DIY Life

My Rubbermaid containers have lived through one too many pasta casseroles and are starting to smell like it, too. Naturally, I researched a few options on how to take the scent out of plastic and stumbled upon a great solution that I can't wait to try on my next set of Rubbermaids.

Turns out that if you sprinkle a bit of salt in an empty airtight Rubbermaid container before you store it, you'll keep the smell at bay. Go on --- give it a shot and report back. ;)

And yes, I realize we're talking salt yet again here at DIY Life, but honestly --- can you ever get enough of the kitchen hacks? I certainly cannot, and just to show you how necessary a bit of sodium really is, here's another handy (and salty!) post to whet your whistle:
-Make Your Own Toothpaste (YES! With salt!)

Convinced?

I'm all for innovative storage, especially when it comes to displaying my books. Face it -- bookcases can be so dull, especially when your budget calls for Billy after Billy after...Billy. Luckily, ShelterPop has a great solution for a DIY bookcase I can pretty much guarantee you've never seen!:

Enter a fun and flexible (pun intended!) solution. Originally created for Design Showcase 2009 by Pete Oyler, the S T R E T C H Shelf is slated to hit boutiques any minute now with an approximate price point of $120.

Eek. That certainly breaks the bank for me. But what if we used Oyler's product as inspiration for our own rubber band shelving system? I can imagine them working quite well in a modern, industrial space using brightly-colored heavy duty rubber bands and a few stainless screws.

Or try a few animal rubber bands in your child's room as a great way to display light artwork. And for a long, floor-to-ceiling rubber band bookshelf, why not use a bright resistance band used for exercising?

Forget the Billy and book it (ha! another pun!) to your nearest office supply store for the coolest rubber shelving in town. Stretching your dollar never looked so chic.

You shop the sales. You've already reduced your holiday spending budget. But let's face it: the holidays are still going to cost you. Really smart budgeters contribute small amounts all year round to holiday savings accounts. For the rest of us, it's not too late! Here are some last minute ways to put money aside for holiday gifts.

1. Open a holiday account. No, it's not too late. Do you have any free funds sitting in your checking account? If so, transfer them immediately to your holiday fund. It's a start.

2. Cut the lattes. Yes, it's annoying when budgeting experts keep reminding us not to fritter money away on expensive little luxuries. If you like to indulge in little treats for yourself, however, now's the time to go cold turkey. Not forever. Just for the next few weeks, and put that money aside. It will add up over the next few weeks.

I hate cooking when I've got bandages on my fingers, because, in my opinion, nothing is grosser than a wet Band-Aid... especially when I'm hanging around food. Good thing I learned this awesome tip yesterday:

If you've nicked yourself in the kitchen, clean the wound and disinfect, then let dry. Coat the cut with clear nail polish for a simple waterproof bandage that stays on for days!

Of course, clear nail polish is good for quite a bit of things, including its well-known use for fixing a run in a pair of pantyhose, but did you know DIY Life has ten more awesome uses for nail polish? It's true; read more right here:
-10 Nifty Uses for Nail Polish... One for Each Finger!

My favorite tip? Avoid rust rings from a can of shower cream or shave gel by applying fingernail polish to the bottoms of the metal containers. Genius!

Halloween has officially come and gone, and it's time to start thinking about more important things -- like Thanksgiving! I'd love to do something fun and festive this year and am highly considering a turkey pinata. After all, we'll need some candy to wash down all of that turkey, right? I spotted this easy DIY pinata video and am ready to get my hands dirty in the name of the holiday!:

As you watch the video, keep a few important tips in mind:
1. Use plain white paper for the last layer so you have a clean base for decorating.
2. Acrylic and fabric paints work best.

And, as usual, a bit of history to complement your project!:
1. The traditional Mexican pinata is an orb with seven cones attached to it, representing the seven deadly sins. The cones are topped with colorful streamers.
2. In Mexico, smashing open a pinata is a Christmas tradition.

That's it, folks --- have fun and be safe!

I put Ziploc bags up there with sliced bread in terms of usefulness. They're like the ultimate affordable organizing tool. If you're only using bags to freeze leftovers or tote sandwiches to work, you're missing out! Read on for 10 new ways to use Ziplocs:

1. Compact wet wipe storage. Like traveling light with your baby or toddler? Me, too. I never bought a bulky diaper bag and I also ditched the plastic wet wipes container early on. Instead, I always carry a baggy with a small stash of wipes, which takes up only the tiniest amount of space in my messenger bag.

2. Diaper changing mat. Speaking of diaper duty, a gallon or larger size Ziploc makes a perfect super-compact changing pad. No, it's not padded (unless you add an old t-shirt or something), but it will keep your tot's head off icky public diaper changing surfaces.

By now you should realize how much I love a good kitchen hack, especially when it includes items and ingredients I already have around the house. One of my favorites? Forget harsh detergents and solutions when scrubbing grease spots off your cast-iron cookware. Instead, grab a pinch of salt and a paper towel to create a salty solution that works wonders!

Proof that sometimes the most natural ingredients are the best DIY lifesavers.

Want to know some other ways a pinch of salt can make your life easier? Read on, right here at DIY Life:
Find out the various uses of your average table salt: The Many Uses of Table Salt
Spice up your beauty routine with salt: Make Your Own Salt Scrub
Salt for your green thumb: Epsom Salt in Your Garden
And, lastly, salt in the kitchen (of course!): Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Your Microwave

Yep, our friends at Holidash even have you covered this Halloween. Whether you're a lover of DIY or a lover of TV (or perhaps a lover of John Krasinki, which is ... umm, every girl I know), Holidash has a tip for your 'The Office'-inspired costume. Which character will you be this year?

Read on!

It seems everyone I know has a love/hate relationship with The Office. I'm on the love end of the spectrum, perhaps because I'm living vicariously through the show. After all, I work in my pajamas at the kitchen counter, so wouldn't it be fun to channel my inner office employee for the day?

For me, that day is October 31st, where I plan to trick-or-treat with a few friends as our favorite characters from The Office. Want to see the list?:

Jim Halpert
Wear: Harness your Halloween look with 3-hole punched Jim, or go as everyday Jim with a long-sleeved Oxford shirt and tie.
Carry: A messenger bag and your heart on your sleeve.
Finishing Touch?: A perfected Stanley impression and a few emergency packs of Jello.

Pam Beesley
Wear: An outdated work outfit, preferably button-up and longer skirt. Oh yes, and loafers.
Carry: A 6-pack of Mixed Berry yogurt.
Finishing Touch?: A half-up permed hairdo and plenty of harnessed flirtation.

Michael Scott
Wear: A business suit and receding hairline.
Carry: An unhealthy affection for your boss, Jan Levinson. And, of course, keys to your Sebring convertible.
Finishing Touch?: Add a spare head on your shoulder to harness Michael's Halloween look.

Dwight Schrute
Wear: A yellow, short-sleeved Oxford shirt with a mismatched tie, brown slacks and glasses.
Carry: A grudge against your nemesis, the 3-hole punched paper, Jim Halpert.
Finishing Touch?: Pit stains. You didn't grow up on a beet farm for nothing.

Kelly Kapoor
Wear: Anything from Bebe.
Carry: A perfectly-coordinated clutch purse to match your well-manicured nails.
Finishing Touch?: Grab a random guy and make out with him. You know, to make Ryan jealous.