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I spent some time…actually a lot of time at Dollar Tree and scoped out the “Good” and “Bad” buys. I also asked for YOUR opinions on the Raining Hot Coupons Facebook page and so many of you gave me some great tips on items you love and items you don’t really care for from Dollar Tree. Thank you all for your tips. Below you will learn what to spend your money on at Dollar Tree (this may apply to other dollar stores as well since they all kinda carry the same stuff). Enjoy…Also, I would love to read any other tips you have in the comments!  🙂

I am going to break it down into categories and different sections of the store. 

Household Cleaning:

Things to Buy:

• ANY of the L.A.’s Totally Awesome products – I had a TON of readers says that they are like magic. The spot remover works awesome and the oxygen power cleaner works as good as the other expensive brands. I recently purchased the Orange cleaners from them and it really is wonderful and quite awesome.  😉
• Fabric softener – believe it or not, this stuff smells great, comes in a big bottle for a buck and is perfect for refreshing couches, rugs, and even pets!
• The Works cleaner – I have not tried this but a lot of readers swear by it. I can’t wait to try it!
• Palmolive Dish soap – there are often coupons available for these so you will get a great deal.
• Sun detergent or dishwashing soap – again, these often have coupons so keep an eye out and if a coupon pops up, you will score a nice deal.

Pass on these:

• Brooms – the handles often break on these
• Garbage bags – a TON of readers had negative things to say about the garbage bags, the rip and tear easily.

Health & Beauty:

Things to buy:

• Pregnancy Tests – these work really well and have always worked for me as well as all the readers who also recommended them! 
• 3 pack loofah sponges (these are perfect for kid’s baths)
• Hair bows, ties, bobby pins, headbands
• Shaving Cream – this stuff really does work and smells pretty good! I love it for just $1!
• Close-Up mouthwash – this is the only brand I would recommend (the others are not so great)
• Triple Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrocortisone Cream
• Scotties tissue – these will often have coupons so you will get great deals
• Cotton pads
• Name Brand make-up – I have spotted Elf and Maybelline and once again Maybelline always has coupons!

Pass on these:

• Q-tips (this isn’t the brand but pass on them) they bend and are not strong and the cotton on the end is very fuzzy
• Off Brand Lotions
• Perfume and Cologne

Birthday Items:

Things to buy:

• Wrapping paper – I am shocked at how much wrapping paper has gone up in price so the $1 store paper is a great deal and you can get a few different designs!
• Gift Bags
• Cards
• Candles
• Streamers (these come with 2 so they are only $0.50 each!)
• Cups
• Birthday decor (party hats, balloons, invitations, favor bags, etc)
• Mylar balloons
• Tissue paper

Pass on these:

• Plastic utensils (they break easily although I do recommend the table liners which is in the same section)

Food and Candy:

Things to buy:

• Movie candy – stop by on the way to the movies and pick up the boxes of candy for just $1! You may be able to find these at Walmart for $0.97 but if you’re closer to a Dollar Store then you may want to stop there instead!
• Candy for Pinatas and Party favor bags – they have several bags of candy that have individually wrapped pieces so this is perfect for Birthday parties! For example, ring pops, suckers, avengers candy pieces and more.
• Popsicles – These have $1/1 coupons which makes them FREE!!
• Soda Pop – I love these, they are off brand but they are huge and perfect for Birthday parties. In my opinion they taste like Shasta.
• Popsicle Molds – a pack of 6 for just $1 – that’s awesome!
• Hormel Pepperoni – Once again, there are often coupon for $0.50 to $1 off which makes them only $0.50 or FREE!
• Drink mixes – these are fabulous, just add 1 to a water bottle and it flavors your drink…they even have sugar free.
• Seasonings – can’t go wrong for $1!

Pass on these:

• Check expiration dates on all the food items…sometimes they tend to have things that go past that date.  😐

Kitchen and Bath:

Things to buy:

• Tupperware
• Tubs and Bins for organizing
• Glass Vases
• Foil baking tins (perfect for Thanksgiving and way cheaper than other stores)
• 3 pack kid’s toothbrushes – there are often coupons that make the kid’s toothbrushes free and sometimes the come with travel cases and covers
• Bathroom Decor – for just $1, that’s a steal!
• Shower curtain – I have heard of people painting these and coloring them for the kiddos bathroom!
• Shower curtain hanging rings (not sure what they are called exactly but they hold up the curtain and are normally very pricey)
• Kid’s bubble bath – this stuff works great and lasts a long time!
• Hefty plastic bags – normally coupons for them which makes them a great deal
• Napkins – they come with a ton and work great
• Tupperware – can’t go wrong with these packs
• Mason Jars – you can do recipes in these, cookies jars, gifts, crafts and more!
• Plates, Cups, Mugs, bowls – this is great if you need to just get a few or want some variation in colors
• Kitchen Towels and Mits – look how cute these are in the picture above..I love the green and purple and for just $1!

