and beyond. When Michelle from That Mommy Blog was looking for a storage solution for her son’s exploding brick collection, she came up with this ingenious adjustable height LEGO table and storage unit, which can be used forever! We love the fact that Michelle covered one side of the shelf with green baseplates, and left the other smooth for the option of building without baseplates. For step-by-step instructions, visit That Mommy Blog.
Use a Bead Organizer Box for the Tiny Stuff
Gabby Cullen
Ever notice that LEGO sets come with a bit more, well, stuff, than when you were a kid? Yeah, us too. Using a tackle or jewelry-making box (snag one at your local crafting store) with tons of tiny compartments makes it easy to have a place for each little accessory: from food to sidekicks, tools, and more. We like this bead organizer for just $9 from Michaels.
Forget fancy LEGO organizing systems. Get yourself to the local DIY store, pick up a package of plastic bins, and just like that, you’ll have an easily accessible solution to your kid’s brick collection. Get the detailed list of what you’ll need Happiness Is Homemade
We’ve got recommendations for car camping tents, backpacking tents, and even tents that will help your kids nap (fingers crossed!)
With summer inching its way in and vacation plans getting locked in, now is the perfect time to pick out your next family tent and plan a campout. We’ve got recommendations for car camping tents, backpacking tents and even extra dark tents that will help your kids nap (fingers crossed!). Camping with kids can be an awesome experience that is only made better with a little planning. Scroll through and get ready for your next outdoor adventure!
If you are stressed about setting up your tent by yourself, fear not! This is definitely the easiest tent setup we've come across and that's saying a lot. Bonus: you have openings on both sides of the tent so you won't wake your camping partner when you get up to make the coffee in the morning.
While many families like multiple doors to allow easy access to the tent, those with little campers might want to consider this single-door option from Kelty to keep the comings and goings to a minimum. The Kelty Tallboy comes in four- and six-person sizes and, as the name implies, has a very tall interior of 70 inches (72 in the six-person) that's perfect for getting the kids dressed in the morning. The reinforced fiberglass poles and color-coded scheme make for a sturdy and easy-to-use setup.
You'll love this barrel-shaped tent because it is sturdy when the wind kicks up and super easy to set up and take down. Two large doors make in-and-out access easy and color-coded poles mean you can totally assign set up to the tweens.
Best Introduction to Backpacking Tent for Families
We love this new backpacking tent from NEMO as it is spacious, includes a footprint and has a great price point. Two doors and vestibules provide easy access and gear storage. Light Pockets™, duffel storage bag and gear pockets complete the package. Add on a Pawprint, and you can bring your four-legged friend along without worrying about your pup's paws wrecking your floor.
This tent comes in 2-, 4- and 6-person options (we recommend sizing up to allow room for your gear). The covered vestibule allows for extra storage space.
Start your camping trip off right with this easy-to-set-up tent from Coleman. We love the added dark room technology that keeps out 90% of the sunlight. This is key for families with little ones who still need to nap during the sunny hours of the day (which is almost impossible with a regular tent). It also helps during the summer months when the sun doesn't go down until much later. An added benefit is that the dark room technology will keep your tent much cooler by blocking the sun's rays during the heat of the day.
The Blacktail Hotel from Big Agnes is a do-everything tent offered at an accessible price. It's light enough for the backcountry and strong enough for the front country. The Blacktail Hotel's fly doubles the living space of the tent—giving your family, your gear and your dog more than enough space.
This six-person dome tent features a separate screen room for insect-free lounging and extra sleeping space. We love it for summer camping because there is ample ventilation to keep it cool while you sleep. Two queen air mattresses and gear have plenty of room in the main compartment, and set up is intuitive due to the Fast Pitch™ system.
Look at the tent's floor space when deciding what size to purchase. A tent that sleeps four is going to sleep four pretty tightly (often alternating head to foot). If you want space for gear and air mattresses you will likely want to increase the size of your tent.
Practice setting up your tent in advance. There's nothing worse than arriving at a campsite late in the day or in the dark and having no idea how to set up your tent.
Think about what extras you might need for your tent. Does your tent come with a footprint? Should you bring a tarp to put underneath to keep the moisture out? Extra tent pegs and a rubber mallet always help with tent setup, especially on a firm surface.
Weatherproof your tent before you go. Water resistant is not the same as waterproof. Apply seam sealer to keep water out of your tent.
