Favorite This: April 2016

May 3, 2016

Here are the things that won April at Live Simply HQ:

top picks from a professional organizer!

 

1. Large expandable jewelry tray // medium expandable jewelry tray

Another winning option in the jewelry storage department, these won me over because of their expandability. The chances that your average jewelry tray fits perfectly in your drawer? Well, not bad if you’ve done your due diligence and measured first. But even so, it can be difficult to find an ideally dimensioned product.

You add an expander into that equation and what you get is a tray that’s almost guaranteed to sit beautifully inside your drawer.

Plus, this one has a lovely, plush lining (much nicer in my opinion than similar looking scratchy canvas offerings). The medium tray (pictured) is perfect for earrings, rings, and delicate pieces, while the large (not pictured) is perfect for bracelets, bangles, bulky necklaces, etc.

 

2. White supersize stackers  (also available in non-supersize)

My latest favorite to a traditional jewelry box solution, these trays stack to create a jewelry box effect.

However, the stacking nature allows you to pick and choose the construction of each layer. If bracelets are your jam, build a tower of trays with medium to large size, deep compartments. If earrings are all you’ve got–you get the point. It’s a more customizable option than a prescribed jewelry box, but one that, in the end, does indeed achieve the visual result of a cohesive unit.

Thumbs way up for these.

 

3. Striped floor bins

These are some of my favorite larger, floor bins for a playroom or otherwise. They strike that perfect balance between structured and flimsy, which allows you to store larger items in them without having the whole thing just tip over on you.

I supplemented these in a playroom this past month, as a way to corral large toys that would otherwise have littered the floors. Top marks.

 

4. Backpack

This has actually been a favorite of mine since mid-February, but as I’ve traveled with it a good three times, I feel it’s now been sufficiently road-tested.

In February, I came to the realization that it was high time me and the tote bag severed ties, at least as far as traveling is concerned. You’d be surprised (or not) by how much a tote can accommodate, meaning that the shoulder straps were never not digging frighteningly deep, red welts in my shoulders. For the uninitiated, this is not a cute look, nor one that feels altogether wise, well prepared–mature.

So I womaned up and bought a damn backpack is what I did.

This one gets special marks because it’s both appropriately sized for a smaller human frame, yet impressively vast. The two front pockets are appreciatively expansive, as is the main compartment. While the shoulder straps have just the right amount of padding to ward against digging-in, but don’t feel bulky in the slightest. And the entire affair has a sleek design that is precisely what I was after.

All in all, it’s maybe my favorite backpack I’ve ever owned and has revolutionized travel for me. While wearing it, I’ve incurred not a single shoulder welt to speak of, which feels oddly grown up, in an elementary school throw back sort of way. It’s fashion forward, no frills, storage on the go. 

[As it turns out, I’m not the only one: my client (completely independently of me!) had the same tote-bag-nope-bag realization, decided a backpack was the answer, purchased this very same backpack, though with a gold zip, and has found the experience of traveling equally transformed.]

 

5. Baggu standard reusable bags

I know I’ve included these bags in a past favorites post. Positive. But, as I was lugging home my groceries the other day in one, it occurred to me just how long these have been killing the game for me.

I’m sure I’ve had them verging on two years now (the same two bags, mind you!), and I continue to criminally abuse them each shopping trip. (I don’t know why I think it’s acceptable to call upon a thin piece of fabric to support the weight of the produce section’s heaviest offerings, all the beverages, and at least one box of La Croix coconut seltzer (ALTERNATE FAVORITE ALERT), except that each time, they do so without complaint.)

It’s practically scientifically impossible for those seams not to have busted spontaneously, Home Alone style, but there is not so much as a loose thread! AND I unfailingly get complimented on them by cashiers round the globe. I’ve washed them in the washing machine, I’ve even used one as a beach bag on vacation!

So, what I’m trying to tell you is: these are some ridiculously cute, gravity defying, impossibly strong, incredible reusable bags! (!)

 

P.S. bonus favorite: Little Secrets chocolate. Like m & m’s but not shitty.

See also: these a.k.a best caramels I’ve ever had that also happen to be organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, non GMO and vegan. Stupidly delicious. You are welcome. 

 

What rocked your world in April??

2 Comments

  1. ame on May 9, 2016 at 7:25 am

    Is that a Tumi backpack? I can’t get that link to load on my computer or phone…I’ve been able to pack very well in a Samsonite spinner with packing cubes, but I usually carry a small duffel to carry my CPAP on in (since it requires me to send it through the xray on its own and all that and getting it in and out of the spinner is a PITA at security.) I don’t know if a backpack is any smoother than this duffel but it would be easier to carry. I always worry someone will unzip it though without me noticing. That’s why I’ve always done a tote bag or duffel that zips and has a long strap. I can see and feel someone messing with that.

    I have some Envirosax bags that are rollup style and I have not been able to convince myself to switch to the Baggu, but I might have to bec they are “flatter” and might pack in my purse better. The fact that you’re saying a 12 pack of soda/water cans can easily be lugged in something like that is just astounding to me. It’s not something we buy in our house, but now you’re giving me a challenge lol!

    • Amy Dickey on May 9, 2016 at 11:21 am

      (lol at the like m&ms but not shitty.)

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2 Comments

  1. ame on May 9, 2016 at 7:25 am

    Is that a Tumi backpack? I can’t get that link to load on my computer or phone…I’ve been able to pack very well in a Samsonite spinner with packing cubes, but I usually carry a small duffel to carry my CPAP on in (since it requires me to send it through the xray on its own and all that and getting it in and out of the spinner is a PITA at security.) I don’t know if a backpack is any smoother than this duffel but it would be easier to carry. I always worry someone will unzip it though without me noticing. That’s why I’ve always done a tote bag or duffel that zips and has a long strap. I can see and feel someone messing with that.

    I have some Envirosax bags that are rollup style and I have not been able to convince myself to switch to the Baggu, but I might have to bec they are “flatter” and might pack in my purse better. The fact that you’re saying a 12 pack of soda/water cans can easily be lugged in something like that is just astounding to me. It’s not something we buy in our house, but now you’re giving me a challenge lol!

    • Amy Dickey on May 9, 2016 at 11:21 am

      (lol at the like m&ms but not shitty.)

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