Let’s face it – we all have those high cabinets that collect dust and forgotten items, right? Whether it’s the kitchen, the bathroom, or your living room, those towering shelves are often underutilized, left to gather cobwebs and random things we rarely need. But what if these high spaces could become game-changing areas of your home, transforming cluttered rooms into neat, organized havens? Let’s dive into why high cabinets get a bad rap, and how you can unlock their hidden potential to create a storage wonderland.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Curse of High Cabinets

High cabinets are often the perfect storm of perceived inaccessibility and design focus. Because they’re harder to reach, they’re typically ignored, relegated to the role of overflow zones for items we don’t use often but don’t want to throw away either. In our minds, the higher the cabinet, the less convenient it feels to store anything useful. But here’s the twist: with just a few clever strategies, you can transform these vertical spaces into hidden treasures of organization and functionality.

The High Cabinet Hack: Turn Forgotten Space into Purposeful Storage

High cabinets don’t have to be neglected or purely decorative. With some ingenuity, they can become the most functional part of your home. Here are some viral-worthy ideas for how to make the most of these often-overlooked spaces:

1. Seasonal Rotation Station
Don’t let your holiday decor or seasonal dishware clutter your kitchen or living room. High cabinets are perfect for storing seasonal items like holiday dishes, tableware, or decorations that only come out once a year. When it’s time for the next season, simply rotate items in and out! Pro Tip: Use labeled bins or clear boxes so you can quickly identify what’s inside without digging through them. This hack will save you time and keep your main spaces clean.

2. The Secret Stash for Valuables
Need a place to store your important documents or valuables? High cabinets are perfect for keeping things safe and out of sight. From heirlooms to emergency cash, these elevated spaces offer a natural layer of security. Pro Tip: Use lockable containers or disguise your stash behind decoy items (like old books or decorative boxes) for an extra layer of protection. Only you will know the true secret!

3. Pantry Overflow
We all know how a pantry can quickly become overloaded with bulk items like cereal boxes, snacks, or canned goods. High cabinets can be a lifesaver for storing excess pantry items that don’t need to be accessed daily. Pro Tip: Use stackable bins or baskets for maximum organization. This will keep everything tidy and easy to access, even in the highest of shelves.

4. The Appliance Garage
Counter space can get cluttered fast, especially with all those appliances we use maybe once a week. High cabinets are ideal for storing bulky items like blenders, air fryers, and mixers, keeping your counters free from distractions. Pro Tip: Install pull-down shelves to make even the heaviest appliances easy to reach and retrieve. A simple design upgrade can totally transform your kitchen organization.

5. Memory Keeper
High cabinets are perfect for storing sentimental items like photo albums, scrapbooks, or keepsakes. These cherished objects are safe from daily wear and tear but are still easily accessible when you want to relive those special moments. Pro Tip: Use acid-free storage boxes to preserve photos, letters, or anything delicate. Not only will your memories stay safe, but they’ll also be neatly tucked away out of sight.

6. The Toy & Game Zone
If you have kids, you know the struggle of managing toys and board games. High cabinets can be the perfect solution for storing toys out of sight but still easily retrievable when needed. This helps maintain a tidy living space while ensuring playtime is never far away. Pro Tip: Add step stools or low furniture nearby so the little ones can safely reach their things. This makes it easy for them to access their favorite toys without creating a mess.

7. Emergency Preparedness Hub
High cabinets are also a smart spot for your emergency supplies, like flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and non-perishable food. They’re out of the way but always ready when you need them the most. Pro Tip: Use clear bins or labeled containers to keep everything organized and easy to find in case of an emergency. You’ll be prepared for anything—without the clutter.

Optimizing High Cabinets: Make Every Inch Count

Now that you’ve got some killer ideas for using high cabinets, here’s how you can take it one step further with simple organizational hacks:

• Pull-Down Shelving: Install pull-down shelves or lazy Susan systems to make reaching high spaces a breeze. No more scrambling on a step stool to get to the back of your shelves.
• Stackable Bins: Use clear, stackable bins to maximize vertical space while keeping everything visible and easy to grab.
• Label Everything: Whether it’s a bin, basket, or shelf, labeling will save you time and frustration. No more digging for what you need.
• Invest in Step Stools: Keep a sturdy, collapsible step stool nearby to safely reach those high places without straining yourself.
• Light It Up: Install battery-operated LED lights inside your cabinets to illuminate dark corners and make finding items easier.

