“Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” – Part Eight

Here on my blog, I strive to share simple, everyday tips and tricks that can help make life a little bit easier. But sometimes, the tips that I want to share aren’t something I can write a whole blog post about. And since I simply cannot waste a good idea, I tuck them away to use at a later date. Today I’ll be sharing some of those tips and tricks, in the eighth edition of my ongoing series I like to call “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?”

If you have a great idea you’d like to share, share it with us in a comment at the bottom of this post! You and your idea could be featured in the next “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” post!

1. Smart Cookie Storage

I get so many great ideas from my readers, including this one from a reader who wrote to share a clever way to repurpose a Pringles chip container. She said that when her son was deployed to Afghanistan, she sent him homemade cookies packed snugly into an old Pringles container. Brilliant!

2. Easier Plugging

Rather than moving around to tell where each port is on your laptop, make a mark above where the port is. I drew a line above the USB port and a dot above the charging port, but you can use whatever symbols make the most sense to you. Plugging things in just got a lot easier!

(If you don’t want to write directly on your laptop, cut up a sticky note into small squares and use those instead.)

3. Notebook Index

Here’s an easy index system for notebooks. Write a list of categories on the front or back page of your notebook. Each category should have its own line. Then, go through your notebook and make a mark at the edge of the page according to the line for that category.

For example, say you have a notebook of recipes, and the “Dinner” category is written on the 11th line on your index page. On each dinner recipe, you would mark the edge of the 11th line. Then when you look at the notebook from the side, you’ll know exactly where the dinner recipes are!

4. Sifted Cereal

While some people like the powdery stuff at the bottom of the cereal box, others (including myself) find it too sweet. If you’re in the “too sweet” camp, there’s an easy way to get rid of it!

When you get to the last bit of cereal in a box, pour it into a mesh colander or sieve before transferring the cereal to a bowl. The sugary powder will get sifted out, leaving just the cereal pieces behind.

5. Brilliant Bacon Breakfast

Combine bacon and pancakes into an all-in-one breakfast that’s sure to be a new family favorite! Cook some bacon on your griddle, then leave the grease and one strip of cooked bacon on the surface.

Pour pancake batter over the top of the bacon and cook the pancake as usual. Then dig into a salty, sweet, and totally delicious breakfast!

6. Simple Razor Cover

Need a safe way to cover your razor on an upcoming trip? Use a binder clip! Just clip it over the blades before tossing the razor in your bag.

7. Fabulous Frozen Grapes

Frozen grapes are one of my all-time favorite treats, but they’re pretty useful too! You can use frozen grapes as ice cubes in your favorite drink. They’ll keep your drink cold without watering it down.

8. Microwave More

If you have a small microwave, you can microwave two bowls at once using a mug! Just prop one of the bowls on top of the mug, so it will be raised above the other bowl, giving you enough room to squeeze both in.

9. Steam Away Wrinkles

Here’s an easy way to smooth out a wrinkled blouse if you don’t have an iron on hand. Just put a pot of water on your stovetop to boil, and hang the shirt above the pot. The steam from the boiling water will help release the wrinkles, and your shirt will be wrinkle-free in no time!

10. Fix For Tight Shoes

If you have a pair of shoes that are just a little too tight, try stretching them out! Put on your thickest pair of socks, then put the shoes on. Turn on your hair dryer and point it toward the shoes. The heat will relax the outside of the shoes, and the thick socks will help stretch them out a bit. Brilliant!

Related: 25 Quick and Clever Solutions For Your Clothing Catastrophes