4 Ways To Use Ketchup Around The House

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4 Ways To Use Ketchup Around The House

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

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

7 Ways To Use Boxed Jello

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7 Ways To Use Boxed Jello

Jell-o is a great, versatile product that can be used in many different recipes and formats! An added bonus to using boxed Jell-o, is it doesn’t cost much in store and most times can be found on sale.  If you get the chance, stock up on boxed Jell-o to make different desserts such as popsicles, cookies or even use it as a fruit enhancer. Check out the list below for 7 ways to use boxed Jell-o:

1. Sour Grapes: *See my recipe here. To give your green grapes a sour twist, try this easy idea! Simply, sprinkle lime Jell-o powder over green grapes and let them cool in the fridge overnight. In the morning you will have tasty, candy like grapes!
2. Popsicles:  For a tasty, cool summer treat make up some Jell-o popsicles. Combine sugar and Jell-o in boiling water and mix together. Once mixed and cooled, pour the mixture into the ice pop molds with crushed ice and freeze them for a frozen treat.
3. DIY Marshmallows: If you are feeling extra creative and want to take on a food DIY project, this is perfect for you! You can use Jell-o to create custom colored, shaped marshmallows. These would be perfect for your next party or camp out!
4. Jell-o Play-Doh: Rather then buying store bought Play-Doh, why not make your own? It only takes a few simple ingredients and before you know it, you’ll have a safe colorful dough for the whole family made from Jell-o!
5. Paint: It’s true! You can make a fun finger paint with Jell-o and water! Simply, portion out your Jell-o in different containers, while boiling a pot of water. Once water is boiling, slowly pour water into the containers and mix. Once the mix has cooled and formed a paste consistency, it’s time to get creative and paint!
6. DIY Lip Gloss: If you need lip gloss in a flash, why not create the perfect shade at home? With petroleum jelly, the microwave and Jell-o you can make homemade lip gloss. The best part is you can customize it completely by mixing until you get the perfect color.
7. Colored Cookies: Last but not least, use boxed Jell-o to make colorful cookies! Use your favorite Jell-o flavor to get the color and taste that you really love! Make sure to finish off the cookies with a sprinkle of jello on top to give it a sparkly finish.

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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….

4 Ways To Use Vinegar As A Stain Remover

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4 Ways To Use Vinegar As A Stain Remover

Vinegar is one of the most versatile products out there. It can be used in anything from cooking to crafts to even science projects! But have you consider using it as a stain removal product? Not only is it cost effective as it won’t cost nearly as much as retail stain removers, it has proven to be even more effective than most of these products! Keep reading to learn 4 new ways to use vinegar as a stain remover below:

1. Coffee Stains: Use vinegar to remove coffee stains off of almost everything. Rinse the item with vinegar, rubbing over the spots that are darker in color. Then proceed to rinse off. Once rinsed, wash the item as normal!
2. Sweat Stains: Sweat stains can be hard to battle! Luckily vinegar works really well to remove the stain and revive the clothing item. Start by rubbing vinegar into the stain in a circular motion. Then add coarse salt on top of the vinegar and continue to scrub. Take the item and leave it in sunlight for at least 45 minutes. Once it has set in, wash item as normal and repeat as needed.
3. Ink: If you are trying to get ink off your favorite shirt or pants, try this method! Apply a few drops of vinegar directly to the stain and put aside. Then in a small bowl make a paste of vinegar and baking soda and rub directly onto the stain.  Let the stain sit with the paste on it until it has dried. Once dried and set, wash as normal.
4. Grease: An easy fix for a grease stain is simple vinegar. Apply vinegar to any and all grease stains and let sit for a few minutes before washing. Repeat as necessary.

4 Ways To Remove Wrinkles Without Using The Iron

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4 Ways To Remove Wrinkles Without Using The Iron

There is nothing worse than putting on your favorite article of clothing, only to find it’s completely wrinkled! Wrinkles in clothing can be annoying and time consuming to fix as normally you would have to pull out the iron, wait for it to heat up and work away at the wrinkles. But there is a few easier ways to remove wrinkles without even touching the iron! Check out the list below for 4 ways to remove wrinkles without using the iron:

1. Dryer: The dryer is the number one tool to get wrinkles out fast. Simply grab your wrinkled garment and throw it in the dryer on medium heat. For extra wrinkle release power, throw in a small lightly damp cloth with the article of clothing.
2. DIY Wrinkle Release Spray: Whether you choose to buy or DIY wrinkle release spray, it’s a great product in a pinch! All you have to do is spritz on a little spray and let the garment hang dry. The wrinkles will release quickly and it won’t take much effort.
3. Damp Towel: It has been said that a damp towel can remove wrinkles in no time! Lay down your wrinkled garment on a flat surface and lay a damp towel over top. Lightly press down over the most wrinkled areas to smooth out the wrinkles.
4. Shower Steam: When you are in a hurry, try this trick to remove wrinkles! Hang up your clothing item in the bathroom right before you take a shower. Shut the door and make sure to have a warm enough shower to produce steam. The steam and heat will help to release wrinkles and should be good to go by the time you finish shampooing!

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I have a fetish for decorating…. In fact it’s kind of a habit that use to be a bad habit since I would spend so much money on decorating a room but then get tired of my decor and want to re-decorate. I then would spend more money to re-decorate that same room that I just spent money on a couple months ago. See how that can be a bad habit?

Since then, I have figured out how to make this work for me. I am now able to re-decorate as often as I want and not feel guilty about it since I am saving a ton of money doing it.

Check out my tips below on Where to Shop while decorating on a budget (or addicted to changing up your decor too often  ;-)).

Refinishing your furniture – 

This is actually one of my favorite tips because you essentially do not have to pay a thing to do this (other than a few bucks for paint and supplies). If you’re not crafty or creative (or heck, even if you are) then I highly recommend checking out Pinterest (look under “Home Decor” or “DIY & Crafts” categories) where there are thousands of ideas, tips and tricks on how to paint furniture, change it, fix it, etc! Bored of your entryway table, how about painting it a different color and just swapping out the gadgets sitting on it. This is an easy way to change things up and you’d be surprised at the difference it makes!

Garage Sales –

People get tired of things…like I mentioned above  😉 and sell their decorations and furniture at garage sales! Or they are moving and need to get rid of bulky furniture, fragile glass decor and more. Garage sales are a great way to pick up some really nice stuff (and you could even use my tip above about refinishing things if needed).

Tired or your furniture/decor….Think about this idea; why not have a garage sale to sell the items you are tired of and then spend the money you make to purchase “new” decorations from a different garage sale. 😉

Thrift/Donation Stores –

This is kind of the same idea as above but since thrift stores are a little pickier on what they choose (since they only have a limited amount of space to display things), you may have an easier time finding some really nice things. Plus, you save gas money since you don’t have to drive around to each garage sale. You may pay a little more at a thrift store but you are still getting a huge discount off of retail prices!

Craft Stores –

And I don’t mean to make your own crafts for decor (although this is a great idea too)…I mean check out Michaels or Roberts craft stores for decorations. Since a lot of people don’t know they carry home decor, they often clearance out items that don’t sell. They also carry fake plants, rocks, vases, etc and if you get creative, you can piece together some really cute decorations.

One more thing you could do, head over to the scrapbook paper section and pick out some really cute paper (I like light blue Chevron, stripes, etc) and use them as the background of a picture frame. For example, if you have an 8×10 frame, buy 1 scrapbook paper and tape a 5×7 photo in the middle of it then place it in the frame. It really adds a cute touch to an entry way or hallway table top decoration.

TJ Maxx –

Not much to be said here other than, they have really, REALLY cute stuff! I buy a LOT of my home decorations here. In case you didn’t know, TJ Maxx Homegood stores (and even the normal TJ Maxx stores) get decorations from large department stores then they drastically mark them down. I have also found a LOT of really cute stuff in the clearance home decor section which is marked down 2 times (once from the department store and once from TJ Maxx’s price)!

Here are some things they carry….picture frames, bathroom decor, towels, toothbrush and soap holders, vases, kitchen towels, fake plants, furniture, mirrors, rugs, pillows, lamps, pictures (large ones too for around $40!), kid’s room decor, kitchen decor and signs AND they even have a TON of pet items!

Clearance Sections –

I highly recommend finding out where each store puts their clearance items. For example, Target usually puts clearance items on end caps, Walmart sometimes puts them in the garden section or right by it. Clearance sections are always a great place to find some cute decorations at a great price.

