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Five Really Cool Uses for Dried Beans
Most of us know and love dried beans and are wholly familiar with their nutritional value. It is quite amazing to note, however, that dried beans are good for many more uses than just food. From kidney beans to pintos and all the variations in between, dried beans are pretty useful. Here is a look at five awesome uses for dried beans that have nothing to do with food:
Bean Bags
Bean bags are great fun for the kiddos and can actually be rather fun for adults too. From larger bean bags to sit on to smaller bean bags for games and toys, these are super easy to make. Simply get some fabric and cut to size. Once you do this, add your beans, sew it up and voila! Old socks work quite well too.
Hot/Cool Packs
For a really effective stress buster, put some beans in a bandana and tie off the ends. Heat in the microwave or cool it off in the freezer for a fantastic ice pack. Rolling this across tired and achy shoulders is a highly effective stress buster. It also works quite well after a tough workout.
Game Counters/Pieces
If you are teaching your kids to count, these little beans can do the trick. Another really popular use for dried beans is to replace all those little game board pieces that come up missing all the time. Beans can even replace your checkers in a pinch!
Save An Old Stuffed Animal
Stuffed animals are notorious for losing their stuffing and many people simply throw them out. Some stuffed animals simply need perking up as the insides become old and worn. Dried beans are the perfect solution for these old stuffed animals because they will give them new life. Stuff some beans in and sew that cute little bunny back up and they will seem like new all over again.
Make a Wrist Support For Your Computer
If you type often or use your computer a lot, you already know what it means to have sore hands and wrists. You can quickly and easily create an ergonomic wrist rest by filling an old sock with dried beans. The best types of socks are the dress socks made of thinner materials but any sock will do. Tie it off at the end and then lay it long ways in front of your computer keyboard for a great resting spot for your wrists.
Dried beans are good for much more than eating. What other cool ideas can you think of for dried beans? Share with us in the comments below!
