7 Tips For Carving Pumpkins!

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7 Tips For Carving Pumpkins!

The Halloween and fall season is officially upon us and it’s time to start breaking out decorations and carving pumpkins! Pumpkin carving is a great family fun activity, that gets everyone into the spirit and let’s your creative ideas run wild. So where do you start? Well, you can start by reading our 7 tips below for making your pumpkin carving experience the best possible:

1. Prep Work: Make sure you prep the area you are carving in by laying down newspaper or cardboard to make for an easier clean up. Despite our best efforts, pumpkin carving can be a messy experience.
2. Draft: Start by drafting your design on to the pumpkin using a water based marker. This way you can plan your design and erase any mistakes before you make the first cut.
3. Right Tools: Using a serrated knife tool is the best for pumpkin carvings. If possible, grab a few kits they sell in stores for pumpkin carvings. They come with all the tools needed and make the process much easier.
4. Templates: If the idea of freehand carving doesn’t do anything for you, consider doing some research. Online, you can find a ton of  free pumpkin carving stencils and templates. It will give you a guide to work off of and will make for really creative pumpkins! Check out my post with 750+ Pumpkin Carving Stencils!
5. Slow & Steady: One of the most important carving tips you can take away, is to carve slowly and gently. If you go to fast you’ll end up with jagged lines and poor result. Take your time and enjoy the process of creating your masterpiece pumpkin!
6. Long Lasting:  If you want to have your pumpkin last for a longer amount of time, give it a cold water bath after it’s carved. Place it design down in a tub of cold water and let it soak for at least an hour.
7. Lighting: When you are ready to light your pumpkin you have a few options: You can light it by candlelight, you can use a light bulb (7 watt is suggested) and an electrical source or you can go the extra safe route and use battery operated candles. No matter what, make sure you choose a safe, open place where your pumpkins can shine!

Make Your Own Cooking Spray/Oil
How to Make Your Own Liquid Dish Soap!
5 New and Unexpected Ways to Use Toothpaste!
How to Make Your Own Dry Erase Calendar with Paint Chips (SUPER Easy and Frugal)!
How to Make Your Own Shampoo

15 Uses For Leftover Food Scraps

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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!

4 FREE and Easy Tips to Make your Eyelashes Look Long, Thick and Beautiful!

15 Uses For Leftover Food Scraps

As easy as it can be to throw away items like orange peels and veggie scraps, they actually have a few uses before they get tossed.  Check out this list below of 15 food scraps that can be re used and re purposed before being discarded. It’s not only a great way to re use items it can save you some money on the way!

1.  Citrus Exfoliation Scrub: Orange peels and lemon peels can be used to make a invigorating scrub!  Just mix a few peels with items like sea salt or coffee grounds, then apply to skin and scrub! This will help remove dead skin and can make your skin extremely soft!
2. Cucumber Bath: Toss some cucumber peels in the tub next time you decide to take a bath! They can help to soothe dry skin.
3. Banana Peel Shine:  Did you know you can shine your shoes with a banana peel? Rub the peel on the outside of the shoe to get a great shine and buff with a clean cloth
4. Avocado Pots:  If your short a mini planter, you can use the shell of an avocado. This DIY planters are not only biodegradable but they will help little seedlings get started.
5. Eggshell Slug Repellent:  Use crushed eggshells in your garden beds to make slugs stay away!
6. Lemon Freshener: Boiling lemon peels can make your house smell fresh and clean. Feel free to add vanilla extract, spices or even lime peels to get a stronger scent.
7. Flavored Vodka: With different types of fruit peels, you can create your own flavored vodka. Simply add the peel of your choice and let it sit for 5-7 days.
8. Orange Stove Cleaner:  After you have juiced a orange or lemon, sprinkle some salt on the half and use it to clean the stove. It makes a great cleaner and scrubber to get those stubborn splatters off.
9. Jams: Rinds from different citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemon and orange make great ingredients for jam.
10. Veggie Stock: Leftover veggie scraps can make a great base stock for soups and stews. The best part is you can freeze it for use later.
11. Croutons: Leftover bread? Might as well make your own croutons and save some money by not buying store bought 
12. Cantaloupe Face Wash: Next time you cut up a cantaloupe save the rinds.  You can use them to wash your face and it will leave you feeling restored and refreshed.
13. Melon Juice: Watermelon rinds make for a great juice. Blended with ginger this can make a very healthy drink and give you a boost of energy.
14. Serving Bowls: You can create a serving bowl for your next party out of anything from a pumpkin shell to a emptied out watermelon.
15. Onion dye:  Next Easter boil your eggs with some onions to end up with beautiful orange and yellow dyed eggs.

