patio deck outdoor storage box

The 99 gallon patio deck outdoor storage box that I found online has been a dream come true!  When considering what kind of storage container to get for my aforementioned items, I knew that it would definitely have to be water proof.  Which ruled out a wooden storage box, but I love the look of wood, so at first I was disappointed that I would have to sacrifice that.  However, this plastic deck box has the look of real wood with a nice taupe finish that looks like painted wood. So I really got the best of both worlds with that.
Also, there is always a need for extra seating in my back yard. During the warm months I love to entertain and although I have patio furniture, there still seems to never be enough seating!  So the plastic box I use to store yard items can be used as a bench for a couple when needed.  As an extra bonus, I have the option of locking the storage box’s lid, just in case.

Because my father is old and unable to sail anymore, I often day dream about those days.  Whenever I need to go to a “happy place” in my mind, I think about the smell and feeling of the salty air over the waters of the bay.  The sound of the boat slicing through the choppy surface.  The feeling of sheets in my hand as I’d help my father tacking the boat.  One of my favorite things when sailing around the bay was when we’d pass underneath the Bay Bridge.  The traffic above was a loud, audible humming until the few seconds when you pass underneath; it would go totally silent.  A phenomenon I never understood, but always appreciated for its mystery.

18 compartment hardware box

The point of my romantic reminiscence here actually has little to do with the lure of the sea, and more to do with a piece of plastic.  By that I mean my father’s tackle box.  This 18-compartment hardware box is commonly seen around the household for organizing small bits and pieces such as beads, earrings or nuts and bolts.  My father used several of these to neatly store his boat tackle.  So, as I come across them now in my life (I own a few for the aforementioned items and just about everyone I know does as well) they always take me back to those windy, sunny days getting the boat ready for her day’s voyage.

24 compartment hardware box

My friend Beatrice is a crafting maniac!  Shoe does it all.  Beading jewelry, scrap booking, knitting, screen printing, ceramics and even doll house building.  Where this gal finds the time for all those projects, I am not quite sure.  I am, however, aware of her needs for craft supply storage.  With a collection of craft supplies like hers, you can’t resort to any old shoe box or chest of drawers.

Her challenge was in finding a place to keep all those little bits and pieces.  For example, her beads come in little plastic baggies with the zipper closure.  Good place to start, but throwing all of them into a box meant time wasted trying to sort through them.  She started keeping them in a divided compartment box. The 24 compartment hardware box is clear so she can easily see inside.  It looks really pretty, with every color of the rainbow lined up in order.  But this nifty little storage box does more than organizer her beads.  She also uses them for just about every other hobby.

I thought these divided cases were only helpful for storing nuts and bolts in the garage, but it turns out there’s endless uses for them!  My dad has a sailboat and uses them for storing his boat tackle.  My sister uses one to sort her earrings.  I even know someone who says she uses them to separate cookie confetti’s and sprinkles (she’s a baker).

Just how many ways can you utilize this little organizer box?  I’m going to put it to the test in my home and I have a feeling it will do wonders!

outdoor storage box

Once summer has officially ended, my patio and garden areas are left in complete and utter disarray.  Between the kids’ pool parties, various gardening projects and our dogs out in the yard, the whole place just looks like a bomb went off!  Before I can even begin to think about preparing for the chilly season and upcoming holidays, I have to deal with the aftermath of a successful summer season.  This means, not only, picking up the pool toys, gardening tools and patio cushions, but finding a place to store them that clutter up another part of the house or yard.  I am a little picky about outdoor storage solutions, because I take pride in the loveliness of my garden and do not want anything unsightly out there.

I found a really great outdoor storage box at Stacks and Stacks to solve this problem.  I actually ended up getting a few of them!  The 127 gallon deck box has so many cool features and benefits.  First of all, it is a nice taupe color.  Kind of a stone grey, so it blends in really well with the undertones of my landscape.  Second of all, rather than having a boring exterior, it has the look of wood siding, even though it is plastic (or resin perhaps).  The accessory tray included on this inside gives me extra organizational options, which is really cool.  And all my supplies that are stored inside are guarded from the elements, because of its sloped lid!

Even though it doesn’t have to do with the function of the patio box, I’m a really big fan of the fact that it is made in the USA.   I’m a firm believer that we should buy locally and support companies here in our country.  It also makes me feel like I’m getting the best quality for the money.  Happy outdoor organizing, everyone!

