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!

How To Remove Water Marks From Wood

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How To Remove Water Marks From Wood

We have all done it before, you put your drink down on the coffee table without thinking and all of a sudden you have left a big, fat water mark behind after you pick your drink up. The good news is the table isn’t ruined and there is an easy and natural solution to removing water marks. All it takes is one food product out of your fridge!

The easiest way to remove water marks from any wood surface is to apply a 2 Tablespoons of mayonnaise directly to the shape of the ring. Then simply leave the mayo to sit overnight and in the morning wipe with a clean cloth to remove residue! You will notice the ring has disappeared, if there is still a faint mark feel free to repeat this process.

The reason we use mayonnaise in this DIY is because the fat content of the mayo absorbs directly into the ring, making it disappear!

8 Ways To Look & Feel Less Tired

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8 Ways To Look & Feel Less Tired

For many of us it is not an easy task to get out of bed and start our day, mostly because we are tired or haven’t slept well. Whether it be a long day at work or a day with the kids, sleep will get the best of us. The good news is there are some easy ways to look better and feel more energized throughout the day! Check out the list below for 8 ways to look and feel less tired:

1. Start Moving: Whether it be a quick jog during the day or a bike ride to start the day find a way to get moving at some point. Doing this will get your blood flowing and your energy up. It will also make you look more refreshed for the day ahead and give you some colour.
2. Stretch:  Try and get into the habit of doing at least 5 minutes of stretching every morning after you wake up. This is important as it will wake up your entire body and have you feeling refreshed by the time you start the day.
3. No More Bags: It’s time to say goodbye to those bags hanging out under your eyes.  Before you go to bed place two tea bags in a Ziploc bag of water and let them sit in the fridge over night. When you wake up apply them to your eyes for 10-20 minutes.  This will reduce puffiness and dark circles.
4. Find Your Scent: Do you have a scent or perfume that reminds you of a happy memory? Well, believe or not having a favorite scent you put on every morning is a great way to feel more awake and alert. Next time you leave for the day, spray or rub on your favorite scent and start off on the right foot.
5. Good Breakfast: Make sure you are not skipping breakfast when you start your day. It’s not only the most important meal of the day, without it you might find your self lagging behind and without energy. It’s important to remember to eat a healthy, protein full breakfast to make sure you are set up for the day.
6. Water: Nothing is more important than starting the day with a big glass of water. Researchers say we should drink half of our weight in ounces of water a day, it may seem like a lot but it is so worth it. Water is good for your general energy, skin care and it can help your body absorb nutrients from food.
7. Feel Fresh: It’s one thing to have your body feeling good but what about your mind? Make sure your starting your day on a positive note and make sure others know it. Maybe it’s your favorite outfit or just smiling throughout the day, whatever it is make sure your giving yourself a good confidence boost to start the day.
8. Awake Spray: A quick tip for keeping yourself looking awake and refreshed throughout the day is to keep a spray bottle of facial mist or plain water in your purse . A quick spritz will wake up your skin and leave you looking bright and fresh.

10 Tips To Sleep Better

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10 Tips To Sleep Better

Sleep is something we could all get a little more of, but that’s not always a possibility. So, the next best thing is to try to improve the sleep we are already getting. This can be achieved with certain bedtime routines, little tricks that will help us fall asleep faster and a healthier lifestyle. Check out the 10 tips below to start sleeping better:

1.  Electronic Limit: Limit yourself to no electronics an hour before bed. The blue light that is given off, can actually keep you awake longer and leave you feeling restless.
2. Avoid Clocks: There is nothing worse than staring at the ticking clock when you can’t sleep. It will bring on worry and stress, so make sure to turn away all clocks before bed.
3. Relax: One important factor in a good night’s sleep is making the bedroom a place for relaxation. Try and keep electronics, work or anything else that might stress you out, away from the bedroom.
   
