Guest Picks: Cache & Carry

I looked long and hard for a suitable container for recycling — one that was large enough and pretty enough to leave in plain sight. The Trash Cache was the perfect solution! It's collapsible and water resistant with reinforced riveted handles and clips on four sides to secure a trash bag. Perfect for outdoor gatherings. And it's lined in hot pink.

These functional and nostalgic baskets look homemade. As you can see, they'd be great for magazines, newspapers and towels. What about using one to store toilet paper or paper towels? I'm thinking the medium one would make a nice, big inbox for my office.

I've walked by Harvest Home and drooled over these reproduction Chinese peasant rice basket many times. Wouldn't they be great as magazine holders? They come in different colors, but this "sage" one is my favorite. (It's really as blue as it looks. Who named it "sage" anyway?)

These remind me of my date-leaf laundry hamper that I bought years ago and still use today. These are just a little cuter. And you get two! Don't they remind you of the basket Marion hid inside in Raiders of the Lost Ark? The large one is probably big enough to climb inside...

I'm a sucker for rustic wood and individual compartments. And it would coordinate beautifully with my whitewashed stands. Traditionally, wooden crates like this were used to cart around tools for the garden or for repairs. But I can think of a variety of uses for this crate. Candles, condiments, drinks...

I've been coveting the Carrie Shopping Basket for years. It's designed to detach from your bicycle and double as a shopping bag. Inspiration for the basket's unusual design comes from Gustafsson's Swedish grandmother's crocheted tablecloths.

Such a classic. I have all my first aid supplies stored in a white metal box similar to this one. But I like this one better because it's roomier and has three handy storage compartments. And it looks like it came straight from the 1940s — my favorite era.

Forget the pantry. Move these to the bathroom! I would use them for cotton swabs, cotton balls, soaps, sponges, etc. So pretty and so practical.

I like my water cold and portable. And I don't want to worry about toxic plastic chemicals leaching into my water. $34 may seem pricey, but I use my insulated Klean Kanteen every single day. It goes everywhere with me. It keeps my water cold for 24+ hours. Ice takes days—not hours—to melt. And I'm so excited that they're finally available in colors! The Monterey Blue one has my name on it. (White isn't available yet, despite the misleading photo.)

BYOB! Years ago, I renounced plastic shopping bags and started carrying my own reusable ones. But the produce issue stumped me. Placing veggies loosely in my shopping basket instead of bagging them in plastic didn't seem like the best solution. Then I saw these! They're made from translucent polyester mesh so you can wash produce right in the bag.

My search for an affordable white trunk lead me to DormSmart.com. They've got the widest range of trunks and footlockers I've seen at the best prices. Of course, I'm partial to the white one. Besides having ample storage, these trunks make great coffee tables and bedside seating. I can't wait to get my hands on one.

I rarely eat bread anymore, so why would I recommend this bread box? It's just so darn classy. And who says it's only for bread? Use it for storing stationery, office supplies, craft supplies, etc. This baby is on my wish list!

L.L.Bean and Lands' End's canvas totes have always been super practical, durable, and handsome. I have several in different sizes that I use to haul everything. And now Lands' End makes these larger storage totes. Great for holding blankets, firewood, books or whatever else you can think of.

These canisters are adorable! And not just for the kitchen. I plan on ordering a set soon. Wouldn't it be great if they made larger ones for use in the laundry room (think dry detergent, Oxy Clean, clothespins, etc.)?

I've always adored these Paper Source suitcases. They're a whimsical way to wrap a gift, plus the suitcase itself is a gift! Perfect for the young — or young-at-heart. Stack them on a table or shelf for sophisticated storage.

I got lucky. I scored this trash can for $10 at a thrift store. After a good cleaning and disinfecting, it's just like new. I use it in my office. It's the first all-white step can I've ever found. It's worth paying full price. And they also sell trash bags that fit it perfectly.

No storage ideabook would be complete without including IKEA. I love the soft, natural, hand-knit feel of this door-mounted storage rack, but it's made of polypropylene, so it's easy to keep clean. I want one for my bathroom, which is devastatingly short on storage space. But I better hurry. IKEA is notorious for discontinuing its best stuff.

Next: More guest blogger product picks

These little drawer cabinets are little pricey, but oh-so-cute and handy. And they come in a rainbow of colors. I've got my eye on the light blue one. They accommodate drawer inserts (sold separately) for organizing small items like pens, pencils, paper clips or small craft supplies.