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Monday, April 16, 2012

164

Organized Music To My Ears

As you have probably guessed by now, I love a good, big project.  It seems as though we have been doing quite a few around here, trying to finish up the lower level and all...

But sometimes I get even more excited about those simple, little projects.  Things that don't cost much, don't take much time, are simple and yet yield a happy organized result.

Awhile back on a vaca I had purchased a small container of Q-Tips.  And it's funny because since that day, I have been determined to find a use for that sweet little plastic case...


There was no way I would be tossing it to the curb once the Q-Tips were gone.  Sometimes leftover product packaging is my favorite organizational supply.  The wheels were spinning.

I tried to put my gift cards in it.  It was like a milli-inch too small.  Whomp whomp....

Then, I had that moment of "Ah Ha".  Love those moments!


Does that tangled mess look familiar?  Ear buds.  We have five sets of those floating around our home.  And they are typically a tangled mess and hanging out in the totes that we use when traveling in the car.

I had googled around for ear bud cases in the past, only to find they typically run around $5 or more, and times 5 that is around $25 for the whole fam to wrangle some cords.  Not on my watch...

So, I tucked the ear buds inside the plastic Q-Tip case and they FIT!


And you know what I did after that?  Went back to Target and snagged four more cases of Q-Tips, for $.97 each and made one for each member of the family {and it's not like we won't use all those Q-Tips...}.

But, the case was missing something.  Raise your hand if you want to take a guess at what!


I used my Silhouette to cut out a quick headphone decal, because I am a nerd like that.

The coolest part, they sell the cases in blue or pink.  So I got a pink one!



No more tangled ear bud cords in my purse or my travel tote.  Ditto for the rest of the fam.  And all for under five dollars plus oodles of Q-Tips!  Win.

Who else enjoys hoarding cute packages and containers, to use for free storage?  Anyone else by something just for it's super fabulous packaging?





164 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, I always save packages and containers. What if I can make it pretty and organize something with them? I can't just throw them away. Seriously up my alley. Love the Q-tip container idea! And of course love your blog....like...a ton.

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  2. OMG, seriously why have I not thought of this!?!?! We of course have that same issue and I buy these travel q-tips for travel all the time. To think I was sitting on gold all this time, thanks for seeing what I clearly could not see.. I will be doing this tonight!!!

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  3. ahh PHEW! So glad I'm not the only one saving little travel containers until I find a new use for them! =) The decal really sets these over the top --- ah-freaking-dorable!!!

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  4. I do always save containers - but only since I started reading your blog! It's driving my husband nuts - I have a box full of... boxes.

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    Replies
    1. Lol, me too. As long as it gets shopped before we go out and actually shop for something, they should be smiling over the savings! :)

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  5. What a smart idea! My earbuds are always tangled up and getting hooked on pens and other stuff floating around in my purse. Blech.

    And I definitely hold on to containers, I'm such a pack rat. I can't throw them away because they might be useful later!

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  6. I use those q-tip containers for the travel-size tampons. ;) it holds four of them PERFECTLY and keeps them from floating around in my purse and losing their packaging.

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  7. I use those containers for my bobby pins! :)

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    Replies
    1. I do the same thing! I can lose bobby pins like noones business!

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    2. Tic Tac boxes can be used for bobby pins too : )

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    3. Super smart! Those things always end up everywhere!!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  8. I also use them for my bobby pins but will save another on for my ear buds! Genius!

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  9. I really love this- the decal is the perfect finishing touch. I love it when I find the perfect use for well-designed packaging. And the bonus is that even when purchased with the product inside, you pay less than buying a designated container. Brilliant!

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  10. Brilliant! I'm picking some up next time I'm at Target!

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  11. amazing idea. cant wait to try!
    http://ellenross.blogspot.com

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  12. Oh goodness. I've tossed soo many of those away over the years and always said "Nothing will fit in this crap, might as well throw it away". Great Q"tip".!

