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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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4 epic ideas for dealing with unwanted gifts

Many of us have received the odd present we were not too thrilled about. Perhaps your experience was as recent as this past festive season. No matter how many times you tell loved ones what you would like as a gift, they always seem to have the opposite idea. “Mum! I’m 30 and all grown up. Please don’t buy me another cartoon nightie.” Can you relate?

If you’ve just been gifted something you don’t think will be of use to you, there are many ways you can ensure that it doesn’t go to waste. Just don’t let anything on to the person who gave it to you – they may be offended…

Gift Swap

Swapping presents is becoming more common these days. Simply invite family and friends (be sure not to invite the person you received the gift from!) and ask everyone to bring their unwanted items. This way you can swap amongst each other and everyone should be much happier with their new gift.

Transform

Just because you received something you don’t like doesn’t necessarily mean you have to use it solely for that purpose. For example, if you’ve received yet another set of crockery from your mother-in-law, why not use it to decorate your home? Or plant succulents in the cups to create a window display? You can even donate that unwanted t-shirt to your kid’s toy box for them to play dress-up.

Return

Oh, you were so kind to leave the receipt in the bag in case I didn’t like it? How convenient is that? These days, when people give someone an item of clothing as a gift, they often leave the tag on and the receipt in the bag, just in case it doesn’t fit. If it really doesn’t tickle your fancy, why not simply exchange it for a different item? Or, return it and bag the cash if that’s allowed by the store. After all, it’s still a gift to you – even though you made the final decision, right?

Re-gift

Surely someone’s birthday is coming up, and your unwanted gift might be exactly what they’ve had on their wishlist! Perhaps the gift you received doesn’t appeal to your age group or you’re not a fan of the colour. But granny might think it’s the grandest gift ever! You’ll save money, and you’ll also save precious time not having to search for the perfect gift. That perfect gift might already be in your cupboard. Wink, wink!

Sometimes we get great, thoughtful and wonderful gifts though! Be sure to live your way by having the confidence that your home insurance policy – and movables cover in the case of jewellery or cameras – will cover you in the event of an unforeseen accident. Apply for an insurance quote today and make sure you get the best bang for your buck.

This post was sponsored by Miway.

ALSO READ:

7 steps to a party-perfect kitchen

This is how you create the ideal kiddies’ party

How to find the perfect wedding or party venue

The post Think-ahead party-planning tips to make things easier appeared first on Good Housekeeping.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8302119 https://www.goodhousekeeping.co.za/think-ahead-party-planning-tips-to-make-everything-easier/ from The Top Cleaner https://thetopcleaner.tumblr.com/post/182215658227

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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7 steps to a party-perfect kitchen

You can direct your guests to other parts of the house all you want, but let’s face it – the party always ends up in the kitchen. Here’s how to get the heart of the home looking its party-best…

Step 1: Declutter

Start by banishing clutter from the top of worktops and other surfaces around the kitchen; it will instantly make the room feel more spacious and welcoming. Take the opportunity to finally sort through your letters, bills and any other paperwork – file it away properly and deal with outstanding payments or correspondence that needs action. In a last minute panic? Box them away, but don’t think out of sight out of mind. Label them ‘TO DO’ and come back to it post-party. Don’t overlook clutter hot-spots like windowsills and the top of the microwave. Post-It notes and magnets are good for organisation, but take them off for the party to minimise clutter.

Pin this article for later! For more, follow Good Housekeeping on Pinterest.

Step 2: Clear the decks

Put away things like the pot of cooking utensils, the knife block, the bottle of olive oil and salt and pepper mills that normally hang around ready for action near the hob and get out clean tea towels. If you have a utility room, can make space in a kitchen cupboard or even the cupboard under the stairs, put away the toaster and any other small appliances you aren’t planning to use when you’re entertaining. Think food mixer, sandwich toaster and kettle, if you’re not planning to serve hot drinks.

Step 3: Put away dishes

If space allows, pop the dish rack and cutlery drainer away. Of course, having an empty dishwasher means you can stack throughout the party instead of having dirty glasses and plates piled high next to the sink.

