Remember the days when we spent hours perfecting our hair? We don’t really miss the zig-zag parts, but having unlimited time to spend on perfecting our hair was pretty awesome, right? It’s possible that now it feels like “cute simple hairstyles” mean a messy bun and… a messy bun. Which is fine (we love them, too). But we’ve got a few hair tricks up our sleeves to save time and look awesome.

Whether you’re rocking short, long, curly, straight, thick, thin, or any combination out there, we’ve rounded up some of the very best tips and tricks to tame your tresses in no time flat. There’s not a single rule out there that says quick hairstyles are all ponytails and air drying (though if that’s your style, we fully support it). If you’re looking for ways to change up your look, you’re in the right place.

Rosie the Riveter-Inspired Updo

If you’re a die-hard messy bun person, here’s a quick way to update it from @kandeejohnson! You’ll want super texturized hair so it holds the style better and gives you the “messy” vibe we’re all going for with this one. It’s also a great second- or third-day hair option. Just start with dry shampoo.

You’ll need:

Twisted Half-Up

You can pull this one off with hair that’s around shoulder-length or longer! All it takes is a couple of elastics and a twist of the wrist (@megs.beauty.project slows it down so it’s easy) If you have curly or wavy hair, you might want to consider straightening it out a little bit first (straighter hair shows off the details of this ‘do), but you can leave it texturized if you prefer. Out of your face and looks like it took way longer than it really does.

You’ll need:

Half Up with a Claw Clip

Think you can’t pull off a claw clip with shorter hair? Think again. @montana_coles breezes through this style that’s giving serious Cool Girl. Pick a cute claw clip for casual days, or try an embellished or metal one for the office.

You’ll need:

Bubble Fauxhawk

“Bubble” styles are some of the most fun and easiest ways to change up your ‘do. Julie from @artistryofserendipity makes it completely foolproof, plus it can be done on all lengths of hair!

You’ll need:

  • Those trusty clear elastics (are you sensing a theme here?)
  • A 3-barrel waver if you want to replicate Julie’s texture (this best-seller is a winner)

Low Double Buns

Double buns that literally take less time than just brushing and blow drying would? Sign. Us. Up. This hack from @everydayscrunchie (how adorable is that?) is lightening fast and excellent for shorter and mid-length hair. The ultimate in cute simple hairstyles, right?

You’ll need:

  • Clear elastics
  • Two small claw clips—we’re recommending sticking with the classic ones that are shown since you’re “rolling” the clip into the bun and the curved clip teeth are really helpful here (these are good to have on-hand!)
  • A little smoothing + shine spray for the sides (this one is perfect). Only use a little if you have straight and/or fine hair; otherwise, you’ll risk looking a little more greasy than smooth. You can also skip this part completely!

Side Twist Bun

We love a style that looks so much more involved than it really is. @shelly_lynn_beauty is doing this one on day 5 hair, but you could do it virtually whenever, even if it’s damp.

You’ll need:

  • A ponytail elastic (these should last you a while!)
  • Texture spray if you need extra “grip” or are doing this style on freshly-washed hair (it’s also a great go-to on days when your hair is feeling flat or a little lifeless—this one is our pick.)
  • “Bunny ear” scrunchie (you don’t have to, but adding one of these cute little scrunchies makes it look even more polished)
  • Finishing spray

Claw Clip Space Buns

Repeat after us: Space buns aren’t just for kids. They’re so fast. They’re super easy. They get the hair out of your face. You also get the bonus of a little height to your style, and that always makes it look like you tried (even though as @samanthasbeautyconfessions shows above, you didn’t have to try very hard at all).

You’ll need:

  • A tail comb for parting
  • Two mini claw clips (snap up this 6 pack)
  • Hairspray if you need some extra hold

Straightening Iron Waves

How dare we add something like a full head of waves to the list, right? Stick with us. If you’ve ever wondered how these undone, messy, lasts-for-days waves are created, @mathilde_heather nails it. The trick is to gently pull the iron through your hair, then twist the strand back with your fingers while it’s still hot to set the curl. Even though this particular style takes a little longer initially, with some dry shampoo, it lasts for days and looks better the longer you wear it! Remember to straighten the ends for the ultimate “undone” vibe.

You’ll need:

  • A straightener. We like this one because the barrel is actually curved, too, making it easier to pull it down the hair strand into a curl.
  • A claw clip to divide your hair into sections for curling
  • Mathilde is using this dry finishing spray for lived-in texture

Lifted Rockstar

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxNgffnu3m_/?hidecaption=true

We definitely didn’t forget about you, short-hair queens. @kaitlyn_hubert knows a thing or two about making her hot cropped locks pop. If your hair is short, you probably already love how fast it is to style and go, so try this to mix things up with minimal effort.

You’ll need:

Hairpin Bun

Aside from doing literally nothing, this is about as fast as “doing your hair” and pulling off a cute simple hairstyle can possibly get. @hellohairhouse takes seconds to make this soft style come to life.

You’ll need:

Barbie Ponytail

Whether you’re into Barbie or not, this bouncy pony from @haiirologybyjen amps up your everyday updo. Something about a swingy style that just puts you in a good mood. Bonus!

You’ll need:

  • Hair elastic
  • A teasing brush (remember to push down and only down when you’re teasing. Don’t go back and forth with a teasing comb or brush unless you really love tangled hair)
  • Volumizing hair powder (sprinkle a little at your roots and use your fingers to distribute it)

Scarf Wrap

Want to try something other than your usual headband? This cute simple hairstyle takes three folds and a knot. Full stop. We really appreciate @batshevahaart giving us a quick tutorial about where to place it so that it stays put, and you can always use bobby pins if needed to avoid slipping.

You’ll need:

 

 

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If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

You’ve finally arrived. You’re ready to give your home the attention it deserves, whether that be new toy storage in the kids’ room or giving your pantry a facelift. And the good news is, while your social feed may suggest otherwise, there’s no reason to rush out and blow your entire budget on stackable baskets and (perfect! cute!) containers for the kitchen. Instead, inspired by some of our favorite design-centric parents, these ideas are all about organizing with IKEA products and might be the answer to all of your makeover dilemmas. 

Why do people love organizing with IKEA products?

