Try some crafty storage solutions like these

Measuring cup hangups:  Screw a couple of mounts inside a cabinet door and add some hooks and you've got a perfect roost for measuring cups.  Just make sure your cups wont bump into the shelves.

Junk drawer in a bag.  Instead of wasting kitchen drawer space, use heavy duty zip top bags for miscellaneous junk then stash them in a closet or garage instead.  The bags let you instantly find just the thing you're looking for!

Joist storage space.  Mount a section of wire shelving to the undersides of beams for a row of neat storage nooks.  Unlike solid shelving, wire lets you see what's up there.

S Hook cleaning rack.  Pick up a pack of S-hooks at a home center and turn wire shelving into a rack for cleaning gear.

Under-sink archives.  Don't file away the manuals and spare parts that came with your kitchen and bath fixtures.  Instead, put them right where you'll need them by sealing in Ziplock bags and hanging them on hooks of the back walls or cabinets.

Store on a door.  One that opens into a closet or utility room provides a handy surface for hang-up storage.  The trouble is that some doors don't offer a flat solid surface for fastening hooks or racks. The solution is to screw 3/4-inch plywood to the door.  (On hollow core door, use screws and construction adhesive) Then mount as many hooks or racks as you'd like.

Make Your Bathroom Sparkle!

Make your bathroom sparkle with these speed cleaning tips!

Get streak free mirrors with club soda!
Fill a spray bottle with 2 cups club soda and 1 cup water and spritz on the solution.  The minerals in the club soda dissolve the smudges, while the bubbles "lift" off the residue!

Keep your bathroom smelling fresh with coffee grounds!
Pour used coffee grounds into a small bowl and place it on a shelf or in a corner.  The grounds act as a continual air freshener, absorbing odors.  For best results, replace monthly.

Make your faucet squeaky clean with white vinegar!
to get rid of the hard water sport and/or rust on your faucet without scrubbing or chemicals, soak a paper towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the faucet; let sit 20 minutes so the vinegar's natural acids can gently remove the calcium and rust deposits.  Wipe with a clean wet cloth.

Make the toilet sparkle with vinegar and baking soda!
Put 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup white vinegar in your toilet and let it sit for 10-15 minutes-when it fizzes up, you know it's working!

Clean the shower head with lemon juice!
Simply pour the juice into a small plastic bag, then wrap it snugly around the shower head, tying the bag off with a twist tie.  Within 20 minutes, the acidity in the juice will cut through the mineral deposits that have accumulated inside the shower head.  Just remove the bag and turn on the water for a minute to rinse the shower head clean.

Unclog a drain with Alka-Seltzer!
If your sink or tub is draining slow, try this trick.  Drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by 1 cup of distilled vinegar.  The Alka-Seltzer's fizzing action combined with the vinegar will work through clogs like manic in 10 minutes.  Rinse with 1 cup of boiling water.

Self-Cleaning Kitchen

Get a naturally self-cleaning kitchen with these helpful hints!

1.  Make your oven sparkle with baking soda.  Simply sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your oven and spray with a little water.  Close your oven door and let sit overnight.  The next morning just wife with a damp cloth and everything will come off easy!  Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate, a substance that breaks down burned on bits fast.

2.  Use cola to get rid of caked on grease. Use cola to get burned on grease and food off your pots and pans.  Pour in just enough dark cola to cover the bottom of the pan and bring it to a boil on the stove.  Let the pot or pan cool then rinse with running water.  Everything that was stuck should now come off easily.  The cola's carbonation and phosphoric acid dissolve caked on grease and grime.

3.  Zap fridge odors with used coffee grounds.  Place some dry coffee grounds in an open paper bag, bowl, or small container and leave it inside for a day of two.  Stale or used ground will do the job just as well and you only need a handful of grounds.  Coffee grounds are a great natural absorbent and at the same time they replace any order with a fresh coffee scent.

4.  Make your microwave self-cleaning with lemon juice.  Fill a small microwavable container with water halfway, add 2 Tbs of lemon juice and set on high heat for 3 minutes. Let it sit with the door closed for a few minutes then remove and wipe down the inside with a cloth or paper towel.  Your microwave will sparkle, be free of germs, and smell fresh too!  Lemon juice disinfects and deodorizes, and the steam will loosen anything that's stuck.

