Frugal Storage Solution: Wooden Crates

I've purchased a lot of these wooden crates over the years. They can be found at your local craft store (I purchased mine at Michael's) for around $10 (less if you have a coupon). We use them to store things under the beds. You can read about that here.

My latest use for them is in my laundry room. I have shelves in the laundry room. And lots of stuff. I wanted a way to hide all that stuff on the shelves and keep the items organized. The wooded crates worked perfectly.

I had already spray painted some baskets that I use for organizing smaller items above the washer and dryer. I used a green called Eden by Rust-oleum. You can read about that project here.

I used a dark brown, Leather Brown by Glidden, for the wooden crates. It's hard to tell in the picture because of the flash, but I used a paint with an eggshell finish. It gives the crates an older worn appearance as opposed to a new shiny finish.

It's amazing what you can fit in these crates. I've got lots of shelf space in that room, so I guess I'm off to buy more crates!

Here are some other ways to use these great wooden crates:

From Remodelaholic

From Patent Pending Projects

From The Violet Hours

From Ohdeedoh

From Color Me Southern

This post is linked to It's So Very Cheri, Organizing Junkie, Friday Favorites, Catch as Catch Can,  the Chic and Crafty party, House of Hepworths, Thrifty Thursday, Transformation Thursday, Show Me What Ya Got, Frugal Tuesday Tip, Tutorials and Tips Tuesday and Weekend Warrior.

Decorative Magnets from Old Buttons

Love this!

Taryn over at Design, Dining and Diapers made these awesome magnets out of old buttons. See how she did it here.

Another reason to save those buttons.

Write it down!

An Inexpensive Desk Solution

2 File Cabinets + 1 Door = Great Desk

 
In my book, the easiest and cheapest way to make a great homework space is a desk made of two file cabinets and a hollow core door. We've done this several times at my house. Here are two examples.

This desk space was made using two originally white file cabinets. The face of the drawers was painted a cheerful green and the utilitarian knobs were replaced with some fun pewter-colored dogs and cats. The door and chair are painted in a beautiful wedgwood blue. While you can't see it, the color scheme coordinated beautifully with the rest of the room decor.

Here's another example using some black file cabinets. In this case the door edges are painted black while the surface is covered in a cherry-colored stain varnish. This very inexpensive desk setup has been in service for many years.


This idea can be adapted to just about any room decor for a variety of ages. The desk provides a huge amount of workspace along with file cabinets to keep everything organized--a great way to start the new school year!


Looking for ways to update your old file cabinets? Check out these great ideas.


This post is linked to Sundae Scoop, Think Pink Sundays, Weekend Wrap Up Party, Addicted to Decorating, Show and Share, Chic and Crafty Party, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, House of Joyful Noise, The Inspiration Board, Take a Look Tuesday, Tutorials and Tips and Tip Me Tuesday.

Our House Rules

Photo Credit

Frozen Banana Bites

This is simply the easiest, tastiest frozen treat ever.

I generally keep a bag (or two) of frozen banana chunks in the freezer to be used in our favorite peanut butter and banana smoothies. So I started with frozen banana chunks, although fresh would work as well.

Here's what you need:

2 bananas, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 5-6 pieces per banana)

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Here's what you do:

Line a tray or plate with parchment paper. 

Place chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl. Place in microwave for about 1 minute. Stir to combine, continuing until smooth.

One at a time, dip banana pieces in the melted chocolate mixture, then place on prepared plate. Place in the freezer until chocolate hardens.

I started with frozen banana chunks, so my banana bites were ready to eat immediately (a big plus!). If you begin with fresh bananas, you will want to set these in the freezer until the chocolate hardens and the banana is frozen.

Super simple. Super yummy.

This post is linked to House of Hepworths,  Sundae Scoop, Weekend Wrap Up Party, Sweet Tooth Friday, Friday Favorites, Chic and Crafty Party, House of Joyful Noise, Tip Me Tuesday, Weekend Warrior and Melt in Your Mouth Monday.

It's all good.

Photo Credit

Upgrade Your Old File Cabinet

I have some very utilitarian file cabinets. They serve a purpose, but they sure don't look very good. So I scoured the internet for the best ideas in file cabinet upgrades. They all use my favorite product--spray paint!


Here are some of the best I found. Click on the caption for more information.

From Casa Cullen

Using Spray Paint, Fabric, and Modge Podge

Spray Paint and New Pulls

Love the colors.

2 Cabinets + 1 Door = Great Desk

Trusting

Photo Credit

Nutty Blender Waffles (GFCF)

This is not your typical waffle recipe. For starters, it's both gluten free and dairy free. It's also a little heavier than most waffle recipes and very filling. It's a great make-ahead-and-freeze recipe. Just pop them in the toaster for a quick treat.

We like to simply sift powdered sugar over them instead of syrup.

1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
2 1/4 cup oats (I use Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Rolled Oats)
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder

Just put it all in the blender and blend for about a minute. Let stand for about 10 minutes. That's it! This recipe makes three Belgium waffles in my waffle maker.

This post is linked to Sundae Scoop, I'm Lovin' It, Chic and Crafty Party and Transformation Thursday.