Related: 8 easy tips for cleaning car seats

Step 4: Polish and shine

Shiny surfaces bring out the magpie in us all, and smudges and splatters will attract attention. Start by dousing taps with white vinegar. While it works its magic use a clean cloth and a surface cleaning spray to give surfaces a quick wipe-down. Rinse the taps, then use a fine microfibre cloth to polish them up and shine tiles and splashbacks. Don’t forget the exterior of the oven if it’s mirrored. Get rid of the worst smudgy fingerprints from windows while you’re all it.

Step 5: Put out glasses

No-one wants guests rummaging through cupboards looking for glasses as the evening wears on. Especially not if you’ve used your kitchen cupboards to hide those last-minute bits and pieces you realised you overlooked when the first guest rang the doorbell. Head this one off by arranging glasses on the worktop for your guests to help themselves to if they need them.

Step 6: Pick your battles

If time is short (and it always is before a party), vacuum the kitchen floor and spot-clean food spills or really grubby bits using a multi-purpose spray or a solution of multi-purpose cleaner and a clean cloth or sponge. Dry with kitchen towel. The same applies to the front of cupboards, which are easy to overlook in day-to-day cleaning.

Step 7: Empty bins

Empty the general waste, food and recycling bins so they’re ready for action again. If they’re a bit whiffy, give them a quick wipe-down with anti-bacterial cleaning spray, dry and sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the bottom before you replace the bag.

From: Good Housekeeping UK

PHOTO: iStock/svetikd

ALSO READ:

This big cleaning mistake can ruin your carpet

Your easy-to-follow cleaning-product guide for every room

5 home-cleaning mistakes

The post 7 steps to a party-perfect kitchen appeared first on Good Housekeeping.

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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Think-ahead party-planning tips to make things easier

1 month before

Plan your menu and order your meat. Buy long-lasting ingredients now. If you’re asking people to bring food, send your requests now.

Order your drinks and refreshments, and start to make space in your freezer for dishes that will be frozen for the day.

If it’s a big party, place your order for extra tables, tableware, glasses and linen with a hiring company, otherwise check that you have enough of everything for your expected guests.

2 weeks before

Check guest numbers and RSVPs.

Bake and make to freeze. Blinis, tart bases and brandy butter, for example, all freeze well. Stock up on puff pastry for easy snacks, grate cheese and store in Glad Zip Seal bags and buy basics like potatoes and onions now.

The night before

Set the table and put out bowls for easy snacks like chips and olives.

Set out hot trays and platters for meats, and allocate roasting dishes for meat cuts. (It’s a good idea to create a timeline for when you’ll be cooking each item.)

Make any glazes, sauces or dips and pop them in the fridge.

On the day

Empty the dishwasher and clear as many kitchen countertops as possible.

Set up a separate area for drinks and empty dustbins.

GH tip

Having drinks and snacks only? Allow for 10 bites per person and aim to make the last round a sweet something.

PHOTO: iStock/jacoblund

ALSO READ:

7 steps to a party-perfect kitchen

This is how you create the ideal kiddies’ party

How to find the perfect wedding or party venue

The post Think-ahead party-planning tips to make things easier appeared first on Good Housekeeping.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8302119 https://www.goodhousekeeping.co.za/think-ahead-party-planning-tips-to-make-everything-easier/ from The Top Cleaner https://thetopcleaner.tumblr.com/post/182213088827

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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11 Surprising Ways That Baby Oil Can Make Your Life Easier

Whenever I think about baby oil, I think back to the summers of my childhood. I was obsessed with swimming and being out by the pool, and my friends and I would cover ourselves in baby oil in hopes of getting the perfect golden-brown tan. (Of course, that was back before anyone really understood much about the harmful effects of sun exposure!)

But even though my youthful tanning days have come and gone, I still keep a bottle of baby oil on hand at home! Because apart from being a tanning agent and even apart from being useful for babies, there are plenty of useful things you can do with baby oil! And today I’ll be sharing 11 of my favorite practical uses for baby oil around the house. By the end of this post, you’ll see why everyone (and not just parents!) can benefit from keeping a bottle of baby oil in the cupboard!

11 Practical Uses For Baby Oil

1. Neater Manicures

Use baby oil to help keep your at-home manicures nice and neat. Just use a cotton swab to apply baby oil around your cuticles before you start painting your nails. Then if you get a bit of nail color on your cuticles, it will be easy to wipe right off!

