Thanksgiving will be here in a blink of an eye. The time where families gather around and embrace what they're thankful for. A delightful time to sit, relax, and feast on a home cooked meal with your favorite people. Well, most of your favorite people anyway. Until you notice that one or more of those family members are stuffing their faces a lot faster and sloppier than usual. Why? Well duh, they have to quickly leave because they have to be at the Black Friday Sale 'like yesterday'. 
I don't know about you, but I feel that this is an absolute horrible time to have a sale. You and your family should be sharing those important moments together, without the stresses of having to get to a sale. Now I am no better off financially than the majority of you, and I could certainly use a deal on Christmas gifts. But I have to say, it's a Nay for me on Black Friday. 
I will admit, I am guilty of attending one Black Friday Sale. This was a few years back when I wanted to purchase a laptop for my daughter. I didn't have much money and couldn't spend a whole lot. But nonetheless, I was going to get one for her that was half-way decent and reasonably priced. I noticed that Walmart had a super cheap deal on one and thought that it was the answer to my financial woes.
Also, this sale wasn't to start until around 6am I believe. So I thought that was great. I would be able to finish my Thanksgiving with the family and just stay up late or get up early to make it on time. Well, my excitement wouldn't allow me to sleep so I decided to stay up. I figured I'd get to the store around 2am-3am so that I would be there well before the start of the sale. Surely I would be able to get the item I was there for.
NOT!!! I arrived at Walmart a bit before 3am and fought my way through the massive crowds of people. No matter where you walked, someone was there. It was beyond pure madness. I had the map for the product in my hand and still felt confused about where it was and where I should be to get my hands on this deal. So, finally I walked up to an employee who was standing in front of an aisle that was blocked off with a chain. Behind that chain was several people lined up, either standing or sitting on the floor. I had asked about the laptop and where I should be to get one and the employee told me that they were already sold out.
I was in shock! I said to the employee "the sale didn't even start yet, I am here well before it!" In response the employee says "well there are tickets for the item and they were all given out hours ago." I said "Wow, this is ridiculous" and walked away. I was not willing to give up that easily though. I actually drove to 2 other local Walmart's to see if they had any left. Yup, you guessed it, they were all gone.
I was quite disappointed at the whole experience. Nowhere did it say that was how it worked at that time. At least I didn't catch the 'warning'. So needless to say, I had to opt for a slightly more expensive laptop for her. It wasn't too much more, but more than I was planning to spend.
From that point forward, I haven't been able to drag myself to another Black Friday Sale since. I didn't like the way it was run, and I didn't like the crowds of people you had to fight through. These people plan so far ahead it's not even funny. They also have friends and family helping them out on their quest. It truly is amazing what happens. People seem to turn into packs of wolves when these sales happen. It's not a pretty sight, nor is it fun to be in. Not to mention, since my experience, they have now backed up the time even earlier. Therefore, definitely cutting into people's holiday. It's really shameful if you ask me. But the almighty dollar strikes again and always wins.

~So, what will you be doing for Thanksgiving-Black Friday? Yup, that's right I hyphenated Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Because with the way the stores have got it now, that's exactly how it applies. But back to the question at hand. Will you be sitting down and enjoying every possible memorable moment with your family for Thanksgiving? Or will you cut your holiday short to save a buck?~




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I'm devoting this post to my picky little Crestese. Yup, that's him in the above picture as a puppy. He's so darn cute, that's why I put up with all of his shenanigans. Well, this little cutie is definitely hard to please when it comes to meal-time. 

I have tried many different brands of kibble, wet food, Moist and Meaty, you name it. He either refuses it right away, or eats it for a short bit, then refuses it. I generally end up having to force it on him or give the food to family and friends with dogs. I'm sure you can imagine how frustrating and costly that can get.

I know some of you are saying, "Well, leave the bowl down for a bit, if he doesn't eat it, pick it up. Do that for a day or two and he'll be ready to eat. Dogs don't starve themselves." Wrong! Been there, done that. This dog will starve himself. He is very adamant about what he likes and what he doesn't like. No matter whether I mix the kibble with the wet food or what.

So I finally I got fed up. I was worried about my little boy becoming an anorexic. So I commenced to Googling. Yes that's right, I'm a Googler. I can't get enough of researching, especially when it's about something as important as this. So anyway, I came across homemade dog food recipes. There were tons of them. I said to myself, "he would love this!"

I did notice people talking about important vitamins and minerals that dogs need. So I kept that in mind while reading the ingredients of these recipes. Some of these recipes were deficient in proper nutrients for the dog. I was a little disheartened by this news, but I wasn't willing to give up yet. So more Googling took place and I found that there are many things you can do to add vitamins and minerals to your dog's food. That perked me up a bit, knowing that there were ways that I could add supplements to make his food more complete.

So I decided to take on the challenge. I was inspired by some of the recipes I found online, but ultimately created my own. Guess what?? Drum roll please....... HE LOVES IT!!  I am going to share the recipe with you in case you'd like to try it. Keep in mind, I am still working on perfecting the vitamin and mineral supplementation. But we are well on our way.


Ingredients:
*Chicken - I had 5 lbs of chicken thighs on hand, but you could use pretty much whatever chicken you have.

*3 Cups of Rice - I had white rice on hand. But you can also use brown rice.

*Frozen Peas and Carrots (little bag) - You can use fresh, but frozen is fine.

*Frozen Green Beans (little bag) - You can use fresh, but frozen is fine.

*Frozen Broccoli (little bag) - You can use fresh, but frozen is fine.

*1 Can Pumpkin - Not pumpkin pie mix. Make sure it says 100% pumpkin on it.

*Ground-up Eggshells for calcium -  Calcium is extremely important for dogs.
Here's a link on how to do this: 
http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/diy-eat-eggshell-powder/28465

***Make sure there are no seasonings such as garlic and onion, which can be toxic to dogs. Read your labels for safety.


Directions: 
(This is just the way I did it. I'm certainly no Gordon Ramsay lol, so if you have a better way, by all means go for it. In addition, you don't want to add much seasoning, if any, to this recipe. It's not very good for your pup. If anything, a pinch of salt maybe for it's iodine properties).

*Fill a large pot with water. 

*Place the chicken in the pot with water. (I left the skin on for extra flavor. But I took it off after it was cooked).

*Cook with cover on it, till completely done and tender. I cooked it about 1 to 1 and a half hours.

*Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside till it cools.

*Keep the chicken juice in the pot for flavor. If you need to add water to it that's fine. Now put your frozen veggies in and cook until very tender.

*Once those are done, strain them out of the pan. Be sure to save some of the broth to pour over your whole mixture after.

*Now cook the 3 cups of rice. 3 cups of uncooked rice makes 6 cups of cooked rice. So this is a good balance for the chicken.

*While the rice is cooking, begin mashing up or mincing the veggies. Your pup doesn't chew his/her food as well as they should. So they need help in the breaking down process of digestion. Therefore, they can get all of the important nutrients from the veggies.

* Remove the skin/fat off the chicken and peel the chicken off the bones. Do not allow your dog to have the chicken bone. Chicken bones can splinter and harm your dog.

*Chop or mince the chicken up. This depends on the size of your dog and what he/she likes. My dog is small, so I did cut the chicken fairly small.

*Once your rice is cooked and cooled. Mix the rice, chicken, veggies, can of pumpkin, 5-6 teaspoons of ground-up eggshells, and some of that leftover broth you saved together in one big bowl. The best way to get a really good and even distribution is by using your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients equally.

*Now store your recipe in Ziploc bags or plastic storage containers. I chose to store 1/2 cup servings in Ziploc bags. That serving size is acceptable for my size dog. You may have to research to see what size is good for your dog.

So that's it! This recipe gave me about a month's worth of food for him. Not too shabby huh? I do give him daily vitamins and some supplements along with this meal to make sure he's getting most of what he needs. In addition, I am still going to alternate with a bit of regular wet dog food so that he still gets some of the necessary nutrition from that. Not to mention it will keep things exciting for him. 

Oh and no worries about the teeth. I know people say that the kibble helps to remove tartar and keep the teeth clean. He still gets dog bones and I'm going to be adding more tooth-brushing times and tartar removing products to his regimen. I'm not sure if I have everything all figured out yet, but I'm sure I'll get it 'down pat' very soon.  

In closing, Homemade dog food is believed to be a healthier choice over commercial dog foods. I know this is disputed by some, so I won't even start on that argument. I'm just glad that my boy seems to be enjoying it and is no longer starving. When he's happy, I'm happy.  I just hope it lasts.


~Hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any recipes, suggestions or experiences you'd like to share, please leave a comment. Thanks for stopping by.~



**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

It's that time of year again, for ghosts and goblins, vampires and werewolves. The time of year where you can create whatever character you'd like to be. While you're creating, why not create some of these awesome Halloween Dollar Tree Crafts?



