Frugal Articles

100 Cheap Date Night Ideas

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Cheap Date Night Ideas

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Cheap Date Night Ideas

Date nights are a good idea to a great relationshop or marriage but doing one every week or even every other week can get expensive and kinda hard to figure out. My husband and I actually came up with this list of 100 easy, cheap and fun date night ideas which should keep you pretty busy! If you don’t like any of these, then what about trying to come up with your own list with your significant other….it kinda works as a date night. 😉

Enjoy…and don’t have too much fun!

Pick 3-5 of your favorite DVDs and have the other choose which one they want to watch
Play Cards
Play board games
Take a bath together 😳
Snowball fight (if possible)
Roast marshmallows in a homemade (safe) fire or over a flame
Make a pizza together out of funky ingredients (it’s fun using ingredients for a dessert pizza)
Feed ducks old bread
Go on a walk
Go bowling!
Go to the lake (no need for a boat, just buy a cheap tube from Walmart)
Go fishing
Scavenger hunt
Make a puzzle
Karaoke
Make dinner together
Make ice cream with fun toppings
Create contests
Draw each other (this can actually be pretty funny!)
See who can find the most things that are out of place in the house first (this actually helps clean the house)
Put those things away (whoever gets done first wins) – see above
Jump on the trampoline
Hot tub!
If you’re watching a show, see who can guess the commercial first… *We do this all the time, it helps knock out the commercials faster*
Biking
Go to the pet store
Paint – paint each other 😆
Watch Netflix
Set up a tent outside and sleep in it
Take pictures
Ice skating
Look at the stars
Order food at a fast food or to go restaurant and eat it in the car together
Mini golfing
Clip coupons together
Make a banana split together
Picnic!
Swap meet
Go to Garage sales
Take a drive!
Paint the house
Gardening
Write a song together
Write love letters to each other
Door bell ditch like you use to as a kid… 🙄
Wash the car together
Wash the dogs together
Go get pizza
Finger foods and feed each other
Carpet picnic inside
Go to the Museum
Play Basketball (or any other sport)
Enter a ton of sweepstakes and giveaway online (maybe you’ll win one!)
Play video games
Go to the arcade
Walk animals at the animal shelter
Go to the Zoo
Play hide and seek
Help at a homeless shelter
Get your palms read
Go to the fair
Frisbee
Candlelit dinner
Play paintball
Dance together
Check out your local Groupon or Living Social for inexpensive local deals
Swing on the swings
Double date out to eat
Go play pool
Go to a farm and pick fruit
Give each other a massage
Go tanning
Go to a play
Watch the sunset
Bake each other cookies
Make a “Coupon Booklet” and give it to each other with things they can do
Outdoor concert
Go the an aquarium
Organize the house together
Have a garage sale
Play hangman, tic tac toe, etc
Do Blind-folded food tasting
Pick out 5 things for each other at the $1 store – this is actually pretty fun
Go window shopping
Browse Pinterest
Browse Craigslist together
Drive through movie
Go to a matinee
Take dogs to the Lake
Plant a tree or flowers
Go to consignment store to find inexpensive decor or goodies
Adopt an animal
Roll down a hill together (like you use to do as a kid!)
Go to a waterpark
Go to the Farmers market
Go on a Geo-caching treasure hunt
Go to a local college sports game
Have a water fight with balloons or water guns
Go out for ice-cream
Come up with a list of 100+ date ideas with your hubby (my hubs helped me with this list!! LOL) 😉

Do you have any ideas?! If so, please leave it in the comments below!

Cheap Date Night Ideas

How To Make Reusable Swiffer Cloths

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How To Make Reusable Swiffer Cloths

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How To Make Reusable Swiffer Cloths

The Swiffer has become a well known household tool in the last few years. It does a great job keeping our floors clean and keeping dust out of our house. But it comes with a downside, it can be a constant cost to buy refills. Well, that may no longer be a problem with this new tutorial! You can officially make your own Swiffer cloth refills and it won’t break the bank. The best part about these cloths is that they are washable and can be thrown in with your normal laundry. Check out the instructions below to make your own reusable Swiffer cloths:

How To Make Reusable Swiffer Cloths

Ingredients

Fleece Material

Instructions

Basically, you take any type of fleece material that you have. Whether that be an old fleece scarf or if you head to the store and grab some fleece pieces.
Using your Swiffer as a template, measure out the pieces to size and cut.
Then, they are ready to use! Just attach cloths as normal and Swiffer away.
When they are ready to be washed, just throw it in with this appropriate load of laundry.

http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/how-to-make-reusable-swiffer-cloths-4/

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Ingredients:

Fleece Material

Directions:

Basically, you take any type of fleece material that you have. Whether that be an old fleece scarf or if you head to the store and grab some fleece pieces.
Using your Swiffer as a template, measure out the pieces to size and cut.
Then, they are ready to use! Just attach cloths as normal and Swiffer away.
When they are ready to be washed, just throw it in with this appropriate load of laundry.

Colored Noodles Recipe (Fun for the Kiddos and Very Inexpensive!)

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Colored Noodles

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Kid’s love making these Colored Noodles!

Need something fun to do with the kiddos? How about a way to make them eat?! If so, you may love this next idea….colored noodles! It’s super easy, inexpensive and quick.

Check out how to do it below:

Colored Noodles

Ingredients

2-3 food coloring colors (Blue and Pink or purple work best....Green kind of turns yellow)
1 package of White pasta (you can use wheat but the color doesn't turn out as bright)

Instructions

Boil the water in separate pans
Add about 15-20 drops of each color in its own pan (or until the water completely changes colors)
Boil pasta in colored water
Strain the pasta (make sure to do EACH color in it's own pan)
That's it!
*You can also do this same recipe a little different....just boil your pasta and strain then add a little bit of pasta to a few different baggies and add 15-20 drops of food coloring in each bag and a little water. Then let sit until pasta has absorbs the color.

http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/colored-noodles-recipe-fun-for-the-kiddos-and-very-inexpensive-4/

Organize Your Kitchen with Magazine Holders (Just $0.50 Each!)

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100 Cheap Date Night Ideas

How to Clean Your Tub and Bathroom with Grapefruit!

How to Easily Clean your Washing Machine!

How to Easily Store Jewelry!

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

What an easy way to organize the loose ends in your kitchen! You can just get the magazine holders from Target, Walmart, The Dollar store, etc for just $0.50 – $1.00 and use them to organize baggies, foil, plastic wrap, etc. Then you can stick them in your pantry and that way you’ll have an extra drawer in your kitchen for more utensils and things that need to go in drawers. 😉 You can buy a 5-pack of super cute colorful ones on Amazon if you don’t want to leave your house…

Refrigerator Organization Tips

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3 Ways To Keep Your Fridge Organized

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3 Ways To Keep Your Fridge Organized

The fridge is something we access and use every single day. So it makes perfect sense to try to keep your fridge neat and organized. However, before you know it with all the different food types and containers in the fridge, things can get messy. So what is the best way to keep things together? Well, there are a few easy tips to keep in mind that will help you keep your fridge extra organized and hopefully cut down the amount of time you have to spend cleaning and moving things around. Check out the tips below for 3 ways to keep your fridge organized:

Lazy Susan: It may seem silly to put a turntable lazy susan in your fridge, but surprising it can keep you really organized. By having a lazy susan in the fridge you will gain space and you’ll have easy access to important ingredients. The turntable idea works best with sauces, bottles, small containers and anything else that can be hard to reach or find in the fridge. All you have to do is spin it around to find exactly what you’re looking for. Also, it will keep food off your fridge shelves, making the fridge easier to clean on cleaning day.
Baskets: Baskets can be really helpful in the fridge to keep items that are alike together. Try and find baskets that will be small enough to have a few in a row on your shelf and organized them according to your food. Grouping food items together will cut down the time it takes to find something and will make it easy to see and use up ingredients. If possible, go the extra step and label all your baskets.
Cling Wrap: If you are looking for an easy way to cut down on fridge cleaning, try this fridge hack the next time you reorganize. Simply, place cling wrap or film on the shelves of your refrigerator and press to seal the sheets down. These sheets will catch crumbs and spills, while keeping your shelves looking brand new. When it’s time to clean, simply remove the cling wraps, clean the shelves and replace!