2. Closer Shaves

You can use baby oil as a shaving liquid for a super close shave with no irritation. And as a bonus, you can also apply it after shaving as a great after-shave treatment! Your legs have never been so luxuriously smooth. :-)

3. Remove Stuck Rings

Accidentally put on a too-tight ring? Grab your trusty bottle of baby oil! Apply a bit of the oil around the finger the ring is stuck on. Then (carefully) slide the ring right off!

4. Stretch Your Shower Gel

Mix a bit of baby oil into your favorite bottle of shower gel. Not only will it help soften your skin every time you shower, but it will also stretch that bottle and make it last longer! (I love a good two-for-one tip.) :-)

5. Soften Skin

If you struggle with dry or cracked heels, baby oil can be a huge help. Slather baby oil onto your feet right before bed, then pull on a pair of socks. The oil will work overnight to soften and moisturize your skin. In the morning you’ll wake up to much softer feet!

6. Remove Makeup

Baby oil can help remove even the most stubborn eye makeup. Just pour a small amount of baby oil onto a cotton round, then gently swipe it over your eye makeup. It comes right off!

7. Dissolve Sticky Stuff

If sticky stuff like bandaids, temporary tattoos, or stickers are giving you trouble, baby oil can help! Saturate the area with baby oil and let it sit for a minute or two. The oil will start dissolving the sticky adhesive, making it much easier to wipe off!

8. Clean Stained Hands

Use baby oil to remove grease or paint from your hands after completing a messy project. It works well, and it’s much gentler on your skin than scrubbing the mess off! Plus, your hands will feel super soft afterward.

9. Shine Things Up

Baby oil is great for shining up all kinds of materials! Just dab a bit of oil onto a soft cloth, and buff it onto wood, leather, steel, and chrome to leave behind a lovely shine. You can also use this method on your dashboard, golf clubs, stainless steel appliances, faucets, and more! (Just remember that a little bit of oil goes a long way!)

10. Silence Squeaks

If you have baby oil on hand, you have everything you need to silence a squeak door or window. Just apply some baby oil, open and shut it a few times, and the squeak will be gone!

11. Smoother Shredding

If you have a paper shredder at home, you may notice that the shredding action gets less smooth over time. This can occur when the blades and gears start to dry out. But you can use baby oil to fix it! Just soak a piece of paper in a small amount of baby oil, then run it through the shredder. The oil will transfer to the blades and gears, and it will help lube up the machine and keep it running smoothly!

Don’t Care For Baby Oil? Try Coconut Oil Instead

Most baby oils are made from highly purified mineral oil products. Because of this, some people choose not to use baby oil in their homes. But even if you don’t want to use baby oil, that doesn’t mean you can’t use these tips!

In fact, you can use coconut oil instead of baby oil for all of the applications listed above. (Fractionated coconut oil may work best for these tips though, as it stays in liquid form instead of solidifying like regular coconut oil does.)

What’s your favorite practical use for oil around the house?

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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Zinc Face Creams

Did you know that all of our face creams contain non-nano zinc oxide? They don’t have an SPF rating but they do provide mild protection, I wear mine every day. The Green Goddess range is great to use under makeup; apply a small amount, wait five minutes, then put on your foundation.

The original Wendyl’s range also doubles as protective cream, perfect for dry sun or wind burnt skin on any part of the body and great for slightly older skin.

The post Zinc Face Creams appeared first on Wendyls Green Goddess.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8302119 https://www.wendyls.co.nz/zinc-face-creams/ from The Top Cleaner https://thetopcleaner.tumblr.com/post/182204862427

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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7 steps to a party-perfect kitchen

You can direct your guests to other parts of the house all you want, but let’s face it – the party always ends up in the kitchen. Here’s how to get the heart of the home looking its party-best…

Step 1: Declutter

Start by banishing clutter from the top of worktops and other surfaces around the kitchen; it will instantly make the room feel more spacious and welcoming. Take the opportunity to finally sort through your letters, bills and any other paperwork – file it away properly and deal with outstanding payments or correspondence that needs action. In a last minute panic? Box them away, but don’t think out of sight out of mind. Label them ‘TO DO’ and come back to it post-party. Don’t overlook clutter hot-spots like windowsills and the top of the microwave. Post-It notes and magnets are good for organisation, but take them off for the party to minimise clutter.