The Scandinavian design company has long been a place for folks to pick up affordable and functional furniture, but the products also tend to be fairly basic in design, so you can glam it up, and with a little creativity, use it in areas you might not normally think about. Plus, the storage options are endless, and anyone with kids knows how important that can be.

The Best Ideas for Organizing with IKEA Furniture

1. KALLAX Changing Table

IKEA’s KALLAX storage unit becomes a versatile piece in H.isforHome’s nursery as a changing table with plenty of storage ready at hand. The greatest part about this hack is that later when her son Grayson outgrows the changing table, there’s a seamless transition into simple storage and shelving pieces (click here to check it out).

2. IKEA Closet Organizer Idea

Creating an open toddler closet might be the most creative use of the HUTTON wine racks we’ve ever seen.

3. LURÖY Bed Slat Wall Hanger

Your bed slats are so much more than support for your bed. Use this awesome idea from Kristina of Ich Designer to make an amazing wall storage space for your family using the LURÖY Slatted Bed Base from IKEA. Hang baskets, magazines, notebooks, and more to get your everyday must-haves out of the way.

4. BILLY Bookshelf Mudroom Lockers

IKEA shoe organizer is a good IKEA organizing idea
Polkadot Chair

Whether you have a mudroom, or just have a bit of extra space in your entry, Melissa from Polkadot Chair has a hack that will revolutionize your storage life. Using the BILLY bookcase, you can create lockers for everyone’s coats, bags, shoes, and more.

5. IKEA Drawer Organizing Idea

Lifeflix

If you’re looking IKEA organizing ideas to help you keep the clothes in order, the KOMPLEMENT storage boxes are perfect. They require almost no assembly and can help you organize piles of laundry in a snap.

6. 2-in-1 Kitchen Island

If you’ve got a small kitchen but dream of having an island, this IKEA organization idea from Craftydust is right up your alley. Using KALLAX shelves and the KARLBY kitchen worktop, you can have an island that not only folds in half but can also be used as a bar cart.

7. Rolling Under Bed Storage

under the bed organizing with IKEA frames
Faith Towers

Under your bed doesn’t have to be wasted storage space. Transform it with a helping hand from Faith Towers at Curbly. Believe it or not, her amazing under-the-bed storage boxes are made of frames—specifically the IKEA RIBBA Frames and a set of casters from Amazon! Check out her tutorial to get started.

8. IKEA LEGO Table

We know this project seems like a lot of work, but the result is worth it. Nele Cole has a great tutorial on how to make a LEGO table using the TROFAST Storage System from IKEA that not only has room for all the kids but all the bricks too.

9. BEKVÄM Spice Rack Kids’ Book Storage Hack

When it comes to books, give the kids a place all their own. Using BEKVÄM spice rack shelves, simply attach them to the side of your bookshelf and rotate their favorites in and out.

10. A Gallery Wall for All the Things

You want to display their best artwork as well as some of the things you’ve collected along your life journey, but you don’t want it to feel too cluttered. Solution? Snag some IKEA RIBBA frames and get to work.

11. A Rolling Storage Container with Style

Using the TINGBY side table and the RÖDEBY bamboo armrest tray, you can create a storage container that works great in an office and looks amazing, too. You’ll need extra hardware for this one, so be sure to watch the video!

Related: Surprising IKEA Hacks to Transform Your Kid’s Room

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers and creators as noted.


Wondering how to gift wrap a box like a pro? We’ve got answers

‘Tis the season for trying to figure out how to wrap a present or two! Despite how tempting it is to pop everything in a gift bag, there are plenty of hacks that will take your wrap job from drab to fab. So whether you run out of tape, or bows or need to know how to wrap a gift box (even the odd-shaped ones), we’ve got the best gift-wrapping hacks around. When you’re done, be sure to check out our favorite 3-ingredient appetizers that’ll save you even more time.

Wrap Diagonally

Freestocks via Unsplash

The DIY site Blosson has several different gift-wrapping hacks, including one that shows you how to wrap a present diagonally. Check it out here

Make a Candy Bow

how to wrap a gift box with candy bows
Happy Go Lucky

Paper and fabric bows are so last year. This year, make your package even sweeter by topping it with a candy bow inspired by Happy Go Lucky. Pick your family's favorite candy, then tie it to the front of the gift for a special treat.

Use Aluminum Foil Instead of Paper

Honestly Modern

Short on paper? Check out that stash of shiny packing material or that huge roll of aluminum foil gathering dust in the kitchen and dress up some gifts like Honestly Modern. The best part? Options like this mean you are reusing products you already have and creating less waste. 

Attach Fresh Greenery

how to wrap a gift box with greenery on top
DiEtte Hnderson via Unsplash

Instantly dress up any gift with a snip of pine or another festive frond. The recipient of your gift will love the fun fragrance, and the non-traditional topper is a nice break from a paper or fabric bow.

Use the Takashimaya Wrapping Method

Japanese department store Takashimaya is famous for its quick maneuvering when it comes to getting presents wrapped. If you're looking to bust out all your presents in one sitting then you'll want to watch this video which uses three pieces of tape and less than 30 seconds.

Related: 15 Gift Wrapping Ideas You Haven’t Seen Yet

Decorate with a Garland

how to wrap a gift box with a garland
La Mia Casa via Etsy

Whether you make your own or plan on using an old garland from your last birthday, finishing off a package with a strand of garland is always a good idea! The hack gives a homemade yet stylish look to your wrapped gifts in a cinch.

Mini TP Roll Package

using a TP roll is a genius gift wrapping hack
Allison Sutcliffe

Wrapping something tiny and can’t find an itty bitty box? Try using a TP roll by folding down one side, taping it, putting the gift inside, folding the opposite side in, and finally taping it closed. Finish it off with baker’s twine and a small bow, and you’ll have the ultimate budget-friendly package.

Vintage Mag Gift Wrap

how to gift wrap a box using old maps
Andrew Neel via Unsplash

If you’re looking for a unique way to wrap a gift box guaranteed to impress, try using a vintage map. It's perfect for wrapping almost anything because it's large, can be opened flat, and has natural seams that make it super easy to cut.

