Roll of Bags

We always have an abundance of plastic bags from Target and they overflow the cabinet under the sink.  We already have a bad holder, but they can't be contained in it.  This is a new way to store some and take them along with you.

Website

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/07/summer-social-guest-project-make_21.html

Their directions are step by step with pictures, so please visit their website to follow them.

Cons

1. It was really hard to flatten them to the point that there isn't any air.

2. You need a long floor space to line them all up the way it's stated.

3.  I had trouble fitting 12 into the container, but it was also my first time.

Pros

1. I put the roll on the 3rd floor so we don't always have to remember to take bags up for our trashcans.

2. I don't have as many bags under the sink.

Things I Learned While Doing This

1. You don't need to stretch them all out.  You can roll one half way and then place the next one the way that it's supposed to be.  That way you don't have to travel down the hallway rolling bags.

2. The bags will fill with air after you let it out so it makes more sense to squeeze out the air at the closest time to rolling it.

I will continue to do this.  I don't really think I need this for outside of the house, so I will not be mod podging it to make it look nice.

Try it out!

Any questions or comments, please leave them!

Vanilla Scented House

I'm a sucker for a house smelling like baked goods!  So when I see ways to replicate it without actually cooking, I'm on board!

Website

http://lifehacker.com/5828262/get-rid-of-household-odors-with-vanilla-extract

Directions

Put two caps full of vanilla extract in a coffee cup, then place it in the oven at 300 degrees for one hour. Within twenty minutes the whole house smells like Heaven. It's actually a common realtor trick.

Problem

2 caps full of vanilla does NOT last for 1 hour in the oven.  It was cooked out before a half hour was up.  I didn't think that it would be enough liquid for scenting the house once it was poured into the mug.

The house smelled mildly like vanilla.  I was hoping for a plethora of vanilla.  I wanted it to smell like a candle without using a candle (because I can't stand candles).  

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!  Maybe I should try this with more vanilla but it seems like it's easier to use oils.

Removing Labels

My husband and I are both teachers and we are always looking for ways to recycle things that we already have and can use in the classroom.  We have a special needs daughter that is 3 and we still have wipe containers.  I figured we could use these for storage in the classroom, but we needed to remove the label.

I came across a pin the tells you how to remove the labeling.

Website

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

Their directions call for a more work that I needed.  I guess these directions were for labels that are really imprinted.

So here's what I did:

Step 1.   Rub nail polish remover with acetone on the label

That's it!!  It took about 1 minute!

Packing Toiletries

I was just recently on vacation and took the opportunity to try some pins that I have.  This one suggests putting plastic wrap underneath the lids of toiletries to keep them from spilling.

Website

http://selectstudyabroad.com/2012/01/top-ten-tips-for-packing-luggage

I do think this worked because I didn't have any issues except for the one medication my daughter has that I didn't wrap.  That's because my husband packed it and didn't realize I was making a science project out of our trip.  I suggest doing this when you have to pack liquids!