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    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness, that should have been my title for the post, I just laughed out loud!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  13. I've been thinking of doing an Altoids tin for my headphones but I like this idea much better for several reasons. :) Thanks again

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  14. What a great idea.......love your blog!!

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  15. I honestly love the small and simple projects myself. I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I complete one. And, this is the cutest ear bud holder I have ever seen. Excellent job!

    xoxo
    Kristin
    theocdlifestyle.blogspot.com

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  16. I love that idea!!!! My latest find it using an empty tic tac box for toothpicks ~ hubby keeps them in his car.

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  17. Yay this is an awesome idea! I'll be heading to Target ASAP!

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  18. Love this idea! But the decal is soo cool, totally makes it! Can you sell some of the decals? I have no Silhouette, pooh :(

    If I make one, I know I will be wishing for a decal to finish it off after seeing yours. ;)

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    Replies
    1. I would love to someday have an "as seen on" section of my store! Stay tuned!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  19. I just happened upon your blog the other day, and I just want to say I LOVE IT! I have O.C.D. when it comes to organizing and your site has so many amazing ideas that I can't wait to do in my own house! Also, this post is a great idea! I'm definitely doing this with my own headphones

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  20. This is genius!! THANK YOU!

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  21. Love it! I switched my son to generic formula because I wanted to use those big silver tubes for fabric storage in my craft room. It was a win win. I didn't cringe everytime I had to open a new $20 package of formula because it meant more storage when it was gone!

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  22. Love this! I have one of those cases that I just refill with Q-Tips from my jumbo package for our camping trips- but I love this idea too! I want these cases for my ear buds and my girls hair clips & ties I keep in my purse (right now they are in a re-purposed mint tin- but the lid is bent and hard to open). Great idea!

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  23. Great idea! Interestingly, I use those little Q-tip cases to keep q-tips in my bathroom. No room for the big box in our tiny bathroom.

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    Replies
    1. I'm going to have to do this. When we moved we lost a TON of storage space on the sink in the bathroom and right now we are keeping them in a plastic baggy.

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  24. I've been putting in my travel empty Qtip container...more Qtips! Seriously, I've been refilling the same one for years from the big box of QTips we have around the house.

    And I hoard, I mean keep, useful containers too. Just this morning I cut off the lid to the Neutrogena facewipes container and put it in my box of boxes (the lid wouldn't stay latched shut or else I would have filled it with...more facewipes...)

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    Replies
    1. I love those face wipe containers! The refills usually cost as much as the pack with the cute box, so I have been using those boxes for all sorts of goodness! Great minds...

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  25. Very clever!!! Way to go using the packaging. I will have to do that for ours here too.

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  26. I just refill the Q-tip container for my next vacay! But the hubs and I are ALWAYS losing our earbuds. I am off to Target to get a blue and pink one!

    I love hoarding plastic peanut butter jars for my son's craft stuff - perfect size for crayons, poof balls, pipe cleaners, etc.!

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  27. I love this idea! I like to use the plastic cylinders that Crystal Light comes in to store batteries. Also good for cotton balls. I find that the paper label just comes right off. A sticker over the words on the lid and done!

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  28. They come in pink?!! I know where im going today!

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  29. That is so smart! Today, I'm re-purposing a shoebox, and some foam from jewelry boxes and using your diy fabric box directions to make it into a charging station--using the foam so I don't have to reach in the extra few inches to pick the stuff out of the box. Will let you know when it's done.

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  30. I love it! I am sorry to admit that I save old containers that have a useful look about them. I have a 'containers' box down in the basement with various jars and things in. My latest aha! moment was seeing someone on pinterest suggesting using a tictac box to store kirby grips (I think you guys call them bobby pins).
    Anyway. Thank you for sharing.

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  31. I KEEP THOSE Q-TIP BOXES TOO! In fact, my old college roommate stole a few from me when she saw how awesome they were for storing things! I have used them to store everything from hair ties to business cards. I LOVE THEM!
    The only other storage container that I keep so religiously are those boxes you get when you buy crystal light single packets. I must have about 50 laying around now just waiting for final placement. I (mostly) use them as drawer organizers and in the pantry!

