Less Mess, More Yes

Final Days of Summer

By Tori Lind of Sterilite Corporation

Who said summer has to stop after Labor Day? Here in Massachusetts, the weather is still pretty hot and it looks like the sunshine is planning to stay, at least for a few more weeks! My family is planning to take advantage of the warm weather and spent another weekend out on the lake. Below are my favorite, go-to storage items that are perfect for the boat.


The 20 Quart Gasket Box is perfect for keeping items sand and water protected. Not to mention, it’s super easy to transport. In this box I keep:

• Plastic utensils
• Plastic cups
• Paper plates
• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Wipe

I love this box because it’s very slim so I can keep it on the boat all season long and then I can restock items as needed. It’s also super easy for family and friends to find things, thanks to the clear base and lid!

The FlipTop is a great small storage solution for any miscellaneous items! I try to stay stocked up on the following:

• Band Aids
• Advil
• Sunscreen
• Bug Stray
• Lip Balm
• Tissues

This is the perfect size container for the boat and can hold various other items including cell phones and small wallets!

It wouldn’t be a successful day out on the water without a yummy lunch. I love using the Ultra Seal 4.0 Cup and Ultra Seal 5.8 Cup. Both of these items are lightweight which is a win for me since I always end up carrying the cooler! We offer different sizes and colors of food storage containers so be sure to check them out to make sure you get a size that works for you.

Happy boating and enjoy the last few sunny days!

Back-To-School Teacher Appreciation Gift!

By Michaela Coyle and Tori Lind of Sterilite Corporation

September is here and school is back in session! Last year’s school year was difficult and terribly stressful for the kids, parents and especially the teachers. Virtual classrooms and parents trying to help by becoming the teacher’s assistant was the reality that everyone faced last year. But now the kids will be back in school buildings and hopefully get back to some normality!

In preparation for the first week of school, I felt it would be thoughtful to give back to those hard working teachers and help start off the new school year right with a back-to-school gift. For this teacher gift, I wanted to make sure that the whole gift could be helpful in the classroom, even the packaging, so I started with the Sterilite File Crate as my base.

The File Crate is a perfect storage solution for classroom organization. It not only serves as a cute way to package your gift, but the crate itself can be used in multiple ways!  

• You can flip the crates on their sides and interlock them to keep them secure, which creates a great bookshelf solution
• The crates also hold file folders so the teacher can keep papers and documents organized
• Lastly, what teacher doesn’t love a good DIY Crate Seat?!

Now pick some thoughtful essentials and fill up the File Crate! Below is what I included, but pick out items that you think your teacher will appreciate most!

• White board markers
• Starbucks gift card
• Post it notes, pens, highlighter
• Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Gum/Mints
• Chocolate/candy treats
• Lotion

A nice added touch to your teacher gift could be some personalized labeling on some items and some colorful tissue paper to make it a little bit more fun! Whatever you chose to put together will most certainly put a smile on your teachers face. Have a happy and safe school year!

Water Balloon Fun!

By Tori Lind of Sterilite Corporation

August is a HOT month here in New England! To help keep cool and create some easy outdoor fun, consider buying a couple packages of water balloons. There are a TON of different games you can play and the best part is that all ages can participate. Keep reading to learn how to play a few of my favorite water balloon games.

To prep for all of these games, you will first need to fill up the water balloons. I suggest putting them in a tote, so they are easily accessible (this will also keep them from breaking before the games begin)! The 18 G Tuff1 Tote is the perfect size and allows multiple people to grab balloons at once. 

Leaky Water Relay:

Step 1: Divide into two teams and place two 12 Quart Spout Pails 30 feet away from the tote filled with water balloons

Step 2: Have an adult prick a small hole into two water balloons and give them to the first player on each team

Step 3: The player with the water balloon runs as fast as they can to the pail and releases the remaining water from the balloon into the pail

*repeat these steps until one team has successfully filled the pail with water!

Spoon Race:

Step 1: Divide into two teams and place two 12 Quart Spout Pails 30 feet away from the tote filled with water balloons

Step 2: The first player on each team grabs a water balloon from the tote and balances it on a spoon.

Step 3: Walk (or run) around the pail and back while balancing the water balloon on the spoon. If you drop the balloon, go back to the starting line and grab a new balloon from the tote and try again.

*the first team to have every person successfully bring back their water balloon without dropping it wins!

Water Balloon Toss:

Step 1: Divide into teams of two and face towards each other

Step 2: One player will get a water balloon and will throw it to their teammate

Step 3: Every time a team successfully catches and throws the water balloon they will take a step back

*the last team standing is the winner!

