Showing posts with label Serena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Serena. Show all posts
Saturday, November 28, 2015
UHeart Organizing: A Small Space Nursery DIY
I am so smitten that my contributors bring so much diversity to this blog. Some can sew and some live in apartments, while others live in completely different countries. And now, a couple of them are pregnant and one even just had a new baby {congratulations Chelsea!!}. I love that they bring a whole different element to iHeart, and feel so blessed that they all continue to partner up with me each week.
Yes, we currently have a few iHeart pregnancies in the mix! Another very warm and exciting congratulations to Serena of Pretty Fluffy blog. She is already the proud mama of a very loving pup, and now a sweet little babe will be joining her family as well. Serena is a friendship built through long distance, yet it feels like I have known her for ages. My heart burst when I heard the news, and I am so honored to have her stopping by to share some of her nursery with us today!
As a home décor-aholic, as soon as I found out I was expecting I started pinning away all sorts of inspiration for our baby girl’s nursery. There is so much out there, that it’s easy to get carried away.
(Un)lucky for me, my over the top ideas were soon reigned in by my two realities – a small budget and a small space.
Not to be defeated I created an inspiration board of what I wanted to achieve with the space – and then worked back from there.
Based on this board, my original dream nursery had a gorgeous West Elm dresser front and center. But with a $1000 price tag it was out of my reach.
But what WAS within my reach were these MALM chest of drawers from IKEA. As luck would have it, we already had a chest of these three drawers in our office. I’d bought it for stationary storage but to be honest the drawers were proving too deep to keep all my bits and bobs together and they weren’t getting used.
As I wanted 6 drawers, it was easy to buy one more set of 3 drawers and then move them both into the nursery. I laid a table topper across the top and voila – a sleek, chic storage solution.
But with me wanting to keep my pretty nursery theme from my inspiration board, they needed a bit of dressing up.
To avoid drowning in a sea of pink, I selected a range of gift wrap from the beautiful gift & homeware store Love Mae.
Cutting the pieces to size, I used a different gift wrap design for each drawer level – that not only protect the contents of the drawers but make me oh-so-happy when I open each one! I mean, one of the designs is of flamingos kissing – who doesn’t love that?
The next task was making the insides of the drawers as organized as possible. I quickly learnt that tiny baby stuff in big drawers equals one BIG mess without the right dividers.
Not wanting to cover all my gorgeous drawer lining I opted against using IKEA’s easy fit storage bins and instead went with rustic white baskets.
Drawer one consisted on all of the baby’s towels, wraps and bath time needs. The added bonus is the basket is completely removable and portable so it’s super easy to grab on the go at bath time.
Drawer two & three are filled with baby’s outfits for the first few months (lots of pink in these drawers!) all organized by size – so it’s easy to grab and go when I’m in a zombie like state of sleep deprivation! Again the storage baskets came in handy for storage the teeniest tiny items like socks, shoes and hats.
Drawers four, five & six are all used for extra diapers and linen with space left over for all of those things I’ve forgotten! The magic is with so much space, as our baby grows we’ll be able to reconfigure the drawers as necessary.
Lastly, the drawers-come-dresser also had to double as our change table. (Did I mention we are low on space?) Lucky for us, with their long width they are actually the perfect size for a changing mat.
Using matching baskets I then added all the must-have items for changing - diapers, wipes and lotions. I used recycled jars for storing cotton wool balls – making sure every single item was within reach using one arm only.
Finishing off the space with a cute elephant print, I couldn’t believe it. I’d made this space for less than half of what my dream dresser would have cost.
What did I learn during this whole process?
And do you know what? I think I like this new space more than my original dream nursery! I hope our future daughter enjoys it just as much.
For more images and list of products and furnishings visit the full Nursery Tour here.
If you have any tips for a newborn nursery, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
Read more »
Yes, we currently have a few iHeart pregnancies in the mix! Another very warm and exciting congratulations to Serena of Pretty Fluffy blog. She is already the proud mama of a very loving pup, and now a sweet little babe will be joining her family as well. Serena is a friendship built through long distance, yet it feels like I have known her for ages. My heart burst when I heard the news, and I am so honored to have her stopping by to share some of her nursery with us today!
As a home décor-aholic, as soon as I found out I was expecting I started pinning away all sorts of inspiration for our baby girl’s nursery. There is so much out there, that it’s easy to get carried away.
(Un)lucky for me, my over the top ideas were soon reigned in by my two realities – a small budget and a small space.
Not to be defeated I created an inspiration board of what I wanted to achieve with the space – and then worked back from there.
 |
| INSPIRATION BOARD CREDITS (Clockwise from Top Left): Pottery Barn Kids, On To Baby, On To Baby, Love Mae, Etsy. |
Based on this board, my original dream nursery had a gorgeous West Elm dresser front and center. But with a $1000 price tag it was out of my reach.
But what WAS within my reach were these MALM chest of drawers from IKEA. As luck would have it, we already had a chest of these three drawers in our office. I’d bought it for stationary storage but to be honest the drawers were proving too deep to keep all my bits and bobs together and they weren’t getting used.
As I wanted 6 drawers, it was easy to buy one more set of 3 drawers and then move them both into the nursery. I laid a table topper across the top and voila – a sleek, chic storage solution.
But with me wanting to keep my pretty nursery theme from my inspiration board, they needed a bit of dressing up.
To avoid drowning in a sea of pink, I selected a range of gift wrap from the beautiful gift & homeware store Love Mae.
Cutting the pieces to size, I used a different gift wrap design for each drawer level – that not only protect the contents of the drawers but make me oh-so-happy when I open each one! I mean, one of the designs is of flamingos kissing – who doesn’t love that?
The next task was making the insides of the drawers as organized as possible. I quickly learnt that tiny baby stuff in big drawers equals one BIG mess without the right dividers.
Not wanting to cover all my gorgeous drawer lining I opted against using IKEA’s easy fit storage bins and instead went with rustic white baskets.