Pin this article for later! For more, follow Good Housekeeping on Pinterest.

Step 2: Clear the decks

Put away things like the pot of cooking utensils, the knife block, the bottle of olive oil and salt and pepper mills that normally hang around ready for action near the hob and get out clean tea towels. If you have a utility room, can make space in a kitchen cupboard or even the cupboard under the stairs, put away the toaster and any other small appliances you aren’t planning to use when you’re entertaining. Think food mixer, sandwich toaster and kettle, if you’re not planning to serve hot drinks.

Step 3: Put away dishes

If space allows, pop the dish rack and cutlery drainer away. Of course, having an empty dishwasher means you can stack throughout the party instead of having dirty glasses and plates piled high next to the sink.

Related: 8 easy tips for cleaning car seats

Step 4: Polish and shine

Shiny surfaces bring out the magpie in us all, and smudges and splatters will attract attention. Start by dousing taps with white vinegar. While it works its magic use a clean cloth and a surface cleaning spray to give surfaces a quick wipe-down. Rinse the taps, then use a fine microfibre cloth to polish them up and shine tiles and splashbacks. Don’t forget the exterior of the oven if it’s mirrored. Get rid of the worst smudgy fingerprints from windows while you’re all it.

Step 5: Put out glasses

No-one wants guests rummaging through cupboards looking for glasses as the evening wears on. Especially not if you’ve used your kitchen cupboards to hide those last-minute bits and pieces you realised you overlooked when the first guest rang the doorbell. Head this one off by arranging glasses on the worktop for your guests to help themselves to if they need them.

Step 6: Pick your battles

If time is short (and it always is before a party), vacuum the kitchen floor and spot-clean food spills or really grubby bits using a multi-purpose spray or a solution of multi-purpose cleaner and a clean cloth or sponge. Dry with kitchen towel. The same applies to the front of cupboards, which are easy to overlook in day-to-day cleaning.

Step 7: Empty bins

Empty the general waste, food and recycling bins so they’re ready for action again. If they’re a bit whiffy, give them a quick wipe-down with anti-bacterial cleaning spray, dry and sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the bottom before you replace the bag.

From: Good Housekeeping UK

PHOTO: iStock/svetikd

ALSO READ:

This big cleaning mistake can ruin your carpet

Your easy-to-follow cleaning-product guide for every room

5 home-cleaning mistakes

The post 7 steps to a party-perfect kitchen appeared first on Good Housekeeping.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8302119 https://www.goodhousekeeping.co.za/7-steps-to-a-party-perfect-kitchen/ from The Top Cleaner https://thetopcleaner.tumblr.com/post/182201974927

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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Here’s how to declutter the Marie Kondo Way – it will change your life!

Most people know about Marie Kondo from her bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. When it was originally published in 2014, Kondo had established herself as a Japanese cleaning consultant with a revolutionary idea (organising category-by-category instead of room-by-room) and a track record of clients who never relapsed back into their old hoarding ways. Today, she’s become household name by literally visiting American homes in need of her help on her crazy-popular Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. And it’s getting people off the couch, too: Now everyone wants a piece of the KonMari Method.

What is the KonMari Method?

The KonMari Method is Marie Kondo’s minimalism-inspired approach to tackling your stuff category-by-category rather than room-by-room.

There are six basic rules to get started:

Commit yourself to tidying up.

Imagine your ideal lifestyle.

Finish discarding first. Before getting rid of items, sincerely thank each item for serving its purpose.

Tidy by category, not location.

Follow the right order.

Ask yourself it it sparks joy.

And five categories to tackle:

Clothes

Books

Papers

Komono (a.k.a. Miscellaneous Items)

Sentimental Items

While many people associate her method with tidying, it’s really about discarding items that lack value. To determine what makes the cut, Kondo has you start by removing everything out of your closets and drawers (category one), all the books off your shelves (category two), all the paperwork out of your desk and bins (you get the idea). Once you have a big pile, you’re to go item-by-item and consider if it sparks joy. While Kondo admits that this can feel awkward or unnatural at first, she assures readers and viewers that you’ll get better at recognising what sparks joy as you go. Once you’ve tossed items in every category, you should have a much smaller set of remaining items that you can return to various closets, drawers, shelves, and boxes. Note that you’re to finish one category before moving onto the next one.

