10 Tips To Sleep Better

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10 Tips To Sleep Better

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

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

6 DIY Ways To Keep Your Shoes Fresh

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6 DIY Ways To Keep Your Shoes Fresh

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

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

How To Cure Razor Burn With Deodorant 

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How To Cure Razor Burn With Deodorant 

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

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

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

3 Tips For Cleaning Your Bathroom Fast

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3 Tips For Cleaning Your Bathroom Fast

When it comes to house cleaning, the most dreaded task is usually cleaning the bathroom. Between having to clean the toilet, scrub the shower and sanitize the bathroom, it can take a lot of work and time. Luckily, we have some easy, time-saving tips to make bathroom cleaning a breeze and hopefully take the dread out of cleaning day! Check out the tips below for 3 easy tips to cleaning your bathroom fast:

1. Supplies At Hand: To save time when cleaning the bathroom and to avoid running around the house, have your cleaning supplies at the ready! The best way to keep organized is to have a plastic caddy under your sink that holds all your cleaning supplies that you need for a full bathroom clean. Pull this out when you need to do a quick clean or a deep clean, regardless you will save time by being prepared!
2. Spray First: When you are tackling a room like the bathroom, most surfaces needed to be cleaned with cleaning solution to be sanitized properly.  So start by spraying all your surfaces with the appropriate cleaner before you even start to clean anything else. This will give your shower, toilet and sink time to soak in the cleaner and allow it to do a better job overall. Then while these places are soaking, turn your attention elsewhere in the bathroom while they soak to save time!
3.  Clean Often: It may be surprising that if you clean your bathroom on a regular basis, you’ll actually save time in the long run. The reason for this is because cleaning often eliminates any hard dirt or grime without letting it build up. When it has the chance to build up, cleaning actually takes longer and takes more effort. So try to get yourself on a rotation for cleaning the bathroom on a regular basis or create a weekly or daily schedule to keep on top of dirt.

6 Ways To Eat Healthy On A Budget

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6 Ways To Eat Healthy On A Budget

Have you ever wanted to start eating healthier, but felt held back by the cost of health foods? While it may seem hard to eat healthy and save money, it really can be done!  Eating healthy doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. We have a few ways to show you how to save those extra pennies and keep your health in check. Check out the list below for 6 ways to eat healthier on a budget:

1. Buy Fresh Meat: The best way to save money on meat is to buy fresh whenever possible. Most times stores will have specials within the meat department that can save you serious money. Plan your meals around those specials, you might even been able to score organic meat on sale!
2. Frozen Veggies & Fruit: While fresh is always a better option when it comes to produce, it isn’t always affordable.Try to stock pile a few different types of frozen produce to save some money and keep up healthy eating. Most items are frozen to keep flavor and nutrients sealed in, just make sure there isn’t anything extra additive wise in the ingredients.
3. Stick With Water: Water is the best way to save money! Ditch juice, pop and any other sugary drinks at the store and stick with water. Not only is this a great move for your health, it will  save you a ton!  You can also add fruit to your water for flavoring and to help with sugar cravings.
4. Generic Labels: Just because the in store item has a fancy label, doesn’t make it healthier. On your next shop, try comparing your favorite brands to no name items. If the ingredients are the same, make the switch to save some money without sacrificing your health!
5. Plan: Going to the store with a plan can really help! Having a list and an idea of what foods you’ll need, will keep you away from the unhealthy temptations in the store. Avoiding items like sugary snacks and cookies will not only help your budget, it will also help your health.
6. Farmers Market: A great activity for the summer is to find local farmers markets. You will save serious money on the freshest produce, you will meet local farmers in your community and you will give your healthy diet some variety with the different options available.

How To Use Olive Oil For Longer Lashes 

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How To Use Olive Oil For Longer Lashes 

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

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

How To Keep Your Mirrors Fog Free

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How To Keep Your Mirrors Fog Free

When you are showering or bathing the bathroom tends to get hot and steamy. This usually causes the mirror in the bathroom to fog over somewhat quickly. This wouldn’t be a problem if it didn’t leave residue behind and make the mirror completely unusable! However, there is an easy house hack that you can use in your bathroom to prevent foggy mirrors. All you need is a bar of soap, a soft cloth and a little bit of elbow grease. Before you know it, your mirrors will become fog free even if someone is taking the steamiest of shower.

To achieve fog free mirrors, do the following steps. Start by rubbing a bar of soap on your mirror. You only need a light coat but you want to make sure you cover the whole surface of the mirror, especially in the areas you want  to defog the most.  Next, take a soft cloth and wipe down the mirror, removing the soap residue as you go. If you are having any trouble removing the last bit of soap, you can use a little glass cleaner to get things moving.  You now have set your mirror up to be fog free, just try to take a shower! Once you have had your steamy shower, the mirror should stay fog free. This should stick for a few uses, but as it starts to fog up again repeat the instructions.