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Whether you’re stepping on a sea of toys or the kids’ closet is stuffed to the gills, it might be time to create a family storage plan. If that seems daunting, take a peek at some solutions that might just revolutionize your home. From garage storage ideas to kid cubby storage ideas, these are our favorite storage hacks that are both clever and easy to do. If you feel like tackling specific areas in your home, check out our pantry organization ideas and toy storage solutions!
Puzzles. They're great for building problem solving skills in kids, but when it comes to storage, they have parents scratching their heads. Luckily, Days With Grey has a simple solution you can easily re-create with your own puzzles.
Rise and shine! It's time to streamline that morning routine. We love this brilliant hack by Systems for Sensory Kids that makes the back-to-school morning routine as easy as 1-2-3! You'll need a container, cups, and labels (waterproof is best) to get your little learner ready for school.
Squeaky clean! As far as cool bathroom toy storage ideas go, this one's easy-peasy. Mama Shannon over at 8 Foot Six, upcycles a hanging fruit basket to organize tub toys (genius!), which leaves you more space for other things.
Waste no space! Help half-pints get ready quickly on school mornings with The Organized Mama's twist on storing kids' clothes: you can fold clothes for easy outfit picking and make more space when you use bins inside the drawers.
Help little cooks organize their play kitchen with this sweet toy storage idea. Hop over to Hello Baby Brown for her clever use of a tiered rack that keeps cookware and toy food off the floor and within easy reach of little hands.
We got this stuffed toy storage idea straight from the horse’s mouth. You’ll need to be a little handy to complete this project and can follow the step-by-step over at Shades of Blue Interiors. Your tots can have easy access to their favorite toys through the paracord and keep their rooms clean to boot.
Kiddos can’t get enough of dressing up, but finding ways to store all of the costumes and accessories in one place is almost impossible. Luckily, this DIY Dress-Up Storage Center from Old House to New Home is an awesome fix. This piece will require some legit construction, but the final product is totally worth it!
Try storing your favorite art supplies in mason jars. Remove the lids from these adorable glass containers, and add personalized labels to keep just about anything organized and easy to access.
If your kids love playing outside, you probably know the struggle of organizing all of their outdoor toys. These labeled metal buckets are as far as toy storage ideas go from Domestic Charm to keep all of their goodies together without bringing them into the house.
To keep everything at your family’s fingertips, get inspired by Hey Let’s Make Stuff’s incredible peg board. This is a cute way to make sure everything goes back where it belongs.
This hack from VanHook & Co. is here to save the day. This budget-friendly idea only requires a couple of $4 Ikea wastebaskets. All you have to do is secure the baskets to any wall or door, and you’ve just created a cool new storage system.
Your little ones have made your car their second home, and with that comes a whole lot of stuff. But that doesn’t have to mean the end of the organization in the mommy mobile. According to HAPPYnings, it’s all about shower caddies. That’s right, those funny things with the big pockets that you hang in your shower. It turns out, they’re a pretty fantastic organizational tool for everything from hair brushes to sunscreen and so much more.
If you’ve ever felt the pain of stepping on a stray LEGO, you know that proper toy storage is an absolute must. One of our favorite ways to store your little one’s toys is the Swoop Bag. This versatile bag lays flat and can be gathered up quickly to store the tiniest of toys. Of course, this is perfect for classic faves like LEGO, cars, train sets, and more.
Who doesn’t love play dough? But, storing all of those little canisters so your fam can play with any color, any time is just really complicated. Not anymore! Brilliant Mama Aimee Geroux has got you covered. Her idea to use a coffee carousel for play dough toy storage is a brilliant idea that is nothing short of pure genius.
There’s a ton of new stuff to pick up on your next IKEA run
When it comes to creating a family home, you love the sleek designs and affordable prices of IKEA (even if you dread the instructions). We know it can be hard to resist their unique decor and furniture, especially when you’re looking to give your kids’ room a makeover, so we went on a treasure hunt and found new IKEA products that are not only fun but within your budget, too.
SNÖDJUP LED Light
Say it with a speech bubble. LED statement lights are still all the rage in 2023, and this fun version changes color (to maybe change with your kiddo's mood?).
Make waves in your kids' room with this cool ocean-inspired duvet and pillowcase. Made from a cotton-viscose blend, they're reversible, so you can change it up whenever the mood strikes.
Put this 23-piece puzzle-like race track together for easy fun using their massive toy car collection. We love that it's a smaller set that can go from one place to another (like to the grandparents) without much fuss.
