46: Simple bookcase redesign

We have limited shelf space in our kitchen, so we decided to display our everyday dishes on a simple bookshelf. Which has worked out fine, though it tends to look like the fairly cheap bookshelf that it is. So until we can buy a fancy hutch, I thought we'd try just adding a little accent color to the back (I actually painted the non-white side, just in case we still want to use it for some reason. Gives it a nice little pop of color I think!

Credit:
http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2011/07/diy-fabric-covered-bookcase.html?m=1

45: Recycled magazine bookmarks

Instead of using the old library receipts like I usually do for bookmarks, I decided to try ok these super easy and quick bookmarks. The link makes cute monster bookmarks, but I decided to recycle a magazine with a tropical scene.

Credit:
http://www.ctbakerintheacres.com/2012/02/14-lovely-days-day-2.html?m=1

44: Cleaning a smelly sponge

Another super quick but easy cleaning strategy- zap the sponge in the microwave for a couple minutes. Germs killed!

Credit:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/33-meticulous-cleaning-tricks-for-the-ocd-person-i?s=mobile&sub=1771173_591106

(one of many strategies on this page)

43: Dishwasher cleaning

I've noticed some spots staying behind on our "clean" glasses lately. So I decided to try out this super simple dishwasher washing strategy. I don't have a lot to comment about it, other than it seemed to work pretty well!

Credit:
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/02/how-to-clean-your-dishwasher.html#comment-form

42: Hot glue friction-creator

With the start of fall comes the seasonal shoe switch in my (too small) closet. I use a somewhat old school shoe organizer to save some space, but I always get annoyed that the shoes seem to slide around a lot (notice the second row of shoes about to fall out in the picture). Argh! But wait, simple solution- use hot glue to create a little friction to keep the shoes in place. So simple!

41: The missing hubby/daddy pillow

We've made it about two months since my husband moved, and so far so good. One side effect of being the only person in the bed is that our two dogs, who are big cuddlers (yes, they sleep in the bed with us, thank goodness for king sized beds), like to crowd me at night. A large bed can feel very small when you have one dog snuggled in your back and one under your legs. Coincidentally, the hubby had a bunch of old surgical jackets from residency that I was trying to find a use for. Lightbulb moment! Take a couple extra pillows and some stuffing, and you have the headless hubby pillow! As you can see in the pictures, it's been a hit with the dogs (and already saved me some back pain).

40: Fitting a t-shirt

Like many people, I've gathered a lot of t-shirts over the years, some which are better for working out and some which I'd rather have be more fitted because they are for game watching/tailgating. I had one tee that I'd had for a while but hadn't worn because it just didn't look right. So I checked out this video and used the super easy tips to fit the shirt a bit more. Much improved!

Credit:
http://www.ehow.com/video_12232259_cut-tshirt-make-smaller.html

39: Cleaning the trash can

There's nothing like a smelly trash can to ruin the great moment when you get home from work. In yet another presidential debate distraction technique, I took on the task of cleaning the kitchen trash can. I have to say, while ammonia has a strong scent, it sure knows how to kill odors (and hopefully germs too!).

Credit:
http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-garbage-can/

38: Removing container writing

I've been on a yogurt kick lately, and I always end up with a nice sized container that I don't know what to do with (it is so hard to throw away things with craft potential!). So I thought I'd try removing the writing with nail polish. The role for the container is still TBD, but now I have a nicer looking option to decide what to do with!

Credit:
http://2busybrunettes.com/2012/04/18/i-heart-earth/

37: Ceiling fan cleaning

I'm watching the presidential debate, which always reminds me how much I hate conflict. So to make it less uncomfortable, I'm doing some cleaning. This first one is a pin I've been meaning to try for a while. Every night I look up at the fan above our bed and cringe at the dust peeking over the edges of the fan blades. So I tried this crafty pillowcase pin, which took some hand eye coordination, but ended up working fairly well. Though it was still a tad messy, so I recommend laying an old sheet down first.

Credit:
http://yestheyareallmine.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/cleaning-tip-872/#comment-7560