geep78's Profile

Not sure when "lived in" or "home" became associated with clutter or just filling the place up with stuff. Also, if someone were coming to photograph my house, I would definitely clean up and put unnecessary stuff away.

For those who want the cart, but don't need it in their kitchen, I actually use it to hold hats, gloves and socks for the kids in the mudroom. I had bins on a shelf at first, but the kids could never reach them. Very functional.

In response to the kids vs. pets debate, my answer is the same to both of you. Hire a babysitter / dogwalker. I also agree, this sounds like a mommy blog question and am not sure why it's on AT (I say this even as a mom).

Microfiber is definitely good with kids. Easy to wipe clean, but also machine washable. I had a light fabric sofa and the covers were machine washable. After awhile though it started looking worn and pilling. Leather is another way to go.

That's funny. I lived in Moscow and associate it with terrible interior design taste.

At first I thought Papa Bear was ugly, but the more I see them the more it grows on me and now I want one!

Looks like something you'd find in Disney World, except much more disturbing.

I vote for the Bogart in Ivory or Gray. The Flokati looks fine if you're looking straight down at it, but from a side angle it looks like flecked dog fur.

Fine. He's good looking, but the dude lives in a trailer (albeit a well-designed and decorated trailer).

I think I have a small amount of toys compared to most parents. I don't just wait until special events to buy toys but I don't buy something everytime I go to the toy store. The toys & books take up 1 of the 3 level Ikea Trofast units & a 4x4 Expedit. I try to buy only one toy that has a specific purpose / function (i.e. why do you need 3 different toys that sort shapes?) I also avoid buying toys that make a lot of noise or take up a lot of room. If you're worried about clutter, my best advice is that I only store toys inside the kids' bedroom and generally everything has a place (love IKEA Trofast system!). They often take toys out into the living room, but before the kids go to bed, we put all our toys away and the kids are happy to help (I have a 3 yo and 16 month old, so yes, it can be done!).