How to Stop the Spread of Cat Litter - Best Kitty Litter Mat - Black Hole Cat Litter Mat

As the proud owner of 3 cats, I can tell you the litter box has always been a source of mess.  I am not only cleaning it out but constantly sweeping up the debris field of gravel!

My cats use it faithfully but each has their own habit of either digging to China or sending the litter flying out of the box.

They won't use a covered box, which to me would have solved the spraying litter, so I have been researching ways to contain the litter mess to a smaller area.

(Muffin, Moo, and Bruce!)

Black Hole Cat Litter Mat

Black Hole Litter Mat

This is the larger version, at 36 x 25 inches, and as you can see in the picture, it will collect the litter below the surface and you can simply put it back in the box.

Right now I use newspapers, which do help a little bit, but since our kitty station is near our side entrance which is used a fair bit, you always track wayward litter on your socks or your bare feet.  It has been driving me nuts especially since one of my cats loves to send it flying and shake his feet when he first gets out and shred the newspaper!

I have Tried Other Mats and My Cats Will Jump Over Them

The texture of common mats that are on the market seem to bother my cats, so I was researching this product and the surface is much softer, meaning they are likely to use it.

If you don't have room for a large mat, you can get a smaller Black Hole Cat Litter Mat.  At 30 x 23 inches.  This size seems to be the most common with over 1600 reviews at this writing.

My favourite part is that you can simply press the sides and see all the collected litter and simply pour it back into the box.  No more wastage!  Grabs it off your cats feet before it tracks through the house.

It also quickly cleans with water if needed.  Usually the litter coming off my cats feet is the clean part, so easy to pour it back in the tray.

Not all Cats Like Covered Litter Boxes

My 3 cats do not like to use them.  They are so very touchy about their bathroom habits!  They like to see everything that is going on around them when they "go".  So it all depends on your kitties bathroom personalities!  Plus they tend to concentrate the odors.

I love the idea of containing the litter to one area and simply putting it back where it came from instead of sweeping it up along with other floor dust and throwing it out.  This actually makes sense.

Best Tick Removal Tool for Dogs and People - Get The Entire Tick Leaving Nothing Behind

As the Lyme disease is spread by ticks, the media has for many years now, suggested we always check our skin especially after time outdoors in nature.   The trick is to get the tick off your skin once it has latched on without leaving the head behind.

I am here to tell you TWEEZERS DO NOT WORK!  You will end up leaving the head in the skin, which is what happened when my son and my dog had tick bites.

We took the piece of tick to our local health unit to find out if it was the Deer tick (which carries the Lyme disease)  Luckily, it was not, but he had to have the rest of the tick picked out which was painful.

Our dog was not so lucky, as the tick bite she received was in fact infected.  We did not get it right away and she developed Lyme Disease which can cause arthritis symptoms in dogs and pain.

Best Tick Removal Tool on the Market

Tick Remover Tool for Dogs and People

This comes in two different sizes, and is a very simple tool but it removes the entire tick including the mouth.

This not only reduces the risk of infection, but can give you the chance to have it identified at the health unit as it is not in pieces.  Over 1000 reviews at this writing!

If you pull on it with tweezers, it will come apart and it can be hard to identify and now you have the worst part of the bug still in your skin and tweezers hurt!

They are very tiny when they are first on your skin, but enlarge as they feed on you.  Gross, yes I

know, but it is something you have to watch for, especially with pets.

Pets, especially dogs, will also get the same red inflamed bulls eye ring that humans get if the tick was infected and was able to fully bite, which requires immediate attention if you don't want the disease to spread through their bodies causing pain and distress.

Check Your Skin and then Check Your Pets

If you regularly walk with your dog in the park, through the woods, anywhere in nature, these nasty little critters can be waiting to hitch a ride from just about anywhere.    After your walk, quickly rub all over your skin to feel for one as you will not feel the bite including your scalp.

But don't forget your dogs, as they can't check themselves, and ticks can hang on for days feeding on your dog.  We had removed a tick from our dog before, but obviously missed one because when she became lame the Veterinarian tested her for diseases and it was positive for Lyme Disease and we then found the red ring on her skin after careful inspection.  She is now on 6 weeks worth of strong antibiotics.

