LilSugar

The Little Girl, The Doll and The Wardrobe

LilSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:00:18 -0700

Give your girl and her dolls a wardrobe of their own! Before tossing the playthings' clothing and accessories in another plastic tub, consider investing in an authentic doll chest that will neatly hold the items and allow lil hands to access them without dumping everything on the floor. Like the trunks our mothers and grandmothers used generations ago, these armoires are designed to showcase the dolls' precious duds while teaching their owners about the importance of caring for their things. Whether opting for a wicker hamper ($65) or a sturdier wooden piece, these keepsakes create order and are easy on the eyes.

Toy Box: Puzzle Racks

LilSugar — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:00:11 -0800

Puzzles are a great way to challenge your kid's thinking on all different levels. Both my daughter and son have long been fans of Melissa & Doug wooden ones which are easy for lil fingers to maneuver. But no matter how organized we are with our storage basket, some pieces turn up in another room or find their way under an area rug. I recently came across a few helpful helpful racks that make sliding and securing finished puzzles into place a cinch! Check out the well made and economically priced options below.

Puzzle Storage ($13)	Puzzle Storage ($20)
Puzzle Storage ($30)	Puzzle Storage ($40)	Puzzle Storage ($40)

Lil's Favorite Five: Creative Storage Solutions

LilSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

When a tot's room becomes too cluttered, it's time for mommy to set up some structure. Seventy-eight percent of lilsugar users said they lose track of the number of times they clean up after their children on a daily basis. There are a ton of items on the market that can help families tuck away their over abundance of toys and trinkets. Check out our favorite organization tips and options.

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What to Stow and What to Throw

LilSugar — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:00:00 -0700

It's so hard to part with your baby's first blanket, the bonnet they wore home from the hospital or their first pair of shoes, but it's even tougher to live with bags of their keepsakes stored in every nook and cranny of your place. As the mother of two, I don't have trouble tossing things into a giveaway bag. It keeps me sane and allows the goods to keep on giving. For those of you who feel the urge to keep every washcloth, burper and pair of ballet slippers, here are a few purging tips that help me choose what to lose.

Stow heirloom gifts and handmade items. Things that people took the time to make should be cherished.
Stow short term items that you will need for another baby - receiving blankets, onesies, snapsuits.
Stow big ticket item toys like your swing, papasan chair, baby carrier and jumper.
Stow timeless, classic outfits that can be worn by siblings and/or future generations.
Stow a handful of sentimental items - the stuffed animal your child slept with, the first barrette that held her hair, the lil suit from his first photoshoot.
Stow books - kids love to read the same stories over and over.

To see what to throw, read more.

Throw trendy clothing
Throw child specific clothing. If your daughter loved all things ladybugs, it doesn't mean your next lil girl will.
Throw multiples - if you have three identical toy boats, share the wealth with those in need.
Throw battery operated and talking toys that sporadically turn on while in storage.
Throw bedding if you plan on buying a different motif for each baby.

Source

Pimp Your Crib: Posh Toy Storage

babysugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:00:51 -0800

Recently an expectant couple came over to our house and saw the overwhelming amount of toys that have taken over our living room. The dad-to-be looked at the pregnant wife and asked, "Is this what our house is going to look like?"

For now, their home is beautifully decorated and immaculately kept. But his comment made me realize despite stashing away toys in bins and baskets, they are an eye sore. To see how to combat this problem, read more.

So when I saw this sleek storage drum ($299), I drooled at the idea of having one of these beauties to mask the playground that our place has become.

Spacious and useful as a storage bin, the lid also has one side that is made of chalkboard material, which can make it a novelty for children, too. And when your friends come over for wine, just flip it over and have the wooden part add some grown–up pizzazz.

Pimp Your Crib: Creative Storage

LilSugar — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:39:07 -0800

Kids accumulate a ton of stuff. Keep clutter out of your little one's lair with storage solutions that are easy on the eyes.

Elfa Decor Infant Closet: No monster will hide in this fancy closet! The do-it-yourself shelf and rod system can be reconfigured to accommodate the needs of a growing child.
Over Door Organizer: This durable nylon shoe organizer has enough pockets to store shoes, socks, hats, mittens and hair accessories.
Mod Ball Coat Rack: Kids can hang their own hats and coats on this stylish rack made of brightly painted metal balls
P'Kolino Play Ottoman: It's okay to sit on the table! Made of Baltic birch and premium vinyl, this versatile upholstered piece provides kid-friendly storage where you least expect it.
The Animal Bag: Stuffed animals are the filler for this over-sized plus bag that zips up to provide child seating. The bag is available in three shapes - oval, otto and trio, and a palette of colors.

Birch & White Elfa Decor Infant's Closet ($1,224)	30-Pair Overdoor Shoe Organizer ($40)
Mod Ball Coat Rack ($140)	Play Ottoman ($169)	Boon Green Oval Animal Bag ($60)

What Do You Know About Breastmilk Storage?

LilSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:30:33 -0700

Breastmilk is known to some as "white blood," because it's incredibly precious to nursing mamas who work hard to keep it pumping. Ask any breastfeeding lady and she'll tell you that nothing is worse than having to toss good milk that's gone bad. La Leche League International has put out guidelines for keeping your milk fresh, but how well do you know them? Take the quiz to find out how much you know about breastmilk storage.

Take the quiz

Mommy's Lil Helper: Toy Boxes to Go

babysugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Going over to a friend's house for brunch can be an ordeal. As a parent, gone are the days of rolling out of bed and heading over with a latte in hand. Having a child adds a whole new dimension of packing her food, a change of emergency clothes, diapers, wipes, books, and toys.

The creative geniuses at Skip Hop have crafted a simple solution for parents on the go. Forget organizing a diaper bag filled to the rim with toys. Simply scoop up the Bin-Go organizer ($25) from your living room floor and be on your way. The sightly caddies are easy on the eyes and a cinch to handle. When the party's over, just drop the box back on the living room floor and let your afternoon resume.

Pimp Your Crib: Storage Solutions

babysugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:00:32 -0700

You want to provide your child with everything his heart desires. Unfortunately, that means every car, truck, train, ball, musical instrument and stuffed animal that has ever caught his eye. Finding a home for these treasures is another story.

Whether you are trying to reclaim your family room, clear a space from your son's bed to the door, or just create some order to the playroom, the Via Toy Box ($400-500 for a set of six cubes) company has created a great line of modular storage cubes that can be configured in numerous ways and a variety of color combinations that are sure to create a solution to your clutter needs.

Made of birch plywood and non-toxic, water-based paints and finishes, the boxes are child-safe and environmentally friendly. And the cleverly shaped tops and doors can even help you teach your lil ones about shapes and colors. Multi-functional storage, now we're talking!

Lil Links: Target Debuts Itso Storage System

LilSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:01:00 -0700

Target debuts the Itso storage system - Ohdeedoh
10 signs that daddy can't slack off anymore - Yahoo Shine Parenting
Rachael Ray "enjoys kids" but has no time for her own - Celebrity Baby Blog
10 ways to take artistic pictures of kids - Parent Dish
Food extravaganza for kids at Google HQ - The Poop