3 Homemade Spider Repellents

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3 Homemade Spider Repellents

As summer comes to a close and fall/winter seasons start to creep in, spiders start to look for somewhere warm to hide. Unfortunately, in most cases that place is our homes. However, there is a way to repel them naturally, without using any chemical full and sometimes unsafe traps. If you are looking to keep spiders outside this winter, check out these 3 great methods below!

Peppermint: Spiders hate peppermint, so use it to keep them away! Simply mix the following ingredients in a spray bottle: A mixture of 1 part peppermint, 1 part water and a few drops of dish soap. Spray this around doors, windows and anywhere spiders like to hide in your house!
Coconut: Coconut oil and vinegar are a perfect mix to keep spiders away! This mix is especially good if you find spiders in your shower: 1 part coconut oil and 1 part vinegar, mix together in a spray bottle. Use this method in your shower, bathrooms, windows and even around all your drains in the house.
Citrus: Last but not least, citrus is a great deterrent for spiders! This is the easiest method to keep them away as you can just drop a few essential oils anywhere around the house that they show up! Use oils such as: lime, orange, lemon to keep them away!

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What to Buy at the Dollar Store (And What Not to Buy!)

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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 Detox Foot Soak

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DIY Detox Foot Soak

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DIY Detox Foot Soak

Do you find that your feet are tired and sore at the end of a long day? Well there might just be a solution to this very problem! We are all on our feet for the majority of every day and that can take a serious toll on our feet! Luckily, there is a great detoxifying foot soak that will not only help soothe your sore feet it will also keep your feet looking really healthy! Check out this awesome recipe below to create your own DIY detox foot soak:

Recipe:

1 cup of Epsom Salts

1 cup of Sea Salt

2 cups of Baking Soda

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together. Store in airtight container as 1 batch of mix will work for a few soaks.
When you want to soak your feet, add 1/4 cup of the dry mixture into a tub of very hot water.
Soak feet for 30 mins to see results!
Use mix whenever you feel like you need to relax your feet!

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How to Make Foaming Dish or Hand Soap and Save Tons of Money

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Have you ever bought that foaming dish soap or hand soap? I have and I love it but what if you could make your own and save over $5.00 a refill (like you’d pay in the store).

You just need the foaming soap dispenser (buy at Walmart, Target, etc – a one time expense) and liquid soap which you can usually get for FREE with a coupon or for inexpensive.

Here’s how:

1. Rinse out your foaming soap container.
2. Fill the foaming container 1/4 with regular Dawn Dish Soap.

3. Then slowly fill up the container with water (you can tilt it so the water goes down the side and not onto the soap that way you don’t get a bubbly mess).

4. Put the top back on and slowly tip back and forth to mix (do not shake).

That’s it! You can use an 8oz bottle of the regular soap to make about 9 refills of foam soap which will bring you lots of savings!

Thanks, Mojosavings

How to Cut a Watermelon for Little Fingers

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How to Cut a Watermelon

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Watermelon is a perfect Summer snack and what I love about it is how inexpensive it is! There are many things you can make with it (check out my Watermelon Smoothie Recipe here) but it’s fun to just eat and almost every kid out there loves it.

This is my favorite way to cut up a watermelon and guess what..it’s perfect for kiddos little fingers! They can easily pull out a piece and still get a good amount of fruit with a little part to hold onto!

See my pics below to see how to cut it:

First cut the watermelon in half.

Then flip it on its side and cut slices into it.

Turn it the other way and cut more slices the opposite direction. You will then be able to pull out pieces to eat and enjoy!

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Fresh Blueberry Buckle

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Butterfinger Pie

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

How to Cut a Watermelon

Inspired by, Mama Say What

How To Quickly Cure Canker Sores

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How To Quickly Cure Canker Sores

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How To Quickly Cure Canker Sores

Canker sores can be a huge pain (literally) when they show up out of nowhere and hang around to cause serious discomfort. The ominous sores appear for a few reasons some of the most important being the brand of toothpaste you are using or emotional stress. The good news is there is a simple, home remedy that will nip cankers in the bud quickly. Check out the instructions below to find out how to quickly cure canker sores:

Ingredients:

Baking Soda
Water

Instructions:

To start shrinking the canker sore, simply make a small paste of water and baking soda in a small bowl or on your finger.
Then rub the paste directly on your canker and make sure to cover the whole surface area.
Do this for 2-3 days until canker sores have completely disappeared.

7 Tips For Using Your Crock Pot

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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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Sanitize Your Dirty Sponge in the Microwave

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This next tip is a great way to clean a smelly old sponge and a perfect way to clean your microwave at the same time!

Get the sponge completely wet with water
Place in microwave for 1 minute
You can then put on some gloves and use the sponge to wipe out any old food that’s stuck in your microwave (be careful, the sponge will be super HOT).
After this, rinse the sponge (and if your microwave was really dirty, you may want to sanitize your sponge one more time) 😉
That’s it! You can do this a couple times until the sponge starts to deteriorate.

Tip – if you don’t feel comfortable re-using the sponge after a few times then you coud start using that same sponge to clean your bathrooms (just be sure to place it under the sink in a special spot so someone doesn’t re-use it in the kitchen). 😕

10 Tips for Quick Weight Loss

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Don’t forget to check out my drinks that will also help…

Fat Burning Detox Drink

Weight Loss Detox Drink

Stress Relieving Detox

1. Eat more.

Well, actually you don’t need to eat more – you just need to eat more frequently. Eating 5-6 small meals each day a few hours apart will help keep your metabolism in check and keep you satisfied longer.

2. Drink water. Then drink some more.

You can’t lose weight without drinking enough water, so make sure you’re sipping on it all day long! This is super important and really seems to work for many different reasons….just trust me on this one…water, water, water!

3. Use portion plates.

The less food you put on your plate, the less you will eat. Instead of using regular sized plates, use saucers. Fill your plate up with veggies and you will still be satisfied, without going over your calorie intake for the day. Also, when you go out to dinner, ask for a “to-go box” before you even get your food. Yes, they may look at you like you’re crazy but that way you can package up half your dinner, lunch, breakfast before you see it and get tempted to eat ALL OF IT! If it’s in front of your face you will be more tempted to take a few extra bites.

4. Get rid of the temptation.

If chocolate is your weakness, keep it out of the house. If soda tempts you, it’s okay to drink it once in a while, but it should be a rare treat – not a staple in your refrigerator. Also, choose the dark chocolate next time, it’s much better for you!

5. Load up on veggies.

Your diet should be high in fruits and vegetables. They’re loaded with fiber, and will keep you full longer than the 100 calorie snack packs that are all the rage lately.