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  32. Oh! That is just so me. I would totally buy a product and use the packaging this way. I love your site.

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  33. Very cute idea and I love the sticker! I am a full-time 2nd grade teacher, so I have many reusable containers in my class. Here is a list of few: Brand of container/ Use

    Mentos - paperclip, pennies, pushpins, and staples
    Altoids- mini-letter stamps
    Maxwell House- markers, legos, counting cubes, flashcards, ETC...
    Round gum (Dentyne, Juicy Fruit?)- minis stamps, pink erasers, cap erasers, etc..

    Personal Home reusables:

    Mini-M&M tubes ( perfect for one tampon) in a small purse **WARNING**- Just make sure your munchkins do not go into your purse while in public, thinking they will find M&M;s...LOL!!

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    Replies
    1. LOL @ the thought of one of my boys thinking they scored M&M's out of moms purse only to find a tampon! :)

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    2. All sorts of super ideas! Love them all!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  34. I love this idea and have been thinking about using those old Q-tip containers for things like bobby pins and safety pins. Personally, I use old Eclipse big-e-pak gum containers as grab-and-go snack containers for my daughter's puffs and Cheerios. There's a wide opening for easy refilling and a small dispenser opening that's perfect for her treats.

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    1. Genius - those snack specific cups from the store are insane expensive!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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    2. I love those gum packs. I use them for snacks too. A few days ago I grabbed some m&ms to take to work with me, but the only gum cup I had was still crumby from my last snack. So I put the m&ms in a baggie, then the baggie in the cup, folded the baggie down around the lip of the opening and screwed the cap back on. This kept my candy from being covered in something else, and protected from being smushed if I just tossed the baggie in my purse, and made it easy to reach in and grab without a bunch of bag getting in my way.

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  35. No!! I JUST threw one of those cases out last week. Bummer because this is a great idea! Guess I'll have to pick up a new box next time I'm at Target. -Lisa

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  36. Such a great idea. I need to puchase a silhouette. Lots of fun to be had.

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  37. Oh. my. word. I LOVE THIS IDEA!! I get so annoyed with all of our ear buds floating around. I am so picking up some of those babies on my next Target run!!

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  38. I have one that I use to carry shout wipe and go's and a few empty ones that by the end of the day will be filled with ear buds and bobby pins

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  39. What a brilliant idea! Guess I'll be picking up some of those cases on my next trip to Target :)

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  40. Brilliant idea!! I can't believe I never thought of that:)

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  41. I save mentos gum containers (the small ones) for bobby pins, and mini emergency kits (needle, thread, band aid. And, altoid tins for everything from birthday candles, feminine products, and keeping ipods with charges and earbuds. Works like a charm!

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  42. I absolutely adore re-purposing well made packaging - this is a superb solution, my friend!! :)

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  43. I'm so totally stealing this idea. I have fifty gajillion of those little containers (like you I can't part with them). My son is constantly losing or tangling his earbuds. WINNER! :-)

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  44. I refill mine and put it back in my travel bag after every trip...but great idea for the earbuds...they are a great travel size too!

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  45. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. heading out to buy lots of q-tips now!! :) thanks for the great {Q}tip... ha. get it...

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    1. Haha, that should have been the title to this post. You guys make me giggle!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  46. Genius! No seriously!

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  47. Love this idea! I save lots of containers too! My latest is using the Cottonelle single roll toilet paper covers. (The ones that are meant to hide your backup roll of toilet paper for on top of your toilet) Anyway, I was inspired by your Lego organization. I had 9 of the Cottonelle containers that I had received free with my last toilet paper purchase. We sorted the Legos by color, printed on cardstock a label and wrapped it around the outside of the container. I'll send a pic sometime!

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    1. Sounds super cool! Love the colors of those containers!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  48. Great idea! I store my earbuds and iPod in the cloth Anthropologie jewelry satchel but I love this idea for traveling with the boy and all his gear.

