Sure, you can always find me in the organization section at Sears or Target walking away with at least one or two fun items that help make my life a bit easier. But I always look to the resources I have laying around at home before unnecessary spending.

DIY Home Organization Tips

reuse a soda pop tab

One of my favorite discoveries has been the ability to use soda can tabs to help with an overflowing closet. Simply hang your first piece and second piece on two different hangers. Slide the tab over one of the hangers and then hook the second hanger into the bottom hole of the tab as pictured above. I particularly like to apply this DIY home organization tip to suit jacket and pants sets.

mismatched mug and empty jars 

I resourced the above picture from a great crafting blog called Think Fast by Kimberly Kesti. Many of us have an abundance of mismatched coffee mugs and empty jars in that sit on the shelves collecting dust.  You can use them to help organize a messy desk or even use them for decorating.  I like to use empty vases for mail, knitting needles and cough drops.

empty pill boxes

For some reason, my home collects pill boxes. I have also collected many earrings that are sans its counterpart, namely because they are too small. (I love tiny studs.) Using pill boxes to keep jewelry organized can help tremendously.

empty contact lens cases 

Another mystery is the multiple contact lens cases I’ve accrued along the years.  Contact lens cases are great for travel. You can squirt in foundation or knife in a dab of your favorite lipstick or eye makeup for a perfect travel size container.  They are also great for pills and small jewelry.

empty tissue boxes

This is a 2-for-1 DIY home organization tip. You get to reuse an empty tissue box and find a place for your empty plastic bags. Despite the fact that I take my own reusable bags to the supermarket, I tend come home with a few plastic bags anyway. Rather than randomly stashing them underneath the kitchen sink, you can stuff them inside an empty tissue box for easy access. I use a strong double-sided tape to suspend the box to the inside of my kitchen cabinet to free up space.

label cable cords with bread clips

Ever needed to remove a device from your entertainment center? What should be a simple process becomes a puzzling feat. Bread clips can be particularly handy in this situation. It’s a brillant way to keep your cords in order. Plus it becomes extra useful when you’re getting ready to unplug everything and cord-wrangle from scratch. If your carb habit can’t keep up with the amount of cords you have, you can also cut up an empty milk or juice jug, hole punch it and voila!

In the meantime, here are some real world solutions to cut down on shoe clutter:

Shoe Storage Racks

I ordered this inexpensive shoe rack from Lowe’s this fall and it has helped tremendously. For less than $22 it actually looks more expensive. I will say that I seem to be the one who uses it the most but the price is right and I love having it in the hall when neighbors come to visit.  (Yes we have an annoying “shoes-off” policy but we also have a crawling baby so make sure your socks aren’t smelly and deal with it.)

Individual Bins for Everyone

My neighbor places a bin for each family member near the door way for all personal items-shoes, mittens, hats, etc. She empties the bins periodically when they overflow.

Shoe Clutter Basket

One big shoe basket works as well (if you have a big family, make that a huge shoe basket). This is also handy when you are having company – you can just pick up one big basket and hide it in a closet. If you are a no-shoes-in-the-house family, you can also leave a basket of slippers by the door so family members can take off outdoor shoes and “slip” into something more comfy.

Keep Shoes Organized in Bedroom Closets

A key to controlling this downstairs clutter is to encourage all family members to move their shoes upstairs to their respective rooms. All of our bedroom closets have the over-the-closet-door shoe pocket organizers that work well and free up closet space too. I also use the pockets for scarves and belts.

Cut Down on Shoes 

How many times have you come across flip flops in your shoe area in the middle of winter? If you are vigilant about cleaning out your shoes by season, you could definitely combat your shoe clutter issue. You know there are several pairs of shoes that aren’t just wearable anymore. Toss or donate them for immediate shoe clutter relief. One or two pairs of shoes tops per family member per season for everyday wear should be ready to pop on and off by your home’s main exit.

Put the Little Ones to Work

Our middle child has just been assigned shoe organization as his everyday chore.  His chore is to make sure that the shoes are put away icily on the rack. As he is only 6 years old he views it as more of a game. The best part is when he lectures my husband about leaving his shoes in random corners of the house instead of “nice and neat” like mommy likes them. To my future daughter-in-law, I say thank you.

Simple Fall Decorating Ideas

Embrace the Shorter Days of Fall We should all agree that the earlier sunset is nothing short of a downer.  But you can turn that frown upside down and light some candles at dusk.  Enjoy candlelight dinners, or simply burn some fall-scented candles when you’re done for the day.