6. Workout smarter.

You can jump start your weight loss and keep your metabolism going for longer by doing 3 or 4 10-minute workouts instead of 1 big 30 or 40 minute cardio workout.

7. Track your food intake.

Keep a log of what you eat and drink every day for a week. You’d be surprised to see how high your calorie intake has been if you haven’t been tracking it. If you get in the habit of it now, you can continue to do it if you’d like. It’s not necessary, but it’s a helpful tool that many people use to stay on track.

8. Take an extra 1,000 steps each day.

Purchase a pedometer (don’t worry, they’re inexpensive), and take the stairs. Aim for 1,000 extra steps each day. They add up fast!

9. Buddy up.

Team up with a workout buddy to maximize your weight loss results! If you don’t feel like hitting the gym one day, send your buddy a text and he or she can motivate you to get your sweat on. You can return the favor when they feel like lounging a bit. 🙂

10. Avoid fad diets.

Though it’s tempting to try fad diets to try and lose weight fast, it’s best to follow the tips above to lose weight slowly so you can keep the weight off.

You’re turn….what are some tips you can add to the list for weight loss?!

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10 Tips to Speed Cleaning Your House

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Speed Cleaning

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10 Tips to Speed Cleaning Your House

Cleaning the house can be a bit of a dreaded task. Not only can it be extremely time consuming, it can be hard to keep up with on a regular basis. Luckily, there are ways to keep up on the housework and spend less time actually cleaning! Check out the 10 tips below on how to clean your house in record time:

Dust First: Whatever you do, dust first! When your dusting you are stirring up all sorts of bits that will most likely end up on the floor. By dusting prior to doing your floors you will save yourself an extra step.
One Way: When your cleaning in a hurry, clean from one side of the house to the other. This way you will stay organized and on task.
Gather: Use a basket or box and gather all the loose items together such as clothes, toys or books. Then when you go to put everything away, it will all be in one place and easier to organize overall.
Shower Clean: If you can get into a habit of wiping down your shower after every use, it will save you a lot of time. Just make sure to leave a cloth or scrub brush somewhere accessible.
Beds: Another habit to develop is making the bed every morning after you get up. This will take one thing off your list and help you start the day off on the right foot.
Tools: Keeping all your cleaning items and sprays in a special tote or container can really cut down on how long it takes to clean. This way you won’t have to search for what you need and you can take the tote into each room and start cleaning right away.
Focus: Try to focus on only cleaning and give yourself a time to get everything finished. This way you will eliminate distractions allowing you to get things done more efficiently and you’ll have a goal to meet.
Vacuum: Your vacuum will work for pretty much any floor surface and will let you eliminate the use of a broom. This will not only save you time by not having to switch over tools you’ll also get a better clean.
Routine: If you can, figure out a cleaning routine and cater it to your lifestyle. Dirtiest to cleanest room work best for you? Do it the same way every time you will develop a routine and once you get to know it you’ll move a lot faster.
Glass: Do all the glass items, mirrors and windows in one shot. This will save you time by doing it all together and you’ll be able to really focus on the task at hand!

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How to Save Money by Freezing Fresh Foods

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How to Save Money by Freezing Fresh Foods

For many people, saving money and being frugal is a way of life. There are countless ways to reach these goals but using coupons at the grocery store is one of the most popular and effective methods. The main purpose for using coupons is to stock up on an item at the lowest possible price so you don’t have to pay more later when you need it. But what about the items that we don’t usually see coupons for, like eggs, milk, produce and meat? There is a way to save money on these items; Buy them cheap and freeze them.

A package of strawberries won’t last as long as a can of tomato sauce will, but we can extend the life of these perishable items by freezing them. Although we might not be able to save with a coupon, we can still take advantage of the great sales these items are featured in. Buy your perishable foods at the lowest sale price you can find to bring home to freeze and enjoy your savings months at a time.

Different foods require different preparations and techniques for freezing. It isn’t always as easy as “just put it in the freezer.” Below is a how to guide to get you started, along with tips, tricks and other helpful information about freezing perishable foods.

Before you start…

Get familiar with a few bits of information to help the prepping and freezing process run smoother. Many vegetables require “blanching” before freezing. Blanching is a method of cooking where a food is placed in boiling water briefly for a few minutes and then submerged into an ice water bath. This offers a partial softening and cooking of the food.

There are two main types of freezing produce; Loose packed and solid packed. Loose packing is when you freeze the items individually on a pan or cookie sheet (think berries, pieces of herbs or a diced vegetable) then transfer to another container and place back into the freezer. Solid packing is when the food is frozen all together or in a syrup or water base (many fruits are commonly frozen this way.)

Your produce should be properly washed and cut prior to blanching and freezing. A good wash will rid your fruits and veggies of dirt, insecticides and any little bugs who thought they found a great home. You wouldn’t eat these things, so you wouldn’t want to freeze them either.

It’s always a good idea to defrost your frozen goods in the fridge to avoid any spoilage or significant chance in textures. Plan your time accordingly if your food items will take longer to defrost.

-Green Beans

Cut into manageable pieces, just a few inches in length. Blanch for 3 minutes and submerge in ice water bath. These can be loose packed or solid packed depending on how you plan on using them later on.
Lasts 10 to 12 months

-Corn

You can freeze whole corn on the cob; Blanching is required and time depends on the size of the ear. Small ears need to be blanched for about 7 minutes, medium sized ears for about 9 and large ears need to be blanched for 11 minutes. Make sure these cool completely before freezing.
If you are only freezing the kernels, blanching for about 4 minutes, cool then remove kernels from cob.
Lasts 10 to 12 months

-Asparagus

Trim the stalks and cut into sizes that will fit into your containers. Blanch for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on size and cool completely before freezing.
Lasts 8 to 10 months

-Bell peppers

You can choose to freeze these as halves or in strips, rings or diced. Freezing as halves requires a blanch time of about 3 minutes, while cut into smaller pieces only requires about 2 minutes blanch time. Cool completely and freeze.
You can freeze these peppers raw without blanching. Uncooked peppers that are frozen will stay crisper.
Lasts 10 to 12 months

-Tomatoes

These only need blanched for about 30 seconds so you can remove the skin. After they cool, core, peel and cut into pieces before freezing. (You can also freeze these whole.)
Lasts 2 to 3 months

-Avocado

Avocado actually freezes better as a puree, so there is no blanching required here. Cut in half and remove pit. Puree before freezing.
Lasts about 3 months

-Pumpkin

Cut into manageable pieces and remove the seeds. (You can roast these to reduce waste!) Cook in boiling water until soft, cool, transfer to container and freeze.
Lasts 6 to 12 months

-Bananas

There are a few ways to freeze bananas; Whole unpeeled, whole peeled, peeled and sliced or as a puree. If you choose to freeze peeled whole or sliced, freeze the bananas separately on a cookie sheet first to prevent them from sticking together in the freezer. Make sure your bananas are completely ripe before freezing. The bananas will be mushy once thawed, so their best use after freezing is for cooking.
Lasts about 3 months

-Strawberries

You can freeze these whole or sliced. You can “dry freeze” (without any added sugar water) by placing on a cookie sheet for the initial freeze and transfer to a container and place back into freezer. If you choose a sugar pack, mix ¾ cup of sugar with about 1 quart of strawberries. Move to container and remember to leave some room at the top, about 1 inch. If you choose to pack with syrup, cover with heavy syrup and leave about 1 inch space at the top.
Lasts 6 to 12 months