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  49. LOVE! Did you use your Silhouette to cut vinyl or what is that? If you used cardstock I wouldn't imagine it would stay on very well? Thanks for another fabulous idea!!

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    Replies
    1. Yeppers, Silhouette vinyl! It's on there nice and good!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  50. Guilty as charged! I started to collect the empty prescription containers for organizing my needles. When you have a sewing machine, you have different type of needles in different sizes, not mentioning the hand sewing needles. Thanks for the tip, I usually keep my head phones wound around my cell phone, but will try the Q-tip case.

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  51. YES! Thanks to Pinterest, especially, I've been hoarding containers I am confused I'll be able to put to future use. Some I actually have been able to! :)

    Very cute idea.

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  52. I feel like this about Altoid tins. Fortunately, there's a TON you can do with them!

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  53. Will utilize this! Thank you for sharing!
    Is there a way to keep your ear buds un-tangled? Whenever I store them in a little box and take them out again, they're as tangled as ever. Can't think of a solution.

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    Replies
    1. Its a curious mechanism of physics that always keeps earbuds tangled.

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  54. Awesome idea!!! Will defiantly be doing this. ;-)

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  55. Hi Jen,

    Great storage idea. P.S. If you look on Pinterest and type in "wrapping ear buds" there's great picture tutorials on how to keep those cords neatly wrapped and untangled for you next use!

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  56. Love this idea! I just refill my case with more q-tips for traveling. But, I going to by some more and do this!

    hsample281@hotmail.com

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  57. When I was on holiday in the US (I'm from the UK) I saw those cute Q Tips in the blue case in a Wal*Mart and fell in love. I'm pretty boring and use them for taking Q Tips in my wash bag when I'm travelling, but I can understand why you would want to put them to better use!

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  58. What a great idea! And my fellow readers also great ideas!! Thanks!

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  59. that is such a great idea, Jen! love it! and of course i love that you added a sticker :-)

    i love to re-use packaging all the time for org stuff. mainly b/c i have that thinking of "i know i can re-use this for something" so i don't get rid of it. just today on my blog i shared how i re-organized an annoyingly messy drawer by using 5 old snack packages - works like a charm! and no one would know by looking in the drawer that i had old goldfish and peanut butter packaging inside. :-)...my little secret....

    http://besimplyorganized.blogspot.com/2012/04/old-food-packaging-new-drawer.html

    again, love your idea!!
    sam :-)

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  60. That's a really awesome idea - go you!

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  61. Great idea! I LOVE turning packaging into organizing tools for other things. And I'm obsessed with using spaghetti sauce mason jars as vases. "Free" and beautiful. :)

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  62. Oh my word. This is genius!! I know I literally have a couple of those Q-Tip cases in my "travel toiletries" bin!! I am SO doing this since tangled ear buds are an issue at our house too! Thank you so, so much for the inspiration....AGAIN! ;) xoxo

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  63. Shirley said:
    What a great idea. I can't believe the number of post and there wasn't even a giveaway. Ha-Ha! Love your post.

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  64. Brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

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  65. I found this blog the other day on Pinterest. I am now obsessed! I am a freak organizer at heart, and you have the BEST ideas!

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  66. Just called my daughter who is at Target shopping and told her to pick me up a couple! I've used the travel Qtip boxes for hairpins and ponytail holders in my purse too. My daughter uses magnetic paperclip containers for her hairpins ...just shake some out!

    Any ideas for the plastic containers lunchmeat comes in? I have a bunch of those!

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  67. lightbulb moment- would this also fit an ipod nano? it's like a perfect self contained unit!

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  68. You're such a geek and I love it!

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  69. Such an adorable idea. Perfect size!

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  70. I LOVE those Qtip containers!! I have two, and they are GREAT for traveling... bobby pins, hair ties, etc, you name it. Oh, and they're also great for actually carrying Qtips too!! :)

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  71. I already have one in my purse! I was using it for bobby pins but I do like the little things. Wish my store had the pink!