Pass on these:

• Pie Tins (these are not good for baking because they tend to rust) ALTHOUGH, they are good for kids crafts and play.
• Candles – they don’t smell that good and even if they do in the store, the scent doesn’t last once lit in my opinion
• Coffee Mugs – I have heard from several readers that these leak and the lids don’t stay on
• Toilet Paper – this is usually very thing and doesn’t work all that well.  😳

Art and Supplies:

Things to buy:

• Large Activity Coloring books – these are very big and the kids will have a blast with them (some even have stickers)
• Teacher corner – there are great tools here for not only teachers but homeschoolers, preschoolers or just if you want to teach some fun stuff to your kids. They also have sticker books which would be great for chores!  😉
• Sewing kits with bags – $1…enough said!
• Pom poms, felt, foam board, craft supplies
• Safety pins – I hear these run out often so if you see them, snatch them up!
• Vinyl Decals for decorating and for kid’s rooms – these are SUPER cute and can totally change the look of room or bathroom for just $1…I say yes!
• Poster board

Pass on these:

•  Glue sticks – they tend to be dried out or dry out fast after opened
• Frames – these usually break when you are trying to even just put the photo in… see what I mean?
• Garage sale signs – I say no because you can easily look across the aisle and find the BRIGHT colored poster board priced at $0.69 then cut them in half and you’ve got 2 signs so just about $0.35 each instead of $1.
• Crayons – they don’t work… weird huh? No really, the color is super dull.
• Playdough – this stuff is usually dried out….if you find one that’s not, you’re lucky!
• School supplies – you can usually always get better deals from places like Staples, Office Max etc as long as you buy at the right time…starting in about July and August they offer $0.01 deals, freebies and more. Just watch Raining Hot Coupons and I post them all Summer long.

Miscellaneous:

Things to buy:

• 3 pack socks that makes each pair about $0.33 each!
• Disposal bags for when walking pets – you get a ton for super cheap
• Big bottle of Bubbles – lots of Summer fun with these!
• Flip Flops – now I can’t say these are going to last but I’ve found that most $1 flip flops anywhere you get them don’t last long. They are great for public pools, the beach, etc so you don’t have to worry about someone taking them.
• Puzzles – great for the kids or even party favors or Birthday party game gifts
• Pack of Littles Toys – I LOVE to use the packs of insects, glowing stars, dinosaurs, erasers, etc for Pinatas! They work out perfect because you get quite a few for just $1.

Pass on these:

• Toy Cars – these tend to be very cheap and break (the plastic is flimsy)
• Outdoor lights – this may seem like a great deal but they don’t last long at all
• Lighters – don’t really work long
• Goggles – the water seeps through  😐
• Batteries – don’t last
• Anything electronic – according to many readers opinions and my own, anything electronic never last long.

Hope that helps….do you have anything to add to the list?! I would love to hear….

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Have you ever made homemade Christmas gifts? They can be really inexpensive to make but the receiver of the gift usually likes it more than any store bought item. This frosted candle holder is super easy to make and looks really cute when it’s lit and being used. These are very inexpensive to make, yet they make the cutest gifts or just home decor. 😉 Have fun…

Items Needed:

• Glass Container (any kind will work…even a mason jar!)
• Mod Podge Glue
• Epson Salt

Directions:

1. Coat the outside of your glass container with mod podge glue.
2. While Glue is still wet, sprinkle with Epson salt.
3. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

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How To Easily & Quickly Clean Leather Furniture 

Leather furniture is common when it comes to picking out couches and chairs, but sometimes it can be hard to keep clean. Well, that will no longer be a problem with DIY leather cleaning recipe! It’s not only safe to use around pets and kids, it is a completely natural and a homemade product. It can be used on pretty much any leather surface including jackets and car seats and it will give it you a nice, shiny results. Check out the simple instructions below to  easily and quickly clean your leather furniture.

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10 Ways To Reuse Newspaper

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 10 Ways To Reuse Newspaper

Sitting down with the morning newspaper and having a strong cup of coffee is a regular routine for most. But what happens to that newspaper after you are finished reading it? Hopefully it will end up in the recycling, but before it heads there it can be re used in a few different ways. Check out the list of 10 ways you can reuse a newspaper before it heads into a blue bin!

1. Protect Your Table: When the kids decide to take on there next craft project, lay down some newspaper to contain the mess. It will make clean up a breeze and a keep your table unharmed.
2. Window Cleaner: Newspaper is a great alternative to paper towel when it comes to washing your windows and glass doors.
3. Wrapping Paper: If your looking for a cool look when wrapping presents, newspaper is a great option! Not only does it look great, it is a good way to save money on store bought paper.
4. Kindling: Newspaper is a great tool when you have your next fire. Whether it be camping or your home fireplace, use this at the base of your fire to get great results.
5. Shoe Shaper:  Use newspaper to keep the shape of your shoe. Before you pop them in the closet, stuff them till they are firm.
6. Garden Protector: Laying down newspaper in your garden bed before laying down dirt can provide protection from weeds.
7. Drawer Liner: Line your vegetable drawer in the fridge with a layer or two of newspaper. This will help keep it clean and it will absorb odors.
8. Stainless Shiner: Use wadded up newspaper to shine any stainless steel objects in your house. Just make sure the newspaper is slightly damp.
9. Ripen Fruit: Wrap un-ripened fruit in newspaper to accelerate the process.
   
10. Pet Cage Liner:  Newspaper is perfect for lining the bottom of a pets cage. You can also lay some out if you have a puppy or kitten that is potty training to help with accidents.

