Ten Surprising Uses for Everyday Items

When the going gets tough, the tough do double duty. In this case, our everyday household items are coming to the rescue with surprising new uses you'd never have guessed...

1) Chopsticks
Next time you crave orange chicken, give in. Those chopsticks you always save are great for making homemade popsicles in your freezer. Hint: For a great recipe, check this goodie from Kids Cuisine.

2) Ice Cube Trays
When you're done making your yummy homemade popsicles, clean out a spare ice cube tray for a handy paint palette (I'd even venture to say it works better than an original palette!).

3) Laundry Basket
No cooler for your outdoor barbecue? Simply line your laundry basket with a trash bag, fill with ice and your beverages will have a happy home in no time.

4) Wine Bottles
Place an empty wine bottle in your boots to keep their shape. Much cheaper than shoe-shapers -- and considerably more fun.


5) Toothbrush Holder
Forget double duty -- triple the use of your toothbrush holder by housing makeup brushes or even flowers for a fun, funky vase.

6) Sideview car mirror
So, your teenage son ran into the mailbox...again. Repurpose your sideview car mirror as a soap dish in his bathroom. It will be the coolest reminder of "the incident" ever.

7) Matchbook
Don't toss that used matchbook quite yet -- it can work as a nail file when you're in a pinch and can't locate your buffer.

8) Egg Carton
Store jewelry in an empty egg carton to prevent tangling. [Be sure to clean out any traces of yolk first!] You can also store washers, beads and Christmas ornaments in these handy containers!

9) Coffee Filters
So it's laundry day, and you're out of facial washcloths. Suds up a coffee filter for a mini micro-dermabrasian facial. Careful -- it's addicting!

10) Olive Oil
Need to tame flyaways, but you're out of product? Dab on a bit of olive oil while your hair is damp. By the time your blow-dry your hair, it'll be smooth sailing!