I Wish I had this Tick Removal Tool at the Time

I wish I could go back in time and take more effort to search her fur.  She is a furry dog, but the Veterinarian was able to identify the bite site on her skin as it was irritated and red.  She was not feeling well but we are hoping we got her on the medication on time.  We are on week one of the meds.

My Cat Had a Tick Too

Even my cat who loves to play hide and seek in our garden cedar hedge row, had one on the back of his neck.  I saw it right away because he is white and this tick was darkening as it was feeding.  I yanked it off with tweezers and the head remained in the skin which then needed attention.  They hang on tight these nasty little critters.

If You Love to Be Out in Nature, Arm Yourself With a Few Tools

Purchase this tick remover tool.  Cover your bare skin if you are hiking, especially your legs, and consider purchasing some tick repellents to give you that extra layer of protection. 

Remove the Tick to Help Prevent Disease 

Using the proper tools makes all the difference.  These tick removal tools are under 10 bucks online at the time of this writing, totally worth the investment to help you get the entire bug including the head and mouth off your skin without digging or pain.  A very simple design but it works much better than tweezers.

It is small enough to carry in your purse or knapsack, and should go with you everywhere.  You just never know when one of these will show up on your skin or your pets skin.

What to Do if You Find a Tick Biting Yourself or your Dog?

Use this tool to remove the entire tick and place the tick in a clean bottle or even a sandwich baggy or wrap in wet paper towel and take to the local health department in your town or go to a health clinic and show them the bite and the tick.  It can then be identified and tested to see if it has Lyme Disease.

If it does you will be given treatment for yourself or your dog.  My son was bitten by a tick a few years back and we made the mistake of trying to remove it with tweezers, we had to go to the medical clinic and get the rest dug out which is painful, and then a series of antibiotics.

If you suspect a tick bite but don't have the tick, seek medical attention.  The earlier this disease is caught the better.  We didn't see the bite on our dog right away, and symptoms of Lyme disease started, so check yourself, and your pets and be proactive.

How to Make a Brooch Bouquet on the Cheap

This new type of bouquet has taken the wedding scene by storm, and as someone who loves to scour thrift and antique stores, I took an immediate interest.

You don't have to scour like I did, especially if you are looking for a diamond and silver theme.  I was amazed to find that you can get a large quantity of similar brooches online with Amazon in bulk.

Rhinestone and Crystal for a Wedding Brooch Bouquet in Bulk!

I also would love the idea of many different antique style ones and colors, but if you love this type of theme then getting the supplies online can save you a bundle.

Check out this video for the best way to make a brooch bouquet using a form or brooch bouquet armature which can get very expensive at floral stores, but you can get them online.

You can follow his steps, or simply wire your brooch pins onto the form.  You can get most of the supplies online.  He uses the organza to fill in the blanks.  This is a pretty quick way to create a beautiful sparkling bouquet.  The foam handle actually handles the pinned brooches.  The perfect keepsake.

Brooch Bouquet Armature

Silver Organza

Rhinestone Mesh Ribbon Roll

 You can follow the above video to see just how to use the armature, or another option I found was to use these simple stems. The wedding bouquet is not quite as large but exquisite just the same check out below:

This is the real deal and therefore is more costly. But the thing I really like about this craft project is just how much you can save by making them yourself, especially if you are planning a wedding on a budget, and how they don't die. You can treasure this forever.

To Recap:

You need a form of some kind (stems or armature)

lots and lots of sparkly brooches

organza ribbon to fill in the blanks

Now you are set to create your very own wedding bouquet that is more personal and much cheaper.   I think it would be cool to add a special piece that means a lot to you.  It could be a special earring, something borrowed, something blue type thing.  You could fit it into your creation.

Enjoy making your own brooch bouquet for your special day, and it can be kept forever afterwards.  They actually look really nice in a tiny vase.  Or you can get them already made and ready to go online below:

Organizing a Small Walk In Closet on a Budget - Cheap Options

Small Walk In Closet Ideas!