DIY Slim

Written By Natalie Aguilar, Photos By Michaela Coyle of Sterilite Corporation

Familiar with Slime? And no, I’m not talking about the legendary green liquid that’s poured on celebrities by Nickelodeon. The slime I’m referring to is comparable to homemade silly putty. It is a quick, easy and safe summer activity, that will be fun for both you and the kids! With 3 key ingredients, your slime is almost guaranteed to last you all summer long. After looking all over the internet and skimming through some YouTube videos, I found the ultimate slime recipe for you. Keep reading for a DIY Slime mixture that will be oozing with stretchable, squishy, and gooey fun!

Ingredients:

• Contact Solution (containing saline)
• Elmer’s Liquid School Glue
• Food Coloring and Glitter (optional)

Tools You Will Need:

• A large bowl, the Sterilite 8.1 Quart Ultra Seal Bowl is my favorite 
• Spatula
• Vinegar, for cleaning purposes
• Rags

Helpful Tips:
•Make sure that your contact solution includes boric acid as one of the key ingredients. This will ensure the slimy texture.
•There are no precise measurements when making slime as everyone’s texture preferences for their slime will be different. If the consistency seems off to you, adjust as you please!

Let’s Make Some Slime!
Step 1: Empty the whole bottle of Elmer’s School Glue into the Ultra Seal 8.1 Quart Bowl
Step 2: Add food coloring and glitter as desired and mix it all up!
Step 3: Keep stirring and slowly but surely the mixture will start to get thick and slimy.
Step 4: Next, add the contact solution to the mixture. Begin by adding this in ¼ cup increments, mixing well. Every time you mix in an additional ¼ cup, check the consistency with your hands. There is no right answer, simply add the contact solution until the mixture becomes the texture you desire.
Step 5: Finally, knead the Slime with your hands for 1-2 minutes, this will help it become less sticky, therefore making less of a mess for you!

Ready, Set, Road Trip!

Written By Natalie Aguilar, Photos By Tori Lind of Sterilite Corporation

It is easy to get caught up in the stress of work, school, family and just life in general. However, we have to remember to give ourselves a break once in a while and let our minds and bodies unwind and recharge. This summer, make it a priority to do something fun with your family, whether it’s a day trip or a week long vacation! Continuing reading for a few of my favorite road trip hacks.


On The Go Snacks
If you are anything like my family, you NEED to pack snacks. Heck, I have to pack snacks for a 15-minute drive to Target. One of my biggest pet peeves is when all the snacks are mixed into one bag and you have to dig to find something that perks your interest. That’s why I am always telling friends and family about the Sterilite Stack & Carry Layer Handle Box & Tray! This item is perfect for keeping everything organized and sealed, especially with you kids in the car. The person sitting in the back can find a snack, latch it up and pass it to the next person. Can it get any easier?!

Bonus: when you get to your destination, any uneaten snacks can be stored efficiently in the pantry or refrigerator for later!


First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, and although we try to avoid them as much as we possibly can, there’s no telling the future and what can occur. So, what’s the best thing you can do? Stay prepared! That’s why I always keep a first aid kit in my car. I drive a small SUV and hate having bulky things that I don’t use every day take up space. That’s why I use the Sterilite Flip Top to store all my supplies. Some items to stock up on are band aids, gauze, ibuprofen, motion sickness medicine, bug spray, and sunscreen.

Bonus: most hotel rooms and vacation homes don’t have a first aid kit so if anything ever happened you will be prepared!


I hope you all have an amazing summer and find some time for a road trip with the family and utilize these hacks!

Summer Essentials Caddy!

By Michaela Coyle of Sterilite Corporation

Are you and your family ready for some fun in the sun this summer? By creating a “Summer Essentials Caddy”, you will have everything you need readily available in one convenient location! Keep this caddy stocked with the items you and your kids most frequently use during the summer months and store it either in the trunk of your car or near the front door so you can easily grab and go when an activity comes up!

There is nothing worse than feeling unprepared when you want to have a spontaneous outdoor adventure and everything you need to pack is scattered throughout the house. For me, I love to spend my summer weekends up at the lake on the boat! So instead of constantly packing and unpacking everything, I wanted to have all of my essentials readily accessible in one spot. The Sterilite Caddy was the perfect solution! I filled it with everything I need for a day at the lake and I keep it right in the garage, making it a great on the go option!