Display the Leaves of Fall When Mother Nature starts putting on her big show, take advantage of those brilliantly colored leaves and display branches of them in big vases. You can find some great vases at Sears.

Get your Snuggle On For fall decorating ideas that are visually stimulating yet functional, we suggest that you display your chunky knit throws, velvet pillows, and any other accessory in colors that scream fall. These can make a big change in the feel of your rooms and make everything feel more comfy during autumn’s cool evening.  We love the throws at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Fall Nature Inspires DIY Leaves, acorns, and pine cones reflect the harvest mood and can be used in all sorts of ways to make your house feel seasonal. Plus, your basic materials are free — just go for a stroll! Martha Stewart has tons of creative ideas, like this acorn mirror you can make yourself.

Beautiful Fall Colors This season’s rich colors are unique and go a long way in reflecting the mood. Try a small rug in shades of brown, a pumpkin-orange glass vase filled with pine cones and yellow leaves, or a throw pillow in bright maple-leaf red.

Add Spice to Your Tables It’s easy to find table linens, glassware, and even dishes that exude the fall feel since Thanksgiving is just around the corner. You can find small decorative dessert plates and inexpensive glassware at Macy’s, Kmart or Sears that can make a big impact without the need to revamp your entire dish collection.

A Big Impact with Small Touches If you’d love to be the person who switches out her decor completely with the seasons — but your time, budget, or tolerance for shopping don’t match that ambition — just a few tweaks in small rooms can make a difference. Place a vase filled with leaves on a hall table or coffee table and surround it with gourds or mini pumpkins. Or set fall-scented candles in the bathroom and autumn-colored hand towels on the racks and we promise it will go a long way.

There! You’ve set the mood for the season without crushing your budget or cutting into your schedule. Your house is now officially ready for fall!

We look forward to reading your favorite fall decorating ideas. Please share with us in the comments section.

You’re already trying to keep up with all the latest trends in gadgetry for your family, so connecting with your kids can prove to be challenging when you are on a tight budget. Although technology certainly play its role in education and entertainment, it doesn’t replace the need for family bonding.

What kind of fun can a family have on a budget? A lot.

Family Bonding Activities

Museum Freebies

A family bonding experience can be fun and educational. Many museums offer a free day once a month and some are just plain free. You can check http://www.freemuseumday.org/ for free days in major cities or call local museums to see if they have a free day or offer any discounts on admission. Tip: Your local library might have museum tickets available for checkout. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Parks and Recreation

Speaking of local resources, have you visited your local Parks and Recreation department?  You’d be surprised at how many free or low-cost activities might be available near your home. Some public recreation centers include indoor tennis courts, gyms, board games, ping pong, basketball courts and more.  Playing games with the family while burning some calories is a win-win.

Head Outside

Remember the time when decorating your apartment meant a quick run to the nearest (insert cheapish department store of your choice here) for the minimum in home furnishings and window treatments?

Well now that you’re all grown up we know that some of you must be flabbergasted by the seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to dealing with your naked windows. Despair no more.  Smith + Noble is an amazing store that will help you transform your windows into works of art. Oh and they have some pretty snazzy discounts too.

Smith + Noble Promo Codes & Special Offers:

Click on links to activate Wantacode.com codes and deals for Smith + Noble

• 25% Off Purchase with Coupon Code
• 10% Off Site Wide with Limited Time Code
• $75 Off w/ Purchase and Code
• Free Shipping with Spend and Code
• Buy 3 Get 1 Free with Online Coupon
• $175 Off Minimum Purchase with Code
• Free Samples

Window Treatments & Coverings

Although fabric draperies and curtains still rank among the top for window coverings, there are many different types of window treatments to choose from including blinds, shades, shutters, and valances. Smith + Noble carries everything your window will need to reflect your style and respect your wallet.

Draperies

Floor-length draperies add a formal touch and make ceilings appear higher while pleated or gathered draperies with tiebacks over lace panels or sheer curtains add elegance.

Casual Pleat Drapery – Smith + Noble

Valances

Used as toppers, over sheers, lace panels or shirred and pleated draperies, valances make windows look taller, add balance to a room, and can create the appropriate mood you desire.