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10 Uses for Rubbing Alcohol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIY Acne Buster

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DIY Acne Buster

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

Ingredients Needed:

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

Instructions:

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

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

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

Household Cleaning:

Things to Buy:

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

Pass on these:

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

Health & Beauty:

Things to buy:

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

Pass on these:

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

Birthday Items:

Things to buy:

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

Pass on these:

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

Food and Candy:

Things to buy:

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

Pass on these:

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

Kitchen and Bath:

Things to buy:

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

Pass on these:

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

Art and Supplies:

Things to buy:

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

Pass on these:

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

Miscellaneous:

Things to buy:

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

Pass on these:

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

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

4 Ways To Reuse K Cup Coffee Containers

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4 Ways To Reuse K Cup Coffee Containers

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

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

4 Creative Ways To Use Bobby Pins

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4 Creative Ways To Use Bobby Pins

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

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

DIY Shaving Gel

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DIY Shaving Gel

Now that we are officially in shorts weather, it’s extra important to have soft and smooth legs! This usually means stocking up on the latest shaving creams, lotions and razors. But all of those items can add up and really make for an expensive shopping trip. So why not save some money and make your own DIY shaving gel at home! It only takes a few ingredients, a couple of minutes and before you know it, you’ll have super smooth legs. Check out the instructions below to make your own DIY shaving gel:

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/4 Cup Of Olive Oil
• 3 Cups Of Aloe Vera Gel
• Container Of Choice

 Instructions:

1. Start by combining olive oil and aloe vera gel in your container of choice. The mixture may be a little sticky, so make sure to mix the two ingredients well.
2. Once mixed, your DIY shaving gel is ready to use! Shake before every use. Use this gel as normal shaving cream making sure your legs are wet before it applying it. Once applied, shave as normal for silky legs!

4 Outdoor Water Activities for Kids

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4 Outdoor Water Activities for Kids

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

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

5 DIY Remedies For Mosquito Bites

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5 DIY Remedies For Mosquito Bites

Nothing interrupts summer fun more than pesky mosquito bites! They can be annoying and for some can become a real problem as these bites can swell and itch like crazy. So, what is the best way to conquer these bug bites? Well, you can buy in-store products to soothe the itch but that can become costly. So why not try making your own DIY remedies for mosquito bites? It’s easy and won’t take more than a few minutes for hours of relief. Check out the list below for 5 DIY ways to remedy mosquito bites:

1. Toothpaste: One of the easiest and fastest remedies for itchy bug bites is toothpaste! All you have to do is apply a small drop of toothpaste directly on the bite to reduce swelling and itchiness.
2. Salt: It’s amazing what regular kitchen products such as salt can do! Simply, wet the bug bite with warm water and sprinkle salt generously over the bite.  Let the water and salt dry on your arm for best results!
3. Banana Peel: If you are out for a hike or on a picnic this is the perfect remedy to a scratchy bite! Simply rub the inside of a banana peel directly on the bite to bring down swelling and the itchy feeling.
4. Baking Soda: Another great kitchen item for bug bites is baking soda. Start by making a small paste of baking soda and water in a small bowl. Once it has reached paste form, apply directly to the bite.  Let it dry and wash the area once itching has stopped!
5. Lemon Slice: Last but not least, a quick fix for annoying mosquito bites is lemon! Simply, apply the lemon slice directly to the mosquito bite and let it sit till the bite starts to reduce or if the itching subsides.

DIY Chocolate Facial

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DIY Chocolate Facial 

It’s always a treat when we can take time out to pamper ourselves at the spa or at a luxurious getaway. But what if that is just not in the financial cards? Luckily, there are so many recipes and instructions to recreate the spa experience at home! One of the most recent ones is a chocolate facial, pretty much a great combination of chocolate and pampering. Also, this mask has the properties to soften wrinkles! You really can’t go wrong with this great DIY chocolate facial, check out the instructions below to make yours today:

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Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons of Cocoa Powder
1 Tablespoons of Raw Honey
1 1/2 Tablespoons of Coconut oil (Melted and preferably organic)

Directions:

Mix all 3 ingredients and create a paste, adding more cocoa or honey to create a more creamy texture.
Apply to skin and leave to sit for at least 15-20 mins.
Once set, wash off with warm water.

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:

1. 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.
2. Cucumber Peelings: Leave cucumber peelings in the areas where ants appear, these peelings are toxic to ants and will ward them off.
3. 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.
4. Bay Leaves & Cloves: Another smell related trap for the ants. They’ll stay away from the smells they hate most!
5. 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!
6. Chalk:  Draw chalk lines from there point of entry. They will avoid it like the plague!
7. Lemon Juice: Dabbing lemon juice around doors and windows can keep ants away.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

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Simple Ways to Save on Produce

Produce is one of the hardest things to save money on. It rarely goes on sale for a decent deal and prices seem to just keep climbing. Below you will find some easy ways to save money on your produce bill this year without even having to try very hard!