-Eggs

Eggs can be frozen a few different ways; Whole egg, yolk only or egg white only.
Whole egg -Mix together gently the white and the yolk but avoid mixing in air and whipping. Freeze in an ice tray to create manageable pieces. Three tables spoons will equal one whole egg. Transfer to another container, once frozen completely and place in freezer.
The same process works for the yolk or white only. Two tablespoons of the egg white mixture equals one egg white and one tablespoon of the yolk mixture equals one yolk.
Lasts about 12 months

-Milk

Freeze milk in the container it comes in but make sure there is 1 to 1 and ½ inches of air space at the top to account for expansion (remove some milk if necessary.) While freezing milk is safe, some might be turned off by the color of frozen milk; It can become grainy or yellow in the process. Thaw in the fridge, give it a good shake to redistribute the fat and use within 2 to 3 days.
Lasts about 3 months

-Butter

Butter can also be stored in the freezer within the packaging it comes in. If you prefer, you can slice into smaller pieces or pats and wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer paper. This option works best if you plan on using the butter in one tablespoon increments.
Lasts 6 to 9 months

-Meat

Freeze meat in meal size portions if you are buying in bulk. When freezing patties or steaks, place a sheet of freezer paper between each to prevent sticking together and to encourage a faster thaw when you remove from the freezer. The clear plastic that store bought meats come in needs to be added to, as it is not moisture resistant. Try wrapping it in freezer paper and transferring to a freezer bag.
Ground meat lasts about 3-4 months
Processed meat lasts about 1-2 months

*To get the best quality out of your frozen foods, follow the suggested “lasts about” for each food. Foods can be kept frozen longer but quality starts to decline.

Important facts and tips

When freezing any item long or short term, remember to date and label each item so you can properly gauge how long it’s been frozen and what it is. When choosing a container, look for air tight, water resistant and freezer specific. You should also keep your freezer at 0 degrees to ensure a proper freeze for your food. Take all these tips and start saving money on your fresh foods!

If you need some new containers to start freezing your perishables in, check out this great price on this Rubbermaid Easy Find Lid 24-Piece Food Storage Container Set from Amazon. You can get it for just $19.99!

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5 Ways to Enjoy Strawberries This Summer

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When those little heart shaped berries make it onto the shelves in the store, you know that the summer season is upon us. Strawberries are one of the best summer time fruits and there’s nothing quite like a fresh, ripe strawberry on a hot summer day. I don’t know about you but when I buy strawberries, I find it hard not to dive right in and eat them all. Or to buy them all. Or to cover them with sugar.

Since they are only in season fresh for a few months, it’s a good idea to try to utilize the abundant amount available while you can. Here’s a few easy and delectable ways to enjoy strawberries incorporated into meals or treats that you might not have thought of.

1- Try strawberry infused water. The recipe could not be easier. Rinse and hull one container of strawberries. Slice or quarter and add to a pitcher of water. That’s it. The secret to getting the refreshing infusion is letting the mixture refrigerate and allowing the flavor to mingle for at least an hour, longer if you wait. Try adding lemons, limes or mint for some flavor mix ups. You can also use sparkling water for a touch of fancy or infuse the berries in a pitcher of tea instead.

2- What better way to enjoy strawberries in the summer time than as a fresh frozen treat? Puree fresh, rinsed strawberries and use the mixture to fill popsicle molds. Freeze for a few hours and enjoy. Mix in yogurt to the puree before freezing for a creamsicle like treat. These are much more healthier and customizable than what you can buy in the store. I have a RECIPE for Real Fruit Popsicles here.

Check out this great price on popsicle molds so you can get started on this frozen concoction!

3- Try a fresh produce adaptation of the ever trendy cake pops; Strawberry pops. Incorporate strawberries into the mix by first inserting cake pop or lollipop sticks into freshly rinsed and hulled berries. Dip into dark chocolate and roll in sprinkles or try white chocolate rolled in graham cracker crumbs. Remember to refrigerate if not served immediately.

4- Strawberry cheesecake is a popular dessert but baking it homemade is labor intensive and time consuming. Try a much simpler wanna-be version using cupcakes. Start with a boxed vanilla cake mix (I won’t tell!) and top with a cream cheese frosting and fresh, sliced strawberries. These won’t last long and will be much easier than a whole authentic cheesecake. Also, don’t forget to try my Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries Recipe (these are SO good and easy!)!

5- Freshen up a summer salad with strawberries. Add the sliced berries to a bed of spinach or kale, mix in your favorite assortment of salad fixings and top with a light dressing. There are many variations of this salad but you might consider adding kiwi, avocado, melon, mango, walnuts or almonds. Lightly toss with a honey dijon, honey lime or a poppy seed dressing. This would be a perfect side dish to a back yard barbeque.

Don’t forget to check out my recipes using strawberries too:

Stress Relieving Detox Drink (which uses Strawberries)

and

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries Recipe (these are SO good)

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How To Clean Your Hood Fan Quickly

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How To Clean Your Hood Fan

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How To Clean Your Hood Fan Quickly

Personally, I find my hood fan is the first thing to not only get dirty in my kitchen, but it also shows the most dirt out of anything else. Whether there is a build up of grease or stray dust collecting on top, it can be a hard appliance to clean and keep clean. Luckily, there is a quick and easy way to clean your hood fan and it will leave you with sparkling results! Check out the quick solution below and find out how to quickly clean your hood fan:

How To Clean Your Hood Fan Quickly

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons of Vegetable Oil Or Mineral
Cloth & Cleaning Rag

Instructions

Apply oil to your cleaning rag and wipe down the top of the hood fan.
Repeat a few times to make sure you are left with a clean surface.
Once complete, wipe down the top of the hood fan with a second dry cloth.
Repeat as grease and dust starts to show.

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How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer – up to a Month Longer!!

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How to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

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Use Pennies To Keep Cut Flowers Alive Longer

Having fresh flowers on the table or around the house can really brighten things up and make your house smell great. The only downside to having cut flowers is sometimes there life span can be short and the flowers can wilt quite quickly. But there is a way to keep them lasting longer with a simple form of currency.

Next time you bring home a bouquet of flowers throw a few pennies when you fill your vase with water. The pennies act as a natural antibacterial agent and keep the flowers blooming and alive for longer. Another tip that can help keep cut flowers alive is to re-cut the stems every couple days and placing the flowers in cold water!

Don’t forget to change the water daily too which will help (but add the pennies!). 😉

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How To Keep Avocados From Browning

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How To Keep Avocados From Browning

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How To Keep Avocados From Browning

Avocados are not only delicious but are packed full of good nutrients and health benefits! However, once oxygen comes into contact with the inside of the avocado they start to brown and the process can move quite quickly. The good news is there is a way to prevent browning for a few days, allowing you to get the most out of your avocados.

There are two really great methods that will extend the life of your fresh avocado. The first method is for those who are using one half and want to save the other for a little later. Once you have cut the avocado in half, use the side that does not have the pit first. For the second half, leave the pit attached and rub some lemon or lime juice over the top surface. Place in a sealed bag and try to insure that no air is left in the bag, then refrigerate till your ready to use it. This can keep the half fresh for up to 2 days.

