Tips For Using Your Crock Pot

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7 Tips For Using Your Crock Pot

When the summer months hit, the house gets hot and that usually means people stop cooking with their ovens. Some turn to using their BBQ to keep the heat out, but what about using your Crock Pot? It’s great for the hot summer months as it doesn’t add as much heat to the house as your stove does. Also, it’s perfect for putting on in the morning, spending the day at the beach and coming home to a hot, cooked meal! Check out these 7 tips below for  using your Crock Pot:

1. Don’t Overfill: One really important thing to remember about using your Crock Pot is to not overfill it. If you do this it could leave you with unevenly cooked food and bad results. It’s recommended you only fill it up two-thirds of the way.
2. Avoid Temptation: When something smells so good, it’s so hard not to lift the lid and check it out. This is a big no-no in the slow cooking world! This will not only lead to slow cooking times, it will release a lot of heat in the process. Only lift the lid when you need to check meat temperatures 30-40 minutes to the end.
3. Sauces: If you find your sauce isn’t thickening you can turn the slow cooker up to high and leave the lid off. This is done best when there is only 30 minutes of cooking time left.
4. Time Consuming: For more time-consuming items such as vegetables, place them at the bottom and then layer from there. The veggies will take the longest, but will cook faster when placed on the bottom.
5. Spray: To avoid a mess, spray your empty Crock Pot with cooking spray. This will help with clean up at the end and avoid sticky messes.
6. Stand Alone:  When using your Crock Pot make sure it is away from everything else while it’s cooking. Because it is mostly unattended it needs to be in a safe spot with no hazards.
7. Dairy Last:  A good rule of thumb is to add dairy as the very last ingredient, as it can react badly with other ingredients and temperatures. If you need to add milk do it in the last 60 minutes for the best results.

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Ways to use tea

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10 Ways To Use Tea In Everyday Life

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

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

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How To Clean Your Oven Naturally

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How To Clean Your Oven Naturally

Cleaning an oven can be a tiring and time-consuming task, especially when it’s only done once every so often. However, there is an easier way to clean your oven and it you won’t have to break your back trying to scrub in the corners. All this method needs is some dawn dish soap, baking soda and a few hours! Check out this easy way to clean your oven naturally:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ Cups of Baking Soda
• 1/4 Cup of Dawn Dish Soap (The blue kind works best)
• Water
• Spray Bottle
• Rags
• Small Bowl

Instructions:

1. Combine dawn and baking soda in a small bowl and mix till it becomes a paste.
2. “Brush” on the mixture to the inside of your oven either using a paint brush or a rag to evenly distribute the paste. Make sure all surfaces are coated.
3. Now the waiting game begins. Let the paste sit for a minimum of 5 hours, if possible leave it to sit overnight.
4. Every few hours spray the paste with a spray bottle of warm water.
5. Once it has rested, scrub the inside of the oven to remove the paste and burnt on food and residue.
6. Finish off by wiping dry with a dry rag or towel.

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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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Repin It Here

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.

How To Easily Whiten Tile Grout

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How To Easily Whiten Tile Grout

Tile is a great flooring to have in the house. It is durable, easy to clean up spills and most of all looks great in a kitchen or a bathroom. But over time the tiles and the grout in between starts to get dirty and it can be hard to keep it looking white. Luckily, that’s not the case anymore because there is a super easy way to whiten and clean the  grout and it won’t take too much time. Check out this quick and easy method to whiten your tile grout below:

Ingredients: 

• Vinegar
• Stiff Bristled Toothbrush

Instructions:

1. Start by dipping your toothbrush in a cup of vinegar, making sure to soak up a good amount.
2. Then simply scrub the tile grout where it needs to be whitened in a straight line motion.
3. Repeat when grout starts to show dirt.

10 Tips To Sleep Better

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10 Tips To Sleep Better

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

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

4 Ways To Extend The Life Of Kitchen Knives

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4 Ways To Extend The Life Of Kitchen Knives

The one tool that probably gets the most use in the kitchen would be our kitchen knives. Whether it be plain kitchen knives or expensive chef’s knives they all need to be taken care of. By taking extra care of these items, it will extend their life and potentially save you from having to spend more money on a new set. But what’s the best way to take care of kitchen knives? Check out the list below for 4 ways to extend the life of your kitchen knives:

