The Dreaded Linen Closet

Few things frustrate me more than when I organize something, and it doesn’t stay organized.  The linen closet proves to be a very frustrating place for me.  The towels aren’t all the same size, the washcloths don’t stay stacked and the list goes on and on.  I would fold the quilts and blankets but as I stuffed them in the top of the closet, they would come unraveled.  Thus, I would have to pull them down and redo the folding.  Sometimes this would occur three or four times.  I needed something to keep them nicely folded.  So, I got 2” elastic from Joann’s.   I then cut it about 2” smaller in diameter than the thickness of the folded quilt.  I double stitched it to keep it from coming apart.  It works really slick!  Best of all, it keeps the blankets folded and together.

Medications

When we traveled I was packing this pill bottle and that to accommodate the kids and their needs.  I found this container which was meant for beads at Michaels.  I found another one at Bed, Bath and Beyond so I know they are around.  They are so convenient.  I labeled each compartment so the pills are easily identified.  I always keep my container packed and ready to go, so when we are out the door, I can grab it.  It fits easily in a bag or the glove compartment and snaps shut in a couple of places so I don’t worry about the pills scattering.

Those Maganets

It wasn’t long after I purchased this toy set for my boys that I heard a news story about a child dying after sucking on the toys and digesting a couple of the magnets.  It seems the magnets come out of the plastic molding easily.  Swallowing one magnet would not be a problem but if two of the magnets were swallowed they could get into the intestine and pinch it causing a blockage.  Well, this was enough for me.  The magnets were “top shelved.”  Well, the kids started school and as a reward, they received “rainbow stones.”  Great idea, but what do I do with all these glass beads?  Ahh, the magnets.  I simply cracked open the plastic molding (though some didn’t need to be provoked), used the handy glue gun and glued the magnets to the backs of the rainbow stones.  Now, all my magnets match, no odds and ends, and the kids can enjoy seeing their "rewards" on the fridge or white board.

Clutter in the Shower

I'm a girl and therefore have a great need for several things in the shower.   The shampoo and conditioner is a given.  But what about the deep conditioner and the shaving gel.  Don't forget the leave in conditioner and the list goes on and on.  I very much disliked the clutter that accumulated in my shower.  I happened upon this basket.  The thing that is necessary about a basket in a shower is that it HAS TO HAVE holes.  It's got to have a way to drain.  I looked several places before I found this one at the dollar store.  I bought one for my shower, the kids shower and the tub toys.  No more clutter.

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Wax on Candle Sticks

Have you ever tried to get wax off of your candle sticks after the wax has hardened?  Though quite a fun past time, it is difficult to get all the wax off.  If you try using a knife as I have done in the past, you stand the chance of  scratching the candle sticks.  Simply pour boiling water over the candle stick.  The wax comes off simply.  This too works if you get wax on a doily or table cloth. (Though the pigment of the colorant doesn't always come out so easily.)
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All Those Extra Cords...

I got so tired of looking through my drawer of cords trying to find one that fit the Nintendo DS or the camera to the computer.  I hated the rubber bands around the cords because although they were separated, the drawer still looked disorganized.  I got a video box from IKEA and some little baggies from Walmart.  They are located next to the beads and yarn.  I simply wrapped the cords around the power source and put them neatly into the bags.  Make sure you wrap them so you can see the ends so the right cord is quickly identified.

SnatchBag

If you're like me and my friends, no matter how we have tried to go green, it seems when we go to the grocery store, we never have our recycle bags with us.  And for some reason, those bags just seem to pile up.  I couldn't keep them in a box or bin.  I tried to keep them in another plastic bag, but then they aren't easily accessible.  I have looked for another alternative and have come up with nothing.  Therefore, the "SnatchBag" was invented.  It conveniently hangs off to the side of my pantry so it's not in my way, but always at my fingertips. It holds several bags and keeps them off the floor.  I even have one in my laundry room so when I grab my cleaning tray, I can grab 5-6 bags to gather garbage.



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I have looked EVERYWHERE for the right pillows for my couches.  I know what I want; I just could not find it.  So, I decided to make my own. Simple.  I found some cheap pillows made for a dorm room at the local Wally’s.  Then I ventured to Joann’s where I found a great pattern of canvas which I was looking for in a pillow.  I cut the material about 3 inches larger than the pillow when measured seam to seam.  Flipped the material inside out, sewed around the edges leaving about a 4” gap for me to stuff the pillow into place, hand stitched the rest and presto…. The pillow for which I have looked all over.

Canvas is usually grouped together in a fabric store.  At Joann’s it is toward the back.  Never pay full price for canvas.  Joann’s puts out a coupon every month.  You can sign up to receive these by mail or email.  I have never paid more than $6.99 per yard for it.  Of course, designer names will cost you more.  Make sure you purchase enough to cover your pillow.  Therefore, it is necessary to buy your pillow before your canvas.  Make double sure you measure your pillow so you have enough material.
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This is one of my most favorite “inventions.”  I liked carrying my own dry erase markers with me to church so I knew I had one that worked when I needed it.  I also needed an eraser.  So, I made a “dry erase pocket.”  It holds the markers nice and tidy in my bag and also works as an eraser.  I don’t have to keep track of too many things.  I thought this was so great until the week I walked into my classroom and found out they had taken down my dry erase board and changed it to a chalkboard.  L

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Have you seen the decals on the back of the minivans and SUV’s with the images representing each member of the family?  Yes, the decals are cute, but I can’t help but think the more decals there are on the car is directly proportionate to the amount of filth that is to be found within the vehicle.  Especially when all the pets are indicated.  But, because I do think they are cute, I was looking for an opportunity to use them, just not on my car.  So, I put them on our FHE chart.  Each child got to pick out which decal represented them which they loved doing.  And it made our chart kinda fun.