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New Uses for Old Things

Clever ways to repurpose everyday items from RealSimple.com and around the web.

Cornstarch as Finishing Powder (If you run out of your pressed or loose powder cornstarch works well and is translucent.)

119 likes 3 comments 427 repins

Profile picture of Amber

Amber It also makes a decent substitute for dry shampoo!

Profile picture of Steph Renaud

Steph Renaud Not recommended for acne prone skin though... it can cause breakouts as bacteria feeds on the cornstarch. ;) Those w/out that problem, this will work amazingly, but remember to use a light hand and blend blend blend! :)

Profile picture of Mich Lueken

Mich Lueken I have oily skin and I tried this several weeks ago. This is the best 'powder' Ive ever had and Ive tried ALL of the best brands.

Kazoo as Bubble Machine

68 likes 3 comments 266 repins

Profile picture of Heather McKinney

Heather McKinney I thought that is what their original purpose was for. That and annoying your parents endlessly.

Profile picture of JAM Media

JAM Media Who knew!?

Profile picture of Lori Wright

Lori Wright Yes, I always came in my bubble sets along with the pipe and wand. :)

Oven Mitt as BBQ Utensil Holder

70 likes 229 repins

Cupcake Liner as Drip Catcher

234 likes 1 comment 1131 repins

Profile picture of Debbe Smith

Debbe Smith my Mom always used to punch the stick through the wrapper!

TV Remote as Hiding Place

59 likes 14 comments 88 repins

Profile picture of Karen Grundy

Karen Grundy Added incentive to find it?

Profile picture of Candi R

Candi R Now you have a place to hide your secret stash, in your husbands favorite thing in the house. Unfortunately, he will find it when he can't turn the channel and he takes the back off to replace the batterites that arent there, what a nice surprise he will find, money for his football pool! NO NEW SHOES FOR YOU! Hide your stash in the laundry room, no man or thei

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Candi R *thief will go in THERE

Profile picture of Linda Hofschire

Linda Hofschire unfortunately burglars know about this. we were burglarized and all of our remotes were opened.

Profile picture of Mary Alice Ethridge

Mary Alice Ethridge So when my dog burys it in the backyard my cash is gone for good? No thanks... :-)

All 14 comments…

Soda Bottle as Water Saver

74 likes 12 comments 336 repins

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Michelle Merrick noted on the sand

Profile picture of Sydney Giannell

Sydney Giannell We use a brick

Profile picture of Betsy Patel

Betsy Patel After a while bricks can began to break apart and become a problem...this bottle idea would be better overall.

Profile picture of Sharon Brown

Sharon Brown Three or four bricks work well also.

Profile picture of K. G.

K. G. Strange place to store your soda.

All 12 comments…

Cooking Oil as Cuticle Moisturizer

38 likes 126 repins

Berry Basket as Bathroom Storage

118 likes 1 comment 314 repins

Hall of Fame: Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo

115 likes 24 comments 325 repins

Profile picture of Donna Yarborough

Donna Yarborough The Talc and Fragrance are toxic. I use Acure's Dry Shampoo. You can check it out here: http://www.acureorganics.co...

Profile picture of Keli Young

Keli Young cornstarch is the same thing w/o talc and frag. just fyi if that is important to you!

Profile picture of Lexie Townsend

Lexie Townsend I use this. I take a small kabuki brush and put the baby powder on it. Then I just spread over the spots that are greasy. THen I just brush out and I"m ready to go, love it and much cheaper than buying actual dry shampoos.

Profile picture of Heather Braxton

Heather Braxton ummmmmmmmm why not just wash your hair?

Profile picture of Kristy Cook

Kristy Cook If you work 12 hour shifts several days in a row, (and cannot shampoo EVERY day) this idea comes in handy so that you can just wear a ponytail. Dry shampoo is good too though.

All 24 comments…

Deodorant as Blister Prevention

220 likes 6 comments 1254 repins

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Gina Carlisle I do this all the time! Thought it was crazy when my mom suggested it, but it makes walking around in heels for 8 hours a day SO much easier!

Profile picture of Rosa Brohm

Rosa Brohm Do you really put deodorant on shoe or do you put on the spot that blisters? How much?

Profile picture of Cali Scheffer-Waege

Cali Scheffer-Waege chapstick works great too! I will rub plain old chapstick right on the heel of my foot when I know my shoes might cause blisters...works like a charm!