Hidden Storage Ideas with a Twist: The Ultimate High Cabinet Hacks

Ready to level up your high cabinet game? Here are a few creative storage hacks that will make your high cabinets even more of a secret weapon:

• False Backs for Secret Compartments: Create hidden compartments behind removable panels or false backs in your high cabinets. This will give you a stealthy storage spot for valuables or sensitive documents.
• Magnetic Strips: Attach magnetic strips to the inside of cabinet doors for storing small items like spices, knives, or tools. It’s a genius way to free up shelf space and keep things organized.
• Vertical Dividers for Trays: Use vertical dividers to organize large, flat items like baking sheets, cutting boards, or serving trays. These dividers maximize space and keep your items from getting bent or damaged.
• Disguised Decor: Who says storage has to be ugly? Place decorative items like faux plants, books, or vases in front of your stored goods to combine function with style.

Unlock the True Potential of Your High Cabinets

High cabinets don’t have to be a dead zone for dust and forgotten junk. By thinking outside the box, you can transform these vertical spaces into organized, functional storage that not only keeps your home tidy but also elevates its style and security.

So, next time you look at those towering shelves, think again. What’s hiding up there? With a little creativity, you can unlock a world of possibilities that will make your home feel cleaner, more organized, and truly efficient.

Have you ever found a creative way to use high cabinets? Share your tips, ideas, and hacks below—let’s keep the conversation going and help each other optimize every inch of our homes!

With their kidproof lids, waterproof design, and that bright orange color that makes them easy to spot, pill bottles can be repurposed into a variety of clever, life-enhancing tools. Once you see the many ways you can use them, you’ll wonder why you were ever so quick to toss them out.

Ready to give those pill bottles a second life? Check out these surprising and creative ideas to get organized, save time, and make your life a little bit easier. After reading these, you’ll wish you’d tried these hacks sooner!

1. Jewelry Holder

Are your rings, earrings, or necklaces tangled in a drawer somewhere? Repurpose a pill bottle to store your jewelry neatly. The small size makes it perfect for organizing individual pieces, and the childproof lid keeps everything secure. Plus, you can easily label them for quick access!

2. Shower Bottles
Heading to the gym or on vacation? Pill bottles make great mini bottles for your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or even face wash. They’re waterproof, compact, and leak-proof, so you can toss them in your bag without worrying about spills.

3. Portable Sewing Kit
Never be caught without a needle and thread again! Fill a pill bottle with small sewing essentials like needles, thread, buttons, and a few safety pins. The compact design means you can keep it in your purse, glove compartment, or travel bag for emergencies.

4. Hide a Key
Looking for a safe place to stash a spare key? Pill bottles are perfect for this task. Just place your key inside, seal it up, and hide it under a rock, in your garden, or inside a shed. With the waterproof bottle, you won’t have to worry about rust or wear and tear.

5. Survival Kit
Pill bottles are the perfect size to create a mini survival kit. You can fill them with tiny essentials like a fire starter, matches, bandages, a few coins, and some antiseptic wipes. It’s a compact, portable solution to being prepared for the unexpected.

6. Nail Polish Remover
If you’re looking to reduce clutter, use a pill bottle to store nail polish remover. It’s small and easy to carry, so you can throw it in your bag or travel case without the bulk of a larger bottle.

7. Makeup Holder
You can use pill bottles to organize small makeup items like cotton balls, makeup sponges, cotton swabs, or travel-sized beauty products. They’re easy to label and keep everything neat and tidy in your bathroom or travel bag.

8. Purse Trash Can
Are you tired of finding crumpled receipts and wrappers in your purse? Repurpose a pill bottle as a mini trash can! It’s the perfect size for small trash items like gum wrappers, receipts, and tissue, keeping your bag organized and clean.

9. Earbud Container
Say goodbye to tangled earbuds! Pill bottles are an excellent storage solution for your headphones. Simply coil them neatly, slip them inside, and you’ll always be able to find your earbuds easily and without the knots.