5.  Banish tarnish with ketchup.  Just apply a dab of ketchup to a cloth and gently rub, then rinse with warm water and dry as usual.  Ketchup has the perfect PH level to polish cookware and silverware!

Here is a really cool idea for securing your trash bag to your trash can.

Those plastic bags you get at the grocery store are the perfect size for a small trash can, but they always end up sliding into the bid, making cleanup a pain.  The fix:  Stick a self-adhesive hook on each side of the can, then tuck the bag's handles around each hook.  The hooks will hold the bag in place-even if you toss in something heavy - so when it's time to empty the can, all you have to do is unhook the handles and pull the bag out.... easy easy!

Fridge running warm?

Check the temperature dial to make sure it isn't turned all the way down.  Kids may have messed with it or someone might have bumped the knob.  Also, make sure that food containers don't block the fridge and freezer compartments' vents because they supply the flow of frigid air.

No lights?

Press the reset button on GFCIs.  Sometimes all the bathroom outlets or several exterior lights are powered through a single GFCI (the red button in the middle of the outlet) located in one bathroom or elsewhere, such as a basement.  If there's an outage, push the reset button on the GFCI, and you could be back in business.

Inspect the breaker when a light goes out or a switch doesn't work, check the main electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker.  Look for a switch that's not in line with the others.  Flip it to the off position if it's not fully to the side and then back on.

Baking Soda

Baking soda should be a staple in every house! 

Besides cooking it is always useful in many ways as you will see below!

1.  Bug bites-the other day my little granddaughter was stung by a wasp and boy was it painful.  I mixed baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste and spread it over the afflicted area.  The next day she was so surprised to see her "boo boo" completely gone.

2.  Freshen your carpet - vacuum carpet and then spread a generous amount of baking soda to cover the area.  Allow to sit for 30 minutes then vacuum again.

3.  Clean produce.  Fill a bowl with cool water and add 2-3 tablespoons baking soda.  Let your fruits and veggies soak for 10 minutes, then lightly scrub with your hands as you rinse with water.

4.  Remove stubborn coffee and tea stains!  Simply sprinkle in baking soda and add a touch of water to your cup.  Rub into the stain with a sponge.  The soft abrasion of the baking soda easily wipes out any discoloration in your favorite cup or mug.

5.  Give Teddy a "bath." by placing the toy in a large Ziploc bag and pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda for a medium sized toy.  Shake the bag, coating the animal, and let sit for 15-20 minutes.  Brush off any excess baking soda, gently vacuuming the toy, if needed.  The baking soda soaks up any oils and odors, no water needed!

6.  Extend the life of fresh flowers.  Adding 1 tsp baking soda to water in a vase keeps flowers looking gorgeous up to three days longer!

7.  Transform your bath into a spa retreat.  Next time you want to relax, add 1/2 cup baking soda to your tub filled with warm water.  Not only will this make for a super sudsy bath, but the baking soda will also leave your skin extra-soft!

8.  Ease heartburn instantly. Mix 1/2 tsp. baking soda into 8 oz. water and drink.  Baking soda helps neutralize stomach acids and ease the discomfort from indigestion.

9.  Add oomph to your hair!  Just add 1 tsp. baking soda to your usual amount of shampoo and wash your hair.  The baking soda helps the shampoo break up excess oil and buildup, giving your hair extra volume and softness while also naturally clarifying your hair.

10. Make your smile extra bright!  Wet your toothbrush and dip into the baking soda, then brush your teeth for two minutes, repeat weekly.  Baking soda is a light abrasive and has natural teeth whitening properties.

Baking Soda Beauty Tips

There is an inexpensive staple found in almost everyone’s kitchen that doubles as an awesome beauty product: BAKING SODA!!!

Here are eight ways that baking soda can easily become the newest addition to your beauty routine.

1. Got sweat?

Make a water and baking soda paste and apply it as a deodorant. Not only is this an all-natural way to keep the funk away, it also prevents those nasty sweat stains you get sometimes.

