Make Better Use of a Tissue Box

Tissues...they help us through some of our most emotional times. And they help us when we are feeling under the weather. But what about when we run out of tissues? That pesky tissue box takes up a lot of room in the trash (and for those of you that are dilligent recyclers, it can be a pain taking it to the recycling bin).

Thanks to Real Simple, there is another alternative for your used tissue box...storing plastic grocery bags. Sure, you can buy the fancy plastic of metal containers places like Bed, Bath and Beyond sell, but why not make your own for free?

I mean, sometimes don't you just wish you had that Target bag handy for your child's wet clothes...but since you didn't have anywhere to put it, you just threw it away.

So when you finish off that next tissue box, don't throw it away...put it under your sink and have your own plastic bag dispenser!

Jet-Dry Dishwasher Cleaner

Lately, my dishwasher has been acting funny. It hasn't been cleaning my dishes as well as it has in the past and the detergent reservoir isn't completely emptying. I fact, half the detergent is usually left when I open the dishwasher door. And we are even talking liquid detergent.

So today I decided to try the Jet-Dry Dishwasher Cleaner. I saw a commercial on TV for it and thought this is worth a try before I have to call out a dishwasher repair guy. While the Jet-Dry Dishwasher Cleaner was able to give my dishwasher a clean, citrus smell, unfortunately, it didn't fix the problem in my dishwasher...I just found detergent left over in the detergent reservoir.

Although it didn't fix the problems with my dishwasher, it still may help with yours.

Have you tried the Jet-Dry Dishwasher Cleaner? Let us know what you think...

Diapers.com brings the diapers to you

Now that I have two kids in diapers, I feel like I am always buying diapers at the grocery store. But I think I may have found an easier and cheaper solution. Let me do the math for you....Pampers Cruisers, Size 5, you can get 27 diapers for $13.79 at CVS.com. And at my local Ralphs grocery store, they are usually $10.99. That is $0.51 and $0.41, respectively, per diaper.

Through Diapers.com, you can get 150 of the same diapers for $45.99, which is only $0.31 per diaper. By buying the larger amount through Diapers.com, you save $0.10 per diaper, which really adds up with the millions of diapers I seem to be buying!!! And you don't have to run to the store to pick them up. They are delivered to your doorstep. If you buy $50 or more from Diapers.com, you get free shipping.

And just in time for the holidays, Diapers.com is offering a fantastic deal for first time buyers...
$10 off Your First Order Over $50 with Code: AFFL10 - Diapers.com has increased their Dollar Off Promotion from $3 to $10 just for the holidays! Take advantage of this great offer, now through December 31, 2007!

Hey, it's worth trying at least once!

Diapers.com - $10 Off Your First Order Over $50 with Code: AFFL10 plus Free Shipping until 12/31

Create a Treat Ginger Bread House

Okay, so I don't know how many of you have seen the ginger bread house kits at Costco or if any of you have used them. I have noticed them at Costco the past couple of years but decided to buy one this year. Yesterday, my 2-1/2 year old and I put it together...and it was so much fun. It comes with very simple to follow instructions and the house actually stays together!

I was worried about me eating the candy, but quickly realized my son would be the one to watch for. After each candy he put in his mouth he said, "Mmm, that's good!" I think I heard that phrase at least 30 times...but luckily, no tummy aches.

As we were putting it together, I thought of a few other fun things you can do with this ginger bread kit. In true Monica Gellar fashion, you could buy several of these kits (only $8.99 at Costco) and have a decorating contest at your holiday party...you know, maybe 3 to 5 people on each team designing their own house. But if you think that is too cheesy for adults, it could also be a great activity for a kids' holiday party. Or, just like my son and I, it is a great project for the family to work on together.

In my opinion, it is well worth the $8.99. To find out more about this ginger bread house kit and other "sweet" projects, check out Create A Treat.

The Cradle

I just found out about a website that I think is absolutely fabulous!

The Cradle is a great resource for pregnant women and new parents. You can chat with other parents to be, check out boy and girl names, explore baby shower ideas, see some of the coolest baby products on the market, and leave messages on topics of interest. In my opinion, it is a much hipper version of BabyCenter that is much more interactive for the site's visitors.

Be sure to check out The Cradle tomorrow, December 7th, as they will be having a website launch giveaway - we are taking Bugaboo, Fleurville and more!

No-Waste Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you are trying to go "green" this holiday season, here are a few ideas to help eliminate as much waste as possible, and perhaps save a few trees.

• Decorate oversized gifts with just a reusable bow


• Put gifts in a decorative hat box and tie with a reusable ribbon


• Kitchen gifts can be warpped in a colorful dishtowel or table cloth


• Tools can be placed inside a tool box


• Hang jewelry right on the Christmas tree or place them inside an open ornament


• Small gifts can be place inside a stocking without being wrapped


• Some gifts already come in decorative gift boxes. Just add a bow and a tag and the gift is ready

You can find the Penguin gift box featured above at The Container Store - Gift Wrap for All Occasions!

And always remember, it is the thought that counts!