Drawer one consisted on all of the baby’s towels, wraps and bath time needs. The added bonus is the basket is completely removable and portable so it’s super easy to grab on the go at bath time.
Drawer two & three are filled with baby’s outfits for the first few months (lots of pink in these drawers!) all organized by size – so it’s easy to grab and go when I’m in a zombie like state of sleep deprivation! Again the storage baskets came in handy for storage the teeniest tiny items like socks, shoes and hats.
Drawers four, five & six are all used for extra diapers and linen with space left over for all of those things I’ve forgotten! The magic is with so much space, as our baby grows we’ll be able to reconfigure the drawers as necessary.
Lastly, the drawers-come-dresser also had to double as our change table. (Did I mention we are low on space?) Lucky for us, with their long width they are actually the perfect size for a changing mat.
Using matching baskets I then added all the must-have items for changing - diapers, wipes and lotions. I used recycled jars for storing cotton wool balls – making sure every single item was within reach using one arm only.
Finishing off the space with a cute elephant print, I couldn’t believe it. I’d made this space for less than half of what my dream dresser would have cost.
What did I learn during this whole process?
- There is ALWAYS an alternative budget option for that dream piece. It just may take a bit more time and effort to find it.
- The details make all the difference – I still smile every time I open those drawers and see the DIY liners.
- Going with pre-fitted storage (like IKEA boxes etc) can be easy, but to add more personality to your space, experiment with other shapes, ranges and recycled/repurposed pieces.
- Kissing flamingos are the bomb.
And do you know what? I think I like this new space more than my original dream nursery! I hope our future daughter enjoys it just as much.
For more images and list of products and furnishings visit the full Nursery Tour here.
If you have any tips for a newborn nursery, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
Thursday, November 26, 2015
UHeart Organizing: Florals for the Home
Spring and summer have always been my favorite seasons, and one of the many reasons I adore them is because they allow me to head to the garden and yard to pick fresh greenery for our home. Florals, branches and plants add so much life to a room; plus they look and smell great! During our colder months, I find myself heading to the grocery store frequently to pick up a small bouquets of pretties. I sprinkle them around our home so that I can enjoy a little bit of color and life all year long. I truly believe that flowers and plants are food for the soul.
My fantastic friend and contributor, Serena of Pretty Fluffy blog, is joining us today to share some of her floral arranging tips. Considering I typically just chop and plop my flowers into nearby vase, I am super excited to soak up her advice. Now, if someone could figure out scratch and sniff computer monitors, we would be extra lucky today!
How To DIY Floral Arrangements At Home
When you look at any home magazine shoot you’re almost always guaranteed to see a bunch of fresh flowers in the shot.
In fact, editors are often known to turn up to home tour shoots armed with bunches upon bunches of flowers to brighten up the spaces they’re shooting.
But for most of us, ordering fresh flowers every week is not making it into our household budget. Eating tinned spaghetti all week to buy a bunch of roses retail? Grumpy cat says no.
But with just a few tools, and some easy tricks, you CAN have beautiful blooms at home – no tinned spaghetti required!
YOUR KIT
Just like an artist, you need the right tools to get the best results. To start up your first floristry kit you’ll need…
1. Floral Scissors – These are specialty scissors designed to cut through the stems cleanly while being easy on your hands. You can also use a florist knife instead of scissors, but frankly for those of us just starting out, I’d stick to the scissors to save your fingertips from some American Psycho level damage.
Read more »
My fantastic friend and contributor, Serena of Pretty Fluffy blog, is joining us today to share some of her floral arranging tips. Considering I typically just chop and plop my flowers into nearby vase, I am super excited to soak up her advice. Now, if someone could figure out scratch and sniff computer monitors, we would be extra lucky today!
How To DIY Floral Arrangements At Home
When you look at any home magazine shoot you’re almost always guaranteed to see a bunch of fresh flowers in the shot.
In fact, editors are often known to turn up to home tour shoots armed with bunches upon bunches of flowers to brighten up the spaces they’re shooting.
But for most of us, ordering fresh flowers every week is not making it into our household budget. Eating tinned spaghetti all week to buy a bunch of roses retail? Grumpy cat says no.
But with just a few tools, and some easy tricks, you CAN have beautiful blooms at home – no tinned spaghetti required!
 |
| (Pictured: ‘Like a Boss’ Coffee Mug by Saffron Avenue, ‘All You Need is Love & a Dog’ Print by Pretty Fluffy, Diamond Notepad by Kikki K, Vintage Vases) |
YOUR KIT
Just like an artist, you need the right tools to get the best results. To start up your first floristry kit you’ll need…
1. Floral Scissors – These are specialty scissors designed to cut through the stems cleanly while being easy on your hands. You can also use a florist knife instead of scissors, but frankly for those of us just starting out, I’d stick to the scissors to save your fingertips from some American Psycho level damage.
2. Rose Stripper – A pre-Rock of Love Bret Michaels told us that, "Every rose has it’s thorn"… and unless you want those thorns embedded in your palms, you’ll want to grab a rose stripper. You just wrap it around the stem and pull down. As you pull all those pesky thorns and foliage comes with it.
3. Secateurs – These babies are for heavy-duty stems – like thick foliage – that just can’t be tamed by your scissors.
4. Buckets – Any kind of vessel will do, but it’s handy to have 2 buckets or bins on hand. One filled with water to keep your blooms nourished as you create. The second as a waste bin so you can work straight into it and avoid a lot of mess.
Depending on what floral arrangements you want to make you can also add these additional items at any time:
DIY AT HOME BOUQUET
Bouquets make a perfect gift for a friend (or for yourself). Here’s how to be totally that annoying person who goes, “Oh this little bouquet? I just whipped it together while I was watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
1. Prepare your work area. You’ll need a clean workspace, your scissors and floral tie/string handy. On the floor place your bucket of blooms in water, as well as your empty bucket for off-cuts.
 |
| (Pictured: Oasis Rose and Stem Stripper, Oasis Secateurs, Koch Florist and Craft Heavy Duty Scissors) |
Depending on what floral arrangements you want to make you can also add these additional items at any time:
- Florist ties and/or string for tying bouquets
- Florist wire for decorative elements and displays
- Cellophane, raffia, brown and decorative paper for bouquets
- Florist pot tape and parafilm for securing arrangement elements
- Apron to protect your clothes! I love these ones by Oatmeal Lace Design on Etsy.