Profile picture of Elle H

Elle H Go to the link and read the caption.

Profile picture of Sandra Martinez-Diaz

Sandra Martinez-Diaz good to know.

All 6 comments…

Bundt Pan as Vertical Roaster

135 likes 5 comments 716 repins

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Cindy Ford Brilliant! Why didn't I think of that . . . like last night when I dirtied a big roaster!

Profile picture of Mollie E

Mollie E But if there's one thing a bundt pan is, it's a pain to wash, right? I'd rather wash a bigger rectangular pan...

Profile picture of Sallie Tardy Mitzell

Sallie Tardy Mitzell I've done this-so easy and so good. Just be sure to

Profile picture of Sallie Tardy Mitzell

Sallie Tardy Mitzell Put a flat jelly roll pan underneath the bundt pan

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Bohemian Drum better yet, cover the inside of the pan & the hole often in the middle with foil, for quicker cleanup

Ribbon as Umbrella Tie

20 likes 12 comments 33 repins

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Sandra Rios *Agrees with Heather, Sarah, and Pamela

Profile picture of Georgia Gutierrez

Georgia Gutierrez Really ladies... I beg to differ, "It's Real Simple" hence the name. I don't believe every idea has to be so wondrous and one that everyone hasn't thought of yet. I think they did GREAT here. It really goes with who they are doesn't it. It's a "Real Simple" idea... And a GREAT use of leftover scrap ribbon.

Profile picture of Jessica Ng

Jessica Ng What's wrong with the umbrella tie that is already attached to your umbrella?

Profile picture of Kim Bonner

Kim Bonner Sometimes they break?

All 12 comments…

CD as Party Invitation

174 likes 1 comment 591 repins

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Amanda Brinkley Pre party warm up the crowd music!!! Oh this could so make a party crowd overjoyed easily like they manage to do on Ellen everyday! Wow!

Poker Caddy as Pencil Organizer

34 likes 103 repins

Binder Clip as Linens Organizer

35 likes 6 comments 201 repins

Profile picture of Renee Pickett

Renee Pickett I gotta agree w/ Catherine - if I'm going to bother having nice flat linens, the pressure marks from the clips would bug me...

Profile picture of Angela Cleeton

Angela Cleeton Me too - prefer mine flat with no wrinkles. A plastic sleeve from an A4 folder would group them just as well, keep them clean, and they could lie flat.

Profile picture of Alesa Cirello-Gudmundson

Alesa Cirello-Gudmundson me too! I'd have to iron the clip marks from them before I use them!

Profile picture of Mary Schultz

Mary Schultz I agree ladies...couldn't do it! I save the little plastic zipper bags that pillow cases come in and store my napkins in them :)

Profile picture of Mo Coombs

Mo Coombs You could always pad the clips appropriately, say with nice thick flannel squares?

All 6 comments…

Rubber Band as Earring Backing

96 likes 6 comments 325 repins

Profile picture of Rachel Otto

Rachel Otto Check out this great idea @Kathy Gabriel

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Nancy Hahn I have done this and it works well!

Profile picture of Debbie Meisenzahl

Debbie Meisenzahl Cut off pencil eraser works well too.

Profile picture of Cindy Cook

Cindy Cook Now why didn't I think of that!

Profile picture of Sheryl Boone

Sheryl Boone You can also use a pencil eraser.

All 6 comments…

Cereal Box as Drawer Organizer

137 likes 4 comments 551 repins

Profile picture of Misti England

Misti England Velveeta cheese boxes are good for this too.

Profile picture of Krystal Murphy

Krystal Murphy I use box ends as organizers for the loose granola bars, crackers and other small muchies in the pantry

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OregonLive .com Also, tea boxes.

Profile picture of Debbie Meisenzahl

Debbie Meisenzahl Also good for transporting cupcakes. Make as deep as you need and cover w wrap.

Aluminum Foil as Wrinkle Remover

159 likes 6 comments 941 repins

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Gillian Williams I have to try this.

Profile picture of Judy Evans

Judy Evans Must try this. I hate to iron.

Profile picture of Patricia H. Bell

Patricia H. Bell Good idea and no pressing marks.

Profile picture of Gail Milian

Gail Milian does it work?

Profile picture of Yvonne Rosales

Yvonne Rosales How does it work? Why?

