The last several years, we’ve had the crappy metal 5 dollar tree stand, and during an end-of-season sale last year, I picked up a new tree stand, that has a tall, deep reservoir and a broad, stable base. Awesome!

Except, as in years past, you still can’t see the water line clearly when you’re filling it. Or, I can’t anyway — it’s a dark green base, and obviously in the shade of the tree itself, and I’m always sure I’m going to flood the thing.

Til this year!

I put one of Ingrid’s smallest rubber duckies (she has a ton, no idea why) into the reservoir, and when I’m filling it, that bright yellow thing just floats right on up, and I can tell when to stop.

Also? My kid loves the swiffer — another internet friend mentioned the genius idea of making it kid-size by taking out center connecting rods, so i did, and Ingrid is crazy excited to have the swiffer be just right in size for her.