rockabyemama's Profile

These are exactly what we need to keep the migrating toy clutter under control. I'd keep one in all 4 locations we usually play in, to toss in and then easily pick up and return them to their assigned homes. I'd love to win!

I find it admirable...but also too extreme. My husband is always complaining that we have too much stuff, and I know I need to curb my tendencies to buy things that aren't really necessities.

That being said, we really do use pretty much everything we have! And, we're in an opposite position right now. We finally just bought our first home, and working very hard to re-do and update it. So, we're kindof in an acquisition phase instead, to furnish it. I have been looking forward to this for a long time (and love the inspiration I get from all of the AT sites!), and want to enjoy it, not feel guilty!

I'd love to travel for a year or too, also, but I don't see how we could ever afford it. When my husband gets a sabbatical year, I'm hoping we can maybe spend time in a few different places in Europe and travel. But, I will want to come back home to my home when we are done.

Also, I'm sure homesteading require some possessions. I mean, they're still going to need a room over their head, places to sleep, eat, and sit, tools to do their work, etc.

These look similar to those that a mom locally here in OH makes. I discovered them after my son was too big, but people love them!

http://www.lanepieslings.com/page/page/2368201.htm

Her fabrics aren't all as cute, but some are, her prices are lower, and she'll do custom orders!

My daughter would go nuts with delight if I won this!

We also have the expedit horizontally, with baskets and boxes in some of the squares. what we liked about this, in particular, was that our daughter can reach the top and playing on top of them will become easier and easier as she grows. Admittedly, she is 3 and tall, and can reach now, but it's definitely too high for a 14 month old...but it works to use now and grow into.

We also have a small hand-me-down bookcase painted white, with the backs an accent blue, filled with books and bins for toys. I actually love the plain pastel canvas bins from babiesrus. They're sturdy enough even for wooden blocks, but have been light and maneuverable for my daughter since she was very small. Their narrow rectangle ones have an option for dividing into 3, which is great for little people, small animals, etc.

I would so LOVE to win/test the chocolate damask tote! It's gorgeous and looks like it has a different enough design that it would solve my current diaper bag dilemma, too!

I have a 2 &1/2 year old daughter and am expecting a baby boy in less than 2 weeks! I have used 5 different diaper bags at this point for different purposes. Some were just too cheap and wore out (NOT something that should be a problem with this Beatrix bag...I'd love to find out!), some just turned out not to be as practical as I'd like. None of them seem like they will be adequate after the new baby is born.

My daughter is still not potty trained, so I need to carry diapers, wipes, and a changing pad for her, in addition to her full array of toddler necessity paraphenalia...like a no-spill straw cup of water, snacks, and paperback books, restaurant swiped crayon 4-pack, tiny play-doh, stickers, etc. for emergency entertainment.

I don't carry a separate purse (that's especially why the diaper bag has to look nice and be functional...it's always with me!), so I have to carry a small amount of my own things (small wallet, cell phone, lip gloss), too. When the new baby is born, of course, I'll have to carry diapers for him, the extra outfit, small blanket and toy, etc., too. I admit that my bag is also full of other things that I consider necessary to have, just in case...and I'm always glad I do (i.e., tiny baby sunblock, hand wipes, stain remover, hand sanitizer, tiny garbage bags for stinky messes, disposable bibs and travel case for toddler silverware, little first aid kit with some bandaids and ointment, etc.).

So, obviously I carry around a ton of stuff...and it's only going to get worse. What I really, really want is a bag that looks beautiful and stylish (especially to help me look slightly more put together on those I-can-only-manage-sweats-days) and has enough room for everything I'd like to have with me. And, the really tricky part...a way to keep the toddler stuff separate from the newborn stuff, and my stuff separate from both! The combination of internal/external pockets on these Beatrix totes look like they just might do it, and I'd love the opportunity to do a review and find out!