All 6 comments…

Dryer Sheet as Drawer Sachet

52 likes 14 comments 130 repins

Profile picture of Sloan R

Sloan R You should use lavender sachets instead. Much better for you.

Profile picture of Jenette Kwong

Jenette Kwong They contain VOC and are regulated by air resource board ... At least in CA

Profile picture of Terrea Vees

Terrea Vees As long as you're not chewing on them, I think you're ok. ;)

Profile picture of Sheila Streicher

Sheila Streicher Just say no to dryer sheets!

Profile picture of Deanna Rasch

Deanna Rasch Now I want to empty an entire box of Bounce on my bed and roll around in it.

All 14 comments…

Cake Stand as Counter Organizer

48 likes 12 comments 98 repins

Profile picture of Sherry Green Natural Touch Organization Solutions

Sherry Green Natural Touch Organization Solutions yea, put some cake on it and I will set it on my counter

Profile picture of Jenny (Jeanette) Reams McCrum

Jenny (Jeanette) Reams McCrum These comments are cracking me up! I sooo relate! Lol

Profile picture of Kaity Black

Kaity Black I'd rather use a cake stand as a cake stand.

Profile picture of Cinda Schamber

Cinda Schamber Ha ha! I have serving tray that I try to keep all the crap contained! But end up cleaning it up every week or so to keep manageable

Profile picture of Janice Moulton

Janice Moulton It works better for me to keep the counters and hang organizers on the walls.

All 12 comments…

Towel Rod as Cleaning Supply Holder

75 likes 1 comment 285 repins

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Furnishly Brilliantly beautiful! I'm designing my new apartment and will definitely use this idea!

Ketchup Bottle as Pancake Batter Dispenser

173 likes 15 comments 611 repins

Profile picture of Laura Voegtle Boeker

Laura Voegtle Boeker The dollar store has empty ketchup and mustard bottles or clear vinegar bottles you could use. No flavor issues!

Profile picture of Rona Foster

Rona Foster i do this, with squeezable jam bottles

Profile picture of Kathryn Lagden

Kathryn Lagden Will unused batter keep a few days in this you think?

Profile picture of Brenda Singh

Brenda Singh use a squeezable condiment bottle to make any shape pancakes you want...mickey mouse ect...saw that on Nurse Jackie...lol

Profile picture of Jen Dawley

Jen Dawley but you still have to get the batter in there...

All 15 comments…

Salt as Iron Cleaner

89 likes 5 comments 562 repins

Profile picture of Angie Fischer

Angie Fischer With ice, also works great for coffee pots!

Profile picture of Jennifer Ahlskog

Jennifer Ahlskog Who uses an iron :)

Profile picture of Fara Levine

Fara Levine @Ari Levine perfect for you

Profile picture of Donna Bradbury-Duffy

Donna Bradbury-Duffy what do you do with the salt, because mine does need cleaning

Profile picture of Angie Fischer

Angie Fischer Just add salt and ice cubes, then swirl! Easy peasy :)

LifeSavers as Birthday-Candle Holders

122 likes 392 repins

Raisin as Champagne Restorer

61 likes 1 comment 274 repins

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Rachel Lompado @Jennifer Doss Have you ever heard of this?

Ice Cream Cones as Cupcake Holders

46 likes 3 comments 195 repins

Profile picture of Cindy Wilson

Cindy Wilson Be careful, they get soft on the bottom really fast.

Profile picture of Erin Caron

Erin Caron I just did these yesterday for my daughter's birthday at school!

Profile picture of Gwendolyn Guevara

Gwendolyn Guevara That would be so disappointing for me as I would be expecting ice cream. :)

Aloe in an Ice Cube Tray as Sunburn Soother

121 likes 9 comments 550 repins

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Mary Schultz Great idea! And a pretty good chuckle reading thrrough the comments :)

Profile picture of Suzanne Rosenhammer

Suzanne Rosenhammer Wait, you're supposed to lick the metal tray, right?

Profile picture of Stephanie Jo

Stephanie Jo Haha Great idea!! and these comments are hilarious! I actually thought the one girl was serious LOL!

Profile picture of Elizabeth Christopher

Elizabeth Christopher Hahahaha, well it does say 'Ice Cube Tray' as the Sunburn Soother

Profile picture of Real Simple

Real Simple That description was a bit misleading, wasn't it? It is aloe as the sunburn soother.