Craigslist (Online) or Facebook –

Craigslist is a GREAT place to find all kinds of really neat stuff people are selling. There are a ton of different categories so be sure to check them all and you can search “decorations” too! It’s kind of like an online garage sale. Speaking of online garage sales, a lot of people have started creating “Online garage sales” for nearly every city/state on FACEBOOK! You can search words like “San Diego Garage Sales” or something to that effect. They are usually groups you will need to ask permission to get into but they are free and an easy way to see pictures of items people are selling in your area (including lots of cute decor).

Roadside –

Find out when the roadside pick up is in your area (some areas do not do this but a lot do) and spend a little time that day driving around to see what treasures you may be able to find. I actually found a really nice Fisher Price outdoor slide and playset for little ones when driving home one day. I am guessing the families kids got too big for it and this was an easy way for them to get rid of it. You know how that saying goes…”One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.  😉

Trading with Friends or Family –

I LOVE this idea and have not tried it yet but I seriously think it is so smart! Trade some furniture you are tired of with a neighbor or family member! You can either trade it for good (that way they can paint it or whatever) or you can simply “borrow” the decorations or furniture. You trade your couch for their couch or whatever items it may be. LOVE this!

Consignment stores –

Once again, this is similar to the thrift stores but a little different. Here is the difference, a thrift/donation store is where people simply give their items to the store to sell and the store only profits from it and the “donator” does not get anything from it because they donated their items.

A consignment store is where people take their stuff to sell and the store will give them a percentage of what it sells for.

You can find some really nice decor in consignment stores. You may pay a little more than you would in a thrift store or at a garage sale but there is a pretty good chance the store will be filled with really nice treasures and at AWESOME prices still!

I would love to hear some of your ideas on where to shop when decorating on a budget!

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DIY Salt Glitter

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DIY Salt Glitter

Who doesn’t love glitter? Glitter can be used in greeting cards, craft projects and even baking! But you can’t just use regular glitter on a cake or baked good, so what the best option? Well, there is an easy, no fuss way to make glitter for any project and it’s even edible! It won’t take a lot of time and you can personalize the glitter to exactly how you like it!  Check out the instructions below to make your own DIY salt glitter:

Items Needed:

• Salt
• Food Coloring (Any color you like)
• Baking Sheet

Instructions:

1. Start by mixing the salt with your food coloring. The ratio is 2 tablespoons of salt to 1/4 teaspoons of food coloring. Add as much or as little as you’ll need and play around with different colors until your happy with the final product. Mix salt and color until evenly coated
2. Preheat the oven to 350. Lay out salt on a cookie sheet making sure it has smoothed out and no lumps are visible.
3. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool when pulled from the oven.
4. Once glitter has cooled it can be used for projects, baking or just as everyday glitter.

How To Waterproof Canvas Shoes

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How To Waterproof Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes such as Tom’s or Bob’s are great for almost anytime of the year or activity. However, they don’t always hold up when it comes to fighting against rain or snow. The good news is there is a super easy way to keep your canvas shoes protected and it won’t break the bank! It may take a little elbow grease, but the process is well worth it as your shoes will be weatherproof!

The one product that makes this possible is beeswax!  The best way to apply the wax, is to rub it over the entire canvas area of the shoe. Once the canvas is looking nice and waxy, grab a hair dryer! Use the hair dryer to go over the wax, this will help the wax form into the shoe and produce a protective layer against rain and snow. Once you have dried the wax on to the canvas, you should see no beeswax residue on the shoe. Your canvas shoes are now ready for any kind of weather!

DIY Draino  

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DIY Draino

Most of us have used Draino in the past, because really it’s one of the best products to unclog drains. But there is another option when it comes to unclogging your drains, you can make your own DIY Draino! By making your own you will avoid the use of harmful chemicals and best of all it’s safer for your pets and kids. The recipe is simple and extremely effective, most of all it can save you quite a bit of money as store bought Draino can get expensive.

Check out this DIY recipe for making your own Draino.