The second method is for those who want to prepare avocados ahead of time and keep them fresh till your ready to use them. Remove the avocado from the skin and prepare as you prefer (diced, sliced, chopped etc.). Once you have prepared it the way you want, immediately submerge in a bath of ice water. Keep the pieces in the water till your ready to use them, this keeps them away from oxygen. They will stay fresh for up to four hours in the water.

8 Reasons To Drink Lemon Water In The Morning

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8 Reasons To Drink Lemon Water In The Morning

Water is the number one beverage that we should be drinking everyday, multiple times a day. But what about in the morning when you need a boost? Or something a little more exciting than plain water? Well as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemon water?! Well maybe that’s not how it goes but lemon water in the morning is extremely good for you and comes loaded with benefits for your whole body. Check out the 8 reasons why you should be drinking lemon water in the morning:

Skin: Lemon water can do wonders for your skin. A glass or two every morning can keep your skin clear and glowing and will keep up your overall hydration.
Weight Loss: Want a super easy way to promote weight loss? Lemon water is a great stepping stone when you are trying to lose some pounds. Having a glass will help you fight hunger cravings and eat less over all.
Immune System: Lemons on their own are a packed with great nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. These factors will help you fight oncoming colds and keep your immune system running strong.
Digestion: Lemon water is known for helping with your digestive tract and loosening toxins. It also can help ease symptoms of burping, bloating and heartburn.
Energy Boost: A great benefit of having lemon water in the morning is you will gain some energy! Once the lemon water is in your digestive tract it will boost your energy and has also been known to help enhance your mood throughout the day.
Healing: Lemons (Vitamin C) have anti-inflammatory properties that will help your body heal faster. It can help if you’re trying to fight stress or trying to heal a wound.
Cleansing: Lemons are also known for their cleansing attributes when it comes to your liver, kidneys and blood. By cleansing these parts it will help with energy levels and will make you feel great!
Breath Freshener: Lemon water can be a great tool for freshening breath! Having one glass in the morning can reduce bad breath and if you do this every morning it can reduce body odor over time.

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16 Easy Kitchen Organization Ideas and Tips with Pictures!

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Kitchen Organization Ideas

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I always feel like I need to have my kitchen organized the most out of anything in my house. Since I cook a lot of recipes in it, I want to make sure I know where everything is, it all fits and I can find things quickly. If it’s not organized. cooking and baking takes twice as long and stresses me out.

With that being said, below are tons of really smart ideas on how to organize your kitchen! Enjoy..

Don’t forget to check out my post on 20 DIY Cleaning Recipes, Tips and Tricks! And, 6 Steps to a Clean and Productive Kitchen.

(Photo Credit, source & to see directions: My So Called Home)

Use a cabinet door to hang your measuring cups…there is nothing worse than searching for a measuring cup when in the middle of making a recipe.

(Photo Credit, source & to see directions: My House, My Home)

Use plastic bins (buy at the dollar store) to organize tupperware…smart idea!

(Photo credit, source & to see directions: Everyday Organizing)

Labels…it may seem tedious but when things are labeled, you know exactly where to put things every time AND that in return means you will be able to find things easily too. Plus, after putting things away in their “spot” for some time, you will get use to EXACTLY where everything is in your kitchen.

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Pinterest)

Love this idea because I hate when I can’t find lids or they all come flying out when you just want one! Use a drying rack and basket to make this lid organizer!

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Martha Stewart)

Use a lazy susan, turn table in the fridge! I love this idea because how many times have you thought you didn’t have ketchup or something but it was actually hiding in the back.

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Martha Stewart)

I needed a funnel the other day and kept trying to roll a piece of paper but it would constantly come undone. So, keep some envelopes in a drawer and if you need a funnel, cut a triangle out of it diagonally and then a large opening in the corner and that’s it!

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Martha Stewart)

Buy some mini tension rods and put them in a cupboard or pantry to utilize the space better…plus things are easier to pull out and put away.

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Simcoe Street)

I love these bins because since they are open in the front, you can easily see what’s inside of them. Once again, these can be found at a dollar store or even Walmart.

(Photo Credit source, & to see directions: My House, My Home)

If you have a lot of mugs, plastic cups or even baby bottles, etc then you may want to try out this idea. You can hang this on a door (like the pantry). This is just a shoe holder but can be used for many other things.

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Organizing Home Life)

If you don’t have a lot of mugs then you may want to use that same idea from above (shoe holder) to store kid’s snacks, seasoning packets, etc!

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Goodbye House, Hello Home)

Another smart fridge idea…Use tubs to organize you fridge. The great thing about these is that if a piece of fruit or something spills, you can easily pull it out and give it a wash! You really should be cleaning your fridge often so this makes it much easier and looks better.

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Domestically Speaking)

If you don’t have this in your kitchen, I highly recommend it! It’s a great place to store sponges as well as sink stoppers.

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Girl Loves Glam)

The kitchen is a great place to put this board organizer. You can keep your schedule on it, weekly meal planner, receipts, to do list, etc! As an added bonus, it looks super cute.

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Kevin & Amanda)

Talk about utilizing space well! You can get these Pan holders/organizers on Amazon! What a smart idea!

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Fabulously Organized Home)

Believe it or not, (I still choose not to…you should see my drawer :-?) you CAN have an organized junk drawer…Just find some little baskets that fit in your drawer and that’s it!

(Photo credit, source & to see directions, Fab n’ Free)

You can get these FREE Printable Kitchen Pantry Labels! + Blank pages of each of the 4 styles so you can add your own… and they all come in black or teal.

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DIY Chalkboard Paint

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DIY Chalkboard Paint

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DIY Chalkboard Paint

There have been some trends in the DIY market that have come and gone, but there is one that has stuck around: Chalkboard Paint! It is such a creative paint to work with as you can apply it to just about anything and it becomes a writable surface. But have you ever considered making your own? It’s surprisingly easy to do and it will save you a ton of money by making it at home! Check out the recipe below to make your own DIY chalkboard paint:

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp of Unsanded Grout
1/2 Cup of Acrylic Paint (Any color you like!)
Mixing Bowl & Mixing Tool

Instructions:

Start by combining paint and grout together in your mixing bowl.
Mix until no lumps are present and till your color is the shade you want.
Then paint your surface with your newly created paint!
Make sure to prep the chalkboard surface after the paint has dried by rubbing chalk on the full surface and wiping it off.
Your chalkboard is ready to be written on!
Store paint in the fridge between uses.

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DIY Furniture Dusting Spray

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DIY Furniture Dusting Spray

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DIY Furniture Dusting Spray

In most households people are fighting to keep the house clean between foot traffic, kids, pets and just everyday dust. It can be a hard thing to stay on top of, especially when it feels like dust is multiplying in every corner! So how do you conquer the dust and keep the surfaces in your house sparkling? Well, one way can be to use dusting spray that leaves your furniture shining and makes dust disappear into thin air. But buying it can be expensive, so why not make your own! Check out this great recipe for making your own DIY furniture dusting spray:

DIY Furniture Dusting Spray

Ingredients

1 3/4 Cups of Water
1/4 Cup of Vinegar
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
8-12 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
Spray Bottle

Instructions

Mix all ingredients directly into spray bottle and shake/mix well.
Once all liquids are combined, the spray is ready to use!
This spray works best on wood. Spray on surfaces and wipe off with a dry, soft cloth to achieve a beautiful shine!

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Ingredients:

1 3/4 Cups of Water
1/4 Cup of Vinegar
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
8-12 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
Spray Bottle

Directions:

Mix all ingredients directly into spray bottle and shake/mix well.
Once all liquids are combined, the spray is ready to use!
This spray works best on wood. Spray on surfaces and wipe off with a dry, soft cloth to achieve a beautiful shine!