1. Spooky Googly Eye Crafts

What fun and cheap ways to add to your Halloween décor. These two crafts are a bit spooky, but really more cute than anything. This is a great way to accent your room and show off your Halloween spirit. 
Click the pdf file for instructions and supplies needed to create this spooky and cute craft.

2.  Spooky Tree Centerpiece

This creepy project will keep the craft fun going on for a little while. Because you get to create the centerpiece first, and then the cute little ornaments that go on it. All you need is some twigs from your yard to start. If you can't find any, I'm sure the Dollar Tree or craft store will have them. After you've finished the bare centerpiece, then you can get creative with your ornaments.
Click the pdf file for instructions and supplies needed to create this adorable centerpiece.

3. Spooky Spiderweb Vase

What a wonderfully creepy way to dress up your vase for Halloween. You just cover the vase with white tissue paper and create a web of glitter and glue. Adding LED lights, glow sticks, or flameless candles adds an awesome effect! You can use this as a centerpiece, in haunted houses, or even to line your driveway.
Click the pdf file for instructions and supplies to create this creepy craft. Spiderweb template is also included in the file.

4. Witch's Broom Treat Bags

I am in love with this idea for a party favor, or even a trick or treat handout. This is so simple, but it will create the coolest and most memorable Halloween treat. Sticks from your yard would be great for this project. If you don't have any, I'm sure you can get them at a craft store. Or you could modify this and use a dowel. Then you just need to grab yourself some brown lunch bags and treats and you're ready to begin.
Click the pdf file for instructions and supplies needed to make this memorable craft. 

5. Halloween Cupcake Stand

This cool idea can be created by using some paint, glass plates and bowls, and glue. Then you can add Halloween themed cupcakes, figurines, and a pumpkin lantern. It can be customized in any way your heart desires. This would make a spooktacular centerpiece at your Halloween party!
Click the pdf file for instruction and supplies needed to create this spooktacular project.

6. Decorate a Pumpkin

Create some pumpkins with an identity! You just need some foam pumpkins to start. Then you can let your creative energy run wild. These pumpkins are great to decorate your porch, home, and Halloween parties. They will have so much personality that they will be hard to forget!
Click the pdf file for inspirational photos and supplies needed to make this creative project.

~There you have it! I hope you enjoyed learning about these awesome and spooky Halloween Dollar Tree craft ideas. If you have created any of these, or have any other cool projects or suggestions to add, please leave a comment below. Happy Halloween!!~

**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

     I have been a busy beaver lately on my search for work-at-home jobs. I have discovered something called Content Mills. Of course I had no idea what it was until further research. A content mill is basically a company that hires large numbers of freelance writers to generate large amounts of textual content for clients. In other words, a company that has clients that want content or articles written will hire you if you can write quality content.
     To be honest, I don't consider myself a professional writer. I consider myself to be decent, maybe even average. So I thought to myself, why waste my time on trying to do something that I'm not capable of. Well, there go those lovely insecurities again. Not even willing to give myself a chance. Well I continued my search, and became more and more intrigued by what I was reading from others' experiences. To make a long story short, I decided to get over my fear of the unknown and sign on to one of these content mills. 
I'm gonna break this down for you in a who, what, where, when, why, how fashion. Furthermore, I'm going to be talking about this company from an author/writer's point of view. 

Who?
Textbroker-
Since 2005, Textbroker has been the main supplier of unique, custom content. In addition, they have offered many freelance writers a home.

What?
A large number of writer's and clients from around the globe execute more than 100,000 content requests through Textbroker consistently. So if writing is your passion, you too can become a writer.

Where?
Well, the obvious answer to this question would be in the comfort of your own home. But you can write from your computer or laptop anywhere. As long as it's in the U.S. 
I'm sorry to the people that aren't from the U.S. This offer is not available to you as of yet. You never know, maybe in the future it will be.

When?
You can write anytime, day or night. As long as there is content available on the assignment board, and it falls under your classification number (I will cover classification under the 'how' section).

Why?
So that you can satisfy your passion to write and help client's meet their needs. Oh and most importantly, get paid. Some awesome perks are: It's free to sign up, you get paid weekly as long as you have $10 in your account, direct access to projects, and write as little or as much as you want.

How?
Pretty simple really. First you just need to go to their website at https://www.textbroker.com/ and sign up to become an author. They will send you an e-mail asking you for a copy of your ID. This is only so that they can verify you as a U.S. citizen. They have a lot of people from other countries trying to write for them. While I don't blame them, it's against Textbroker's rules. You are allowed to black-out certain things on your license so that helps with maintaining some privacy. 

Once they verify you as a U.S. citizen, they will then ask you to submit a writing sample. Don't freak out, it's only 120-250 words and they supply the topics. The topics were things like sightseeing in your city, party locations in your city, objective description of a technical object, and a description of your favorite store, business, or brand. May not be the most interesting topics, but it could be worse. 

Remember I told you I would talk about classification in this section? Good, you were paying attention. Classification is pretty much the level or star writer you are. You can be a 2, 3, 4, or 5. So, this is pretty much where that writing sample comes into play. They use the sample to 'rate' where your skills are at. So if they think that your skills are pretty much the bottom of the barrel, they will label your classification as a 2. If you rock, and can show them something extremely awesome, you will probably be labeled as a 5.

After they've rated your writing sample, you are good to go. You can create your profile to help market yourself a bit to potential clients. If a client happens to like your writing and your profile, they may hire you to do direct orders for them. What that means is that those assignments go directly to you, not on the board. So that's pretty awesome! Now, you don't have to complete your profile all in one sitting, you can do the basics just to get you started. But after that move onto the assignment board. That's where the content/article requests will be. Make sure that the content requests fit within your classification number. You can write content below your classification number and at your classification number, but never above it (unless your classification changes of course).

Now that I've covered the basics, i'm going to get into pay and all the fun stuff. Here's a basic breakdown of payment:

• 2 star writer - 0.7 cents/word
• 3 star writer - 1.0 cents/word
• 4 star writer - 1.4 cents/word
• 5 star writer - 5 cents/word

I know the numbers look fairly bleak, but it adds up after writing a few articles. Notice the jump in pay from the 2 star to the 5 star writer?  See, the higher the star, the higher the pay. You have an opportunity to raise your levels after producing quality articles with good ratings. The clients rate you as well as Textbroker.  Clients rate you so that other clients can see how well you performed for them. Textbroker pretty much rates you to see where your classification should be. One thing I do want to add, when you do your first 5 articles, Textbroker will hold your account until they've had a chance to evaluate and rate those 5. Which is where I'm at right now. Hopefully it won't take too long before I can get on the board again. They did say that once that's done you're all set again.  They just want to be sure that you are in the appropriate level based on your skills. Textbroker also gives you constructive criticism. Basically they let you know what you need to improve on so that you can get higher in the ranks. Not to mention, the more quality writers they have, the more clients they'll get, and the more money for everyone.
You will get paid through your PayPal account. You can request a payoff to your PayPal account once a week, as long as your Textbroker balance is greater than $10. 
Also, just so you know, you are not considered an employee with Textbroker.  You are an independent contractor. Therefore, you are responsible for you own taxes.

My quick opinion of the place. I actually really like it. I am in the beginning of it all so I know I have a lot to learn, but overall I am enjoying myself. As stated in the post, I have written 5 articles. Each of those have to first be rated, accepted, or declined by the client. The client does have 3 days to accept or decline your article. If they go over the 3 days and do neither one, you get paid anyway. Oh and just to let you know, sometimes revisions will be asked for. If you feel it's worth it, just do it and resubmit it to the client. If not, then just cancel the job and take it as a small loss. It's better to be a small loss than a bigger one. So far I have 1 article that has been accepted and I'm waiting on the other 4 to accept or decline. I hope they are all accepted, keep your fingers crossed please! I feel good about the company and can't wait to get back on the board.


~Well, I think I've written enough to give you a good overview of Textbroker and the endeavor I've been embarking on. If you have any questions or would like to add to this post, please leave a comment below.~







**Textbroker and/or Paypal are not responsible for the contents of this post. The author is not sponsored or compensated in any way from this post. The post is based strictly on the author's experience.





***This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

     I am a person that's constantly searching for ways to make a few bucks. Not that I'm greedy, times are just tough. My searches are most often things that I can do at home due to my personal circumstances. While reading some work-at-home blogs, I noticed that people kept mentioning WebAnswers.com to make money. I had heard of the site before, but I had no idea that you could earn money from it.
    
     In case you didn't know, WebAnswers is a free site where you can ask and answer questions. Did you notice the word free?  I was like, free? How do I earn money then? Silly me was jumping the gun and didn't finish my research before making that assumption.
     
