The Ol' Switcheroo

Being fortunate enough to have some warmer days lately has made me think about spring. It's a long way off, but just being able to open a window and let in some fresh air motivated me to get things organized. Our old living room/play room set up was getting a tad stale, and the little one had lost interest in many toys. I packed away quite a bit of them, but looking at the above picture, I realize just how many toys she has. Mostly simple things like blocks, stacking objects, musical instruments, and puzzles. But I realize that we do have a lot and I'm really of the principal that "less is more."

We didn't buy most of it. They were gifts (her "Baba" loves to spoil her!) and many were found in thrift shops for little money. But they do pile up. So it was nice to get a good sized bag put away. Her old kitchen set-up (the toy she plays with the most) seemed a bit cramped and inspired a good afternoon of rearranging.

In the kitchen's place, a bookshelf sits with piles of books thrown on the shelves. Small baskets for easier access will soon keep those books organized. I really do love moving furniture around. In our small and open living space it can seem impossible at times, but it's amazing how one little difference can really make a room seem entirely new.

Next on the agenda...paint!

Comments

[TD wool design]

i'm a mover. all the time. often when my husband travels. when db comes home from a trip, he now knows to stand still and look around. i think he's afraid he'll trip over something that wasn't there before! i find it very therapeutic. enjoy :)

[amanda]

I love a good toy re-arranging. Makes everything seem fresh and new again. Looks like fun.

Enjoy your open-window weather :)

[Dawn]

I love to rearrange the toys an furniture also. It does make everything fresh and "new".

[kate]

what beautiful toys she has!! most of them wood, love that! I love how spring makes you want to rearrange and start anew!

[Grace]

you *do* have a lot of toys! wow! most look like nice, good quality, open ended toys, but it looks like a lot of them! when e was one, all of her toys fit into one small laundry basket. ;) we've always been kind of on the low end with toys, though. and i am sooooo ruthless about tossing them, too. i really like your toy set-up. those open shelves are really great for the purpose!

[Berlinswhimsy]

Ah yes, we lived in a house with a "great room" when my kids were babies and I was always moving the furniture around, creating little pockets of play areas. Later on, I learned a few Montessori techniques from the school I worked at and realized that those little playstations were a good thing... I hadn't planned it that way but it worked for our family.

[emily]

rotating the toys. that's what i used to call it. as good as a trip to the toy store in my house.

[Anna]

What beautiful toys!!!!!!