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6 Ways To Fight Candy Cravings

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6 Ways To Fight Candy Cravings

Losing weight and eating healthy can be a hard battle to manage as it is. Then try adding cravings for your favorite treat or sweet and it suddenly becomes about ten times harder doesn’t it? Well, the good news is there is a solution to fighting those sweet cravings and it’s easier than you might think. It’s all about replacing what you are craving with a healthy alternative. Check out the list below for 6 ways to fight candy cravings:

1. Nuts: While nuts aren’t a sweet item, they do make a great replacement for candy. They work well because you can grab a handful like you would with candy but instead you are replacing sweets with a protein packed snack. Also, if salt isn’t a problem try snacking on pistachios for an extra yummy treat.
2. Berries: Berries are a great alternative to candy as they are healthy and can be prepared in many ways. Try covering the berries in yogurt and letting them cool to make a fun treat. If you prefer the berries just as they are, freeze them for an addicting snack.
3. Dried Fruit: Dried fruit is a great way to get sweetness and a bit of a crunch without the calories. Make sure the dried fruit doesn’t have anything extra added into it or try to create your own DIY version at home!
4. Chewing Gum: While it won’t taste like a sour candy or a sugary sweet, gum can make for a great replacement in a pinch or on the go. Make sure your gum of choice is sugar-free and doesn’t include any additives or added coloring.
5. Grapes: Grapes are a great on the go or as a late night snack if your craving sugary candy. They can be eaten as they are, sprinkled with a little bit of sugar-free jello powder for a sour treat or they make a delicious frozen treat!
6. Greek Yogurt: Yogurt may not have much to do with candy, but it can make a great replacement if you’re looking for something sweet. Try making a sweet yogurt parfait by using the following: flavored or unflavored greek yogurt, fruit (fresh or frozen), honey or even a small square of melted dark chocolate. This parfait should hit all your sweet spots and keep you away from the candy!

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.

4 Ways To Clean Jewelry At Home

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4 Ways To Clean Jewelry At Home

Jewelry is a really important and special thing to most people. Whether it be a hand me down from a relative or a few pieces you picked up at your favorite store, you always want to make sure your jewelry is clean and well taken care of.  You can easily buy store bought cleaners and solutions to clean your jewelry, however there are a few ways you can do it yourself at home. Check out the 4 ways below and start cleaning your jewelry at home:

1. Alka-Seltzer: Simply combine a glass of water with a Alka-Seltzer tablet and drop in your jewelry.  Let soak and rinse once dirt has surfaced.While this won’t deep clean your items, it will remove any surface marks, dirt or grime.
2. Light Beer: Yes, it’s true beer really can clean jewelry! This method is for gold with no stones and any other jewelry you are looking to clean.  Simply, pour a small amount of light better on a non abrasive cloth and rub gently where dirt and grime is showing. Finish the process by drying with a soft cloth.
3. Aluminum Foil: This method is best for silver items. Make a small bowl out of tinfoil and lay out  silver jewelry on tinfoil. Sprinkle baking soda over top of the items and then proceed to pour boiling water over the baking soda. Move the jewelry around slightly to release any dirt. Once finished, rinse with cold water.
4. Toothpaste: Toothpaste is a perfect cleaner for anything that has diamonds on it or in it!  Grab an old toothbrush and toothpaste and scrub slightly around the diamonds and in between the crevices. Once you have scrubbed simply clean off the ring with a damp cloth.

5 Ways To Fix Scuffed Shoes

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5 Ways To Fix Scuffed Shoes

There is nothing worse than looking down at your cute shoes, only to see a huge scuff! This happens to most of us when we wear our favorite pair of shoes one to many times and we end up scuffing them along the way. Luckily, there are a few solutions for saving your favorite pair of shoes and it only takes a few household items! Check out the list below for 5 ways to fix scuffed shoes in the comfort of your own home:

1. Rubber Eraser: Are your vinyl shoes scuffed and needing a little love? Use a pencil eraser and lightly rub over the scuffed areas.  If you are wanting to try this on suede shoes, make sure to brush the dust off first. The eraser should wear down the scuff till it’s gone!
2. Vaseline: It’s true, Vaseline is a great way to remove scuffs! Rub a small amount of Vaseline on a soft cloth and start rubbing the mark and area surrounding. They should start to disappear but note this method will take some elbow grease and dedicated scrubbing.
3. Nail Polish Remover: Using a cotton ball dipped in a small amount of nail polish remover, start scrubbing away at your shoe scuffs.  Once the scuff has disappeared, apply a small amount of baking soda to the same place and let it set. This will seal off the remover and will keep the shoe in nice shape!
4.  Hairspray: For any surface scuffs or light markings, use hairspray! Spray a small amount on the marking and polish in slow circles. This will take the small marks off with almost no effort!
5. Hand Sanitizer: If you are trying to get white marks off of black shoes, hand sanitizer is the solution. Simply apply a small drop or two directly on any white scuff marks and rub with a soft cloth. Your black shoes will be back to normal and look brand new before you know it!