2. Cleanse your hair.

If you are like me and use products on your hair, you know that it’s important to monitor your build-up. Adding baking soda to your shampoo will help get rid of it.

3. Revive your cuticles.

Are your cuticles dry and rough? Do your hands look like you work on a construction site? Use a baking soda and water mixture to create a paste. One tablespoon mixed with one teaspoon of water. Rub this solution on your cuticles. This softens the skin almost immediately.

4. Whiten that smile!

Want whiter teeth? Try making a natural solution by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda and five drops of hydrogen peroxide. Add water until you have a paste consistency. Apply this solution to your toothbrush and rub on your teeth. Allow the solution to sit on teeth for 5-10 minutes. Be sure to brush thoroughly afterwards. This solution works best when done once weekly.

5. Facial

Baking soda is great at removing dead skin cells. In order to create this all natural exfoliant just add water and scrub on your face. The best part about this is there are no chemicals!

6. Remove Blackheads.

Did you know that baking soda is great way to draw out blackheads? Take a teaspoon of baking soda and water and rub on face. Let sit and then use an extractor or fingers, apply pressure to push the blackheads out of your skin.

7. Make a detox bath.

Combine baking soda with sea salt and your favorite essential oil, and you have a great calming detoxing bath mixture.

8. Great dry shampoo.

Need to cleanse your scalp, but no time to do a full shampoo? Sprinkle some baking soda onto your hair and massage. This will help get rid of some of the greasiness.

Sponges

A dish sponge can become an ice pack.

This is a great way to go on a picnic. Put several wet sponges into separate bags, and seal them the night before the trip. Place the bags into the freezer overnight. In the morning, put the sponges in the cooler bag with the food you’d like to stay c

Make pedicures easier!

Your toes may touch each other and smudge the polish as it dries, and that’s irritating. To avoid this, cut a sponge into pieces, and place them between your toes.

Keep your veggies fresh for longer.

The fruit and vegetable container in your fridge constantly accumulate excess moisture, making its contents spoil faster. Avoid this by putting a new dish sponge inside — it’ll absorb the moisture. Just don’t forget to squeeze and change it.

Make a super thrifty soap dish.

Make a soap dish out of a sponge by carving a hollow in it, or just put the soap on a sponge. This way, it’ll be used up much slower.

Cranberry Juice - We have all heard cranberry juice is useful to fight a UTI (urinary tract infection) but recently the American Heart Association believes that it can also be helpful in lowering blood pressure.

Honey-Good for soothing a cough or a sore throat it can also be used to calm a canker sore.  Researchers believe that honey's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help ease pain and promote wound healing.  In fact, in a recent study, participants who dabbed honey on this sore found that after 2 days their pain was completely gone!

Lemon Juice-Useful for a lot more than just highlighting hair lemon juice can also prevent kidney stones.  If you're prone to them researchers say drink a glass of lemonade made from real lemon juice with a little added sugar daily.

Ginger - Useful to relieve nausea and the go to remedy for seasickness for many it has been found to lower blood sugar which may be helpful for people at risk for diabetes. In a random study people who used a ginger powder supplement (two grams a day) for 12 weeks had lower levels of blood sugar and blood fats.  Ginger may inhibit an enzyme that's linked to raising blood sugar.

Red Wine -Traditional use is to protect against heart disease and it is now being used to fight cavities. Researchers think a combination of wine's antioxidants and the fact that it sticks to your teeth eliminated the kind of bacteria that contributes to tooth decay.

As always check with your doctor before you try anything new and by all means these remedies will in no way replace your doctor's advice!

More Uses for Rubber Bands

Wrap an elastic band around the cap and easily open a nail polish bottle or any other vessel.

Paperback books tend to get shabby at the corners when we carry them around in our bag. To save them from such a fate, use an elastic band as shown above.

Rubber Bands also make excellent book markers in a pinch.

Cell Phone Holder using Rubber Bands and Your Rearview Mirror!

This trick will come in handy both for pregnant women and those who grew out of their jeans. Hook an elastic band around the button and feed the other end through the buttonhole.

More Tips & Tricks

Save hassle with these tricks!