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Happy…almost Halloween all! We are about to start carving pumpkins and I wanted to post a VERY AWESOME tip for those of you that may be carving (or just recently did). There is sort of a magic trick to help preserve those awesome pumpkins you just spent forever doing.

Pumpkins need moisture and they also need something to help slow down the growth of mold. Here is what you can do…. Mix 1 teaspoon bleach with 1 gallon of water (you may need a few gallons and a few teaspoons to cover your pumpkins). Then, let your carved pumpkins sit in it for about 4 hours (yikes, scary I know, but it really does work).

Then you can also cover the carved areas and interior of pumpkin with petroleum jelly (or vaseline) which will help it stay moist. Enjoy and have fun!

7 Tips For Carving Pumpkins!

*Get more FRUGAL Articles, tips and tricks from Raining Hot Coupons here!

7 Tips For Carving Pumpkins!

The Halloween and fall season is officially upon us and it’s time to start breaking out decorations and carving pumpkins! Pumpkin carving is a great family fun activity, that gets everyone into the spirit and let’s your creative ideas run wild. So where do you start? Well, you can start by reading our 7 tips below for making your pumpkin carving experience the best possible:

1. Prep Work: Make sure you prep the area you are carving in by laying down newspaper or cardboard to make for an easier clean up. Despite our best efforts, pumpkin carving can be a messy experience.
2. Draft: Start by drafting your design on to the pumpkin using a water based marker. This way you can plan your design and erase any mistakes before you make the first cut.
3. Right Tools: Using a serrated knife tool is the best for pumpkin carvings. If possible, grab a few kits they sell in stores for pumpkin carvings. They come with all the tools needed and make the process much easier.
4. Templates: If the idea of freehand carving doesn’t do anything for you, consider doing some research. Online, you can find a ton of  free pumpkin carving stencils and templates. It will give you a guide to work off of and will make for really creative pumpkins! Check out my post with 750+ Pumpkin Carving Stencils!
5. Slow & Steady: One of the most important carving tips you can take away, is to carve slowly and gently. If you go to fast you’ll end up with jagged lines and poor result. Take your time and enjoy the process of creating your masterpiece pumpkin!
6. Long Lasting:  If you want to have your pumpkin last for a longer amount of time, give it a cold water bath after it’s carved. Place it design down in a tub of cold water and let it soak for at least an hour.
7. Lighting: When you are ready to light your pumpkin you have a few options: You can light it by candlelight, you can use a light bulb (7 watt is suggested) and an electrical source or you can go the extra safe route and use battery operated candles. No matter what, make sure you choose a safe, open place where your pumpkins can shine!

Make Your Own Cooking Spray/Oil
How to Make Your Own Liquid Dish Soap!
5 New and Unexpected Ways to Use Toothpaste!
How to Make Your Own Dry Erase Calendar with Paint Chips (SUPER Easy and Frugal)!
How to Make Your Own Shampoo

*Get more FRUGAL Articles, tips and tricks from Raining Hot Coupons here*

I post a LOT of DIY Frugal Tips and Tricks so I thought this list would be very helpful as these are some of my favorite DIY Cleaners and tricks!

Enjoy and be sure to leave a comment if you have any good ideas too!