15 Uses for Coca Cola

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15 Uses for Coca Cola

Coca Cola is obviously a cool, refreshing drink that is not only well-known but  has been around for decades has become a household staple. But did you know it has different uses other than quenching our thirst on a hot day? There are lots of great uses for Coca Cola; It’s a great tool for anything from cleaning to cooking to getting out a grease stain in your favorite shirt. Check out these 15 different uses for Coca Cola:

1. Remove Grease From Clothing: Empty one can of Coke into your washing machine along with your laundry detergent. Run on a regular cycle and you will have grease free clothing.
2. Clean Your Toilet: Pour one can of Coke around the bowl of your toilet, give it a scrub down and flush for sparkling results.
3. Laundry Smell Defender: One can added to your laundry can also get rid of a bad smell on clothing or linens.
4. Soft Skin: Adding one 1 tablespoon of Coke to your moisturizer can leave you with smooth and silky legs.
5. Gum Removal:  Managed to get gum stuck in your hair? Dip the area in a small bowl of Coke, soak for a few minutes and the gum should lift right out.
6. Marinating Meat: Next time you cook a steak or any kind of meat you are marinating, add  some Coke into the mix for extra flavorful meat.
7. Burnt On Food Cleaner: Soak your pans with burnt on food in a can of Coke and a small amount of water. Let soak and rinse to clean off the residue.
8. Slug & Snail Trap: Leave out a bowl of Coke to attract slugs and snails. The acid in the Coke will wipe them out once they get into the bowl.
9. Skunk Smell Removal: Been sprayed by a skunk? Shower with a can of Coke, attending to all the affected areas and let sit for a few minutes then rinse.
10. Jellyfish Stings: Coke is a great item to take to the beach in case of a jellyfish sting. Pour coke directly on to the sting to find instant relief.
11. Stomach Soother: Drink flat Coke when you have an upset stomach or nausea. It can be soothing and help calm things down.
12. Window Cleaner: Use Coke on your windows to get rid of grease and dirt build up.
13. Windshield Defroster: Pour a can of Coke on your icy window. Let it sit for a few minutes and the ice should remove easily.
14. Hiccup Cure: Gargling with Coke can cure nasty hiccups in no time.
15. Antiquing Photos: To create a sepia tone on photos or paper apply a small amount of Coke, pat with paper and leave it to dry.

7 Uses For Coffee Filters

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7 Uses For Coffee Filters

Coffee filters are great for the obvious, coffee! But what else can they be used for? Coffee filters prove to be helpful in any situation from cleaning to acting as a kitchen helper. The other great part about coffee filters is you can save a lot of money by using them as they can be bought for cents at a dollar store. Check out the 7 best uses for coffee filters below:

1. Use coffee filters to cover dishes that are going in to the microwave. They fit perfectly over most plates, dishes and bowls.
2. Use a filter for a spoon rest while cooking. Just lay one on the counter and save yourself a mess by resting your stirring spoon on the filter instead of  messing up the counter.
3. Coffee filters are great for saving a bottle of wine! If your cork shreds while you are opening it, strain the wine through a filter. This will get out all the cork pieces and rescue your bottle of wine.
4. Next time you pouring fluid into your car, use a filter to make sure you don’t spill. It will act as a funnel and save you a huge mess from spillage!
5. Instead of using paper towel for catching grease, which can be expensive use a filter. The next time you cook something like bacon or french fries, lay down a filter to soak up the excess grease!
6. Place a filter in the bottom of a potted plant to avoid losing any soil. This way you will only have water coming out of the drainage holes when you water it.
7. When you are moving or packing, coffee filters make a great packing material! You can use it in between things like plates, tea cups or even Christmas ornaments!

 5 Tips To Make Laundry Easier 

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5 Tips To Make Laundry Easier

Laundry can be a time-consuming chore, especially if clothes start to pile up after a few days. But it doesn’t always have to be that way, especially when you apply a few tips to make the whole process easier. Check out these 5 great tips for making everyday laundry a little bit easier:

1. Set A Schedule: If you have an overly busy schedule and find you get stuck for time when it comes to laundry, set up a day ahead of time. Scheduling your time for laundry can not only help keep you organized and on task, there will be no excuses for not getting it done! If you want to be more detailed schedule your laundry type as well such as: sheets, whites, darks, towels etc.
2. Pre sort: Pre sorting all your laundry is a huge time saver. If you have the space, label dedicated baskets in your laundry room or bedroom, one for whites and one for darks. This way when you go to do laundry it will be pre organized and ready to go!
3. Dryer Maintenance: A really important part of your laundry is the drying process. You want to keep your dryer running as efficiently as possible to save you time. This means cleaning out the dryer lint, making sure there is no loose change or items in the machine and make sure to put in even loads so you don’t overload your dryer.
4. Recruit Help: If you have kids, why not teach them all about laundry! They are perfect for helping when it comes to folding, sorting and putting away clothes. Not only does it teach them a new skill it will save you time on tasks you would usually do yourself.
5. Organized: Keeping your laundry room organized will make a huge difference day-to-day. By keeping out the clutter you can be more efficient when sorting and washing!

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15 Ways To Use Mason Jars

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15 Ways To Use Mason Jars

Jars are something we all encounter every day, whether it be a pickle jar or a jar of our favorite body butter. But one of the most popular jars is the mason jar! Mason jars aren’t just for jam anymore, we can use them in almost every part of life. Check out the list below for 15 ways to use mason jars in everyday life:

1. Meal To Go: Mason jars make great food containers and holders. Whether it be for a layered salad, leftovers or even your morning oatmeal these jars are perfect for keeping food fresh!
2. Baking Molds: Did you know you can bake directly into your jar? You can make cupcakes or your favorite cake and bake it right in the mason jar. It looks great for presentation and they stay fresh for longer.
3. Blend: Mason jars actually act as a blender attachment. Simply detach your blender blades and screw it on to your mason jar of choice. As long as it is sealed tight it can be used to blend just about anything.
4. Workshop Organization: Whether it be for screws and nails in the work shop or important bits and pieces, mason jars make are a great option for keeping your workstation organized.
5. Gift Wrap: Next time you have a small present or baking treat to wrap, use a mason jar! Not only will it look super cute, you can get creative by painting, adding glitter or even adding cute labels to complete the look.
6. Candle Holder: Whether it be a floating candle or a tea light, mason jars are perfect for a makeshift candle holder.
7. Soap Dispenser: These jars are perfect for making your own DIY soap dispenser. Just grab the pump of your choice and your favorite soap and with a little elbow grease you can make your own bathroom accessory!
8. Catch Fireflies: For a fun kid friendly activity, cut open a glow stick and pour it into a mason jar. Give it a good shake and take it outside to see what looks like a jar full of fireflies.
9. Spices & Seasonings: Use mason jars of any size to store your kitchen spices and seasonings. Add a little label and your cupboards will be super organized.
10. Craft Room Storage: I love the idea of using jars of all sizes to organize craft supplies. To make the jars more fun, glue your favorite plastic animal or toy to the top of the lids and give it a quick spray paint. Suddenly your plain jars have been transformed into cute, personalized organization jars.
11. Yarn Dispenser: If you love to knit or have a ton of yarn this one is for you! Poke a hole in the top of your jar and use it for dispensing your favorite yarn or ribbon. It will keep it organized and it will avoid tangles.
12. Party Cups: Mason jars are perfect for your next party! Use them for party cups and get each guest to label their jar with a sharpie. If you want to add a lid, use a cupcake liner and an elastic band for a cute look.
13. DIY Snowglobe: With a few materials (Glitter, small figurine, water and glue) you can make your own DIY snow globe! They are perfect for decorations around the house or for a personalized gift at Christmas.
14. DIY Beauty Products: These jars make a great holder and container for any and all DIY beauty recipes. Whether it be DIY mouthwash or homemade shampoo, they are the perfect item for the job!
15. Vase: In a pinch without a vase? Mason jars are a great alternative! Add your favorite ribbon and fresh cut flowers for a modern look!

6 Ways To Make Smoothies Extra Healthy

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6 Ways To Make Smoothies Extra Healthy

Have you hopped on the smoothie train yet? Smoothies are all the rage lately as they offer a ton of health benefits without a lot of work. You also can customize them with any food or liquid you want, making your smoothie exactly how you like it. If you are looking for ways to boost your smoothie and make it more healthy, this list is perfect for you. We have highlighted 6 ways to make smoothies extra healthy, check out some of the ideas and your smoothie might just pack an extra punch:

1. Greens: One of the biggest keys to boosting the health level in your smoothie is to add more greens. You can add anything from kale, spinach, parsley or even swiss chard.
2. Seeds & Nuts: A great way to add protein to your smoothie is to add different nuts and seeds. Chia is a great, versatile seed that can go in before or after blending and will leave you feeling full. For other nut options you can add whole almonds, peanuts, cashews etc.
3.  Coconut Cubes: If you already add ice to your smoothie try this trick! Make ice cubes out of coconut milk or almond milk and freeze it. Use these cubes for blending in the smoothie and it will add extra nutrients and protein then regular ice would.
4. Avocado Power: Avocados truly come packed with health benefits and healthy fats. So why not add this super food into your daily smoothie? Not only will it thicken the smoothie base it will also make for an extra smooth drink. 1 half per smoothie should be more then enough.
5. Nut Butter: To make sure you are filling yourself up for the day, make sure to add some kind of nut butter. Depending on your preference you can add peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter.  Add extra if you want to make a thicker, filling smoothie.
6. Fruits Galore: Last but not least, don’t limit yourself when it comes to adding fruits. The options are endless for what you can add to your daily smoothie and smoothies give you a  great way to use up over ripe fruit. Some of the best smoothie fruits are: bananas, blueberries, strawberries,  apples and even pineapple.

10 Simple Ways To Have A Spa Day At Home

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10 Simple Ways To Have A Spa Day At Home

Sometimes going to the spa and getting pampered just isn’t in the budget. But that doesn’t mean pampering and luxury should fall to the wayside! You can replicate a relaxing spa visit right in the comfort of your own home! All it takes is a few simple things from around the house and your favorite relaxing products. Check out the list of 10 simple ways to have a spa day at home:

1. Music: Pick your favorite relaxing playlist and hook it up to some speakers in your bathroom.
   
2. Bath: Set up your bath exactly the way you like. Add bath balms, rose petals, oils or just plain old bubbles. Make sure the water is nice and hot and if you have it add a water pillow to rest on.
3. Lights: Dim the lights and put on some candles. Even better if you have some aromatherapy candles lying around.
4. DIY Treatments: The internet holds lists after list of homemade DIY masks, scrubs and body wraps. Pamper yourself with a few treatments you would usually get at the spa!
5. Eyes: Place cucumbers on your eyes while you are soaking in the tub or enjoying a mask. Not only are they refreshing for your eyes, they come loaded with skin benefits.
6. Towels: There is nothing better than a cozy, fluffy towel. Throw your favorite towel in the dryer for 10 minutes, by the time your finished it will be nice and warm.
7. Unplug:  One big thing to leave behind for your spa day is your electronics. If you can, unplug from your phone, tablet or any other device and just relax. Just like at the spa, you’ll have uninterrupted relaxing time.
8. Robe: One of my favorite things at the spa is putting on a soft robe at the end of the treatments. Make sure to have one available and throw it on at the end to keep the relaxing vibe going.
9. Drink: Sometimes all that pampering can get tiring and you’ll need a drink! Prepare lemon water or your favorite tea beforehand, to enjoy while you relax.
10. Reading: If you love to read, make it part of your spa night. Either grab some of your favorite magazines or your newest book and settle in.