DIY AT HOME BOUQUET
Bouquets make a perfect gift for a friend (or for yourself). Here’s how to be totally that annoying person who goes, “Oh this little bouquet? I just whipped it together while I was watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
1. Prepare your work area. You’ll need a clean workspace, your scissors and floral tie/string handy. On the floor place your bucket of blooms in water, as well as your empty bucket for off-cuts.
2. Prep your flowers. Grab your rose stripper and strip all leaves/thorns below water level. Usually leave only a few leaves up near the top of the stem – depending on the flower and the look you’re going for.
3. Prep your foliage. Greenery usually comes off hedges, bushes and trees in great big chunks. Using your secateurs cut it down to more manageable pieces that will fit into a bouquet.
4. Start your bouquet using a floristry technique called ‘Spiraling’ or ‘Swirling’. Have you ever noticed how a professional bouquet has a circular shape to the base? That’s what florists do to make the flowers sit safely and gently together to form the beautiful bouquets they do. Here’s how you do it…
5. Finally, using your floristry scissors trim each stem at an angle and either pop your bouquet straight into a vase - or, if it’s a gift, wrap in cellophane/decorative paper.
AT HOME VASE ARRANGEMENT
Ever gotten a bunch of flowers only to have them fall in to a hot mess once you placed them in a vase at home? Yep, we’ve all been there. Here’s how to avoid this floral fail.
1. Start with a clean vase filled with fresh, lukewarm water. Any dirt or bacteria in the container or water will shorten the length of your flowers, so you want to keep it clean.
2. Create a grid with tape across the top of your vase. Using long strips of tape, place them horizontally and vertically across the top of your vase leaving you with a grid in which you can place your flowers. No more falling over flowers!
3. Prep your flowers. Grab your handy stripper and strip all leaves/thorns below water level. Cut each stem at an angle and place it directly back into your bucket of clean water. It can only take a few seconds before the ends start to seal.
4. Working one by one, arrange your flowers by placing them in the grid in groups. Experiment with different heights, textures and color groupings as you go. Voila! You’re done.
HANDY TIPS
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
3. Prep your foliage. Greenery usually comes off hedges, bushes and trees in great big chunks. Using your secateurs cut it down to more manageable pieces that will fit into a bouquet.
4. Start your bouquet using a floristry technique called ‘Spiraling’ or ‘Swirling’. Have you ever noticed how a professional bouquet has a circular shape to the base? That’s what florists do to make the flowers sit safely and gently together to form the beautiful bouquets they do. Here’s how you do it…
- Start with one strong stem and hold it upright in your left hand.
- Grab your second stem and place it on TOP of the first stem with the bottom of the stem pointing at an angle to the LEFT.
- Keep on adding your foliage and flowers this way twisting the bunch in an anti-clockwise direction – your left hand will continue to hold the bouquet and your right hand will select each bloom and place it where it needs to go.
- Keep an eye on the top of your bouquet as you work through. How is it looking? Is there enough color variation, are all the flowers sitting at a similar height?
- When you get to nearing the end (and your left hand is about to go numb!) take a tie or your piece of string and wrap as close to the base as possible to hold your bouquet in place. Congratulations! You’ve spiraled like a boss.
5. Finally, using your floristry scissors trim each stem at an angle and either pop your bouquet straight into a vase - or, if it’s a gift, wrap in cellophane/decorative paper.
AT HOME VASE ARRANGEMENT
Ever gotten a bunch of flowers only to have them fall in to a hot mess once you placed them in a vase at home? Yep, we’ve all been there. Here’s how to avoid this floral fail.
1. Start with a clean vase filled with fresh, lukewarm water. Any dirt or bacteria in the container or water will shorten the length of your flowers, so you want to keep it clean.
2. Create a grid with tape across the top of your vase. Using long strips of tape, place them horizontally and vertically across the top of your vase leaving you with a grid in which you can place your flowers. No more falling over flowers!
3. Prep your flowers. Grab your handy stripper and strip all leaves/thorns below water level. Cut each stem at an angle and place it directly back into your bucket of clean water. It can only take a few seconds before the ends start to seal.
4. Working one by one, arrange your flowers by placing them in the grid in groups. Experiment with different heights, textures and color groupings as you go. Voila! You’re done.
HANDY TIPS
- To literally cut half or quarter of your flower spending, always go to your local market to get flowers direct from the supplier. Even better, why not start growing your own flowers and foliage in your own garden?
- When it comes to flowers, the early bird gets the worm. Some florists get to the flower markets at 4 a.m. to ensure they get the best flowers! If you would prefer to be snuggled up in bed at that time, never fear. Simply find a grower at the market that you can pre-order your blooms with. If you pay in advance or leave a deposit you can then pick them up later in the morning.
- Want to get the freshest flowers at the market? Old flowers will often have browning stem ends (where they’ve been cut) and yellowing leaves – steer clear of these ones.
- When choosing your flowers stick to two to three main colors that work together and don’t be afraid to add foliage for depth.
- If you’re after a particular type of flower always check that it’s in season to avoid disappointment (or paying through the nose for it). A lot of florists have handy guides (like this one) where you can see when flowers should be available. Remember, if you’re using an Internet resource for flowers, make sure it is one local to your area – knowing when peonies are blooming in New Zealand isn’t going to help you unless you’re in New Zealand!
- Get creative with your arrangements. You don’t need an expensive, fancy vase to make your flowers look good - old jars make a great vessel for flowers. Break up big bouquets into little arrangements and scatter around your house to enjoy your flowers in every room.
- Do a course! I learned all of the above tips and skills taking a course, but check with florists in your area to find a local class – trust me, it’s a lot of fun!
