3 Creative Uses for Plastic Baggies

Reclosable plastic baggies are great for storing just about any type of food, but did you know that baggies can be used for much more than just that? From homemade packing cushions to DIY pastry bags, here are three great ways to use baggies.

Baking
Want to make a beautifully frosted cake but don't have a pastry bag? Just use a baggie to pipe on that frosting. Fill the bag with frosting, zip it shut, then snip off one of the corners. You now have a cheap, disposable pastry bag. Baggies can also be used to break cookies for pie crusts or crackers for breading without making a mess. Place what needs to broken up in the bag, close the zipper, and smash the bag with a rolling pin.

Packing
Can't find bubble wrap? Just head to your pantry for some plastic bags. Insert a straw into the bag and close the zipper. Blow air through the straw to inflate the bag. Quickly remove the straw and close the zipper the rest of the way. Now you have homemade packing material!

Traveling
Going on vacation? Place soap, shampoo, and conditioner into a zipped baggie. This way if one of the bottles starts to leak, your clothes won't be ruined. You can also keep items like cell phones and cameras from getting sandy at the beach by packing them in a plastic bag before placing them in your beach bag.

101 New Uses for Everyday Things [Real Simple]
12 Clever Uses for Ziploc Bags [SavingStar]

How to Organize Your Bedroom in 4 Simple Steps

The bedroom is supposed to be for sleeping, but for many of us, it’s also where we eat, where we work, and where we lounge around with the whole family. You bedroom takes a lot of wear and tear, but these four simple steps will help you to organize it with ease.

  1. Make your closet work for you. If your closet is overflowing with clothes and shoes, reassess what you need it to do. Add extra shelving if you have an abundance of sweaters, or invest in higher quality hangers if things are always falling on the floor. Having an organized closet takes a major weight off your shoulders.
  2. Keep furniture free of clutter. If your nightstands are covered in decorative knick knacks or personal items, minimize them. Keep only a few functional items on these surfaces, such as a bedside lamp or a jewelry box for storing rings and bracelets.
  3. Update your bed. Invest in a matching sheet and comforter set, or use a simple quilt for warmer weather. Having a full set that functions properly eliminates the need for lots of blankets and pillows that don’t match.
  4. Maximize storage potential. If you still need extra storage space, look in unexpected areas. Purchase a headboard with built-in shelves, or add rolling storage bins underneath your bed.

    Organizing 101 [Style at Home]
    Bedroom Organization Tips [House Beautiful]

Tips for Hosting a Successful Dinner Party

Hosting a dinner party? While this may seem like a daunting task, the perfect dinner party is achievable with a little planning and preparation. Make your next dinner party a smashing success with these four tips.

1. First thing's first: Invite people you believe will get along amicably. While the food might be brilliant, the conversation should be equally enjoyable.

2. Background music is a great way to fill in the gaps at a party when mouths are busy chewing. Make a killer playlist ahead of time, and watch how it inspires the evening.

3. Ask a friend you trust for help. Put them in charge of picking up extra bags of ice or stocking up on supplies you don’t have time to run out and purchase yourself.

4. Planning ahead is essential to a perfect dinner. Familiarizing yourself with recipes, preparing dishes beforehand and having a flow to the meal will keep everyone, and you, happy.

6 Rules for a Successful Dinner Party [My Home Ideas]
101 Party Dos & Donts [House Beautiful]
How to Host a Dinner Party so Everyone Enjoys It [Lettuce Eat Kale]
Do’s and Don’ts of Hosting a Dinner Party [Rue Magazine]

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