     WebAnswers is free to join. But you can get paid for answering questions. No this is not a scam. I am a skeptical person and don't just jump on opportunities just because they sound good. I know you are wondering just as I was on how you can make money from the site. While you most likely won't get rich, you have the potential to earn at least a little bit of spending money.


How it Works

1. Create a free WebAnswers account and start answering questions. There are several topics to choose from so you don't need to worry about answering things that may be way out of your league. Some questions you can answer easily from your own life experiences, while others you may have to do a bit of simple research.
2. Once you have answered 50 questions, you are allowed to link your Google Adsense account to your WebAnswers account. Trust me, it doesn't take long to get to 50 answers. So don't freak out over that number. For those who don't know, Google Adsense is an ad platform. If you don't currently have an account with Google Adsense, don't worry, it's free and easy to sign up. Adsense will display advertisements on WebAnswers. Therefore, giving you an opportunity to earn some money. A plus is that WebAnswers has an enormous audience. So, more chances for people to see your ads, equaling more money for you.
   
3. Now there is a few ways you can earn, but your main goal is to give quality answers. The reason for this is so that you can be awarded "Best Answer." If you get this award, you will earn ongoing advertising royalties on that thread. Basically that question is now solely yours to earn money on. So the more "Best Answers" you get, the more money you make.
4. As I said, there are a few ways you can earn. I've covered the big one, now moving on to the second way. If your answer in NOT awarded "Best Answer," don't worry, there's still a chance to earn. WebAnswers uses special algorithms. Meaning, your ads will rotate with others' ads on their site and especially on whatever questions you've answered. If someone happens to click on one while it's on your ad (your specifically coded ad), then you will get paid.
5. Another way to earn is through their referral program. This way of earning seems most appropriate for people who have websites or blogs in which they can embed an html code into. So if you do, I would totally hook up with the referral program. With the referral program you will earn 10% of impressions on all referred user's activity. A good example is if you referred a new user and they make $15.00 of income that day. You will earn $1.50 because you are credited with referring that new user. There is no limit of referrals or money you can earn.
6. In addition to the cash you will earn from regular ad displays. You can also earn extra 'Benjamins' if you answer lots of questions with quality postings. WebAnswers likes to reward their loyal participators with extra ad exposure. They go by some guidelines such as quality, answer to award ratio, answer frequency, and other important factors.
7. Finally, WebAnswers is running a trial where you can get paid to ask questions too! So if you have a question, any question at all, just ask away. Not sure how long the trial will last, or if it will be permanent. But we shall see.

How Do You Bring Home the Bacon?
Google Adsense will put your money into your Paypal account. If you don't have a Paypal account, that is also free and easy to get. The frequency of your payment depends upon whether you have reached the payment threshold. I believe the payment threshold at this time is $100. 

The Adsense payment cycle is monthly. So as long as you have reached the threshold and satisfied the appropriate steps on time, you will receive payment between the 21st and the 26th of the month. This information is correct at the time I am writing this post. If something changes after, I will try to update.

User Levels
There are also different user levels to signify how often you participate with asking and answering questions. The following are the minimum amounts needed.

• New User: 0
• Beginner: 10
• Contributor: 75
• Authority: 180
• Expert: 660
• Professor: 1000
• Brain: 2000

     I am currently a contributor and it only took me a couple of days to get there. Not all of the questions were difficult or time consuming. I do have to say that I was quite amused by some of the questions. It didn't feel like work, I was actually enjoying myself. You don't have to be as obsessed as I was to reach the 50 answer mark though. That's all up to you to move as slow or fast as you'd like. But remember, the more the better.  
     So in case you were wondering, yes I have been able to link my Google Adsense account to my WebAnswers account. As of right now I have 1 awarded answer and I've received $.05 in my Adsense account for it. It wasn't much, but I was happy to see that it worked. I was glad to see that it wasn't a scam. Who knows, someone could be seeing or clicking on my ads right now as I speak. Wishful thinking huh?
     I am going to continue on the site. Not saying I'm going to spend all day on there, but I will put some 'quality' time into it and see how much I can earn. If you would like to join me in the fun, please click the WebAnswers link below (yes this is my referral link. So if you really do want to join please click so my piggy bank can go cha-ching!)

~Thanks so much for taking the time to read this. I hope I didn't confuse you guys. If you have any questions or need help getting started, please leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer and help you. Thanks in advance if you do decide to click my referral link and join the earning party.~




**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  


***WebAnswers, Google Adsense, and Paypal are not responsible for what is contained in this post. They are not sponsoring or compensating the author for this review. This review post is strictly informational and is from the sole experience of the author. The only compensation the author may receive is from you as the reader, clicking on the referral link, and/or joining the services as mentioned above.

    I know some of you are saying "Hashi-what?" I thought the same thing when I first saw the name. I first saw this name on a Facebook status that a family member had posted. I have subtly been watching this relative's posts and have noticed the challenges that this family member has faced and continues to face on a day-to-day basis. My heart definitely goes out to this person as well as many others who suffer from this disease. Consequently, inspiring me to do a bit of research to learn more about this disease. 
     Now I would like to state first and foremost that I am not a doctor. What you read in this post is just from my research and my desire to learn more and to inform others. So please don't think that this is a substitute for going to a doctor and getting medical advice from a licensed practitioner. 

What is Hashimoto's Disease?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Hashimoto's disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck below your Adam's apple. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body's activities. 
     Basically Hashimoto's disease, also referred to as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system turns against the body's own tissues. Therefore wreaking havoc on the body and causing all kinds of uncomfortable symptoms. What's worse? It's considered incurable. 

Causes:
The exact cause appears to be unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors (biological and environmental) such as:
Genes - People diagnosed with this disease often have relatives that have thyroid disease or another autoimmune disease. Therefore suggesting a genetic correlation with the disease.
Hormones - Hashimoto's affects about 7 times as many women as men, suggesting that sex hormones may play a role. 
Excessive iodine - Research suggests certain drugs and too much iodine may trigger thyroid disease in susceptible people.
Radiation exposure - Increased cases of thyroid disease have been reported in people exposed to radiation.

Symptoms:
Although Hashimoto's oftentimes leads to an underactive thyroid, it sometimes likes to play both fields. What I mean by that is sometimes your thyroid may be underactive (hypothyroidism), or at times it can be overactive (hyperthyroidism). So this makes for a tough battle to ease the discomfort of symptoms.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.

     I found a wonderful outline of some of the symptoms online. I figured I'd post it instead of just listing out the symptoms. It just seems like a great visual representation so you can actually 'see' the effects. I must add that although this is a long and great list, I don't believe this is an exhaustive list of the symptoms. Everyone is different and can present with slightly different symptoms.

Diagnosis:
Hashimoto's is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are so similar to other issues or diseases. Sometimes your symptoms can point to problems or diseases such as: depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, or fibromyalgia. So there ends up being so much confusion for you, your family, and friends. Everyone, including yourself, is wondering what the heck is wrong with you? Some people may even think that you are just being lazy, 'faking it', trying to get attention, or just being a hypochondriac. Therefore, it's important that your doctor tests your hormones and antibodies for levels that are too high, low, or abnormal. This should give him/her and you a definitive answer. That way you'll be able to begin treatment to hopefully ease your symptoms. Furthermore, you can put your curiosity and others' harsh accusations to rest.

Treatment:
Recall that unfortunately there seems to be no cure for Hashimoto's. So depending on your individual factors, your doctor may prescribe you medication to ease your symptoms. 
These drugs will be prescribed based upon factors such as: 

• hormone levels
  
• age 
  
• weight 
  
• severity 
  
• other health issues
  
• other medicines that may interact with possible prescription.
  

According to WebMD, Once you start treatment, your doctor will order a lab test called a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test to monitor thyroid function and help ensure you are getting the right dose. Because thyroid hormones act very slowly in the body, it may take a few months for symptoms to go away and your goiter (an enlargement of the thyroid gland) to shrink. However, large goiters that do not improve may make it necessary to remove the thyroid gland. Your doctor will continue to monitor your medications and condition to see what the appropriate treatment is for you.
There are other forms of treatment or supplements that can be used in conjunction with medications to achieve as much relief as possible. But these treatments or supplements must be discussed with your doctor beforehand to ensure that it is safe and right for you. These treatments and supplements may include:

• Selenium Supplementation - Selenium is a mineral found in the soil. Selenium naturally appears in water and some foods. While people only need a very small amount, selenium plays a key role in the metabolism. 

There have been studies showing that in some people who took selenium supplements in combination with  the medication levothyroxine, that there was a slowing of disease progression and increase in symptom relief. More scientific testing is needed to definitively support or refute the efficacy of the supplement.

•  Diet - Certain foods may affect the way your body absorbs your medication, or affect your disease altogether.