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"Wednesday, November 25, 2015
UHeart Organizing: "Makeup" a Beautiful Organization System!
Organizing makeup is fun for all sorts of reasons, but mainly because you get to combine beauty supplies with organizing. It sounds like a girly fantasy if you ask me! And if I am all alone on makeup organizing fantasy island, maybe you will be inspired to join me after checking out Serena's makeup organization system. Here she is now!
One of my new years resolutions was to branch outside my comfort zone for makeup. I’ve always been a sucker for beauty products, but when I was gifted this amazing book {which by the way I had on my Pinterest wishlist for months - if you pin it, it will come!} I knew I had to up my game.
Since then I’ve embraced contouring, mastered smokey eyes and developed a strange addiction to highlighters…but my proudest achievement would fhave to be my freshly organized makeup station.
MAKEUP STORAGE
Initially my plan was to copy Kim Kardashian completelyand start dating a rapper who creates scenes at televised awards shows and get one of these acrylic makeup towers.
However a quick perusal of Google taught me these professional makeup organizers cost upwards of $100. I decided until I had my own reality show, I wasn’t going to be wanting to spend that much. I needed a cheaper version that was just as pretty and just as functional.
Enter my local office supplies store. I was able to pick up this baby for just $14.95. It’s meant for paper, but my makeup doesn’t need to know that.
The only thing it didn’t have was compartments within the drawers themselves to section of the various makeup goodies I planned to store inside.
Being on a budget, I really didn’t want to buy more dividers and trays to go within the organizer…and then it hit me. Those gorgeous Kate Spade boxes I’d been saving up because they were too pretty to throw away? They would make the most perfect, cheerful dividers!
I simply fixed them to the drawers with double sided tape to prevent sliding and behold my makeup organizer was born!
Each drawer now has its own compartment – primers and foundations at the bottom, eyes next, and then powders, highlighters and bronzers, with make-up sponges, Q-Tips and cotton pads up the top. Now when I want something I simply open that drawer and grab it – no digging!
BRUSH STORAGE & CLEANING
For my brushes, I knew I wanted to keep them in open air for easy access, cleaning and drying time. A cute vintage cup fit them perfectly, but I hated the sight of the big old makeup cleaner bottle sitting next to it. {And lets face it, if you don’t keep the makeup cleaner near the brushes, those brushes aren’t getting cleaned.}
Enter a recycled perfume bottle. I simple got an old perfume bottle {which I has hoarded put away with my ‘pretty’ Kate Spade boxes}, washed it thoroughly, and filled with my makeup brush cleaner.
Now, when I finish using a brush I simply give it a spray of cleaner, wipe off the excess and put the brush back good as new. I still give them a proper heavy duty cleaning every few months, but this way I can keep my makeup brushes clean with no fuss.
SPRING CLEANING
The last step in my makeup organization quest was to work out a way to keep things organized long term. I did so by creating this laminated cheat sheet - which I’ve totally made into a free printable for you – DOWNLOAD HERE.
The cheat sheet reminds me how long I should keep my makeup products and when I should replace them.
To work this out, I simply started attaching a sticker with the date on each new makeup purchase. So now, whenever I need to spring clean my makeup I just grab my cheat sheet and look at the dates on my makeup to work out what can stay and what needs to be replaced.
I have to say, having this makeup station has inspired me to be more creative with makeup, but it also makes it quicker for me to get ready and out the door every morning. And to think it cost me less than $20!
What do you use to store your makeup? Do you have any makeup organization tips that you think I should try next?
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends.
My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
Read more »
One of my new years resolutions was to branch outside my comfort zone for makeup. I’ve always been a sucker for beauty products, but when I was gifted this amazing book {which by the way I had on my Pinterest wishlist for months - if you pin it, it will come!} I knew I had to up my game.
Since then I’ve embraced contouring, mastered smokey eyes and developed a strange addiction to highlighters…but my proudest achievement would fhave to be my freshly organized makeup station.
MAKEUP STORAGE
Initially my plan was to copy Kim Kardashian completely
However a quick perusal of Google taught me these professional makeup organizers cost upwards of $100. I decided until I had my own reality show, I wasn’t going to be wanting to spend that much. I needed a cheaper version that was just as pretty and just as functional.
Enter my local office supplies store. I was able to pick up this baby for just $14.95. It’s meant for paper, but my makeup doesn’t need to know that.
The only thing it didn’t have was compartments within the drawers themselves to section of the various makeup goodies I planned to store inside.
Being on a budget, I really didn’t want to buy more dividers and trays to go within the organizer…and then it hit me. Those gorgeous Kate Spade boxes I’d been saving up because they were too pretty to throw away? They would make the most perfect, cheerful dividers!
I simply fixed them to the drawers with double sided tape to prevent sliding and behold my makeup organizer was born!
Each drawer now has its own compartment – primers and foundations at the bottom, eyes next, and then powders, highlighters and bronzers, with make-up sponges, Q-Tips and cotton pads up the top. Now when I want something I simply open that drawer and grab it – no digging!
BRUSH STORAGE & CLEANING
For my brushes, I knew I wanted to keep them in open air for easy access, cleaning and drying time. A cute vintage cup fit them perfectly, but I hated the sight of the big old makeup cleaner bottle sitting next to it. {And lets face it, if you don’t keep the makeup cleaner near the brushes, those brushes aren’t getting cleaned.}
Enter a recycled perfume bottle. I simple got an old perfume bottle {which I has hoarded put away with my ‘pretty’ Kate Spade boxes}, washed it thoroughly, and filled with my makeup brush cleaner.
Now, when I finish using a brush I simply give it a spray of cleaner, wipe off the excess and put the brush back good as new. I still give them a proper heavy duty cleaning every few months, but this way I can keep my makeup brushes clean with no fuss.
SPRING CLEANING
The last step in my makeup organization quest was to work out a way to keep things organized long term. I did so by creating this laminated cheat sheet - which I’ve totally made into a free printable for you – DOWNLOAD HERE.