Here are some suggested fillers for your caddy:
• Sunblock
• Bug Spray
• Chap stick
• Sunglasses
• Bluetooth speaker
• Water bottles
• Band Aids
• Hair Elastics
• Keys

These are just some ideas. Customize your caddy with the items that you and your family most often use and whatever else you may need to have an enjoyable day outside!


Wherever you are going, whether it be the park, beach, lake, or a friend’s pool… this caddy is a perfect organization tool for all of your on-the-go activities. So grab your caddy, load it up with your necessities and enjoy some summer fun!

Lemonade Stand Fun!

Written By Shannon Fahey, Photos By Tori Lind of Sterilite Corporation

Picture this…
Your kids just finished their last day of school and summer vacation has officially begun! The sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. You are outside in your neighborhood with your kids running around with all their friends. They are biking, scootering and making the sidewalks colorful with chalk. Other families are out with their kids too and some are taking their dogs for a walk. It seems like the whole neighborhood is outside enjoying this perfect summer day.

You know what this day calls for? A Lemonade Stand! With so many people out and about today, your kids and their friends decide they want to try and make a little money while having some fun! What better way to kick off summer vacation?! All the kids in the neighborhood work together to get ready. They have everything they need – a sign, a folding table with a festive summer tablecloth, some sidewalk chalk to promote the lemonade stand – all they need now is the lemonade!


You can always use store bought lemonade or the powder mixes, however there is nothing quite like a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade. Keep reading for a quick and easy recipe.

Here what’s you need:
• 2 cups lemon juice (10-15 lemons, depending on the size of the lemons)
• 8 cups of water
• 2 cups of sugar

Start by squeezing the lemons until you have 2 cups of fresh squeezed lemon juice. Pour into Sterilite’s 1 Gallon Pitcher. Then, simply add the water and sugar to the picher. Mix the contents until all the sugar is dissolved and add a few ice cubes from your Ice Cube Tray!


The Lemonade Stand is now open for business!

DIY Rain Catcher

By Michaela Coyle of Sterilite Corporation

Summer is right around the corner and we’ve all started to plant our flower and veggie gardens, which means we’ll have to frequently be watering them to keep them flourishing! This is also the time of year where towns start to enforce water bans, which makes it difficult to nourish your plants while also saving on water - unless you have a well of course.

We have an eco-friendly solution that can help you save money and also recycle unused rain water - a DIY Rain Catcher. Although this project may seem a bit intimidating, this particular rain barrel is very simple and great for first timers! With a little help from a friend that has power tools, I was able to create a fully functioning rain catcher in less than 30 minutes.

Supplies you will need:
• Container (I used the Sterilite Utility Can)
• Water Spigot (Amazon has many affordable options)
• Safety Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Drill
• Crushed Stone or Pebbles

First, grab container you would like to use to create the rain catcher (we recommend using the Sterilite Utility Can) and carefully drill some holes in the lid so the rain can trickle in. In this case, the lid of the Utility Can is recessed which was a perfect spot to drill the holes. The recessed lid also nicely holds the crushed stone that will prevent any debris from polluting the fresh rain water.

Next, create another hole about 2 inches up from the bottom of the Utility can, big enough in diameter so you can install your spigot. Make sure the seal is secure between the spigot and the utility can to prevent any leakage!

Lastly, grab your crushed stone/pebbles and place them in the recessed part of the lid above the drill holes.

Once complete, simply place your rain catcher in your desired area of your yard. You will use less water from your home and also recycle old rain water to nourish your beautiful plants!

Thank You, Teachers!

By Tori Lind of Sterilite Corporation

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! For over a year, teachers have been tasked with trying to create a fun and exciting way for students to learn remotely. While it has been difficult at times, we are truly thankful for all they do! If you are looking for an easy, yet creative and thoughtful gift to give to a teacher in your life, continue reading!

The first thing you want to do is choose an item to package the gift in. Yes, you could simply get a gift bag, but why not get something that can be utilized in the classroom upon receiving! This could be anything from a basket to a caddy to a small storage container. I chose to use the Sterilite Small Weave Basket – it truly is the perfect size. Once you have your base, it’s time to fill it! You can customize the contents of this basket with some of the teacher’s personal favorites or just everyday essentials. For example, if they are a math teacher you can buy rulers! Some other fun suggestions are snacks, room decorations, and a personalized note thanking them for all they do.