1. No Dishwasher: A good rule of thumb for any good quality knife is to avoid the dishwasher for cleaning. The detergent can’t strip the knife and leave it looking dull. Opt in for hand washing and air drying for any and all knives to extend their life and avoid rust.
2. Knife Block: The best way to keep knives looking their best is to store them in a knife block.  This will keep them from getting scratched or dented, as they would if they were thrown in a drawer. This is also a great way to keep blades away from little fingers or accidental cuts.
3. Avoid Sliding: This tip might be one your don’t think about often. When you finish chopping something on the cutting board, do you every find yourself sweeping the food with the blade of the knife? This is not only bad for the cutting board, it’s bad for the blade! By doing this the blade will dull over time and show damage easier. Simply flip the knife over to the non blade side to avoid this and sweep away!
4. Sharpen: A great way to keep your kitchen knives looking good is to sharpen them yearly. Nothing fancy is needed to do so, just a simple sharpening block or handheld tool. Sharpen yearly or every 6 months if necessary to prevent knives from denting and to remove any cosmetic damage.

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How To Cure Razor Burn With Deodorant 

Razor burn can not only be annoying it can be really painful, especially if it happens as you’re getting ready to go out for the day. For most woman  razor burn shows up on legs, underarms, bikini line and sometimes it can be really bad on your upper thighs. Luckily, there is an easy, quick fix for razor burn and you most likely already have this product in your home.

What’s the magic fix? Deodorant! When those red itchy burns start to show up, apply a unscented, solid deodorant stick to the affected areas.  This will help soothe the itchiness and redness and you will hopefully see the burn fade away within a few days.

Witch hazel and Aloe Vera are two other household objects to use when razor burn appears.

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

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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!

DIY Natural Toothpaste

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DIY Natural Toothpaste

Toothpaste on the market now a days can come packed with a lot of extras and additives. But sometimes that can be hard to avoid, because those same ingredients are common in most products. However, if you do want to try something more natural and save some extra money, why not make your own DIY toothpaste for the whole family to use? It contains a few natural ingredients that you most likely have lying around the house! Check out the instructions below to learn how to make your own DIY natural toothpaste:

Ingredients Needed:

• 6 Tablespoons Of Coconut Oil
• 6 Tablespoons Of Baking Soda
• 15-20 Drops Of Essential Oils (Optional)

Instructions:

1. Choose a jar or container to store your toothpaste, all it needs is a lid to keep the ingredients sealed.
2. In a separate bowl mix all ingredients together until they have completely combined.  It should have a fluffy texture.
3. Once mixed, pour your toothpaste into your container of choice. Your toothpaste is now ready to use!

How To Use Olive Oil For Longer Lashes 

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How To Use Olive Oil For Longer Lashes 

All you hear about in the beauty world today is how ladies are lengthening their eyelashes with different treatments and products. But did you know you can DIY eyelash growth with a simple ingredient? It takes a little patience, but working olive oil into your nightly routine is well worth it when you end up with stunningly long lashes.  It won’t take too much time out of your schedule and it won’t cost you nearly as much as it would it a beauty salon!

All you need is olive oil and a few q-tips. Start by washing your face and eye area really well, focusing on removing your eye make up until your your face and eyes are clear of makeup. Next, dip your cotton swab in a small drop of olive oil and rub it as close to the lash line as possible without getting it in your eyes. Do this on both lashes and leave on overnight while you sleep.  Once you wake up, rinse and wash your face as normal. Repeat this process nightly to see longer, beautiful lashes in no time!

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10 Uses for Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is useful for many things around your home other than just cleaning up scrapes and cuts or other medical uses. Here are 10 uses for rubbing alcohol you may have never heard of:

1. Keep the flu at bay by cleaning objects in your home that are most used such as phones, remotes and light switches with alcohol on a cotton ball. On your cell phone, as long as you don’t have an LCD screen, you will be able to get rid of makeup marks on the talk piece as well.

2. Make yourself an ice pack. Just fill a resalable bag with 1 part alcohol and 3 parts water. The bag will freeze into a slush-like solution and you will be able to use it in hard to ice injuries such as knees, elbows or even ankles. Make them kid friendly by making them in different colors using food coloring.

3. Remove hair styling products such as hairspray from bathroom fixtures. You may have gone a little “spray crazy” with the styling stuff, but you can remove dried on gunk with a little rubbing alcohol spray.

4. Take that extra time on winter mornings to get ready and don’t stand in the freezing cold scraping your windows. Instead, fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spritz it on your windows and simply wipe off.

5. Avoid the frost in the first place by wiping your windows down with alcohol. It will help keep the frost off, and clear the fog that comes after as well.

