How To Quickly Make Your Own Air Freshener 

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How To Quickly Make Your Own Air Freshener 

Do you ever find yourself buying countless air freshening products, only to find out they aren’t effective or you forget about them in the back of your cupboard? I know I have experienced this problem and with pets in the house keeping the air fresh is a must! But what do you do if products on the market don’t work for your house or you just find them overly expensive? Well, the next best thing would be to make your own, luckily there is a recipe for that! The best part about this DIY air freshener is that it actually works and only takes a few household ingredients to createit! Check out the instructions below to quickly make your own air freshener:

Ingredients:

• Small bowl or Jar
• 1/4 cup of Baking Soda
• 9 Drops of essential oils (Any scent you like)
• Tinfoil

Instructions:

1. Combine baking soda and oils in the container of your choice.
2. Mix well, until combined.
3. Cover container with tinfoil tightly and then poke a few holes in the top.
4. Your air freshener is ready to be used! Place anywhere in your house to combat odors.

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How To Clean Wood Furniture With Beer

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How To Clean Wood Furniture With Beer

Most of us have wood furniture somewhere in the house and sometimes it can be really tricky to get clean. Well, there is one product out there that you might not consider when you are cleaning wood furniture but surprisingly it works well. What is that ingredient? Beer! That’s right, beer is the magic cleaning  ingredient that works amazing on wood furniture! Check out how to use beer to clean wood furniture below:

If you find yourself with leftover beer or find some beer that is no longer drinkable, use it to clean around the house. Flat beer works best, but a regular beer will work as well. Simply, pour a bit of beer onto a soft cloth and start wiping down your wood furniture. Once you have gone over it once, take a dry cloth and go over it again to shine it up. This not only will leave your furniture looking new and shiny it will also help preserve the woods coloring.

How To Get Rid Of Bruises 

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How To Get Rid Of Bruises 

Whether it be from cutting a corner too tight in the kitchen or playing a high energy sports game, we all get bruises. They can become a real pain and if we are not careful little bruises can turn into bigger bruises. Luckily, there is an easy fix for nursing a bruise and it will reduce the coloring and swelling almost completely. It only calls for a household product and a little rest. Check out the easy solution below on how to get rid of bruises:

Ingredients:

• Vinegar
• Ice Pack

Instructions:

1. Start by icing the bruise to reduce swelling. Do this for 15 minutes out of every hour.
2. Next, make sure the area that is bruised stays elevated to reduce blood flow. This also help dissipate the coloring.
3. Finally, treat the bruise with a small amount of vinegar and warm water. Simply apply the liquid to the bruise and rub softly to work the mixture in to the skin.
4. Repeat till bruise has disappeared.

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I can’t stand a dirty kitchen. The crunch of tiny crumbs underneath my feet, dried cheese on the counter, and leftovers stuck in the dish drain. It’s enough to make me crazy, and I’d rather avoid the mess than tackle it before another meal is made, and another catastrophe created.

With 3 meals a day, plus snacks, keeping the “heart of the home” clean is certainly exhausting, if not almost impossible!

But with a little forethought, elbow grease, and discipline, we can turn the unavoidable into a welcome site, and an all-consuming mess into just another part of the daily routine.

Before you start

1. Begin with a clean slate.

First step, is to clear all the dishes out of the sink, wipe down the counters, put cereal boxes and other snacks away, etc before you even start to put any ingredients together for a meal.

I know I can’t so much as think when I’m surrounded by mess and clutter, so take a few moments to put the kitchen to rights and move forward. You’ll feel so much better!

2. Set kitchen limits and assign responsibilities.

From here on out, decide who is “allowed” to make meals and mess around in the kitchen. If you want to keep things the way you like it, you may have to consider instituting a “no-work-zone” for the husband, and kids who are old enough to start getting their own snacks.

This also means that you will be doing a lot more work, but the trade off may be worth it if you enjoy a clean kitchen!

If your husband does offer to do the dishes, or the kids are willing to make their own snacks, make sure they understand a few rules first.

• Is there a specific way you like the dishes washed and put away?
• Do you require all crumbs to wiped up on the counter before someone leaves with their snack?
• Should items be left in the sink, or placed in the dishwasher after meal time is over?

Set these expectations now, so the entire family knows what to expect.

During meal prep

3. Keep a garbage bowl handy.

You can go through quite a few dishes when making a meal, and instead of throwing everything into the sink, I like to keep a bowl right beside me to collect spatulas, measuring cups, and small bowls.

