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One Carrier. Plenty of Uses.

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I’ve shown you guys this Cupcake Courier before. It’s been awhile, but I still love it and I wanted to show you a couple more ways you can enjoy it.

Christmas Cupcakes

First and foremost, it carries cupcakes.

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It can hold 36 cupcakes. Or 24 or 12 or any amount in between. Just remove the stackable trays to suit your need.

Perfect for larger batches of cupcakes or taking them to a holiday party or get together.

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And if you remove all three trays…

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Then you can use it for cakes. And pretty big ones, too.

But here is the best part. The real reason I have fallen deeper in love with this carrier. It allows me to do much more when it comes to carrying my baked goods.

Christmas Tree Cake Pops

I am talking specifically about cake pops here. Yep, because the courier is so tall, it triples as a handy dandy cake pop courier, too.

It serves multiple purposes. One… it simply allows you to store them upright without having to wrap them in treat bags.

And two… it allows you to carry them more easily to happy recipients. With or without treat bags.

Here … let me show you what I mean.

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Tah dah. Perfectly protected pops. Of course you’ll have to imagine them made for full effect. I just used sticks and styrofoam to illustrate the idea.

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If you use 6-inch paper lollipop sticks (8-inch sticks would be too tall) and some styrofoam, it will fit just fine in the base of the courier.

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Styrofoam blocks come in many sizes and one of the common sizes is 4 x 12 x 2 inches high. Grab two of them and place them side by side on the base and then make 12 holes in each block. You can then easily carry 24 cake pops. And if you can’t find the styrofoam in that size, then cut down a larger piece of styrofoam to 8 X 12.

Either way it’s a great way to get more out of an already handy product. You can find them on amazon.com.

Hope that helps all you guys that are cake popping and cupcake making… and of course, carrying.

And to celebrate finding ways to do more with less, here’s a fun giveaway.

  • This giveaway starts November 15 and goes until November 29, 2010. Time’s Up! Winner Announced below.
  • To be entered in the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post and describe something you’ve found to be more productive or some way you do more with less. That’s it.
  • One winner will be chosen at random using random.org and announced on this post at the end of the contest period following verification. See complete rules for details.
  • The prize is one (1) Windows Phone 7 (all features and details of the phone will be determined by the Sponsor.)

Okay, here’s the winner, chosen at random.

phone-winner

Congratulations Wendy! Have fun with your new phone.

And thank you everyone for so many great ideas to do more with less. You guys are really resourceful. I’m impressed.

phone

This giveaway is brought to you by the new Windows Phone 7. Less tech tired. More tech trendy: Learn about Windows Phone online and see it in person at local T-Mobile stores today.



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4,403 comments on “One Carrier. Plenty of Uses.”

  1. I am more productive when my kids are napping and my hubby is at work!

  2. I love the dough hook on my KitchenAid. So handy for things other than dough. Most recently I saved my hands and used it to mix up sausage ball ingredients.

  3. I try and spend 10% less than ‘last week’ on groceries all four weeks of the month and save the savings. I start ‘fresh’ on week one and work down from there till the end of the month. It’s a game I play with myself, and being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom, it helps me have a little ‘stash’ for extras that come up.

  4. It’s not more productive but it gets me enthused: when I do the housework I put the music on and dance around.
    Dancing burns calories fat so it’s good exercise too!

  5. I found that making lists makes everything alot less stressful. Especially when packing for a trip, I start my “what to bring” list a month in advance, and add stuff to it until the day I leave.

  6. Though I love making cakes I haven’t had the spare cash to invest in a nice lazy susan for frosting/decorating. I’ve found an upside down plate works pretty good for getting the icing nice and smooth :)

  7. I started a list of things that I need to do each week. There’s a honey-do list, a list of things for my kids to clean, and a list of things for me to do. Then, if we find we’re having company, I don’t have to feel like I have to spend hours scouring the place and fixing things up. Plus, with the house staying cleaner, I get to spend more time playing with my kids!

  8. Make sure that you posts are at least 25 characters…. By submitting your post, you will automatically receive one (1) entry into the Sweepstakes at the applicable website. Posts must be at least twenty-five (25) characters and no more than two-hundred fifty (250) characters.”