7 Ways To Eat Greek Yogurt

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7 Ways To Eat Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is one product that has been on the rise lately in the grocery market. More and more we are hearing all the health benefits of greek yogurt and how we should be working it into our diet on a regular basis. But it can be difficult coming up with ways to use this plain yogurt in everyday meals, while also finding ways to eat it more often. Luckily, it’s not as daunting as it might seem! Check out the 7 ideas below for ways to eat greek yogurt more regularly:

1. Sour Cream: Did you know that greek yogurt makes for a great, healthier alternative to sour cream. You will still get the same texture and similar taste but you’ll be cutting the calories in half!
2. Breakfast: A great and light breakfast idea is greek yogurt with cut up fruit and toppings of your choice. You can add honey, granola or even seeds and nuts for a healthy breakfast idea.
3. Smoothie Base: If you are used to using yogurt in your smoothies, try greek yogurt instead for a protein packed punch! It will also enhance the texture of the smoothie.
4. Icing: If you are looking for a healthy alternative to standard icing, greek yogurt is a great option! Simply add icing sugar and flavoring for taste and whip it up!
5. Snack Idea: Greek yogurt makes a great ingredient to other recipes, but what about eating it solo for a quick snack? It tastes great on it’s own or with some add spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon.
6. Mayonnaise:  As well as sour cream, greek yogurt makes a great alternative for mayonnaise. Use it as a light spread on sandwiches or as an alternative in dips and recipes.
7. Ice Cream: Did you know you can make your own ice cream with just a few ingredients and greek yogurt? It will make for a healthy treat and you can customize it anyway you like.

DIY Silky Soft Hair Mask

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DIY Silky Soft Hair Mask

While it’s a nice treat to go to the salon every month or every few weeks, it’s usually something that doesn’t fit in to everyone’s budget. The good news is you don’t have to stop pampering yourself or miss the feeling of amazing hair right after the salon. With a simply ingredient and some time, you can have super silky soft hair that lasts for up to a week! Check out the instructions below to create your own DIY silky soft hair mask:

Items Needed:

• Coconut Oil (Natural)
• Bobby Pins or Hair Clip
• Towel

Instructions:

1. Start by taking a shower in the evening before bed, following your routine as normal.
2. Once you have towel dried your hair, take a tablespoon (depending on length of hair) of coconut oil and rub into your hair from the roots to the tips. It’s really important to make sure all hair is covered, so use more if needed.
3. Next, pin up your hair either using bobby pins or a clip to keep it all together.
4. Head to bed! Lay down the towel on your pillow to avoid the oil transferring and sleep with the hair mask on.
5. In the morning, take a shower as normal and your hair should be super silky and soft! Do this every 1 to 2 weeks as shine fades.

4 Ways To Avoid Freezer Burn

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4 Ways To Avoid Freezer Burn

Freezer burn can be a real pain when it comes to any type of food. You are trying to save money by freezing extra foods, but everytime you do it comes out with a layer of freezer ice and most times becomes inedible. This can be super frustrating as freezer burn can lead to wasted food and wasted money, so what is the solution? Well there are a few ways to avoid freezer burn and they are easier than you might think, check out the 4 ways below:

1. Rotate & Date: One easy way to avoid freezer burn is to keep the freezer organized. Anything that goes into the freezer should have a date on it. This will allow you to rotate the older items to the front and use them first preventing the growth of freezer burn.
2. Cool Food Only: It is really important to make sure all food heading into the freezer cools off and doesn’t go into the freezer warm. If the item goes in even slightly warm, freezer burn will almost always show up. So, to avoid this let meals and leftovers cool for at least an hour or two before packing and freezing them.
3. No Air: Air is a big enemy when packaging foods for the freezer. If there is any leftover air in your freezer item, freezer burn is more likely to show up. To avoid this you can make sure your bags are full to the top with no room for air or make sure all the air is squished out before freezing.
4. Packaging: Packaging can be a really important factor when it comes to preventing freezer burn. You want to make sure all your items are wrapped tightly (even double wrapped) to keep our all the air and cold. Also, if you want to go the extra mile a food vacuum sealer works great to guarantee freezer burn stays out!