The cheat sheet reminds me how long I should keep my makeup products and when I should replace them.
To work this out, I simply started attaching a sticker with the date on each new makeup purchase. So now, whenever I need to spring clean my makeup I just grab my cheat sheet and look at the dates on my makeup to work out what can stay and what needs to be replaced.
I have to say, having this makeup station has inspired me to be more creative with makeup, but it also makes it quicker for me to get ready and out the door every morning. And to think it cost me less than $20!
What do you use to store your makeup? Do you have any makeup organization tips that you think I should try next?
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends.
My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
UHeart Organizing: 7 Top Tips for Selling on eBay
With our big storage room project in full swing, we have stocked our guest room with purged pieces we hope to sell on eBay and Craigslist. Garage sale season has come and gone, so hitting up the web to shed our excess items is the ideal way to go. Knowing that, I couldn't be more thrilled that Serena is stopping by to shed some light on the subject. Here is my darling friend now!
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
Read more »
Anyone who knows me knows how much I like to spring clean. I spring clean in summer, I spring clean in winter, I spring clean in fall…and you better believe I spring clean in spring!
Like every organized spring cleaner, at the end of the purge I have my four piles – KEEP, REPAIR, DONATE and SELL.
SELL piles can be tricky. Do you have a garage sale, put up a flyer at work, ask family and friends?
My go-to way to move that SELL pile? Online. For me that’s always been eBay. For over a decade I’ve used it to sell clothes, furniture, trinkets gadgets and more. Because it’s true – what is your trash can definitely be someone else’s treasure.
So from my 10+ years experience, here are my top 7 tips for selling online and on eBay.
1. REEVALUATE YOUR SELL & DONATE PILES
Before you even contemplate selling on eBay or online, first think about what your time is worth.
If you have a couple of old tea towels, a worn pair of tennis shoes and a box set of The Hills with one DVD missing, you’re probably better off transferring them to the donation box.
To sell things on eBay you have to photograph them, list and describe them. Then you have to liaise with buyers, answer their questions and should you be lucky to sell, you then need to organize payment and postage. This all takes time.
So if you think you’re only going to make a few dollars, work out if that is really worth your time.
2. KNOW YOUR WORTH
Before listing anything on eBay have a quick click around to see what the product is you’re selling is listed for on eBay and other sites like Amazon, Net-A-Porter etc. If an online discount store is selling that Weekend At Bernie’s poster for $9.99, there’s no use in you listing yours for the $50 you think it’s worth.
On the other hand if you have a unique or collectible item you can really name your price. Rumor has it a teenage Kim Kardashian made over $12,000 buying up rare designer shoes and selling them for a premium on eBay.
Brand names always work well, so don’t be scared to price your reserve at a fair number.
3. SELL SEASONALLY
Got some winter boots that you don’t need anymore? Or a summer kaftan you never used? Try and sell them at the start of the season.
As a general rule, people will be looking for winter items in fall/winter and summer items in spring/summer.
Same goes for the holidays – if you’ve got decorations and gift items try and get in early for Halloween, Christmas etc so people know their goodies will arrive in time.
4. THINK ABOUT WHY YOU BOUGHT IT!
When writing the description about the product you’re selling, think back to why you originally bought it.
If it’s clothing - did it give you a slimmer silhouette? Or was it a piece of jewelry that went with everything? Was it a desk chair that was super comfy?
Whatever it is, your description should not only list WHAT the product is, but WHY people will love it.
5. TAKE GOOD PHOTOS
A good photo can make or break your listing.
Make sure clothing is freshly ironed, shoes are cleaned, other products are dusted and in their best condition. Try to ensure the photo shows the product’s true size, colors and detail.
There’s nothing worse than buying something online only to find out it looks nothing like the photo.
Photograph on a plain background in natural light and ensure the final shot is in focus. Try to get details shots where possible so people can see exactly what they’re buying.
6. BE HONEST
If the lining has a tear, the wood finish is scratched or the shoes are scuffed – be honest about it and include it in your description. Trying to hide defects will always come back to bite you and will cost you more time and trouble in the end.
If you don’t want to list a photo of the defect, that’s ok. But always have one on standby so if someone asks you for it you can email it straight away.
If you’re upfront about any defects people will trust you and be more likely to buy from you.
7. PACKAGE IT UP PRETTY
The last step is a small point, but an important one.
If you’ve been lucky enough to sell your item, finish the transaction on a high note. Package your item up safely in tissue paper (and bubble wrap if it’s breakable) for a nice touch, and always post your item out on time.
It’s these little details that will make people give you positive feedback and maybe they’ll even become return customers if you list again!
So now over to you! What do you do with your unwanted items after a clean up?
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"Saturday, November 21, 2015
UHeart Organizing: Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby & Mom
I love that my contributors are filling my blog with baby content, because I am eight years out of diapers (I mean out of purchasing them, not wearing them to set the record straight) and I know I have a lot of expecting and new parents that check in. Serena sent me this post a few weeks ago, and has since welcomed a beautiful baby girl. I couldn't be more thrilled for her and her growing family, you can see her most recent baby update on her blog here.
Today, Serena is sharing with us a fantastically thought-out hospital bag checklist. Boy do I wish I would have had this list when I gave birth. So good and totally spot on!
With my first bub due any minute, the last few weeks I’ve been madly rushing around trying to get as much organized as possible before the baby comes.
Some of my errands have been practical (baby first aid course), and some ummmmm not so practical (tracking down perfectly pink baby moccasins – they sure are cute though!)
The one task I have made sure was completed was my hospital bag.
To me the hospital bag is so much more than the basics. It’s about everything you need plus a few little luxuries to help you along as you navigate the waters of the first few days of parenthood.
So without further adieu, here are my fave picks for the ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist…
FOR YOU
FOR BABY
FOR YOUR PARTNER
What’s the #1 item you packed in your hospital bag that you would recommend to everyone? What didn’t you use?
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
Read more »
Today, Serena is sharing with us a fantastically thought-out hospital bag checklist. Boy do I wish I would have had this list when I gave birth. So good and totally spot on!