Most studies suggest that you stay away from foods that have gluten, dairy, high sugar, soy, etc. There are specific foods that you should avoid or limit for your daily intake. But you will need to research and discuss with your doctor about what diet may work for you.

What happens if Hashimoto's Disease is not treated?
Without treatment, Hashimoto’s disease may progress and symptoms of an underactive thyroid can get worse. An untreated underactive thyroid can cause further problems, including:

• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Giving birth to a baby with birth defects
• High cholesterol

Severe underactive thyroid called myxedema (mik-suh-DEE-muh) can very rarely lead to:

• Heart failure
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

As you can see, this is a very serious condition. So I urge you to seek medical attention if you notice these signs or symptoms in yourself or others. Don't just take for granted that you have something else, or that you'll 'just get over it'. In addition, please don't just assume that someone else is being lazy, just depressed, trying to get attention, or making things up. It could be Hashimoto's. With the exception of a large goiter,  It's almost like the disease is invisible so you'll never know unless you get the proper testing. So please, don't mess around with this. Furthermore, please understand and know that the people who have this disease are not at fault for some of their actions and behavior. It is their body attacking them and creating all of the discomfort and behavior that they are experiencing. So if they are cranky or feeling miserable please cut them some slack. Try to be supportive and help them through this. They need all the help and understanding that they can get. 

~Thank you for reading this post. I hope that it has helped you to understand this disease. Therefore, you are able to help yourself or others' get through this.  Again, I want to re-state that I am not a doctor and this post is not a substitute for medical advice from a licensed practitioner.~

--One more thing before I let you go. I wanted to post a link for a book that may help you become more educated about the disease and possible treatments to ease the symptoms. I have not read it yet, but it has excellent reviews on Amazon. So if you'd like, click on the link below and check it out. I hope it helps you.

**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

     We all know what this magical blue stuff is. Yup, Dawn dish soap. Why do I call it magical? Well because it has many awesome uses! It's not just to clean your pots and pans. It has several other duties that it can pull off like a boss. I love this stuff and I use it for lots of things. In fact, most of what I'm going to share with you, I've done and am proud of it. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the secrets of Dawn. But don't get too comfy, because I expect you to put some of these ideas to good use when you're done.


1. Cleaner of Wildlife
We all knew this one. But I had to put it in my line-up anyway. I just wanted to remind you of why it was chosen to clean wildlife animals. Especially the ones who get caught in all those nasty oil spills. According to the International Bird Rescue Research Center, Dawn effectively removes grease but does not cause harm to the skin of the birds. It’s also biodegradable and contains no phosphates. So i'd say this is a fantastic choice for this application.


2. Pets
Since this is gentle enough to use on birds in the wildlife, it's also safe to use on your pets. You can bathe your pets in Dawn to get them nice and clean. A bonus is that if your animal has fleas, Dawn kills them on contact. At a much cheaper price for expensive flea shampoos. This is safer for your pets and easier on your pocket. I have had great success with this.


3. Face Wash for Oily Skin
Dawn makes a wonderful facial cleanser for oily skin. As you know it cuts grease and oils. So this makes it a great contender for the battle against a greasy, shiny face. You only need a drop of two combined with warm water. Then just wash and rinse your face as usual. I must admit I suffer from oily skin, so I have done this. It does a pretty good job at reducing the oils in my skin. But one word of caution, be more careful than usual about not ingesting this soap. I mean, I know that we're all careful about that anyway. It's just be extra careful with this. Because one time I accidentally breathed in while washing my face and oh my gosh, I could not breathe. Basically the soap was like choking me. Don't swallow it either, because the same thing will happen. I obviously was fine after I rinsed it all off and calmed down. That's never happened with any other soap, and I don't know if it was just me, but please be careful. Please don't let this hold you back from trying this method though, just take extra care with it.


4. Oily Hair and Product Buildup
Sure, since it does well with oily skin, it also does well with oily hair too. Dawn removes some of the toughest grease and oil. Therefore you can substitute your regular shampoo and wash your hair a few times a week with it. You can do it more if desired to help you keep your oily hair under control.
Dawn is also great If you don't have oily hair, but you have product buildup. Use it once a month in place of your regular shampoo. It will remove excess oil from your hair and scalp and strip away any build-up of styling products without any damage.  Do this once a month and you won’t have to buy expensive salon products that do the same thing.


5. Paint of Grease Remover for Hands
Been hard at work painting the house? Or do you have black, greasy hands from working on your car? Dawn combined with corn oil makes for the perfect paint or grease remover. Simply combine a little bit of both in your hands then rub it over affected areas. The corn oil and the dishwashing liquid both help to dissolve the grease and paint – yet leave skin soft, unlike harsher paint removers.

6. Manicure 
Getting ready for a night out on the town? You want those fingers and nails to look as pretty as can be. Soak fingers in full-strength blue Dawn. It makes the cuticles soft and easy to work with. And it removes the natural oil from the fingernails, which allows the polish to adhere very well.

7. Tools
After you have finished your automotive or other repair project, soak your dirty tools in Dawn before you put them away to remove all the oil and grime. Dawn also helps prevent rust from forming on the tools.

8. Driveway Cleaner
If you have gas or motor oil stains on your driveway, you can use the 'kitty litter method' to clean up the excess oil and then use a scrub broom and a solution of  Dawn dish soap and warm water to safely and effectively remove excess motor oil from the pavement. Rinse well after scrubbing.

*Kitty litter method - in case you were wondering I wanted to explain. When you have gas or oil in the driveway, purchase the cheap kitty litter.  Spread the litter, use a generous amount, and completely cover the oil stain. Wait for a bit, and give the litter a chance to work. If it's just a little bit, 10 to 15 minutes should be enough. For bigger spills, let it sit a couple hours, or even overnight. Crush the litter. Using your grubby shoes, crush the litter on the oil/gas, breaking it up and grinding it into the oily/gas spot, like a scrub brush. When you're done scrunching, sweep up and discard the dirty litter. Then use the Dawn method as described above.


9. Clean Windows
Try this recipe from Merry Maids: mix 3 drops Dawn in 1 gallon water and fill a spray bottle with the solution. Spritz and wipe as you would with any window cleaner.

10. Unclog Toilet
A cup of Dawn detergent poured into a clogged toilet allowed to sit for 15 minutes and then followed with a bucket of hot water poured from waist height will clear out the toilet. I have tried this method a few times and it was a success!

11. Tub and Shower Cleaner
Take a spray bottle and fill it halfway with white vinegar. Heat in the microwave. Fill the rest of the way with blue Dawn. Put lid on and shake to mix well. Spray on your tub and shower walls. Allow to sit for a few minutes and rinse away. It will totally melt all the gunk, slime, sludge and other stuff that builds up including a bathtub ring. I love this method, It works very well. If your shower or tub is really heavily soiled, you may have to let it sit on longer. Also, try to have some ventilation in the bathroom while you do it. Because as you can see there is our wonderful vinegar in this mix. So yes, it is pretty strong smelling. But as always, the smell will dissipate.


12. Laundry Pre-treater for Oily Stains
For oil-based stains such as lipstick, grease, butter, motor oil, cooking oil, and some pen inks, simply apply some Dawn dish soap directly to the stain and scrub with a small brush or toothbrush until the oil is removed, and then launder as usual.

*Tip: I have also used about 1/4 cup of Dawn dish soap in my top load washer when I've run out of laundry detergent. It may not be recommended, but I have used it with success. You must be very careful with the amount because you don't need an overflow of bubbles in your laundry room. In addition, I have seen a recipe for homemade laundry detergent using Dawn online. But I have not tried it yet, so I really can't comment much on that yet. But I think I may try it out. When I do, I will let you know along with a nice post about different homemade laundry detergents.  So you'll have to stay tuned for that.


13. Multipurpose Cleaner
It's always nice to have a good all around cleaner. Dawn is a very good choice, aside from the vinegar choice or course. 
Merry Maids recommends using a drop of Dawn in water to clean ceramic tile and no-wax/linoleum floors. You can also use the spray on things such as:

• Bathroom and kitchen counters and sinks.
• Woodwork, e.g., baseboards, shelves, and wainscoting.  (Dry as you go–wood doesn't like prolonged contact with water.)
• Tubs and toilet seats.

14. Repel Ants
Spray counter-tops, cupboards and any other area where you see ants with a solution of Dawn and water. You can use about a tablespoon of Dawn in a regular sized spray bottle. The ratio is really a personal preference, but try not to make it too soapy. Then wipe the areas dry. The slight residue of Dawn that remains will not be a problem at all for kids or pets, but ants hate it. Should you see a trail of ants, go ahead and hit them with the Dawn spray.


15. Repel Houseplant Insects
A safe, effective way to repel insects from your houseplants, including aphids, spider mites and mealy bugs. Put a drop of Dawn Dishwashing Liquid in a spray bottle, fill the rest of the bottle with water, shake well, and mist your household plants with the soapy water.

