You'll Thank Me Later...

*Before you read any further, I need to share something - Added October 15, 2012 -Please note the very last line on this page (which some readers are just skipping over -
**PS - For the original sources - go to my Pinterest page - Cool Ideas. :-)

My Pinterest page link is located on the left hand tag. I never pinned this blog post, nor do I care if others do or don't. My blog followers come to my page for stories, not for crafting ideas. I wrote this post before the whole pinning fad became super popular.
Also - I work in Marketing and I am a journalist, please visit my disclosure tab at the top of my blog for any questions on the legalities around anything I have posted.

Thank you,
Nicole Abdou
Author, Destination Unknown.

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Shhh! I've got a few secrets to share with you. Oh, and they are EXCELLENT ideas.
Let's just say, it's a little gift from me to you - I did all the research, now you can reap the benefits!

Below you will find my top 25 BRILLIANT ideas!

1. Next time you throw a party, instead of worrying as to whether you have enough of something, or having to take a break and make drinks - just pre-mix your cocktails or juices and BOOM - what a wonderful way for guests to take care of themselves. (Not to mention, how adorable are those mason jars?)

2. I am sick of traveling with my jewelry! So much so, that having to untangle the necklaces are getting to be almost too much. Problem solved! String your necklace through a straw and ta-da! No more tangles!

3. Brilliant makeshirt platter - take a $1 store candle stick and a $1 store plate, glue each other, and you have a beautiful platter.

4. Do you have a hard time tossing clothes? I know I do! Here is a wonderful test! Simply take all of your clothes and place them in the opposite way in the closet on January 1st! If by June 1st, you have not turned the hanger around, simply toss! Brilliant!

5. This is a beautiful idea. Low on cash, but high on style - take your old jars and paint them. They turn into beautiful vases!

6. Next time you travel, here is a brilliant way to take a healthy snack! Contained and less mess!

7. I have sooooo many accessories, and here is a beautiful way to keep your bracelets organized. Take an old paper towel holder, paint and and BOOM - a wonderful bracelet stand!

8. My necklaces are another problem. I have tons of costume jewelry, and here is a cheap way to hang them all. Just get a cheap or old towel rack and use those old $1 store shower rings or any old rings and it's a wonderful way to keep your necklaces organized. (Not to mention, the nice jewelry boxes never have enough hooks!)

9. I just adore old apothecary jars, but to actually buy one is very expensive. Here is another $1 store trick: take a $1 store glass and one of the candle sticks, attach and you have a ready made apothecary jar!

10. This trick makes me sooo happy. To keep massive/messy spills off of your stove top, simply coat it with car wax, and wipe clean. In the future, spills and splashes will come right off!

11. This is a great way to politely get your friends to put away their phones next time they come over!

12. I never actually use those mesh shoe organizer things, heck my shoes hardly ever fit in them. Here is a wonderful way to organize your cleaning supplies and hang on your pantry door!

13. I am not very creative - but this is a wonderful way to make your own vase! Simply get a plain glass vase, wrap rubber bands around it, spray paint it, and remove the rubber bands. An interesting piece is left! (Could be great for candles also!)

14. I think this is a brilliant way to keep people from digging through the frig for snacks. Just take an old plastic container or pan, and fill it with all of the healthy options and place it in the frig! Easy goes it!

15. I am in love with this idea. Buy a cheap frame from the dollar store, and grab one piece of your favorite scrapbook paper. Paint the frame, and place the paper inside. Get a dry erase marker and you have a customized wipey board!

16. This is a wonderful way for those of us without big families to divide up the proper portions of meat. Simple place it in a zippy bag, use a pencil or ruler, then freeze. You can easily break off the portions you need!

17. I think this is a fun and pretty little idea. Take a ceramic cup or bowl or whatever you like. Get a piece of lace and modge podge it to the ceramic. Then paint. Makes a beautiful original piece.

18. I take my make up brushes very seriously. I invested in a very expensive set a few years back. Here is a great way to store your brushes on your counter! A container, some marbles and voila!

19. Praise the Lord - a place to put those lids!! Get a magazine rack - and ta da!!

20. My husband does not like us to wear our shoes in the house. Here is a genius way to keep your shoes by the door - get a coat rack and hang it by the floor. No more messy shoes crowding the door way.

21. I love this idea for canned goods. Just get one of those file things from your office, and flip it upside down, and it's an instant space saver!

22. Another cute idea to store all of your ear rings. Get an old cheese grater, spray paint it and here you have an instant ear ring holder!

23. This is something I plan to do this upcoming year - get a big jar, and each day, or week, write one blessing or beautiful memory. On New Year's Eve, open the jar, and read it!

24. What a brilliant way to use those old bread clippy things. Keeps the guess work out of it!

25. I finally know what to do with those old binder clips at home!!!!!

Hope these ideas were helpful!

**PS - For the original sources - go to my Pinterest page - Cool Ideas. :-)