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  72. Oh my goodness! I just saw that you will have a collection on Joss & Main on Thursday! I've now been stalking your blog for a while and am super excited to see what will be up there!

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    1. Thanks friend! So excited you noticed, I am quite giddy about it!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  73. When I read this post, I giggled out loud. I can totally relate. LOVE THIS! The bummer is that I don't have a Silhouette, so my future container will be all nakey-nake. *giggle*

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  74. I love reusing product packaging, too (much to DHs dismay since they usually take up space while waiting for inspiration to strike). I love the little qTip cases and I especially love that you got yourself a pink one!

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  75. That is seriously the best idea!

    Allyson
    http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com

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  76. Haha...have you been looking under my sink? I've got the Cottonelle Fresh Wipe container as a small jewelry case for items I wear often. No pretty label, though...YET.

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  77. Such an easy, super cute idea. I'm definitely going to do this! Thanks Jen :)

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  78. SO cute! Love love love little projects like this! I just recently reused a bunch of the Jonathan Adler toilet paper roll covers as storage for dog treats. Gotta love (almost) free storage solutions!

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    1. Agree! I have been eying those puppies up, so many fun colors!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  79. Lol, I've just been refilling mine with q-tips for years! I like the idea of using them for ponytail holders, but I usually buy the packs with those big rings to keep them on. I can't STAND that DH's earbuds are always getting tangled around things - they hurt my ears & I have issues with how unaware of a society they've turned us into, lol. I've been hoarding baby wipe boxes, bulk formula cans & other large plastic containers for DD's small toys. I also save randomly sized plastic bottles to make shakers for her with different fillings (super glue the cap on).

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  80. Looks great. I've been refilling mine for years and keeping for trips. How about a little personalization to the case!

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  81. I was at Target, so I bought my Q-tips!! This is such a great idea!! Now my ear buds will be easy to find in my purse!

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  82. love, love. love this! Thanks for sharing.

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  83. AWESOME! I am ALWAYS wondering what the heck to do with mine. I don't normally lose them, but they get ripped up in my purse. This is wonderful - I am gonna see if they are still at target tomorrow!

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  84. I have this same plastic container for my Q-Tips, I bought it here at the NATO PX. I keep it in my shower caddy and when it runs out I just refill it, re-use it etc. And, when I go on R&R and trek through the horrid Camp Ali Al Salem in Kuwiat, it goes with me as it is very small and water proof. Thanks for the idea! I am going to personalise mine with the label maker and put my name on it.

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  85. I save my coffee creamer jars. Take the labels off and you can see whatever you choose to store in them. I am using them in the pantry for powdered sugar, etc. (pinterest-inspired)

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  86. Great idea! I'm not sure if we have those travel containers in Australia though?!
    Definitely keep teeny containers in mind for my ear buds though.

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  87. absolutely brilliant Jen!!! I've pinned this one and shared on facebook and twitter! Everyone needs to do this to keep those earbuds clean and safe!

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  88. That is seriously too cute- especially with the little picture you added! Great idea!

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  89. I use these Q-tip boxes ALL the time- I'm a pediatric home care nurse, so in particular I use them for stickers that I give to my patients- pink for the "girlie" stickers, blue for the "boys"- and then I use some for small supplies like little lab tubes and band-aids. I can't get enough!

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  90. I <3 your idea!! I'm always looking at empty containers that have a shape I like for storage. Drives my hubby crazy when I hoard the stuff, but then again he hoards all kinds of packaging and small items to one day make model spaceships, so he doesn't have much of a say!!! ;)

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  91. Oh my goodness, that is brilliant! You're so clever. I'm going to do this! Thanks so much for all the fantastic suggestions; all your ideas and advice are actually making a real difference in our home, bit by bit, and I so much appreciate it xxx

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  92. What a great idea! I've had that same case for years now and I just keep refilling it for travel purposes. Why didn't I think of that? ;-)

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  93. Here's a tip I was quite excited to discover...when my bath and body works 3 wick candles run out, I always hated throwing that container away, so I popped it in the freezer for a bit and with the help of a knife the remaining wax popped right out. I washed off the labels (came off no problem), washed it by hand real good and then ran it through the dishwasher (to get rid of the scent) and it has become my make up brush holder, my sugar pack holder, craft supplies holder and even a short vase...now I feel better about spending the money on them (Even though I wait for the 2 for $20 sales!)!