I too have a small walk in closet.  It is a tiny rectangle.  I didn't want to tear it apart and spend hundreds, so did some research and found affordable ways to organize a small walk in closet.  It of course depends on your clothing and shoe personality, but it can all fit, believe me!

Shoes First!

Closet or Wall Shoe Rack - Holds 50 Pairs!

The way I am going to configure my walk in closet, is that one side and back will be clothes and the other wall this shoe rack. This rack is only just over 11 inches deep, so will not take up much floor space even in a small walk in.

This unit is under 45 bucks... check current price here..  and a totally affordable way to get shoes and boots off the floor.  I can find them easily too.  The ratings show that over 1100 people at the time of this writing are enjoying their shoe storage!  Making use of the vertical space is the key in any small area.

Shelf Divider - Store Way More Clothes So You Can See Them

Shelf Divider Perfect for Sweaters and T-Shirts

My small walk in closet already has a shelf on 3 walls and the rod below for hanging things. But like most closets there is a good deal of height above the shelf. By using these dividers you can neatly store sweaters, shirts and t-shirts.  By dividing the space you can store a ton of clothes.

For under 20 bucks, this is an awesome investment to stop those piles of clothes falling over.  Totally investing in these myself.  There are deals online check the current price here...  This alone could solve a lot of problems.  The shoe rack and the shelf divider maybe all you need to get your small walk in closet organized and neat.

Hanging Bins Make Good Use of Vertical Space for Under 10 Bucks!

Great for Scarves, Socks, Undies and More

If like me, you don't really have a dresser, then your closet will have to house everything. If everything has its place it becomes easier to find and easier to put away. I love the idea of these hanging bins as they only take up a foot of width, but use a lot of vertical space.

Each bin could be used for things that don't hang and can't be stored on the upper shelf, such as scarves, undies, socks, stockings and more.  For under 10 bucks you have some instant storage, check current price here.   You could get a couple of these if you can afford to lose about a foot of width on your closet rail.

Walk In Closet Organizer - Perfect for a Closet Wall

Walk In Closet Organizer

This unit is a bit more of an investment as it climbs just over the 100 dollar mark, but would work against one wall of the closet or the back wall of a regular closet.

When I moved into my present house, there was already the rail and the shelf above it which was typical for the age of the house.  So, for me it was much easier and cheaper to add a few supplies such as the shelf divider, and a few hanging baskets and the shoe rack and that took care of everything in this small space.

But if you don't have a present rail and shelf, or they are not in the best of shape, then taking them out and simply installing one of these will give you everything including 2 rails to hang clothes on and some shelves.  Check current price here and see if this would be a better fit.  You can get adjustable to fit most sizes.  Over 900 customers have found this to be what they want based on the reviews at the writing of this post.

Small Walk In Closet Organization

The best way is to empty everything out of this space, and plan it out.  Think outside the box if your budget is tight.

Start by figuring out what needs to be in this space.  

• Is it shoes?
• 
  
• Clothes?
• 
  
• Folded clothes such as sweater and t-shirts?
• 
  
• Purses?

Once you have decided what needs to live in this space, then you can get to work.  For me the shelf dividers were the best purchase, and of course a place for shoes.

Another Option for Shoes

Over the Door Shoe Storage

If you simply cannot fit shoe storage in your small walk in closet, you can consider using the back of your bedroom door with an over the door shoe storage to get them out of this space.  If you have a closet door, you could use it also.  Don't forget to utilize the backs of doors!

Shoes can take up huge room, so find them their very own home out of the way and keep your closet for other necessities.

Closet Clean Out

If you are just moving into this space, then now is the perfect time to have a good clean out.  No point in taking up room with shirts and jeans you no longer wear.  Only the thing you wear should live in this closet.

Dollar Store Can Be Your Best Friend

Check out the local dollar store too for bins and stacking bins that could sit on the closet shelf or on the floor beneath your clothes.  Once you have cleaned out your closet or know what needs to fit into this space can help you decide the type of storage you need.

