Helpful How-Tos

This post would've been completed yesterday, but our computer speed was slow due to the fact that I was updating a GPS system for our, get this...AMISH NEIGHBOR BOY.

Yep, you heard correctly.  Amish.  Brian.  He's a good guy, totally don't know why he needs a GPS system, although he told me he uses it in his buggy.  Poor horse, didn't know he could go THAT far that he needs electronic help. 

Anyway, after 12 hours of updating maps and his system, it's finally done, and I have my computer speed back.

Yea!

I thought since I adore Pinterest, and I get many helpful ideas from there, that I would share a few with you that actually work.

I've tried some that have not...like the Listerine solution to get rid of dry, cracked heels on your feet.  Don't waste your time.  It didn't even phase my heels, (or maybe mine are just really bad!)  Yikes.

Pretty much all the ideas I'm supplying you with today, are ones that will save you money.

#1 Eye Makeup Remover

For example, if you are a woman and have a daughter or two, or more...I'm sure you use some kind of eye makeup remover solution.  Grace and I were going through a ton, and it wasn't cheap.  This version, is VERY inexpensive, and uses so little, it will last you a long time.

The link to make this is here.
If you don't have a special bottle to put it in, I just used the same one that had my store bought solution in, and refilled it.  If you use makeup pads to remove your eye makeup, I took that container, bought flat cotton pads instead of cotton balls, stacked them up in the original container, and poured the solution over them.  Works great.  THIS solution has saved me a ton of money.

#2  Jewelry Cleaner

 I used to use jewelry cleaner alot, but I haven't for awhile, but in a pinch, I've used this solution, and it works fantastic. 

Don't use costume jewelry though, it won't work.  This is for real gold or white gold.

#3 Corn Capture Pan

 I had no idea what else to call this.  I use this when we are picking corn and getting it ready to freeze.  I saw this on Pinterest last year, and immediately thought, WHY didn't I think of that?

It works great to catch all that corn, then you can just scoop it out and put it into bags like I do to freeze, or cans, if you are canning it.

#4 Recipe Holder

To be honest, I haven't used this myself yet, but it is a really good idea.  I have a binder for my recipes, so it would only work for me if I had a smaller book, or if I took a page out of my binder. Either way, it gets it up off the counter, and is close to eye level, both good things.

#5 Homemade Detergent

I KNOW I've touted the benefits of this solution before, and it's the only recipe I use anymore...no more Tide liquid for $11.99/bottle.  This doesn't last me as long as the lady who made the link here says it does her,  but it lasts a lot longer that the liquid I was buying at the store.  NOT that Tide doesn't work well, it does, but this just lasts longer.  It's worth a try once if you're unsure.  It costs about $20-25 to make, but lasts for several months.  In the course of several months, I would probably buy liquid detergent 6 times, so $71 compared to $25 at the most, isn't bad at all.  I store it in large glass jars with a seal under the lid, works great.

#6  Boot Organizer

Another link I didn't really have a name for...I would've called it boot stander upper.  The link is here.
Since I don't have a pool myself, it felt weird buying pool noodles at the store, but I got some for my boots as well as Graces.  It's a fantastic idea, cause floppy boots in the closet are a pain.  This keeps them standing upright and helps them keep their shape.  Don't buy expensive noodles, go for the $.99 version.

#7  Parmesan Lid Reuse

Most of us use Parmesan, and most of us have mason jars we store things in, am I right?  This solution makes perfect sense.  I've used this on my mason jars (works on all size mason jars with regular lids, NOT wide lids)  It stores my mint tea concentrate when I make a ton and keep it in the fridge.  It would work good for extra cereal for your kids when you just have a little left in the box and want to keep it fresher, or for anything you want to "sprinkle out". 

All these ideas, of course, are things I use.  They may not be for everyone, but they worked for me.  I do wish Pinterest would have a tool or something that rated DIY ideas, so you could see if they actually worked for regular people BEFORE you go out and buy the products to try it.  These ideas DO work, I've tried them myself over and over. 

Pass on other ideas to me if you would, I'm up for trying anything.