It is important to have art supplies handy, especially when we are out somewhere and need to stop and wait. During ballet classes for example, we often have to wait for each other for almost an hour at a time. What to do? DRAW!

We used to pack art supplies to go in ziploc bags. Now we have a much better solutions. These Japanese pencil cases are of a good size, and they stand upright when open! We now have a case for each child, and we use them at home and outside of home.

Buy them at JetPens, one of my favorite stores.

It’s also available on amazon:

See larger image Stand Up Kaddy Supply Tote (Kitchen)

Carpet and babies/toddlers do not mix well. How can you clean milk/food/drool/etc off carpet, three times a day? We have bamboo floors, which we love. However, little ones still prefer a softer area to play, and occasionally fall, on. Bring in the soft foam squares. They are colorful, they are soft, and they are not that expensive. Since they comes in squares, you can replace one if you need to. They also help define an area for the little ones. We use them to define a playarea for the kids within the loft. It forms a natural space. Others have also used them on balconies and roof decks.

Which brand to get? Forget the little one foot alphabet squares that you can buy from toy stores. They are not durable enough. Our first child torn corners off them. We found a online retailer that sell industrial strength mats. Those are designed for gyms and tradeshow floors. They are thicker, and much more durable. Note that they do NOT mate with the small versions. Try Soft Tiles.
We have used ours for almost three years now, and they show very little wear and tear. At about $1.20 a square foot, it is worth it.

• IKEA sell a colorful line of plates, cups and bowls called KALAS that is perfect for Guppy. He loves drinking and eating out of it. In fact, while we are in the half moved-in state in the new loft, we get used to drinking out of his cups as well.
• The Container Store imports a Japanese first aid box that is perfect to store all the baby health supplies. It has a little compartment at the top that is perfect for nail clippers, which we always loose around the house. There are two sized, get the bigger one. Stock number: 10013626. Called the “first aid kit” and find it under “travel essentials”.

Fast forward many years. Their kids are grown, or grown enough. They are trading in the minivans for luxury SUVs, buying euro sports car and convertibles. Me? After unsuccessfully trying to fit a stroller, box of diapers,  4 cans of formula, two watermelons and a weekend of fruits and vegetable supplies into the Lexus sedan with two car seats installed, I had no choice…

So now I am a “proud” owner of a, eh, “lifestyle vehicle” called the Toyota Sienna. The kids and mom is happy. We don’t have to try to change diapers on one square foot of space in the passenger seat. I tell myself that, with the AC outlet, I can plug my laptop into the car, park outside Starbucks, and I have a roomy mobile office. Power sliding doors are cool. At least 14 cup holders. navigation system is fun. Have not really play with the rear seat entertainment system yet.

Just to make me feel worse about parting with the Miata, as I pulled up at the dealership with the Miata to trade it in, all the salespeople said “are you serious? You are trading in your convertible for a MINIVAN “? Yes I am !

(You can also read my full reivew of the Sienna here).