How To Wash Baby Blankets

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How To Wash Baby Blankets

When it comes to our little ones, we will do anything to make sure they are in a clean, healthy environment. A big part of that is keeping there favorite items clean and free of harmful dirt and dust. However, some of those blankets and toys need to be hand-washed, but what is the best way to get them clean? Well, we have a solution below that will get your baby’s blanket super clean and it won’t take more than 20 minutes!  Check out the instructions below on how to wash baby blankets:

Ingredients:

• Large Bowl
• Hot Water
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Laundry Detergent (Optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill up the bowl with hot water and add the blanket.
2. Next pour in a small amount of vinegar and baking soda into the water.
3. Let it soak for a minute and then add a few drops of detergent.
4. Stir the mixture and let soak for 3-5 minutes.
5. Once it has soaked, scrub the blanket to remove any dirt or residue. Rinse.
6. Repeat the last step to get any extra dirt out. Repeat cleaning method as needed.

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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

How To Clean Hair Brushes & Combs

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How To Clean Hair Brushes & Combs

One thing you might not think about cleaning on the regular is your hairbrush or comb. Of course, we remove hair build up every so often but do you take the time to really clean them? The downside is if we don’t clean them on a somewhat regular basis dirt, oil and hair products can build up and leave your hair feeling not so clean. So how do we solve this problem? Well, there is an easy way to clean our your brushes and combs and it only takes a few minutes. Check out the instructions below on how to clean hair brushes and combs:

1. Start by removing all hair that has built up in between the bristles of your brush or comb. If some hair is woven tightly, use a toothpick to loosen.
2. Next, soak your tools in a sink of warm water with a few drops of shampoo. This will help remove oils and any product lingering in the bristles. Gentle scrub to get them extra clean.
3. If you happen to have a wooden, padded, or rubber brush skip the soaking step. Simply run these type of brushes under water with no soap to remove oils and dirt.

That’s all it takes to remove the build up on your brushes and it can be done on a weekly basis to make sure your brush is as clean as possible.

10 Ways To Eat More Fruit

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10 Ways To Eat More Fruit

We all know that it’s important to eat fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. But does that mean we are motivated to eat more? In most cases that simple fact isn’t enough to get us eating! So, that means we have to find new and exciting ways to get more fruit in our diet on a daily basis.  If you can find a way to make eating fruit fun for the whole family, it might make it that much easier to eat more everyday. Check out the 10 ways below to eat more fruit:

1. Oatmeal or Cereal: It can be hard to be motivated to make a healthy, fruit full breakfast. One easy way to start the day off right is to have a bowl of your favorite cereal or oatmeal and add your favorite fruits. Try different fruit like berries or bananas to create new flavors.
2. Fruit Popsicle:  Looking for a cool treat on a warm day? Try making your own 100% fruit Popsicles.  Simply, pour your favorite pureed fruit in to the Popsicle molds and freeze. This is a great alternative to a calorie full ice cream bar and will keep you satisfied for longer!
3. Ready Made Snacks: To make fruit a more accessible snack, prepare ahead of time. Wash all fruit ahead of time and store in containers or on the counter depending on the fruit. Having it pre-prepared will make for easy snacking and will help you avoid cravings for junk food.
4. Smoothie: If you are in a rush or need a meal on the go, a smoothie is the perfect idea! Combine your favorite fruit or vegetables with a liquid of your choice and ice.  Once blended it can be a portable healthy snack or can make the perfect meal replacement when your on the go.
5. Fruit Leather: Fruit leather is a great way to use up ripe fruits, increase your fruit intake and makes for a fun DIY food project. You can make DIY fruit leather with almost any fruit and it only takes a few hours in the oven before it’s ready to eat.
6. Juice: If you own a juicer, it’s time to start making your own fruit juice at home! Similar to the smoothie idea, pack the juicer with your favorite fruit and vegetables and make a custom juice that is tailored to your flavor preferences.  The best part is, you can leave out the sugar and additives that store brought juice can contain.
7. Applesauce: If you have kids in the house who go crazy for applesauce, why not make it at home? With apples, lemon and a few spices you can make homemade, healthy apple sauce with no sugar added. By leaving out the  sugar it makes it’s a fun and nutritious snack for any member of the family.
8. Salad: If you are feeling like a salad for lunch or dinner, why not add in some fruit? Spinach, strawberries and blueberries make for a flavorful healthy salad that won’t take long to prepare. Get creative and see what fruit/salad combinations you can come with, you might just eat a little more than normal.
9. Fruit Chips: If you are trying to kick a bad snacking habit, try fruit chips instead of potato chips! Apple chips are easy to make at home and make the perfect snack in the car, at school or even as a late night craving replacement.
10. Frozen Fruit: Fresh fruit that has been frozen not only makes a great snack, it also helps the fruit last longer. Berries and grapes freeze best and then can be eaten right from frozen for a cool treat or an on the go snack.