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    Replies
    1. Super smart! Love the free pretty storage!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  94. Just found those containers yesterday at Wal-Mart! What a great idea! I sure will be using it and I hope I can find a cute picture to cut with my Cricut!

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  95. I have one of those containers too. I had a problem with keeping chewing gum in my purse; inevitably it would open, a few sticks would fall out and unwrap themselves as I root around in there, and I would get sticky gum all over everything. I realized that a pack of Extra gum fits PERFECTLY in there, so now I can keep gum in my purse and not worry about the inside of my purse getting gummed up.

    ~Emily

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  96. I love my Q-Tip container, too, but it remains a Q-Tip container. It lives in my overnight bag so it's one less thing to remember/pack when I'm heading out. BUT - I reckon I'm gonna get on down to Target to get some more for MY ear buds.

    AND my gum,@Emily, 'cause I chew only half-sticks at a time and I really have a hard time keeping the other half from falling out of the pack.

    Both my husband and I like to re-use containers, but I don't like them taking up space, so unless I can come up with a purpose pretty snappy like, out it goes. He, on the other hand, hoards them. We used to use Altoids containers for our son's money - one for savings, one for church, etc.

    Start a "re-use" day for your blog!

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  97. I love my Q-Tip container, too, but it remains a Q-Tip container. It lives in my overnight bag so it's one less thing to remember/pack when I'm heading out. BUT - I reckon I'm gonna get on down to Target to get some more for MY ear buds.

    AND my gum,@Emily, 'cause I chew only half-sticks at a time and I really have a hard time keeping the other half from falling out of the pack.

    Both my husband and I like to re-use containers, but I don't like them taking up space, so unless I can come up with a purpose pretty snappy like, out it goes. He, on the other hand, hoards them. We used to use Altoids containers for our son's money - one for savings, one for church, etc.

    Start a "re-use" day for your blog!

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  98. Awesome idea! We are constantly looking for our ear phones when we are trying to get out the door to the gym! And there was the time my hubby put them in his pocket and they went through the wash! Apparently ear phones can be washed and still work! :)

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  99. Holy smokes batman! That was the simplest yet useful idea I've seen this year! Plus the packaging is so cute. I've fiddled around with finding a use for those things too! Thank you for sharing! ^_^

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  100. OMG you are a genius Jen!!! I have one of those cases at home and I just might do the same thing with mine. NICE!!! :)

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  101. Yep, that was brilliant. I buy headphones in 3-packs online since my husband is *always* losing his!

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

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  102. I bought my Q-tip container this morning - after my 6 year old saw me reading your blog last night and told me she wanted one! You are brilliant!

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  103. Funny - I have just tucked away the matchbox style box from my q-tips. I'm sure I will find a crafty use for it!

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  104. Seriously you are a genius! Headed to target first thing tomorrow.

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  105. This is such a cute idea - great stocking stuffer ideas

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  106. Such a great simple idea! Like other readers, we reuse our Q-tips case for holding Q-tips in our travel case since we're always on the go.

    So off to Target I went to pick up an extra case to hold my earbuds. But instead of the Q-tips container, I actually picked up the Target brand travel case of Q-tips instead (they were right in the bin next to the Q-tip brand).

    It's slightly smaller and more square and clear, which I preferred. I liked the smaller size for my purse. I'm going to make a cute label for mine out of sticker paper since I don't have a fancy Silhouette!

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  107. Ahahaha my mom and I always had a favour for all those cutely shaped containers out there. We even had to sneak them out of daddy's sight, so he wouldn't get mad at us with hoarding all that stuff :D
    Here the garlic cloves come in very pretty little baskets in which I store my nail polish so I don't have all the bottles standing about.