10. A “Love Rx”
Why not turn a pill bottle into a fun, quirky gift? Fill it with little love notes, affirmations, or even small candies and give it as a “Love Rx.” It’s a thoughtful and creative way to show someone you care.

11. Matchbox
A pill bottle can easily serve as a mini matchbox. Store matches, a small striker, and even a tiny candle inside. It’s a handy item to keep around in case of emergencies or for camping trips.

12. Coin Holder
Tired of loose change rattling around in your bag or pockets? Use pill bottles to organize and store your spare change. You can even label them for different denominations (quarters, pennies, dimes, etc.), making it easier to grab coins when you need them.

As you can see, your pill bottles have so much more potential than simply being tossed in the trash. Whether you’re looking for more organization, convenience, or just a little creativity in your life, these repurposed bottles can help you in ways you never imagined. So, the next time you have a pill bottle lying around, think twice before tossing it. It could be the key to a more organized and efficient day-to-day life.

Give these ideas a try and let us know how you use your pill bottles—who knows what new tricks you might discover!

It turns out, there’s an unusual yet effective way to transform those old coins into unique decorative pieces that can enhance your home—thanks to a mixture of salt, vinegar, and a little bit of elbow grease.

Here’s how it works:

What You’ll Need:

• A jar of coins (preferably old ones)
• Pan
• Strainer
• White vinegar
• Salt

Step-by-Step Process:

• Clean the Coins: Begin by washing the coins with soap, water, and a pinch of baking soda. This initial cleaning removes grime and tarnish, giving the coins a fresh base.
• Strain the Water: Once your coins are washed, strain the water so that only the coins remain in the container.
• Salt and Vinegar Solution: Now, add a mixture of white vinegar and salt to the container with the coins. Stir it gently, ensuring that the coins are well-coated with the solution.
• Let It Sit: Allow the coins to sit in the mixture for about 30 minutes. This will help the vinegar and salt react with the coins, enhancing their rustic, aged appearance.
• Dry and Decorate: After the 30 minutes are up, drain the coins and spread them out to dry. Once dried, the coins will have a weathered, vintage look—perfect for creative projects!
• 

Creative Uses for Your Refurbished Coins:

• Decorative Letters: Use the rustic coins to decorate wooden letters or shapes, which you can then hang on your front door or display around your house.
• Lawn Decorations: Glue the coins to a glass dish and place them outside as a quirky, eye-catching decoration for your lawn or garden.
• Craft Projects: You can also use these coins for a variety of other home crafts, like creating coasters, framed art, or even using them to add a bit of flair to old furniture.
• 

While it might sound like an odd DIY project, the results speak for themselves. Old coins, when given a touch of salt and vinegar, transform into charming little pieces that can add a vintage feel to your home decor. Whether you’re into rustic design or looking for a fun project, this technique offers a creative and practical way to repurpose old currency into something beautiful.

So next time you find a jar of old coins gathering dust, remember that a sprinkle of salt and a splash of vinegar could turn them into something truly unique!

Halloween is the one time of year when you can transform your home into a creepy haunted house or a spooky graveyard without anyone batting an eye.

But finding Halloween decorations that aren’t just the typical cheap plastic spiders or inflatable pumpkins?

Now that’s a real challenge. Sure, it’s fun to get into the spooky spirit, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying mass-produced, over-the-top decorations that just feel… cheesy.

This year, however, some homeowners are taking their Halloween game to the next level.

While most of us are scrambling to assemble a half-hearted spooky scene in our front yard, there are some neighbors who are going all-out with innovative, jaw-dropping decorations.

Think you’ve seen it all?

Think again. Imagine stumbling upon a “zombie apocalypse” scene in the front yard or a lifelike skeleton spewing “acid” from its guts.

These aren’t your average haunted house props, these are next-level creepy creations that are bound to leave your neighbors talking (and maybe even a little scared).

To help you get inspired for this year’s Halloween celebrations, we’ve rounded up a collection of the most surprising, hilarious, and downright eerie Halloween displays that have caught people off guard.

From a skeleton vomiting neon “toxic goo” to lifelike dioramas featuring gruesome zombie attacks, these homeowners are clearly making sure their decorations not only go viral online but also become the talk of the neighborhood.