All 9 comments…

Tea Bag as Bug Bite Soother

71 likes 4 comments 452 repins

Profile picture of Bead Booty

Bead Booty Also great for soothing #allergy eyes.

Profile picture of crystal

crystal also good for stopping the bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction

Profile picture of Diane Glaspie Cline

Diane Glaspie Cline Very warm Tea bags also can help sooth tooth ache

Profile picture of Debbie Gurley

Debbie Gurley We use OraGel to soothe/numb bug bites.

Ice Cube Tray as Sundae Bar

120 likes 7 comments 499 repins

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Stacie Sonnakolb @Melissa Wanklyn here's a cute idea for your playgroup idea!

Profile picture of Jane Garnett (Jacaranda Designs)

Jane Garnett (Jacaranda Designs) Love this idea for a kids summer party.

Profile picture of Jeanette Invegas

Jeanette Invegas Think I might need CUP CAKE size tray!! just a little bigger! lol ♥

Profile picture of One Rusty Nail

One Rusty Nail This is such a great idea!

All 7 comments…

Dustpan as Toy Herder

12 likes 48 repins

Popcorn as Packing Material

81 likes 8 comments 335 repins

Profile picture of Ida Dahlberg

Ida Dahlberg This is how I packed cookies to my boyfriend who was in Korea with the Military in the 60's. Before bubble wrap.

Profile picture of Jaimie Franchi

Jaimie Franchi This is so, so smart, and SO much better than styrofoam. If you have an air popper, like we do, it's perfect.

Profile picture of Ivete Miller

Ivete Miller If I receive a package like this I may eat the popcorn. LOL!

Profile picture of Laura Trevino Solis

Laura Trevino Solis @Ivete Miller me, too!! Lol

All 8 comments…

Napkin Holder as Bill Organizer

73 likes 2 comments 260 repins

Profile picture of Lee van Loggerenberg

Lee van Loggerenberg For a more traditional look you can use a silver toast rack

Profile picture of Laura Richards

Laura Richards This is nice if you have actual paper bills. Save some trees, and do it online and paperless. Just a suggestion.

Address Labels as Bookplates

66 likes 5 comments 175 repins

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Terrea Vees LOL I did this many years ago to all of my books. Great way to use up all those ones that come in the mail!

Profile picture of Melissa Hardy

Melissa Hardy I've also labeled dvd and cd cases with these

Profile picture of Alyssa Peake

Alyssa Peake Cool idea, but I love my personalized bookplate stamp.

Profile picture of Patricia Nutritia

Patricia Nutritia IF you add "Return Postage Guaranteed" you will increase your chances of recovering a cherished tome.

Jewel Case as Recipe Card Holder

79 likes 5 comments 295 repins

Profile picture of Peggy McCallum

Peggy McCallum I've got a bunch of these. Any other repurposing ideas?

Profile picture of Donna Jumper

Donna Jumper Placecards for a dinner party or small photos is another great use

Profile picture of Nagisa Wakatsuki

Nagisa Wakatsuki photo frame is what i thought, too.

Profile picture of Jeanette Invegas

Jeanette Invegas We used these cases for calendars ... each month slipped into the display. ♥

Lollipops as Cocktail Stirrers

150 likes 4 comments 762 repins

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charleston chick ummmm I like this idea

Profile picture of Susan Leipziger

Susan Leipziger Diet Pepsi is gross

Profile picture of Susan Leipziger

Susan Leipziger (and bad for you)

Profile picture of Phyllis Kratz

Phyllis Kratz Great idea

Contact Lens Case as Pill Storage

95 likes 6 comments 304 repins

Profile picture of Roxanna Kassam Kara

Roxanna Kassam Kara Also great for: storing Vaseline as lip balm, putting shampoo on one side/conditioner on the other for overnight trips

Profile picture of Christine Ray

Christine Ray Cute idea, but it wouldn't hold all the pills I have to take.

Profile picture of Kristina Plattner

Kristina Plattner I have a pink one for me, and a blue one for my husband!

Profile picture of Real Simple

Real Simple @Roxanna Kassam Kara, definitely! There are plenty of ways to use one of these when you travel.

Profile picture of Yvonne Rosales

Yvonne Rosales I have a million extra of these! I'm gonna do it!