With my first bub due any minute, the last few weeks I’ve been madly rushing around trying to get as much organized as possible before the baby comes.
Some of my errands have been practical (baby first aid course), and some ummmmm not so practical (tracking down perfectly pink baby moccasins – they sure are cute though!)
The one task I have made sure was completed was my hospital bag.
To me the hospital bag is so much more than the basics. It’s about everything you need plus a few little luxuries to help you along as you navigate the waters of the first few days of parenthood.
So without further adieu, here are my fave picks for the ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist…
FOR YOU
- Dressing Gown (Pictured: Pretty Plum Sugar Maternity Robe) – The perfect lightweight cover up for early labor and later on when you’re in the maternity ward.
- Slippers and Socks (Pictured: Peter Alexander Slippers) – Is it just me or do your feet get FREEZING in hospital? Have some bedtime socks and daytime slippers will keep your tootsies warm.
- Flip flops – Great for getting around and can be also worn in the shower if you like.
- PJs
- Comfortable clothes for around the hospital (Pictured: Country Road Tee) - Our hospital recommends new mums ditch the PJs as soon as they can to feel more themselves again.
- Nursing Bras (Pictured: Chloe & Lola Nursing Bras) – Or comfortable support wear depending on your nursing plans.
- Comfy Underwear – The best advice I’ve received is to bring a bunch of Bridget Jones style granny panties for the days after labor. Don’t worry Hugh Grant probably won’t be visiting (and if he is – lucky you!)
- Pillow – To ensure when you’re getting a chance to sleep, you sleep well on your own familiar pillow. I’ve also been told the tip of making sure the pillow case is not white so it’s doesn’t get mistaken for a hospital one.
- Magazines – Apparently TV has taught us nothing and the birth process isn’t over and done with in minutes. Having something to read during down time before and after birth comes in handy.
- Recovery Shorts or Belly Bands (Pictured: SRC Recovery Shorts) – If you’re planning on using these during your recovery it’s recommended you have them on hand so you can start using them as soon as your midwife allows.
- Going Home Outfit – Keeping in mind you’ll still look 6 months pregnant when leaving, I opted for something comfy that still felt ‘pretty’. Ya know just in case the paparazzi were waiting for me just like they did with Kim Kardashian. A girl’s gotta be prepared!
- Basic Toiletries including Toothbrush, toothpaste, face cleanser, moisturizer, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, body wash and lotion (Pictured: Milk & Co Body Scrub & Lotion) – I found the easiest way to be prepared was to have new items (i.e. toothbrush) or travel containers (i.e. for face cleanser) so the bag was ready to go as is and nothing has to be taken from my bathroom when the time came.
- Lip Balm (Pictured: Kiehls Lip Balm #1)– As someone who has spent some time in hospital, you need to keep those lips moisturized 24/7 unless you want cracked dragon lips! I would even err on the side of taking two in case you lose one.
- Hairbrush/Hairbands/Hairdryer/Dry Shampoo – Depending on your needs you can take some or all of these. As someone who resembles a cavewoman with just a slightest bit of moisture; having some dry shampoo and a hair band for a simple ponytail in those post-birth days will make everything easier.
- Tissues
- Stretch Mark Cream (Pictured: Palmers Stretch Mark Cream)– Beauty experts recommend you keep slathering on this stuff for 12 weeks post birth. Plus the brand I use smells like waffles, so I may even go longer than that…
- Maternity Pads (Pictured: Tom Organic Maternity Pads)
- Nursing Pads (Pictured: Pigeon Nursing Pads)
- Make-up – As much or as little as you want. For some, it is neither here nor there, for others it’s a nice pick me up to feel fresh for photos.
FOR BABY
- Going Home Outfit - Onesie/Hat/Socks (Pictured: Cotton On Baby Onesie // Seed Farm Animal Socks) – Most hospitals provide clothes for your new bub for the duration of their stay. So all you need is their fancy outfit for their societal debut. Which they will probably vomit all over before anyone sees them.
- Swaddle Wraps – Again the hospital will probably provide these, but if you have a brand you want to get used to, you can always bring your own.
- Baby Blanket (Pictured: Pottery Barn Kids Blanket)
- Nursing Pillow (Pictured: Milkbar Nursing Pillow) – If you have a particular pillow you’d like to use, best to use it from the start.
- Car Seat – Make sure that it has been fitted professionally, so your first trip home with baby is a safe one.
- Nappies/Wipes – These are usually provided by the hospital, but again if you want to get used to a certain type, you can bring your own.
FOR YOUR PARTNER
- Birth Plan – If you have one.
- All IDs, Insurance Papers & Important Documents
- Spare Pens – To fill in the multitude of forms thrown your way.
- Massage Oil/Heat Pack for labor.
- Swimming shorts – In case they decide to go to the beach while you’re in labor. Actually no – it’s in case they join you in the bath and/or birth pool during the labor. Good luck to them if they actually take off to the beach.
- Snacks/Drinks – Depending on your hospital and situation you may not be allowed to eat during labor, but just in case it’s nice to know your favorites are on hand.
- Camera and charger – This is one time you don’t want the battery to be dead!
- Mobile phone/s and charger – Our hospital recommended making sure all your important and emergency numbers were saved into your favorites. If you’re using your phone for music, have your favorite tunes preloaded in too.
- Optional Extra: A list of all the foods you want to eat once that baby’s out! Sushi and champagne anyone? Ha ha!
What’s the #1 item you packed in your hospital bag that you would recommend to everyone? What didn’t you use?
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"Wednesday, November 18, 2015
UHeart Organizing: Ice Ice Baby - Getting Organized with Ice Cube Trays
As an organizing fanatic, there is nothing better than finding a product that can do double duty. But what if you found a product with at least 25 helpful uses? Can you imagine the crazy excited cartwheels that would take place? Serena, the genius behind Pretty Fluffy blog, has been having a recent love affair with ice cube trays. You may be wondering why... Or how ice cube trays can really be all that amazing?