6. Prevent stains on your collar by wiping your neck down with rubbing alcohol right before you get dressed.

7. If you are taking your dogs out for a fall walk, make sure to check them for ticks and use rubbing alcohol to aid in you in removing any you find. Ticks hate alcohol and will get disorientated and loosen their bite when doused with it.

8. Ink stains are hard to remove from clothing, but using a bit of rubbing alcohol will help. Just dunk a cotton ball in it and allow to soak in before tossing in a cool wash.

9. Permanent markers can be very difficult to remove from just about any surface. If you have some on your wall or counter, try letting some rubbing alcohol do the work.
10. Tight shoes can be a real disappointment. If you have some that are pinching your feet, dab some alcohol in the problem areas and wear them. Do this for a couple days and they should stretch to fit.

4 DIY Shaving Products That Can Be Found In Your Kitchen!

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4 DIY Shaving Products That Can Be Found In Your Kitchen!

It may not be your first thought to head to the kitchen when your ready to shave your legs or underarms, but surprisingly our kitchen is full of useful products! In fact when it comes to shaving, there are 4 products in particular that can be found in your fridge or cupboard and have been said to work even better than traditional shaving products. It may take a little more preparation to get these natural creams ready, but it is worth it as you will have a closer and smooth shave. Check out the instructions below for 4 DIY shaving products that can be found in your kitchen:

1. Honey: Honey won’t take much prep to shave with and it has ingredients within it that will keep your legs looking soft and silky for longer. Simply, rinse your unshaven legs with warm water making sure the whole shaving area is wet. Then smooth the honey on to where you want to shave and shave as normal. After shaving make sure to rinse well to remove any leftover honey.
2. Coconut Oil:  Coconut oil is still an extremely popular product and one that can be found in many kitchens all over the world. The best part is it works amazingly as a shaving agent.  Apply the coconut oil as you would with shaving cream and let it soak in for a minute. Shave as you normally would and when you rinse your legs should have a very close shave and your skin should be shiny and bright.
3. Milk: Who knew a popular dairy drink would be a great shaving product! Warm milk up in a small bowl and use a cotton pad or ball to apply the warm milk to the area you want to shave. Once applied, shave the areas as normal and rinse with water. For best results, finish your shave by applying cold milk in the same way to your shaved areas. This will help keep your shave smooth and will prevent irradiation
4. Olive Oil: Similar to baby oil, olive oil makes for an amazingly smooth shave.  Use and apply olive oil as you normally would with shaving cream and shave as normal. Once you have shaved, take a small amount of olive oil and rub it over the same areas to moisturize and brighten the skin. Rinse any excess oil off with warm water.

DIY Acne Buster

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DIY Acne Buster

There is nothing worse than a blemish showing up on your skin before an important event or outing. Most times, it can be hard to control them and reduce the redness and size. However, the good news is there is a natural, DIY option for combating those spots and blemishes! It can be created with a few common essential oils and a little bit of elbow grease! Check out the instructions below to make your own DIY acne buster!

Ingredients Needed:

• Tea Tree Oil
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Lemon (Oil or fresh juice)
• Jojoba Oil (Can be found in any health food store or online)

Instructions:

1. Start by adding 1-3 drops of Jojoba into a small bottle or container. Then add 10 drops of the tea tree and 10 drops of lavender.
2. Shake the bottle slightly to combine and add 5 drops of rosemary and 5 drops of lemon. Shake once again until contents has mixed together well.
3. Once mixed, use your finger or a q tip to apply the mix right to the blemish or acne bump.  Repeat this regularly for blemish free skin!

How To Revive Flat Pillows

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How To Revive Flat Pillows

When you buy a bed or couch pillow from the store, it usually comes home fluffy and comfortable.  But overtime, when pillows are used enough they start to lose that  fluffy feeling and lay flat. This happens because when we sleep, we tend to let off some sort of moisture (sweat, drool etc) and that ends up in and on the pillow. This can not only be an issue when it comes to quality of sleep, it can also effect your neck if your pillow is too flat.  Luckily, it isn’t overly hard to revive pillows and bring them back to their original, comfortable form.

When you are ready to revive a flat pillow, you won’t need anything but a flat surface and a sunny day. Take all your pillows that need to be brought back to life and remove all covers.  Lay the pillows out in direct sunlight for at least 2 hours or more. The sun will evaporate the moisture stuck in your pillows and slowly fluff them back up. Once they have sat in the sun, give them a good shake and fluff with your hands to get them extra puffy. Do this regularly to keep your pillows comfortable and fluffy.