5 Home Uses For Vegetable Oil 

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5 Home Uses For Vegetable Oil 

Most times when you think of using oils such as olive oil or vegetable oil you automatically think of cooking or being in the kitchen. Well, these oils actually have way more uses then you think and apply to a few different places in the home. Because olive oil can get expensive you might not be thrilled about using anywhere other than the kitchen. That’s where vegetable oil comes in as it’s not only affordable, it can usually be purchased in a large bottle to save money. Check out the 5 home uses below for vegetable oil:

1. Car Washing: It might sound weird to put a few drops of veggie oil in your soapy bucket when washing the car, but it’s surprisingly effective. By washing the car with soapy water and a few drops of oil you’ll be stripping off extra dirt you might not have been able to remove before!
2. Label Remover: Did you know that a little vegetable oil can remove those annoying sticky labels? Mix a small amount of warm water with vegetable oil and let the label soak. After it has had time to rest, slowly start pulling away the label.
3. Splinter Saver: If you are struggling to remove a splinter, try some vegetable oil. Simply, soak your finger in a small bowl of oil for a few minutes. Then try to remove the splinter after it has soaked, it should be soft and easier to lift out from the skin.
4. Leather Shoes: Vegetable oil works perfect for shining up those old leather dress shoes! Start by removing excess dirt or lint and then add one drop of oil to the shoe and polish with a soft cloth. Your shoes will be shining in no time.
5. Season Pans: If you have pans that are waiting to be seasoned, wait no longer! Simply wash the pan for the first time and finish by rubbing a few drops of veggie oil on the inner surface. This will keep the pan in good shape and season it lightly for future use.

How To Fix A Scratched DVD

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How To Fix A Scratched DVD

There is nothing worse than picking out your favorite movie to watch for movie night, only to realize the disk is so scratched it won’t play! Most times, we get frustrated with a problem like this and either put it to the side only to forget about it or worse we throw it out thinking it’s unusable. Well, the good news is there is no need for wasting perfectly good DVD’s as there is a quick solution that will solve this problem instantly! You might be surprised what the magic product is that fixes scratched Dvd’s and even Cd’s, as it can be found in your own bathroom cupboard. Check out the instructional below on how to fix a scratched dvd:

Items Needed:

• Scratched DVD or CD
• Cotton Swab
• Plain Toothpaste (Basic brand)
• Microfiber Cloth

Instructions:

1. Start by dipping the cotton swab into the toothpaste.
2. Start from the inner circle outwards and slowly start rubbing the toothpaste into the deep scratches. You may notice some other marks that appear when doing this which is normal.
3. Let the disk and toothpaste sit for at least 10 minutes. Once it has soaked, rub off the excess toothpaste with a soft cloth.
4. Finish by cleaning the disk with a damp microfiber cloth, picking up any leftover toothpaste or marks. Let dry.
5. Once disk is dry, pop it in to the player and the disk should be working nicely! Repeat as necessary.

10 Things You Shouldn’t Refrigerate

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10 Things You Shouldn’t Refrigerate

Did you know that some food and perishable items actually do better outside of the fridge? It may come as a surprise, but some of the things your used to tucking away in the fridge shouldn’t really be there at all. It can cause those items to perish faster and it can cause you to lose valuable produce which can affect your grocery shop and budget! So how do you avoid this exactly? Well, check out the list before for 10 things you shouldn’t refrigerate:

1. Potatoes: Potatoes are meant to live in a dry place, preferably in a paper bag. If potatoes are kept in the fridge they will lose flavor and eventually start to mold at a faster rate.
2. Avocados: Avocados can be a tricky item as the ripen at a fast rate. To make them last longer, keep them out of the fridge until ripe. Once ripe they can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.
3. Coffee: Some think keeping coffee in the fridge will keep it fresher for longer. However, if it’s kept in the fridge it will actually start to condensate and lose flavor.
4. Honey: Honey and the fridge do not make a good pair. Once refrigerated honey will start to harden and become unusable after a few weeks. It’s best to keep it at room temperature always.
5. Melons: If you want to get the most out of your melons, don’t keep them in the fridge! If you keep them at room temperature, the flavor will actually start to get better.
6. Bananas: While it’s wise to leave bananas on the counter until ripe, they can be put into the fridge once they have reached desired ripeness to help them last longer.
7. Garlic: Minced garlic will work great in the fridge, but if you are storing a full head keep it out of the cold! Garlic heads will thrive much better at room temperature.
8. Stone Fruit: Basically anything like apricots, plums or nectarines should be kept on the counter until ripe. This will help them seal in the flavor and stay fresh. Once ripe feel free to store in the fridge.
9. Tomatoes: Surprisingly, tomatoes are another fruit that make the do not cool list! Refrigeration will cause the tomatoes texture to change. Store them at room temperature on the counter for the best quality.
10. Canned Parmesan: Lastly,  canned parmesan doesn’t need to be refrigerated, most times it can be kept in a cool cupboard.