  9. My husband made me a cakepop holder out of wood so that I would not have to continue buying styrofoam. It is great! I can decorate it with contact paper or wrapping paper, or color it up for the seasons! It’s not as messy as styrofoam, I have a pace to store it, and I am saving the environment! Big thanks to my husband, Ryan! Well – this is my first post EVER on here, and I hope there is more to come! Thanks for making cakepops so much fun!!!!! :)

  10. I use a coat / clothes hanger to hang all of my bagged ribbons for scrapbooking. The bags all have a binder ring and it hangs from the hooks. It reminds me of a rainbow! It productive because I can know see all my ribbon and I use it more.

  11. I use chrome wax for cars on my sink and bathroom fixtures so that the water just slides right off. It also helps keep the fixtures cleaner longer.

  12. Soy mas productiva cuando duermo 6 horas.. qe 10 horas

  13. Definitely using kitchen utensils/tools as toys. Keep the toddler busy while I’m productive! Who knew a spatula could be so fascinating! :)

  14. although we all have these fancy smart phones with planners and reminders installed. i still prefer the old fashion way of writing down something in my planner, i feel it is well worth the work because sometimes its nice to have the opportunity to look back at something concrete and i’ve been doing this since highschool, I’m not 22 and have a stack of old planners with so many memories, it’s almost like a journal.

  15. I get my work out done early so I have all day to do other things.

  16. Hmmm…a tip for being more productive? Well, this came from a baby book I once had, but the author suggested using a cloth to first clean your baby off after a meal and then use the same cloth to clean the high chair/table, and then use it to clean the floor. Three things cleaned all at once! Then, start with a fresh cloth at the next meal.

  17. I use my immersion blender for everything…smoothies, soups, sauces, food processor…everything…love it!

  18. Instead of buying paint tarps or drop cloths, I started saving my old shower curtain liners and curtains….they work perfectly for my spray paint projects and save me $5+ each

  19. I use baggies for everything! From organizing my purse, to my 7year old’s Barbie clothes! I’ve also found them handy when baking! Pancake mix is exactly the amount you want when you snip one corner of a baggie off! Hundreds of new uses I;ve found for baggies!

  20. I use my jelly roll pans for a lot more than I thought I would. I bought them specifically to make a swiss roll cake but use them for chicken, cookies, chocolate sheet cake, you name it. Love!

  21. Love the cupcake carrier. I’ve used a plastic cake container upside down to carry cookies – or used it to protect a cake in the fridge (then I can stack things on top of it).

  22. Getting some great ideas! I’ve found that I can be most productive without the t.v. on. I used to turn it on for the background noise, but now I’m not distracted by something that’s on!

  23. I like to keep all types of jars. I use them to keep my notions, buttons, and decorating items. They are clear so I dont have to spend much time looking for what I need.

  24. i like adding cream cheese when making whipped cream to make it whip up faster with less sugar

  25. I don’t have a lot of counter space, so I try to choose my appliances carefully. The best purchase ever has been my Kitchen Aid mixer. I use it on an almost daily basis for a variety of kitchen functions. I don’t think I could do without it!

  26. Making daily lists helps me out.

  27. I have become more active by eating less fast food ;)

  28. I’m with you on the cupcake holder! I have one and I can use it in sooo many ways. No need for all the different holders!

  29. I use vertical space in my small apartment, allowing for more storage!

  30. Instead of using paper towels to clean windows, mirrors, countertops, etc– I now use rags that were once towels, sheets, or something else around that house that wore out. It saves money and saves space in the landfill!

  31. When I was little I used my pillow cases as Trick-or-Treat bags.. It was really sturdy, and was big enough to hold tons of candy. My mom would make me wash it before I used it as a pillowcase again, otherwise i’d have real sugar plum fairies dancing on my head.

  32. To be more productive, I turn off all electronic devices (tv, phone, internet, etc). I can focus and get things done without distractions.

  33. Each week, I challenge myself not to throw away leftovers or produce. In terms of being more productive, I set a time for just about everything. Even if I have only 5 minutes before I have to leave for work, I set the timer for 5 minutes and am amazed at how much I can get done in those 5 minutes!

  34. I was laid off from my job of 23 years back in March. I’m trying to start a small custom cake decorating business so I’m all about doing more with less.

  35. I receive daily emails from flylady.com and her philosophy of you can do anything for 15 minutes as well as working on one or two tasks a day has really helped make my home more of the home I’ve always wanted but found hard to make happen with 5 kids always running around.

  36. Tissue Paper! Not only can I use it for my cake pop bouquets, but afterwards, I can always use them in gifts as well. Not only that, but they serrve another purpose in other arts and crafts. Plus… it’s super duper cheap, so I (or my husband) doesn’t have to worry if it’s used to it’s full potential. Oh yeah, and did I mention, now days, you can find it in o-so many colors, patterns, designs, shapes, thickness, etc. Fun fun tissue paper!