   
4. Meditate: Meditating may seem overwhelming to begin with, but it can be really helpful to your health and sleep. Find a quiet time before bed for reflection and deep breathing, this will help your body ease into sleep.
5. Find A Routine: Finding yourself in a bedtime routine isn’t the worst idea, in fact it can be really helpful. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time everyday, this will set your body clock for success!
6. Avoid Sugar: A really important tip for sleeping better is avoiding sugar and caffeine before bed. Not only will you find yourself wide awake, you’ll have trouble falling asleep at a decent time nights in a row.
7. Tea: Tea is a great way to improve your sleep. Make sure to choose a herbal (No caffeine) tea such as chamomile or sleepy time tea. If you’re not a fan of tea, warm milk works great!
8. Reduce Noise: An hour or two before bed turn down the lights, play soft music and put work aside. By doing these small tasks, you’ll be setting the tone for a good sleep.
9. No Smoking: Did you know the habit of smoking is not only bad for your health, it’s bad for your sleep as well! So if you smoke, try to cut back for the sake of your sleep.
10. Bath Time: One of the biggest ways to induce sleep is a bath or a shower. The more relaxing you can make it the better, so bring out the candles, heat up the bath and get cozy for great results.

7 Uses For Microfiber Cloths  

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7 Uses For Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are something that have been looked over in the past when it comes to cleaning. But the truth is, they have so many uses inside and outside the house. Having these cloths on hand will not only cut cleaning time in half, they can save you some serious money! So check out the 7 uses below for microfiber cloths and start cleaning!

1.  Polishing: You can polish pretty much anything including stainless steel, glass, small appliances, jewelry and much more!
2. Paper Towel: If you are looking for a paper towel replacement, look no further! These clothes are so multi functional that you can use them for every spill or mess you can think of.
3. Windows: Next time your windows are looking a little grimy, tackle them with a microfiber cloth and some Windex (store-bought or homemade). You’ll be amazed how streak free and clear the windows come out! Don’t forget about mirrors either.
4. Swiffer: One awesome money saving use is to use these cloths in place of Swiffer dry refills. Simply attach the cloth to the swiffer as normal and clean the floors. You might even find this replacement more effective!
5. Dusting: No longer do you need to buy special dusting products or feather dusters. These cloths are perfect for all dusting around the house, especially in hard to reach spots.
6. Screen Cleaner: For cleaning your electronic items such as TV or computer screens these are perfect. Take a barely damp cloth and wipe off all fingerprints and marks.
7. Granite: Granite can be a tough surface to clean and you have to be careful about what products you use on it. This is where microfiber cloths save the day! Simply use a damp cloth to wash the counters and follow up with a dry one to polish them till they shine!

DIY Bathtub Paints

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DIY Bathtub Paints

We all remember being kids and wanting to draw all over the white walls with colorful crayons, but for most of us we resisted cause we knew it meant trouble! Well, it’s time to break that rule with your own kids and let them draw freely. With the recipe below you can whip up some quick and easy bathtub paints and let your kids draw and paint all over the walls and no one gets in trouble! The best part is, these paints wash right off, even in the whitest of bathtubs. So, start mixing and let your kids get creative at their next bath time with DIY bathtub paints:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 Tablespoons of Cornstarch
• 6-7 Teaspoons of Baby Shampoo
• Food Coloring
• Water

Instructions:

1. Mix cornstarch and water until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Mix in baby shampoo (You can add less depending on texture).
3. Finish off the mixture with the food coloring of your choice.
4. Stir final mixture before use. Now, the painting can begin!
5. Spray paint marks down with water to remove.

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5 Ways To Save Money While Entertaining 

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5 Ways To Save Money While Entertaining 

Summer is just around the corner and that usually means nights full of dinner parties and outdoor barbecues. But hosting these events can get expensive! With the cost of food, drinks and decor it’s easy to spend a lot of money and not realize it until the last guest has left. So, is there a way to save money and still host a fun evening for friends and family? Yes! Check out the list below for 5 ways to save money while entertaining:

1.  Simple Menu: The best way to save money while entertaining is to try to plan a menu that won’t break the bank. When you are shopping for the event, buy meats and produce that are on sale and in season. This can really help save on the overall total. Or stick with the basic summer night staples such as:  hamburgers, hot dogs and salads!
2.  Potluck: Another great way to save some money on food, is to ask guests to bring a dish! The best way to do this is to supply the main dishes such as the meat and vegetables. Then ask guests to either bring a dessert, salad or appetizer. This will help cut down on the cost of food and you will have a great variety of dishes for your guests.
3. Dollar Store Decor: If you are short on decor, plates or even wine glasses head over to the dollar store! They have everything you need for your next party and you will save  a ton of money by not buying at big box retailers. Just make sure to only buy what you need and stay within your budget for the overall event.
4. Guest List: Try and keep your event on the smaller side to cut back on the cost to host the event. This will not only save on how much food and drinks that needs to be purchased, it will also make for a more personal and intimate evening of fun!
5. Skip Invites: There is no need to spend money on invites as most times you can send them by email or pick up the phone! Invitations can get really expensive, so make sure to check out the online options for e-vites or if you prefer something more personal make a few calls!