16. Aphid Control on Fruit Trees
Mix two tablespoons of Dawn to a gallon of water and put in your sprayer. Try to get spray on both sides of the leaves, branches and the tree trunks. Let sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse the trees THOROUGHLY!

17. Poison Ivy
Poison ivy spreads rapidly through the spread of the oil within the blisters. Washing the affected area with Dawn, especially on children who keep scratching the blister’s open, helps dry up the fluid and helps keep it from spreading.

18. Bubbles
Now after all that, time for some fun! Dawn dishwashing liquid makes great homemade bubbles. Here is the Giant Bubble Recipe used in bubble makers at many children’s museums: 1/2 cup Ultra Dawn 1/2 gallon warm water 1 tablespoon glycerin (available at any drug store) or White Karo syrup works too! Stir gently. Skim the foam off the top of the solution (too much foam breaks down the bubbles). Dip bubble wand and get ready for some good, clean fun!


~That's it for now. Special thanks to 'one good thing by Jillee' for supplying me with a lot of the ideas in this post. I hope you enjoyed finding out all the magical ways that Dawn dish soap can make your life easier, safer, and cleaner. Please leave your comments if you have tried any of the methods above or if you have any methods that I didn't mention. Thanks!~

**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

    Vinegar is not just for your salad. There are so many wonderful uses for both Distilled White vinegar and Apple Cider vinegar. It feels like the list is endless. The uses I'm going to share with you are barely even the "tip of the iceberg." Vinegar does a great job and of course as you know is non-toxic. So here is a short list of things that you can use this wonder product for.


1.  Make a Vinegar Trap for Fruit Flies
Fruit flies can be so annoying. Sometimes it seems like no matter what you do, you can't get rid of them. I've had them a couple of times and I am very glad that I found this recipe to rid my house of them. 
This trap definitely works. It may take a few days to a week for all or most of them to go. But once they're gone, they seem to stay gone. The reason why this works is because the flies are attracted to the scent of the apple cider vinegar. Therefore they fly into the concoction, trying to get to the yummy stuff. Once they do that, the dish soap and plastic/saran wrap traps them and they drown. Bye-bye buggies.

What you'll need:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dish Soap
Glass Cup or Jar
Plastic/Saran Wrap
Toothpick (or similar object to poke holes in plastic/saran wrap)
Rubber Band

How to Create the Trap:
1. Pour about a cup of apple cider vinegar into the glass cup or jar.
2. Add a drop or 2 of dish soap. You don't need too much. 
3. Take a piece of plastic/saran wrap and wrap the top of the glass/jar with it.
4. Secure the plastic/wrap onto the glass/jar with a rubber band.
5. Take your toothpick or similar object and poke several small holes in the plastic/saran wrap.
6. Place the trap in the area where you see the fruit flies. Now you just wait for the trap to do its job.

2. Bug Bite Relief
This is another one that I can personally vouch for. I seem to be a mosquito magnet. So I end up with lots of itchy, irritating bumps.  Vinegar has proven to help me and others with soothing the itch and irritation.
All you need to do is moisten a cotton ball or pad with undiluted apple cider or distilled white vinegar, and dab on bug-bitten skin for instant relief. The acids in the vinegar neutralize the itch, while its anti-inflammatory properties ease swelling and its pH-balancing properties speed healing.

3. Apple Cider/White Vinegar Hair Rinse
Mix two tablespoons of apple cider/white vinegar with one cup of water. Use this to douse your hair after washing. Rinse thoroughly, and follow with a light conditioner. The acetic acid in apple cider/white vinegar will remove residue from product buildup and help you get shiny, lustrous locks. 

This remedy also helps for people who suffer from oily scalp and hair. Though it may not smell great, white or apple cider vinegar can be a great remedy for oily hair. They both acidify the scalp and cleanse away oils and impurities. Shampoo and rinse with 1 cup vinegar mixed with 1 quart of water. Do this 3-4 times a week for best results. Be sure you rinse well though because it may not smell too good if you don't. Vinegar works as a potent tonic for the scalp to get rid of build-up on the scalp, so don’t pass this by just because of the smell.

4. Facial Toner
Mix together one tablespoon apple cider vinegar and two cups water. Moisten a cotton ball, and swipe the mixture over a clean, dry face to tighten skin. Don't rinse (the scent will dissipate quickly). Apple cider vinegar's natural alpha-hydroxy acids and acetic acid will stimulate circulation, as well as minimize pores. Not too shabby huh?

5. Sunburn Relief
Having a sunburn is not a fun time.  I've had a couple bad ones in my life-time and it definitely killed like nobody's business. I was told about vinegar helping to relieve my burn. I thought people were crazy. I was like "won't that sting?" But to my surprise it does actually soothe and help heal it.
What to do: 
Mix together a 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and four cups of water. Douse a washcloth with the solution, and apply to sunburned skin. Apple cider vinegar helps balance pH levels of skin, promote healing, and prevent blistering.  Aahh, the relief!

6. Laundry
I love to smell and see fresh, clean, and soft laundry. Distilled white vinegar does a great job helping to make these desires happen for me. Here is a couple ways that I like to use distilled white vinegar in my laundry.

Fabric Softener: 
Instead of using fabric softener, use about half a cup of white vinegar. It has close to the same effect without coating your clothes in chemicals and costs a lot less. I have even added hair conditioner to the mix. This adds a little scent to the mix. 
If you would like to add the conditioner for scent, all you need to do is add 2 cups of cheap conditioner (whatever one you like) to 3 cups of distilled white vinegar and 6 cups of water. Put it in an old softener bottle or even a rinsed out soda bottle or gallon water jug. Give it a good shake and you're good to go.
I will say that this is a pretty good softener. It does soften your clothes more than if you had nothing in the rinse cycle. But don't expect to get 'Downy' results.

Remove Slight Mold/Mildew Scent in Clothes:
Have you ever forgotten a load of clothes in the washer all night? Well I have and I can tell you that it doesn't smell very pretty. It ends up having a slight mold/mildew scent to it. Even though I've re-washed the load, sometimes it still holds the nasty smell. I have found that I can just put my clothes through a second rinse with about a cup or 2 of vinegar and the smell is gone. I do re-wash them with regular detergent after that, but I can already smell the difference beforehand. It's just simply amazing!

*Tip: Vinegar will also help to whiten and brighten your clothes. You just need to add 1/4 - 1/2 cup at the beginning of the load. But DO NOT mix vinegar with bleach because this can produce dangerous fumes.

7. Household Cleaning
Vinegar has the power to kick most of your cleaning supplies out the door. The main places that we like to make sure are extraordinarily clean are kitchens and bathrooms. Vinegar is fantastic at making these important places clean and sparkly.


Kitchen:
These are just a few of the many kitchen uses.

Countertops - 
Wipe your kitchen countertops with undiluted vinegar once a day to shine them and keep your kitchen smelling fresh. You can dilute this with a little bit of water to cut down on the scent a bit. Either way, the scent will quickly dissipate so don't worry about having a stinky kitchen.
Furthermore, for everyday cleaning of tile and grout, rub with a little apple cider vinegar on a sponge. This gives off a clean scent and will help cut any greasy buildup.

Microwave -
If your microwave is spattered with old sauces and greasy buildup:

• Place a glass measuring cup with 1 cup water and 1/4 cup vinegar inside microwave.
• Boil for 3 minutes.
• Then remove the measuring cup and wipe inside of oven with a damp sponge.

Garbage Disposal Odors -
The rubber seal on garbage disposals can retain odors. To deodorize it:

• Remove the seal.
• Let it soak in vinegar for 1 hour.

Coffeemakers - 
Buildup in a coffeemaker's brewing system can affect coffee flavor. Get rid of buildup with these steps:

• Run 1 brewing cycle of cold water and 1/4 cup vinegar.
• Follow with a cycle of clean water.
• If you can still smell vinegar, run another cycle using fresh water.

Bathroom:
These are also just a few of the many bathroom uses.

Germs
Kill germs on bathroom fixtures by using one part
vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle.
Spray the bathroom fixtures and floor,
then wipe clean.

Soap Scum, Mildew, and Grime
Clean soap scum, mildew, and grime from bathtub,
tile, and shower curtains. Simply wipe the
surface with Vinegar and rinse with water.

Clogged Shower Head
Unclog a shower head by unscrewing it, remove the
rubber washer, place the head in a pot filled with
equal parts Vinegar and water, bring to a boil,
then simmer for five minutes.

Toilet Bowl
Not only does vinegar clean the toilet, but it disinfects as well.  Here are the steps to a clean and shiny bowl.

• Pour one cup of vinegar into your toilet bowl, swish it around the bowl with your scrub brush and allow to sit for at least 5-10 minutes.
  
