Keys Decoded

Happy Valentine's Day!Ever have to try each key to figure out which is the right one to fit in the keyhole? I realized this is definitely one of those common household problems.Instead of buying key covers(I know they're cute,but it is another 10 bucks you can keep in your pocket) here's a great solution!

What you'll need:
-nail polish
-paper towels or tape
-your keys
-flat surface

Put a paper towel down on a counter or a table.Get your keys.I had some old so I decided to test this idea out on them. Pick out the colors you'd like your keys to be. Paint the tops of the keys,you can paint both sides or just one. Let them dry.How easy is that?And another awesome thing is that it is custom made with any design you want:polka dots,stripes,designs,anything! If you don't like the way it comes out,just use nail polish remover and get it off.Here's how the old keys turned out:

Got Magazines?

Do you have too many magazines? I definitely do...or should I say did. If you have a TON of magazines taking up space then this is the PERFECT  organizing idea for you.
You need:
-binder
-three holed sheet protectors
-scissors
-your magazines

Okay.Now find the pages in the magazines you like.Maybe it is a recipe or a story you like. Cut out those pages. Put the pages in the sheet protectors.Place them in your binder.It is that easy. Here are some of my photos:

"That's The Way The Cookie Crumbles" Cake Pops

Cake pops are an ongoing trend in America. I recently recieved a plug-in cake pop oven for Christmas...so I came up with this recipe. I have gotten compliments on these cake pops so they have
to be good. Here it is:
Ingredients:
-brownie mix
-1/4 white chocolate chips
- an Oreo cookie(regular or mint)
How To:
- First make brownie batter with the directions on the box.
- Pour the batter into the cake pop oven. Bake till the button turns green. If you don't want to use a specialized oven, here's a website that shows you how to use a cake pop pan:
http://www.cakepopfun.com/recipes-ideas/cake-pops-baked-in-shape-pan.cfm
- Meanwhile, cut up the Oreo in small pieces.  Melt the white chocolate in microwave safe bowl. Stir the cookie into the chips.
- When the pops are done, place them on a plate. Spread the cookie/chocolate mix on the cake pop. The chocolate could be hard to spread. I only placed the "frosting" on the top half of the cake pop with a butter knife.
-Enjoy!

If you like making these or any other cake pops, here are some other great recipes:
http://www.cakepopsrecipe.com/
http://candy.about.com/od/sugarcandy/tp/Cake-Pop-Recipes.htm
Have fun! 

Study Tips

We all know studying is boring. Reading your notes and textbooks is not fun. I know I don't like to read about verb tenses or history. And the worst part: you forget it all 1 day later. And when the exam comes, you blank out and forget everything you studied. There are some ways to make it more interesting and effective though,don't worry.

 The Candy Strategy:
I have done this and it's sorta fun. I did it different. I had a bowl of Skittles and every time I got a few words right(I was studying vocabulary) I got a Skittle. I guess if you were studying a big book, the picture below would work better.


       

Bright Color Strategy:
Okay, which would you rather look at: boring black and white or neon colors. I would go for neon. So, highlight the important parts of your notes and write them in colorful pens.I do this all the time.

Index Cards Strategy:
Write whatever you are studying on the index cards. Grab a friend and study together. I think it would be better if your friend was in your class.

I don't like to study but these ideas definitely help me stay focused.Good luck!