Because you’re actively choosing items that spark joy, and discarding what doesn’t, the intention of the KonMari method is to end up with a clutter-free home that is better able to bring more joy and prosperity to your life. While tidying, she encourages you to visualise the life you want to live — to be less stressed, for example — and what you need to get there. Anything that won’t help on that journey isn’t deserving of your space or you, she says.

Does “KonMari” mean something?

There’s no deeper meaning here: KonMari is simply the combination of Mari Kondo’s first and last and first name. Kondo trademarked the term because, well, it’s her name (and genius idea!).

What is the KonMari folding method?

Kondo has very specific guidelines for how to properly fold clothes. Watch this video to learn how to fold clothes the KonMari way:

youtube

It’s actually the way you store clothes that makes a difference. Leaving clothes in a stacked pile — no matter how neat — makes them hard to reach and even harder to see. Instead, stand clothes upright to help you stay true to Kondo’s idea of appreciating items through touch and use.

This helpful video by Lavendaire gives you a step-by-step guide for folding trickier items like bulky sweaters and hoodies:

youtube

What is the KonMari checklist, and do I need it?

The KonMari checklist will help you decide what to keep and what to toss across a comprehensive list of categories including kitchen tools, cleaning supplies, and even digital photos. So if you think of yourself as generally indecisive, then yes, the KonMari checklist will make your process of tidying up go much faster. The checklist also covers how to fold just about everything, from dress shirts to socks.

From: Goodhousekeeping.com

ALSO READ:

This big cleaning mistake can ruin your carpet

Your easy-to-follow cleaning-product guide for every room

5 home-cleaning mistakes

The post 7 steps to a party-perfect kitchen appeared first on Good Housekeeping.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8302119 https://www.goodhousekeeping.co.za/7-steps-to-a-party-perfect-kitchen/ from The Top Cleaner https://thetopcleaner.tumblr.com/post/182197608722

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

Text

Here’s how to declutter the Marie Kondo Way – it will change your life!

Most people know about Marie Kondo from her bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. When it was originally published in 2014, Kondo had established herself as a Japanese cleaning consultant with a revolutionary idea (organising category-by-category instead of room-by-room) and a track record of clients who never relapsed back into their old hoarding ways. Today, she’s become household name by literally visiting American homes in need of her help on her crazy-popular Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. And it’s getting people off the couch, too: Now everyone wants a piece of the KonMari Method.

What is the KonMari Method?

The KonMari Method is Marie Kondo’s minimalism-inspired approach to tackling your stuff category-by-category rather than room-by-room.

There are six basic rules to get started:

Commit yourself to tidying up.

Imagine your ideal lifestyle.

Finish discarding first. Before getting rid of items, sincerely thank each item for serving its purpose.

Tidy by category, not location.

Follow the right order.

Ask yourself it it sparks joy.

And five categories to tackle:

Clothes

Books

Papers

Komono (a.k.a. Miscellaneous Items)

Sentimental Items

While many people associate her method with tidying, it’s really about discarding items that lack value. To determine what makes the cut, Kondo has you start by removing everything out of your closets and drawers (category one), all the books off your shelves (category two), all the paperwork out of your desk and bins (you get the idea). Once you have a big pile, you’re to go item-by-item and consider if it sparks joy. While Kondo admits that this can feel awkward or unnatural at first, she assures readers and viewers that you’ll get better at recognising what sparks joy as you go. Once you’ve tossed items in every category, you should have a much smaller set of remaining items that you can return to various closets, drawers, shelves, and boxes. Note that you’re to finish one category before moving onto the next one.

Because you’re actively choosing items that spark joy, and discarding what doesn’t, the intention of the KonMari method is to end up with a clutter-free home that is better able to bring more joy and prosperity to your life. While tidying, she encourages you to visualise the life you want to live — to be less stressed, for example — and what you need to get there. Anything that won’t help on that journey isn’t deserving of your space or you, she says.

Does “KonMari” mean something?

There’s no deeper meaning here: KonMari is simply the combination of Mari Kondo’s first and last and first name. Kondo trademarked the term because, well, it’s her name (and genius idea!).

What is the KonMari folding method?