50 Things to Do with Vinegar (Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry, Pet Tips)!

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You may not have known this but there are actually a TON of different things you can do with Vinegar from cooking and cleaning to first aid and gardening! Since vinegar is so inexpensive, this is a great way to save money!

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Cooking tips

Poach eggs – add some vinegar to help them keep their shape
Tenderizing meat – Add a little to marinades to help make the meat soft
Sticky pasta – add 1/4 teaspoon to a pot of boiling pasta water to help the pasta not be so sticky
Onion odors – rub vinegar on your hands after handling onion to get rid of the smell
Chocolate Cake moisture – add a teaspoon to a box of chocolate cake mix to add moisture
Too much salt – add a little vinegar to mask the salt
Perk up canned sauce or soup – add a little vinegar!
Rice – add a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar to boiling water to make the rice taste great
Keep eggs from cracking – add a tablespoon of white distilled vinegar to boiling water
Basic vinaigrette salad dressing – use 1 part white distilled vinegar to 4 parts oil

Pet Tips

Shiny Coat – Spray dog, cat, horse with 1 cup white distilled vinegar to 1 quart water.
Clean their ears – wipe out the ears with a cotton dipped in vinegar
Spray an area to keep the animal from spraying, or doing their bathroom business in a spot (always test spot first).
Water lines or Calcium build up on water bowls – wipe them down or let them soak in white distilled vinegar (some need to set overnight) and then rinse well.
Bye Bye Flies – spray any area outside where the animal goes to the bathroom to get rid of flies
Kill Fleas – add a little to their water every day
Healthy animal (use apple cider vingar with the “Mother” in their water every day) this is great for their health and bad breath
Remove Cat litter odor – let vinegar sit in cat litter box then rinse out
Cat fights – spray them with vinegar water while they are fighting
Spray the leaves of plants with vinegar to prevent cats from chewing on them.

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning solution – add 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Then slowly add white distilled vinegar to make a thick creamy texture.
Deodorize a drain – Use 1 cup baking soda, and one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Wait 10 minutes and rinse with hot water
Clean out fridge with vinegar and water solution
Remove dors from dishwasher – use 2 cups white distilled vinegar inside an empty dishwasher and run cycle.
Clean counters with a cloth soaked in vinegar
Keep marks off glass – spray with white distilled vinegar and rinse with hot water then dry
Clean smelly and stained plastic food containers with vinegar
Lunch box odors – put a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar and leave overnight then remove and rinse the lunch box.
Clean the grill with half vinegar and half water before cleaning
Easily remove a label, price tag, sticker, etc – use a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar, leave on until sticker slides right off.
Clean mirrors with it
Use as a steam iron cleaner
Wash walls with vinegar
Clean paintbrushes with vinegar
Use to clean tea pot
Clean microwave – remove splattered food and deodorize, boil a mixture of 1/4 cup vinegar and and one cup water inside the microwave for 1-2 minutes then clean out.
Toilet cleaner – Pour 1 cup of white vinegar in the toilet bowl, let it stand for 5 minutes and then flush it.
Deodorize room – spray 50/50 vinegar water mixture in the air in a stinky room
Smoke off clothes – Pour 1 cup of vinegar in a hot water tub then hang clothes above steam
Take stains out of clothes – Remove perspiration stains from clothes by applying one part vinegar and four parts water on the spot, rub and then rinse.

Laundry Tips

Brighten fabrics – when clothes is in the rinse cycle add half a cup of vinegar.
Remove grease from suede – dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over the grease.
Fabric softener – 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water in your fabric softener dispenser.
Mustard stain – dab with vinegar before washing
Prevent clothes from clinging – add 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the wash cycle.
Forget about clothes?! – Pour 3 cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water after that run a normal cycle with laundry detergent. Will get moldy smell out.
Get rid of musky smells from cotton clothes – sprinkle with white distilled vinegar and then press them.
Remove soap residue on clothes by using white distilled vinegar in the final rinse.
Remove stains on clothing aby soaking in equal parts milk and white distilled vinegar.
Patent leather shoes and bags more shine – wipe down with a little vinegar.

Thanks, Vinegar Tips

6 Steps to a Clean and Productive Kitchen

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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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DIY Play Slime For Kids!

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DIY Play Slime For Kids!

With the last few days of summer hanging around, there is still time to do a fun DIY project with the kids. We all remember what it was like to play with play dough and play slime way back when, so why not let our kids in on the fun as well? This homemade play slime is super fun and easy to make and the best part is you can include the kids in the creation and the play process.

Check out the great recipe below and start the fun by making your own DIY play slime:

DIY Play Slime For Kids!

Ingredients

1 Cup of Cornstarch
1 Cup of Water
Food Coloring

Instructions

Toss together the cornstarch and the water, mixing in a stainless steel bowl.
Do this till the slime has reached a good consistency. Feel free to add more or less.
Next, add your choice of food coloring and mix well.
Your slime is now ready to be played with!

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10 Ways To Use Ice Cube Trays

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10 Ways To Use Ice Cube Trays

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10 Ways To Use Ice Cube Trays

Ice cube trays are good only good for ice right? Not anymore! With a little creativity you can make anything from chocolaty desserts to cubes of cooking stock. Check out these great ideas below on how to use your ice cube trays other than for ice:

Chocolate Strawberries: This is a great dessert idea when you are short on time! Simply place your cut strawberries in the trays and pour melted chocolate over top. Pop it in the freezer for fast chocolate covered strawberries.
Herbs & Oil: Freeze your leftover herbs in ice cube trays to extend their life. Simply pack your herbs in the tray and pour olive oil over top. Pop them in the freezer and use them whenever you need to spice up a dish or a soup.
Coffee Cubes: To save your ice coffee from getting watery, freeze leftover coffee in your ice cube trays. Then when you have your morning iced drink you can throw in a couple of specialty ice cubes and enjoy coffee flavor as it melts.
Baby Food: Freezing leftover baby food is a great way to preserve it. If you find you have too much and want to save it, throw it in the trays to freeze. When you need it, thaw a few cubes and your good to go!
Pasta Sauces: Freezing leftover pasta sauce in ice cube trays is a great way to save leftovers and will help you when you need sauce quickly. Warm up on the stove or in the microwave and enjoy!
Buttermilk: When a recipe calls for buttermilk, you usually only need a tablespoon or so. A great way to save the rest is to freeze it in an ice cube tray and use it when you need it. It will last for 3 months and if you measure it out ahead of time it can making baking super easy!
Chocolate: Chocolate milk and ice cubes? How about chocolate milk and chocolate ice cubes! Freeze your favorite melted chocolate to enhance your favorite drink.
Juice: Freezing juice is another great way to enhance your favorite drink. Freeze any type of juice you like and use it when drinking water, juice or even alcohol!
Shake Freeze: A quick way to enhance your smoothie is to throw a couple of frozen kale or spinach cubes in. Cook your greens, blend and pour into ice cubes for a quick smoothie add on!
Stock: Last but not least a great way to make soup stock last is to freeze it! Pour your favorite stock into ice cube trays and freeze. When you need a few just pop them out and thaw. Generally stock lasts for 2-3 months and is perfect when you only need a little bit at a time.