Well, no need to question it any longer. Serena is here to share 25 ways ice cube trays can help you all around the home. Let's give her a nice and warm welcome!
My love affair with ice cube trays is a new one. While I’ve always used them for ice (duh!) it’s only recently since making baby food for my daughter, that I have jumped deep into the world of ice cube trays and discovered there’s really nothing they can’t do.
Over the last 6 months I have frozen so much you can call me Elsa. I’ve tried all sorts of ice cube trays and found the best ones, and trialed everything from freezing baby food to cocktails. I’ve cleaned out my freezer and now that baby is my pride and joy filled with all my frozen goodies.
I’ve discovered these handy little trays really are a go-to tool for any organized household. They save you money by preventing wastage, they save you time by helping you prepare ahead, and they save you space by neatly stacking away oh so easily.
I hope by the end of this post, you’ll love them as much as me!
ICE CUBE TRAYS – MY FAVORITES
While any old ice cube tray will do, the ice cube trays below have become my secret freezing weapons. There is literally a tray for every purpose…
For: Style Savvy At Home Chefs
Choose: Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays
I love these trays as they produce perfectly square cubes – each equal to 1oz. So if you love cooking at home, or just want to make meal and snack times easy as possible while looking fabulous at the same time, these trays are for you. The BPA-Free silicon design makes it easy to set and freeze, with your cubes sliding out perfectly each time. Dishwasher safe, I love that they come in a range of cute colors too!
For: Time-Poor Peeps
Choose: Qubies
Whether you’re a busy executive preparing your morning smoothie, or a new mum like me cooking baby food – you want the job done fast, but don’t want to sacrifice quality. With Qubies upside down ice cube trays, there’s no fuss spooning your mixtures into individual squares. You simply pour into the one tray, pop on the molded silicon lid with dividers and you’re done. Qubies are BPA, phthalate & PVC free, dishwasher safe and their slimline design means they will fit anywhere in your freezer. I don’t have a deep freeze – just a freezer door on my fridge, so these are a godsend when I’m cramming everything in there.
For: The Ultimate Entertainers
Choose: Sunny Life Ice Cube Trays
Sunny Life makes ice cubes fun! Their trays come in a variety of designs (think pineapple, flamingo and seahorse shapes) and vibrant colors. Made from 100% silicone they are dishwasher and freezer safe. Whether you’re making fruity snacks for a kid’s birthday party or cocktails for a summer soiree, these trays will put the fun in freezing. When I use mine they totally have me thinking I’m in the movie Cocktail with Tom Cruise.
25 WAYS TO USE ICE CUBE TRAYS
Here are my favorite ways right now I’ve been using ice cube trays…
For Pets
For Babies & Young Children
For the Home
For Meals & Leftovers
For Drinks, Snacks & Sweets
FREEZER ORGANIZATION
Now that I have all of these fabulous way to use ice cube trays, the last step was to make sure my freezer didn’t become a hot mess of trays and bags. Enter a simple filing system:
Whew! Who could of thought one tray could do so much?
What are your favorite ways to use ice-cube trays in your home?
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
Read more »
Well, no need to question it any longer. Serena is here to share 25 ways ice cube trays can help you all around the home. Let's give her a nice and warm welcome!
My love affair with ice cube trays is a new one. While I’ve always used them for ice (duh!) it’s only recently since making baby food for my daughter, that I have jumped deep into the world of ice cube trays and discovered there’s really nothing they can’t do.
Over the last 6 months I have frozen so much you can call me Elsa. I’ve tried all sorts of ice cube trays and found the best ones, and trialed everything from freezing baby food to cocktails. I’ve cleaned out my freezer and now that baby is my pride and joy filled with all my frozen goodies.
I’ve discovered these handy little trays really are a go-to tool for any organized household. They save you money by preventing wastage, they save you time by helping you prepare ahead, and they save you space by neatly stacking away oh so easily.
I hope by the end of this post, you’ll love them as much as me!
ICE CUBE TRAYS – MY FAVORITES
While any old ice cube tray will do, the ice cube trays below have become my secret freezing weapons. There is literally a tray for every purpose…
For: Style Savvy At Home Chefs
Choose: Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Trays
I love these trays as they produce perfectly square cubes – each equal to 1oz. So if you love cooking at home, or just want to make meal and snack times easy as possible while looking fabulous at the same time, these trays are for you. The BPA-Free silicon design makes it easy to set and freeze, with your cubes sliding out perfectly each time. Dishwasher safe, I love that they come in a range of cute colors too!
For: Time-Poor Peeps
Choose: Qubies
Whether you’re a busy executive preparing your morning smoothie, or a new mum like me cooking baby food – you want the job done fast, but don’t want to sacrifice quality. With Qubies upside down ice cube trays, there’s no fuss spooning your mixtures into individual squares. You simply pour into the one tray, pop on the molded silicon lid with dividers and you’re done. Qubies are BPA, phthalate & PVC free, dishwasher safe and their slimline design means they will fit anywhere in your freezer. I don’t have a deep freeze – just a freezer door on my fridge, so these are a godsend when I’m cramming everything in there.
For: The Ultimate Entertainers
Choose: Sunny Life Ice Cube Trays
Sunny Life makes ice cubes fun! Their trays come in a variety of designs (think pineapple, flamingo and seahorse shapes) and vibrant colors. Made from 100% silicone they are dishwasher and freezer safe. Whether you’re making fruity snacks for a kid’s birthday party or cocktails for a summer soiree, these trays will put the fun in freezing. When I use mine they totally have me thinking I’m in the movie Cocktail with Tom Cruise.
25 WAYS TO USE ICE CUBE TRAYS
Here are my favorite ways right now I’ve been using ice cube trays…
For Pets
- Make your own Pup-sicles! Possibly the easiest way to make dog treats is to freeze them. You can grab my very own Frozen Dog Treats Recipes here.
- Kong Stuffers for playtime. Grab your Kong or Treat Ball and stuff it with cubes of your favorite frozen treat flavors. Your dog will love this tasty puzzle and it will keep them entertained for hours.