Box Pleat Valance – Smith + Noble

Curtains

Curtains are especially nice in kitchens and where there are short windows. Bow tiebacks, common in fabrics that easily gather and drape, add the perfect romantic touch to bedrooms. The tailored simplicity of tab curtains provides a traditional look to any room.

Cafe Curtain – Smith + Noble

Blinds

Horizontal and vertical blinds are available in vinyl and aluminum in many colors. Vertical blinds, also available in various fabrics, are perfect for patio doors, corner windows and bay windows. Horizontal blinds, used for most standard windows, adapt well to skylights and sunroom windows. Wooden blinds are also popular.

Wood Blinds – Smith + Noble

Shades

Fabric pleated or honeycomb shades coordinate with wall coverings or furniture and enhance odd-shaped, angled windows or skylights. They are available in many styles from light filtering to light blocking.

Roller Shades – Smith + Noble

Shutters

Most interior shutters are made of wood and adjustable or fixed louvers or solid panels. They may be painted or stained, and can be customized to fit any window size.

Louver Wood Shutters – Smith + Noble

Coordinate the color of your window treatments with your furniture, walls and/or rugs. Careful not to choose a busy treatment if your room has a lot going on. If you have plain/neutral decor, use your window coverings to liven up the place.

Shop Smith + Noble for the best in window treatments, hardware and home decor.   

It’s delicious, healthy and the perfect Summer treat. Here’s a quick and simple guide to adding some flame and pizzaz to some of your favorites fruits just in time for the upcoming 4th of July Holiday.

The key to grilling fruit is to prepare only the freshest fruit based on their density and ripeness. Some fruit requires more grilling time while others need to be watched closely to prevent charring.

Always be sure to turn your fruit halfway through the grilling process.

Grilling Granny Smith Apples

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes Preparation: Cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds Heat: Indirect Medium

You can marinate apples in orange juice, mint, ginger, agave or any other spices that you prefer.  Granny Smith apples would be tart versus a sweeter apple like Pink Lady Apples.

Grilling Apricots

Cooking time: 4-6 minutes Preparation: Cut in half, pit removed Heat: Direct Medium

Grilling Bananas

Grilling Pears

Cooking time: 8-10 minutes Preparation: Cut in half lengthwise Heat: Direct Medium

Grilling Pineapple

Cooking time: 8-10 minutes Preparation: Peeled & cored, cut in 1/2-inch thick rings or lengthwise into 1-inch thick wedges Heat: Direct Medium

You can marinate pineapple before grilling in a number of creative ways.  One great recipe is to create a glaze with brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, beer (yes, beer) and butter.

Grilling Strawberries

Cooking time: 5-10 minutes Heat: Direct Medium

The easiest way to grill strawberries is to skewer them so that you can flip multiples berries at a time. Eat these with cinnamon ice cream for some added indulgence.

Hope you enjoyed this mouth-watering and delicious fruit grilling guide.

Your backyard garden should be an outdoor paradise where you can relax, unwind, have fun, and smile.

If you’re looking to bring color and whimsical fun into your home and garden this year, you’ve come to the right place. Because now is the perfect time to deck your outdoor space, we’ve selected some colorful items that will certainly inspire you to have a bright summer.

Click on products images below for Home & Garden Coupon Codes, Coupons and Promo Codes

Refreshing Beverages in Brilliant Fashion

You can turn your commonplace lemonade and tea into brilliant fashion by serving them up with a brightly colored pitcher from Brylane Home.  The colorful tumbler set pictured below can also be found at Brylane Home and we assure you that you and your guests will have fun with them.

                   

Add a Splash of Color to Your Grilling 

You may opt to buy a grill that comes in a traditional color or can add a splash of color to your outdoor decor by purchasing a colorful grill. Your guests will certainly be impressed by your color choice.

Blast Summer Pests with Color  

Don’t let those pesky insects put a damper on your colorful outdoor decor.  Use rainbow colored citronella candles on your deck. You can spread them around the outer perimeter of your backyard with style.

Use Bright Cushions

Like the flowers that bloom in your garden, bright cushions will cast a splash of color over your drab outdoor furniture.   Decorate your wicker arm chairs, hammock or rocking chairs.

Colorful Furniture

Nothing brightens a bare outdoor spot like colorful outdoor furniture.  Consider the following side tables you can find at Crate & Barrel in violet and yellow.

                   

Colors So Beautiful You Could Eat the Dish

Forgo the usual white paper plates and serve your summer treats on colorful dish ware.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors for a wonderful display on your outdoor furniture.

