Edition 41: A Hyper Specific Pill Organizer
Plus: a silky chemise, and the most British garden twine
Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
The object hunt is always most thrilling for me, the hunter, when it’s for something that likely only exists in one form. This week’s submission left me with a very clear image of exactly what to look for.
From Daria in Edinburgh: “Hello Caroline! I'm looking for a 7 day pill box that isn't the typical clear-plastic medical looking one. Here are the requirements:
1. A visual distinction for each day, preferably a color distinction (a different shade of the same colour, for example) instead of the text 'Monday / Tuesday', etc.
2. I'd like each day compartment to fit 4-5 pills of various sizes.
3. I would also like each 'day' to be detachable so I can just carry it with me if I'm out and about.”
Dear Daria,
I really appreciate your specificity and commitment to choosing something that works for your lifestyle. In the game of organizing, it’s often the truth that the very exact thing you envision might not exist, or can only be found on a possibly fake website in another part of the world. I’ve taken the risk many times, and have found that it’s always worth it to do whatever it takes to get your storage and organization systems just right. It’s hard enough to remember to take all your pills in a day, anyway. Having the right storage solution for you specifically will certainly help.
The first product that came to mind is one that I wouldn’t choose, personally, but one which I’d be remiss to not mention:
The Capsule by Cadence ($14 per container) is an octagonal, magnetic container that is meant to be used in a set, all stuck together. You’ve probably gotten Instagram ads for these things, probably with decanted toiletries as the use case scenario, but they work well for pills, too, and have customizable tops to differentiate them. My big gripe with these is that they’re really bulky, and as minimalist when it comes to storage, travel and organizing, it drives me crazy. I’d rather stick to the mess of tiny ziplocked drug baggies that I’m currently using for my daily pills.
Perhaps the best, most obvious option I found for you is a stacking situation with different colored canisters, which can be unscrewed and capped. I like that they’re visually different, but also transparent so you can see what’s inside. This type of pill organizer can be found easily, but the biggest consideration is that it must come with two lids — so you can use one to take your day’s pills on the go, and have a second to then cap off the top of the stack. I’m not going to link to a specific website, but drag the photo into your google search bar, and you’ll find similar results in your region.
Still, this isn’t the perfect pill container, and as I continue to search for it, I realize more and more criteria for consideration. Like, with the above option, these types of hard plastic containers tent to crack easily, especially if you accidentally screw it too tight. What if it was metal? Perhaps a set of slide-top lip balm tins can be customized to suit your needs:
Even better, this type of keyring pill container is compact, metal and comes in lots of colors. I’m pretty sure these are intended for storing weed, but all types of drugs need an airtight environment. Buy it in 7 colors and hang them on a hook.
The truth is, I can’t find the exact perfect pill organizer I have in mind for you, because the vast majority are labelled with something, contain multiple compartments per day, are poorly designed or icky quality. And if I’m being extra honest, this hunt has become a personal one because I, too, have reached the point in my life where this is something that I need. Lately, I’ve been missing at least 2 pills a day, mostly because I don’t have a system that works for me, but also probably because I’m subconsciously in denial about the fact that I do actually need to take all of these pills. After a week of thinking about this, I’ve just bought a bulk pack of slide-top lip balm tins and am going to make an afternoon of getting out my craft supplies and labelmaker to personalize them. I think I’ll find a nice box that’s the right dimensions for lining them all up, so it’s attractive enough to keep out and visible enough I’ll actually use it. All of this is to say: good luck, and get creative.
QUICK ANSWER
Annalee in Maine: “I had a baby 11 months ago, and am finally starting to feel more like myself again. I really want something beautiful to sleep/lounge/make out with my husband in - something like a silk chemise or negligee. I'd love something in an old fashioned color or with lace - maybe a soft pink or peach. I'm trying to avoid polyester and scratchy decorative elements, and ideally want something that's going to be somewhat flattering to my post-partum body (I think that means something matte, not shiny, but I'm not sure what other characteristics I should be considering). I'm not looking for a bargain, but I'm scared to pull the trigger on some of the pricier things I see online because I'm not familiar with the brands and worried I'll end up with a shiny, scratchy, unflattering mess!”
Congratulations on settling into this new chapter of family life! You’re right— a shocking percentage to pretty nightwear is made from atrocious fabrics and isn’t designed to serve any purpose other than being taken off as soon as possible. If you’re actually looking to cozy up, sleep, lounge, roll around, etc, a natural fiber and a comfier shape can still be sexy. My all-time favorite brand for natural fiber, ethically manufactured nightwear is NYC’s own Only Hearts. Their best-selling Silk Charmeuse Mini Slip ($219) is as classic as they come (and in 12 colors!):
Silk chemises are the pinnacle of at-home glamour, and though something slim and slinky is typically what you’ll find, they aren’t particularly practical if you’re curvy or want to move around. Something with a bit of ruching, or something cut on a bias will offer a bit more movement and space and ultimately be more comfortable.
This rosy pink option from Freedom Silk ($139) comes in more inclusive sizing, is also proper silk and will feel flowier on your body. From the same website, also check out this lovely A-line option.
A note on washing silk nightwear: it’s okay to wash your silk in the washing machine, as long as it’s not in a load with scratchy things and is washed cold, gently shaken out and air-dried. Better yet, soak it in the sink with cold water and gentle detergent for a few minutes, lay flat on a towel and roll it up to gently squeeze out the water. Do not wring it!
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
I’m just back from a trip to the UK (hence the missed newsletter last week — oops!) and top on my list of things to bring back was a tin of Nutscene garden twine to replace the roll I’ve been using for the past 4 years. Can you believe that gardening season is upon us? Well, it is. And though it’ll be a long while before any of my seedlings grow big enough to need tying back, I feel well-prepared with this strong, green twine in my kit. Nutscene has been a British gardening staple for 100 years and comes in a shocking variety of inspiring colors. Due to the rigidity of jute twine, it’s easy to pull and cut with one hand, without losing the end to the center of the spool.
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for a fresh recommendations. xo Caroline
Edition 41: A Hyper Specific Pill Organizer
I saw the title of the post and thought ''No way, THAT'S ME!''.
I'm Daria from Edinburgh!
Thank you so so much for your recommendations, Caroline,
I too will go with the Lip Balm Tins ft. Craft Supplies option. ✨
p.s hope you had a wonderful time in the UK!
I love reading through your recommendations, Caroline! Thank you for doing all of the field work for us! While this does not satisfy all of the requests for a pill organizer, I recently picked up a Pill Box made by Port & Polish in a beautiful mint color (they come in a variety of other colors including blush pink and crisp white). 7 separate days encased in 1 chic organizer with a large mirror. Fits perfectly in my handbag and has been great for travel. A lovely option to consider. Cheers!