How To Keep Your Fridge Shelves Clean

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How To Keep Your Fridge Shelves Clean

Cleaning your fridge can be a time consuming process and sometimes it’s hard to achieve the cleanliness level you would like. Well there is officially a better way to keep your fridge shelves clean for longer and it won’t involve vigorous scrubbing.

Remove your fridge shelves and give them a good initial clean. Once they have dried cover the top surface with Saran Wrap Press & Seal, most times you’ll find it in clear but sometimes you can find it with a cute pattern.  Once it has applied nicely, slide your shelves back into the fridge and you are done! Now, one set of wrapping can last up to 6 months at a time as long as you wipe up spills as they happen. If you do happen to  have a big spill, water and vinegar will help to clean off the liners if they aren’t up for a replacement.

Once you notice they are looking a little tired, repeat the above process! This will not only keep your fridge shelves clean, it will give you extra time that you would have spent scrubbing down your fridge to do something fun!

Super Easy and Frugal Moisturizing Hair Mask Recipe
How to Easily Make Nail Polish on Nails Last Longer!
Lemon Oil to Lose Weight and Feel Better (Perfect New Years Resolution!)
How I Use Envelopes to Save and Organize My Money!

5 Uses For Burnt Out Lightbulbs

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5 Uses For Burnt Out Lightbulbs

When you think about repurposing or re using a burnt out lightbulb, you may be short on ideas. Most times we look at items like this and toss it without a second thought. But burnt out lightbulbs have some really cute, crafty uses that can really bring out your creative side! It doesn’t take much work to take something as normal as a lightbulb and turn it in to something beautiful.  Check out these 5 uses below to start creating cute projects using burnt out lightbulbs:

1. Vase: It may not be your first thought, but lightbulbs make perfect sized vases for small flower arrangements.  Find a small circle or lid to stabilize the bottom of the lightbulb and remove the metal top and any inside pieces. Add rocks or sand, water and your small flowers for a custom vase.
2. Terrarium: Terrarium’s are becoming a very popular and make it easy to bring plants and greenery inside.  Clean out the lightbulb of all its insides and start building your mini plant world.  Add moss, grass, rocks or even succulent plants to complete your terrarium. 
   
3. Christmas Ornaments: With a little glitter, glue and creativity you can design your own Christmas ornaments.  Simply, use wire or string and attach it to the top of the light bulb, decorate it any way you like and let dry. Once it’s dry it can be hung as a decoration on the tree or around the house!
4. DIY Oil Lamp: You heard us right! You can take an old lightbulb and turn it into a full functioning oil lamp. It will take some elbow grease and a few materials, but once it’s finished it will be modern and practical.
5. Ship In A Bottle: Whether it be decorations for a nautical themed party or a cute add on to your bathroom, this project is a must! You can create a custom ship or letter in a bottle using an old lightbulb and a few accessories. Add some blue tinted sand to represent the blue water for the ship or write a love note and pop it in for a fun surprise!

How To Remove Old Wax From Candle Holders

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How To Remove Old Wax From Candle Holders

Candles are perfect for any event! Dinners, bath time or even just for general ambiance they really create a pretty atmosphere that can be very relaxing. But what about when you blow your candles out or when the candle has worked it’s way to the bottom of the holder? Well, there is an easy fix to remove candle wax from the bottom of your favorite candle holder! Check out the instructions below and start reusing those holders today:

Materials Needed:

• Knife
• Boiling Water
• Paper Towel

Instructions:

1. Start by removing as much wax as possible with the knife.  For whatever is left, cut slits into the bigger pieces of wax.
2. Then, pour the boiling water into the holder and let it sit for 15 minutes or until cool.
3. Try to remove any wax that has come loose with the water and then rinse the holder.
4. Refill the holder with warm water and let it sit for 5 more minutes.
5. Pour out the water and you should be left with a clean candle holder ready to be used for storage or for another candle.