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How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Chrome

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How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Chrome

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How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Chrome

Hard water stains can be a tough thing to remove. When they have had time to settle into the chrome, the stains become more stubborn and it seems they will be permanent. But luckily, there is an easy way to remove them and it only takes one ingredient.

To remove hard water stains from your chrome fixtures such as your sink or your bathtub fixtures simply grab a lemon! Cut the lemon in half and start with one half on a set of fixtures. Slowly, rub the lemon in circles over the hard water stain concentrating on the darker parts first. The acid in the lemon will start to work away at the stains and they will slowly start to lighten. After a little bit of scrubbing with the lemon, the stains should fade away. Repeat this method as hard water stains appear. Also, use this method when it comes to rust on items like razor blades or hair accessories!

4 Ways To Fight Chapped Lips

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4 Ways To Fight Chapped Lips

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4 Ways To Fight Chapped Lips This Summer

Chapped lips can become a serious downside during the summer. The sun comes out and if you’re not careful you can end up with super chapped or burnt lips that can really put a hitch in your day. Of course there are lip products out there for fighting chapped lips, but what about making your own? Some say home remedies work better than store bought solutions and will show results that much faster. If you want to try your own home remedies check out these 4 ideas below for fighting chapped lips this summer!

Soft Scrub: A soft scrub is the best way to remove dry skin and help fight chapped lips. You can use a soft toothbrush against your lips and gently rub in circular motions, this will remove the dead skin.
Cucumbers: A great, simple alternative to balm is rub a cut cucumber on your lips. This will provide your lips with moisture and remedy chapped lips.
Aloe: As most know aloe vera is great for sunburns. But did you know you can also use it to remedy chapped lips? Simply rub the aloe on your lips daily and you should see results!
Vitamin E: Another great home remedy for chapped lips is vitamin E! If you are using the gel capsules, poke a small hole to release the liquid and rub on your lips. If possible the best time to do this is right before bed. You should start seeing results within 3 days of doing this, but for some it may take longer.

10 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

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Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

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Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

Now that summer has arrived, so have the ants! They start showing up one by one, and before you know it you have a colony roaming around your house and no way to get rid of them. There is some traditional methods for getting rid of ants such as sprays and traps. But what if you want to get rid of them without the use of harsh chemicals? Well look no further! Check out the list below to find out how to get rid of pesky ants the natural way:

Baby Powder: You can dust this directly on to the ants when you see them and at all entry points where you think they might be entering.
Cucumber Peelings: Leave cucumber peelings in the areas where ants appear, these peelings are toxic to ants and will ward them off.
Vinegar & Water Wipe: Wipe down any surfaces where ants appear. Counter tops, tables, and even cupboards. They dislike the smell of vinegar, ultimately keeping them away.
Bay Leaves & Cloves: Another smell related trap for the ants. They’ll stay away from the smells they hate most!
Coffee Grounds: These can be spread around your house, but the best place for the grounds is the garden. It will keep your flowers and plants ant free!
Chalk: Draw chalk lines from there point of entry. They will avoid it like the plague!
Lemon Juice: Dabbing lemon juice around doors and windows can keep ants away.
Baking Soda & Powdered Sugar: If your looking to do more then keeping ants away use this little mixture to kill the small intruders! Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part powdered sugar. The sugar will attract them and the baking soda will kill them.
Cinnamon: Using this in the powdered form or in an essential oil spray can do wonders for keeping ants away and is easy to clean up.
Cornmeal: This is best used out on your deck to get ants away from your patio or garden area. Just sprinkle cornmeal in high traffic areas.

7 Ways To Use Overripe Fruit

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7 Ways To Use Overripe Fruit

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7 Ways To Use Overripe Fruit

There is nothing worse then buying fruit only to have start browning and wilting right before your eyes! To most people, once a fruit is overripe it’s no good, but that isn’t the case anymore. Overripe fruit can be used in a ton of recipes and different methods of baking, reducing waste and leaving you with a tasty result. Check out the list below for 7 ways to use overripe fruit:

Jam: For overripe berries, apples and even oranges try making a homemade jam! It can made the traditional way over the stove or if you prefer jam can be created in the crockpot! You can also freeze extra jam if you find yourself with leftovers.
Freeze It: When fruit is starting to show it’s spots and becomes ripe it’s time to use it! If you don’t have any time to use it right away, try chopping and freezing the ripe fruit. This will keep it in a usable form and will make a great add in for smoothies.
DIY Fruit Leather: Buying fruit leather from the store is now a thing of the past. You can make homemade fruit leather at home with ripe fruit and a few simple ingredients. The leather will be way better then store bought and you’ll be able to customize the flavors to your liking.
Popsicles: Popsicles may not be your first thought when you think of using up fruit, but it sure is a tasty option. Simply, chop, mash or strain your ripe fruit and combine it with a liquid in your popsicle molds. Let it freeze and before you know it you’ll have a tasty frozen treat.
Fruit Crisp: If you need dessert in a flash, why not make a fruit crisp? You can use any fruit you like as the base, add sugar and cinnamon for sweetness and oats for the topping. Bake until golden brown and serve with whip cream or ice cream!
Fruit Sauce: Whether it be ice cream, cake or even a bowl of yogurt, why not spice it up with a fruit sauce? All you need to do is to throw fruit, a dash of sugar and a liquid of your choice in a sauce pot and let it simmer. After a few minutes the sauce will turn into a jam like texture and it will make the perfect topping for any dessert.
Juice: When all else fails, bring out the juicer. You can juice almost any fruit and make your own custom creation in minutes!

DIY Perfect Glass Cleaner and Window Cleaning Tips!

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How To Easily Clean Your Windows

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How To Easily Clean Your Windows

Cleaning windows can be a time consuming task and sometimes will leave you wanting more when it come to finished results. Sometimes you end up with streaks or unsightly smudge marks even though you already cleaned it and gave it a good scrub. Well, there is a new solution in the cleaning world to leave you with sparkling windows and more time to do the things you love! Check out these easy, fast instructions for cleaning your windows and glass doors:

How To Easily Clean Your Windows

Ingredients

8 Cups Warm Water
1 Tablespoon Liquid Jet Dry
2-3 Tablespoons Laundry Detergent or Dish Soap

Instructions

Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Next rinse windows with hose or spray bottle to get off any dirt or dust.
Brush solution onto the windows and doors making sure to cover all areas.
Windows will now air dry, streak and dirt free. No need to dry off or wipe. You should be left with sparkling results!

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How To Make Your Razor Last Longer (5 Simple Tips and Tricks!)