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How To Clean Wood Cutting Boards

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How To Clean Wood Cutting Boards

Wood cutting boards are a great tool to have in the kitchen. However, they can be rather difficult to keep clean and disinfected at all times. There are many methods out there for taking care of wood cutting boards, but what method really works? Well, we have picked a method below that includes natural products, no harsh chemicals and all the products come right from the kitchen. This instructional will teach you how to disinfect, clean and leave your board with a fresh smell. Check out the instructions below:

Items Needed:

• White Vinegar
• Cloth
• Lemons

Instructions:

1. Start by rinsing all pieces and leftovers off of the wooden cutting board after use.
2. Spray or pour white vinegar over the surface of the board and wipe in a circle motion with the cloth of your choice.
3. Once the surface has been scrubbed with vinegar, rinse well.
4. Next, use half of a lemon and rub the boards surface completely and rinse well.
5. The vinegar will disinfect the board and the lemon will deodorize any odors and leave you with a fresh and clean cutting board.

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There are some fun crafts out there during the Holidays and this next one is perfect for Thanksgiving! These are great to make on the weekends or for a homeschool project. They make super cute Thanksgiving decorations too!

Have fun…

DIY: Paper Turkey

Supplies

• 1 Roll Toilet Tissue
• 1 Brown Paper Bag
• Hot Glue
• Piece Of Cardboard
• 2 Eyes (Dollar Tree has them for $1)
• Scissors
• 1 Sheet Orange Construction Paper
• 1 Sheet Yellow Construction Paper
• 1 Sheet Red Construction Paper
• Stapler

Directions

1. Cut one side of the paper bag off (the side with no writing). Lay it flat on the table and place the roll of toilet tissue on top. Carefully tuck the bag into the hole of the toilet tissue. 
2. Work your way all the way around until all of the bag is tucked in. 
3. With a flat piece of cardboard (from the side of a box, is fine), cut a piece that is about one inch wide by about seven inches long. Lengthwise, fold both sides up so that it makes kind of a U shape. 
4. Run a bead of hot glue down each side and then fold those two flaps down.
5. Now on the flat end of the roll of toilet tissue (the end with the hole covered), glue the neck you just made in place. Be sure to glue it so you do not see the line.  
6. With another piece of cardboard, draw a circle with one end having an equal sign. Then cut it out and glue to the top of the neck.  
7. Take the two eyes and glue them in place on the upper side of the head (the round circle you just glued). 
8. Take a red piece of construction paper and cut out a triangle with rounded edges.
9. Be sure to leave the top of it a little longer then the triangle.
10. Put a crease down the center of it and glue it about midway of the head. 
11. Now out of some orange construction paper cut a small shaped diamond. Glue it flat on the face between the eyes and the red piece.
12. Then fold the top point down and the bottom one up to form a beak. 
13. 

1. To make the tail you need to take your sheets of construction paper and fold them in half and then in half again.I use 1 each of yellow, red & orange. After you have it folded cut out long oval shapes flat on one end. Then place them in a pattern and fan them out. 
2. Staple at the bottom where it is flat to hold them on place. 
3. Then on the end of the turkey where the hole is still showing, run a bead of hot glue around it and glue the tail in place. 
4. That’s it you now have a paper turkey!

5 Ways To Give Back Over The Holiday Season

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5 Ways To Give Back Over The Holiday Season

As the holiday season quickly approaches, we tend to start thinking about ways to give to others in our life. We also start to think about ways to give back whether it be to someone less fortunate or someone who is need. There are many ways to share the love and give back over the holidays and really a little goes along way. Check out the list below for 5 ways to give back over the holiday season:

1. Find A Way To Donate: If you find yourself cleaning out cupboards and closets before Christmas, put what you find to good use. Many local charities, thrift stores and even local malls will run donation programs for those in need.  You can even involve the kids to teach them a valuable lesson about giving back.
2. Cook & Share: Another great way to give back is to cook a few meals for those in need. Maybe you know a family that is struggling and could use some extra help? Nothing is better than sharing a few warm meals and making someone’s holiday season a little easier.
3. Share The Love: Do you have a new neighbor that’s just moved in next door? Or maybe a new mom at your child’s school? If there is someone in your life who you think could use a little extra joy, bring them a treat! If you are doing your holiday baking, make double batches to share with the new friends or people in your life.
4. Pet Support: We can’t forget about all the animals that will need a little extra help this season. If you have a pet at home, gather up some gentle loved toys and any extra accessories you’re not using and donate them to your local animal shelter. Shelters are usually overrun over the holiday’s and can use all the donations they can get.
5. Reconnect: Gift giving isn’t always a physical activity over the holidays. Do you have an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while? Maybe a family member? One of the best things you can do is connect with them and remind them that you are thinking of them. It’s a great way to give out a little love and really change someones day.

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I can’t stand a dirty kitchen. The crunch of tiny crumbs underneath my feet, dried cheese on the counter, and leftovers stuck in the dish drain. It’s enough to make me crazy, and I’d rather avoid the mess than tackle it before another meal is made, and another catastrophe created.

With 3 meals a day, plus snacks, keeping the “heart of the home” clean is certainly exhausting, if not almost impossible!

But with a little forethought, elbow grease, and discipline, we can turn the unavoidable into a welcome site, and an all-consuming mess into just another part of the daily routine.

Before you start

1. Begin with a clean slate.

First step, is to clear all the dishes out of the sink, wipe down the counters, put cereal boxes and other snacks away, etc before you even start to put any ingredients together for a meal.