I might need to use a couple of those spatulas again, and if I throw them in the sink, they are immediately dirty in my book. But if they are resting in a bowl I had been using for the current meal, I’m more likely to grab it again and save myself some after-dinner dish duty.

There are some TV chefs who will throw everything in the bowl from egg shells to butter wrappers, but I prefer not to. The garbage is usually close by while I’m working, and I’d rather not dig out all the actual garbage later.

4. While dinner is cooking, start cleaning and putting items away.

If the meal doesn’t require a full set of eyes every minute, you can use this time to start putting your kitchen in order again.

Place ingredients back into the pantry, start loading the dishwasher, and even wash a few items to leave in the dish drainer while you eat. It’s definitely less overwhelming if you tackle this in bits and pieces, rather than saving everything until the meal is over.

After dinner rush hour

5. Define who does what.

Avoid the family’s mad dash away from the dinner table by setting those expectations we talked about in point #2. If you don’t mind cleaning up after everyone, that’s fine, but make sure everyone knows that.

If you prefer each family member take their dishes to the sink, rinse them off, and put them in the dishwasher, then let them know that too.

6. Decide what has to be done for the kitchen to be “acceptable”.

• Do all the dishes have to be washed and put away?
• The table and counters wiped down?
• A spotless stove?
• New dishcloths and towels put out?

Determine “good enough”, and then don’t fret about the rest. Mentally work your way through the after-dinner routine, and don’t be afraid to let a casserole dish soak in the sink until morning. The key is to not let it sit there until the smell becomes your unpleasant reminder.

Even if you’re not an avid foodie, and don’t particularly enjoy working in the kitchen, you can still set some sort of routine that works for you and your family.

Meal prep doesn’t have to be painful, and you might actually find yourself having fun without the worry of a disaster-zone kitchen!

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7 Ways To Use Honey

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7 Ways To Use Honey

Honey is a product that has been around for a long time and most times is used in cooking or baking. But what about using honey around the house and in our beauty routine? Surprisingly, it has a ton of uses and most of them can be applied on a regular basis. Check out the list below for 7 ways to use honey:

1. Hangover Helper: Did you know that honey can help cure a hangover faster? Simply find a way to eat some honey (with toast) and you might just find the effects of too many drinks wearing off faster!
2. Soothe Cuts: Honey is a great thing to have near by when an accident happens. If you cut yourself, apply a small amount of honey to the cut and wrap with a band-aid. The honey will soothe the pain and speed up the healing process.
3. Throat Coat: A great way to help a sore throat feel better is to have some honey! Simply swallow a spoonful of honey before bed. It will help heal the soreness of an inflamed throat and will reduce coughing.
4. Natural Face Wash: Honey acts as a great natural face wash product. Combine a few drops on a warm washcloth and wash your face as normal and rinse. The honey will help remove blackheads and reduce redness.
5. Energy Boost: Honey is a great way to naturally boost your energy and keep you going for longer. The best way to take the honey is by the spoonful but also works well in warm tea or hot water.
6. Relaxing: If you are looking for an easy way to relax and soften your skin try this! Add a few drops of honey to your next bath. The honey will work on soften your skin and it will also help you to relax and de stress.
7. Hair Shine: For easy shine and beautiful hair try mixing a teaspoon of honey in with your regular conditioner, wash and rinse! You will notice your hair has an extra beautiful shine and may appear less frizzy overall.

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How To Make Mascara Last Longer

Mascara is a beauty staple in most make up bags and has a tendency to run out quite quickly. However, there is  a way to stretch the life of your mascara by using another health product. If you notice your mascara is starting to run out or dry up, add a few drops of saline solution to the bottle and stir it up with the mascara brush. This will help you get the most out of the tube, ultimately extending it’s use to save you from buying a new one for awhile.  Another great way to avoid your mascara drying out is to twist the wand when you are coating the brush rather then pumping it up and down. If you pump the brush,  more air will end up inside and will  dry out your bottle of mascara fast. Now keep in mind it is recommended that mascara should only be used for 3-6  months or to it’s expiry date, so use your own discretion when using this trick to extend the life of your mascara.

