Household Tips

5 Unique Ways To Organize Coupons - Which One's Your Favorite?

I use coupons all the time as a way to save money.

Until recently, I hadn't found a really great way to keep all my coupons organized.

I'm usually the "have pile will travel" kind of gal. But that can make for some tough experiences at the grocery store -- when you get to the checkout aisle and you're trying to sort through a pile of paper and the lady behind you is giving you dirty looks because you're taking so long.

There's also the opposite. One of my girlfriends is scary organized with her coupons! She clips coupons all the time, and uses one of those albums with the plastic holders. She's got them all separated by categories. She tried to show me once, but personally, that's a little too organized for me.

I'm thinking somewhere in between my pile and her album is the best way to go.

Here are the best ways to organize coupons that I've found...

Continue reading: 5 Unique Ways To Organize Coupons

Unlike Costco & Sam's Club, BJ's Wholesale Club Accepts Coupons And Several Forms Of Payment

BJ's Wholesale Club is not quite as popular as Sam's Club and Costco (mostly because they aren't in as many areas), but they are still a formidable competitor.

Founded in 1996, BJs currently has over 170 clubs in the eastern United States and more than 21,000 employees.  

BJ's sells produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, diary, flowers, clothes, books, software, electronics, jewelry, and furniture. While created for business owners, BJ's also caters to everyday people like you and me. 

It's like Costco without the crowds!  -- Source

Continue reading: BJ's Wholesale Club: Better Than Costco & Sam's

12 Best Home Improvement Projects That Benefit Home Sellers Most

HomeGain surveyed 1,000 Realtors nationwide and asked for the top 12 DIY home improvements that cost under $5,000 and benefit home sellers.

Guess what?...

The #1 home improvement that Realtors recommend to home sellers -- based on cost and return on investment) is:  Cleaning and de-cluttering!

That's right. It costs $200 on average to do the proper amount of cleaning and decluttering prior to a move, yet it can increase your home's value by as much as $1,700.

That's an 872% return on investment! Extensive cleaning and decluttering was recommended by 98% of Realtors surveyed.

See the other top 11 DIY home improvements that made the list...

Continue reading: 12 Best Home Improvement Projects

Play 'House Flip' Online (Free) To Test Your Skill At Flipping Houses

So fun!...

You've seen shows like Flip This House featuring Armando Montelongo on A&E and Property Ladder with Kersten Kemp on TLC, right? Well, now you can try your hand at flipping houses yourself for free online.

I first heard about this from Bob Vila:

Want to feel like a star on Flip This House but don't necessarily care for sinking tens of thousands of real dollars (not to mention countless hours) into a potential money pit? Then you need to try your hand at House Flip, a free interactive game available at Shockwave.com.  -- BobVila.com

Play House Flip now.

Moving A Computer - 8 Things You Need To Know Before You Pack Computers For A Move

There's nothing quite as scary as trying to figure out how to pack up your computer before a move so that you don't damage it.

When I moved from Portland, to Seattle, this was my main concern because my computer represented a portion of my livelihood. Without it, I was not only out a computer, but out of money as well. So I went the extra length to make sure my computer was packed just right.

I've since learned some tips from people in the know -- people who pack computers for a living!

Here's the best way to pack computers in preparation for moving...

Continue reading: How To Pack Computers

Why I Like Costco (...So Do Celebrities & Costco Employees!)

Costco is a wholesale membership club where you can purchase food in bulk and also take advantage of group price rates on every day items like cameras, televisions, computers, clothing, and more. 

There's a lot of talk these days about Costco's employee benefits and even celebrity sightings at Costco (more on that in a minute).

First, here's a little about why I shop at Costco, plus tips for shopping at Costco (formerly known as Price Club)...

Continue reading: Why I Like Costco

Bona Spray Mop vs Shark Steam Mop - Which Is Best For Hardwood Floors?

When we moved into our new house recently, I was faced with the challenge of finding a way to keep all of these hardwood floors as beautiful and clean as they were the day we moved in.

I have to be honest. We had hardwood floor in the kitchen and dining room of our old house, and we did not do a good job with those floors. We used harsh floor cleaners and waxy polishes, without thinking twice. After the first year, they never looked good again. They were also a softer oak floor (not laminate though), and we raised 3 dogs on those floors. So, you can imagine what they looked like when we moved out after 8 years!

That's exactly why I vowed to take extra special care of our new hardwood floors. I was only going to use "the best" cleaning products on them, and I would try to keep the dog running in the house to a minimum -- in order to prevent dog claw marks.

Here's my review of the Shark steam mop, compared to the Bona Spray Mop, plus my findings on the best liquid hardwood floor cleaner...

Continue reading: Shark Steam Mop vs Bona Spray Mop

Leaf Blowers vs Leaf Rakes - Which Is Best & Why?

Wow, if this isn't a hot topic!

No matter where you live, or how much you like your neighbors, the minute a neighbor fires up a noisy leaf blower, you're at their mercy and have to deal with the loud noise & air pollution. 

Still, leaf blowers are commonly seen as the simpler, faster option when it comes to gathering leaves.

But are they really more efficient than raking?...

Continue reading: Leaf Blowers vs Leaf Rakes

Do's & Don't When Making A Rain Barrel For Rainwater Collection

Rain barrels are all the rage these days!

Did you know that 623 gallons of water can be harvested from 1 inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof?

In terms of rain barrels, a typical 1/2-inch rainfall will fill a 50- to 55-gallon barrel.

Here are some fun and easy ways to make your own rain barrel:

• Build Your Own Rain Barrel
   
• Super Cheap & Easy DIY Rain Barrel
   
• How To Make A Rain Barrel
   
• 3 Cheap Rain Barrels That Actually Look Nice
   
• How To Start A Home Rain Barrel Project
   
• The EPA's Tips For Making A Rain Barrel
   
• 3 Ways To Make A Rain Barrel For Less Than $10
  
• Step-By-Step How To Make A Rain Barrel
   

Continue reading: How To Make A Rain Barrel

9 DIY Fire Fragrances To Make Your Chiminea Or Fireplace Smell Really Aromatic

Once the weather starts to cool down, it's nice to spend some relaxing time in front of the fireplace.

If you have a deck or patio and the temperatures don't get below freezing, then it's fun to spend some time outdoors in front of a chiminea or fire pit as well.

Do you know what would make those warm fires even more enjoyable? Having a really unique fire fragrance fill the air around you!

There are all sorts of things you can burn in your chiminea or fireplace that will give off wonderful aromas. And the best part: many of them are items you can find right in your home or in your backyard!

Here's how to make your own fire fragrance for your fireplace or chiminea...

Continue reading: 9 DIY Fire Fragrances