I know I can’t so much as think when I’m surrounded by mess and clutter, so take a few moments to put the kitchen to rights and move forward. You’ll feel so much better!

2. Set kitchen limits and assign responsibilities.

From here on out, decide who is “allowed” to make meals and mess around in the kitchen. If you want to keep things the way you like it, you may have to consider instituting a “no-work-zone” for the husband, and kids who are old enough to start getting their own snacks.

This also means that you will be doing a lot more work, but the trade off may be worth it if you enjoy a clean kitchen!

If your husband does offer to do the dishes, or the kids are willing to make their own snacks, make sure they understand a few rules first.

• Is there a specific way you like the dishes washed and put away?
• Do you require all crumbs to wiped up on the counter before someone leaves with their snack?
• Should items be left in the sink, or placed in the dishwasher after meal time is over?

Set these expectations now, so the entire family knows what to expect.

During meal prep

3. Keep a garbage bowl handy.

You can go through quite a few dishes when making a meal, and instead of throwing everything into the sink, I like to keep a bowl right beside me to collect spatulas, measuring cups, and small bowls.

I might need to use a couple of those spatulas again, and if I throw them in the sink, they are immediately dirty in my book. But if they are resting in a bowl I had been using for the current meal, I’m more likely to grab it again and save myself some after-dinner dish duty.

There are some TV chefs who will throw everything in the bowl from egg shells to butter wrappers, but I prefer not to. The garbage is usually close by while I’m working, and I’d rather not dig out all the actual garbage later.

4. While dinner is cooking, start cleaning and putting items away.

If the meal doesn’t require a full set of eyes every minute, you can use this time to start putting your kitchen in order again.

Place ingredients back into the pantry, start loading the dishwasher, and even wash a few items to leave in the dish drainer while you eat. It’s definitely less overwhelming if you tackle this in bits and pieces, rather than saving everything until the meal is over.

After dinner rush hour

5. Define who does what.

Avoid the family’s mad dash away from the dinner table by setting those expectations we talked about in point #2. If you don’t mind cleaning up after everyone, that’s fine, but make sure everyone knows that.

If you prefer each family member take their dishes to the sink, rinse them off, and put them in the dishwasher, then let them know that too.

6. Decide what has to be done for the kitchen to be “acceptable”.

• Do all the dishes have to be washed and put away?
• The table and counters wiped down?
• A spotless stove?
• New dishcloths and towels put out?

Determine “good enough”, and then don’t fret about the rest. Mentally work your way through the after-dinner routine, and don’t be afraid to let a casserole dish soak in the sink until morning. The key is to not let it sit there until the smell becomes your unpleasant reminder.

Even if you’re not an avid foodie, and don’t particularly enjoy working in the kitchen, you can still set some sort of routine that works for you and your family.

Meal prep doesn’t have to be painful, and you might actually find yourself having fun without the worry of a disaster-zone kitchen!

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10 Food Items You Can Freeze

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10 Food Items You Can Freeze

Freezing food items is a great way to save money and lessen your grocery bill. Did you know that even dairy can be frozen? By preserving these items we can use them at a later date and not have to worry about buying them. The next part can be difficult as we have to start figuring out what can be frozen and how to freeze it properly. Luckily, we have compiled a list of 1o items that can be frozen! Check out the list below:

1. Pesto Sauce: The best way to freeze pesto is to pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen,  pop out the cubes and throw them in a freezer bag!
2. Cheese: When freezing cheese simply freeze the block in a Ziploc bag. When you are ready to use it, let it thaw completely at room temperature before storing in the fridge.
3. Pasta: Freezing pasta couldn’t be easier! Simply cook pasta, let cool and store in a Ziploc in the freezer.  This is great for adding to soups or sauces.
4. Milk: Freeze milk in a freezer safe jug or container. When you are ready to use it, let it thaw and shake before drinking.
5. Eggs: Freeze eggs is a great method when you are doing a lot of baking. Crack eggs into ice cube trays and freeze. Then when you want to use them thaw in refrigerator before use.
6. Marinated Meat: This is a great way to skip a step when cooking. Simply place fresh meat in a Ziploc with your favorite marinade. Then when you defrost the meat will be flavorful and ready to go!
7. Hamburger Meat: Precook ground beef and portion appropriately.  Then freeze in individual bags for easy use. If you want to defrost it, do so in the microwave for 1 min or until warm. This is a great add in for soups, baked dishes and slow cooking dishes as the meat can be used frozen.
8. Yogurt: A great way to save individual packages of yogurt is to freeze them! Simply, throw them in when you don’t need them and thaw in the fridge when your ready to eat.
9. Fruit: The best way to freeze fruit is to lay it out on a tray with parchment paper and throw it in the freezer. Once they are frozen, toss them in a Ziploc bag and use whenever you need them.
10. Mashed Potatoes: Scoop potatoes on to a cookie sheet and freeze in scoop formation. Once frozen, move to a freezer bag and you will mashed potatoes that last for up to two months!

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DIY Purex Crystals

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DIY Purex Crystals

There are so many laundry products and fresheners on the market now a days, it can be hard to decide what works best. The newest product out there is a crystal product you add to your wash load to make it smell better and soften your clothes. I personally love the idea of the product but hate paying retail. So what better way to get around that then to make your own similar product. Check out this easy DIY version of Purex Crystals and start making your own today:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 Cups of Epsom Salts (Depending how much you want to make)
• 20-30 Drops Essential Oil of Your Choice – You can buy these from Amazon here (or check Walmart and your local health food stores).