6 Ways To Shave Less Often

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6 Ways To Shave Less Often

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

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

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I spent some time…actually a lot of time at Dollar Tree and scoped out the “Good” and “Bad” buys. I also asked for YOUR opinions on the Raining Hot Coupons Facebook page and so many of you gave me some great tips on items you love and items you don’t really care for from Dollar Tree. Thank you all for your tips. Below you will learn what to spend your money on at Dollar Tree (this may apply to other dollar stores as well since they all kinda carry the same stuff). Enjoy…Also, I would love to read any other tips you have in the comments!  🙂

I am going to break it down into categories and different sections of the store. 

Household Cleaning:

Things to Buy:

• ANY of the L.A.’s Totally Awesome products – I had a TON of readers says that they are like magic. The spot remover works awesome and the oxygen power cleaner works as good as the other expensive brands. I recently purchased the Orange cleaners from them and it really is wonderful and quite awesome.  😉
• Fabric softener – believe it or not, this stuff smells great, comes in a big bottle for a buck and is perfect for refreshing couches, rugs, and even pets!
• The Works cleaner – I have not tried this but a lot of readers swear by it. I can’t wait to try it!
• Palmolive Dish soap – there are often coupons available for these so you will get a great deal.
• Sun detergent or dishwashing soap – again, these often have coupons so keep an eye out and if a coupon pops up, you will score a nice deal.

Pass on these:

• Brooms – the handles often break on these
• Garbage bags – a TON of readers had negative things to say about the garbage bags, the rip and tear easily.

Health & Beauty:

Things to buy:

• Pregnancy Tests – these work really well and have always worked for me as well as all the readers who also recommended them! 
• 3 pack loofah sponges (these are perfect for kid’s baths)
• Hair bows, ties, bobby pins, headbands
• Shaving Cream – this stuff really does work and smells pretty good! I love it for just $1!
• Close-Up mouthwash – this is the only brand I would recommend (the others are not so great)
• Triple Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrocortisone Cream
• Scotties tissue – these will often have coupons so you will get great deals
• Cotton pads
• Name Brand make-up – I have spotted Elf and Maybelline and once again Maybelline always has coupons!

Pass on these:

• Q-tips (this isn’t the brand but pass on them) they bend and are not strong and the cotton on the end is very fuzzy
• Off Brand Lotions
• Perfume and Cologne

Birthday Items:

Things to buy:

• Wrapping paper – I am shocked at how much wrapping paper has gone up in price so the $1 store paper is a great deal and you can get a few different designs!
• Gift Bags
• Cards
• Candles
• Streamers (these come with 2 so they are only $0.50 each!)
• Cups
• Birthday decor (party hats, balloons, invitations, favor bags, etc)
• Mylar balloons
• Tissue paper

Pass on these:

• Plastic utensils (they break easily although I do recommend the table liners which is in the same section)

Food and Candy:

Things to buy:

• Movie candy – stop by on the way to the movies and pick up the boxes of candy for just $1! You may be able to find these at Walmart for $0.97 but if you’re closer to a Dollar Store then you may want to stop there instead!
• Candy for Pinatas and Party favor bags – they have several bags of candy that have individually wrapped pieces so this is perfect for Birthday parties! For example, ring pops, suckers, avengers candy pieces and more.
• Popsicles – These have $1/1 coupons which makes them FREE!!
• Soda Pop – I love these, they are off brand but they are huge and perfect for Birthday parties. In my opinion they taste like Shasta.
• Popsicle Molds – a pack of 6 for just $1 – that’s awesome!
• Hormel Pepperoni – Once again, there are often coupon for $0.50 to $1 off which makes them only $0.50 or FREE!
• Drink mixes – these are fabulous, just add 1 to a water bottle and it flavors your drink…they even have sugar free.
• Seasonings – can’t go wrong for $1!

Pass on these:

• Check expiration dates on all the food items…sometimes they tend to have things that go past that date.  😐

Kitchen and Bath:

Things to buy:

• Tupperware
• Tubs and Bins for organizing
• Glass Vases
• Foil baking tins (perfect for Thanksgiving and way cheaper than other stores)
• 3 pack kid’s toothbrushes – there are often coupons that make the kid’s toothbrushes free and sometimes the come with travel cases and covers
• Bathroom Decor – for just $1, that’s a steal!
• Shower curtain – I have heard of people painting these and coloring them for the kiddos bathroom!
• Shower curtain hanging rings (not sure what they are called exactly but they hold up the curtain and are normally very pricey)
• Kid’s bubble bath – this stuff works great and lasts a long time!
• Hefty plastic bags – normally coupons for them which makes them a great deal
• Napkins – they come with a ton and work great
• Tupperware – can’t go wrong with these packs
• Mason Jars – you can do recipes in these, cookies jars, gifts, crafts and more!
• Plates, Cups, Mugs, bowls – this is great if you need to just get a few or want some variation in colors
• Kitchen Towels and Mits – look how cute these are in the picture above..I love the green and purple and for just $1!

