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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!

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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!

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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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Happy…almost Halloween all! We are about to start carving pumpkins and I wanted to post a VERY AWESOME tip for those of you that may be carving (or just recently did). There is sort of a magic trick to help preserve those awesome pumpkins you just spent forever doing.

Pumpkins need moisture and they also need something to help slow down the growth of mold. Here is what you can do…. Mix 1 teaspoon bleach with 1 gallon of water (you may need a few gallons and a few teaspoons to cover your pumpkins). Then, let your carved pumpkins sit in it for about 4 hours (yikes, scary I know, but it really does work).

Then you can also cover the carved areas and interior of pumpkin with petroleum jelly (or vaseline) which will help it stay moist. Enjoy and have fun!

7 Tips For Carving Pumpkins!

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7 Tips For Carving Pumpkins!

The Halloween and fall season is officially upon us and it’s time to start breaking out decorations and carving pumpkins! Pumpkin carving is a great family fun activity, that gets everyone into the spirit and let’s your creative ideas run wild. So where do you start? Well, you can start by reading our 7 tips below for making your pumpkin carving experience the best possible:

1. Prep Work: Make sure you prep the area you are carving in by laying down newspaper or cardboard to make for an easier clean up. Despite our best efforts, pumpkin carving can be a messy experience.
2. Draft: Start by drafting your design on to the pumpkin using a water based marker. This way you can plan your design and erase any mistakes before you make the first cut.
3. Right Tools: Using a serrated knife tool is the best for pumpkin carvings. If possible, grab a few kits they sell in stores for pumpkin carvings. They come with all the tools needed and make the process much easier.
4. Templates: If the idea of freehand carving doesn’t do anything for you, consider doing some research. Online, you can find a ton of  free pumpkin carving stencils and templates. It will give you a guide to work off of and will make for really creative pumpkins! Check out my post with 750+ Pumpkin Carving Stencils!
5. Slow & Steady: One of the most important carving tips you can take away, is to carve slowly and gently. If you go to fast you’ll end up with jagged lines and poor result. Take your time and enjoy the process of creating your masterpiece pumpkin!
6. Long Lasting:  If you want to have your pumpkin last for a longer amount of time, give it a cold water bath after it’s carved. Place it design down in a tub of cold water and let it soak for at least an hour.
7. Lighting: When you are ready to light your pumpkin you have a few options: You can light it by candlelight, you can use a light bulb (7 watt is suggested) and an electrical source or you can go the extra safe route and use battery operated candles. No matter what, make sure you choose a safe, open place where your pumpkins can shine!

Make Your Own Cooking Spray/Oil
How to Make Your Own Liquid Dish Soap!
5 New and Unexpected Ways to Use Toothpaste!
How to Make Your Own Dry Erase Calendar with Paint Chips (SUPER Easy and Frugal)!
How to Make Your Own Shampoo

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I am so excited for Halloween! Since I have 3 littles ones to find costumes for, I need to start thinking what we are going to do. If you feel the same way then check out the list below which will give you 25 great Halloween DIY Costume ideas.

By the way, don’t forget to check out my list of 25 Halloween recipes here.

1. Adorable Dino Costume
2. Sugar Skull (lots of makeup ideas)
3. Zombie Audrey Hepburn
4. Super Cute Clown (DIY Wig)
5. Madeline Costume
6. Painted Skeleton Mask Tutorial
7. Wolf Pup Costume
8. Jon Snow and Ghost
9. Kitty Cat
10. Black Widow from The Avengers
11. Dollar Store Medusa Costume
12. Easy DIY Shark
13. Flapper Girl
14. Pirate (Mini Hat)
15. DIY Cowboy Costume
16. Easy Mermaid Dress
17. Wolf Costume
18. Last Minute Mario and Luigi
19. DIY Pinata Costume
20. Wizard of Oz House (SO CUTE!)
21. Bert from Mary Poppins
22. Hand-Stitched Skeletons
23. Baby Candy Corn
24. Bluebird
25. Bumble Bee (Hair Clips)

10 Tips for Quick Weight Loss
How To Quickly Clean Fruit
20 DIY Cleaning Recipes, Tips and Tricks!
DIY Granite Cleaner

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Happy…almost Halloween all! We are about to start carving pumpkins and I wanted to post a VERY AWESOME tip for those of you that may be carving (or just recently did). There is sort of a magic trick to help preserve those awesome pumpkins you just spent forever doing.

Pumpkins need moisture and they also need something to help slow down the growth of mold. Here is what you can do…. Mix 1 teaspoon bleach with 1 gallon of water (you may need a few gallons and a few teaspoons to cover your pumpkins). Then, let your carved pumpkins sit in it for about 4 hours (yikes, scary I know, but it really does work).