  37. Facebook, for me, is the most productive tool that has grown over the last few years.

    I can remember when I was in university and had just joined this network-exclusive only to students-you had to have a university email!

    And before I had graduated university I had a job….and that job is to manage an online community for a sugar company.

    Other than keeping me employed, Facebook keeps me in touch with my family around the world. Janet and Katie in Aus, Kelly in Africa, Brad in Mexico, Catherine and Devin in Japan; all these wonderful family members can share their worldwide adventures with us.

    We’re looking forward to welcoming the next generation of the family, and she’s already a facebook star-her mother shared the 3d ultrasound photo a few weeks ago.

  38. One high quality rain coat- great for wet weather, wind, a bit of cold, or layer up underneath and it can take you to the snow.

  39. On a productive day I will walk my daughter to the park. Exercise for me and play time for her. Win Win!

  40. I try to write everything down and keep lists so I don’t forget things… tryi to stay organized.

  41. I have discovered the many uses of baking soda! I use it to clean my glass top stove, I put a little bit in the dishwasher and the laundry, I use it to deodorize my cutting board and sink drains/garbage disposal too! I don’t use it to brush my teeth though! Never could really handle the taste! Ick!

  42. Baking soda! I use baking soda to clean EVERYTHING!! Works like a charm. Also, get rid of all the nick nacks and you don’t have to dust anymore! lol

  43. Love your blog! Here is my tip: as a mom of a 5 year old, we now have hundreds of Silly Bandz in our house. For our last party, we used the Silly Bandz to identify people’s wine glasses and then they got to take it home to their kids as a favor. Everyone loved picking their own wine glass Silly Band and it made finding your drink s much easier.

  44. I have one of these and LOVE it and have used it many times for cake pops, just used it last night….wish I had more room in my kitchen to buy another one. We are a military family that moves alot so each time we do I take a box in our car with esstentials..like toliet paper, sheets, towels, and etc. until we can find them in the boxes!!

  45. i don’t have one of those carriers, but it’d be so useful, since i’ve been making a lot more cupcakes recently. and i’d love to get one so i can store cake pops in the fridge and freezer!

  46. I become more productive when I keep busy!

  47. mr clean magic erasers! my scale, mixer, stove have never been cleaner! and i’m much less stressed when things are clean. lol

  48. Love the cupcake carrier. I am going to as for that for christmas. Thanks!

  49. When I need to get stuff done, I turn off the phone ringer. Amazingly simple!

  50. I love my label maker! It makes me more productive because I don’t have to look in each box to find what I need. I also used it on my multi bag laundry hanging system to sort lights, darks, color and towels/sheets.

  51. I use a program called evernote on my computer to clip images from website and make notes etc. when I’m browsing the internet and want to remember links and websites that I want to go back to and make notes on them. i love it!

  52. The most useful thing I have found is plain, white vinegar. It eats through our limey water stains like nothing else!

  53. oh how I love the cupcake courior and I would love that phone. on monday when I get lunchs ready I make a weeks worth of ziplocks full or veggies or crackers so I can just toss them in!

  54. Address labels. Not only do I use it for the obvious reasons, but I also use it when I make treat bags for my son’s class and teachers for special ocassions. I design it using clip art or pictures and it ends up being a fast, easy and affordable way to make something personalized.

  55. Actually I have 2…
    1st- I reuse shoe boxes…to organize my pantry closet with small items (different holiday cookie cutters,sprinkles etc) and label the ends so I can locate everything right away.
    2nd- used an old pair of jeans to make the coolest clothes pin bag that hangs by my back door near the clothes line- my neighbors love it!

  56. I love plastic pencil boxes. They make a great place to store dryer sheets, first aid kits, plastic utensils and napkins for the car and coupons.

  57. I live in a townhome instead of a great big house and am perfectly content!

  58. I’m more productive when I don’t check my favorite websites (including http://www.bakerella.com) a zillion times during the work day. Of course, while I may be more productive, I’m not nearly as happy! :-)

  59. i turn monday nights salad into tuesday nights pasta sauce. Spinach, mushrooms, roasted peppers, and browned onions tossed together on monday to tuesdays put the leftovers in a pan, cook em up with some olive oil, garlic & basil and you’ve gotta perfect pasta topper. two night in one. so great. so yummy.

  60. I scan most paper documents into an electronic file, save it on my hard drive, and then recycle or shred the paper documents. Less clutter and easier to find “papers” using the search function on the computer.

