Ikea Cube Organizer (and Ikea just in general :)

So, with all the wedding gifts we received last year, and lots of it kitchen stuff, but in a tiny one-bedroom apartment for the time being, we definitely needed some smart storage systems to hold what our kitchen couldn't, but attractive at the same time. We ended up getting a bunch of our furniture at Ikea - its affordable, attractive, and if it ends up falling apart in years, it was a deal anyway, so we can replace it. I love this cube organizer! It comes in four colors, and if you want baskets, you buy those separately - you get to pick from different styles, and its just a great use of space! We got ours (its called an 'Expedit Bookcase') when it was on sale for $99! What a deal. They also have smaller and bigger ones available (less cubes or more cubes), too, so you can find one that fits best for your needs. We ended up getting a small four cube one as well, as our 'mail, bill, ingoing, outgoing, supplies' organizer, and its been great - papers stored in baskets instead of cluttering up the house is nice!
Bookcase shown above is ours, pic taken at Christmas time. To find same kind on Ikea website, click link:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40047675

Frigoverre Glass Storage Containers w/ Lids

So I have a little collection going, of different brands of glass storage containers, to use especially for food we heat up, since its safer. And I love the durability, and how it doesn't hold stains & odors like plastic containers. The brand that's become my very favorite is Frigoverre. They have easy on/easy off lids, but they're durable, kinda rubbery, and hold on well for a secure seal, and there are all sorts of sizes of containers that they have. The best thing is, I find them at discount places, like Homegoods & Ross! Check for them next time you're there, in the kitchen section!

Target Brand Paper Products

So I have tried more and more of Target's own brand ("up & up") of products, and have been really impressed! It saves money, but doesn't compromise quality, which is the key. Because its just two of us for now, we don't have a Costco membership, and just get our bulk paper products etc, at Target. I love Target's brand of Paper Towels - and they have ones that are the "half sheets" which is more practical & less wasteful, so I get those kind. And I really like their Premium toilet paper better than even brand names! Definitely give their "up & up" brand a try for paper products and more!

Oxi Clean Powder

So I've blogged about the Oxi Clean stain removing spray before, but the powder deserves its own entry!! :) I have used this on all sorts of stains, and have been so impressed with how its worked! With being a nanny, doing the kids laundry, some stains come up that need more than just a wash. I put some Oxi Clean powder & warm or hot water in a bowl, and soak the item for a while before putting it in the laundry (and I pour it in the washer with Oxi water and all, figure it'll help with the other clothes too, since its also a laundry booster! I even soak the 14 month old's lovey in Oxi Clean & hot water once a week, before laundering it, which deep cleans, removes stains & odor, amazingly!!! This is definitely worth buying and using as you need! Since it is a laundry booster, you can just add a scoop to each laundry load (I especially do it for lights when I know there are some tougher stains). Enjoy!!!