Now where did I put them?......

A solution to one of my organizational problems comes in the form of cookie boxes. Yes, I had to eat the contents in order to use the containers. Such a sacrifice.

The boxes were cut down to size and DD decoupaged them with her wonderful scrapbook papers and stickers.

Velcro was applied to the backs:

And then the boxes were attached to (in this case) my computer.

Well, what have we here? There are my reading glasses!

Sometimes they will sit on the outside of the box:

And sometimes they will be tucked away inside. I have several pairs of reading glasses, but they were always lost - now I have a place for each of them and it didn't cost me a cent. Thats.........

Your library is now selling off their magazines...

Every January, our library district (and perhaps yours?) sells their old mags at a dime each.

I don't spend money on mags or rags, but I will fork over 50 cents for these. Hurry on over to your nearest library branch to look over the selection - let me know what you found.

Mayonnaise on your wood

I had a table that was covered in white water stains from an unfortunate move during a rain storm. This first pic is not my table (I forgot to take a "before" shot) but the marks looked the same. The white spots covered the top and looked like a film of milk.

I threw a table cloth over until I could get to the store for some refinisher - which is expensive and on the toxic side.

But, in the meantime, I read in Woman's World a neat little trick using mayonnaise and toothpaste to rub out the water marks.

Guess what! It really works! I used one of those sponges with the smooth side and a rough side. I used the rough side to work in the mayonnaise and the spots started to disappear almost immediately. I didn't need the toothpaste, since I used the rough sponge side. Look at the results and see for yourself..... Love those home remedies!

Slay the Home Energy Vampires

Ok, so I needed a graphic for my title......this is the best dracula I could get on short notice. mmmmmmmm chocolaty vampiry marshmallow bits......

Ok, so back to the real topic at hand. Did you know that even though you have electronics turned off - they are still using up electricity? And you are PAYING for all this unused electricity? I went to our local Ameren UE site to find out what rate we're paying and came across this interesting video which shows you how to save $50-100 each year by unplugging your electronics when not in use. And we're all about saving moola!

Bargain storage containers

I'm always on the watch for a bargain and Craigslist provides a lot of them. I got 3 of these 3 drawer storage containers for $15 total! At Wal-Mart, they go for $20 each. These are like new and I will put one in each closet to contain the small items in which we're always searching, but don't have a special place for. I get a little giddy when I create organization. (Isn't that just plain weird?)

Make new plants on the cheap

This summer I propagated an overgrown vine that was to be cut down. I made about 70 cuttings and gave most away to friends and relatives. And guess what - they are actually taking! Reports are that new leaves have sprouted. What an inexpensive way to add to your landscape. Now that I know how easy it is to propagate, I will be pestering friends and neighbors alike for some cuttings of beautiful plants.

DH brings home the hunt

Yeah, other hubbys may bring home the ferocious beast for the spit outside the family cave - anyone can do that - but my DH bagged a big 'un, sturdily tied it down to the top of his little zoom mobile, (lest it get away) and brought the trophy home. Yes, I'm so proud - it's a brand new, 96 gallon trash tote. On the bright side, I guess, it's more practical than, say, a dozen roses that doesn't last very long at all. And I'm such a practical gal that I'm tickled pink to have one more trash tote! We've gone green and we fill up more than one of these suckers a week! 2/3 of our trash, we've discovered, is recyclable. It's all packaging material. Now we look for the little chasing arrow triangle on everything we bring into the house. You'd be surprised at what can now be recycled nowadays. I'm glad we're recycling....but the best thing would really be if we all could reduce usage of the stuff in the first place.