Then you can also cover the carved areas and interior of pumpkin with petroleum jelly (or vaseline) which will help it stay moist. Enjoy and have fun!

6 Things To Clean Regularly

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6 Things To Clean Regularly

I’m sure there are a few places in your home that you clean on a regular basis. But what about the places or items that get forgotten about? Surprisingly, there are a few places that most of us ignore but really do need to be cleaned on a  regular basis. This will ensure that we are keeping grime and dirt out and also fighting the war against bacteria. Check out the 6 things that should be cleaned regularly below:

1. Bathroom Mats: Because bathroom mats are stepped on everyday and are constantly in use, they need to be washed regularly. They can hold on to dirt and germs if not washed often. Most mats can be washed normally in the washing machine and then hung up to dry.
2. Couches: Something we use everyday, needs to be cleaned just as often right? Well, cleaning the couch can be a very easy thing to pass over. So next time you are vacuuming, give the couch a quick run over with the brush attachment and spot clean any marks or stains.
3. Remotes & Controllers: Remotes are a great place for bacteria to live as they are passed from person. If possible, try to give the remote a good wipe down with a disinfectant wipe, paying special attention to the small spaces and buttons.
4. Shower Curtain: The shower curtain should be taken care of on a regular basis. Make sure to replace your clear liner when it starts to look not so great and wash your curtain at least every couple of weeks.
5. Doorknobs: Whether it be germs that have traveled home from school or sticky fingers from cooking, doorknobs tend to get ignored. Every week, try to take a warm, soap cloth and wipe down all handles and doorknobs. It’s a great way to keep germs out and the family healthy.
6. Purses: Well it may not be a part of the house, a women’s purse can pick up more dirt and germs then you can imagine. Make sure to clean it out at least once a month and give the inside and the outside a wipe on a regular basis.

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I post a LOT of DIY Frugal Tips and Tricks so I thought this list would be very helpful as these are some of my favorite DIY Cleaners and tricks!

Enjoy and be sure to leave a comment if you have any good ideas too!

1. DIY Granite Cleaner
2. DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner
3. 6 Steps to a Clean and Productive Kitchen
4. 20 Uses for Lemons (Health, Beauty, Cleaning, Eating and More!)
5. DIY Wrinkle Release Spray
6. How to Easily Make Nail Polish on Nails Last Longer!
7. How To Make Your Herbs Last Longer
8. Homemade Vinegar Toilet Cleaner
9. 10 Simple Ways To Organize Your Closet
10. How To Remove Chewing Gum From Just About Anywhere
11. 25 Ways To Use Dryer Sheets Outside Of The Laundry Room
12. How to Clean Your Tub and Bathroom with Grapefruit!
13. How To Keep Your Fridge Shelves Clean
14. 50 Things to Do with Vinegar (Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry, Pet Tips)!
15. 4 DIY Cleaners For Stainless Steel
16. How To Clean Your Make Up Brushes
17. DIY Febreze
18. Sanitize Your Dirty Sponge in the Microwave
19. DIY Remedy For Dry Cracked Feet
20. How to Easily Clean your Washing Machine!

20 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar (Weight Loss, Acne, Hair, Skin, and MORE!)

Mary Kay Satin Hands Copy Cat Recipe (Only 2 Ingredients!)

15 Uses for Coca Cola

5 Unique Uses For Lip Balm

How To Make A Reusable Dryer Sheet

*Get more FRUGAL Articles, tips and tricks from Raining Hot Coupons here*

How to Clean Your Tub and Bathroom with Grapefruit!

How to Easily Clean your Washing Machine!

How to Easily Store Jewelry!

How to Make Your Lettuce Last Much Longer! (Very Easy Tip)

How to Get Super Silky Shaved Legs without Using Shaving Cream!

There are so many uses for lemon that I bet many of you have not heard of. They are great for cooking, adding to a drink, cleaning and more. See the list below for a ton of unique ideas on what you can do with lemons.