Kondo has very specific guidelines for how to properly fold clothes. Watch this video to learn how to fold clothes the KonMari way:

youtube

It’s actually the way you store clothes that makes a difference. Leaving clothes in a stacked pile — no matter how neat — makes them hard to reach and even harder to see. Instead, stand clothes upright to help you stay true to Kondo’s idea of appreciating items through touch and use.

This helpful video by Lavendaire gives you a step-by-step guide for folding trickier items like bulky sweaters and hoodies:

youtube

What is the KonMari checklist, and do I need it?

The KonMari checklist will help you decide what to keep and what to toss across a comprehensive list of categories including kitchen tools, cleaning supplies, and even digital photos. So if you think of yourself as generally indecisive, then yes, the KonMari checklist will make your process of tidying up go much faster. The checklist also covers how to fold just about everything, from dress shirts to socks.

From: Goodhousekeeping.com

Also read:

8 Reasons to Declutter this Year

These easy decluttering tips will transform your home in an instant!

9 space-saving ways to fold clothes

The post Here’s how to declutter the Marie Kondo Way – it will change your life! appeared first on Good Housekeeping.

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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Space-Saving Storage Ideas to Help You Get Your Home in Order in 2019

Get your home organized this year with some of these easy space-saving storage ideas!

Photos via: Living Etc.

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to get rid of the clutter in your home and have a house that feels more spacious, organized and stylish? If so, one of the factors you’re no doubt thinking about is storage. Most people find that there never seems to be enough room available to store all their belongings, and things like children’s toys, games, sports equipment, paperwork and so on are constantly in the way.

However, no matter how much “stuff” you have accumulated in your property, there are ways you can maximize your storage space. Read on for some space-saving storage ideas to help bring more calm and order to your home in 2019.

Add Shelving Where Floor Space Is Limited

One of the best ways to get more storage space is to add shelving around your home, especially where floor space is limited. Bracketed shelving systems can be put on walls that are otherwise not being used, instead of you taking up more space on the floor with tables and drawers.

Floating shelves, attached via decorative wire or chains, are also a good option, particularly in small spaces since they’re simple and uncluttered. To get more out of your wardrobes, install some hanging shelves in the ceiling space. These are handy for storing things you don’t use often, like Christmas paper tubes, hat boxes or seasonal clothing.

Keep in mind, too, that usually the area above doorways and appliances, particularly in the laundry, don’t tend to be taken advantage of. You can increase storage in your home, therefore, if you put in shelving in these areas.

For instance, add shelves over your bathroom door, and store back-up toiletry supplies or towels there — this then gives you more space under the sink and in shaving cabinets for the things you use every day. In your laundry, add shelving above the washing machine and/or dryer where you can keep your laundry supplies or other bits and pieces.

Utilize Multi-purpose Furniture

Another good way to free up space around your home is to utilize multi-purpose furniture. These days you don’t have to look hard to find functional furniture pieces that work double-time and free up space for more storage.

For example, in your children’s rooms, why not have beds that contain built-in shelves or drawers used to house books, toys, clothes and trinkets? If you’re a book-lover whose house is bursting with tomes, consider buying a lounge that features purpose-built shelving for books and magazines. Alternatively, if you have a space you want to split into two, use a freestanding wardrobe as a room divider and storage option.

Also, keep an eye out for multi-functional furniture ideas such as side tables to store magazines; coffee tables with holes for wine bottles; modular bookcases that contain built-in cat playgrounds; dining room tables that can function as pool tables; coffee tables that can be converted into desks and more. You don’t have to be handy with an Allen key or screwdriver to set these products up either, as there are specialists who handle this kind of job, like these Dallas furniture assembly companies.

Buy a Range of Magnetic Strips

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering storage ideas, but magnetic strips can certainly be of assistance in the home. Buy a range of wall-mounted strips and use them to hang light items in various rooms of your house.

For example, in the kitchen they can be a handy device to hang up kitchen tools you use often, which in turn frees up space for other gear in drawers or cupboards. In the bathroom, attach extra supplies to the insides of cabinet doors, and in your office hang stationery items on the wall above your desk to keep drawers for larger goods. If you’re an artist, crafter or sewer, magnetic strips can be used to hang your oft-used supplies, rather than taking up room on your hobby table or in cupboards.