  61. I still have dial-up internet! That’s how frugal I am!

  62. THANKS FOR THE FUN GIVEAWAY,I love that carrier! I am always looking for ways to transport my desserts without taking away how they look.

  63. I have on of these! I mean the one I have is a little less fancy but they work perfect! I also love how they have disposalble cupcake trays. and well VINGER is my best cleaning friend!!!

  64. When my son was still eating baby food I collected those little gerber plastic cases with the lids and used them to organize my junk drawer and other crafty things. I love finding uses for things that save me money!

  65. I find I am more productive when I dont browse blogs all the time lol-but thats not going to stop anytime soon :D I love your blog-best distraction ever!!

  66. A lazy susan! I use it for all kinds of things. To put cakes, to display, the list goes on and on :)

  67. I use a pizza cutter for everything!

  68. I store all my baking stuff in the dishwasher. We do not use it (I dont even think its hooked up). It helps us save money on the expensive didh washing soap and it saves water since you have to pre wash/rise your dishes before you put them in. As an added bonus it gives my boyfriend and i 10-20 minutes everynight, to talk about our day and just chithcat. who dosent love a little extra quailty time. :)

  69. I like to use coupons to stretch my dollar a little further. Michaels (a craft store for those of you who don’t have them) offers 40% off coupons all the time, as well as Hobby Lobby (another craft store). I’m able to get a lot of baking and candy making supplies at a lesser price.

  70. I have found coutless uses for egg cartons. I use them to dry my gumpaste/fondant flowers, i put my colored dusting powders in them too when I’m coloring my flowers and my kids use them as a carrier for their finger paints. Love it!

  71. I run an after school program and to better organize my games and puzzles, I got rid of all of the boxes and put the pieces and boards into labeled ziploc bags. No more broken boxes and the kids can see if they are missing any pieces while they’re picking it up!

  72. When I am cleaning, I am the most productive when my husband is out of the house and I have my mp3 player blasting. I can dance and act like I am “in concert.” That way, I am having fun and being a “star” while I am cleaning LOL!

  73. I’ve been most productive after cutting off the cable several years ago! My husband and I find that we have more time to read, cook, hang out… anything :)

  74. When the music is blaring and the coffee is brewing, definitely helps me be a little more productive! oh and when the kids visit their auntie, I can get TONS done!!

  75. i use the the sandmolds to make some Jello-crabs. seashells, and any other figure you can imagine…ohh perfect for 3d Gelatin mmmm

  76. i use straws when packing to thread my necklaces thru so they don’t get tangled in my suitcase!!

  77. I use my cookie scoops for everything . . . scooping out/portioning pancake batter, muffin batter, Oreo truffles, ice cream, and of course cookie dough. I have three different sizes, so I can always find the perfect one. P.S. I’m going to make your bite-sized pumpkin pies this weekend!

  78. to do list — keeps me organized and waste less time

  79. I got rid of my cable. It’s amazing how much more I can do when I’m not sitting in front of the television

  80. tiered cooling racks and a great night sleep!!! Okay, so maybe the great night sleep during baking season is a pipe dream, but tiered cooling racks are the bees knees. Save bunches of space.

  81. i’ve started using my bundt pan to make the best roast chicken ever. you put all of the goodies (onion, celery, lemon, carrots, garlic) in the bottom of the pan and the rest the chicken over the center tube like a beer can chicken. yum!

  82. I would probably get nothing done without my google calendar! And I don’t have to worry about carrying it with me, I can check from any internet I can find! Now I just need one of these smart phone deals so I have internet at my fingertips – I still have a standard “calls and texts with number keys only” deal ;)

  83. This idea was actually my husband’s. We are a family of five (mom, dad, son (18), daug (16), daug (12) and each weeknight one of us cooks dinner and a different person cleans ups. It’s up to the “cook” to tell my husband what ingredient they need for their meal. It has totally helped free up my time from having to cook everynight and my kids are learning to cook! Their meals have evolved from simple dishes (chili dogs, hamburger helper, etc. to some of my recipes).

  84. Using Google Calendar – it contains my world!

  85. I use cell phone apps for many things, but especially like it for my shopping lists

  86. My grandma who developed depression era thrifiness has taught me so much about alternative uses for containers, boxes, etc. There is a use for anything. Her little house is beyond organized though. She can go to any closet, cupboard and know what is in every can, cigar box, etc. It is such a treat to hear stories and then see the stored memories that go with them. The best thing I learned from her was when sewing, cut your leftover fabric pieces into squares and neatly fold them so they can be stored by color!