Foil & Plastic Wrap Boxes

how to gift wrap a box of cookies
Amanda Evanston via Aunt Peaches

Gift your sweet treats in style with this amazing idea from Aunt Peaches. Grab a waxed paper or aluminum foil box, craft paint, and twine to create a dazzling gift box. Fill the box with your favorite baked goods to put a smile on everyone’s face this season.

Cereal Boxes as Bags

Allison Sutcliffe

Don't worry if you run out of gift bags this season. If you have cereal boxes, you can make a fantastic DIY gift bag. Grab a cereal box, cut out the top or side (depending on the shape of your gift), and wrap it with your favorite holiday paper. Remember to leave the top open, punch holes, and thread yarn or ribbon to create the handles.

Sticky Note Gift Wrap

Gibbs Smith

Seriously, who doesn’t love sticky notes?! But, did you know you can actually use them to make unique and colorful gift wrap for boxes? Take a peek at the new book Stick It! to discover all the ways you can use these amazing little guys.

Related: 39 Holiday Shortcuts That Will Save Your Season

Bag Clip For Finding Your Tape Edge

Allison Sutcliffe

Let’s face it, everyone’s lost the edge of their tape at some point. Keep your sanity intact by using a bag clip to hold your place, and you’ll never lose the tape edge again! A genius gift-wrapping hack if we've ever seen one. 

Grocery Bag Gift Wrap

Shutterstock

Create your perfect brown paper packages on a budget with paper grocery bags. Cut the seams so that the bag lays flat, and you’ll have a lovely sheet of paper to wrap your best holiday finds. Bonus points if your grocery bag already has pre-printed winter scenes on it!

Wrap Buddies

Wrap Buddies

If you know you’ll be wrapping a lot of gifts this season, Wrap Buddies are a definite must-have. These gadgets clip onto the edge of your table to hold the paper down and also double as a tape dispenser!

Double-Sided Tape

gift wrapping hacks include using double-sided tape
Freestocks.org via Unsplash

Give your gifts that “wrapped at the mall” look by using double-sided tape where the wrapping paper overlaps. It’s so clean, your little ones will think you’re magic!

Tape Alternatives

Allison Sutcliffe

No clear tape, no problem. Try using your favorite festive stickers, photo mount tape, or glue dots to keep your packages perfectly wrapped.

Playing Card Gift Tags

How to gift wrap a box with fun gift tags
Family Chic

Making DIY gift tags is actually easier than you think. All you need are playing cards, construction paper, and a little bit of twine. Get the details for this hack and upcycle your playing cards over at Family Chic.

DIY Gift Bag

how to gift wrap a box using wrapping paper
Freestocks via Unsplash

There’s always that one gift that doesn’t fit any bag, box, or sack. No need to have a late-night breakdown! Here's how you'll gift wrap the box like a pro—by fashioning a perfectly-sized gift bag using the wrapping paper you already have with a little help from this video!

Potato Stamps

Housing A Forest

Say goodbye to boring, solid wrapping paper with this cool idea from Housing A Forest. Make your very own patterned paper with a potato stamp. Yes, you read that right! Grab a potato, a cookie cutter and paint to create a craft that gets your kiddos involved with the wrapping process. 

Color-Coded Gift Wrap

Juliana Malta via Unsplash

Cut down on the confusion with this ingenious trick. Try assigning each family member a color or wrapping paper pattern, and forget about all of the gift tags!

Glitter Ribbon

Allison Sutcliffe

You might never buy ribbon again after trying out this glittery hack. Stick some double-sided tape onto your wrapped gift, create a “T” shape or double parallel lines, roll the package in glitter, give it a quick tap, and voila, you’ve got a sparkly finish to your gift. 

The Candy Method

Jones Design Company

If you’ve got an oddly shaped gift that’s not too big, you can always try the candy method. This sweet method is all about taping the paper or tissue at the center of the package and tying the ribbon at both ends. For a more detailed tutorial visit Jones Design Company.

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone’s favorite budget furniture store makes it easy to create a cozy space for kids

IKEA lovers, take note: you can transform your kid’s room from drab to fab with a few clever ideas. We’ve rounded up the coolest ideas below, from a genius take on IKEA bookshelves to the cutest kid-sized stools. It’s amazing what a bit of paint and creativity can do. Check out all the things you can make with a simple box or shelf! Whatever you’re looking to add, there’s an IKEA kids’ room hack for it. If you let your DIY imagination run wild, these IKEA hacks will put the perfect, unique spin on your kiddo’s room.

Book Box

Check out this DIY book box made from the KNAGGLIG box. Your kiddo will have access to their books in an adorable way!

Toy Shelf

Try out this great shelf idea for storing your kid’s toys! This IKEA hack is made with the TROFAST storage set.

Instant Dollhouse

You know that adorable house bookshelf from IKEA? It can be a dollhouse too! This adorable version even adds extra rooms with a box shelf.

Animal Stools

Cute animal stools - IKEA kids room ideas
Biz Jones via Project Kid

These pint-sized stools are the perfect blank slate for a whimsical upgrade. Get inspired by Project Kid to transform the FLISAT stool into your kiddo’s favorite animal.

Make-Believe Market Stand

With some KNAGGLIG wooden crates and a few other supplies, you can craft a mini market stand to help fuel your little one’s imagination. Get the full instructions from Little Lifelong Learners, including printables that will bring your sushi shop to life.

Related: 17 IKEA Organization Hacks You Can Easily Do Yourself

LEGO Table

IKEA kids room LEGO table hack
IKEA

While this storage system isn't technically a table, all you'd need to do is glue a few base plates to the top of the unit. The colorful bins underneath make a perfect place to stash LEGO bricks, and you can easily buy two or three of these to create a whole LEGO wall! This IKEA hack uses the TROFAST set. 

Wasted-Space Reading Nook

If you’ve got a cupboard that doesn’t do much but collect clutter, get inspired by @pagesofemma‘s IKEA kids’ room idea for turning wasted space into a cozy reading nook using IKEA’s Kallax picture shelf units.

Book Wall

Some books are just as beautiful on the outside as the inside. Turn those colorful picture books into a wall of art by repurposing the MOSSLANDA Picture ledge into a book wall like this inspiring one from Waco Book Mom.