1. Sanitize your cutting board – Cut a lemon in half and wipe it over the cutting board, leave on for 10 minutes then rinse!
2. Clean your microwave – Add 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice to 1 cup water and microwave for 7 minutes. The steam will help clean the stuck on grime, just wipe down with a warm, wet towel or sponge!
3. Eliminate browning of fruits or veggies – sprinkle a few drops of lemon over air exposed fruit!
4. Whiten your Fingernails – Cut a lemon and rub it on your fingernails
5. Deodorize Garbage disposal – place a cut up lemon with peels in disposal and run with hot water for 30 seconds.
6. Clean sponges – you can leave sponges in this mixture until you use them each time (mix 1/2 cup lemon juice with 1 cup water) leave in bowl next to sink and your sponges will stay stinky free and clean!
7. Keep ants out – if you see where ants are entering through cracks, just squeeze some lemon juice in them and the ants will go the other way.
8. Lighten blonde hair – mix 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts water and spray on your hair then lay out in the sun and let the lemon juice and sun lighten and brighten your hair!
9. Keeps guacamole green – squeeze a slice or 2 of lemon into your guac to keep it from browning!
10. Keep rice from sticking – pour a small spoonful of lemon juice into boiling rice water to keep your rice from sticking.
11. Cleans outside or fruits and veggies – this will help any remaining pesticides from getting into your mouth, fill a spray bottle with 1 part lemon to 2 parts water and spray your fruit and veggies after washing them.
12. Sore throat – gargle with a little lemon juice mixed with salt and warm water to help relieve a sore throat (you can leave out the salt if you want).
13. Smelly Garbage? – Any time you use a lemon, cut off the peel and place them under your garbage bag to eliminate nasty smells.
14. Make Soggy lettuce crisp again – add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water. Put the soggy lettuce in and refrigerate for 1 hour.
15. Lighten age spots or brown spots on skin – dab with pure lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes every day. Then rinse.
16. Clean and exfoliate face – take a mix of 1 part lemon juice to 1 part water and wash your face with it. Do this 2 times a week. It will help exfoliate and deep clean (helps with acne).
17. Disinfect cuts – squirt some lemon juice directly onto the cuts and scrapes to help disinfect a new wound.
18. Soften elbows and knees – mix lemon juice with baking soda until you create a paste and run into your elbows and knees every couple days to exfoliate and soften dry skin.
19. Healthy skin, nails, and tummy drink – drink a glass of 16 ounces of water mixed with half a lemon every morning to improve you skin, nails, hair and it helps get rid of bad bacteria in your stomach. There are so many benefits of drinking lemon water every morning.
20. Boost your Laundry Detergent  – add 1 cup lemon juice to large washing cycle. Lemon juice has a natural bleach which wil help brighten your clothes without ruining it, makes it smell good and helps remove stains!

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Simple Ways to Save on Produce

Produce is one of the hardest things to save money on. It rarely goes on sale for a decent deal and prices seem to just keep climbing. Below you will find some easy ways to save money on your produce bill this year without even having to try very hard!

1. Shop the loss leaders. Say what?! The front page of a store grocery ad is called a loss leader. These are items that, many times the store looses money on because they are so inexpensive but they do it to get people in the door. Take advantage of these sales, especially when it comes to meat and produce!

2. Shop local. Now that it’s summer, most local farmer’s markets are open for the season. Make sure you take time to check yours out this week; you might be able to grab some great deals! If you don’t want to pay what the farmer is asking, many prices are negotiable. You can also wait until the end of the day to go shopping. During that time, many farmers are ready to head home and they don’t want to have to take their produce home so they will sell it to you at a discount. Another way to save shopping this way is to buy in bulk; the farmer will often give you a bigger discount.

3. Buy from coops or in bulk. Produce purchased in bulk often is the best price per pound. You can get bulk produce occasionally from health food stores or special bulk buying promotions in your area. Sometimes grocery stores have bulk produce deals too, you just have to ask! Not sure what to do with those 10 pounds of cherries you just purchased? Freeze or dehydrate them for later!

4. Buy in season. Of course you aren’t going to get a deal on peaches if you need to have them in December, peaches are in season at the very end of summer and only for a short while! Produce will be much less expensive when purchased in its correct growing season. For more info on growing seasons, simply Google for a “seasonal produce chart” or see the one I like below:

5. Buy frozen. If all else fails and you are unable to get a great deal on fresh produce, look at your other options. Frozen fruits and veggies are picked at the height of their season and flash frozen to be the freshest tasting they can possibly be.

As you can see there are so many ways to save money on produce! Also if you keep a careful eye out you may even be able to spot some coupons for produce here and there to save even more.

What are your favorite ways to save on produce?

15 Uses For Leftover Food and Fruit Scraps

Tips to Avoid Bubbles in Nail Polish!

DIY Remedy For Dry Cracked Feet

How To Remove Chewing Gum From Just About Anywhere

10 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

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.