                   

Deck your outdoor spaces with color and comfort. With a little imagination, you can turn a boring outdoor patio into the brightest spot on your property.  Now you can decorate the spot for months of summer fun.

Remember to always keep Wantacode when shopping online.

Ladies, check out the adorable new sandals at JcPenney for the Spring. Shop multiple colors to match with any Spring or Summer outfit.  Donate last season’s strappy sandals and update your shoe closet now.

Free Shipping with Code

Sandals Under $40

City Streets Tamara T-Strap

Worthington Blakely T-Strap Wedge Sandal

With pans starting as low as $16.99, Macy’s cookware selection is in full spring this season. Save 50% on Martha Stewart Cookware Collection or find yourself a brand new set of stainless steel pots guaranteed to last you for many years to come.

Extra 20% Off Plus Free Shipping with Code

Prom is just around the corner along with weddings and special occasions. Shop the large selection of formal wear dresses at Kohl’s and save hundreds of dollars.  You will find dresses of multiple cuts and designs, lengths and colors are also abundant.  Stunning outfits for women of all sizes.

20% Off with Coupon Code

City Triangles Embellished Strapless Dress

City Triangles Pleated Dress

With the season comes fantasies of summer weekends spent in the yard with family and friends. You can shop the huge array of patio furniture sets at Sears that will not disappoint.

$50 Off Patio Furniture Code

4pc Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture Conversation Set

Outdoor Bistro Set – 3 Piece Patio Furniture Set – Black Antique

Don’t forget to check Wantacode for all department store deals and department store promo codes.

Spring is in the air and lots of us are breaking out our mops and brooms so that we can attack every corner of the house with gusto and determination. Some of us our vowing not to let our homes get this disorganized again ignoring the fact that the same promise has been made in years past. But no matter. The great news is that Spring is a time to revamp our homes, clear out the clutter and prepare for another year of great living. We know that Spring cleaning and organizing is no easy task; each room in your home carrying its own set of organizational challenges.  We thought it would be fun to provide you with some helpful tips on Spring cleaning and organizing your kids’ room. Remember to have fun and bring your kids in on the action.

Spring Cleaning and Organizing Your Kids’ Room

From Their Point of View

Remember to organize your child’s room from his or her perspective.  Some of us try to make great use of wall space by adding shelving and forget to consider that your child make not be able to reach.  If you have a determined child, a difficult-to-reach toy may provoke a dangerous climbing attempt. Lay or sit on the floor if you have a toddler and look around.  Kneel if you have a child under 3 1/2 feet.

Get Rid of It

If organizing your kids’ room appears to be never-ending, it is likely that your child has too many things.  Consider donating toys and clothing that your child no longer needs or uses.  You can also sell your used childrens’ books for cash that would serve well in a college fund.  You can become a casual book seller at Alibris. Account set up is very easy. You can also sell music and movies too.

Labels are Your Friends

Whatever you decide on storage, be sure you properly label to make life easier for yourself and your kids.  You can find some excellent labels at Office Depot. To make matters even more enticing, we have multiple Office Depot promotional codes that you can apply at checkout for up to $25 Off in savings.

See-Through Storage

Sure, tossing a bunch of toys into boxes and calling it a day may be tempting, but you’ll soon find out that your are better off purchasing some heavy-duty plastic storage bins that you and your kids can easily see through.  You can find some at Office Depot in a variety of different sizes for knick-knack and larger toys and items.  Consider color coordinating with the theme of your child’s room or nursery.

Frame Art Work

Ok. You don’t have to get rid of everything. If your child is the next Van Gogh (in your eyes) than put that art work on display by framing them and hanging them on the walls.  It’s a lovely way to commemorate the passing of time and your child can reference his or her growing skills.  You don’t have to limit artwork to drawings and paintings either.  Frame that macaroni necklace so that you can admire it forever. Kohls carries some lovely frames. Be sure to visit us for some Kohls promotional codes and take up to 20% Off your order.

Hide the Clutter

Rather than stuffing your kids’ items into a closet or giving up entirely, consider a creative way to hide the clutter.  One way would be to add a curtain to your kids’ toy shelf that matches the overall them of the room.  You can also add bins that can slide underneath beds for a quit toy clean up. Designating a clutter corner that can be disguised by a large shelf is also a great way to keep the rest of your kids’ room looking organized.