• Scrub your entire toilet bowl (don’t forget to clean under the rims) with your scrub brush.
  

Your toilet bowl is now clean, sanitized, and smelling good!

Mirrors
Forget the Windex, just combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then shake the mixture, spray on your mirrors and wipe! Don't forget to stand back and admire yourself, I mean admire your work after it's clean.

8. Kill Weeds:
Vinegar makes a great non-chemical alternative to weed-killers such as Round-Up.  There are many recipes out there used by gardeners. I will share some of them with you.  You just mix these recipes in a spray bottle and apply them to the weeds. 

• Vinegar alone - Full strength, undiluted 18 percent acidity vinegar can be an effective weed killer.
• Vinegar and Soap - Mix dishwashing soap at a rate of one ounce per gallon of full strength vinegar. This mixture can double as an insecticide. Be aware of this as you're using it. Also remember that it will kill your good plants as well, so be sure not to get it onto any of your flowers or vegetable plants. 
• Vinegar, Soap, Water and Salt - One gallon vinegar, one cup of salt, one tablespoon dishwashing liquid. Mix together and apply. 
• Vinegar and Lemon Juice - Many people say that adding lemon juice to vinegar increases its effectiveness as a weed killer. This is because it increases the acidity levels. Adding anywhere from one tablespoon to one cup per gallon is a common recipe.
• Vinegar and Essential Oil - Mix full strength vinegar with one tablespoon of essential oil of clove or orange. Some gardeners say the oil helps the mixture stick to the plants better to increase effectiveness.

*Tip: Vinegar has the power to kill weeds, but it does not discriminate in what it kills. It also has the power to kill good and desirable plants. For that reason, be sure not to spray it on or near plants you wish to keep.


~Hope you enjoyed reading about the many uses of vinegar. Have you tried any of the uses above? Or do you have way in which you like to use vinegar that you could share? Please comment below and let us know :) ~




**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

    Although it's an exciting feeling to be hosting a baby shower, it's also a challenge. You have to prepare the guest list, food, decorations, entertainment, favors etc.. These things tend to get pricey. I know how hard it is to come up with cute ideas on a budget. That's why I've compiled a list of some of my most favorite, simple, and frugal baby shower favors and treats.

1. Cupcake and Dessert Server
 

We can thank the Dollar Tree for this adorable project. This could make a sweet centerpiece for the baby shower. Not only can you display cupcakes and desserts, but you can also display party favors. This craft is easy to make with these step-by-step directions.
*Click the pdf link for instructions to this project.

2. On-the-Go Diaper Clutch

Another fabulous idea from the Dollar Tree. I love this idea! It's so easy, cute, and useful. You can also express yourself by choosing different patterned place-mats. The sky's the limit when creating your own masterpiece. This project also comes with an instruction sheet with easy step-by-step directions.
*Click the pdf link for instructions to this project.

3. Baby Bottle Shower Favors

Yet another darling idea from the Dollar Tree. Look how easy it is to save money while not compromising cuteness. These are great because not only are they cute, but they can hold stuff inside. So you can put candy, money, or whatever your heart desires inside. This project also comes with an instruction sheet and templates as shown in the picture. Now isn't it easy and budget-friendly?
*Click the pdf link for this cute project.

4. Blooming Favor Boxes

I did post this project in my Dollar Tree Wedding post. But I thought this would work just as well for a baby shower. All you would need to do is put the flowers and ribbons in baby colors. Wah lah! You'll have the perfect favor box that can hold some yummy goodies inside. This project also has step-by-step instructions.
*Click the pdf link for instructions on this fantastic project.

5. Nail Polish Favors

I thought this was a cool idea! Who doesn't love nail polish?Since your guest list is most likely going to be all ladies, why not give them a gift they can really put to good use. Plus it will match the décor at the party. You can choose any color you want, but pink and blue are of course the traditional boy/girl colors. Although this is not specifically a Dollar Tree project, I'm sure you can find nail polish there. If not, then just pick a budget-friendly option at another store. You can find similar tags and/or ribbon at craft stores and maybe even the Dollar Tree or Walmart. Otherwise, you can create your own.

6. Votive Candle in Organza Bag 

This is a super cute idea and candles are always a hit!  This is not a Dollar Tree project, but it certainly can be one. I have seen them sell the organza bags and the votive candles. You don't have to specifically use the colors in the picture. You can go with a solid white, or whatever color works for you. Furthermore, you could personalize these with tags from a store, or that you create on your own. The possibilities are endless when you put your mind to it.

7. Floating Duckies

This is totally cute! Some ladies like to have a specific theme for their baby showers. What could be any more adorable than floating duckies? These can make a charming centerpiece or be spread out in locations throughout your shower. First you need to get a glass cup, candle-holder, or other object that's similar to the above picture to hold the contents. Next grab some rubber duckies and marbles or rocks. Finally just fill the glass container with the contents and add water. Create as many as you'd like, or just use a larger glass container and make one big duck pond. Remember I'm just showing you the ideas, but this is your project. So put whatever 'spin' you'd like to on it. Again, this is not specifically a Dollar Tree craft. But I'm sure all or most of the items needed to create this project can be found at the Dollar Tree. 

8. Marshmallow Pops

These are such a 'sweet' edible decoration. Did you catch my pun? I picked this idea up at fun-baby-shower-ideas-and-more.com. They definitely make a great treat for your guests. They are very simple and inexpensive to make and you can do them in any color to match your color scheme.

What you'll need:
Marshmallows
Lollipop Sticks or Candy Sticks
Candy Melts in desired color **(optional)
Sprinkles
Lollipop or treat bags
Ribbon

Steps:
1. Insert a lollipop/candy stick into each marshmallow, making sure not to poke it through the other side. Set aside.

2. Put Candy Melts in a medium sized bowl and melt in the microwave. Start with 1 minute on high, stir. Keep heating 20-30 seconds at a time until completely melted.

3. Take a marshmallow and dip it into the melted candy, covering about 1/2 to 3/4 of the marshmallow. When you pull it out, twist it back and forth to let the excess drip off, or gently tap the stick on the side of the bowl. 

4. Hold over a plate and sprinkle with sprinkles, twisting around to cover all the sides. Stand up on waxed paper and allow candy to dry and harden. You can also stick the lollipop stick in a piece of styrofoam with the marshmallow sticking up.

5. Put them in a lollipop bag or treat bag after they have dried completely. Tie the bag closed with ribbon. If you'd like you can attach a favor tag for an extra touch.

**If you choose not to use the Candy Melts, you can just quickly dip the marshmallow in a bowl of water, blot it with a paper towel and roll it around in a small bowl filled with sprinkles.


9. Candy Pacifier Party Favors

I just loved these when I saw them. They are very simple to create and definitely frugal. You can choose to make necklaces out of these with ribbon or just put them in a pretty candy dish. Special 'shout out' to crystalandcomp.com for this adorable favor.

What you'll need:
Lifesavers
Gumdrops
Royal Icing  (you can buy this prepackaged and you just add water)
Icing bag and small tip  (you can use a Ziploc bag and just snip the tip off)
Ribbon (optional)

Steps:
1. Gather all supplies.

2. Prepare the royal icing and place it in an icing bag assembled with a tip that will allow the icing to flow easily but with control from the bag. 
{a Ziploc bag should do just as well.}

3. Use the royal icing to attach two lifesavers together making a  ‘T’ as the picture below illustrates.

4. Use the royal icing to glue a gum drop to the top of the lifesaver ensemble as shown in the first picture.

5. Let the royal icing dry for a couple of hours to ensure the candy is secure and intact.

6. Then use ribbon, you can go as expensive or inexpensive as you want, to make a necklace strand that will allow your guests to wear these delicious party favors at the baby shower. 
{or just place them in a pretty candy dish.}

10. Baby Bootie Cups
I am going to have to credit this last favor to a very talented craft-woman that I came across a long time ago on Youtube.
Heather from Partytimebaby.com came up with this adorable and cheap idea! I'm going to just post the Youtube video for you to view her easy step-by-step instructions. She is really fun to watch too! I just want to add that there is one thing that I would change about this project. You don't have to, it's just a suggestion. In the video she's going to pour the candy/treats directly into the bootie cup. I would pour the candy/treats into an organza bag or tulle tied with ribbon. Then let that bag sit inside the bootie cup. I feel that this will be a little cuter and will keep the goodies from falling out. Let me know what you think. Here's the video:

~Well, that's all there is for now. When more fantastic ideas come along, I will be sharing them with you. Hope you enjoyed this post and have fun putting your unique touches on these ideas. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of these ideas or if you have any awesome suggestions of your own.~
 

**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

     Planning a wedding is a very exciting and stressful experience.  From what to wear, how many guests to invite, what food to eat, and if you need a Dj or not. All of these things cost tons of money to make your special day happen. So I have to thank the Dollar Tree for coming up with all of the ideas that I'm about to show you. They make it so that you can save a little money while still being able to have a beautiful wedding. I love the Dollar Tree! :)

1. Rosette Kissing Ball

This is such a beautiful look, don't you think? I almost can't believe that the supplies for this came from the dollar store. It has such an elegant look to it. This simple to make decoration would make a lovely centerpiece or hanging decoration at your reception. 
*Click the pdf link to learn how to make this beautiful craft.

