Legoland Corner, in the Home

Lego's small pieces tend to scatter everywhere & anywhere!
UNLESS they have a home
Located where curious 1-year-old sibling won't dare enter without a fight from older sib.

A bit of a squeeze, but YES.
Random Legos neatly store
in a lower drawer that transports to a table

Thrift store wooden chess & game tray storage box
+ Lego 10x10 building board glued to a game board
= ease of portability to a table for creative building

Lego towers on a table

Craft Cabinet Presto-Chango

In its former life, this thrift store gem was a portable bar.
Now the outside is painted black & re-purposed to a craft cabinet.
The top flips open for use as a surprisingly sturdy, laminate-covered, 6-ft. tabletop.
Hmmm. This monstrosity? in the master bedroom?

Shelving holds tape, ribbons, embellishments

Shelving holds glue gun & sticks & glue

Paper, felt, acrylic paints

Clear shoe boxes = view-able items

Top flipped. Doors closed & locked.
Presto-chango. Where did the craft items go?
No one knows.
The cabinet can be rolled to the dining room to use as a serving table,
&, during the holidays, it will be
rolled to the living room's second entryway to deter a curious 1-year-old
from easily attacking the Christmas tree!

At-Home "Crossfit Box" on Garage Landing

Five workout zones created for under $30
All are non-electric thrift store purchases

     Our ample yet formerly under-used garage landing is now re-purposed as a workout area with five Eco-friendly, non-electric items. It is a healthy addition to our home and a value-added idea. The better each space in the home is used, the greater its resale-ability.

     A recent Healthspan study found that women spend an average of 5 hours a week in a bad mood. One positive way to attempt to fight a bad mood is with exercise. Strengthening workouts build muscle, and muscle helps for higher caloric burn. In other words, hit the exercise machines rather than kick the dog.

     (Potentially germ-filled) gyms haven't fit into our one-income budget, so I've spent the last few months purchasing the following workout zones, in counter-clockwise order:

1. Vintage stationary bike ($7.50)
2. Core-strengthening, "Red" swivel seat ($5.50) and a 10-lb. workout ball ($3.00),
3. Folding, non-electric treadmill ($6.00), 
4. Lateral thigh trainer ($3.00)
5. A variety of hand weights ($2.00),
6. A flight of stairs (not shown in photo) is a sixth zone for stepping variety ($0.00).
7. The sturdy railing is perfect for important cool-down stretches.

     Multiple stations and upbeat music makes strengthening workouts a bit less tedious, or possibly workout-buddy-welcoming.

     The garage door can be opened for added airflow and variety. A mirror makes the area feel larger and is helpful for the all-important posture check, especially during weight training.

     A fan is cooling during warmer summer temps, and will be replaced with a space heater in the cold winter months. I read while pedaling the stationary bike. Bright, colorful circles affixed to the cabinet are cheerful, and a large, eager-eyed ladybug bank (to the left of "Red") is my accountability partner. A token into her slot each exercise time is motivating. I NEED any tangible motivation I can find.

     Caution! Make certain that your landing is sturdy, AND that any chemicals stored in the garage are contained and sealed. Temps in the higher 80s and above seem to create fumes (breathing fertilizer or insecticide odors during workouts negates the healthful benefits of exercise). 

     A small area in the basement might be an ideal alternate location. Always use caution on any exercise equipment and with weights. Moderation is the key. My cardio workouts are generally done outdoors.

Ways to fix a bad mood