“Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” - Part Twenty-Two

PLUS: 3 uses for moisture-absorbing packets, the ditto machine and its fragrant copies, and more. PLUS: 3 uses for moisture-absorbing packets, the ditto machine and its fragrant copies, and more. July 15, 2022 [View Online]( Good morning! My love of simple tips has turned me into something of a collector. But the best part of having a collection is sharing it with like-minded people, which is why I’m sharing the latest installment in my “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” series with you in Today’s Good Thing. And in a new Remember When, I’m reflecting on some old school (literally and figuratively) copying techniques. I’m sure you can remember the smell of those purple-printed pages as well as I can! Jillee TODAY'S GOOD THING “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” - Part Twenty-Two [Photos of a measuring tape, bread, plants, and shoes.]( It’s time for a new installment in this reader-favorite series of simple tips and tricks. When I first decided to go ahead and post a random assortment of tips and tricks that were too simple to fill out a whole blog post on their own, I didn’t expect to do it another 21 times (more if you count the special editions!) But the more I’ve added to my “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” series, the more I’ve come to see it as a vital part of the One Good Thing by Jillee experience. In fact, it’s strange to think I had been blogging for 5 whole years before writing that first installment. But enough reminiscing—let’s get to Part Twenty-Two, which features tips that cover a variety of subjects. You’ll find tricks you can use while researching an important purchase, cutting into a fresh loaf of bread from your favorite bakery, and other daily activities. Check out this new batch of tips and tricks below, then continue exploring other posts in this series to find old tips you’ve forgotten about or may have missed the first time around! [“Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” - Part Twenty-Two ➜]( Related • [The "Why Didn't I Think Of That?" Series]( ⚡️QUICK TIPS⚡️ • How do store brand foods compare to the name brand stuff? I did a deep dive into private label foods to find out. [Read more ➜]( • If you’re the type who prefers to sleep in total darkness, you might appreciate these tips for blocking out LED lights. [Read more ➜]( • If a pie novice like me can manage to make this tasty chicken pot pie from scratch, I’m confident that anyone can! [Read more ➜]( WEEKEND CLEANING CHALLENGE Freshen Up Your Decor [Photos of indoor plants.]( This weekend, join me in sprucing things up by focusing on 5 aspects of your home decor. I’ve always considered cleaning and decorating to be two sides of the same coin. I want my home to feel warm and inviting, and decor and cleanliness both play a part in that. So while it may seem odd to focus on decor in a cleaning challenge, I see it as just another way to make your home an enjoyable place to be! Here are a few ways to spruce up your home this weekend: 1. Throw Pillows. Changing out your throw pillows is an easy and inexpensive way to update the look of your sofas, loveseats, and recliners. If your pillows have inserts that are in decent shape, you can save money by only swapping out the covers. 2. Lighting. If a room or space is looking a little blah, try switching up your lighting by bringing in a lamp or a few candles. Places like TJ Maxx and HomeGoods have a great assortment of lamps and candles that won’t break the bank. 3. Curtains. The style, color, and placement of curtains can have a big impact on the whole room. Be sure to avoid the [most common curtain mistake](, or try something new by making a set of [DIY grommet curtains](—it’s actually pretty simple to do! 4. Plants. Another easy way to liven things up? Add some plants—faux or real! Set them on shelves or plant stands, or a hanging planter if you’re short on floor or shelf space. If you’re shopping for indoor plants, [read up on some great candidates here](. 5. Mirrors. One of the best ways to brighten up a dark or cramped space is to add a mirror or two. A big mirror can reflect more light into a space and even make it look bigger than it actually is. UNUSUAL USES 3 Practical Ways To Use Silica Gel Packets [Photos of various uses for silica gel packets.]( Don’t let those moisture-absorbing packets of silica gel go to waste—keep them and put them to good use. 1. Keep Tools Rust-Free. Toss a couple of silica gel packets into your tool box (or tackle box, or any other box where you keep metal items). The packers will absorb any excess moisture in the box and help prevent rust from forming on your tools. 2. Make Razors Last Longer. If it seems like your razors deteriorate quickly, it could be a moisture issue. Keep your razor dry by setting it on a silica gel packet when you’re not using it. The packet will absorb the excess moisture lingering on the blade(s) and extend the life of your razor. 3. Keep Books Dry. Moisture can cause books to develop a musty smell (or even get moldy) over time, especially in humid climates. Protect your book collection by storing silica packets with them. You can distribute a few around your bookcase, or even tuck one between the pages or covers of your most treasured tomes. REMEMBER WHEN Copies From The Ditto Machine [A vintage photo of a crank-operated spirit duplicator.]( If you were in school before the mid 1980s, you probably remember when making copies was a very low-tech affair. Most schools had a mimeograph, spirit duplicator (also called a “ditto machine”), or both that teachers and students used to make copies of tests, flyers, and school newspapers. Most of the copies I remember getting in school were made with a ditto machine. The “ditto master” was created with two sheets: regular paper on top and a purple wax layer underneath. As you wrote or typed on the paper, it would pick up purple wax on the back side and create a mirror image of what you were writing or typing. You loaded the master onto the ditto machine with the mirrored side facing out. As you turned the crank on the machine (or turned it on, if it was an electric model), the wax would press against a blank sheet of paper dampened with solvent, allowing it to absorb enough of the color to produce a copy of the original document. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of the heavenly scent of those copies! I'm glad to know our collective obsession with the smell of ditto copies will live on forever in [this true-to-life clip]( of paper-sniffing students in the 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. A FEW MORE THINGS... Give And Take: Today is National Give Something Away Day, a day that encourages us to give freely to others without expecting to receive something in return. Take this opportunity to declutter by finding a new home for a few of your unwanted items—ideally with someone who actually wants them! On This Day: In 1799, the [Rosetta Stone]( was found in the village of Rosetta by French Lieutenant Pierre-François Bouchard during Napoleon's campaign in Egypt. The stone was inscribed with three versions of the same decree in 198 BC, two written in Ancient Egyptian ([hieroglyphs]( and [Demotic]() and one in Ancient Greek, and proved key to our modern understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphs. 🤔 Wordle: [Solve today's 5-letter word](. What did you think of today's email? [Not good]( | [Just okay]( | [Loved it!]( 🏠[Visit the By Jillee Shop]( 🤗 [Join OGT Free]( Let's connect! 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