1. DIY Granite Cleaner
2. DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner
3. 6 Steps to a Clean and Productive Kitchen
4. 20 Uses for Lemons (Health, Beauty, Cleaning, Eating and More!)
5. DIY Wrinkle Release Spray
6. How to Easily Make Nail Polish on Nails Last Longer!
7. How To Make Your Herbs Last Longer
8. Homemade Vinegar Toilet Cleaner
9. 10 Simple Ways To Organize Your Closet
10. How To Remove Chewing Gum From Just About Anywhere
11. 25 Ways To Use Dryer Sheets Outside Of The Laundry Room
12. How to Clean Your Tub and Bathroom with Grapefruit!
13. How To Keep Your Fridge Shelves Clean
14. 50 Things to Do with Vinegar (Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry, Pet Tips)!
15. 4 DIY Cleaners For Stainless Steel
16. How To Clean Your Make Up Brushes
17. DIY Febreze
18. Sanitize Your Dirty Sponge in the Microwave
19. DIY Remedy For Dry Cracked Feet
20. How to Easily Clean your Washing Machine!

20 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar (Weight Loss, Acne, Hair, Skin, and MORE!)

Mary Kay Satin Hands Copy Cat Recipe (Only 2 Ingredients!)

15 Uses for Coca Cola

5 Unique Uses For Lip Balm

How To Make A Reusable Dryer Sheet

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)

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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?

15 Uses For Leftover Food and Fruit Scraps

Tips to Avoid Bubbles in Nail Polish!

DIY Remedy For Dry Cracked Feet

How To Remove Chewing Gum From Just About Anywhere

10 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

*Get more FRUGAL Articles, tips and tricks from Raining Hot Coupons here*

Tips to Avoid Bubbles in Nail Polish!

DIY Remedy For Dry Cracked Feet

How To Remove Chewing Gum From Just About Anywhere

10 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

How To Keep Avocados From Browning

If you’ve never done Mary Kat Satin hands then you are missing out! It is my favorite hand moisturizing, exfoliating, skin softening scrub and I love it even more because you can make it at home! This is a copy cat way of making Mary Kat Satin hands which will cost you  just a few bucks. Also, these are PERFECT for gifts! Just grab a cute jar from the dollar store and a ribbon to decorate it!

Enjoy…..your hands are going to LOVE you after this!  😉

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of Dawn Olay Beauty Hand renewal soap
• Lots of sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons Coconut oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Fill your jar 3/4 full with sugar 
2. Slowly add in the dish soap and stir softly until it is all combined. Do not add too much soap because you want this to be the consistency of paste. 
3. (Optional Step) Add coconut oil and mix well (this needs to be room temperature so it is oil but very important, do not add hot coconut oil to the sugar mixture or it will melt the sugar and not be considered a scrub anymore).
4. Store with a lid and use whenever your hands need some TLC.  😉

Adapted from here

8 Ways To Use A Bar Of Soap

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8 Ways To Use A Bar Of Soap

When you think of using a bar of soap usually the first thing your mind goes to is bathing right? Well, surprisingly these small bars have a ton of other uses that can help around the house and outside in the garden. Using a bar of soap in other situations outside of the shower can save you some serious money and time aswell! Check out the list below for 8 ways to use a bar of soap:

1. Pest Repellent:  Simply, leave a bar of soap or grate a bar of soap over areas in your garden where pests are the worst. The soap will keep them away!
2. Stuck Ring: Ever tried on a ring only to find it stuck when trying to take it off? A bar of soap is the perfect tool to help you out in this situation.  Rub the bar of soap around the ring and in between fingers and the ring will loosen right away.
3. Door Grease: If you have a door or sliding door that is quite sticky, try a bar of soap! Rub the soap along the track or the side of the door to eliminate sticking.
4. Bite Relief: There is nothing worse than being bitten by a bug that leaves you with an itchy bite. Use a bar of slightly damp soap and rub it over the bite. With a few coats, the bite will be less itchy and annoying
5. DIY Body Wash: You can make your own body wash from a bar of soap and a few other household ingredients. Not only will this save you money, it’s a great way to use up any extra bars of soap you may have lying around.
6. Stain Treatment: Use a bar for the pre treatment of stains on any clothing or linens that are heading into the washing machine. The soap will help remove stains before heading into the wash. 
   