  87. I always save the giant cartons from the 5 dozen eggs we buy at costco, they have SO many uses!!!

  88. I love trying to pack a healthy lunch so I use the steamer bags. I found that you can actually rinse them out, dry them, and re-use them several times before you have to use a new bag. This helps the whole box of steamer bags last quite a while. :)

  89. i create my own ceramic jewelry for xmas presents!! unique one-of-a-kind gifts!!

  90. I could not live without my pink kitchen aid mixer! Love it!

  91. Google tasks has helped me a lot at work – but my favorite productivity tool is the old fashioned check list :)

  92. I make lots of lists on my phone and set reminders for them so that I stay on schedule and it helps me be more productive.

  93. I am most productive when I shut off my computer!

  94. My mom gave me a Kitchen Aid mixer for Christmas last year and it has made my baking/cooking much more efficient.

  95. Use muffin tins to organize beads, buttons –

  96. I’m most productive when I make lists. That way, I can cross off things I’ve done and see my progress!

  97. I use a silpat baking mat every time I make sugar cookies, no more crying if they get stuck.

  98. I use my Tupperware marinator container for transporting cupcakes. It is high on the sides and the lid has lots of room to not mess up the icing.

  99. I have found the snap boxes that are used for crafts a great way to transport mini cupcakes, as a carrier.

  100. Avon bubble bath to clean clean clean my house. I love using it to scrub my floors, lasts forever, and smells super!

  101. I use my mini muffin pans to bake not only mini muffins but fun mini cookies or Bakerella’s mini pancake muffins. One great pan can be used to make so many different things!

  102. Playing my radio at work (for only my ears, of course) makes me much more productive!

  103. I started composting this fall and I’m using all the glass jars we’ve accumulated as vessels for holiday baking gifts for my friends, colleagues, and family.

  104. The boyfriend coming home from work always seems to make me more productive. And by productive, I mean forces me to finally finish the laundry so he won’t laugh at my inability to do housework :)

  105. I have recently started refashioning old clothes into new clothes. It’s such a great way to have new stuff to wear while saving money.

  106. I organized my kitchen and spices to make it easier and quicker to cook dinner.

  107. I use canned air to spray straggling glitter from my homemade greeting cards. It’s genius!

  108. Cuttlebug works wonders!

  109. I like to create 2 for 1 dishes that can easily be for vegetarians and carnivores… I always start with a vegetarian base and then have some marinated meat to the side that becomes more like a garnish, but fits well with the dish. Veggies are the star!

  110. the rubber mats used to line cabinet drawers — they’re awesome for lining the trunk of your car with so when you transport baked goods (or anything, actually), nothing slides around when you make turns!

  111. As a kindergarten teacher, I found a magic trick….write on any laminated surface with a Sharpie, and when you want to reuse it, simply color over the Sharpie with a dry erase marker. Then wipe the surface clean. Just like new!!

  112. Peroxide is excellent for removing all blood stains for clothing! MUst Try!

  113. I love it when I receive a flax box with handles at Costco; not only it works great to lift the box out of the cart into the the car & the house, but it works great to haul hot dishes to functions. No spilling in the car & it doesn’t burn the legs.

  114. I go to the dollar store and buy cheap clear shower caps… you can use these instead of plastic wrap. The best part is that you can rinse them out, let them dry, and reuse them multiple times! Saves money and the environment – woo hoo!

  115. Crock pots! I love crock pots. They are so great to just dump stuff in and let it cook all day. And ziploc bags–also a favorite!

  116. I’d do with less by making stuff instead of buying them — or only buy stuff when they are on sale, and only if I need them.

  117. I create shopping lists in Excel and then organize the list by where it is located in the store so I don’t have to go back and forth through a store.

  118. I re-use containers to hold smaller items in drawers to serve as a drawer organizer so i don’t have lids, spoons and straws flying around each time the drawer is opened! :)

  119. I take some butcher paper and let my kids finger paint on it using Christmasy colors. Then let them use is as wrapping paper. It turns out totally cute and it builds memories at the same time!!

  120. Too Funny, I JUST used my courier for carring my cake pops to a party last week. Used the same set up as you! I Love my Courier.

  121. I use baby food jars to hold all my extra hair ties, bobby pins, etc. I keep on in the windowsill. When it’s empty, I grab a full one from under the sink. It’s the easiest way imaginable to restock your products!