Play Kitchen Upgrade

The DUKTIG Play Kitchen is the perfect addition to your playroom as is, but that doesn’t mean you can’t jazz it up a little. Your imagination is really the limit when it comes to this creative IKEA hack, a paint job, new knobs, and even a tile backsplash are some options. To keep it easy simply grab some marble-printed contact paper and cover the countertop and the shelves for a classic kitchen made for a mini master chef.

LATT Table Makeover

The $30 LATT Table Set at IKEA is one of the best bargains you can find. There are so many fun ways to upgrade the table and two chairs, but for a gorgeous makeover, you actually won’t mind having in any room of your house check out this hack from Cook Like A Champion.

Related: 19 IKEA Products Every Parent Needs in Their Life

Changing Table

IKEA kids room ideas for a changing table
Shahrzad Warkentin

You don't need to invest a lot of money in a changing table you'll only need for a year or two. A quick hack to IKEA's Kallax Shelf unit gives you a changing area with plenty of storage, this is especially helpful for shared rooms. All you have to do is strap a changing pad to the top and when you're blissfully done with the diaper stage just remove it and keep the storage.

Stuffed Animal Catch-All

IKEA kids room ideas for toy storage
Shahrzad Warkentin

This IKEA hack is so simple, but it will change your life. If your kids have a zoo full of stuffed animals, clear the clutter quickly by popping open the FYLLEN Laundry basket and tossing them in. It'll keep the hoard of toys contained, and it makes for a fun game at clean-up time tossing them all in.

Art Supply Organizer

IKEA kids room ideas for art supplies
Shahrzad Warkentin

Keep all of those markers, crayons, and art supplies organized and easily accessible with this easy IKEA Hack with the KUNGFORS Container. Hang the rail and containers from the wall above a desk or craft table, and you keep all your supplies front and center for craft time.

 

 

 

You can even find classic musicals on this list of Netflix movie codes

Between original content and new seasons of kids’ shows and movies that seem to debut daily, it can be hard to wade through it all to find what you really want to watch—especially when the platform doesn’t make it especially easy to search by specific categories. If you need a little help finding the good stuff, these secret Netflix movie codes are about to make your life a whole lot easier. Read on for more!

So, how do you use these Netflix movie codes? To get started, simply copy and paste this URL into your browser bar: www.netflix.com/browse/genre/CODE Just replace “CODE” with one of the numerical codes from the list below to view all the titles in the category you want.

Here are some of the helpful Netflix sub-genre codes just for kids and family content:

Kid & Family Movies

  • Children & Family Movies (783)
  • Children & Family Movies based on real-life (4927)
  • Children & Family Movies from the 1980s (1951)
  • Exciting Children & Family Movies (2381)
  • Family Features (51056)
  • Feel-good Children & Family Movies (4505)
  • Feel-good Children & Family Movies from the 1980s (4355)
  • Goofy Children & Family Movies (355)
  • Biographical Children & Family Movies (2478)
  • Sentimental Children & Family Movies (4942)
  • Sports Children & Family Movies (453)
  • Visually-Striking Imaginative Children & Family Movies (2480)
  • British Children & Family Movies (2473)

Movies Based on Literature

  • Comic Book and Superhero Movies (10118)
  • Imaginative movies based on children’s books (2253)
  • Movies based on children’s books (10056)
  • Dramas based on children’s books (1129)
  • Sentimental Movies based on children’s books (3869)

Anime

  • Comedy Anime (9302)
  • Drama Anime (452)
  • Anime Series (6721)

Movies by Genre

  • Dinosaurs (67687)
  • Dramas for ages 8 to 10 (1267)
  • Princesses (67624)
  • Goofy Animal Tales (904)
  • Animal Tales (5507)
  • Classic Musicals (32392)
  • Classic Comedies (31694)
  • Nature & Science Documentaries (2595)

Teen Viewing

  • Feel-good Teen Movies (2548)
  • Teen Action & Adventure (3754)
  • Teen Comedies (3519)
  • Teen Coming-of-age Dramas (4295)
  • Teen Coming-of-age Movies (2916)
  • Teen Dramas (9299)
  • Teen Independent Comedies (4441)
  • Teen Movies (2340)
  • Teen Sports Comedies (945)
  • Teen Sports Movies (3410)
  • Inspiring Teen Movies (1349)

TV & Kids’ Fitness

  • Kids’ Music (52843)
  • Education for Kids (10659)
  • Kids’ TV (27346)
  • TV Cartoons (11177)
  • TV Comedies for ages 5 to 7 (4887)
  • TV Shows for ages 11 to 12 (4293)

Check out the complete, utterly massive list of sub-genres and Netflix secret codes here.

Related: The Best New Family Shows & Movies on Netflix in April

 

 

Keep the heart of the house running like a well-oiled machine

We’ve all put in enough time trying to figure out what’s for dinner, making lunches, and dishing out an unknown number of snacks to know that the kitchen is the heart of the house. Having a space that’s organized and enjoyable doesn’t have to be stuck in your social media feed; with a little help, it’s something you have IRL. We’ve gathered some of our favorite kitchen organization hacks that will keep you out of the disaster zone and help you transform the way you use the family’s favorite space.

Have a Dedicated Kitchen Tablet

Jeff Sheldon via Unsplash

Cut down on all the clutter that gathers in a kitchen by dedicating a tablet to the workspace. The family calendar, recipes, shopping lists, and bills are just a few of the things you can digitize to cut back on clutter with this kitchen organization hack. 

Clean Out the Fridge

cleaning out the refrigerator is a good kitchen organization hack
iStock

From where to store your milk to the best inserts to keep it all straight, check out The Kitchn's easy tricks to keeping your fridge clean.

Hang Kitchen Utensils

hang kitchen utensils for more storage space
iStock

Give larger kitchen items (or items without handles) the spot in the cupboard by hanging saute pans and cooking utensils on a wall rack. 

Related: 17 Storage Hacks Every Parent Needs

Organize Things Where You Can See Them

When organizing your pantry (or anything, really!), it’s a good idea to put things in clear containers or to set them up in a way where you can see what they are or how much you have left. That way, you can easily access them and know when to put them on the grocery list.