Ways to use tea

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10 Ways To Use Tea In Everyday Life

Tea has been a coffee alternative for a long time and most enjoy it on a regular basis. But what about using it outside of a mug? It has many uses not only around the house but in the beauty world and even in the garden world. Tea isn’t just for cozy mornings anymore, check out 10 ideas for using tea in your everyday life:

1. Puffy Eyes: Teabags are a great way to combat puffy eyes. Place two warm water-soaked tea bags on your eyes for 20 minutes.  This will soothe puffy, tired eyes and it can be quite relaxing!
2. Sunburn Fix:  For a quick sunburn fix on the go apply wet tea bags to your sunburn to reduce the pain that comes with the burn.
3. Foot Soak: Soak feet in warm water with a few tea bags (the stronger the better) for at least 20 minutes. This will reduce food odor and can be done on a regular basis.
4. Mirror Shine: A great way to make your mirror shine is to wash it with tea bag infused water. Brew a strong pot of tea and let cool (or mix with cold water). Then use the solution to wipe down your mirrors! What I love about this method is it is a natural and chemical free way to shine your mirrors!
5. Fern Food:  Did you know that ferns love tea? Every so often replace the water in your watering can for cold tea and feed your ferns! This also works for any other plants that enjoy acid based food.
6. Floor Cleaner: You can clean your hardwood and wood furniture with tea water. Simply brew a few tea bags and let cool to a warm temp. Then wash your floors and furniture as normal wiping away dust and dirt as you go. Once finished go over again with a soft dry floor to produce a brilliant shine.
7. Fight Razor Burn: Fight razor burn by applying a cool tea bag to the affected area. This will help the burn heal faster and cut down on the sting.
8. Carpet Cleaner: Sprinkle dry used green tea leaves on your carpeted areas and leave to sit for at least 10 minutes.  Then vacuum to pick up loose pieces and you will be left with wonderful results!
9. Toilet Bowl Help: Drop a used tea bags into your toilet and let sit for at least 2 hours. Simply flush once they have set and your bowl will be free of any stains.
10. Conditioner: Tea can be used for a DIY conditioner and leave you with shiny results. Simply rinse with unsweetened tea and let sit for 5 mins, repeat rinse.

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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….

7 Other Uses For Your Hair Dryer

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7 Other Uses For Your Hair Dryer

Hairdryers are great for the obvious, drying hair! But what else can it do? Maybe you use your dryer everyday or maybe your like me and only use it occasionally, regardless you don’t want it to just take up valuable cupboard space. So what can you do? Well, luckily you can use your hairdryer for other things! Check out this great and handy list below on how to use you hairdryer other than on your hair:

1. Wrinkle Remover: Your hairdryer can act as quick, mini iron.  Lay clothes flat on the bed and blow the wrinkles out. If you have extra wrinkly clothing hang them in the bathroom while you shower to steam then and then use your dryer to blow out the rest of the wrinkles.
2. Sock Warmer: On those cold winter nights, take your hairdryer to your socks. You can warm them up prior to putting them on for cozy feet!
3. Paint Dryer: Tired of watching pair dry? Take a hairdryer to the area you are working on and hurry up the drying process.
4. Wax Cleanup: Use your hairdryer to remove crayon marks or wax spills. Blow dry the stain until the wax starts to melt, then wipe off.
5. Set Frosting:  A great way to set frosting on a cake or bakery item is to use a hairdryer. Cool air will harden the icing and warm air will make your glaze sparkle.
6. Dusting: If you are short on time when dusting, use your hair dryer to remove a layer of dust and get in those tight corners.
7. Label Help: The stubborn, sticky label not moving? Heat it up with a hairdryer to help remove it. It should slide right off with a little bit of heat.

