When you’re encouraging your kids to keep their rooms tidy, there is no better way to do it than to make it seem like a game…think Mary Poppins - “a spoon full of sugar, makes the medicine go down, in a most delightful way”!!

These fun hampers are the perfect way to engage your kids, and teach them to put their dirty clothes in the right place. I love so many things about these Bongo Buddy hampers by Redmon, besides how adorable they are they come in a variety of animals and colours to fit in any decor. So many in fact, that you can find one that both you and your kids would appreciate and adopt. I also love that they are collapsable - you can take them with you when you go somewhere for the weekend! You still want to keep some semblance of order when you are on vacation and there is nothing I hate more than garbage bags of dirty laundry, or worse - dirty clothes everywhere! The portability of these was the ultimate sale for me.

I am certain your children will find it a much easier task keeping clothes off their floor when they “feed” the animals their dirty clothes. I hope you enjoy these and find the perfect one for your decor! Be sure to comment and let us know your FAVE buddy.

Start Shopping for Bongo Buddy Hampers >>

For many people there’s nothing more mundane than filing. However I’m a believer that the right tools can really make the job much more enjoyable, you have to enjoy the ride. One of our favorite sites is called See Jane Work as it’s literally stocked full of amazing organizing solutions for your work life. These yummy Thomas Paul File Folders are a fun indulgence for those of us who repel the standard blah office folders. Why not make opening that file cabinet more like a party?

*If you’re budget is a bit tight, a good solution is to cover your existing folders with some gorgeous scrapbooking paper and dress them up a bit. Spray Adhesive or glue sticks will work their magic and pretty up your file system. This can be a fun little one day project and the results will make you smile whenever you go to file those receipts and forms.

My find this week works in the office, is likely stored there, but has uses all around the house! It is a personal laminator and I had wanted one for ages and finally got one before Christmas. Let me tell you - I LOVE IT!!! It is one of those things that once you have it, it is surprising how many times you think to use it.

I used it to laminate my care sheet for the laundry room, a small sign at the front door asking people to knock first, kids activity schedules, favourite, often used recipes (stick on the back of your spice cupboard door for easy access), crafts… There are so many uses that it will be one thing once you own, you will wonder how you got along without it for so long. The sheets can be fairly pricey though, so try not to go TOO crazy - I had to hold myself back just a little! Enjoy!

This is a great laminator by Fellowes>

Under the bed is a perfect and often used storage space for extra things in your bedroom. The trick is to use the space wisely by storing the right things in proper containers. The best stuff to store under your bed are things that have to DO with the bedroom; think seasonal clothes, duvet covers and blankets. You don’t want anything under there that you need to access on a regular basis nor do you want things that don’t belong to the bedroom - those stray items should likely find a home somewhere else. As for the containers, you need to find something that rolls, can be cleaned and has a lid!! You know how dust bunnies congregate under the bed - it would suck to have them party on your clean sweaters! I have been looking for a great bin for under our bed and I have found a couple that I think will appeal to you.

The first is a CUTE basket called the “DEGERNES” (pictured above) with a canvas tie on lid - perfect for those who don’t have a bedskirt and want something that will look good under the bed. You can still clean it by giving it a quick vacuum or wiping down the sides and the cover can just be thrown in the wash. It could be a bit tiresome untying it - so for this I recommend storing stuff that you would need to access a couple times a year. Find it here>

The next two are pure function. They are both plastic, and have plastic lids that can be easily put on and wiped off. I would recommend this only if you have a bedskirt hiding it - plastic containers/storage bins/ drawers are great, but look cheap sticking out in a bedroom! They are completely functional and great, but please hide them! Here are a couple that I found on line and liked - note the Ikea one is almost 1 1/2″ taller than The Container Store one - so measure your bed before you buy!

Ikea underbed storage>
The Container Store under bed storage>

I love to shop on Etsy.com for handmade creations, there are always spectacular finds to discover. It continually amazes me how clever the products and creators are that sell on this site! I wanted to showcase some great organizational items to make your home office sparkle with personality and function. Here are some of the many cool things that can be found:

First out of the gate is the “Office in a Can” (pictured above) from seller Twooni on Etsy. This cute addition to your desktop comes with:
1 super cute pencil cup, 2 BIG paper clips, 3 magnets, 4 clothespin whiteboard magnets. For only $12.00 you can take this baby home>

These rainbow colored magnets caught my eye, with the days of the week on each one you can really keep organization looking cute. Use them on your fridge, filing cabinet, or magnetic board.

Available from Pink Penguin Star on Etsy and you’ll get 7 day of the week magnets for $8.00!

How’s this for a shabby chic idea?
Etsy seller Vintage Inspiration has created this magnetic/dry erase board enclosed in a beautiful vintage frame. Hang this one proudly in your office or kitchen for easy viewing and use. I can just picture the fun you’ll have using this in your shabby chic decor.
Own it for $170 on Etsy >

And I couldn’t resist sharing this artistic and wonderful desktop organizer. Designer CarrieKim has created this “Keep it Together” for your desktop to put papers, folders, magazines, books, ect. inside and store small items on the outside using magnets and magnetic tins. Each “Keep it Together” piece is original and handmade using acrylic. She offers several color options for your modern decor. Check them out here >>

Sharing my new article from Boutique Cafe Finds > - Daria