8 Ways To Use A Bar Of Soap

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8 Ways To Use A Bar Of Soap

When you think of using a bar of soap usually the first thing your mind goes to is bathing right? Well, surprisingly these small bars have a ton of other uses that can help around the house and outside in the garden. Using a bar of soap in other situations outside of the shower can save you some serious money and time aswell! Check out the list below for 8 ways to use a bar of soap:

1. Pest Repellent:  Simply, leave a bar of soap or grate a bar of soap over areas in your garden where pests are the worst. The soap will keep them away!
2. Stuck Ring: Ever tried on a ring only to find it stuck when trying to take it off? A bar of soap is the perfect tool to help you out in this situation.  Rub the bar of soap around the ring and in between fingers and the ring will loosen right away.
3. Door Grease: If you have a door or sliding door that is quite sticky, try a bar of soap! Rub the soap along the track or the side of the door to eliminate sticking.
4. Bite Relief: There is nothing worse than being bitten by a bug that leaves you with an itchy bite. Use a bar of slightly damp soap and rub it over the bite. With a few coats, the bite will be less itchy and annoying
5. DIY Body Wash: You can make your own body wash from a bar of soap and a few other household ingredients. Not only will this save you money, it’s a great way to use up any extra bars of soap you may have lying around.
6. Stain Treatment: Use a bar for the pre treatment of stains on any clothing or linens that are heading into the washing machine. The soap will help remove stains before heading into the wash. 
   
7. Deodorize: A bar of soap works as a perfect deodorizer almost anywhere. Simply, wrap the soap in a mesh bag and place anywhere that needs a fresher smell such as shoes, drawers or even the car!
8. Stuck Zipper: A stuck zipper can be a real pain and can really ruin a piece of clothing. Use a bar of soap and run it along the zipper track to loosen the sticky zipper and restore your jacket or item of clothing.

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.

15 Uses for Coca Cola

5 Unique Uses For Lip Balm

How To Make A Reusable Dryer Sheet

Remove Rust Spots From Silverware and Knives

How To Use Walnuts To Remove Furniture Scratches

3 Tips For Cleaning Your Bathroom Fast

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3 Tips For Cleaning Your Bathroom Fast

When it comes to house cleaning, the most dreaded task is usually cleaning the bathroom. Between having to clean the toilet, scrub the shower and sanitize the bathroom, it can take a lot of work and time. Luckily, we have some easy, time-saving tips to make bathroom cleaning a breeze and hopefully take the dread out of cleaning day! Check out the tips below for 3 easy tips to cleaning your bathroom fast:

1. Supplies At Hand: To save time when cleaning the bathroom and to avoid running around the house, have your cleaning supplies at the ready! The best way to keep organized is to have a plastic caddy under your sink that holds all your cleaning supplies that you need for a full bathroom clean. Pull this out when you need to do a quick clean or a deep clean, regardless you will save time by being prepared!
2. Spray First: When you are tackling a room like the bathroom, most surfaces needed to be cleaned with cleaning solution to be sanitized properly.  So start by spraying all your surfaces with the appropriate cleaner before you even start to clean anything else. This will give your shower, toilet and sink time to soak in the cleaner and allow it to do a better job overall. Then while these places are soaking, turn your attention elsewhere in the bathroom while they soak to save time!
3.  Clean Often: It may be surprising that if you clean your bathroom on a regular basis, you’ll actually save time in the long run. The reason for this is because cleaning often eliminates any hard dirt or grime without letting it build up. When it has the chance to build up, cleaning actually takes longer and takes more effort. So try to get yourself on a rotation for cleaning the bathroom on a regular basis or create a weekly or daily schedule to keep on top of dirt.

4 Ways To Keep Your Kitchen Sponge Clean

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4 Ways To Keep Your Kitchen Sponge Clean

One of the most important tools in our kitchen is the handy sponge that sits near your sink. Sponges are the best tool when it comes to cleaning up spills, wiping down counters and even cleaning your dishes! But what about the sponge itself?  It needs to be sanitized and cleaned on a regular basis to keep bacteria from growing and to keep smells away. So how do you sanitize a sponge you might ask? Well check out the suggestions below on how to keep your kitchen sponge clean:

1. Place the sponge on the top rack of dishwasher. Let it run through one cycle and it will remove harmful bacteria and dirt. A good trick is to have one sponge in the dishwasher and one on the sink. Then when one sponge needs to be cleaned you will have a back up ready to go!
2. Soak your sponges in one part water to one part bleach. Leave this mixture overnight and when you wake up your sponge will be clean.
3. Microwave your used sponge for 30 seconds. The heat will zap the bacteria and keep your sponge clean. Also, try microwaving a soapy sponge for 1 minute and wiping down the inside of your microwave, it will leave it shining and clean!
4. Throw your sponges in the washing machine with a load of dish towels and cloths to get it bacteria free and sanitized.

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What to Buy at the Dollar Store (And What Not to Buy!)
Homemade Glow in the Dark Bath Paint
Homemade Glowing Water
10 Ways To Reuse Newspaper