Pass on these:

• Pie Tins (these are not good for baking because they tend to rust) ALTHOUGH, they are good for kids crafts and play.
• Candles – they don’t smell that good and even if they do in the store, the scent doesn’t last once lit in my opinion
• Coffee Mugs – I have heard from several readers that these leak and the lids don’t stay on
• Toilet Paper – this is usually very thing and doesn’t work all that well.  😳

Art and Supplies:

Things to buy:

• Large Activity Coloring books – these are very big and the kids will have a blast with them (some even have stickers)
• Teacher corner – there are great tools here for not only teachers but homeschoolers, preschoolers or just if you want to teach some fun stuff to your kids. They also have sticker books which would be great for chores!  😉
• Sewing kits with bags – $1…enough said!
• Pom poms, felt, foam board, craft supplies
• Safety pins – I hear these run out often so if you see them, snatch them up!
• Vinyl Decals for decorating and for kid’s rooms – these are SUPER cute and can totally change the look of room or bathroom for just $1…I say yes!
• Poster board

Pass on these:

•  Glue sticks – they tend to be dried out or dry out fast after opened
• Frames – these usually break when you are trying to even just put the photo in… see what I mean?
• Garage sale signs – I say no because you can easily look across the aisle and find the BRIGHT colored poster board priced at $0.69 then cut them in half and you’ve got 2 signs so just about $0.35 each instead of $1.
• Crayons – they don’t work… weird huh? No really, the color is super dull.
• Playdough – this stuff is usually dried out….if you find one that’s not, you’re lucky!
• School supplies – you can usually always get better deals from places like Staples, Office Max etc as long as you buy at the right time…starting in about July and August they offer $0.01 deals, freebies and more. Just watch Raining Hot Coupons and I post them all Summer long.

Miscellaneous:

Things to buy:

• 3 pack socks that makes each pair about $0.33 each!
• Disposal bags for when walking pets – you get a ton for super cheap
• Big bottle of Bubbles – lots of Summer fun with these!
• Flip Flops – now I can’t say these are going to last but I’ve found that most $1 flip flops anywhere you get them don’t last long. They are great for public pools, the beach, etc so you don’t have to worry about someone taking them.
• Puzzles – great for the kids or even party favors or Birthday party game gifts
• Pack of Littles Toys – I LOVE to use the packs of insects, glowing stars, dinosaurs, erasers, etc for Pinatas! They work out perfect because you get quite a few for just $1.

Pass on these:

• Toy Cars – these tend to be very cheap and break (the plastic is flimsy)
• Outdoor lights – this may seem like a great deal but they don’t last long at all
• Lighters – don’t really work long
• Goggles – the water seeps through  😐
• Batteries – don’t last
• Anything electronic – according to many readers opinions and my own, anything electronic never last long.

Hope that helps….do you have anything to add to the list?! I would love to hear….

DIY Fizzy Foot Soak

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DIY Fizzy Foot Soak

Do you ever find yourself with sore, achy feet at the end of the day? How about after a night out on the town? Unfortunately, some footwear can cause sore and tired feet and can cause them to be quite painful depending how long you were wearing them. But there is a solution to this problem, that not only will soothe your feet but leave them feeling soft and relaxed. Check out the instructions below to make your own DIY fizzy foot soak:

Ingredients:

• Club soda or A Fizzy, Clear Soda of Your Choice
• 2 Tablespoons of Epsom Salts
• 3 Drops of Your Favorite Essential Oils
• Vicks Vapor Rub
•  1 Pair of Socks

Instructions:

1. Using a large bowl or foot bath, combine all ingredients (Besides the Vapor Rub) and stir together.
2. Soak feet in bowl for 15 minutes or more. The soda should be fizzing as your soaking.
3. If you would like to extend the foot bath, simply add more soda.
4. Once you have finished soaking, rinse feet and dry with a towel.
5. When your feet are completely dry, apply the Vapor Rub to your feet and then put on socks. If possible leave them on overnight for maximum results!