Make Use of Under-stair Space

If your home is two or more levels, you no doubt have stairs in your house. The space under these stairs is likely underutilized and the ideal spot to convert into extra storage. There are many uses for this kind of an area. For instance, equip it with shelving and hanging space and store a variety of bulky and/or awkward items used for cleaning in addition to umbrellas, coats, boots and the like, or you turn the space into an arts-and-crafts nook or study spot for kids, or make it a tucked-away home office for yourself.

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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The Clutter Challenge – Week 4 – Clothing + Bedrooms

Welcome to week 4 of THE CLUTTER CHALLENGE! I am so excited for you to join me! How did week 3 go for you? Were you able to get a little or a lot of bathroom decluttering accomplished? For me, it felt really good to go through cupboards and drawers and pare down duplicates and […]

The post The Clutter Challenge – Week 4 – Clothing + Bedrooms appeared first on Clean Mama.

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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“Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” – Super Bowl Edition

The Super Bowl is coming up on February 3rd, which means it’s just under two weeks away! I may not be invested in this year’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, but I usually end up watching the game regardless of who is playing! The game itself is always exciting, and I love the commercials and halftime show too. Plus, I love a good excuse to throw a party with lots of tasty snack foods! ;-)

If you’re also planning on getting together with friends or family to watch the Big Game, you’ve come to the right place! Because today I’ll be sharing some tips and tricks that are perfect for your game day festivities, in a very special Super Bowl edition of my ongoing series “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” (To check out past editions of this series, see the full list at the bottom of this post!)

1. Double Duty Crockpot

Want to heat two dips, but only have one crockpot? Use heavy duty tin foil to create a divider that runs down the center of your slow cooker. Then grab a couple of slow cooker liners and put one into each side of your newly divided crockpot. Your crockpot is now ready to do double duty!

Related: 10 Brilliant Hacks That Will Make You Love Your Slow Cooker

2. Chip Bag Serving Bowl

Turn a bag of chips into a handy serving bowl! Start by opening the bag, then rolling the top edge down for a cleaner edge. Then poke the bottom corners of the bag in towards the center, to make a flat surface so the bag stands up on its own. Then roll the bottom of the bag upward until the chips are pushed to the top edge, and serve!

3. Easy Table Cleanup

Instead of using a cloth tablecloth on game day, cover your table with kraft paper instead! Then you won’t have to worry about drips, spills, and splatters, because you can just throw the paper out later. Plus, once you have your spread laid out, you can use a Sharpie to label each dish right on the paper!

4. Effortless Pulled Meat

Planning on making pulled pork or pulled chicken for one of your game day dishes? Instead of pulling all that meat by hand, use your stand mixer instead! Just put the meat into your stand mixer while it’s still hot. Put on the paddle attachment, then turn the mixer on until your meat is pulled to the right consistency.

5. Chill Drinks Fast

Forgot to put your drinks in the fridge beforehand? Here’s a super quick way to chill drinks. Just wrap a damp paper towel around the drink, then place the wrapped drink in your freezer for 10 minutes. It’ll be deliciously cold before you know it! (And if you’re forgetful like I am, it’s a good idea to set a timer so you don’t end up with an exploding drink situation!)

6. Make A Chili Bar

One of the easiest dishes to make when serving a crowd is chili. And you can make it even more fun for your watch party by setting up a “chili bar!” Along with a huge pot of chili, set out several kinds of chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, cornbread, salsa, sliced red onions, hot sauce, avocado, and whatever else you like. It’s easy, economical, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Related: This Is The Delicious Instant Pot Chili Recipe You Need

7. Prepare For Sticky Fingers

Hot wings are often a staple at Super Bowl parties, but they sure can make a mess! If you’re serving wings, consider setting out supplies for cleaning up sticky, saucy fingers. Set out paper towels, wet wipes, and whatever else your guests might need to clean up after finishing a plate of wings.

8. Tailgating Tip

For tailgate parties, it’s always a good idea to have an easy way to keep food warm while you’re out in the cold. My favorite is to just use a cooler! Coolers are just as good at keeping food hot as they are at keeping drinks cold, and they’re easy to carry around too.