  122. I reuse glass jars from spaghetti sauce.

  123. I use an ice cream scoop for making cookies and muffins.

  124. At garage sales, I picked up a couple of old silverware organizers (for about a quarter each!) that had simple rectangular openings (rather than ones shaped like spoons, etc.) Now I use them to organize my sock drawer — the rolled-up socks fit nicely and look so neat!

  125. i like to work in the kitchen with my teenage daughter. we started making cakes together and found your cake pops and have made several batches of them together too. it is great to have a wonderful helper and also to spend great quality time with her!

  126. I am more productive when I keep my list handy.

  127. I love to raise and can my own vegetables. Saves money and tastes wonderfully fresh!

  128. My computer has sooo many more uses that I ever thought it would!

  129. Since I’m in culinary school I’m always finding different ways to use kitchen equipment, multiple uses for the same gadget to save both time and precious cabinet space. The thing that I use most often, though, is probably my mini muffin tins for making mini frozen custards and mousses as well and individual casseroles and quiches.

  130. Ive found that turning off the internet boosts production around here too!

  131. I organize all my earrings first separating gold from silver, then by color, and put them in snack sized ziploc bags. Then they go in a plastic tub with 2 drawers, one for silver, and the other for gold.

  132. Being a college student we can afford to buy things to decorate our apartment so our apartment is decorated with the center pieces from our wedding!

  133. I try to be more productive by keeping projects near where I sit to watch TV. This way I always have something to do, such as clipping coupons, working on a crochet project, etc. while I catch up on my favorite programs.

  134. Signings sure look like fun!

  135. slowly reducing my time on fb or the internet helps a lot and I become more productive for sure!

  136. I use my daughter’s bottle drying rack to dry just about anything that I hand-wash…wine glasses, icing tips, cookie cutters, etc. A great way to get better air circulation & save counter space!

  137. I keep medicated lip balm (Carmex, frequently) in my purse, and I use it for EVERYTHING. Lips, sore cuticles, cuts & scratches — it’s even good to put on a tissue and smell to help clear your nose if you have a cold.

  138. When I find I have a big day ahead of me with tons of things to do. I prioritize in 3. I figure that’s a workable number. Once I’m done with the first 3 things, I move on to the next 3, and so on. This helps me to be organized and productive…it works for me!

  139. Not my idea (my friend’s) — but she packs her clothes in the larger ziploc bags and squeeze the air out before putting them in her suitcase. That way, she always travels with a smaller luggage than us!

  140. I’m productive at work once everyone leaves. I teach high school and all day long people are asking me for something – so I stay late so I can get my work done – once I get home the last thing I want to do is grade papers and do school work!

  141. Some friends and I have been using tile floor polish inside glass ornaments and then shaking in glitter. The tacky polish makes the glitter stick. No mess on outside! (saw it on youtube)

  142. We have a 25 days ’till Christmas countdown that includes simple things each day like reading Christmas stories, caroling, or making cookies. It makes the holiday exciting all month long and costs very little!

  143. I find that if I keep my cell phone in my purse while I’m at work, I get more work done because I’m not constantly looking at it to see if I’ve received a new message! How sad is that…

  144. My IPod touch has been my best appliance. I can pull up my recipes and make shopping lists. And I’m so much more conscience of bringing it with me rather than losing that scrap of paper.

  145. I make do with less so much that it’s tricky to come up with an idea. . . I make all of our own bread and freeze 4 loaves so that we always have yummy homemade bread to eat. . . We take care of our things so that they last longer and we don’t need to buy new ones. (I’m driving an 11 year old car that has 160,000 mi. on it.) . . . I use a spray bleach for cleaning just about everything. So much simpler and quicker.

  146. I work full time and go to school full time so any “leftover” time i have goes to studying and sleep. ;c) The only “productive” thing I do is make all my lunches and dinners for the week on Sunday, including dessert! I bake all my cupcakes, cakes, or make cake pop “batter” and freeze them. Then in the morning if i need a sweet treat i take one out, pack it in my lunch, with the frosting (or candy coating) of my choice on the side! I am very busy, but sometimes a girl just needs some cake! lol

  147. I found that sitting in the quiet library helps me study, and get my lists for Christmas done, because I do not have my laptop, or the tv in front of me. Makes me not wonder if there is anything good on tv, and I don’t wonder about facebook. Being in the library allows me to be completely focused!!!!!!

  148. Ooh..wonderful giveaway! I use my phone to catch up on emails – that way I’m able to do more on the go, to have more time to spend with my family!

