Okay, I know I’m really late on these tubtrugs. But I have good reason. They were everywhere. For the longest time. And I got so sick of seeing them. And looked the other way. All the while? Had bath toys that could’ve used one. And dog toys that needed one. And outside toys. They all needed corralling. Something lightweight, something easy for the girls to carry (or drag, in Coco’s case), that might withstand some rain, dog drool and being worn as a giant hat in the bright sunlight.

And so, with much reservation, I ordered three of those omnipresent tubtrugs. But while trying to order them, I learned a valuable lesson about the early bird getting the worm. It is true. I had a tough time finding the right sizes, the right colors. But I managed to locate the best selection of tubtrugs at Auburn Pet Supply. I ordered two large green ones for the dog’s gear and the girls’ outside toys, and then I ordered a smaller yellow one for our ever-growing collection of bathtub squirt toys.

When they arrived, they were a little smooshed, and I was worried. But after a couple of hours, I happened by and they were back in their original shape. These things are indestructible. That’s pretty important in a house filled with my own kids and dogs, the neighborhood kids and visiting canine guests. We’ve had a full house lately. Kid- and animal-friendly is a necessity.

I like them. I do. It was a good, solid purchase. Sensible but fun, too. Organizational and functional and good-looking and much needed. It completely fit with my new criteria of only buying what I need to enhance life around here. And life is much better enhanced when everything has it’s place, and everyone knows where that place is.