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How To Make Your Razor Last Longer

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How To Extend The Life Of Your Razor

Whether you use a disposable or a razor with removable heads, the blades only last for so long. Most throw them away or change them out when they start to get dull, but that doesn’t always have to be the case! There are a few different methods and ideas for making one razor last longer and stay sharper. Check out the list below:

Keep It Clean: Keeping residue from building up in the blades is the best way to extend the life. Make sure to rinse your razor after every use.
Dry & Store: Take the extra step of drying your razor off (a blow dryer works) to keep it in the best shape. It is also advisable to store your razor outside the shower to avoid rust.
Baby Oil: Prior to shaving rub some baby oil on your razor. This will help it last longer and if you shave with baby oil as well you’ll get a super close shave
Condition: One of the best items to shave with is conditioner. Not only is it great for your skin, your razor doesn’t have to work nearly as hard which will save the blades overall!
Sharpen: A good way to keep your razor sharp is to grab an old pair of jeans and sharpen. Run the razor the length of the jeans one way for 15 strides, then do the same in the other direction. This will sharpen the razor and can be done whenever it’s feeling dull. *We do this one all the time and it really works!*

10 Simple Sunburn Remedies

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10 Simple Sunburn Remedies:

With summer in full swing, sunburns become a common risk that can affect everyone and really put a damper on your day. The good news is that a sunburn can be easily taken care of and most times you can use items from around your house to soothe the pain. Check out 10 ways to survive your sunburn this summer below:

Soak It: A good way to soothe sunburn pain is to soak the affected area in cold water. Alternatively, you can use a cold compress but only do this for 15 minutes.
Tea Compress: Green tea isn’t just for drinking anymore, it can be used to soothe your burn. Soak a hand towel in cooled green tea and apply directly to the burn.
Veggie Rescue: Using sliced vegetables such as cucumber or potato and rubbing them against the sunburn can really help. They contain ingredients that will help cool the burn.
Aloe Treatment: The number one sunburn recovery product is definitely aloe vera. You can either use aloe leaves directly from the plant or buy aloe vera in store and apply directly to your burn.
Ibuprofen: Taking two Ibuprofen when you discover a sunburn can help bring down swelling and help to dull pain.
Milk Cloth: Did you know milk is a great help when it comes to a sunburn? Soak a cloth in cold, cold milk and apply it to skin for 20 minutes.
Avoid Makeup: If you have burnt your face and neck, try to avoid makeup for a few days. Your skin will heal faster and feel much better without any added products.
Loose Clothing: When you are suffering from a burn, avoid tight clothing. Loose, natural fiber clothing can help to avoid irritation of the burn and will help it to heal at a faster rate.
Vinegar Bath: It may sound funny, but adding two cups of vinegar to your bath can seriously help soothe and heal your sunburn. It will cool the skin and act as a antiseptic
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is one of the oldest remedies in the book for sunburn care. Applying cold oatmeal or a oatmeal infused lotion to your skin can relieve pain and swelling.

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10 Ways To Reuse Newspaper

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10 Ways To Reuse Newspaper

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10 Ways To Reuse Newspaper

Sitting down with the morning newspaper and having a strong cup of coffee is a regular routine for most. But what happens to that newspaper after you are finished reading it? Hopefully it will end up in the recycling, but before it heads there it can be re used in a few different ways. Check out the list of 10 ways you can reuse a newspaper before it heads into a blue bin!

Protect Your Table: When the kids decide to take on there next craft project, lay down some newspaper to contain the mess. It will make clean up a breeze and a keep your table unharmed.
Window Cleaner: Newspaper is a great alternative to paper towel when it comes to washing your windows and glass doors.
Wrapping Paper: If your looking for a cool look when wrapping presents, newspaper is a great option! Not only does it look great, it is a good way to save money on store bought paper.
Kindling: Newspaper is a great tool when you have your next fire. Whether it be camping or your home fireplace, use this at the base of your fire to get great results.
Shoe Shaper: Use newspaper to keep the shape of your shoe. Before you pop them in the closet, stuff them till they are firm.
Garden Protector: Laying down newspaper in your garden bed before laying down dirt can provide protection from weeds.
Drawer Liner: Line your vegetable drawer in the fridge with a layer or two of newspaper. This will help keep it clean and it will absorb odors.
Stainless Shiner: Use wadded up newspaper to shine any stainless steel objects in your house. Just make sure the newspaper is slightly damp.
Ripen Fruit: Wrap un-ripened fruit in newspaper to accelerate the process.
Pet Cage Liner: Newspaper is perfect for lining the bottom of a pets cage. You can also lay some out if you have a puppy or kitten that is potty training to help with accidents.

What to Buy at the Dollar Store (And What Not to Buy!)

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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 Wrinkle Release Spray

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DIY Wrinkle Release Spray

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DIY Wrinkle Release Spray

Wrinkled clothing can really start the day off on the wrong foot and sometimes ironing is the only option. However, I know I am not alone when I say ironing can be a real time consuming pain. So what can you do to release those wrinkles without having to pull out the iron or throw your clothes back in the dryer? Well, you can start by bottling your own wrinkle release spray and use it as your secret weapon on creased clothes. This is also a great way to save money on store brand wrinkle release formulas. Check out the awesome DIY recipe below and leave your iron behind!

DIY Wrinkle Release Spray

Ingredients

1/3 cup liquid fabric softener (Feel free to use your homemade FS instead)
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup water
1 Spray Bottle

Instructions

Mix together the 3 ingredients and pour into spray bottle.
Then place your wrinkled item on hanger and spray generously with wrinkle spray.
Tug & pull on clothing to smooth out wrinkles and then hang to dry or lay flat.
If you are needing to work out wrinkles fast, spray items and throw them in the dryer for a few minutes to be wrinkle free!

http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/diy-wrinkle-release-spray-2/

5 Plants That Repel Insects

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5 Plants That Repel Insects

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15 Uses for Coca Cola

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Remove Rust Spots From Silverware and Knives

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5 Plants That Repel Insects

As summer rolls in and we start spending more time on our balconies and decks, pesky insects start to come out! Luckily there is a way to fight these annoying intruders by planting certain plants in your home garden. Check out the 5 plants that repel insects below and turn your garden or deck into a no bug zone:

Marigolds: Marigolds have a scent that can really throw insects off. These flowers have a distinct smell and will deter most insects and especially mosquitoes when planted in your garden.
Lemongrass: Lemongrass has an amazing lemony smell that most people love. But the lemony smell doesn’t appeal to insects and tends to keep them away! Plant this in bunches in a planter on your deck or directly into your garden.
Rosemary: Make sure to include rosemary next time your choosing your herbs for your herb garden. It not only lasts all summer and in some climates in the winter, it is a great herb to use for cooking and it will repel insects and mosquitoes.
Mint: Having mint in your garden will scare away insects with it’s strong smell. As an added bonus you can rub a few mint leaves on your arms and legs and it will act as a natural bug repellent rub.
Catnip: Cats everywhere love catnip as it appeals to there sense and makes them go a little crazy! But it can also be used to keep insects at bay. Similar to the mint when catnip is crushed it can be rubbed on your skin to repel insects.

20 Uses for Lemons (Health, Beauty, Cleaning, Eating and More!)

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How to Clean Your Tub and Bathroom with Grapefruit!

How to Easily Clean your Washing Machine!

How to Easily Store Jewelry!

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

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

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

Sanitize your cutting board – Cut a lemon in half and wipe it over the cutting board, leave on for 10 minutes then rinse!
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!
Eliminate browning of fruits or veggies – sprinkle a few drops of lemon over air exposed fruit!
Whiten your Fingernails – Cut a lemon and rub it on your fingernails
Deodorize Garbage disposal – place a cut up lemon with peels in disposal and run with hot water for 30 seconds.
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!
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.
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!
Keeps guacamole green – squeeze a slice or 2 of lemon into your guac to keep it from browning!
Keep rice from sticking – pour a small spoonful of lemon juice into boiling rice water to keep your rice from sticking.
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.
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).
Smelly Garbage? – Any time you use a lemon, cut off the peel and place them under your garbage bag to eliminate nasty smells.
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.
Lighten age spots or brown spots on skin – dab with pure lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes every day. Then rinse.
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).
Disinfect cuts – squirt some lemon juice directly onto the cuts and scrapes to help disinfect a new wound.
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.
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.
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!