Collapsible Crate

This type of tiny domicile is the kind of place that could really use some convenient collapsible storage.  Well luckily for my dear old friend I hooked him up during his box-in-the-wall-warming party with an innovative collapsible crate!   As he carefully unwrapped his gift from me, he noted how thin the present was – In fact he thought it was a book.  Nay my friends, it was simply the amazing collapsing action of this storage accessory, folding down to just 2.25”!
As he examined his new home storage item, he talked about how useful this crate will be for his weekly five mile walking trips to the grocery store, or for storing Mackinaw peaches when they come in season.  I told him the wonderful news that they are available in different colors from StacksandStacks.com: Blue, Black and Red! (I got him red; it matched his curtains.)
About six months later I went back to visit my old friend.  He had turned into a collapsible crate kingpin! There were blue crates, black crates and red crates all neatly folded up in his closet.  I asked him, what was with all the boxes?  And he replied, “Mackinaw season went on for three months straight!  I just kept buying them and buying them, and that folding crate was the perfect peach storage solution.”
There was just one storage crate that was still folded out. It was filled to the brim with peach pits.

I love storage bins! But even more, I love storage bins that store flat and out of my way!

Stacks and Stacks has this awesome 3 piece set of collapsible storage baskets fits the bill perfectly! Use them for kid’s toys, tub toys, toiletries, linens, shoes, storage in your car, crafts, CD’s or Dvd’s, and so much more!

Graduated in size to hold a variety of items, the baskets are made of durable polypropylene in pretty purple and teal colors. Pop-up handles like a shopping basket make carrying them a breeze, and tuck completely away when not being used. There are also cut-out side wall handles which can be used to carry heavy loads.

These plastic storage containers can store away tucked inside each other while upright or flat for a combined height of 6″. Plastic bin sizes are: Small basket - 12″ x 8″ x 6″; Medium basket - 15″ x 10″ x 8″; Large basket - 17.5″ x 12 1/4″ x 10″. And at $36.99 for all three, it’s quite a deal!

But where to keep them all handy for those bright spring days while still keeping them protected form the occasional spring shower?

In this versatile Plastic Deck Storage Box, that’s where!

This Deck Box features an extremely durable and long-lasting resin construction and stay-dry design to protect anything you store. It has a whopping 50 gallon capacity, ideal for all your outdoor storage needs. With its easy, tool-free assembly, you can put this storage bin together in 5 minutes.

22″h x 41″w x 21″d outer dimensions are convenient for most outdoor spaces. Roomy interior dimensions are 37″W x 17″D x 18.5″H.

Its neutral color and clean lines make it suite most any space. And when it’s closed it makes a handy bench for seating. Great for holding gardening or pool supplies as well!

You can find this storage box at stacksandstacks.com for just $109.00!

DIY Compost Bin

I promise, this is an easy one, folks!  That’s right - easy, inexpensive, and one DIY weekend project that goes a long way toward helping out the planet – everybody wins!

With just a few items, you can be well on your way to composting in no time at all!

The benefits of home composting to the environment are infinite. But the one that really resonated with me, causing me to take the compost-plunge, was the fact that the food that ends up in landfills actually causes many problems because the lack of oxygen means it doesn’t break down.  Each household could divert 700 lbs. of waste per year by composting.  That qualified it as a no-brainer for me.

But, like most people, I am busy with kids and a career, so I had to find a method that works for my family:  Enter the Plastic Storage Bin.  This is one of the easiest ways to compost at home.  It works well for any size home, even small apartments - and there is no commitment here – you can move it, use it or scrap it at any time.  All you need are a few items and a few minutes to get started.

What You’ll Need:

• A large plastic storage bin (such as Sterilite, Iris, etc) with a lid.
• A drill (or a neighbor with a drill???)
• Stuff to compost  (leaves, vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds) TIP: For a complete list of compost-ables, the EPA has a useful website: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm

What To Do:
Just drill holes all over the box, a few inches apart for airflow.  That’s it!  Wasn’t that easy?  Now layer your compost materials in the bin.  It helps to keep a counter-top compost bin by the sink so you don’t have to run outside every time you want to peel an apple.  Once a week or so, give the big bin a shake and pretty soon you will enjoy rich (and free!) compost for all of your gardening needs!

Do you have any good composting tips? Leave a comment!

Storvino wine crates

I’m always on the hunt for cheap and eco-friendly things to make my life a bit easier. Who know I could store my wine using both! These wine storage modules from Storvino are strong and lightweight – the perfect bin for your wine! These crate style modules have vertical stacking guides and special connecter ports, which means a steady, sturdy and ideal place to store your special bottles.

The perfect multi-purpose workhorse, Storvino bins can be used in the house to conveniently store wine, in the car to load  up with your favorite vintages from the wine shop, and as a wine carrier for transport in between! These also make great gifts! You can purchase them in quantities of one, three, or six.  STORViNO Wine Crates are proud to be made in the United States with a manufacturer who operates the largest plastics harvesting program in the country. STORViNO has been assured continuous access to high quality 100% Recycled High Density Polyethylene, previously in the form of grocery carts, bread and beverage trays, produce bins, solid waste containers and milk crates that have been retired.

Love your environment and your wine.  J