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.

How To Easily Clean Paintbrushes

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How To Easily Clean Paintbrushes

Whether you are painting walls in the house or a canvas in the sun room, your paintbrushes are doing a lot of work. Because brushes are such an important part of painting, we should really take care of them right? Well, it’s easy to forget to properly clean them after a painting session and most times they will dry out and become close to unusable because of it. Well, luckily there is an easy fix for this problem and the secret ingredients can be found in your own home! Check out the instructions below to learn how to clean paintbrushes easily:

Items Needed:

• Paintbrushes
• Vinegar
• Soap
• Warm Water

Instructions:

1. Start by warming up a small bowl of vinegar (enough to coat the bristles) in the microwave. Heat 20 seconds at a time until hot.
2. Pour vinegar into a jar or bowl and add any and all dirty paintbrushes. Make sure the bristles are covered by the vinegar. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes or longer if the paint is really stuck.
3. Once the brushes have soaked and the paint is starting to rub off, rinse with warm water. Follow up by re washing all brushes with warm soapy water, working your fingers through the bristles to remove any stuck on paint. Rinse one more time to remove soap and lay out flat to dry.
4. Brushes should be good as new and this process can be repeated as necessary.

How To Make An Emergency Candle Out Of Citrus Fruit

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How To Make An Emergency Candle Out Of Citrus Fruit

Sometimes we just aren’t prepared when power goes out or if there is an emergency situation. I know I have been caught many times with no candles or a burnt out flashlight when the power went out. The good news is citrus fruit can come to our rescue in our time of need. You can make an emergency candle out of citrus fruit such as lemons, oranges or grapefruits, the best part is that it is fairly simple to do.  All you need is an oil of your choice and a knife to create a candle, check out the instructions below and make your own today!

How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

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DIY 1 Minute Lip Gloss

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DIY 1 Minute Lip Gloss

Trying to find a new lip color when there is so many options can make for a hard decision. But what about making your own? Surprisingly, making your own lip gloss is not only super easy it only takes a few ingredients and 1 minute of your time! The best part is you can choose what color and what shade you want and you will save a ton of money by making your own! Check out the recipe below and start making your own 1 minute lip gloss today:

Ingredients: 

• Vaseline OR Coconut Oil Or Un-Petroleum Jelly
• Crystal Light Packets OR Kool Aid (Berry flavors work best)
• Small Container or Jar (To contain mix your gloss)
• Mixing Tool

Instructions:

1. Fill your jar or container with the jelly of your choice.
2. Add the crystal light till you reach your desired color (The more you add the darker it gets) 
3. Stir until completely mixed.
4. The gloss can be used right away but if you want it extra smooth let it sit for an hour!

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5 Different Uses For Cinnamon

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5 Different Uses For Cinnamon

Cinnamon may be something you use around the kitchen and in baking on a regular basis. But have you considered some other uses for cinnamon? Surprisingly, it has a ton of uses around the house and even when it comes to our health and well being.  It’s really amazing what one small product can really do and surprisingly it can help out our budget by saving us money. Check out the top 5 different uses for cinnamon in everyday life and try them out today:

1. Breath Refresher: Nevermind buying mouthwash or even mints, cinnamon is an easy way to freshen breath! Simply, chew on a cinnamon stick or gargle with water and a small amount of cinnamon for fresh breath that lasts all night!
2. Brain Power: Did you know that cinnamon has been known to boost brain power and increase productivity? Try adding cinnamon into your breakfast routine or in your morning coffee for an extra brain boost at the beginning of the day.
3. Stomach Ache Aid: Cinnamon and honey make a helpful remedy when you are suffering from a stomach ache. Try combining honey and cinnamon into a warm cup of tea or water and drink to soothe away stomach aches and pains.
4.  Treat A Cold: Not only does the combination of cinnamon and honey cure stomach aches, it has also been known to remedy head colds and sickness. The easiest and most effective way to take the two is the following: Heat a teaspoon of honey till warm and combine it with cinnamon. Eat a spoonful daily until symptoms have lessened.
5. Ant Deterrent:  If you have an ant problem in your house or outside, this trick is or you! Simply, sprinkle cinnamon where the ants tend to enter or hang out. The scent will keep the intruders away and it’s an all natural alternative to common bug and ant traps.

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!