However, just because Halloween is near doesn’t mean we can’t show kindness. One Halloween fan shared this message in a TikTok video that has since gone viral.

Salena Webb loves Halloween. She is a mother of four from South Carolina, and like many others, she celebrates by decorating her yard with Halloween items. Salena created a whole graveyard scene in her front yard, complete with ghosts, spiderwebs, pumpkins, a witch, tombstones, and skeletons carrying a casket. It took a lot of time to set up the display. But when her neighbor came to ask her to take it down, she agreed.

Her neighbor asked her to remove some decorations to make things easier for his elderly father.

Salena shared the moment her neighbor visited her to make the request in a TikTok video. In the video, the neighbor explains, “Hey, I know you’re celebrating Halloween. My dad just got diagnosed with lung cancer. He thinks the decorations are a bit scary.” He then points to the graveyard scene and asks, “Would you mind taking just the casket out?”

Salena felt sympathetic right away. Since her neighbor’s dad often spends time in his garage, which faces her yard, she understood why removing the casket was important. “I didn’t want to be a reminder of what could happen if he doesn’t beat cancer,” she told Insider. “I didn’t want to add stress to someone else’s life.”

Salena removed the casket and gave the skeletons badminton rackets instead. She moved the more scary decorations to her backyard. “I was a little sad at first,” Salena wrote in her TikTok caption, “But I realized that taking away the casket wouldn’t hurt me, but it might help my neighbor feel better as he deals with this news. Kindness is free, and compassion goes a long way.”

Many people praised Salena for her kindness. She posted the video and asked her followers what they would have done in her situation. While some said they wouldn’t have taken down their decorations, many praised Salena for her compassion.

@thatsnorthsense

My family knows i loveeee Halloween and my decorations took me awhile to make and put up. I had just purshased the skeleton carrying the casket to go along with my graveyard to really set my halloween decor off this year I was a little sad at first but i thought about the bigger picture. Me removing my casket isnt hurting me at all but it may ease and bring my neighbor a little bit of peace as he adjusts to this news. Kindness is free and compassion goes a long way. Now what to replace it with#Thatsnorthsense #dailyvlog #compassionforothers #halloween2023 #loveyourneighborasyourself

♬ Kindness Is Free! – Music with Michal

“Now this is what being a good neighbor is all about. Kindness doesn’t cost anything. Thank you!” one user commented.

Another person wrote, “This was beautifully handled. The world needs more people like you! God bless you!”

Salena’s neighbor also appreciated her gesture. After she took down the casket, she brought him a card and some balloons. Even though there was a language barrier between them, she could tell he was thankful. He told her, “You’re good people.”

Materials Needed:

• Plastic box with a lid (e.g., for chocolate eggs or candy)
• Wooden rolling pin
• Aluminum foil
• Vinyl glue
• Scissors
• Decorative paper or napkin (for decoupage)
• Water

Instructions:

• Prepare Your Box: Start by choosing a plastic box with a lid that fits your desired storage needs.
• Smooth the Aluminum Foil: Roll out a piece of aluminum foil using a wooden rolling pin. This will help remove any static electricity and wrinkles, making the foil easier to work with.
• Cover the Box: Apply vinyl glue to the bottom of the plastic box. Carefully place the rolled-out aluminum foil over the glued area, smoothing it down and cutting off any excess foil around the edges.
• Decorate the Lid: For the lid, use a picture from wrapping paper or a decorative napkin. Apply a mixture of water and glue (decoupage medium) to adhere it to the lid. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles for a polished finish.
• 
• Finish the Inside: To give the box a cohesive look, cover the inside of the lid with aluminum foil using the same method as before. Apply vinyl glue, smooth the foil down, and trim any excess.
• Final Touches: Allow everything to dry completely. Once dry, your box is ready for use!

Result:

You’ll have a stunning, functional storage box that not only looks great but also adds a unique touch to your decor. This project is perfect for organizing small items, gifts, or even crafting supplies.

It had been built in the 1820s and was on the National Register of Historic Places, but after years of neglect, it was a shell of its former self.

Historic Mississippi house circa 1825 AFTER renovation

They were determined to do it right, and that meant hiring a crane to lift the 2,770-square-foot house onto supports, “where it sat for more than a year during repairs to its foundation and the installation of new insulation, plumbing, and electricity.”