1. Shop the loss leaders. Say what?! The front page of a store grocery ad is called a loss leader. These are items that, many times the store looses money on because they are so inexpensive but they do it to get people in the door. Take advantage of these sales, especially when it comes to meat and produce!

2. Shop local. Now that it’s summer, most local farmer’s markets are open for the season. Make sure you take time to check yours out this week; you might be able to grab some great deals! If you don’t want to pay what the farmer is asking, many prices are negotiable. You can also wait until the end of the day to go shopping. During that time, many farmers are ready to head home and they don’t want to have to take their produce home so they will sell it to you at a discount. Another way to save shopping this way is to buy in bulk; the farmer will often give you a bigger discount.

3. Buy from coops or in bulk. Produce purchased in bulk often is the best price per pound. You can get bulk produce occasionally from health food stores or special bulk buying promotions in your area. Sometimes grocery stores have bulk produce deals too, you just have to ask! Not sure what to do with those 10 pounds of cherries you just purchased? Freeze or dehydrate them for later!

4. Buy in season. Of course you aren’t going to get a deal on peaches if you need to have them in December, peaches are in season at the very end of summer and only for a short while! Produce will be much less expensive when purchased in its correct growing season. For more info on growing seasons, simply Google for a “seasonal produce chart” or see the one I like below:

5. Buy frozen. If all else fails and you are unable to get a great deal on fresh produce, look at your other options. Frozen fruits and veggies are picked at the height of their season and flash frozen to be the freshest tasting they can possibly be.

As you can see there are so many ways to save money on produce! Also if you keep a careful eye out you may even be able to spot some coupons for produce here and there to save even more.

What are your favorite ways to save on produce?

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6 Ways to Save More Time In The Morning

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6 Ways to Save More Time In The Morning

Most of us are looking for a way to save more time, whether it be in the morning before work or in the evening. It can be a hard thing to achieve and sometimes it’s just not possible to create the time you need in a busy schedule. So instead of trying to create time in our schedule, why not find ways to save more time while we are going through our usual routines? Check out these 6 easy ways to save more time in the morning:

1. Shower the night before: A really easy way to add an extra few minutes or longer to your schedule is to shower the night before.  Not only will this save you time by not having to shower in the morning, you’ll be able to start your day right away!
2. Natural Drying: If you do need to shower in the morning, let your hair dry naturally. Wrap it in an absorbent towel and get ready while it’s drying! If that doesn’t work, heat up the bathroom so your hair will start to dry and finish with a quick blow dry.
3. Keep Makeup Simple: If you can, try to simplify your makeup routine in the morning. Leave out the eyelashes and heavy liner for a night on the town. Go for an easy, natural makeup routine and save some serious time when you’re rushing out the door.
4. Prepare Meals:  Sometimes the hardest part of getting going, is knowing you’re going to have to prepare breakfast. So instead, pre plan breakfast the night before or to save more time plan for the week ahead. You can plan anything from make ahead smoothies, oatmeal or even muffins!
5. Outfit Plan:  Another common time problem is trying to decide what to wear for the day. Shave off some time and indecision by laying your outfit out the night before. If you are really unsure, take pictures of your favorite outfits when you’re wearing them and reference those pictures when you need inspiration.
6. Front Door Help: The front door or entrance area can be a real lifesaver when you’re trying to get out the door in a timely matter. Leave anything important or things that you can’t forget near the front door.  That way you won’t forget those must have items and you won’t lose time looking for them. 

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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:

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and

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries Recipe (these are SO good)

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4 Ways To Stop The Burn Of Spicy Foods

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4 Ways To Stop The Burn Of Spicy Foods

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

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

DIY Massage Oil

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DIY Massage Oil

That special time of year is just around the corner again, Valentines Day. Whether you’re celebrating solo or with someone special, everyone deserves a little pampering and relaxation. One way to bring the relaxation home, is to make your own body products and give them as gifts. One of those gifts that is perfect for Valentine’s Day is DIY massage oil. Not only is it easy to make in the comfort of your own home, you can package it in a cute bottle and give it as a special gift. This recipe is all natural and can be used all over the body with all skin types. Check out the instructions below to create your own DIY massage oil:

Items Needed:

• 1/2 Cup Of Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
• 1/2 Cup Of Almond Oil
• 3-5 Drops of Lavender Essential Oils

Instructions:

1. Start by mixing the two oils together in a small bowl. Once mixed add desired number of lavender drops to the oils.
2. Mix together well and pour into a microwavable bowl.
3. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, making sure to slightly warm the oil without getting it too hot. If the oil becomes too hot it may burn the skin.
4. Bottle in your favorite container and make sure to rub between hands before apply to skin.

See my recipe on Lavender Bath Scrub (Using Essential Oils) Relaxing, Calming, Sleepy Scrub!