4 Creative Ways To Use Bobby Pins

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4 Creative Ways To Use Bobby Pins

If there is a girl or women living around the house, you most likely know what a bobby pin is. If not, a bobby pin is a small brown hair pin used to keep hair and hairstyles in place. But these little pins aren’t just for hair anymore. They actually have a ton of creative uses and ideas and most of the time all you need is one pin. Check out the list below for 4 creative ways to use bobby pins:

1. Nail Holder: If you are working around the house, using a hammer and nails try this trick! Use a bobby pin to hold the nail in place. Slip the pin around the nail and place it where you want it to go. The pin will help keep the nail steady so you can hammer it in and you’ll avoid hitting your fingers with the hammer!
2. Fashion Fix: If you are wearing a racerback style tank top, bobby pins can help you create the perfect bra to go with it. Take two bobby pins and create an x shape by putting the pins together. Then use the x on the back of your bra straps to make a racerback style bra strap. This will hide bra straps under your tank and will save you from buying a new convertible bra.
3. Zipper Help: If your zipper breaks and you’re in a pinch, use bobby pins. A bobby pin will make the perfect handle for a zipper and keep your favorite sweater alive.  Simply, slip the pin in to the place where your zipper handle should be. Until you get it fixed, this is the perfect solution!
4. Pitter: If you’re not a fan of removing pits from your olives and cherries, bobby pins will come to the rescue. Remove the pit by pushing the unused bobby pin up through the bottom of the olive or cherry. The pit will pop right out and you can enjoy your snack of choice!

4 Bra Hacks To Make Life Easier

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4 Bra Hacks To Make Life Easier

As a women, one item of clothing you may wear a lot is your bra. It’s most times necessary to give you the support and structure you need. But it isn’t always an easy road when it comes to bras and fashion. Whether it is a strap sticking out of the wrong place or an annoying under wire, bra’s don’t come without headaches.  Luckily, there are a few easy hacks to keep in mind to make bra wearing not so difficult. Check out the tips below for 4 bra hacks to make life easier:

1. Paperclip Trick: If you need  to turn a regular bra into a racer back style bra, use a paperclip. Pulling the two straps together in the back and securing with a paperclip will give you the fashion fix you’re looking for in a pinch and hide your straps!
2. Sports Bra Clean: To keep your sports bra looking good and clean, try this quick shower trick. After your workout, head into the shower with your sports bra on. Give it a good rinse and then remove it. Once removed give it a good hand wash in or out of the shower and let it hang to dry. This will keep the material in better shape and help your bra last longer.
3. Hang Bras: When it comes to bra storage, there is a big difference! If you keep your bras in a drawer or box, they have a tendency to become bent or tangled. However, if you hang your bras over the second part of a coat hanger, you will not only save storage space, your bras will lay properly avoiding damage or squishing. This also makes it easy to see which bras you own.
4. Double Sided: When you have a bra strap that won’t stop falling off your shoulder, tape can help. Use double-sided tape for a quick fix to this problem! Simply, place the double-sided tape on the outside of your bra strap and stick it to your shirt or tank top. This will keep the strap in place, until you can look at the fit closer!

5 Ways To Use WD-40

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5 Ways To Use WD-40

WD-40 is a great tool to have inside and outside the house. Because of its many uses, one small bottle can go a really long way. WD-40 can be used as a cleaning product, a greasing product or even as a protector for certain items! Check out the list below for 5 new ways to use WD-40:

1. Grout  Cleaner: If you find you have really dirty lines showing where there is grout, try using WD-40! Spray a small amount directly on to the tiled grout and let it sit for a minute. Once it has sat, scrub with a scrub brush or toothbrush.
2. Stuck Lego: Isn’t it the worst when Lego pieces sticks together and refuses to be pulled apart? Luckily, there is an easy way to get them apart using WD-40. Simply, spray a small amount right in between the blocks so they loosen and come apart. Rinse off any remaining oil.
3. Crayon Cleaner: Crayon marks seem to show up just about anywhere. The great new is WD-40 can remove it from almost any surface around the house. Just spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the crayon mark and wipe it off for instant results!
4. Refrigeration Help: If you find you have stuck on food around the edges of your refrigerator or build up from overtime, try using WD-40. Spray a very small amount on a soft cloth and rub it around the edges. This will not only remove stuck  on food, it will also lift any build up within the seals.
5. Golf Shine: If you happen to be an avid golfer, try this trick to make your clubs look there best! Spray a small amount of WD-40 on your golf clubs to make them shine. Not only will it remove any dirt or grime from playing, it will leave them looking brand new for your next game!