Instructions:

1. Mix Epsom salts into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add your favorite oil to the mixture and stir until completely mixed together.
3. Store in a jar or homemade container and when you are ready to use spoon about 1-2 tablespoons into your wash.

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5 Different Uses For Dental Floss

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5 Different Uses For Dental Floss

When you think of using dental floss, your first though is most likely cleaning your teeth. While dental floss is meant for your teeth, it has a ton of other uses around the house. It can be used around the house and even in the kitchen! So if you have a few extra packs lying around, why not find a new use for them? Check out the list below for 5 different uses for dental floss.

1. Cutting Tool: If you have a soft cheese or soft cake, try using dental floss when your ready to cut it. The floss is strong enough to cut through soft foods and it will leave you with a smooth straight cut that sometimes can’t be done with a knife.
2. Clothesline: If you are ever in a bind and need a clothesline, use dental floss! Simply, tie the floss to two trees or posts and secure them in place. Once the string line is up, you can hang up your wet clothes to dry and the floss will hold! This would be a great idea for camping or adventuring this summer!
3. Thread Replacement: If you are away on a trip and find yourself with a popped button, try this travel hack! Dental floss makes a great thread for fixing buttons and holes on the go. Use the floss as replacement thread whenever you’re in need to sew something. Be extra prepared and store a sewing needle in your floss for a DIY sewing kit.
4. Decorative String: Dental floss makes a great tool for hanging decorations! It’s very strong so weight won’t be an issue and it’s clear so you won’t be able to see it.
5. Faucet Fix: If you have a noisy faucet, try using dental floss for a quick fix! Simply, tie the dental floss so it is hanging down under the spout. The dental floss will allow the drip to run down it, which will decrease the noise of the drip on the sink.

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Whenever I see fresh corn on sale, I always buy too much. Those sweet little kernels are always begging to come home with me to find a spot on my dinner plate. It makes for one delicious side dish to a barbeque but what to do with the leftovers? After a few nights of regularly grilled or boiled corn on the cob, it becomes too routine and boring to eat again all summer long. I’ve done some digging and put together a list of different ways to use and prepare corn on the cob. I will always enjoy a cob with a simple pat of butter but sometimes I like to change things up. Hopefully, these foodie ideas will inspire a bit of excitement in your summer dinners as well.

1- Go gourmet. Grill or oven bake corn with exciting flavor combinations to achieve restaurant worthy cobs. Husk and rinse the corn and place on a square of aluminum foil. Add different spices, herbs and veggies on top and completely wrap in foil. Try combinations like bacon and jalapeno, garlic and butter or lime juice and salt. Cook on the grill for 10-15 minutes or bake it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

2- Make corn salsa. This is a great salsa that will pair well with chips, on top of tacos and even next to a great grilled steak. Try this recipe to get you started.

You will need:
-1 cup fresh & cooked corn (grilled or baked and cut from the cob, about two cobs)
-2 cups diced tomatoes
-1/2 cup diced onion
-1 tablespoon diced jalapeno
-1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
-2 tablespoons lime juice
-salt and pepper to taste

Wash veggies and cilantro to prep, then dice. Combine all ingredients and toss together until blended well.

3- Try “Corn-kabobs.” Cut fresh cobs of corn in two inch increments to add to skewers. Alternate corn with smoked sausage, red and green bell peppers and onions to complete the dish.

4- Wake up an everyday salad of lettuce or spinach with fresh cooked corn, cut from the cob. Add avocado, crumbled bacon, feta cheese and lime juice to complete it. This combo is far from the dominating world of ranch and Italian dressing covered salads.

5- Bake corn bread casserole. This dish is easy, delicious and sure to be a crowd pleaser. This casserole never lasts long in my house and couldn’t be easier.

You will need:
-1 box of jiffy cornbread mix
-1 can creamed corn
-kernels from one cooked cob of corn
-1 stick of butter, melted
-2 tablespoons milk
–1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Combine the cornbread mix, creamed corn, corn kernels, butter and milk until blended well. Bake in a casserole dish at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes or until edges are brown. Remove from oven, top with cheese and enjoy!

For the recipes that call for corn removed from the cob, use a large knife to cut off the stalk end of the corn. Stand the cob up and cut downwards with the knife to remove the kernels. There is also a kernel removing kitchen utensil that does the same job more effectively. If you don’t have one, here’s one for a great price at less than $5 + FREE shipping!

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Who knew there were so many ways to use orange peels?! This fruit peel works for cleaning, deodorizing, candles and more. Check out all the ideas below and be sure to leave a comment if you have any more ideas or uses for orange peels!

#1 – Citrus-Scented Bath Powder: After a long day at work, school, or maybe even the DMV (those lines can be the source of some brutal headaches), some of us like to march to the bathroom and run a nice hot bath to relax in. If you’re that type, this is for you, especially if you enjoy the fine smell of orange. If you let some orange peels sit on a counter and dry out, you can grind them down to a powder. You can use this powder like you would any store-bought bath powder and have a nice, “Florida orange” smelling bath, courtesy of your local supermarket.

#2 – Wood Polish: If you happen to have some fresh orange peels lying about (fresh and moist peels, preferably) you now have the proper equipment to give your old wood a nice, new shine. The oils inside the peels of oranges act as a fine polish for your wood dishes and utensils. Just give whatever piece of wood you’re working with a tough scrub with the peel and, in no time, you’ll have a great, deep new shine. For outside the kitchen, you can use this to give beat-up, dusty, wooden sofa legs a store-like finish as well.

