zmango's Profile

We have what seems to be a twin of the hall table, which belonged to my in-laws, though in New England. Curious!

I just bought that container in the email photo---it's from the container store, meant to store balls in a garage, though Land of nod also sells it for twice the price, of course, in colors---and it works great. The rule here is pretty much you have a container with a designated purpose and you don't go beyond the container.

Also, for NYC folks, you can donate the animals to the fabric recycling at most greenmarkets---it will be repurposed into insulation, etc. http://www.grownyc.org/clothing

@Trish1980, do you keep your drains closed partially at night? Tub stoppers in? I'm a native New Yorker, currently living in the city, and it wasn't until our last move that the super here told me to do this---if they are waterbugs (the large-a%$ roaches), this is where they will come in, through the pipes. If they're in your bathroom, likely the source. If you close the sink drains partially before bed, and plug up kitchen sink, tub, that will go a long way. I live with two kids and a dog, and it's not the crumbs that let them in, it's the pipes and holes. Since we started doing that it's been a huge difference in frequency. Unfortunately, they are a part of city living.

I have to say, I tried this recipe and it didn't work that well---dishes weren't getting as clean as I wanted them to, and they were dull. I followed up by buying the Ecover tabs (they were on sale), and the difference makes it worth every penny. They happen to be on super sale at Vitacost right now; I just loaded up.

I have both the Phil and Teds and the Volo in the pic and we've successfully stored both on this hook at various times. The Phil and Teds is stored without the extra seat, but it holds up fine, though over time it will leave some indents in the handle (which is foam). By far the most essential kid purchase for a small space.

Danielle here. These are great suggestions, thank you! I especially like the pb & j bar but just realized I do have an allergic (toddler) guest. Will have to check with the parent, but perhaps that could be modified to include other non-peanut options? Also didn't think of ice-filled trays to keep the colder things cold. We're having gazpacho for adults, so that method will come in handy. Thanks all.