Country Living reports: “Each wallboard was removed and numbered, then put back in place after the electrical updates. Scraping away decades of paint revealed original artistic details, including marbleized baseboards and faux bird’s-eye maple panels, which a restoration painter was able to revive.”

An old journal from the 1800s described what the interiors had looked like at the time, and they recreated as much of the white and wood palette as possible. The heart pine floors were lightly sanded so you can still see scars and burn marks in places. “Those imperfections are part of the story,” Tere Thomas says. “Besides, Laurietta’s not a grand house.”

The couple transformed Laurietta “from a dilapidated buzzard’s nest into a roost where their extended family could come together for weekends and holidays.”

Here’s how to make the most of shadows for your next gathering!

Shadows are created when an object blocks light from a source. They can change in shape, size, and intensity depending on the light source and the object’s position.
The Play of Light: Experimenting with different light sources (natural vs. artificial) can create unique shadow effects.

Creative Uses of Shadows

Shadow Play with Objects: Use everyday items like plants, furniture, or decorative objects to cast interesting shadows. Position them strategically to create intriguing shapes on walls or tables.
Shadow Puppets: For a fun activity, use your hands or cut-out shapes to create shadow puppets on a blank wall. This can be a delightful entertainment segment for kids and adults alike!

Lighting Techniques

Use Fairy Lights: Hang fairy lights around your entertaining area. The soft glow will create gentle shadows that add a magical touch to your space.
Candles and Lanterns: Place candles or lanterns at varying heights. The flickering light will cast dynamic shadows that shift and dance throughout the evening.

DIY Shadow Art

Create Shadow Frames: Make frames out of cardboard or wood, and cut out shapes that can be backlit with candles or LED lights. Hang them on walls or place them on tables to project artistic shadows.
Shadow Boxes: Create layered shadow boxes with different depths. When illuminated from behind, they create a stunning 3D effect.

Engaging Activities

Shadow Storytelling: Encourage guests to create stories based on the shadows they see. This can be an interactive and imaginative game for everyone.
Photo Booth Fun: Set up a photo booth with shadowy backdrops and props. Use strong lighting to create dramatic shadow effects, making for memorable pictures.

Seasonal Themes

Halloween: Use spooky silhouettes like bats or ghosts. Hang cut-outs in windows or on walls for a festive touch.
Summer BBQs: Create a beachy vibe by using palm tree cut-outs. The shadows can evoke a relaxing, tropical atmosphere.

Incorporating shadows into your home entertaining not only enhances the ambiance but also sparks creativity and fun. By playing with light and shadow, you can create a unique and memorable experience for your guests. So, the next time you host a gathering, don’t forget to experiment with shadows—who knows what enchanting effects you might create!

Tips for Implementation
Test Your Setup: Before your event, experiment with different light placements to find the best effects.
Consider Safety: Ensure that any candles or heat sources are placed safely to prevent accidents.

The middle school boy in Dubuque, Iowa had finished constructing an 89-square-foot tiny house in the backyard of his parents’ house. When he was 11 years old, he started working on the project. He completed it a year and a half later with a budget of $1,500 that he had earned by performing domestic chores.

Luke’s trip had just gotten started, and that was only the beginning.

Luke Thill, now 17 years old, and his brother Cole have increased their collection of tiny homes by adding a teardrop camper. Luke told Insider that he intends to live a minimalist lifestyle.

Building the tiny house was “a huge experience,” said Luke. That unquestionably altered the way I lived.

Luke anticipated that his 2016 summer would be uneventful. The 11-year-old was looking for something to do because he had no immediate plans when he came across the small home movement on YouTube.

He was persuaded and made the decision to construct his own tiny cottage.

Luke and his father determined that it would cost $1,500 to build a basic, modest house before they got started.

Like many young individuals, Luke began saving by taking up odd jobs in his neighborhood.

Luke’s straightforward goal was to earn money by working one summer mowing lawns and performing odd jobs for his grandparents and neighbors.

He started constructing his future little abode not long after that.

Even though Luke asserted that he had little experience with home renovation tasks, this was by far his biggest undertaking to date.

Luke claims that most of the materials used to build the house were salvaged, and that windows and doors, in particular, were donated by friends, neighbors, and relatives in order to decrease costs.