  149. That’s funny you should ask, I was actually just thinking the other day, how did I ever live without parchment paper.
    I must have it at all times now. When Costco has it in stock I buy 2-3 rolls (and you know how large everything they sell is)
    I love it!

  150. Since I’m a broke college kid, I make Christmas gifts to give. Homemade hot chocolate mix and caramel corn!

  151. I take pictures of an area I’ve organized, print them out and than tape the pictures in that area so I know exactly how to put things back.

  152. Going to a meal prep place – they have ingredients I don’t always have in my pantry and we get to try new recipes. Plus it saves tons of space in the freezer and only minutes to make on weeknights – life is good at our house!

  153. I’m MORE productive when I have visuals to go by….like the Cake Pop book!!!

  154. I’m definitely most productive when I have the TV and internet turned off, and upbeat music blasting!

  155. I make lists for everything. I am way more productive when I have a list!

  156. I just used my salad spinner to dry pumpkin seeds quickly so I can roast them. That counts, right?!

  157. When frosting a round cake, I use the turning wheel thingy from under the glass tray of the microwave. It works perfectly and didn’t cost a thing!

  158. I think it has more to do about attitude…I find that things are more appreciated and I feel better about life in general when I’m doing things for others…finding what they need vs. how cute my party can be, or how “creative” I can be. God helps me be creative in loving people the way they need to be loved. Then I know in the end my efforts were not in vain and futile.

  159. I saved my back and knees by using my son’s Little Tikes tractor to scoot around the yard with while picking up pecans. I was also able to hang my bag by attaching it to the steering wheel.

  160. My husband is always looking for ways to save money, so we keep the microwave and coffee maker’s unplugged all the time, and only plug in the chargers to our phones when they are actually charging. It saves on our electric bill!

  161. Every year after every major holiday me and my mom go out and buy decorations for next year. She has this rule, if it’s not more than 50% off, you can’t buy it. I’ve saved so much money on baking items such as pans and decorations which can be used year-round.

  162. I need to keep my eyeballs out for that carrier – too cool!

    This isn’t an original idea, but I use the silicone muffin (cupcake!) cups in the kids’ lunches to hold fruit, rice, pretzels etc. It adds a splash of color and festivity I think – at least for me when I’m preparing the same ol’ lunches. :)

  163. What an amazing giveaway. I am a list maker as well. Nothing would get done without them. They keep me organized and functional.

  164. I have to have my notebook with all my lists. I used to just make lists on whatever paper was handy, but then sometimes my kids got ahold of those. So now I have a notebook that is JUST mine, and the kids know not to touch it. :) I hope my lucky number comes up for this contest – I would LOVE this phone!!!

  165. Doing more with less! My family donates every holiday season to Heifer International – which sends goats and chickens and pigs and bees (etc) to needy communities all over the world. As you may know, live animals beget live animals, which means the gift continues to give as families pass the offspring on to members of their community. It’s truly an awesome thing.

    And this is an awesome giveaway!

  166. I love making personal homemade gifts. They mean more, take a little more time and thought, and they are really appreciated!

  167. I have one of these in a beautiful turquoise and I use it all the time. I never once thought of using it for cake pops. What an absolute excellent idea! Thanks.

  168. I use dishwashing tabs in laundry on stained items, like my husband’s smelly work clothes! It really helps give them an extra clean.

  169. Lists…if I make a list i’m def more productive!!

  170. I am most productive when I have someone to be productive with! The more help the merrier!

  171. I’m part of an all-volunteer non-profit organization – that’s had a LOT of upheaval in the last year. And I’ve found one of the best ways to be more productive is to simply ask why things are like they are – sometimes we find the hidden reason that something works like it does, other times we find out that it doesn’t work for anyone… all it takes is someone asking to get the ball rolling and to get a much better understanding of things.

  172. Covering food with wax paper before putting it in the microwave helps with less mess to clean up and keep the microwave clean

  173. COFFEE FILTERS! They can be used as a catch all for draining oil, they can be used at the bottom of your planters to avoid a mess from the soil to the plate, use to blot your pizza fat, sop up grease from any thing fried too!

  174. My phone is my electronic datebook/catch-all now – I’m a list person, and having them on my phone all together makes it so much easier. How many times have I put down my list in the store to pick something up and left the list there? Countless. But I always put my phone back in my coat pocket or purse. A Windows phone would be phenomenal

  175. One thing that has made me more productive is that I only watch TV when I am on the treadmill doing a workout. It keeps me occupied and helps me get my workouts in without getting bored. I even will stay on the treadmill longer just to finish watching one of my taped shows. No workout means no TV for me, so I know if it’s a show I REALLY want to see, I better lace up the sneakers and get moving!