Use Air-Tight Sealing Jars

Pantries can get overrun quickly, especially when you can’t see what you have. If you put all of your pantry foods into clear jars, you’ll be able to see what you have. Make sure to use jars that have tops with a tight seal so that you don’t have any unwanted visitors!

Add a Lazy Susan to the Fridge

Another useful kitchen organization hack: for easy access to all of your favorite jams and condiments, try using a lazy Susan turntable in your fridge. The perfect swiveling action will give you constant access to all of your favorite sauces without having to take everything out of your fridge to get to them.

Related: 34 Time-Saving Food & Prep Hacks That Actually Work

Use Wine Racks and Plastic Bins to Organize Water Bottles and Kid Cups

When it comes to keeping all the moving parts of a sippy cup or a water bottle organized, the struggle is real. This kitchen organization hack uses wine racks, shelves, and plastic bins to give each one a home.

Use Labels in the Pantry

If you’re committed to having an organized pantry, it’s not enough to just put everything in boxes or containers. To create your dream pantry, what you really need are labels. Whether you use adhesive labels or notecards, labeling all of the containers will make it easier to store, stock, and find everything.

Properly Store your Cords

Dreaming in DIY

When it comes to kitchen organization, one of the most important things to have is counter space. And the biggest challenge is all those appliances and their cords. (and can be pretty dangerous for the little ones). But what if you didn’t have to worry about them? Try this awesome hack from Dreaming in DIY. All you need to do is attach Command hooks to your appliances, and you have instant cord storage.

Organize Your Pot Lids with a Towel Bar

This kitchen organization hack falls into the “why didn’t we think of that” category. By putting them on the cabinet door with a towel rack you’ll save room for the actual pots and pans.

Related: 10 IKEA Organizing Hacks Every Family Could Use

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

 

 

 

Laughter is the best medicine for what ails you—kids

Parenting memes are the antidote for a tough day (or even an average one), and we’re betting there are a few out there you can really relate to. From “Yes! This happened to me five minutes ago!” to out-and-out guffaws because it happens every night, give yourself five minutes (lock yourself in the bathroom if necessary) and give yourself a good laugh over these hysterical mom memes.

It never fails.

PG ratings just aren’t what they used to be.

What’s your name again??

Fill up on gas while you’re at it.

Do you promise?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmwxUoSl_Rh/?hidecaption=true

The struggle is real.

​​​​

Okay so carry the one and then, wait, what the? 

Related: Hilarious Hangry Kid Memes Every Parent Can Relate To

"Grandma let's me..."

Taste the rainbow.

The Dude abides...

 

It's that time of year again...

Jekyll, meet Hyde.

Related: 20 Hilarious Memes All About Being a New Mom

How can such a small person take up so much space?

So. Many. Cookies.

We don't mean to waste coffee...

Please, please, rinse your dang bowl.

You should see the cheese sticks.

Mommy is binge-watching right now, kids. Step away.

Yep

Nice cannonball, honey!

Hey, beggars can't be choosers.

Related: 20 Hilarious Memes All About Being a New Mom

Because: Seven Seconds

Sad, but true.

Genius mom hack of the century.

Oh, for forks sake!

Adulting is super hard sometimes.

Keepin' it real, always.

When slow and steady does not win the race

Every. Single. Time

Coffee is a part of the food pyramid, right?

What your baby is really thinking.

Related: Hilarious Memes That Sum Up Pregnancy

Nice cannonball, honey!

 

The parent's Tall, Grande & Venti: 

Again, I don't know what yogurt-covered pretzels you are talking about.

Can we just hose them off, instead? 

When you gotta go, you gotta go...

Life's little pleasures!

The real cost of crafting.

So close, yet so far.

Did I stutter?

See above!

And this year's Parenting of the Year Award goes to: 

Cookies for lunch!!!

 

 

 

 

Here’s a hint: a pizza cutter can be used for more than just pizza

When it comes to feeding a crew of hungry kids, we’ve never met a shortcut we didn’t like. This is why, it being the season of busy weeknights and early bedtimes, we want to give you as many cooking hacks (scooped from resourceful parents everywhere) as possible. From meal-prep advice to the easiest way to get an egg that peels with ease, here are 36 clever food and cooking shortcuts that’ll save you tons of time. 

Pizza Cutter for Herbs

using a pizza cutter on herbs is a clever cooking hack
iStock

Having fresh herbs in the house is nice for creating marinades, dressings, and more, but finely chopping those herbs can be difficult. The good news is, there’s a way to make the process easy. Place the herbs on a cutting board, and roll a pizza cutter through them. Don't worry about cutting in a perfect line, just roll through the bunch as many times as you want.  

Peeling a Mango

cooking hacks: how to peel a mango
Fedor via Unsplash

The skin of a mango is pretty thick, and the peeling process usually involves careful knife skills. We found another way to get that pesky skin off with ease. All you need to do is slice the mango in half and grab a tall glass. Using the rim of the glass, get between the skin and the fruit at the bottom of the slice. Push down, and the skin will slide right off. Voila! You've got a perfectly peeled mango.

Steam Eggs Instead of Boiling Them

Morgane Perraud via Unsplash

Boiled eggs can be a challenge to peel, but if you steam them over boiled water for 10-15 minutes, the shell will come off in no time.  

Add an Ice Cube to Sautéing Onions to Avoid Burning

Cooking hack: add an ice cube to sauteing onions so they don't burn
Simona Sergi via Unsplash

If your onions are on the verge of burning, throw an ice cube into the pan. It'll evaporate quickly and give the veggies a hint of moisture to avoid being overcooked. 

Store Partially Chopped Veggies in The Freezer

a good cooking hack is storing partially chopped vegetables in the freezer
Ashish Ansurkar via Unsplash

Have you ever just chopped half a stalk of celery or bulb of cauliflower, and had to put it back in the fridge where it immediately starts to wilt? If you want to keep your partially chopped veggies fresh, we recommend putting them right in the freezer. This locks in the freshness, and they’ll be ready to jump into the frying pan after a little defrosting time.