If you don’t know too much about the teacher, play it safe! Every teacher needs the essentials no matter what subject or grade they teach. Below are some ideas:
•Wipes
•Hand sanitizer
•Pencils, pens, crayons, markers, glue, etc.
•Stickers or stamps
•Water bottle
•Starbucks or Dunkin Donut gift card
•Candy, gum, or mints

If you don’t have the time to go to your local shopping center, there are a few other ways you can show appreciation. The first is to see if your child’s teacher has an Amazon wish list. If they do, you can purchase those items and have them sent directly to them. You can also send e-gift cards, flowers, or an Edible Arrangement.

We would love to see what creative Teacher Appreciation gifts you are gifting this year. If you utilize any of our products, make sure to share pictures with us on Instagram and to use #sterilitenation!

Mini Greenhouse

By Sarah Falardeau of Sterilite Corporation

Since spring has sprung, I’ve been itching to get some green growing in our house! As a kid I always remember spring time meant planting our garden and enjoying fresh vegetables all summer long. Earth Day was approaching and what better time to get my kids involved with starting a garden.


Getting started wasn’t to intimidating and I only had to prepare a few tools. I knew I didn’t want to start too big because these plants would eventually need to find a home in the yard. The Sterilite 32 Quart ClearView Latch™ Box was perfect - clear so the kids could see the seeds start to germinate, latches to keep interested hands from spreading dirt throughout the house and small enough to fit near a window for some much needed natural sunlight.


Some additional tools I had close included:
- Jiffy Peat Soil Pellets
- Water and Measuring Cup
- Wooden Skewer
- Vegetable Seeds

Once I had everything together, I let the girls place the peat pellets into the storage box. Once we had them situated, I added about 1½” of water to allow the pellets to grow. After a couple of minutes, we were ready to plant our seeds! I decided to start with tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers and green onions. Two or three seeds in each peat pellet is appropriate and I used the wooden skewer to pock a hole in each one. In order to keep track of which vegetables were where, I attached the seed packets to the storage box. With the help of some tiny fingers, I placed the cover on our mini greenhouse and stuck it in a nice warm location.

Germination should take a week or two depending on what vegetables you’re working with, but the beauty of using a storage box is how portable the greenhouse is. It is small enough to easily move it to where ever the sun is shining and the cover can be removed on warm days offering your baby plants some air flow. Hopefully we have some successful seedlings and we can transplant them into the garden in late spring.

Happy Gardening!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

By Tori Lind of Sterilite Corporation

As you may know, April is National Recycling Month! I am always trying to be as environmentally friendly as I can and do my part to reduce, reuse, and recycle! While this can be hard at times, there are some really simple things that you and your family can implement into your day to day routines. Keep reading for three of my favorite and easiest ways I recycle!

My first easy recycling tip is all about reusing! This includes reusable water bottles, reusable grocery bags and reusable food storage containers. This may seem like a small action, but it has incredible benefits for the environment. Switching over to these reusable items, helps to eliminate the amount of plastic you throw away every year! Just think about how many plastic bags you use each and every time you go to the grocery store, or how many plastic water bottles you go through in a week. These little changes go a long way!
    Fun Fact: Sterilite offers a variety of different food storage options that come in different shapes, sizes and colors! And with our color coding system, you will never have trouble finding the right lid. Personally, my favorite is the 4 Cup Square Ultra Seal Food Storage Container.


Many towns require you to separate your recyclables into categories: paper, plastic, cans and glass. This may make recycling seem overwhelming, but with a little help from Sterilite, it can really be very manageable. To make sure we are being proactive in my household, we created our own recycling system using the 5.5 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket, designating one wastebasket for each type of recycled material. Additionally, we save up old newspapers year round to use in the summer as fire starters. I think creating a recycling system in your house is a great way for kids to learn what recycling is and why we do it!
    Fun Fact: In certain states, you can bring plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans to a recycling center in exchange for money! Make sure to check out the recycling policy in your town.


Every spring and fall, I clean out my closet and swap out my clothing for the upcoming season. During this activity, I always find that there are a few sweaters or a pair of jeans that I never wore. Instead of folding them up and putting them in storage for next year, I put them in a pile to donate. I keep a tote in my basement for this purpose and once the tote is filled with clothes, I put them in a bag and drop them off at my local good will. Clothes that get thrown out go to a landfill where it takes years to disintegrate. By donating unwanted clothes, you not only help reduce waste but give someone the opportunity to have some new clothes!
    Fun Fact: I use Sterilite’s Industrial Totes as my “good will” totes and the base of this item is made out of recycled resin! How cool?!

Happy Recycling!