7. Deodorize: A bar of soap works as a perfect deodorizer almost anywhere. Simply, wrap the soap in a mesh bag and place anywhere that needs a fresher smell such as shoes, drawers or even the car!
8. Stuck Zipper: A stuck zipper can be a real pain and can really ruin a piece of clothing. Use a bar of soap and run it along the zipper track to loosen the sticky zipper and restore your jacket or item of clothing.

10 Ways To Use Toilet Paper Rolls

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10 Ways To Use Toilet Paper Rolls

There are some things that we automatically recycle or throw away without a second thought. Toilet paper rolls might be one of the items on that list. Surprisingly, toilet paper rolls can actually come in handy in many situations from organizing to cleaning to even crafting! So where do you start? Well, we have complied a list below of the 10 best uses for toilet paper rolls and you might just be surprised what handy tasks these cardboard rolls can handle:

1. Wrapping Paper: Toilet paper rolls are perfect for keeping wrapping paper organized. Simply cut one side of the cardboard roll and slip it around your roll of wrapping paper. This will keep the loose end of the wrapping paper from unrolling.
2. Cord Organization: These little rolls are perfect for keeping your cords tangle free. Wrap the cord or cords of your choice inside and out of the toilet paper roll. Secure the cord on the inside with a little tape so it doesn’t unravel when storing.
3. Gift Boxes: It couldn’t be easier or more budget friendly to wrap small gifts in toilet paper rolls. The best part is with a few cuts and folds you can make a cute gift box that is completely custom for the recipient.
4. Art Caddy: If you need somewhere to store your art supplies and pens, try this! Decorate a few tubes of your choice with different colours or patterns, glue them standing straight up and down on to a thick cardboard base and let dry. Fill the tubes with pens, brushes or really anything that will fit. This makes for a cost free project and a great way to organize your supplies.
5. Fire Starter: Stuff a toilet paper roll full to the top with dryer lint (sealing the sides with tape if necessary).  This will create the perfect fire starter for any campfire or fireplace and it won’t cost a thing.
6. Bird Feeder: If you are looking for a quick project with the kids, try this! Cover the toilet paper roll in peanut butter and bird seed and attach string for hanging.  Hang this fun craft outside and watch as the birds fly in!
7. Seedling Help: Try growing any seedlings in toilet paper rolls. Once they are ready to be replanted, they can be put directly into the ground. Over time the tube will disintegrate in the ground as well.
8. Napkin Rings: If you are looking for an easy, inexpensive way to fancy up dinner, try this idea! Decorate and cut toilet paper rolls into napkin rings to be used for dinner place settings. This is especially awesome when having people over for dinner as it can be customized per guest.
9. Vacuum Hose: Do you ever find yourself wishing your vacuum tube would just extend a little bit more? Well, try using a toilet paper roll on the end to get to hard to reach places and to extend your vacuum’s reach.
10. Marble Race: Lastly, a fun project and game for the kids is to create your own marble track. Create a track by taping several rolls together and race marbles down them to see who gets there first!

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.

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Did you know that you can use those Over the door hanging shoe racks to store all kinds oF things (other than shoes)!? I bet you may not have thought about that, but these work GREAT! You can store everything from your stock pile of ketchup to jewelry and make-up!

I am currently using a few around the house and this one is for my kitchen items. It’s currently holding honey, vitamins, apple butter and more.

10 Uses For Dish Soap

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10 Uses For Dish Soap

When you think of dish soap, most likely your mind will go straight to washing the dishes right? Well, that makes sense as dish soap mainly used for washing and cleaning! But what about its other uses? It can be applied anywhere from the garden to the around the house or even be used as an ingredient in DIY projects. Check out the list below for 10 uses for dish soap:

1. Clean The Blender: Use dish soap and warm water to clean your blender in a flash. Simply fill up the blender with a small amount of dish soap and a cup of warm water. Blend on high for a few seconds or until inside looks clean. Rinse and dry!
2. DIY Bubbles: If you are looking for a great summer DIY project look no further. Combine 1/2 of soap, 2 cups of water and 2 tsp of sugar and mix well. Grab a bubble wand and start making extra big bubbles in the backyard!
3. Ice Pack: Fill a freezer bag full or half full with dish soap. Freeze the closed bag and use when ice pack is needed. The soap will freeze and act similar to a gel ice pack.
4. Ant Fighter: If you are battling against ants in or outside of the house, try this trick! Use a half and half mixture of warm water and dish soap and apply to any areas where ants seem to appear. This will not only get rid of existing ants, it will act as a deterrent for new ants.
5. Grease Stains: There is nothing worse than finding a grease stain on your favorite article of clothing. To remove these stains, pre treat the grease stain with a dot or two of dish soap. Rub it in to the stain and let sit for a few minutes. Once it has rested, rinse off any extra soap and wash as normal.
6. Window Shine: If you really want your windows to shine, try washing them with warm water and soap. You only need a few dots of soap in a large bucket of warm water and won’t need much elbow grease to end up with sparkling windows!
7. Flea Killer: Pet managed to get caught with fleas? Well, a great and safe fix is to give them a bath with dish soap. The dish soap will act as a flea killer and help you avoid using harmful chemicals.
8. Greasy Hair: Sometimes kids and even adults get their hair into greasy messes. To conquer these moments, wash hair with dish soap once and follow up by showering  as normal for fast removal.
9. Red Wine: Red wine can be a really tough stain to beat and remove. Use dish soap with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to remove red wine in a flash!
10. Grease Alternative:  If you are looking for an alternative to store bought aerosol grease products, try using dish soap! Dish soap works great to lubricate door handles, sticky windows and even hinges.

4 Ways To Fight Chapped Lips

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7 Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide
How to Cut a Watermelon for Little Fingers
DIY Eye Makeup Remover
10 Ways To Use Ice Cube Trays
How To Keep Cool This Summer (10 Tips)

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!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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.

4 Ways To Use Ketchup Around The House

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4 Ways To Use Ketchup Around The House

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

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

7 Ways To Use 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. Juice: When all else fails, bring out the juicer. You can juice almost any fruit and make your own custom creation in minutes!

DIY Natural Bug Spray

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DIY Natural Bug Spray

It is officially that time of year again….Summer! This usually means bringing bug spray and suntan lotion out by the buckets to keep ourselves safe and protected. Bugs can be one of the worst parts of the summer as they are annoying and can really ruin an afternoon if you happen to get bitten by one. Luckily, there is an easy, natural solution to keep bugs away and off your skin. It won’t take much time or work to whip up this natural spray and your skin will thank you! Check out the instructions below to make your own DIY natural bug spray:

Ingredients Needed:

• Essential Oils Such As: Citronella, Lavender, Rosemary, Mint, Tea Tree etc.
• Witch Hazel
• Water
• Spray Bottle

Instructions:

1. Start by deciding on what essential oils you want to use. You can use as many or as little as you would like. Almost any oil scent will work for this spray.
2. Fill your spray bottle half full of water. Then add witch hazel until the bottle is almost full, leaving just enough room for the oils.
3. Next, drop in about 30-60 drops of essential oils of your choice. This will not only aid in keeping the bugs away, it will give the spray a wonderful smell!
4. Finally, close the lid on the spray bottle and give it a good shake to mix the ingredients around. Once mixed, the spray is ready to use and will fight off the annoying summer bugs without the use of chemical sprays!

How To Clean Red Wine Stains With White Wine

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How To Clean Red Wine Stains With White Wine

When you spill red wine on your favorite article of clothing, it can feel like there is no solution to getting the stain out. But surprisingly there are a ton of options for removing wine stains, one of the better solutions is to clean with more wine! That’s right,a  red wine stain can be treated with white wine and a little baking soda. The method is easy and effective and doesn’t take much elbow grease. Check out the instructions below to remove red wine stains with white wine:

Items Needed:

• White Wine
• Baking Soda

Instructions:

1. This method will work best on clothing that has a red wine stain that has dried. Start by covering the stain in white wine and letting it soak for a few minutes.
2. Apply baking soda to the stain, until a paste starts to form over the stain.
3. For best results let the item and stain sit for 2 hours or longer. The longer it sits the more the stain will lift.
4. Once it has sat, wash in the washing machine as normal. Repeat as needed, although one cycle should lift the stain right away.