Shred Chicken in Your Food Processor

Shutterstock

From tacos to salads, casseroles, and beyond, shredded chicken is a staple for family meals. But shredding it all by hand or with a pair of forks can take forever! Amazingly, there’s a quick fix for that—just toss boiled or baked chicken breasts in your mixer, and you’ll have expertly shredded chicken in seconds.

Put Water in Your Microwave to Preserve the Moisture

iStock

Whether it’s leftovers or meal-prepped treats, your microwave is a powerful tool. But you’re always at risk of drying out your food when you use it. We’ve got a simple way to avoid that. Toss a glass of water into the microwave with your food to give it a little extra moisture.

Freeze Sauce in Ice Cube Trays

iStock

We’re all about making cooking easier. With this meal-prep hack, you’ll be able to create perfectly portioned sauces days or weeks in advance and use them whenever you want. Just mix up your favorite sauces, put the liquid in your ice trays and freeze. Keep the portions frozen until you're ready to use them.

Boil Potatoes for an Easy Peel

Jaye Haych via Unsplash

From fries to mashed potatoes and chips, everybody LOVES potatoes. But, for a lot of recipes, peeling the potatoes is a must, and using a potato peeler or knife can be time-consuming and difficult. We have an easy fix! Boil the potatoes, let them cool, and the skin will peel off in seconds.

Try Silicone Baking Sheets

using a silicone baking sheet is a good cooking hack
Amazon

Do you hate cleaning cookie sheets? We know that cleaning them can be difficult because the grease and grime are baked in deep. Using a silicone baking sheet, which makes removing all of your tasty morsels as easy as pie, will change your life. We like this one

Related: 15 Genius Kitchen Organization Hacks

Use Lemon Slices as a Base for Grilled Fish

Agto Nugroho via Unsplash

Your filet of salmon will stay intact much easier if you line it with slices of lemon. Plus, the juices will seep up, making a flavorful dinner. See one of our favorite recipes here

Put Marshmallows in Your Brown Sugar

storing marshmallows with brown sugar to keep it soft is a cool cooking hack
Shutterstock

Brown sugar is a baking necessity for cookies, cupcakes, and pies, but unlike white sugar, it can dry out very quickly, which means you’ll be stuck breaking up hard blobs of sugar when you want to use it. But, there’s an easy fix for this. All you need to do is throw a few marshmallows into the airtight container with your brown sugar to conserve the moisture and make it easy to scoop.

Separating Strawberry Tops

Call Me Fred via Unsplash

Strawberries are healthy and delicious. But chopping the green tuffs off the top of every piece of fruit takes so long! Use this fun trick to get them off without a knife: Take a straw and push it from the bottom of the fruit to the top in one swift motion—it'll pop those little green leaves right off.

Flatten Ground Meat

ground beef, which can be flattened to freeze, a genius cooking hack
iStock

No matter how hard you try, it seems like there’s never enough freezer space. We have a fun way to help you create extra room. Take your ground beef out of its package, put it in a Ziploc bag, flatten it, and put it back in the freezer; you'll be surprised by the extra open space. You can also write the expiration dates on the bags to make sure your meat is always fresh.

Cut Corn Over Your Bundt Cake Tin

Mohd Hafiz Yahya via Unsplash

Let’s face it, chopping fresh corn is a pain, mostly because the kernels get all over the counter. But there’s a way to make sure it never happens again. Grab your bundt cake tin, flip it upside down, stand the corn up in the middle, and slice the kernels off; they’ll fall perfectly into that round tin, so cleaning up is a breeze!

Stabilize Your Cutting Board

Samantha Fields via Unsplash

Slicing and dicing are a big part of cooking, which means you’re always reaching for the cutting board. But it’s important to make sure that it isn’t slipping and sliding all over the place, so make it stable by putting a damp dishtowel underneath it. It'll keep it in place and make clean-up even easier. 

Cupcake Liner Catches Popsicle Drips

Allison Sutcliffe

Popsicles are a childhood fave, but they can turn into a bit of a sticky mess. Prevent all of that dripping by slipping cupcake liners onto the bottom of your kids' popsicles. Slide the liner up so that it cups the bottom of the popsicle to make sure it catches all of those little drips.

Cut Cheesecake with Dental Floss

using floss to cut cheesecake is a smart cooking hack
Karolina Kołodziejczak via Unsplash

Cheesecake is a dessert that kids and parents love, but cutting it equally can be difficult. Well, we've got an easy way to slice it perfectly every time. Try using dental floss. Just make sure the dental floss is unscented, so you don’t get a minty surprise with your dessert.  

Grate Your Butter

using a cheese grater on butter is a cooking hack
Shutterstock

Softened butter is a staple for all bakers out there, but putting solid butter in the microwave isn’t always the best way to get that soft consistency you're looking for. Try grating it with a cheese grader instead.

Use White Bread on Your Birthday Cake

iStock

Birthday cake is yummy, but when the party’s over, you're left with half a cake that'll be stale by tomorrow. What if there was a way to preserve this delectable sugar overload? Try putting slices of white bread on the interior sections of the cake where you cut into it—the bread locks in moisture.

Use Cookie Molds for Fun Food

Maja II via Unsplash

No matter what time of year it is, you can always use cookie cutters. And they can be used for much more than just cookies. You can also use them to create pancakes or eggs with designs like flowers, cartoon characters, and more. 

Related: 30 Storage Hacks Every Parent Needs

Make Oatmeal in Your Rice Cooker

Alex Motoc via Unsplash

Oatmeal is a warm alternative to cold cereal, but it does take a little more time to make in the morning. Try using your rice cooker to make the oatmeal instead. This way, you don’t need to worry about watching, stirring or remembering to turn off the stove. Just put everything inside, and within minutes you’ve got scrumptious oatmeal.

Use an Apple Corer to Make French Fries

Lisa Carpenter

An apple corer/slicer can instantly transform a plain potato into everyone's favorite side. That's right, you can make homemade fries in a snap with a utensil you may already have in your kitchen drawer. Grandma's Brief has all the delicious details.

 

Freeze Herbs in Ice Trays

freezing herbs in an ice tray is a good cooking hack to use
Shutterstock

Want fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary all year long? No problem. This cooking hack is worthy of Martha Stewart, sans the effort. Just put fresh herbs in ice trays, add oil, and freeze. Freezing the herbs in oil also prevents them from turning brown or getting that dreaded freezer burn. 