Inspect your gutters using a mirror.  Attach a hand mirror to the end of a long pvc pipe that you've cut at a 60% angle and the mirror will reflect the inside of the gutter.  No need for a step ladder!

Dab a light switch cover with glow paint!  No more groping blindly at night.  You can find glow in the dark paint at hardware store and home centers.

Stash tv remotes under an end table.  Adhesive backed hook and loop strips (like Velcro) let you stick remote controls under a coffee or end table.  They will be handy when you need them and cut clutter on tabletops!

Use a washcloth for wall paint touch-ups!  No need to mess up a paint brush for a small job.  Just dip an old washcloth in the paint, dab the spot, and throw the washcloth away!

Cut Utility Bills with these ideas!

Get a low-flow shower head.  Shower heads are the second heaviest water users-and also major energy users since 70% of the water used is heated!  You don't have to settle for subpar water pressure either because many of today's water efficient shower heads use new technology to provide a high flow feel.

Stop Leaks under doors.  If you can feel a breeze or see daylight under your exterior doors, that's bad news!  The good new is that most thresholds adjust up or down with just a few twists of a screw.

Seal electrical boxes.  These can be major sources of heat loss.  Use foam gaskets to help.  Simply take off the box's cover plate, stick the gasket over the box leaving the plugs uncovered then screw the plate back on.

Install a ceiling fan.  Moving air increases evaporation from your skin and helps keep you comfortable at higher thermostat settings.  Each degree above 78 can save you 9-10% on a/c.

Laundry Room Ideas

More Uses for Pool Noodles

Boot Shapers

Tired of your knee-high boots flopping all over the entryway? Use pool noodles as boot shapers to keep them upright, organized, and in great shape. No need to buy expensive boot shapers when $1 noodles will do!

Door Stopper

Have a young one who slammed their fingers in a door, and afraid they might do it again? Don’t overspend by buying brand-name door stoppers. Just cut a pool noodle and wrap it around the door. No more hurt fingers!

Headrest

Here’s a pretty ingenious way to create a headrest for the car. Cut a pool noodle section. Then slice it to the center hole so you can put the seatbelt through it. Wrap a soft shirt or a towel around it, and voila, a comfy place to rest your head for those long car rides.

Pail Grip

For the laborers out there: If you’re constantly having to lift and carry those heavy plastic pails, you know the little handles can actually cut painfully into your hands. You can use a piece of a pool noodle to wrap around the handle to create a much more comfortable grip.

Squeegee

Have a spill in the garage and need a squeegee in a pinch? Grab a piece of pool noodle and a heavy-duty rake. Cut the pool and then place the prongs of the rake into it. You’ve now got an easy-to-use squeegee to push that mess right out the garage door.

Spring Covers

Trampolines can be a bit of a hazard for kids. But pool noodles can help avoid some potential injuries. Wrap the metal springs with the colorful noodles. It may not prevent all possible injuries from jumping on a trampoline, but it can help prevent a lot of scrapes and bruises.

Wreaths

Let’s get crafty with pool noodles! Use your pool noodles to create gorgeous wreaths for the front door. As the seasons change and the holidays come and go, you can swap out your creations. The noodles act as the perfect base for your creation.

Pool Noodles for Kids

Star Wars Light Sabers

Have a kids’ birthday party coming up and need something fun for them to do? Since pool noodles generally run between $1 to $3, you can pick up a bunch for cheap and make some quick Star Wars lightsabers. All you need is duct tape and some markers. Let the kids design their own and then tire themselves out with safe sword fights.

Teaching Math and Fractions

Who says playtime can’t also be a time to learn? You can use pool noodles to help your young ones practice their fractions and other math problems. Just cut the noodle into the appropriate sections and label. The kids will be little Einsteins in no time!

Shower Caps

Use a shower cap to keep a bicycle seat dry

Use a shower cap to preserve a watermelon in the refrigerator

To keep the hallway clean

Put shower caps on the wheels of a kid’s bike or stroller before entering the house, and there’ll be much less mess inside.

Use a shower cap to pack your shoes

Do you have other uses for shower caps?

Let us know!

Do you have tips to share with us?   Drop us a line below!