Create custom storage with the drop front shoe box
January 7, 2016
There are some shoes that just require the Cadillac of storage. For those perfect pumps or flashy sneakers, it is important to keep them looking as new as possible and the only way to do that is to completely protect them from the busy environment of your home.
During a recent move I thinned out my shoe collection and decided only to keep my very favorites; but these survivors needed the best of the best storage — they weren’t just going to sit on a rack in the front closet.
For my treasured kicks, I discovered the drop front shoe box. For those not familiar, a drop front shoe box is a standard plastic tote with a top lid — only it features a unique opening front piece that allows you to access shoes when these boxes are stacked on top of each other.
The style that I found comes in two different sizes. The large is perfect for a pair on men’s dress shoes, while the small is great for ballet flats or sandals. I decided to purchase five of each and stack them across the top shelf of my closet. I am so happy with theses sturdy boxes! They’re made from crystal clear high-impact plastic so I can easily tell which pair is where — something that makes my morning routine all the much easier. The strong build is very reliable and long-listing, plus the complete design protects my expensive habit from dirt, dust and even pets! They stack so nicely; straight, even and they do not move or teeter when I open a box and pull out a pair of shoes.
These convenient boxes have multiple uses, too. You can get matching dividers so you can use them to sort things like socks or tights.
I highly recommend these storage boxes, even if you’re just looking to store a choice few of your collection.
Creative earring storage ideas
January 6, 2016
I’m a big fan of stud earrings. They’re easy to wear for days at a time and they’re super simple to store. There are a couple pairs of stud earrings that I have in my regular rotation and I would love an easy way to access them. So I did some research and tried out some not-so-typical means.
For a new storage piece for my earrings, I headed into the kitchen. It seems strange, but there are a lot of similarities between the storage pieces in your kitchen and vanity. Here are some creative storage options I tried out:
3. Sugar bowl: The most obvious thing I could think to go to first was a sugar bowl. This clear, glass design features a lid and overall cute design that is a great accent for vanities. I really liked the overall idea of this piece. The glass is a great compliment to the decor I already have and it looked very nice with my other vanity pieces. The eight ounce capacity is perfect — I could throw in a few pairs of my studs and easily find them the next time I wanted them. But it just wasn’t it for me.
2. Salt Cellar: This small olive wood container was a really close second for me. It’s the same basic idea as the sugar bowl, but it offers a warmer, more natural decor accent. If you have a larger vanity space or counter top, this small bowl with lid would be an easy solution for you. The natural wood grain is a beautiful compliment to any decor. The hinged lid swivels 260 degrees, which is a really neat feature. This unique piece is a great option for creative earring storage.
1. Spice Tin: This was my winner. The small tin is made from stainless steel so it’s rust proof and super durable. The clear window on top lets me see which earrings I have inside and the silicone seal keeps everything tightly together. For me, it combines the pros of both the sugar bowl and the salt cellar — plus some. The magnetic back is my favorite part; this little organizer adheres to all metal surfaces. I leave about five pairs of stud earrings in this tin and I keep it stuck to the frame of my vanity mirror. It’s perfection!
The best in Christmas tree storage
December 31, 2015
The perfect Christmas tree makes the whole house feel different. The festive evergreen, artificial or fresh, transforms your home into a cozy, holiday wonderland. If you do use an artificial tree, it is especially important to consider your Christmas tree storage options. To re-instill that magical feeling in your family and yourself, you need to make sure the tree is protected and preserved all year round. The right storage makes a huge difference, so choose wisely.
Here are some of our favorite products:
- Rolling Christmas Tree Storage Bag: This large duffel on wheels makes it super simple to put up the tree each year. With over 17 cubic feet of storage capacity made to accommodate any disassembled artificial tree, this bag is crafted from heavy duty polyester with PVC for reinforcement. Three ball bearing wheels make it easy to lean the entire bag upright and wheel it in and out of storage. Side handles make transportation a cinch, too.
- Expandable Rolling Christmas Tree Storage Bag: Similar to the first, this tree keeper is a duffel bag, but it expands from 40 to 59 inches. This bag accommodates trees that are up to 9 ft tall. This bag is on wheels, has a protective plastic bottom and is safe from mold, mildew as well as dust.
- Christmas Tree Storage Bag with Stand: Take all the time and work out of Christmas tree storage with this upright option. Keep the tree intact — lights, bulbs and all. Simply attach this cover to the included rolling stand and cover it all at once. This way you can store the tree exactly how you like it. This not only cuts down on the work every year, but it eliminates the need to pack away decorations in storage totes. One and done!
- Rolling Artificial Christmas Tree Stand: If you already have a bag or bin you love, you can still add to your arsenal and make storage easier. This rolling tree stand allows you to keep your tree decorated or at least in one piece when you store it. You can easily move the tree around the house or get into storage without lifting.
- GreensKeeper Tree Storage Bag – Large: Thinking big? This over-sized bag has padded handles, wheels and a reinforced inside to keep your artificial tree protected from the elements. Inside straps hold the tree securely in place. This bag even accommodates tress up to 10 or 12 in height!
