So this post is going to be a few decent pictures and a whole lotta really bad, flash, boring pictures -- but this stuff is important people! If you are cray-zay like me that is. A long time ago I posted about my hatred of CORDS, and I thought I would share more of how I deal with them. A lamp, but no cords. Ahhh, how does she do it? Like this:A little bit of cord cover down the back of the table leg and a long cord cover down the wall to the outlet. A honkin' big chest on the bottom shelf of the table helps to hide everything else. And I'll have you know I removed just a few dust bunnies from back here. I'm real with y'all but not that real. ;)My trash to treasure table: Here come the really bad pics...some cord covers go up the leg on the back for one cord, more covers hide the excess cord of the lamp: The cord covers have sticky backs and I HEART THEM.Under the table of course!: All the excess cord is under the table, and the cord hangs down the back leg behind the tall vase.It makes me SO happy.

Our armoire in the bedroom, with cords and cables to hide:One long cord cover goes a long way...these things can be cut to any size and you don't need much: You can find these at any home improvement store, and I've seen them at electronic stores as well. I also use cup hooks on the back of the armoire to pull up the cables that would hang down behind otherwise:Drapes cover those awful things too: And covers down the leg and along the wall help too:My nightstand looks great: Ummmm, I won't even show you hubby's side. Serious.I even hide the cords for the window decor during the holidays: Oh, sweet bliss, not a cord in sight! I even use them outside:I told you I was a total fruit loop. I do have a life that does not involve finding ways to hide cords. Everyone has their thing, right? This is my thang. Electrical outlets are to babies and young children what boobs are to men: irresistible. Since the human body is 70% water, it makes for an unfortunately good conductor of electricity.

According to the US CPS, over 2,000 children are hospitalized every year with injuries due to electric shock, with injuries ranging from minor burns to death. Keys and coins are the top two favorite items for kiddos to stick into electrical outlets (because, why not?). Not to worry, there are a variety of products on the market that will keep your child safe from electrical shock. First, a lesson in electrical hardware: If you have a newer home (built in 2008 and later), you probably already have tamper-resistant receptacles, or “TRRs.” These outlets look like regular outlets, except they appear to have a backing, which are actually spring-loaded shutters that close off openings to the contacts. The shutters only open when they are both compressed simultaneously (i.e., a competent adult plugging something in). These outlets are also clearly labeled with the letters “TR” (in red (left) for illustration). One option for homes built prior to 2008 is to upgrade them with the babyproof receptacles.

TRRs only cost about 50 cents more than non-TRO outlets, it’s really the labor that’s the priciest component of the task. However, if you and/or your husband are competent in the home improvement department, you can probably do it yourself. You can buy a standard tamper-resistant duplex outlet for about $2 each at your local Home Depot or hardware store. Alternatively, a simple outlet cover will also do the trick. To cover empty outlets (and those that are rarely used), the cheapest solution is a simple plastic outlet cover that costs about 8 cents a pop (36 for $3.00).Vinyl Flooring At The Range The problem with these plug-in plastic outlet covers is that they are a pain for adults to take out and replace each time they’re finished using the outlet, so as a practical matter (ahem), they sometimes aren’t replaced because it’s such a pain.Indoor Accent Lighting Plants

A better solution that costs a bit more is to use horizontal sliding plate covers, which automatically slide back into place after use. Sliders are probably the next best thing to retrofitting with TRRs. Keep in mind that some retractable covers prevent plugs from fully engaging, which can lead to sparking and overheating with high-power items like vacuums. A good compromise (cost-wise) is to use the cheap plastic outlet covers for the outlets you seldom use and the sliding plate covers for the outlets you use more often. Best Shoe Brands GqFor example, I use the sliding covers on the outlets I use frequently (for vacuum cleaning and such) and the cheapies on the others. * Remember, this is just for unoccupied outlets, for occupied outlets… I didn’t know what else to call these, but for outlets that are already “plugged into” by permanent things like lamps, TVs, etc., the easiest thing is to block them with a piece of furniture to make them inaccessible, even if it means throwing off the symmetry of the room a bit.

When it’s not possible to block them with furniture, get a plug cover, such as… Safety 1st Adapter and Plug Cover ~ $4 each This is our favorite plug cover — it covers regular plugs, most larger adapter plugs and even thick extension cords, etc., basically — everything short of a power strip. Each of these will cover a regular duplex receptacle (i.e., two plugged-in items). You simply remove the existing cover plate and replace it with theirs, plug your items in, then slide on the top and bottom covers, et voila! Note that it does not work on “decora” style outlets (shown below) – and it typically doesn’t work for power adapters that are oriented horizontally (i.e., those that are long or asymmetrical left to right). It’s still a bit of a pain to plug and unplug things into these, so I wouldn’t use it for items you need to plug and unplug frequently; it’s really better for permanently plugged-in items. LectraLock ~ $7 at LectraLock Outlet

Another great option that’s easier to access than the plug cover is the LectraLock. This one is better for frequent access (vs. the Safety 1st) because it’s easier for parents to get on and off. Note that it comes in many different shapes and sizes – be sure you get the type that fits your outlets. (Note: Duplex – the old standard two holes OR Decorator – newer outlet style that is one big square.) Ah yes, power strips. We all have them in the increasingly electronic world we live in. They’re usually harder to cover with furniture because they poke out so far. Plus, you kind of want them to be more accessible for convenience, aye? For this task, our favorite product is the… Safety 1st Power Strip Cover ~ $6 Fits over most power strips 7.5 – 10” long and can sit on the floor and can also be mounted on the wall. Note that with enough effort, little hands can still squeeze into the slot where the plugs go, but I think it would be very difficult for them to insert an object into it (unless that object is rather long).