6 Ways To Make Your Hair Grow Faster

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6 Ways To Make Your Hair Grow Faster

Hair growth can be a tricky feat for anyone no matter what type of hair you have. Some of us have hair that seems to grow at a turtles pace and takes up to 3 months just to grow an inch, where as some of us have hair that seems to grow overnight! Well, no matter what type of hair you might be dealing with, these tips could help you out! Check out the list below for 6 ways to help your hair grow at a faster rate and have it become long and luscious before you know it:

1. Trim: It may seem counterproductive to trim hair when you are trying to grow it out. But it has been shown that if you trim your ends every 6 weeks or so it will encourage your hair to grow longer. It will also keep your hair looking healthy by getting rid of dead ends.
2. Drink Water: Like many things, drinking lots of water can help with your overall health and hair growth. Drinking at least 6-8 cups a day will increase the strength of your hair and keep it looking shiny and healthy.
3. Brush Rules: You might be surprised to hear that brushing your hair when wet can not only damage hair, it can prevent hair from growing all together. If you must brush hair while wet, use a wide tooth comb to avoid breakage and damage.
4. Proteins: We are what we eat right? Well when it comes to our hair this is very true. It’s important to have a high protein intake when trying to grow your hair out as it will keep your hair strong and encourage growth. Make sure to add in high protein vegetables, meat and nuts to your daily diet.
5. Hair Washing: To avoid stripping healthy oils away from hair, only wash hair every second or third day. This will help your hair keep its protective layer of oils and helps it grow longer. Using a dry shampoo on non wash days can help refresh the hair and keep it looking great!
6. Reduce Styling: The best way for your hair to grow is natural and loose. Avoid tight up do’s that might bring on breakage and try to avoid styling products while growing out hair. This will prevent the hair strands from weakening and will help you grow out hair at a faster rate.

3 DIY No Slip Hangers 

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3 DIY No Slip Hangers 

It can be really frustrating to get all your clothing hung up in the closet, only to have those items slipping off the hangers the next minute and landing on the floor.  So how do you solve this problem? You could go out and buy special hangers that not only cost a lot more than normal hangers or you could make your own! There are 3 different ways to make DIY no slip hangers, check them out below and make yours today!

Pipe Cleaners: Pipe cleaners can be added to hangers to make them non slip. Just wrap the pipe cleaner from the corner of the hanger and keep wrapping until you have done the whole thing. This will stop clothing from slipping off and is a very inexpensive way to solve the problem!

Elastic Bands: Simply wrap an elastic band around the end of each side of the hanger to make the clothes stay put.

Glue Gun: Draw a small line of glue on the top of each hanger and let dry and cool.  Make sure to make the line thick enough to keep clothes from falling off. The best part about this method is it is easily hidden from the outside looking in!

DIY Bubble Bath

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DIY Bubble Bath

There is nothing better than coming home after a long day, pouring your favorite drink and slipping into a relaxing bubble bath. But when it really comes down to it, do you know what ingredients you are pouring into your bath? Sometimes there can be some not so great ingredients in products like bubble bath, so the next best thing would be to make your own natural version! We have an easy, DIY recipe for making your own relaxing bubble bath below. Check it out and start making your own bubbles today:

Ingredients: 

• 1 Bottle Of Natural Dishwashing Soap (Unscented)
• 1 Tsp Of Sugar
• 10 Drops of Essential Oil (Lavender is suggested, but any scent will do)
• 1/4 Cup Of Glycerine
• Food Coloring (If you prefer colored bubble bath)
• Bottle or Container of Your Choice

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients into the bottle of your choice. A tall glass bottle will hold all the ingredients and will look great in your bathroom.
2. Slowly start mixing ingredients together until  the sugar starts to dissolve into the mixture.
3. Your bubble bath is ready to use! Just give it a good stir before using it and you will have a bubbly, relaxing bath.