#3 – Aromatic Candles: While you could go out to your local thrift store and buy a candle with a miniature painting of Elvis on the case, sometimes its easier and more enjoyable to do things at home. If you’ve got a few oranges lying around; when you’re peeling them, try to pull the stem out along with some of the shell (cutting the orange’s shell in half and pulling the stem out on one side works best with this. Once you got this all worked out, fill this bowl-like orange peel with some form of oil, making sure to get that stem well soaked in it. Light the oily stem as if it were a wick and you’ll have a nice, orange-scented candle keeping your home smelling great. If you have trouble keeping the stem lit, you can tie a piece of twin around the base of the stem and wrap it around the stem to help wick the oil up to burn.

#4 – Natural Medicine: If you just so happen to be a character in a B-grade horror flick, where your heart is constantly racing as you anticipate where the villain is going to come from, just take a page from the medicine men from the days of old. Many ancient pharmacists had concluded that oranges were an amazing natural medicine for many years, whether they were bitter or ripe. More importantly, orange peels have also been proven to decrease blood pressure through direct consumption. So, if you ever find yourself in a film directed by Sam Raimi, remember to bring a couple of orange peels along; it might just save you from a heart attack, brought upon by a camera flying through a cabin window.

#5 – Brown Sugar Preserver: We all hate it when we open up our bag of brown sugar, only to find it all clumped up and stuck together, especially when you’re in the middle of preparing a dish where time is of the essence. Thankfully, if you just finished going through that bag of Florida oranges, all those peels can help keep your brown sugar an actual sugar. Just keep some orange peels mixed in with it all in the bag, and the peels will absorb most of the moisture that gets in, keeping your sugar from solidifying and turning into that all too familiar bag of brown rocks.

#6 – Insect Repellent: While you could go out and buy all kinds of different insect repellents, this one for your skin; this one for the food you’re making on the grill; and this one for whatever reason, you could simply go out and buy some oranges. After you’re done enjoying your amazing citrus snack (definitely better for you than those potato chips), just use the orange peels to keep the pests away. Rub them on your skin instead of spraying some random mixture of chemicals you bought at the store, or just lay the peels around. In addition to just smelling really good, those peels will keep a variety of insects away; snails, mosquitos, and even those pesky ants that seem to be everywhere.

#7 – Make-Shift Sponge: If you have a relatively fresh orange peel, one that’s still relatively moist, you can make a nice, quick sponge of it. Just use the inside of your fresh peel to thoroughly scrub whatever surface it is you are cleaning up. It’s safe for use on many surfaces; metal, wood, countertops, floors, et cetera. As an added bonus, your fresh peel will leave a nice, citrusy scent on the surfaces you clean it with. Not only will your stovetop be cleaned, but it won’t smell like that burnt chicken breast from a few weeks ago anymore.

#8 – Fertilizer: If you’ve always wanted to start your own garden, but the soil at your home just doesn’t seem to be the greatest, nutrient-rich stuff you’ve ever worked with, you can always just get some oranges. Once you finish your healthy treat, you can compost those peels and make that dead-grass-covered patch of land into a fertile tract of soil that will let those rose bushes you’ve always wanted to plant grow to be green and strong.

#9 – Kindling: If you’re ever short on twigs, branches, or any other kind of small kindling that you need to start a family bonfire in the back yard, orange peels can help you out here as well. Just toss them into your fire and they’ll burn rather easily, especially if they’re fresher, as the oils in them will allow them to burn easier. Just remember to start fires responsibly; I don’t want the police knocking on the door because you told them that I told you to go out there and start fires.

#10 – Deodorizer: Of course, considering their usually powerful citrus scent, it wouldn’t be very shocking to see “deodorizer” on this list. Just set a few out and let them sit for a while, if your using them just to make an “okay smelling” room smell good. However, if you want to deal with bad odors, you’ll have to be a little more strategic; put them in the bottom of trash cans, put them down the trash disposal to deal with old, moldy food smells coming from there; and you’ll want to make a sort of dish from a peel and fill it with salt or baking soda if you want to de-stench your fridge.

3 Ways To Clean & Sanitize Legos

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3 Ways To Clean & Sanitize Legos

Most of everyone loves Lego as it has been around forever and is still a current, fun toy. However, this usually means that Lego is being passed down from family and friends, it’s been stored for a long time or you managed to score a deal at your local garage sale. No matter where your Lego came from, at some point it’s going to need a good wash and sanitize. There are a few easy ways to do this and it will guarantee many more years of Lego fun! Check out the list below for 3 ways to clean and sanitize Lego:

1. Soap & Water: This is the easiest method of them all, as all you need is soap and water! Simply, fill a bowl with warm water and soap and let your bricks soak for at least an hour. Once they have soaked, give the extra grimy ones a scrub with a toothbrush. From there rinse all the Lego blocks with cold water, leaving no soap behind and dry with a towel or cool hair dryer.
2. Dishwasher Or Washing Machine: That’s right! You can wash and sanitize Lego in the washing machine and or the dishwasher. You will need a mesh bag to hold on the Lego, making sure none will fall out between the holes. Make sure the appliance is on a gentle, warm (not hot) cycle before washing the Lego. For the dishwasher keep the bag on the top rack. After one cycle, your Lego will good as new!
3. Magic Eraser: If you have white Lego pieces that have started to yellow over their time of use, try this trick! Grab a magic eraser and give each white block a good scrub. This will remove the yellow coloring or residue and leave them looking brand new. Make sure to rinse after scrubbing and let air dry before playing!