RE-Purpose the Purpose of the Thing

 

In the 1970's, my sister Jennifer was proud to report to me and other members of my family that TONE body soap* also worked well as a shampoo. Over the years, I've adopted her philosophy of re-purposing items as needed, and she continues to do so today.

There are so many re-purpose tactics that I could address, but a few favorites are using a pencil for a hair clip for long hair, paper towel tubes for cord containers, using fuzzy socks to clean blinds, and using the top of a plastic milk carton as a scoop, as well as basic repurposing of containers for things other than what they were created for, once the original contents are gone. 

My husband and I travel a great deal (at least two weeks a month), so I am consistently packing and unpacking, and have become quite good at not checking a list when I load a suitcase with what I need. This trip, unfortunately, I was a bit rushed, and didn't think through all of my needs and usual routines.

Today, when I washed my hair, I used a bit of the hair conditioner in the little bottle for my hair gel, and diluted and used some of my husband's deodorant, as I forgot mine. Then, when I went to dress, I realized that I had forgotten to pack a belt, and need one as the pants that I planned to wear become a bit baggy as the day wears on. 

When I discovered that I did not have a belt, I had to think creatively. Do I have a string or rope in my bag? Could I wear one of my husband's belts? Could I remove a strap from a piece of luggage? Then, my eyes fell on my iWatch charger. Sturdy, with the ability to tie a knot in the USB end and feed the charger end into the loop, it worked! The shirt I planned to wear is an outside the pants shirt, tucked in in the photo to show the charger at work.

As previously noted, there are many re-purpose ideas to pursue when you are in a bind, and even when you are not. Had I noticed before my shower that I did not have deodorant or hair gel, I could have easily gone down to the hotel office and procured what I needed, but it was fun to re-purpose! The belt ... I need a new one and will find a department store to purchase one tomorrow.

Here's to re-purposing!

*The wonderful cocoa butter soap that promoted its cleansing ability without drying the skin is no longer produced as a bar, but if you want to find it on Amazon, the price is $269 for six bars!