With aid from his parents, Luke took around a year and a half to finish the project. His mother helped with the inside design while his father helped with the construction. Luke turned 13 and got a small house by the fall of 2017.

By claiming he never intended to live in the small house permanently, Luke was able to avoid installing plumbing, which would have been costly, time-consuming, and difficult to perform.

The house was intended to serve as a getaway and a gathering spot for friends.

The straightforward architecture of the house demonstrates this. It contains a living room space and a tiny kitchen with a countertop, a microwave, and a drop-down dining table. Luke also accommodates guests for movie evenings and occasionally sleeps in a lofted area that is accessed by a ladder.

Luke even prepared the feast for his family on Thanksgiving.

After finishing the little house, Luke was excited to begin a new project.

Cole, his twin brother, was constructing a teardrop camper from the ground up as part of his own project at the time.

Luke joined to assist about halfway through the task. Luke claims that the brothers paid about $2,500 for the 36-square-foot teardrop camper when they were both 14 years old.

Luke observed that this job was surprisingly more difficult and complicated than constructing a small dwelling.

You must make sure everything is perfect. You don’t want things to fall apart if you’re driving down the highway at 75 mph, according to Luke.

Luke and his brother were able to reunite thanks to the camper. According to Luke, the couple has gone on more than 50 camping trips around Iowa and its neighboring states since the construction was finished in 2018.

Luke made a lot of changes to the teardrop camper in 2020. He replaced the camper’s woodwork, repainted the interior woodwork, and installed new cabinets.

Luke discovered the importance of a strong sense of community.

Luke claimed that he learned many valuable life lessons from his early experience building a little house, including the importance of tenacity and financial responsibility.

But Luke argued that the significance of group identification was one of the most important lessons he had ever learned. Luke claimed that he required help from his neighbors while he was building. He would, for instance, swap things with a neighbor or provide electrical assistance in return for garage cleaning.

He remarked, “A small project in my backyard brought the neighborhood and community together.”

Luke stated that he is prepared for the upcoming project now that the camper has been constructed. He claimed that as a junior in high school, he also values working, hanging out with friends, and completing his assignments.

Luke said that although he is presently concentrating on high school, he will continue to value small-space living in the future. He might even think about constructing a bigger version of his existing home after he starts college.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of creating a green roof, from planning and preparation to planting and maintenance.

Assessing Your Roof:

• Structural Integrity: Before starting, ensure that your roof can support the weight of a green roof system, soil, and plants.
• Sun Exposure: Evaluate the amount of sunlight your roof receives throughout the day to choose suitable plants.
• Accessibility: Consider accessibility for maintenance and watering when designing your green roof.

Choosing the Right System:

• Extensive vs. Intensive: Decide between extensive (lightweight, low-maintenance) and intensive (deeper soil, diverse plantings) green roof systems based on your preferences and roof capacity.
• Materials: Select appropriate waterproofing, drainage, and growing medium materials for your green roof system.

Preparation and Installation:

• Waterproofing: Ensure your roof is properly waterproofed to prevent water leakage into the building.
• Drainage: Install drainage layers to allow excess water to flow off the roof and prevent waterlogging.
• Growing Medium: Add a lightweight, well-draining growing medium to provide a suitable substrate for plant growth.
• Plant Selection: Choose drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants native to your region for optimal green roof performance.

Planting and Maintenance:

• Planting: Carefully plant selected vegetation in the growing medium, ensuring proper spacing and coverage.
• Watering: Initially, water the green roof regularly to establish plant roots. Once established, water as needed during dry periods.
• Weeding and Pruning: Regularly remove weeds and prune plants to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing green roof.
• Fertilization: Apply organic fertilizers as needed to provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect the green roof for signs of damage, drainage issues, or plant health problems.

Creating a green roof is not only a sustainable landscaping solution but also a transformative way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your home.

By following this step-by-step guide, women over 45 can embark on a fulfilling journey of building and maintaining their green oasis atop their roofs. Whether you opt for a simple extensive system or a lush intensive garden, a green roof can bring countless benefits to your life and the environment.

Embrace the opportunity to create a greener, more vibrant world, one roof at a time.