2. Dyed Rose Petals

I feel that Rose petals are a nice romantic addition to add to a wedding or reception. Instead of spending a fortune on real rose petals or pricier ones from other stores, I say stick with the Dollar Tree and save money. It's cool because instead of buying the standard colors that are available at most stores, you can dye these white ones to match your color scheme. 
*Click the pdf link for instructions on this project.

3. Giant Tissue Paper Flowers

These colorful tissue paper flowers are easy to create and add a colorful splash to your bridal shower or reception. They are so trendy and can add tons of fun to your party. Plus there are many colors to choose from to match your other decorations. 
*Click the pdf link to learn how to create this fun project.

4. Personalized Wedding Favors

I love this idea!  Such a cheap and easy way to give your guests personalized items from your special day. 
*Click the pdf to find out how to do it. Oh and a bonus to make the project even more convenient, the templates shown above are included in the link.  Aw Yeah!!

5. 2-in-1 Personalized Shower or Reception Favors

How pretty is that? I love that there are 2 flowers to symbolize the new couple. You can decorate your bridal shower or reception with these and then let the guests take them home in remembrance of your special day. 
*Click the pdf link to make this pretty craft. Again, templates are included. Woot Woot!!

6. Rocks Glass Candle-holders as Favors

How awesome is this idea? Talk about saving money on this one. This can double as your table décor and your guest favors. You can also do this in a variety of colors to meet your needs. 
*Click the pdf link for instructions and yes, templates are included. Yay!!

7. Square Glass Candle-holders as Favors

Another table décor idea that can double as favors. I love the shape of this candle-holder, it's different from the typical circular shape. Adding the ribbon and initial around it makes it look so elegant. I love how such a simple craft can make such a huge statement.
*Click the pdf link for instructions on how to make this elegant piece with templates :).

8. Tapered Glass Stem Vase Favors

What a dainty way to add color to your tables. This is another wonderful way to incorporate your color scheme in while adding a touch of sweetness. You can personalize this by adding decorative tags to the vases and giving them as favors. Yup, another double duty craft. I just love it!
*Click the pdf link to learn how to make this dainty craft. This craft also includes templates, how much easier can  you get? Yippee!!

9. Long Stem Tea-light Candle-holders as Favors

Oh these are so gorgeous! Just adding a ribbon to a long stem tea-light candle-holder makes such a difference. As you can see from the picture these can be personalized for your guests as well. Wish I would have thought of this when I got married.
*Click the pdf link for instructions on this gorgeous project that includes templates.

10. Blooming Favor Boxes

These are just too cute! I totally love the look of these. You can choose to make this look more elegant. Or you can mimic the look in the picture to add a colorful punch to your décor. Either way, these are too awesome to pass up. Don't forget to add candy, nuts or whatever you'd like in the box.
*Click the pdf link for instructions on how to make these cute favors.

~That's all I have to share for now. As soon as I find more ideas that I love, I will be sure to share them with you. I hope that someone I know gets married so that I can make some of these great crafts. But in the meantime, get busy crafting people! :) ~

**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

     A Life-hack is defined as a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way.  I'm sure most of you have seen lots and lots of these popping up on social media sites and other blogs. Therefore you're probably wondering why I chose to do a post about these hacks.  
     I'll tell you why... I feel that several of the Life-hacks that I've come across are pretty silly.  I know that statement was more of an opinion as opposed to a fact. But I just felt the need to explain my reasoning behind this post. Furthermore, not many people that I know, including myself, would do nearly half of the hacks out there. So I have compiled a short list of hacks that I feel make sense. Some I have personally done, while others I plan to try in the near future.

1.  DIY Foam Hand Soap

     Capstar is a non-prescription tablet that kills adult fleas on dogs and cats. It contains the active ingredient nitenpyram that claims to begin killing fleas within 30 minutes. By the time four hours go by, 90% of the adult fleas on your furry little friend should be dead.
     This product is considered to be a clean, safe, and effective solution for ridding your pet of adult fleas.  The manufacturer states that you can dose your pet as often as once per day if needed. Which in my opinion can become very expensive.
      I would like you to take note as to how I continue to specify Adult fleas while talking about this product.  In one of my previous posts I discuss that there are four life stages of a flea.  Capstar is only designed to work on the adult stage of a flea.  I only stress on that because I want you to understand what this product truly does.  A lot of people misunderstand what this product does and think that it is a cure-all for fleas.  It is not, you will need another form of treatment in conjuction with this tablet.  Otherwise, you will most likely have to give your babies one of these tablets per day because there is no residual effect that stays in the body.
      Now that I have set you straight on how the product works, let me get into the reason for this post.
As you already know from a previous post, my fur-babies had an issue with fleas.  Therefore you know how much research I have done to help my little ones. This product works great as a 'jump-start' to ending the flea cycle.  If you happen to have a fairly bad infestation, or if you just want immediate relief for your pet, this is a good product to try. But I will reiterate, make sure that you continue with a topical treatment or pill treatment to kill the rest of the life stages of the flea.
     Now that I have gotten your attention by telling you that this product works well, allow me to tell you about an alternative.  Capstar generally retails for around $25 - $45 for 6 tablets, depending where you purchase it from.  I don't know about you, but that's a pretty steep price for me.  Not to mention for only 6 tablets.  You have to take into account how many animals you may have to treat and if you have to give them any additional doses for a day or two.  
      I took all of this into consideration and went back to my trusty computer to do some research. While researching about this product and the ingredient in it, I came across another product with the same ingredient in it.  This product sold for far less and actually had double the amount of pills.        The product is made and sold by Little City Dogs. It comes in chicken flavor for small dogs and cats and beef flavor for larger dogs. The main difference I noticed was that the Capstar was in tablet form and the Little City Dogs was in capsule form.  I didn't mind this because It would make it easier for me to administer the dose to my pets.  Especially my picky little kitty because I can just open up the capsule and sprinkle the contents into some wet food.  In addition,  I did notice that the mg of nitenpyram in Capstar was 11.4 mg and Little City Dogs had 12 mg (this is the dose for small dogs and cats). This didn't bother me too much because it wasn't that much of a difference and the ingredient is known to be safe.  So I read the reviews on Amazon to see what others had said.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that the reviews were good so I purchased the product.  I tried the product the same day I received it and I must say that this product exceeded my expectations. It did everything it claimed it would, and gave me a good jump-start in the battle against fleas.
      Here comes the price comparison that you've all been waiting for!  Recall the price that I gave you for the Capstar. The price for 12 capsules of the Little City Dogs was $12.95 for small dogs and cats on Amazon. What a BIG difference huh?  The price does seem to have increased to $15.99 at the time I am writing this though. I imagine this is due to popularity and normal inflation.  The price for larger dogs 25 lbs - 125 lbs appears to be $18.99 at the time of this post. But it's all still lower than Capstar and an excellent deal!  
      Little City Dogs does sell other flea products such as a flea control pill that's supposed to be similar to the once-a-month "Program Flea Control" pill.  They also carry dewormer products which I plan to try when it's time to worm my pets.  But at this point I cannot attest to this or any other product they sell because I have not used them as of yet. They carry good reviews as well, but I refuse to give an opinion on a product that I have not tried myself.  When I do, you'll definitely be sure to hear about it.
     In my closing, I just want to remind you that if you are going to try the Capstar or Little City Dogs to kill adult fleas, please make sure that you use another product to go along with it.  Your best results will come from combining a topical, or even a once-a-month pill with it.  My regimen is using the topical Advantage II on both my babies once-a-month, and keeping the Little City Dogs capsules on hand in case.  I like to think that I am covering all bases this way.  So don't forget those four annoying life stages of the flea.  You need to use products that combat all of those stages to win the fight.  So what do you think?  Are you willing to give Little City Dogs a try? If so, click on one of the links at the top of the page that fits your needs.

~Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post.  Remember as always, if you have any comments or questions please don't hesitate to do so.  I look forward to hearing from you!~


**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.  

     If you own a pet, you know how frustrating it can be when your fur-baby gets fleas. Fleas have four different  life stages. Therefore it's important that you take the appropriate steps to rid your pet and your household of these little buggers.  

