Helpful Hints - A Baker's Dozen

After this week's detour through the land of sickness, I've been thinking about the tricks I use around the house to stay organized. This is a bit of a joke to my family; I am mess-y. Anti-clutter activities initiated by yours truly occur in fits and starts around these parts.

Nonethless, I'm sharing a baker's dozen of helpful hints which may help you stay organized.

Clothespins
We use clothes pins to keep bags of pretzels, tortilla chips, etc., closed in order to keep them fresh.  My kids also use them for some mysterious purpose(s); they keep disappearing from the kitchen drawer. Note to the Diva and Roo - WHERE are they?

Kitchen Twine
Use to truss a chicken or turkey before roasting or keep the fillings of chicken kiev in place during cooking. Kitchen string also offers a multitude of uses for children. Tie around - the waist of a jedi robe, any object you'd like to pull around the house, doorknobs to pull doors shut on an unsuspecting sibling, two chairs and hang things from clothespins (aha!).

Illy Espresso Tins
Perfect to contain small items. We use them as a battery graveyard (prior to recycling) and to contain small toys.

Bake Overripe Fruit
A tried and true trick.

White Vinegar to Wash the Car
Sally gets a quick wash with a green and clean solution of 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, a small squeeze of dishwashing liquid and a gallon of water. Rinse with the hose and you're set. It works like a charm.

Bowl of Rice to Dry Out Your Mobile Phone
Ever gotten your mobile wet, or worse yet, dropped it into water? Pour uncooked rice into a bowl and completely cover the phone. Leave it for 2-3 days and increase your chances of salvaging that precious phone. Always happens at the beginning of the contract, right?

Lazy Susan in the Fridge
Use a lazy susan to store commonly used condiments. I cannot tell you what a difference it has made to my attempt at refrigerator organization.

Pedestal for Cooking Ingredients
Lift up that olive oil, red wine vinegar, worcestershire and pepper mill. Place the pedestal in your prep area - mine's next to the stove - and you have easy access to frequently used ingredients.

Newspaper in Shoes
Place newspaper in wet shoes to maintain shape and dry up the moisture.

Clean Your Shower Curtain
Pop your plastic shower curtain into the washing machine.

Chalkboard
Place a vintage frame around a chalkboard. Add some hooks and you've got a mudroom message center/organizer.

Over-the-Door Hangers
Hang everything from wet towels to hoodies on a simple over-the-door organizer. Doesn't necessarily look the best, but it gets the job done.

Toast Rack
Use a toast rack to organize bills, correspondence and stamps. I've used one for years and it's really lovely and helpful.

My house is a pit, as you've probably guessed by now. I'd better hop to it!