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  108. what a great idea!!! love your blog

    rosiemini@gmail.com
    www.scraplovingminis.blogspot.com

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  109. Perfect! Do you have any ideas for a phone charger for the purse?

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  110. Oh.My.Goodness!!! I have had one of those containers sitting in my makeup bag forever because I refuse to throw it away but couldn't think what to use it for. I also have a favorite pair of earbuds that I can't seem to locate after my recent move....once I find them, they certainly won't be getting lost again.

    I love you and your blog for the big projects you do, but it's stuff like this that makes me giddy!

    Thank you for sharing. :-)

    Danielle
    organizationalhysteria.com

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  111. I'm always saving coffee and coffeemate containers, but would love a good use for them. Any ideas? They are sturdy and have good lids.

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  112. I've saved this container too! But how did you get the sticker off so cleanly? I can't seem to get mine unstuck to fully repurpose it.

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    1. Hi Holly!

      Too crazy, mine all came off perfectly and cleanly {which always makes my day}. Maybe try some rubbing alcohol or soaking in water?

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  113. I am addicting to saving Crystal Light containers! When I was a teacher I used them for everything: pencils, paperclips. They are great because they are clear-ish, so you can just subtly see through. I also reuse Fage yogurt containers like crazy. They are the perfect size and the lid is clear so you always know what your storing.

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  114. I had two of these in the bathroom closet and immediately put it to use for my husband's ear buds that are sitting on the end table in the living room (which drives me CRAZY!)...so now they are in their own adorable case! Thanks for the great idea!

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  115. Wow, what a fantastic idea! I never would have thought of it.

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  116. Here in Canada our travel q-tips come in a paper box! This makes me sad. I wish I had the luxury of using these little boxes. If you were to sell these; I'd definitely buy one from your store -- decal and all. :)

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  117. I have an idea for the Nestlé coffe mate French vanilla :) white container with a red top. When it's empty fill it with some salt for the outdoors. Draw a little face on it and piece of felt tied around his neck and some drawn on black buttons down his belly and now you have a snowman. When it's icey..just take your snowman outside with you and sprinkle away on the walkway and it'll be good as new!! JK but it'll be ice free ! Cute huh??
    I do have a question though...any ideas on how to use empty brown medicine bottles? Between myself and my husband we have a couple at the end of each month ( WOW...we don't sound very healthy do we :( we are all set, doing fine thanks) anyways I only have so many bobby pins, needles, loose ribbon, buttons, blah blah blah...you get it. I keep telling my husband , there HAS to be something these are good for. HELP PLEASE!! TIA

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  118. I'm obsessed with reusing things, especially in my tiny little dorm room. I've been using the Q-Tip storage container for earrings and bobby pins, but I might have to use another one for the headphone dilemma! They're always tangled and everywhere but where I expect them to be. Thanks for this! Love love love your blog.

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  119. Oh my gosh I love this so much. I seriously have held on to a few of these cases for the same reason they are way to cute and have to be useful for something! And you have finally helped me solve the problem. It was too funny reading your thoughts about not being able to throw it away - because I felt like I had written it! Thanks for the tip Jen!

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  120. I'd love to hear how you manage to organize lipsticks in a purse? That is one area that is out of control for me.

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    1. Love it! Esp the fact that you have a girl version and boy version AND that you're nerdy enough to make a decal for it. ;)

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  121. I like to reuse altoids containers and used carmex jars for when we make homemade chapstick/lip gloss for gifts and party favors

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  122. I bought one specifically for birthday candles. It seems you have leftovers unless you're turning 24! :)

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  123. I love your blog...seriously! I'm wondering about your AWESOME decals...I know you use a Silhouette to do them, do you use cartridges or files you download? I have a cricket and I'm wondering if I would be able to find similar pictures to what you have used for your projects. Thanks for the many ideas and inspiration.

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  124. Awesome idea with the bobby pins and earbuds. Love the headphone decal :-)

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