All 6 comments…

Desk Organizer as Cupboard Divider

193 likes 4 comments 904 repins

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Amy Lauer I use mine for pot lids & hot playes

Profile picture of Diane Thedford-Milligan

Diane Thedford-Milligan Now that is a "neat" idea (no pun intended!)!

Profile picture of Real Simple

Real Simple Another great idea, @Amy Lauer!

Profile picture of Jeanette Invegas

Jeanette Invegas I like this idea...I'm using spring rods between shelves to hold my trays and bake sheets. It works too.

Shower Caddy as Laundry Room Storage

105 likes 398 repins

Mailing Tubes as Fabric Smoothers

62 likes 277 repins

Bubble Wrap as Jewelry Organizer

36 likes 78 repins

Magnetic Clip as Recipe Holder

44 likes 129 repins

Vase as Toilet Paper Storage

186 likes 15 comments 722 repins

Profile picture of Emily Boyle

Emily Boyle I do this - guests never have to ask where the extra toilet paper is. :)

Profile picture of Jane Hooper

Jane Hooper Great idea! you could decorate the outside of it as well! gives me some idea's for my bathroom!!! xxx

Profile picture of Cheryl Goldsborough

Cheryl Goldsborough My mom made some from TWO coffee cans - wrap with material & make lid from top. Just wrap it & put a knob thing on the top/lid. Works awesome. Mine is a few years old - but does a great job - time for a little more glue on the material seams though

Profile picture of Bambi Jones

Bambi Jones I have one in our guest bath. This vase can be purchased at Target.

Profile picture of Scentiments

Scentiments Now everyone will know where the toilet paper is!

All 15 comments…

Matchbox as Travel Sewing Kit

60 likes 106 repins

Laundry Bag as Dishwashing Aid

128 likes 5 comments 651 repins

Profile picture of Linda Slimm

Linda Slimm Works great for cleaning Legos too

Profile picture of Jackie Witkowski

Jackie Witkowski Good Idea, Linda!!! :)

Profile picture of Stacey Van Seggern

Stacey Van Seggern also great for bath toys!

Profile picture of Kara Ugarte

Kara Ugarte I used these to wash legos

Profile picture of Real Simple

Real Simple Brilliant idea for Legos! @Linda Slimm & @Kara Ugarte

Business Card Holder as Sugar Packet Carrier

49 likes 146 repins

Nail Polish as Key Coder

131 likes 8 comments 601 repins

Profile picture of Brittany VanMaele

Brittany VanMaele I would seal it with mod podge dimensional magic to help with chipping

Profile picture of Patti McLean

Patti McLean I seal it with a clear polish.

Profile picture of Leah VanderBoegh

Leah VanderBoegh I used Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails on my key and in 3months, it has yet to chip at all.

Profile picture of Ideas Woman AKA Gayle

Ideas Woman AKA Gayle but then I need to remember all the colours

Profile picture of Dawn Christensen

Dawn Christensen @Amber Tackett boy did I think unwere clever! Lol

All 8 comments…

Coat Rack as Jewelry Holder

60 likes 4 comments 226 repins

Profile picture of Shelly Weidner

Shelly Weidner i use one of those expandable wall racks---works great

Profile picture of Michele Brantley

Michele Brantley I use a tie rack

Profile picture of christy block

christy block I also use a tie rack hung in my closet- it works perfectly!

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Real Simple @Michele Brantley & @christy block The tie rack is a great idea!

Cupcake Liners as Light Embellishments

88 likes 290 repins

Laminated Storybook Pages as Placemats

209 likes 5 comments 1183 repins

Profile picture of Traci Joseph

Traci Joseph Looks like you Jess.

Profile picture of Shannon Cribbs

Shannon Cribbs color photocopied and not torn out of books, I hope.

Profile picture of Real Simple

Real Simple @Shannon Cribbs you can do color copies, or books with broken/damaged bindings that aren't readable anymore.

Profile picture of Megan Greve

Megan Greve Love this idea.

Electrical Tape as Tennis Racket Cushion

18 likes 3 comments 20 repins

Profile picture of Kim Oaks

Kim Oaks Electrical tape is full of lead.

Profile picture of Dina Fisher

Dina Fisher I can't imagine this would make a good grip. It would get slippery.

Profile picture of Jennifer Boyd

Jennifer Boyd Nope. This wouldn't be a good grip or under grip at all.

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