 

A Thrifty Mom

Wedges are so 2022. No, not the ones you wear on your feet; those are still fabulous. We're talking about watermelon wedges. Instead of slicing the melon into wide wedges that inevitably get juice all over everyone's face and chin, cut the fruit in half, then slice it in a grid. You'll get evenly sized slices that each have just enough rind on the bottom for little hands to grab.

 

Cut Pancakes with a Pizza Cutter

Cook and Craft Me Crazy

The trusted pizza slicer really is a mom's best friend. From sandwiches to pancakes, you can use this snazzy slicer to save time and messes. 

 

Cook Eggs in the Oven

Nick Evans

It is a literal Egg McMuffin. Nick of Macheesmo shows us how to make a breakfast sandwich even more amazing by simply baking the eggs in a muffin tin. Best part? You can add other ingredients to the eggs (think spinach, ham, cheese) and then freeze the whole thing for busy on-the-go mornings. Find the original recipe here and the updated version here.

 

Frozen Grapes Taste Great

grapes, can be frozen for a snack, which is a great cooking hack
J Yeo via Unsplash

Pop grapes into the freezer for a sweet and crunchy treat that tastes like candy. A refreshing snack any time of the year, this is also a great way to make sure you always have fruit on hand.

 

Use Magnets to Keep Water Cups Handy

Dana Williard via Made Every Day

Talk about having a “why didn’t I think of that” moment. If your kids are anything like ours, then you probably go through a few water cups every day. Cut down on needless dishes with this awesome cup hack from Dana over at Made Everyday.

 

Related: 23 Life-Saving House Cleaning Hacks

Cut Up Noodles

Christine Sandu via Unsplash

Use your noodle: Cut up spaghetti, linguine, and ramen with scissors. Smaller bites and shorter bits will ease frustration at the dinner table and make after-dinner clean-up easier.  

 

DIY Uncrustables

Jill Nystol via One Good Thing

You like the idea of making PB&J (or some "other butter" and jelly) ahead of time but don't really know how to make a good freezer version. Good news! One Good Thing by Jillee explains the how-to and shows you how to seal that sandwich—no fancy gear needed.

 

Coffee Filters as Snack Containers

Kimberly Harris via The Nourishing Gourmet

A brilliantly simple idea from The Nourishing Gourmet, swap out plastic baggies or even bulky reusables in favor of a biodegradable coffee filter. Psst! If you’ve gone Keurig, we’re betting you’ve got a box of these collecting dust somewhere in your kitchen.

 

Ice Cube Trays as Snack Holders

Jennifer Bishop

Having a stash of snacks is a must for every parent. But, having a bunch of different canisters, bags, and boxes on hand is difficult for travel and storage. Well, we’ve got the perfect hack for you! Try using silicone ice cube trays as snack trays for at home or on car trips.

Use Binder Clips in the Fridge and Freezer

If you need an easy way to keep all of your favorite munchies fresh in the fridge, may we suggest binder clips? Yes, you read that right. Grab some binder clips, and clip all of your bags of food directly onto the rungs of each shelf. This saves space and keeps everything nice and fresh. This works for bags in the freezer as well. 

Forget the fancy (and pricey!) closet system

Whether you’re stepping on a sea of toys or the kids’ closet is stuffed to the gills, it might be time to create a family storage plan. If that seems daunting, take a peek at some solutions that might just revolutionize your home. From garage storage ideas to kid cubby storage ideas, these are our favorite storage hacks that are both clever and easy to do. If you feel like tackling specific areas in your home, check out our pantry organization ideas and toy storage solutions!

Puzzle Storage Hack

puzzle storage hack
Days With Grey

Puzzles. They're great for building problem solving skills in kids, but when it comes to storage, they have parents scratching their heads. Luckily, Days With Grey has a simple solution you can easily re-create with your own puzzles. 

Morning Routine Caddy Hack

a storage hack to help the morning routine
Carolyn Dalgliesh

Rise and shine! It's time to streamline that morning routine. We love this brilliant hack by Systems for Sensory Kids that makes the back-to-school morning routine as easy as 1-2-3! You'll need a container, cups, and labels (waterproof is best) to get your little learner ready for school.

Related: Genius IKEA Hacks to Take Your Kid’s Room to the Next Level

Bath Toy Storage Hack

a storage hack for bath toys
8 Foot Six

Squeaky clean! As far as cool bathroom toy storage ideas go, this one's easy-peasy. Mama Shannon over at 8 Foot Six, upcycles a hanging fruit basket to organize tub toys (genius!), which leaves you more space for other things.

Clothing Drawer Hack

storage hack for a dresser drawer
The Organized Mama

Waste no space! Help half-pints get ready quickly on school mornings with The Organized Mama's twist on storing kids' clothes: you can fold clothes for easy outfit picking and make more space when you use bins inside the drawers.

Play Kitchen Storage

Help little cooks organize their play kitchen with this sweet toy storage idea. Hop over to Hello Baby Brown for her clever use of a tiered rack that keeps cookware and toy food off the floor and within easy reach of little hands.

Stuffed Animal Storage Bin

We got this stuffed toy storage idea straight from the horse’s mouth. You’ll need to be a little handy to complete this project and can follow the step-by-step over at Shades of Blue Interiors. Your tots can have easy access to their favorite toys through the paracord and keep their rooms clean to boot.

Related: TikTok Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work

Dress-Up Storage Center

DIY closet for costumes
Old House to New Home

Kiddos can’t get enough of dressing up, but finding ways to store all of the costumes and accessories in one place is almost impossible. Luckily, this DIY Dress-Up Storage Center from Old House to New Home is an awesome fix. This piece will require some legit construction, but the final product is totally worth it!

Labeled Jars

Try storing your favorite art supplies in mason jars. Remove the lids from these adorable glass containers, and add personalized labels to keep just about anything organized and easy to access.

Outdoor Toy Buckets

Domestic Charm

If your kids love playing outside, you probably know the struggle of organizing all of their outdoor toys. These labeled metal buckets are as far as toy storage ideas go from Domestic Charm to keep all of their goodies together without bringing them into the house.