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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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How To Reduce Fumes While Painting Around The House

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How To Reduce Fumes While Painting Around The House

It can be very exciting to spruce up your living room or bedroom with a fresh coat of paint. Not only does it refresh your surroundings, it also can completely change how your room looks. However, there is one big downside to painting the walls and ceilings. You get that strong, fresh paint odor that can be hard to fight against or mask. Luckily, there is an easy way to take away the strong smell of paint and you’ll be able to save yourself a headache from all the fumes!

When you open your can of paint, simply pour in a tablespoon of regular vanilla extract into your paint bucket. The ratio should be about 1 tablespoon per gallon of paint.  Once you have added your vanilla, give the paint a really good stir making sure the vanilla mixes in smoothly  with the paint.  Once you have mixed in the vanilla, you should notice the paint fume smell is much less and your left with the wonderful smell of vanilla as you paint the walls. This won’t change the colour of your paint or harm it in anyways and your walls will smell of vanilla as the paint dries.  Try this tip next time you paint your walls to save yourself a headache!

How To Keep Your Mirrors Fog Free

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How To Keep Your Mirrors Fog Free

When you are showering or bathing the bathroom tends to get hot and steamy. This usually causes the mirror in the bathroom to fog over somewhat quickly. This wouldn’t be a problem if it didn’t leave residue behind and make the mirror completely unusable! However, there is an easy house hack that you can use in your bathroom to prevent foggy mirrors. All you need is a bar of soap, a soft cloth and a little bit of elbow grease. Before you know it, your mirrors will become fog free even if someone is taking the steamiest of shower.

To achieve fog free mirrors, do the following steps. Start by rubbing a bar of soap on your mirror. You only need a light coat but you want to make sure you cover the whole surface of the mirror, especially in the areas you want  to defog the most.  Next, take a soft cloth and wipe down the mirror, removing the soap residue as you go. If you are having any trouble removing the last bit of soap, you can use a little glass cleaner to get things moving.  You now have set your mirror up to be fog free, just try to take a shower! Once you have had your steamy shower, the mirror should stay fog free. This should stick for a few uses, but as it starts to fog up again repeat the instructions.

DIY Natural Bug Spray

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DIY Natural Bug Spray

It is officially that time of year again….Summer! This usually means bringing bug spray and suntan lotion out by the buckets to keep ourselves safe and protected. Bugs can be one of the worst parts of the summer as they are annoying and can really ruin an afternoon if you happen to get bitten by one. Luckily, there is an easy, natural solution to keep bugs away and off your skin. It won’t take much time or work to whip up this natural spray and your skin will thank you! Check out the instructions below to make your own DIY natural bug spray:

Ingredients Needed:

• Essential Oils Such As: Citronella, Lavender, Rosemary, Mint, Tea Tree etc.
• Witch Hazel
• Water
• Spray Bottle

Instructions:

1. Start by deciding on what essential oils you want to use. You can use as many or as little as you would like. Almost any oil scent will work for this spray.
2. Fill your spray bottle half full of water. Then add witch hazel until the bottle is almost full, leaving just enough room for the oils.
3. Next, drop in about 30-60 drops of essential oils of your choice. This will not only aid in keeping the bugs away, it will give the spray a wonderful smell!
4. Finally, close the lid on the spray bottle and give it a good shake to mix the ingredients around. Once mixed, the spray is ready to use and will fight off the annoying summer bugs without the use of chemical sprays!

4 Ways To Use Ketchup Around The House

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4 Ways To Use Ketchup Around The House

When you think of ketchup, your mind might go right to using it as a condiment or in your favorite sauce. Fair enough, ketchup is the perfect pair to a hot dog or hamburger, but does it have other uses? Yes! Ketchup is not only a universal cooking product in the kitchen, it’s also a great tool for around the house. If you find yourself with too much ketchup, these ideas are a great way to use it all up!  Keep reading to find out 4 ways to use ketchup around the house:

1. De-Skunk Solution: If you find that your pet or yourself has been skunked, try using ketchup! Simply rub the ketchup over the area, scrubbing it in like soap and rinse. The smell should lift off after 1-2 washes. Tomato juice will also work for this in a pinch.
2. Copper Shine: If you really want your copper to shine, treat it with ketchup. The ketchup works like a polish, as you rub it into the tarnished areas you will notice they will start to shine after only a little bit of polishing.
3. Scratched Disk: It’s disappointing when you find your favorite DVD or CD scratched up, but there is an easy solution! Simply rub over the scratches with a soft cloth and a small amount of ketchup. It will fill the cracks and won’t leave any residue behind. Once you have gone over it a few times, let it dry and disk should be usable again!
4. Ice Pack: Do you have any small ketchup packets around? Throw them in the freezer next time you have a few and use them as mini ice packs. They are perfect for small cuts, bumps and bruises and make great travel packs!

