Informative Personal Blog of Sci-Fi Writer

Yesterday and today the brand new Container Store Oakbrook (located next to Maggiano’s) celebrated their grand opening. I have been sharing updates on Facebook and special tips about how you can be entered to win a $1000 Elfa storage system with installation as well as how you can get a $10 gift card just for being one of the first social network check ins.

The Container Store has been one of my favorite places to shop for quite some time. I am obsessed with trying to get a feeling of balance and organization in our home and I love all of the great products that they offer to help you organize your life.

***I captured this moment of pure joy that the girls shared while shopping in the store.  Obviously they have their mommy’s love for all things Container Store.  Thanks to Kate Quinn Organics for styling the girls in these adorable dresses.***

I was very eager to be able to attend a special blogger preview this past week with some Chicago area bloggers. The event was a nice luncheon where I got to learn more about the company than I already knew and through that process I found out that there are 5 new reasons to fall in love with the Container Store.

Reason # 5 – The Container Store Offers You Amazing Color Coordinated Collections

It does not matter which room in your home you are trying to organize. If there is something that you want to make sure that you have organized and you would like a color then you can find it here at the Container Store. I love so many of these great set ups that I had a very hard time determining which sections that I would show you pictures of.

Reason # 4 – So Many Choices for Everyday Items

There are so many choices available to you when you are shopping at The Container Store. I learned during our tour that they actually have over 100 different types of trash cans and over 200 different types of hangers. I find this completely fascinating and love that this means that there is literally a hanger for everyone.

Reason # 3 – Ethical Business Practices
I LOVE it when I learn of ethical business practices and standards that companies have. One of the things that I have loved most about learning more that the Container Store has to offer is that they are a very ethical company. The Container Store pays their employees an average of 50% more than most companies. Plus they offer their employees great training and benefits. The full time employees actually receive 260 hours of training in their first year. This is why the staff is so knowledgeable and helpful. One thing that stuck with me is that they said that 1 great employee was worth 3 good employees so they want to give their employees everything that they need to succeed and be great.
They also partner with a charity in the place where they are opening or re-opening (as was this case). This means that they donate back a considerable amount of profit from their opening weekend (10% in this case) and are willing to partner with them to help with their current needs as well.
Reason # 2 – They Have Everything That I Need

I am obsessed with cute ways to organize my kids’ lunch boxes. I just loved all of the containers that they had available. I also love all of the great desk and office organization that is available. Plus I think that they have the BEST gift wrap EVER.

Reason # 1 – They Love Their Customers

As a customer of the Container Store for many years I know that I have always loved my shopping experiences there. I love that I can get everything that I need and I love feeling appreciated. I was very fortunate to be able to be a part of this great event with all of these amazing fellow bloggers.

***A special thanks to Gaiam for styling me for this event.***

I was able to take my daughters with me to the event and even had the opportunity to attend a very lavish cocktail party with them at night. I was unable to get pictures from this one because it was very busy and I had my two daughters with me.

***A special thanks to Sophia’s Style Boutique for styling Adeline and to Anatomie for styling me for this event.  I will add a picture of us in our dresses ASAP.***

Additionally I received a $50 gift card and was able to purchase some great things that we needed for our home.

I got a great pad of paper for my own organization needs. The Knock Knock Paper Mousepad Information Central ($9.99) has sections for things to do, people to call, emails to send and notes. I am hoping that this helps me to get better organized with all of the phone calls and follow up that I need to make as I often find myself struggling in this area.

I also picked up an adorable panda garbage can for my daughter’s room. The Animal Swing Lid Cans ($11.99) come in many different styles.

The Kung Fu Master Driver 8GB was on sale from $19.99 to $9.99 so I picked one up for my son. I will state that it is not really made for children as he had it “broken” in the first 5 minutes that he had it. I ended up being able to fix it and get it all taken care of but I would warn that children should be watched closely and that you want might want to follow the recommended age of 12 for this one (my son is 11).

I grabbed the Cool Coolers 4 Pack ($7.99) because I never have ice packs to use in the kids’ lunch boxes. I love the flat design and that there were four of them in four different colors (no fights!).

Finally I grabbed an USB Hubman White ($9.99) to help solve charging issues here at our house.
With so many great products all in one place you will never leave disappointed and will always be able to find some amazing deals at the Container Store.