4 Ways To Reuse K Cup Coffee Containers

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4 Ways To Reuse K Cup Coffee Containers

Many people have made the switch from a traditional coffee maker to a pod coffee maker such as the Keurig K Cup machine. K cup machines have become more and more popular in the last couple of years due to their ease of use and convenience. However, once the coffee is done we are left with those little empty coffee pods. Before you go to throw them away, why not reuse them? Surprisingly they have a few fun uses that is great for the whole family. Check out the 4 ways below to reuse K Cup coffee containers:

1. Seedling Containers: K Cup’s make the perfect starter for any new seedling. Simply, plant your seed into the K Cup with a small amount of fresh soil.  Let the seedling grow in the cup until it’s ready to be moved to a larger container. To get extra creative, have the kids draw on the K Cups to make them extra special for the seeds.
2. Paint Tool: If it’s art day around the house with the kids, try to use K Cup’s as a new painting tool. The open part at the top will make perfect paint stamped circles, while the bottom of the cup will give you full, colored in circles to play around with.
3. Organizers: These mini empty cups couldn’t be any more perfect for organizing. Whether you are trying to organize the craft room or the workshop, these cups will keep the littlest of items all together in one place. If you are feeling extra creative, paint or cover the outside of each cup to personalize each one.
4. Flavored Ice Cubes: Once you are done using these for coffee, clean them out with a cold water rinse and make ice cubes! You can make any kind of flavored ice cube you desire and they’ll be extra large to keep your drink extra cool. Add items like lemon, mint, juice or even chocolate milk and freeze. When your ready, pop a few in your favorite drink and enjoy!

How To Reduce Fumes While Painting Around The House

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How To Reduce Fumes While Painting Around The House

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

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

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.

4 Outdoor Water Activities for Kids

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4 Outdoor Water Activities for Kids

As summer temperatures start to creep higher and higher, it can be a difficult task trying to stay cool.  Sometimes, going to the pool or the beach isn’t always an option but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in your own backyard! Water activities are great for the kids and you stay cool and have fun at the same time! Check out the list below for 4 ways to have with water & the kids:

1. Water Balloon Hot Potato: This is a great one for any age! Simply fill up a few water balloons and get everyone in a circle. Toss the water balloon to each person like a hot potato and the first person to drop it or have it break loses and stays cool.
2. Sprinkler: There is nothing better than a cold sprinkler on a hot day. Get creative by making an obstacle course surrounding the sprinkler and run wild! If you have a trampoline, you can also put the sprinkler underneath it and create a DIY water park!
3. Soak Chairs: If you have a couple of plastic lawn chairs and a hose, this can be a great way to cool off! Simply, attach the hose underneath the chair or behind it and create a soak chair! When you sit down, you’ll get soaked but you’ll be able to beat the summer heat.
4. Human Art: Gather up the kids, washable paints and head outside. Instead of using a canvas for painting, let the kids paint on each other. Everyone can create a masterpiece and then when your ready to clean up, get everyone hosed down and start with a blank canvas!

4 Frugal Summer Date Ideas

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4 Frugal Summer Date Ideas

Whether your newly dating, in a long term relationship or have been married for years, date night is important! Not only does it bring you closer as a couple, it is also strengthening for your relationship to have special time just for the one you love. Now that we are into summer, date night can get more creative and fun! There are a ton of great, summer date ideas that won’t break the bank and will still allow you to have a great time. Check out the 4 ideas below for frugal summer date ideas:

1. Concerts & Markets: Depending where you live, you might find your town or city has lots to offer over the summer.  Try to find local concerts and markets that are happening in your town and plan a night out! Bring a blanket to sit on, drinks from home and the camera to capture some great memories!
2. Picnic: Whether your inside or outside, picnics can make for a very romantic date night. Choose and pack a yummy dinner for two, grab a few glasses and some wine and head out to your favorite beach or park. Picnic’s are a great way to get outside and really enjoy your surroundings with the one you love.
3. Beach Date: If you have a local beach nearby, try it out for your next date night. Discover your inner kid by building sand castles or chasing the waves with your other half. Plan to have dinner or drinks on the beach and finish the night off with a viewing of the beautiful sunset.
4. Bike Rides: Bikes can be a great way to get outside and get active with your loved one. If you don’t have bikes, consider renting them as they usually don’t cost much. Pick your favorite trail and head off for a few hours of fun! Don’t forget to bring some snacks and a cozy blanket to rest on when it’s time for a break.