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.

6 Ways To Use Aluminum Foil

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6 Ways To Use Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil may be something you use everyday in the kitchen or while cooking. It is a handy tool that can make clean up fast and keep pans and cookware in good condition. So you might be thinking, what else could I use foil for? Well, surprisingly enough aluminum foil has a ton of uses around the house, inside and out! Check out the list below for 6 new ways to use aluminum foil:

1. Pie Protector:  Save your pie crusts from burning with this simple trick! Wrap a strip of foil around the crust of your pie before baking in the oven. The crust will still cook nicely, but will not burn.
2. DIY Pan: If you are in a pinch for a shaped pan, aluminum foil might just save the day. You can create almost any shaped pan in any design you like from foil. Use a pre-existing baking pan to hold your DIY pan and shape the foil into your desired design. Once foil is in a firm design, pour batter and bake as directed!
3. Scrubbing Help: A ball of tin foil can go along way when it comes to tough messes. If you have stuck on food on your favorite pan, try using foil rolled in a ball to clean up your cookware.
4. Soap Saver: If you find your soap falls apart when it’s left in the shower, try this trick! Place a small piece of folded foil underneath your bar of soap. This will keep the soap from sticking to your shower and it will help it last longer.
5. Sharpen Scissors: An easy and fast way to sharpen scissors is to use foil! Simply, cut 5-8 pieces of tinfoil with dull scissors. After you have cut through the foil a few times, the scissor blades should be good as new!
6. Dryer Ball: For a quick and easy homemade dryer ball, try using aluminum foil. Just grab a few pieces and roll them into a ball. Throw them in with your drying for a static free experience!

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Ever wonder what you can do with Vinegar?! This stuff is like magic…there are so many things you can do with it from cleaning to clearing up bruises. Check out the list of 10 things you can do with Vinegar and if you have anything to add, please add it to the comments.

#1 – Clean Your Bath with Baking Soda and Vinegar: The bath can get quite dirty after much use and a lot of neglect. That doesn’t matter though, because you can clean your bath quick and easy with both baking soda and vinegar. Just give dirty areas a good dusting of baking soda, follow with vinegar, and scrub vigorously with a sponge while the mixture fizzes away. Clean away any leftovers with water. Just a word of warning, you should probably have a window open so those fumes can go somewhere.

#2 – Clear up and Prevent Bruises: All of us have suffered a nasty spill of some kind (and I’m not talking about the kind where someone drops a drink) and those bruises can become extremely sore after a while. However, you can make all those nasty black-and-blues go away, just soak some cotton gauze in a little bit of vinegar, apply it to the bruised area, and let it sit for around an hour.

#3 – Brighten Your Laundry: You have a choice, spend a pretty penny on some fancy “all-color, stain-fighting, super-effective” bleach, or you can spend a couple of bucks on some plain, white vinegar. Just add 1/2 a cup of that stuff to your wash cycle to reinvigorate and brighten all the colors in all of your laundry loads; reds, blues, greens, yellows, blacks, and whites!

#4 – Hot Vinegar Drain Cleaner: Is the sink not draining as quick as usual? Chances are it’s probably a little clogged up by grime and such. This isn’t a problem though, all you need to do is pour roughly a quarter of a cup of vinegar and a quarter of a cup of baking soda down your drain, wait a little more than 15 minutes, and then follow it all down the drain with hot (preferably boiling) water.

#5 – Frost-Proof Your Windows: We’ve all had to wait that dreaded 5 minutes every winter morning; the windows are slowly-but-surely clearing up and you’re already 10 minutes late for work. You can keep Jack Frost off your windows by spraying a solution that’s 3 parts vinegar and 1 part water on your car windows every few weeks.