Is it a toy? Is it a storage container? It's both! Kids can use this two-tiered mesh storage container as a "home" for all their stuffies, and when it's time to clean up, you can tuck it away in the corner or a closet.
Toddlers are busy folks, and this fun walker will help them (and their most treasured toys) get to where they need to go. The handle and the wheels can be adjusted depending on your kiddo's confidence and ability.
If you need another storage solution for your kids, but run out of ground space, consider installing some new TROFAST wall shelves. You can choose the basket color, the top acts like a display case, and you can hang them straight across or at a diagonal.
Kids can learn about respecting aquatic creatures and cleaning up the ocean with this fun new game. Magnetic fishing poles allow players to move things that don't belong in the water into compartments for waste and then move animals into the water.
Your clean kiddo is ready to head into the woods in this fox bath towel. Made from 100% sustainably sourced cotton for extra comfort, that hood gives kids extra warmth when they get out of the water.
One IKEA product kids love is the iconic paper roll that's perfect for hours of artistic expression. This new ocean-themed roll is filled with marine life; kids can use markers and crayons to color the scenes.
The only thing better than getting lost in a book is having your own cozy space devoted to literary escapes. These adorable reading nooks for kids are both simple and stunning. All you need is a corner of your home, some floating shelves, and a bunch of books, and you’ll be on your way to setting up a spot where reading is the focus.
This adorable option from @thunderousdandelion doesn't take up a ton of space in your home. All you need is a corner, a kid-sized chair, some floating shelves to display this week's reads, and a bookshelf for the overflow.
Who doesn't love a bookshelf organized by color? This option from @thesimpleliefofoliver takes it up a notch with rainbow artwork, rainbow sensory toys and rainbow crafts. LOVE!
Instant Reading Nook
It really is as easy as can be with this book nook from KidKraft. Order yours and set it up and you have your own too-cute reading area and bookcase combined!
Julia from Tag & Tibby set out to create a sensory-friendly space for her son, and the result is simply awesome. The little ones can cuddle up in the canopy to read, but can also take plenty of LEGO breaks.
Even if you don’t have much extra space, you can still make a reading nook. All you really need is a corner, a pile of pillows, and a few blankets, like with this sweet space by The Merrythought.
File this one under “dream house”: this daybed setup by House Homemade takes the idea of a reading nook to a whole new level. Flanked by IKEA bookshelves, this is one spot that the whole family would love.
If you've got a cupboard that doesn't do much but collect clutter, get inspired by @pagesofemma's IKEA kids' room idea for turning wasted space into a cozy reading nook using IKEA's Kallax picture shelf units.
We love this bright and beautiful nook by The Effortless Chic. Start off with stacks of pillows on the floor, add a cozy chair, and finish it off with a pretty gallery wall.
Take inspiration from Mama.Papa.Bubba and turn your kiddo’s closet into a reading nook. In this case, they kept clothes hanging in the closet, so you don’t even have to give up all the storage space. Win-win!
You know the old saying: one kid’s closet is another’s a super cool reading nook. While transforming her son’s nursery into a “big boy room,” blogger Elaine also gave his closet a literary makeover. From comfy pillows and art to essential bookshelves, check out how this reading nook was born over at Visual Meringue.
Featured over at Project Nursery, this library-inspired nursery was dreamed up by The Road Forks. Not only does it have a showstopper set of bookshelves, but there’s also a cute closet nook that’s great for book storage and story time.
When creating a home reading nook, it’s always important to consider every angle. That’s what Sunshine on the Inside did, installing gutter shelves that turn a regular corner into a nifty nook.
Ah, the magic of mesh curtains. They offer up a feeling of privacy for little bookworms, but parents can still keep an eye on storytime. If you want to try out this nifty idea for yourself, head on over to Stuff Parents Need for a full tutorial.
Got an empty fireplace in need of a new function? Turn it into a cozy reading space! Take a cue from interior stylist Emily Henson’s blog Life, Unstyled, and round up some fairy lights, cushions, blankets, and books and you’ll have a next-level nook.
If you have stuff in your home, we have a home storage idea for it.
Whether you’re a pro at organization or find yourself getting dressed from a never-ending pile of clean laundry (we totally get it), smart home storage is a must. Although it may feel daunting to attempt to find a place for everything when just making it out the door on time is a challenge, we’re here to help. These home storage ideas are not only genius; they’re easy (which is, of course, one of our favorite words) and don’t require you to be a well-oiled organizational guru to use.
