My Brilliant Invention!
While I realize that this blog is meant to be all about health, wellness, fitness and nutrition, I cant help but want to use this particular platform today for a bit of personal bragging. You see, I've invented something that has changed my life. No, it's nothing huge, and it's most certainly not much to look at, but it makes me happy and, I could argue, healthier—in a sanitary-is-healthy way. I'll break it down in a typical Real Simple set-up:
The problem: Toilet paper is tempting to a toddler. Curious toddlers love nothing more than to yank on toilet paper roll, insert sheets into mouth, and drag streams of paper all over house. Such a curious toddler lives in our home, so this had become quite a problem. Our previous "solution" was to simply remove the roll from the holder and place it on a shelf high above the toilet, or to rest it on top of a towel rod located a few feet from the commode. That, unfortunately, led to some particularly awkward stretches and acrobatics on my part, all whilst attempting to use the loo. I will spare you the details.
A potential solution: Sure, there are a few products on the market that claim to adequately "baby-proof" your toilet paper roll. (Or pet-proof, since cats and dogs also love to mess with the two-ply!!) But my experience with these sorts of contraptions in other areas of the house has been altogether frustrating and disappointing. The drawer locks that don't work, the doorstoppers that pop off...that sort of thing. And given that our little recessed toilet paper holder seems oddly-shaped, and that our building is old, I had a feeling that whatever was on the market just wouldn't do the trick.
The ACTUAL solution, courtesy of some of my inspired DIY: (see pic below)
It's ugly, it's kind of rickety, and it's totally making my husband crazy, but this fabulous, hanging toilet paper holder, crafted from a wire hanger is my pride and joy. It dangles from a small hand-towel bar above the toilet. Yes, it looks like something tired backpackers may have rigged up along the Appalachian Trail or in an outhouse somewhere. Sure, it isn't doing anything for our otherwise blah bathroom decor. But I don't care. No longer is the toilet paper out of reach, or in danger of tumbling into the tub (it happened one too many times), or slipping out of my grasp OR left neglected on the floor where aforementioned toddler could happen upon it with glee and grimy hands. Success! I'm not lining up for a patent just yet, though, since I think it could use some work.
My question to all you crafty, stylish, and sanitary readers: Is there a better, less unattractive but still home-grown solution?? Other ideas for DIY toilet paper holders that keep the precious paper away from kids and pets?
