Quick & Easy (& Cheap) Way to Your Organize Necklace(s)!

I love organizing (though from the current state of my bedroom, you wouldn't know it).  And I'm always searching for new ways to organize my life's possessions.  It was a happy accident that I found this current method of holding necklaces.  Well, actually, just 2 of my necklaces.

Like make-up, I like to collect jewelry but not use it all.  Unlike make-up, it's not that I'm inept.  I'm just somewhat lazy.  I tend to wear my diamond studs (which I don't take off) and 2 necklaces with jade pendants (which I do take off) everyday.  The only thing I actively change are my rings.

Usually, I'll take off my necklaces before showering and leave them on the bathroom countertop.  However, I'm always afraid of chipping/breaking the jade pendants.  I'd put them on a towel but let's be real, there have been occasions when I've almost forgotten them and they've almost gone flying.  Lot's of heart pounding during those moments.

I needed a hook for my shower puff, so I purchased two suction hooks for $4.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Since I only needed one hook, I was left with one extra hook.  What to do with it?  I was pretty sure if I stored it somewhere, it would be forgotten and lost.  Hmm....

I placed the extra hook on the mirror in my bathroom, and presto!  Instant necklace hook!!

I wouldn't put a lot of necklaces (especially the chunky/heavy ones) on this hook, but one or two delicate/lights ones work fine.  And I'm thinking I could place a ring or two on the hook as well.  Let me just stress that this is NOT meant to act as a way to store your necklaces!!  The humidity in the bathroom would kill your jewelry (especially cheap(er) jewelry).  But this is a quick and easy and cheap way to place your necklaces (and bracelets and rings) while you're doing your ablutions or your make-up.  Why didn't I think of this earlier???

Grab Your Google Voice Phone Number For Gmail Calls!!

Currently, I am dialing everyone that I know via Gmail Call.  It sounds pretty good and unlike Skype, you can call ANY phone number in the US (and Canada) for free (for now)!!  The cost of international calls depends on the country that you're calling.  The sound quality it a little tinny but for a free service, I'm pretty darn impressed.

You can get a phone number assigned to your Gmail account via Google Voice!  Just drop in your area code (or town/city name) and available phone numbers will appear.  For you NY'rs, forget "212" or "917" or even "646".  If you input "New York City" (or is it simply "New York"?), you're given a plethora of "347" numbers.  Grab one you like before it's gone!!

I'm still trying to figure out exactly how receiving calls works (along with everything else)...but dialing is a breeze!!

I didn't want you to miss out on getting a good phone number.  :)

Jack's 99 Cent Store: I'm Like a Kid In a Candy Store

Have you been to Jack's 99 Cent Store?  If not, you're missing out on one of the best deals in the city!  I'll say this upfront: you won't be buying any goods there for 99 cents.  But you will be buying goods there for cheap!

It's like a Loehmann's or T.J. Maxx for household items and frozen/canned food.  I don't think I've ever purchased food from there but I've purchased plenty of other things from Jack's...especially kitchen-related products.  Small kitchen appliances (e.g., electric can opener, simple toaster, etc) are always a good deal.  But I'm not looking for the super fancy ones that you would find at Williams-Sonoma.  KWIM?

As great as the prices may seem, don't forget to do comparison shopping.  Always know the approximate cost of something before you buy. It may be cheap-er but it may not be a bargain.

Big Buddha swears by Jack's when it's comes to party-related items.  I'll second that.  You won't find better priced plastic cups (flip-cups, anyone?), plates and utensils anywhere else.  And if you're looking for easy and cheap holiday decorations (especially for Halloween and Christmas), Jack's is the place to go!

I believe that there are three Jack's stores but I go to the main one at 110 W 32 St (b/w 6th & 7th Ave), NY, NY.  It's 3 floors of random goods.  This equates to about an hour of browsing for me!

Be forewarned: this place is usually packed and there is no customer service.

Happy shopping!