7 Uses For Coffee Filters

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7 Uses For Coffee Filters

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

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

DIY Vicks VapoRub

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DIY Vick’s VapoRub

Being sick can really take a lot out of you, especially when you have a really bad cough and congestion. Vicks VapoRub can be a great product to solve these issues, but sometimes can get expensive if you need a lot of it. But did you know you can make your own out of a few household products? Check out the recipe below and make your own instead of buying it at the store!

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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….

DIY Nail Polish Remover Jar 

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DIY Nail Polish Remover Jar 

One of the most creative and fun things to do when it comes to beauty care is painting your nails and toes! You have full creative control on what color, pattern or design you want on your nails and you also can show off your true personal style with a few easy steps. But what about when you are ready to take it off, what’s the easiest way? Well, one product that works great is spongy nail polish remover jars, cleaning off paint with a few swipes. However, instead of buying a jar when you’re in store, what about making your own? It is super easy and will save you a few bucks! Check out the easy DIY below to make your own nail polish remover jar:

Ingredients:

• Large Sponge
• Nail Polish Remover
• Jar of Your Choice

Instructions:

1. Start by stuffing your jar with your sponge, cutting it down to size if needed. Fill the jar with your sponge leaving a little room at the top.
2. Create a space in the center of the sponge that will allow for your finger to go in and out of to clean the nail polish off.
3. Next, fill your sponge/jar with the nail polish remover of your choice.
4. Once it has soaked into the sponge it is ready to be used.
5. This cleaner is especially good for taking off glitter polish or thicker nail polishes.

DIY Cleaning Wipes

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DIY Cleaning Wipes

Cleaning wipes that can be used almost anywhere in the house are a great product to have on hand. But purchasing them in store, on a regular basis can really add up on your grocery bill! So what’s the next best solution? Well, one option is to create your own cleaning wipes to use around the house! They are cost-effective, smell great and work on almost any surface. Check out the instructions below to make your own DIY cleaning wipes:

Items Needed:

• Vinegar
• Water
• Paper Towel
• Dish Soap ( Any brand will do)
• Essential Oil (Any smell you like!)
• A Jar or Container of your choice (Taller is better)

Instructions:

1. Start by cutting a full roll of paper towel in half and putting it to the side.
2. Grab your container of choice and add a cup of  water mixed with a cup of vinegar and a few drops of your favorite essential oils (citrus oils work great!) .
3. Once the mixture has combined together, add a few drops of dish soap and mix liquids together well.
4. Grab your roll of paper towel, remove the cardboard middle and pop it in the container.
5. Once the lid is sealed tight, flip the container over and let the paper towels soak up all the liquid.  Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or until the paper towel is completely soaked through.
6. Your wipes are now ready to be used! They are safe to use on almost any surface and can be refilled as needed!

4 Ways To Stop The Burn Of Spicy Foods

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4 Ways To Stop The Burn Of Spicy Foods

Most of us have made the same mistake. You bite down into an appetizer or a snack and realize it’s spicier then you thought! Our general first reaction is to reach for water first, hoping it will cool down the burn. But did you know that sometimes drinking water after  spicy food can make the burn worse? Water has a tendency to spread the burn around and make it burn stronger! So what do you head for next if water doesn’t work? Well check out the 4 ways below to find out how to stop the burn of spicy foods:

1. Sugar: Sugar is a great way to end the spicy burn you feel after biting into a hot food item! Simply find a piece of gum or even small candies to cool the burn and get some relief!
2. Milk: The fat in milk can really help when you are experiencing the burn of spicy food. Grab a tall glass of milk to soothe the pain. If you don’t have any milk on hand, most dairy products will work to the same effect such as  yogurt and cheese.
3. Juice: Not all juices work to soothe the burn of spicy food but the number one choices are: Lime juice, lemonade, tomato juice or orange juice. This works mostly because of the acid present in the juices.  Have a tall glass and the burn will be gone before you know it.
4. Bread: If you can’t find any of the above, a last option is to grab a slice of bread. The bread will absorb the spiciness of the item and the texture will help to cool your mouth and throat back to a normal temperature.