Life Stages of the Flea
1.  Egg - The flea life cycle begins when the female lays after feeding. Eggs are laid in batches of up to 20 or so, usually on the host itself, which means that the eggs can easily roll onto the ground. 
2.  Larvae - Flea larvae emerge from the eggs to feed on any available organic material such as dead insects, feces, and vegetable matter.
3.  Pupae - Given an adequate supply of food, larvae will pupate and weave a silken cocoon within 1–2 weeks after 3 larval stages. After another week or two, the adult flea is fully developed and ready to emerge from the cocoon.
4.  Adult - Once the flea reaches adulthood, its primary goal is to find blood and then to reproduce. Their total life span can be as short as one year, but may be several years in ideal conditions. 
     We all know its a challenge to rid our pets and household of fleas.  Its even more of a challenge if you own both dogs and cats in the same household. The reason for this is because certain ingredients in flea medications may be considered safe for one animal but not the other.  I happen to own a dog and a cat so this was something that I took very seriously.
     This summer my poor little male Crestese (Maltese and Chinese Crested mix dog) got attacked by the annoying little buggers.  I also knew at some point that these unstoppable insects would find their way onto my sweet little female Tabby kitty.   At first I wanted to go the natural way because I, as I'm sure many of you will agree,  really do not care for putting chemicals on my animals.  So I scoured the internet searching for natural home remedies to help my fur-babies.  I came across natural flea shampoo's, vinegar baths and drinks, lemon juice, orange peels, essential oils, you name it! I must admit that I did not try them all, but I tried a couple. In which I will briefly explain my experiences.

Natural Flea Shampoo
This shampoo claims to use natural botanical extracts without pyrethrins to kill fleas and ticks. It's suppose to work by softening the waxy exoskeleton of fleas, ticks, lice, mites and other insects making them vulnerable to the botanical extract agent.   
     There were some pros and cons to this shampoo.  I found that the consistency was very thin and did not produce much of a lather. Although I have heard that it is not important to have a lather to show that the product is working, I guess I prefer one.  Not to mention it was a little difficult to see if I was putting enough on my dog for it to work.  I will say the scent was not as bad as the more 'toxic' brands.  It smelled sort of like a Christmas scent, not at all perfumy.  It did seem to kill the fleas while he was in the bath, but there was no real residual power with this. Meaning that I would still see fleas back on him after he'd come inside from doing his business.  I grew tired of seeing fleas on him after multiple baths and decided that there had to be a better way to give my poor boy some relief.

Vinegar Bath
There are several recipes out there for vinegar baths.  I chose to go with the one that involved 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of Dawn dish detergent.  Although the Dawn is not necessarily considered natural, I knew this was often used to clean animals in the wildlife with positive results. Furthermore, it gave me that lather that I Oh' so love.   As you can imagine, the smell was not very pleasant but does not last after the dog is thoroughly rinsed and dried. This remedy proved to be about as effective as the natural shampoo remedy.  Killed the fleas while he was in the bath, but also had no residual effect.  Can you see the pattern here?  So I thought to myself, maybe I can put the vinegar in a spray bottle and spray him to keep the fleas off of him. That oughta help with the residual power, right?  So back online I went to see if this procedure had been done.  Sure enough I found several people who had done this and claimed it worked. I was thrilled to come across this information as I was sure this was going to work.  NOT!!  The fleas were still showing up on him.  There was one good thing that came of the vinegar though; it helped to soothe his bites.  So keep that in mind while trying to give your fur-babies relief.
     By this point I had already had enough of experimenting with natural remedies.  My dog was suffering and I had now noticed that my cat had fleas and was suffering as well.  I knew that prolonging the inevitable would lead to possible tapeworms in both of my animals and an infested house.  So I 'bit the bullet' and went to PetSmart to research my non-natural options.  I came across pills, topical treatments, flea collars, shampoos' and more.  But as you could see, my decision had to be made based upon what would be the best product to use for killing all the life stages of the flea, with residual power.
     I finally reached a decision.  I chose to go with a topical flea medicine.  Although its not natural, it seemed to be the best choice for what my needs were.  Now here goes the endless search of brands and what the product can do. Keep in mind, one of the main reasons for this particular blog is for me to point out the fact of a topical treatment that is safe to use if you own both dog(s) and cat(s).  Unfortunately I lacked knowledge when it came to this important fact.  
      While searching and debating on the best flea treatment for my dog, I found Advantix II.  It claims to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitos'.  In addition, it ends flea life cycle by preventing flea offspring (eggs, pupae, and larvae) from maturing into adult fleas and was also waterproof.  This was great!  It was the answer to all of my problems, or so I thought.  
      So I had picked up a box of Advantix II and decided to go with Frontline Plus for my cat, because I could not use Advantix II on my cat due to the harmful ingredients it contained for cats.  Before I could pay for it, the cashier happened to notice that I had a cat.  Obviously because of the Frontline Plus for Cats that was on the counter.  She at that point warned me not to purchase the Advantix II because even though I was not going to put it on the cat, it was not safe for my cat to even be around the dog.  I had even asked her if it was considered safe when it was dry on the dog.  She still recommended that I be on the safe side and not purchase it.  I felt let down at that moment.  I thought that I had solved my problems and my animals would have relief.  I wanted so badly to be able to help my animals and I just kept running into walls.  So,  I decided to put both products back and return home to do more research.  
     During my research, I found that I could actually use the topical flea treatment Advantage II on both my dog and cat. They have packaging illustrating that one is for dogs and one is for cats.  My happiness was again restored, that maybe I had found the product that I had been searching for.  So I purchased the Advantage II online to save a little money (click link at the bottom of the page to see it at Amazon). 
     I will say this product has worked very well for both of my animals.  I have not had problems with fleas since. An added bonus that I would like to share with you is that the ingredients on the dog packaging and the cat packaging are the same. Yup, you guessed it, you can just buy one package and it will do both your dog and your cat!  I like to buy the package that is for Extra Large dogs that weigh 55 lbs or over.  This is a HUGE money saver!  I can get multiple treatments for my small dog and medium sized cat. I am aware that some people feel that this is unsafe to do and that the packages are marked "Dog" and "Cat" for a reason. I understand the concern, but I have been doing this for several months and have had no adverse reactions in either of my pets.  I have also heard of people doing this with Frontline Plus, but I have not tried it, therefore I can not vouch for it.  
     In the case that you decide to try my current topical choice,  bare in mind that you must make sure that the box says Advantage II NOT Advantix II. Moreover, you must measure out the appropriate dosing for your animal.  Do not be intimidated by measuring out the dosage, its simple and I will tell you how to do it.

Administering Proper Dosing 
1. Use an oral syringe (without the needle) with mL markings on it. (click link on the bottom of the page to see it at Amazon).
2. Find out the appropriate dosing for your animal.  I found the appropriate dosing by visiting 1-800-PetMeds, typing in Advantage II,  and clicking on the ingredients tab.  I only use this site for informative purposes.   I do not purchase from them because I generally like to shop at Amazon.com and they are usually cheaper.
3. Once you find this information, you can now administer the correct dosage to your animal.
4. Be sure to store the leftover medicine in a dark container such as, a clean pill bottle or 35 mm film canister. 
5. Rinse out the syringe thoroughly and dry it.  In addition, store the medicine and syringe in a safe place away from children and pets.

*Helpful Tip: The medicine may rub off the markings on the syringe after a while, try to keep another one on hand in case this happens.


Further Tips To Help You Win The Battle
1. Vacuum floors, couches, animal beds, human beds regularly.
2. Spray your yard and possibly your home with flea spray.
3. Wash animal and human beds routinely.
4. Bathe your animals with a shampoo that will not wash the topical off. (Certain shampoos can affect the strength of the medicine).  Be sure to choose a shampoo that states on the bottle that it will not wash off or affect 'spot-on' flea control such as, Bioguard Shampoo for dogs and cats. (click link at the bottom of page to see it at Amazon).
5. If infestation is bad enough on the animal, jump start your treatment by using flea treatment pills that contain Nitenpyram (commonly known as Capstar).  These pills will begin killing adult fleas within 30 minutes.  90% of the adult fleas will be killed within four hours. You will need to still use the topical because the pill only kills the Adult fleas and does not leave a residual.



~ Thank you for reading my post.  I hope that I was able to help at least some of you with understanding a little more about fleas when you are dealing with both dogs and cats.  I would love to hear about your experiences and/or tips about your battle with these irritating bugs. What has been most successful for you?  Have you tried the methods discussed in my post? Did you try the method with Frontline Plus?  I would love to hear your feedback,  so please do not hesitate to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Take care and I look forward to hearing from you! ~ 

**This blog contains affiliate ads or links.  By clicking these links it will take you to a site that gives you the opportunity to view and/or purchase products relative and non-relative to the blog topic. Clicking these links will give Nikki-Liz-Blogs a small commission and does not increase your price on any product.