Peg Board Craft Storage

To keep everything at your family’s fingertips, get inspired by Hey Let’s Make Stuff’s incredible peg board. This is a cute way to make sure everything goes back where it belongs.

Related: 15 Genius Kitchen Organization Hacks

Barbie Storage Hack

If there’s an easier storage hack for Barbies (and other dolls) than using an over-the-door shoe organizer, we haven’t found it.

IKEA Baskets as Book Bins

Ikea trash can as book basket
VanHook & Co

This hack from VanHook & Co. is here to save the day. This budget-friendly idea only requires a couple of $4 Ikea wastebaskets. All you have to do is secure the baskets to any wall or door, and you’ve just created a cool new storage system.

Car Trunk Shower Caddies

shoe organizer for the car
HAPPYnings

Your little ones have made your car their second home, and with that comes a whole lot of stuff. But that doesn’t have to mean the end of the organization in the mommy mobile. According to HAPPYnings, it’s all about shower caddies. That’s right, those funny things with the big pockets that you hang in your shower. It turns out, they’re a pretty fantastic organizational tool for everything from hair brushes to sunscreen and so much more. 

Swoop Bags

If you’ve ever felt the pain of stepping on a stray LEGO, you know that proper toy storage is an absolute must. One of our favorite ways to store your little one’s toys is the Swoop Bag. This versatile bag lays flat and can be gathered up quickly to store the tiniest of toys. Of course, this is perfect for classic faves like LEGO, cars, train sets, and more.

Related: These Genius Toy Storage Solutions Will Give You More Space

Coffee Pod Play Dough Carousel

storage hack for play doh
Aimee Geroux

Who doesn’t love play dough? But, storing all of those little canisters so your fam can play with any color, any time is just really complicated. Not anymore! Brilliant Mama Aimee Geroux has got you covered. Her idea to use a coffee carousel for play dough toy storage is a brilliant idea that is nothing short of pure genius.

 

 

 

 

From parenting hacks to tips to get us through the tough parenting days, TikTok delivers

You either love TikTok or you hate TikTok, but if you fall into the latter, hold up for just one second and hear us out. Yes, TikTok is sometimes questionable, but there are some real gems of wisdom and advice that we’ve seen on the video platform and have personally tried out—resulting in some rock-star parenting moves. So if you aren’t too sus of TikTok parenting advice, check out these tried-and-true favorites below.

Toys are overrated. Especially for toddlers.

@holly_at_home_

#greenscreenvideo just trying something different 😂 #momtok #playpen #dramaticplay #experiment #tryingsomethingnew #momhumor #jokes #parentinghack

♬ original sound – holly | motherhood

Sometimes all you need is water and a paintbrush for a moment of peace.

@nannyamies

Quick, simple and effective! I leannon this a lot! 😉✍🏻🙌🏻 #childcaretip #parentinghack #toddlerhack #children #imbored #childcare #toptips #parentsoftiktok #parents #mumlife

♬ In Da Club – Instrumental Hip Hop Beats Crew

Silence is more terrifying than screaming.

@deal_family

MASS CONFUSION AT THE END!🤣 #parenting #parentinghumor #parenting101

♬ sonido original – Isandrep

 

Duct tape is all you need to bring some quiet into your home (for the toys, not the kids).

@nicolestorydent

I hear the songs of their toys in my sleep. Trust me voluming down is better for everyone. #momlife #millennialmom #parentinghumor #relatable #humor #toddlermom #momsover30 #toddlerlife #honestmomconfessions #badmomsclub #momtruths #parentinghack #momtok

♬ original sound – Nicole Story Dent

Finding “unicorn mom friends” is hard. SO hard.

@annaleegrace15

And they do exist!! So if you havent found yours yet, keep looking!! ❤️ #momlife #momsoftiktok #babiesoftiktok #toddlersoftiktok #marriedlife #husbandwife #momtok

♬ original sound – Annalee

Spontaneous cuddles are always a good idea. PS: This 100% works for big kids too.

@nubiabrownn

Best reaction ever. ❤️🥰 #cuddlechallenge#toddler#mifamilia

♬ original sound – James Blake

Finger hearts has given us a new way to say goodbye to our kids, all while spreading the love.

https://www.tiktok.com/@yourkoreandad/video/6893561364598508806?embed_source=71112494%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&refer=embed&referer_url=tinybeans.com%2Fbest-tiktok-parenting-advice%2F&referer_video_id=6893561364598508806

All parents lose their temper—even Molly Sims—and that’s okay.

@mollybsims

And it works like a charm🍷 cc: @The Variety Show, this is hilarious 😂

♬ original sound – mollybsims

This 30-second lesson in gratitude might change your life.

@davidchoe

I Get To > I Got To #gratitude #mindfulness

♬ Steven Universe – L.Dre

This grocery shopping cart hack is a genius move for those of us who have kids that are getting too big to lift.

@lauren.clutter

MOM HACK for the grocery cart! Thanks for the tip @shannonldoherty 🤯 #momhacks #momcontent #thetiktokmom #parentingtips #CanYouWorkIt

♬ original sound – LAUREN

Our kids eat cauliflower and don’t even know it thanks to this secret-ingredient smoothie recipe.

@kianatom

3 secret ingr for creamier healthier smoothies. Frozen cauliflower rice (low cal. very nutritious), frz banana & spinach. #smoothies #foryourpage #fyp

♬ original sound – kiana_tom_flexappeal

Growing avocado trees (and learning a bit about science) is our new jam thanks to all the plantspo on TikTok.

@its.all.green.to.me

What I mean when I say I grow Avocados 🥑 #avocado #avocadovers #avocadoseed #avocadosarmy #avocadoqueen

♬ Originalton – Hi

Two Words: Cheerios. Sand.

@ellethevirgo

🌞🐠🌴 #fyp #sensoryplay #upcycling

♬ Laxed – Jawsh 685

Having older kids really is leveling up so hang in there, toddler parents!

@jagarcia728

Their first time going inside without mom or dad to buy something 😂😂 #parenting #parentinghumor #parentingdoneright

♬ Cool Kids (our sped up version) – Echosmith

Additional reporting by Andie Huber