- Superfood Snacks. Puree and freeze healthy superfoods for dogs – such as carrot, kale, and sweet potato – then warm and add to your pup’s dinner for a healthy and tasty boost.
- Two-Ingredient Dog Biscuits. The easiest dog biscuits ever made! Simply mix around 4 thawed treat cubes (this works best with ingredients such as pumpkin, apple or sweet potato) with 2 cups of whole wheat flour and you’ve got yourself an instant cookie dough!
For Babies & Young Children
- Freeze breast milk in smaller portions. That stuff is like GOLD, so this way you can defrost in smaller batches meaning less goes to waste. (Just always ensure your trays are fully sterilized and you defrost the milk safely for your child according to regulations).
- Freeze Baby Food. A lifesaver to parents, simply whip up a whole batch of purees one weekend and, once frozen, pop into Ziploc bags. There you have it – fresh, healthy baby food done! (PS. For some fabulous baby food recipes check out Baby Foode)
- Paint Pops! Pour non-toxic children’s paint into trays and freeze with a paddle pop stick in the middle. Once frozen, pop them out and let your kids create a work of art as the paint melts.
- Toddler Bento Box. I saw this one on Pinterest and can’t love it enough. A great one for picky eaters, just fill each cube with fresh finger food snacks and let your toddler graze away.
For the Home
- For craft lovers, use trays to organize your bits and bobs associated with your crafting and sewing.
- A regular ice cube tray is also the perfect size for round eye shadow palettes and lip-glosses. Simply stack them in order of color and clean up that makeup drawer in the process.
- And because Jen is always one step ahead of the organization game, I cannot forget to mention her fabulous tip for using ice cube trays to store jewelry – love it!
- Homemade Bath Bombs. These are great for you and for gifts. I love this tutorial by Martha Stewart, and your ice cube tray is the perfect way to make them without needing a fancy pants mold.
For Meals & Leftovers
- Leftover herbs. I don’t know about you but I hate throwing away perfectly good herbs because I won’t be cooking with them again that week. This way you don’t have to. Simply fill your ice tray cubes about half way with your herbs and then top them up with olive oil or stock. Once frozen pop your cubes Ziploc bags for storage. Then the next time you need that herb simply grab a cube.
- Leftover stock. Don’t let it go to waste – grab those ice cube trays and freeze away!
- Leftover yoghurt and buttermilk. Don’t throw it out or left it go past it’s used by date. Freeze it for future use in desserts and smoothies.
- Leftover wine. In some houses there is NO such thing as leftover wine ha ha! But, if your recipe called for half a cup and you have the rest of the bottle left, freeze it into portions for the next time you’re cooking.
- Freeze onion and garlic in vegetable stock for quick bursts of flavor to add to meals.
- Home made tomato sauce and pesto. Make up a big batch all in one go and then thaw as needed.
For Drinks, Snacks & Sweets
- Smoothie ingredients. If you love smoothies, your ice cube tray will become your new best friend. Use it to freeze leftover berries, greens, coconut milk…you name it, save it and freeze it for next time. If you want to get really organized, freeze your smoothie ingredients ahead of time and pop into labeled Ziploc bags. Then each morning there’s no prep required, just grab your frozen smoothie cubes and pop into the blender. As someone who loves a sleep in, I promise you this gives you an extra 15 minutes with your pillow!
- Flavored Ice Cubes. These cubes turn a plain glass of water into a party in your mouth! Ideas include – frozen coffee/tea to make iced coffee and tea, frozen lemon slices for a tangy treat, fresh mint cubes, and even edible flowers in an ice cube! These cubes are also great for adding to pitchers of water when entertaining as a tasty and visual treat.
- Homemade Jello – This one’s great for portion control (just set in the fridge as normal, don’t freeze) and you have ready-made jello cubes in bite sized pieces (no more eating half the bowl in one sitting).
- Homemade Cheesecake & Chocolate. If you’re like me, and one slice of cheesecake turns into eating the whole thing, freezing sweets into cube portions is the way to go so you don’t over do it. I love this recipe for an after dinner snack.
- Fresh Berries & Yoghurt/Coconut Cream. Pop your berries in the tray and top with fresh yoghurt/coconut cream. For a healthy summer day snack, this is a great alternative to store bought ice cream.
- Hot Chocolate Cubes. So many ice cube tray ideas are for summer, but this one is a winter warmer. Make your own hot chocolate on a stick by simply pouring milk chocolate into your ice cube tray with a paddle pop stick in the center. Let harden in the fridge and then remove as needed to stir into hot milk to make a tasty hot treat.
- Cocktails. Saving the best for last! Puree your favorite fruits (think yummy flavors like watermelon, strawberries, and kiwi) and freeze in cubes. Then just add to your favorite liquor – either blending them all together, or serving straight poured over the cubes.
FREEZER ORGANIZATION
Now that I have all of these fabulous way to use ice cube trays, the last step was to make sure my freezer didn’t become a hot mess of trays and bags. Enter a simple filing system:
- I designed and printed out my own folder dividers (you could totally just use thick cardboard store bought ones though!) – to split my frozen goodies into sections (i.e. baby food, herbs, smoothies etc). I opted to color code them just to make it easy to see the entire freezer contents at a quick glance. I then simply covered my dividers with clear contact (so they are protected and can be wiped down).
- I then made sure my ice cubes were stacked neatly into the freezer bags one to two rows wide, so they are as slim line as possible. I labeled each bag just with a marker, however if you wanted to re-use them you could definitely use some colorful washi tape to label the contents and mark the frozen/use by date.
- Lastly, I simply filed each bag in the freezer side by side like they were documents in a filing cabinet, leaving not one ounce of space wasted. My freezer has an inbuilt drawer, but this could be replicated using a simple plastic bin for storage. I now can quickly scan my freezer contents without digging around and getting frozen hands!
Whew! Who could of thought one tray could do so much?
What are your favorite ways to use ice-cube trays in your home?
"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"
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