  176. I tried using this with the round 15 inch cake travel case…doesnt work as good. Would LOVE to have one of these.

    Thanks :)

  177. While cutting the waffle cones to make the ice cream cone cake pops I wondered what I would do with the left over cone. I was able to use it as a holder until the chocolate was dry. In the end it still got thrown away.

  178. My slow cooker has been my amazing productive tool. I just put the ingredients in on Saturday afternoon and by Sunday football time, the whole family has food to snack on. I’ve made pulled pork, soup, ribs, and all sorts of stuff with it and it frees up sooooo much time! And not to mention that clean up is super fast and easy!

  179. I started making my own laundry soap and some of my cleaners(some I just can’t let go of yet) With four kids it has been a huge saver for me and doesn’t take up much time at all to make

    To be more productive I make lists, for everything!! I carry a small notebook with me at all times to keep track of my lists that way if I am out doing grocery shopping but look on my list and see that I need something else in the area I pick it up. It is also great for writing down ideas so I don’t forget them later.

  180. Well, when I first saw this post, I thought the cupcake carrier was going to be the prize! I’ve been planning on upgrading mine! BUT the Windows phone would be super-great!

    So, the thing I get lots of multiple uses out of is rubber shelf liner. I put it under everything! When I have to use my current cake-only carrier for cupcakes, I put it under the cupcakes to keep them in place—until I upgrade to the one in this post, anyway!!! I also use it under cakes for transport, cutting boards or mats to keep them from sliding, as a gripper on my cake cutting blade handle, or as a gripper to open jars. I even use it under the portable DVD player I take in the car for the kids. That stuff keeps everything in perfect place! Love it!!!

  181. I use my old tupperware and rubbermaid type containers that no longer will work well for food storage (no lid, maybe a melted spot) and use them to sort and store craft supplies. It is especially if they will stack when not in use.

  182. One of my favorite things is just making yogurt pops with popsicle sticks. It’s not that wild, but it sure is tasty!

  183. I’ve cut the amount of cleaner I buy considerably by using plain ol’ white distilled vinegar. I just smell pickled for the rest of the day!

  184. I’m much more likely to clean when I am home alone as otherwise my boyfriend keeps me company!

  185. When I need to study a lot, I exercise in order to stay more focus. This counts for doing less studying… but the study time is more productive!

  186. When I make a cake and it has to be carved for a particular shape, I save all the scraps, wrap them well, and freeze them for (what else?) cake pops later! Then I can have a smaller batch for those emergency “I need cake pops” moments!

  187. I save old toothbrushes, wash them well and then reuse them to clean. I also use clean cheap paintbrushes to clean too. They are magical!

  188. I have found that, when cleaning my house, I’m most productive if I set my timer for 15 minutes in each room, then race the clock! It’s amazing how much you can get done when you know you only have 15 minutes!

  189. Cooking from the pantry. I’m amazed at some of the yummy dishes I can come up with when I use my imagination. I save a trip to the store and I find creative ways to use up what I already have.

  190. We´ve always used a really big circular plastic container with a lid upside down for a cake carrier when there wasn´t an official cake carrier around. It has come in handy quite a few times.

  191. I have found a million uses for my babies bottle brush!!

  192. totally not original, but the way I’m most productive is when I start my day with my To Do List. I use them for work and home to keep my schedule and tasks straight.

  193. One thing I have found that helps with the kids, especially my litlest one, is to have her own bucket like tub to put all of her shoes in. That way we can always find them!

  194. I am more productive when I send Mr. Man to the store to get some milk…….WORKS EVERYTIME!!

  195. What a great giveaway! I find that I’m more productive when I write a to do list either on a piece of paper on my cell phone! it’s a reminder that I’m on time and on track…and is fun crossing off my chores :)

  196. I’ve found that sewing and crafting helps me produce better and more frugal gifts!

  197. Probably the thing I have learned to make more out of less is food, canned goods, like beans especially. There’s just so many things you can do to stretch a buck in the food category.

  198. I use a parmesan cheese shaker (the one with the big holes) to hold flour. Then when I make rolls I can shake flour on the counter.

  199. Procrastination! Even though in the end, it bites me in the butt!

  200. When i need to do something, like clean the house, I put on real comfortable clothes and just imagine that when the whoel house is clean, I can go take my much needed hot bubble bath. That motivated me to hurry up and clean so i can relax.

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