Online Shopping

I have found AMAZON to have many items to choose from compared to my local discount department store.  There is just so much more variety.

Usually free shipping too.   I was amazed at the different types of hanging storage you can get such as a hanger for jewelry too.  If everything needs to live in the closet then you need to get creative with storage that works.

For under 10 bucks you can even store your jewelry in a small walk in closet!

It not only needs a home, but it needs to be accessible and easy to put away or it won't be happening!

Do You Own Many Pairs of Pants?

Pants Hangers

Storing them can take up room, but I came across these specialized hangers that don't take up the same room and you can see pretty quickly the ones you want.   Once again you are making use of vertical space instead of width.

So, if you have a small walk in closet, this type of hanger will definitely save room and not crush your clothes.   Check online for all kinds of different "hanging storage" ideas.  Everyone is different as to what they need to store the most of.

Don't Despair if you Have a Tiny Walk In Closet ... You Can Make it Work!

Under the Bathroom Sink Storage - A Place for Everything on the Cheap

Organizing under a small bathroom sink can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be.  Utilizing every square inch without causing clutter is the trick.  Depending on your style of bathroom sink, there are ways to use that space to your advantage!

Dollar Store - Can Be Your Best Friend - If the budget is down to a few bucks, you can head to the dollar store, and purchase stackable bins that will fit under the bathroom sink especially if you have a small vanity with doors.  Using the vertical space is the best way to store things so that you can find them.  So check out the dollar store once you have decided on the items you need to store.

Then Check Online - This is where I got the most creative, especially if you are dealing with a pedestal sink or simply a regular sink attached to the wall.  Create your own instant shelves for under 100 bucks in many cases!

Instant Bathroom Under Sink Storage

 ✅This is the most awesome and quickest way to gain storage. No need for nails, screws or glue, it simply slides in around the pedestal sink to create instant hidden storage. Add a few dollar store stacking bins and you are set. You will be surprised at just how much products and supplies you can fit behind these doors and in a way that is easily accessible.  The prices vary but you can check here for this full page of pedestal sink cabinets.

Rolling Under Sink Storage Solutions

 ✅This one is under 60 bucks, check current price here, but is a more open display of shelves. It simply rolls in around the pedestal and gives you instant storage. This works if you don't mind your things on display. It does cost a bit more for the cabinet door one but this one works too. It is good looking and everything is accessible.

Expandable Shelf Organizer for Under Bathroom Sink

 ✅If you say "well that is great and everything and I love the idea of these roll in units for under pedestal sinks but mine is a wall sink and I can't spend more than 30 bucks", then check out this expandable shelves on wheels.

As you can see by the picture they fit around the sink plumbing and are adjustable. This will give you instant shelves for storage. Use cute dollar store bins for tiny things and this will look awesome. Check the current price here and you will find this an affordable online option. I have not seen this style of unit in stores before.

Stackable Metal Sliding Basket for Under Sink Storage

 ✅This unit has over 2000 positive reviews as a great way to create under bathroom sink storage. Tend to be a bit more robust that the plastic dollar store versions, but it all depends on the things you need to store. This is skinny enough to fit under most vanities and has a slide out shelf and a stationary one.

Small Bathroom Sink Solutions

✅ If the budget is super tight then you can either make or purchase a sink curtain. This way you can hide things behind this curtain with dollar store bins, or simply right on the floor. You need to use some velcro on the sink and the curtain to keep it in place.

Under the bathroom sink storage sometimes means you have to be creative especially if funds are low and maybe you rent your space so don't want to cause any damage.  You can store things in plain view with open storage or behind curtains and slide in vanity doors.  Don't forget to check the dollar store for stacking bins, this can make life easier especially for smaller items.

Behind Door Storage Cabinet

Another option, if your budget can afford it, is to utilize the space behind the door. If you like the idea of a closed cabinet, this cabinet actually fits into the hinges of the door, and can be easily accessed in any room including the bathroom.

If you click on this link there is a video to show you just how well this can work. Sometimes there simply is not enough room under the sink, but if floor space is at a premium, then check this idea out. It is a very tasteful addition to the bathroom.