8 Ways To De-Stress Your Life 

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8 Ways To De-Stress Your Life 

Stress is something that most of everyone has experienced and sometimes it can become unavoidable.  But stress isn’t good for our overall health or everyday life, so how do you find a solution? Well there are some tried and true methods that will de-stress you after a long day and leave you feeling lighter and relaxed. Check out the 8 ideas below to de-stress your life:

1. Find A Work/Life Balance:  One of the most important ways to avoid stress is to find a work/life balance. This is achieved when you can find an equal balance between your home life and working life.You also must carve out time for personal goals or achievements, this is most important when decreasing stress.
2. Breathe: Breathing may sound like a silly option for decreasing stress, but it is very effective. Take a few minutes a day to take some deep breaths, close your eyes and try to let go of any stress clouding your mind.
3. Exercise:  Exercise couldn’t be more crucial when you are finding yourself stressed out! If you can’t get yourself working out a little bit everyday, take 10 minutes out of your day and go for a walk. Use the time for personal reflection and you might just find yourself relaxing!
4. Important Priorities: If you are finding yourself stressed out with a list of things to get done, try breaking it down. Pick a few things that are important and accomplish them, leaving the rest of your list to another time. Lightening your schedule can really help calm you down and focus.
5. Avoid Caffeine   Did you know that caffeine can increase existing stress?  So next time, skip the caffeine and go for a natural energy booster such as green tea.
6. Aid With Music: Music can seriously reduce the effects of stress and help you find a calm. Find a quiet place or moment and listen to the music of your choice. It will not only help you de-stress it will also help you relax tense muscles.
7. Bath Time: Having a bath can be a really great way to end a long day of stress. Set it up exactly how you want it: Candles, bubbles, relaxing music etc and give yourself a chance to get away from everything. This is a great way to calm down and especially effective right before bed.
8. Do Things You Love: The most important key to de stressing is finding joy and happiness in things you love. Maybe it’s spending time with family, reading a book or simply spending time in your favorite place. Whatever it is, find something that YOU love to do and you will find your stress starting to slowly disappear.

DIY Hair Shine Serum

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DIY Hair Shine Serum

We all want the hair we see on TV. Soft, shiny flowing locks that we see in every hair commercial. Well, most times it’s never as easy as they say it is to reach those results. However, we can get close by using or creating products that keep our hair looking shiny and healthy. One way to achieve this is to make your own hair serum at home that leaves your hair looking shiny and amazing. It only takes a few ingredients and you will shocked by the results! Check out how to make your own DIY hair serum:

Ingredients:

• Sea Salt
• Your Favorite Shampoo
• Container of your choice

Instructions:

1. Mix the sea salt in with the shampoo of your choice (About 5 parts shampoo/4 parts sea salt). It’s best to make this mixture in a separate container from the bottle.
2. Wash hair normally with this mixture and rinse.
3. Use this combination three times in one week and then once more the next week.  You will be left with super shiny and healthy hair.
4. This routine is not suggested for salon colored hair as it can be hard on the dye.

DIY Sugar Lip Scrub

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DIY Sugar Lip Scrub

Keeping your lips in tip top condition is super important, because if they get dried out they can start to crack and become damaged. So, it couldn’t be more important to include our lips in our weekly beauty routines. There are a few methods for keeping your lips smooth and healthy, but which one works the best? Well, sugar scrubs that are made for your lips tend to show the best results and remove the most dry skin. So if you want to try working it into your beauty routine check out the instructions below for your own DIY sugar lip scrub:

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon of Sugar
• ½ Teaspoon of Cocoa Powder
• ½ of Vanilla Extract
• ½ of Olive Oil

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and stir till smooth.
2. Simply apply the mixture directly to your lips, massage in slow circles for about 30 seconds.
3. Rinse lips with warm water.
4. Repeat on a weekly basis or whenever you feel like you need a little pampering.

6 Healthy Foods For Your Skin & Hair

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6 Healthy Foods For Your Skin & Hair

It can be hard to keep up with the latest trends for your hair and skin. Whether it be miracle shampoo that makes your hair grow twice as long or a super skin cream that guarantees to give you flawless skin. Between the advertisements and these products, it can be hard to know what works best and can become overwhelming.  Not to mention it can become costly trying out new products on a regular basis. The good news is there is a way to simplify things and save some money. If you make an effort to eat the right foods, these foods can really enhance your skin and keep your hair looking extra healthy.  Check out the list below for 6 healthy foods for your skin and hair:

1. Blueberries: If you want to look younger for longer, there is one fruit that should be in your diet! Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and will keep your skin looking young and fresh.
2. Walnuts: Walnuts are truly a super food. They not only keep your skin and eyes looking amazing, they also work hard at keeping your hair healthy. Make sure to include at least a handful of walnuts into your meals to get the wonderful benefits!
3. Kiwis: If you find yourself showing wrinkles and lines, try kiwi to combat those annoying marks! Kiwi is known for its skin tightening properties and it will also keep your bones nice and strong. Try and have a kiwi on a regular basis, as a quick snack or as breakfast add on.
4. Salmon: Salmon is a great choice if your working on growing your hair out long and strong. Salmon contains vitamin d and omega 3’s, both which are great for strengthening your hair and growing it at a faster rate.  Try and work salmon into your diet at least once to twice a week.
5. Spinach: If you can work spinach into your daily diet, your hair will thank you! Not only does spinach give us vitamin c, it also gives us iron which is especially good for hair. Iron will keep your hair strands from breaking and also helps keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
6. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is a great snack (in moderation of course) as it can really boost the health of our skin. The antioxidants will keep our skin looking healthy and most of all with help our skin fight off the sun and avoid damage.

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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4 Beauty Tricks Using Ice

Ice isn’t just for your drink anymore! Obviously, ice has many uses from keeping our drinks cold to healing injuries but did you know it can be used in the beauty world? There are a few key tips for using ice in your daily beauty routine. They don’t take long, they work like magic and it’s as easy as running to your freezer and grabbing a couple of pieces! Check out these 4 beauty secrets for using ice in your daily routine:

1. Facials: Ice make for a great facial product. Simply, wrap your ice cubes in a ziploc bag or a paper towel and slowly rub over your whole face. Do this for 1-2 minutes right before bed and it will not only smooth your complexion it will also fight acne and wrinkles.
2. Eyes:  Experiencing puffy eyes? Simply, apply some ice wrapped in a washcloth to the puffy areas of your eyes. Do this for a few minutes to serious reduce inflammation.
3. Pore Reducer:  Pores can be reduced with ice cubes in less than 5 minutes! This is a great trick to do before apply make up for the day.  Simply, ice your pores for at least 2-3 minutes to reduce the size and redness.
4. Zit Zapper: Zits can be combated by holding an ice cube directly on the spot. Wrap the cube in a ziploc bag and apply to the affected area,  for about 5-10 minutes.  It will remove redness and reduce the size of the zit!

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6 DIY Ways To Keep Your Shoes Fresh

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6 DIY Ways To Keep Your Shoes Fresh

Shoes are a tricky place when it comes to eliminating smells and odors. Most times odors will  build up over time and you don’t end up noticing that your shoes need a refresh before it’s too late. Well, the good news is there is an easier way to keep your shoes fresh and most solutions can be found right in your own home. If your shoes need a mini makeover, check out the list before for 6 DIY ways to keep your shoes fresh:

1. Baking Soda: When you are finished wearing your shoes for the day, sprinkle some baking soda in the soles and let them sit overnight. In the morning, dust off the excess powder and the smells should be lifted and absorbed in the powder.
2. Freezer Method: That’s right, you can freeze your shoes to eliminate odors! The cold temps will kill bacteria which will help eliminate smell.  Simply, pop the chosen pair of shoes in a large Ziploc, seal and freeze overnight. By the morning you’ll have fresh smelling, chilly shoes!
3. Baby Powder: Similar to the baking soda method, sprinkle baby powder in the sole of your shoe before wearing.  This method is best with shoes that require socks, the baby powder will freshener your shoes throughout the day eliminating embarrassing smells.
4. Orange Peel: For a more natural, powder free approach try orange peels! Simply leave a few peels in the soles of your shoes and let them sit overnight. The peel will soak up the odors and leave you with a fresh, citrus scent instead.
5. Scented Newspaper: Newspaper has been known to help eliminate odors in many areas of the house, but have you considered it for smelly shoes? Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or vanilla to a crumpled ball of newspaper. Once dry, stuff the newspaper into your shoes. Let it sit for a few hours, the longer it sits the more odor it will pull out.
6. Coffee Beans: It might sound a little strange but coffee beans can be an effective way to handle shoe odors. If you are using fresh beans take a small spoon full and place in a coffee filter.  Insert the coffee filter into your shoe and let it sit for a few hours to remove odors. This would be most cost-effective with expired coffee beans or sample packs. Before you know it, your shoes will smell like a coffee house and the odor will be gone!