#6 – Deodorizer: Hate having to hold your breath when open  your trunk to put the groceries way, or maybe that musty old closet is getting to be a little too unbearable? You can freshen up the smell of these places quite easily! All you need to do is give a slice of white bread a soak in some white vinegar, place the soggy piece of bread on a plate, and keep it in that closet or trunk for a night. Things will start smelling good again in no time!

#7 – Clean Fresh Produce: Whether you are the gardening type or you just took a stroll through the produce section at your local supermarket, you never know what’s clinging to the surface of your fresh fruits and vegetables. If you’re not feeling safe about your food, you can always wash them with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar mixed with 1 1/2 quarts of plain water for a nice, bacteria-cleansing wash.

#8 – Clean Rust Off of Old Tools: So, you’ve finally gotten grandpa’s old tool box open, expecting gold and treasure, and just got some rusty old Depression-era hammers and screwdrivers. You can clean up granddad’s old tools real easy; just submerge them in some plain white vinegar for a couple of days until the rust is all gone.

#9 – Streak-less window cleaner: If you have some vinegar, water, and dish soap lying around, you can make a window cleaner that outperforms most others. Put 2 cups of water, 1/4 of a cup of plain white vinegar, and 1/2 a teaspoon of your favorite dish soap/detergent all into a spray bottle and have clean, clear windows in no time at all.

#10 – Keep Pests off your Pets: Is Fido biting and scratching away at himself because flea season has started in your state (Deeply sorry for those in the deep south who have to deal with the pests year-round)? You can keep those bugs away by filling a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water and applying it to your dog or cat’s coat before rubbing it in. Be careful with cats though, they’ve been known to get a little resistant and violent when vinegar and its “horrific” scent get involved.

How To Make The Perfect Oven Bacon

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How To Make The Perfect Oven Bacon

In most households bacon has become a staple product. Whether it be for daily breakfast or the perfect partner to a sandwich, there is always a place for bacon. But what is the best way of cooking and preparing it? Some cook  it by pan, microwave or even on the barbecue! Have you considered using your oven? Not only does it produce perfect oven bacon, it also cuts the clean up time and mess in half! Check out the instructions below and start making perfect oven bacon today:

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 Pack of bacon or however many pieces needed
• Tin foil
• Cookie try

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Line the cookie tray with a layer of tin foil. Lay out bacon pieces on top of foil.
3. Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes, watching closely as bacon can burn easily.
4. Once cooked to your desired texture, place bacon on a paper towel to soak up any extra grease before serving.
5. Bacon should be ready to eat and perfectly cooked!

6 Ways To Shave Less Often

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6 Ways To Shave Less Often

Shaving is one task most women would love to do less often. It can be time consuming and there is always that pesky risk of cutting yourself in the shower by accident! So what’s the solution? Obviously, we can’t avoid shaving all together but there are a few ways to shave less often and make the process a bit faster. Check out the 6 tips below to shave less often:

1. Exfoliate: One of the easiest way to get a close and smooth shave every time is to exfoliate your skin regularly. This will remove dead skin for smooth results and it will expose any small hairs that might have been missed otherwise giving you a closer shave.
   
2. Grain: Another super important trick to remember to shave less often is to shave against the grain. This will ensure you are getting the closest shave possible and you’ll save time by not having to go over the same spot twice!
3. Conditioner: Want to know a secret trick for shaving products? Conditioner has been shown to be one of the best body products to shave with. Not only will you get a closer shave, the conditioner will keep your skin looking soft and healthy. This is also a great way to save money as you can buy cheaper brands of conditioner rather than high priced shaving creams.
4. Razor Choice: One of the most important things to decide on when shaving is what razor works best for your skin. There are so many different types of razors you want to make sure you find the one that works best. Try a few different brands and see what will give you the best shave. It’s also been suggested that men’s razors allow women to get a closer shave with less nicks and cuts.
5. Keep Clean: Razor care is really important when it comes to shaving less often. You want to make sure your razor gets cleaned every time and if it’s starting to look like it’s in rough shape, it’s time for a new one! Using a clean razor every time will guarantee a long lasting shave.
6. No Carbs: Did you know that refined carbohydrates can actually promote excess hair growth? Cut down on carbs and throw in more veggies and vitamin  B6 into your diet to keep hair from growing and to shave less often.