Guest Author - Barbara Gibson

I used to have a subscription to the magazine Real Simple. Two of the things I really liked about each issue were the sections called (something like) “Do this now.”

Here’s an example, the September issue might advise - buy your firewood now so you can beat the rush and be prepared for an early cold night.

I also liked the section that suggested new uses for common household items. Repurposing is a really important strategy for Simple Living. It can work just as well for our lives as it can for all the stuff that clutters them. Repurposing also nurtures the creative and resourceful part of ourselves. I don’t have the subscription any more, but I still get a kick out of the ideas it inspired.

Here are some fun examples:

Looking for an alternative to commercial deodorant/antiperspirant products? Try wiping your underarms with alcohol or Milk of Magnesia.

Want to save money on flower scented sachets for your lingerie drawer, and still find its aroma reminiscent of a field of flowers or fresh linen? Try fabric softener sheets. They are also great for keeping gym bags and towel baskets smelling fresh.

If you have a refrigerator with an icemaker you’re probably wondering what to do with all those ice trays. Use them to portion and freeze vegetable or chicken broth. The cubes will come in handy for recipes that call for only small amounts of broth. A bonus…you’ll eliminate waste.

Another bonus…if your ice maker goes on the fritz (like mine recently did) you’ll still be able to make ice until the repair person shows up (you’ll be especially proud of your preparedness if this happens during the throat parching days of summer).

Use old, worn or mismatched socks for easy dusting. Just slip your hand in and slide it around for dust free tables, counters and more.

Wondering how to can clean permanent marker scribbles off of walls or counters? Try rubbing alcohol, it often does the trick.

If you received a gift of bath gel or bubble bath but you only take showers; why not use the gift to launder your hand washables? And if you have diarrhea, why not try some coconut milk or macaroons for relief?

Looking for ways to organize shoes or similarly shaped items. Decorate old wine boxes with attractive contact paper and organize your items by slipping them into the wine bottle slots.

Need a relaxing moment? Collect smooth stones from your yard, wash them and then gently heat them for a little spa therapy. You could also cool them as a summer refresher.

Wondering what to do with those plastic grocery bags? (those that haven't fully adopted the recycling habit yet) Roll and stuff them into an empty tissue box for easy dispensing and reuse.

Bothered by heartburn? Try chewing a piece of gum after meals.

What new uses have you come up with for common household things? Log onto the forum and share!