8 Ways To Make Your Bedroom More Relaxing

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8 Ways To Make Your Bedroom More Relaxing

One of the most important rooms in the house is where you lay your head at night. The bedroom should be relaxing, refreshing and should give you a break from everyday life. But to create that atmosphere a few changes need to be made. The changes are not only easy to do, they will promote relaxation from the second you walk in the room. Try out these simple tips below to make your bedroom more relaxing:

1. Make The Bed: As simple as it might sound, making the bed everyday is important. It only takes 2 minutes in the morning and by the time your ready for bed you’ll be happy it’s ready to go.
2. Remove Stress: One really important step to take is removing anything that is bringing stress into the bedroom. Whether that be electronics, work papers or even clothes on the floor, get rid of it!
3. Personalize: This can be as simple as putting up a few framed pictures or hanging new curtains. Whatever it is, bring in the things you love and make your space your own.
4. Bedding: If it’s time for an upgrade in sheets or pillows, don’t delay. Having comfortable linens and fluffy pillows will not only improve your sleep, it will make getting in to bed a real treat.
5. Soft Lighting: Lighting is important always when it comes to the bedroom. Find a way to bring in soft lighting in, whether that be candles or a bedside lamp.  The soft lighting is not only great at night to help you wind down, it’s also perfect for the mornings when you gradual start to wake up.
6. Adults Only: If it’s possible, keep all thing kids out of the bedroom even if it’s just at night. It’s hard to make your room into a relaxing haven if there are toys peeking out of the bed!
7. Declutter: Clutter=Stress and stress is what you want to avoid in the bedroom. Take some time to remove any clutter, unused furniture and anything else that may be crowding the bedroom.
8. Pamper: A quick and easy way to make the bedroom feel more relaxing is to set up a small area for pampering. For example, use your bedside table as a place to hold your favorite cream, massage oil or even nightly face mask. Then when you crawl into bed, you can give yourself a mini spa treatment before bed.

5 Uses For Coffee Grounds

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5 Uses For Coffee Grounds

Most people love a good cup of coffee during the day. But what happens when the coffee pot is empty and all your left with is coffee grounds? The first thought is to throw them away, but they have more uses then you might think. Not only are they a helpful ingredient for cleaning, they also have a few uses around the house. Check out the 5 uses below and you might just reconsider throwing away those grounds after your last cup of joe!

1. Scour: Coffee grounds are one of the best items to use for cleaning pots and pans. Add some grounds to any dishware or pots/pans and use them to scour away stuck on food and residue. The grounds will help lift any pieces that are stubborn  and with a quick rinse you’ll be left with sparkling results.
2. Sidewalk Salt: Believe it or not old coffee grounds make the perfect replacement for sidewalk salt. If the pathways around your homes are icy, simply spread some coffee grounds on the areas to melt the ice! This is not only a great way to save some money, it’s also much better for the environment!
3. Plant Food: If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to garden fertilizer, grounds are the answer! Use coffee grounds just as you would with a regular fertilizer on all plants and flowers. The coffee grounds have a ton of nutrients in them that will release into the plants over time.
4. Deodorize: Does your freezer let off a funky smell every so often? If you are looking for an easy fix to this issue, try placing an open container of coffee grounds in the freezer. The grounds will soak up any odors and leave your freezer with a fresh smell.
5. Scratch Repair: This might be the best use yet for coffee grounds. If you have any wood furniture that is scratched try this:  Put old coffee grounds in a bowl and use a small brush or q tip to paint over the scratches. The more you paint the darker the repair colour will be, so make sure to test this before doing the whole surface.