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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….

5 New Ways To Use Old Towels

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5 New Ways To Use Old Towels

Older towels that have seen better days usually end up in the trash or as a drop cloth when painting the house. But is it possible that these old towels have some other practical uses still? Absolutely! Old towels can be used a ton of different ways and you might be surprised just how creative you get with them! So gather up your old bath or hand towels and try out these new 5 ways to use old towels:

1. Picnic Pal:  If your short a blanket for your next picnic or beach outing, try this great idea! Simply, gather up your favorite towels that don’t get used anymore and sew them together. You can make the perfect blanket as big or as small as you like. The best part is you can customize it to look exactly how you want!
2. Baby Bib: Why spend the extra money on bibs when you have the materials on hand! Simply, use an existing bib as a template and cut the same shape out of the towel. Hem the edges to avoid fraying and add a cute neck tie to finish it off!
3. Moving Supplies: When your moving the most important thing is to keep your fragile items safe. Older towels are perfect for the job! Wrap small valuables with hand towels, use older wash cloths as plate dividers and use large bath towels for bulky, over sized breakables.
4. Beach Tote: If your sewing skills are decent, why not try making a beach tote? There are a ton of DIY options when making a tote for the beach and you can even make a tote that turns into a beach towel with a pillow.
5. Mop: If you are looking for an easy DIY project using old towels, try making your own DIY mop head. Simply, shred your towel into long strips and secure them together in the middle with a string or zip tie. Attach your mop head to the end of a broom handle and you’ll have a shiny, clean floor in no time!

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Whenever I see fresh corn on sale, I always buy too much. Those sweet little kernels are always begging to come home with me to find a spot on my dinner plate. It makes for one delicious side dish to a barbeque but what to do with the leftovers? After a few nights of regularly grilled or boiled corn on the cob, it becomes too routine and boring to eat again all summer long. I’ve done some digging and put together a list of different ways to use and prepare corn on the cob. I will always enjoy a cob with a simple pat of butter but sometimes I like to change things up. Hopefully, these foodie ideas will inspire a bit of excitement in your summer dinners as well.

1- Go gourmet. Grill or oven bake corn with exciting flavor combinations to achieve restaurant worthy cobs. Husk and rinse the corn and place on a square of aluminum foil. Add different spices, herbs and veggies on top and completely wrap in foil. Try combinations like bacon and jalapeno, garlic and butter or lime juice and salt. Cook on the grill for 10-15 minutes or bake it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

2- Make corn salsa. This is a great salsa that will pair well with chips, on top of tacos and even next to a great grilled steak. Try this recipe to get you started.

You will need:
-1 cup fresh & cooked corn (grilled or baked and cut from the cob, about two cobs)
-2 cups diced tomatoes
-1/2 cup diced onion
-1 tablespoon diced jalapeno
-1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
-2 tablespoons lime juice
-salt and pepper to taste

Wash veggies and cilantro to prep, then dice. Combine all ingredients and toss together until blended well.

3- Try “Corn-kabobs.” Cut fresh cobs of corn in two inch increments to add to skewers. Alternate corn with smoked sausage, red and green bell peppers and onions to complete the dish.

4- Wake up an everyday salad of lettuce or spinach with fresh cooked corn, cut from the cob. Add avocado, crumbled bacon, feta cheese and lime juice to complete it. This combo is far from the dominating world of ranch and Italian dressing covered salads.

5- Bake corn bread casserole. This dish is easy, delicious and sure to be a crowd pleaser. This casserole never lasts long in my house and couldn’t be easier.

You will need:
-1 box of jiffy cornbread mix
-1 can creamed corn
-kernels from one cooked cob of corn
-1 stick of butter, melted
-2 tablespoons milk
–1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Combine the cornbread mix, creamed corn, corn kernels, butter and milk until blended well. Bake in a casserole dish at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes or until edges are brown. Remove from oven, top with cheese and enjoy!

For the recipes that call for corn removed from the cob, use a large knife to cut off the stalk end of the corn. Stand the cob up and cut downwards with the knife to remove the kernels. There is also a kernel removing kitchen utensil that does the same job more effectively. If you don’t have one, here’s one for a great price at less than $5 + FREE shipping!

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