Back in the Big Apple

Appleshine is back in the Big Apple!  After traveling in and out to Southampton and DC in the last week, the blog has been a lil' slim.  I promise to make it up to you with some good before/after pics next week.

In the meantime, I've noticed quite an online buzz on babies lately.  (Does spring fever = baby fever??)  Here are some great articles on organizing everything from nurseries to toy boxes:

Some tried-and-true tips for organizing toys from A Cup of Jo's Joanna Goddard, pulled from the book Simplicity Parenting.

My friend, Marcela Barraza, is the queen of green cleaning.  Ok, I kinda just made up that title but she is so passionate about green cleaning and its benefits.  She spoke at The Pregnant New Yorker event about the importance of using safe cleaning products around babies and young children.

And if you need some inspiration for organizing the older kids' rooms, check out this before/after of a girl's bedroom, playroom or a boy's playroom.


Tell me, Appleshiners, what tips do you have for balancing babies and organization?

How to Organize Video Games

I got a call from a client yesterday who was fed up with the disorganization of her sons' video games.  She couldn't seem to keep them under control (the games, not her sons).  And she wanted a more complete system than just tossing all the games in a bin or lining them up on a shelf.  So I did a little research and came up with a few gaming organization options:

Here's a full-blown, mega entertainment center for the mother of all game rooms.  I love it!  (And I don't even play video games.)

(Fun Toy Mall)

Or if you'd prefer something a little more compact, this stand is great for small space living:

(Amazon)

This cart would be great for a closet; it's on wheels so you could move it in/out whenever it's needed and keep it hidden away when the games are off.

(Amazon)

This post on collecting your cords is helpful for other tech gadgets but this cable buddy is great for controllers and their long cords.

(Bobino Cable Buddy)

And I love the idea of tossing out (rather, recycling) the cases and slimming down to a binder.  You could even use your handy label maker to make sure you're not missing any of those tiny cartridges.

(via The Bearded Iris)

Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you organize your video games?