If a box and a drawer had a brilliant baby, it would be this drop-front sweater box. Of course, you can use it for more than just sweaters, but the real draw is the clear window in the magnetic drop-front. Try one for your handbags and clutches, too!
Well, well, well. If it isn't instant fridge bliss. This home storage idea is sustainably designed and is an easy way to whip your fridge into shape in one pass! We had no idea our refrigerators had so much extra space.
There's literally never enough bathroom or kitchen cabinet space, so we're really loving this metal cabinet organizer. The metal design makes it super durable and the pull-out shelves keep all our stuff accessible. We'll take two, please.
This is one of the most satisfying storage ideas we've seen. Fill one of the plastic cubes with pillows, blankets, coats, sweaters, comforters (you get it), then attach any hose-style vacuum to the built-in air plug, and watch your items compress into easy-to-manage packs!
It's not hard to find over-the-door storage solutions, but this one has a metal frame with attached baskets versus thin plastic pockets. We need one for every door in the house.
This food container lid organizer doesn't require an explanation, but we'll miss the avalanche of lids falling out of the cabinet every time we open it.
Closet space is invaluable, and this adjustable closet rod gives you a lot more of it! It attaches easily to your existing rod, allowing you to layer more hangers as needed.
This clever little 3-tier rack easily slides between your washer and dryer, between the wall and the fridge; anywhere you need to create extra storage within a tight space!
Wedding dishes, holiday dishes, dishes you don't want your kids to break, keep them all stored safe in these cushy quilted set with built-in dividers for the next big meal!
This is the pinnacle of kitchen storage and organization! Store, weigh, measure, auto-convert, and dispense ingredients using the Smart Canisters (this set comes with one large and one small canister, but you can grab more separately as needed for all your ingredients!). You can even download the Chefling app and connect it to your PantyChic System. It doesn't get much more pro than that!
We get a full moment of zen just looking at these airtight storage containers. This set of 24 comes with lids and labels, so you'll have everything you need to get your pantry in shape!
These boots were made for sortin', and that's just what this rack does. It fits up to 10 pairs of any size boots and includes smooth clips for hanging them without damaging or denting suede or leather!
Organizing under the sink can be a huge pain, especially because of all the hardware that's down there. This shelving system not only doubles your space, it wraps around the plumbing and adjusts for the perfect fit!
They're in your car, your bag, and falling out of the kitchen cabinets. Water bottles can be really tough to store, so we're big fans of this 2-pack storage system!
So long, bundle of mops and brooms in the corner! This wall-mounted mop and broom (and anything else with a handle) organizer securely grips your tools so you can grab them and go.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Christmas decorating spikes dopamine, which makes you feel good
The tree. The tinsel. The teeny tiny blinking lights that adorn your windows. Christmas decor is an annual reminder of the joy and excitement that jolly ol’ St. Nick brings.
“It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness,” Psychologist Deborah Serani tells TODAY. “I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out … signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it’s pleasing or not.”
Paige Cody/Unsplash
Thank you, dopamine, a feel-good hormone that’s increased as you hang the colorful lights and sip hot cocoa. But it’s not just the sights and sounds, it’s the good memories that bring an extra level of happiness.
“Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement,” Psychoanalyst Steve McKeown told British website Unilad. “So putting up those Christmas decorations early extend the excitement!”
Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author, echoed this sentiment to Unilad. “The holiday season stirs up a sense of nostalgia. Nostalgia helps link people to their personal past and it helps people understand their identity. For many putting up Christmas decorations early is a way for them to reconnect with their childhoods.”
Matthew Henry/Burst
But do we decorate for more than just our own internal motivations? Or perhaps do we slap up the Santas and reindeer to get approval from others?
The Journal of Environmental Psychology looked into how people “may use holiday decorations on their home’s exterior to communicate friendliness and cohesiveness with neighbors.” Participants in a study responded to photos of decorated versus non-decorated homes and whether or not they had the appearance of a home with friendly residents.
Overall, researchers reported that respondents ranked decorated homes as having inhabitants that are more sociable and cohesive with the community, while homes without decor were thought of as nonsociable.
Regardless of your motivations, its definitely a fact that decorating puts you in a happy mood. So why not drag out that fake Christmas tree for a few extra months of joy?