9. DIY Chip-And-Dip Dish

You know those fancy chip-and-dip dishes that have room for chips and a separate compartment for dips? You can DIY one with dishes you already have at home! Just set a wine glass in the center of a large bowl. Fill the bowl with chips, and fill the wine glass with your dip of choice. Easy!

Will you be watching the Super Bowl this year?

The “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” Series

If you’ve missed any of the previous posts in this series, or want to revisit some of your old favorite tips, you’ve come to the right place! Below you’ll find links to all of the previous posts in the “Why Didn’t I Think Of That?” series. (You can also save them to your Favorites if you’re an OGT Plus member!)

Happy reading! :-)

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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7 Things You Clean Too Often, And Why It’s A Mistake

When it comes to keeping our homes clean, there are a lot of things we could all probably stand to clean more often. Things like throw blankets, filters in our appliances, and other neglected items suffer from being out of sight and out of mind. But in today’s post, we’ll be exploring the flip side of that coin. Because as surprising as it may sound, there are also things around the house that you could be cleaning too often!

Can things really be too clean? The answer to that question is more complicated than you’d think. Technically, the cleanliness itself isn’t the issue—it’s the act of cleaning than can cause harm. Washing, wiping, scrubbing, and spraying can all shorten the lifespan of your stuff if you’re accidentally overdoing it. And we all want our stuff to last as long as possible, right?

That’s why today I’m sharing 7 things that people commonly clean too much or too often. I’ll explain why it’s harmful, and let you know how often you should be cleaning each item so they can have a good, long life!

7 Things You Might Clean Too Often

1. Bathroom Mirror

Bathroom mirrors are subjected to a lot of humidity, both from the steam of baths and showers, and frequent cleanings. If your mirror is exposed to too much humidity, it could get behind the mirror and damage the backing. So it’s wise to clean your bathroom mirror on an as-needed basis to avoid doing moisture damage!

2. Carpet

If you use foamy carpet cleaners frequently to spot clean spills and stains, you may be doing more harm than good. The problem is that it’s really hard to rinse all of the soap and suds out of your carpet! That can leave behind soapy residue that ends up attracting more dirt over time.

Instead, use less aggressive carpet cleaning products only as needed. And make sure to blot the area thoroughly with a clean, wet cloth to remove the cleaner residue! For simple carpet cleaning tips, read the post below.

Related: Here’s How To Remove The Most Dreaded Carpet Stains

3. Wood Furniture

It’s important to use special wood cleaners to keep your furniture looking nice. However, using those cleaners too often could leave behind an oily buildup that attracts dust and dirt. Instead, use special wood cleaners just once or twice a month. Between cleanings, just wipe your wood furniture down with a damp microfiber cloth.

Related: How To Make A Cheap, All-Natural Dusting Spray

4. Jeans

With as tricky as it is to find the perfect pair of jeans, it only makes sense to help them to last as long as possible. The best way to do that is by washing them infrequently. Some say once a month is fine, but makers of raw denim recommend waiting up to six months between washes!

To keep your jeans fresh in between washes, you can stick them in your freezer overnight to kill bacteria. You can also make a simple “freshening” spray with ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol, ¼ cup of water, and 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake the ingredients up in a small spray bottle, and spritz your jeans every few wears to keep them smelling fresh.

5. Bras

Bras are another clothing item that wear out quickly when washed frequently. Instead, wear a bra 3-4 times before washing it to help extend the life of your bra. And when you do wash it, always zip it into a mesh laundry bag first, and wash on the gentlest possible cycle. And don’t forget—hang dry only!

Related: This Brand Makes The Most Comfortable Bras Ever

6. Your Hair

Shampooing hair doesn’t just remove the excess oil from your hair and scalp, it removes all the oil! Your hair and scalp produce oils for a reason, and stripping them out by shampooing every day can really take a toll on your hair.

The only people who may need to shampoo their hair every day are those with very fine hair, or those who exercise a lot. Everyone else is better off washing their hair just 2-3 times per week. (And those with very thick or very curly hair should shampoo even less than that!)

7. Your Car

Keeping the outside of your car clean is important, but it’s easy to overdo it. Every time you wash your car, you wash away some of the waxy outer layer that is meant to protect your car’s paint job. And once that layer is gone, you risk damaging the paint job further with every wash. (This often results in “spiderwebbing,” or small, web-like cracks in the paint.)

Instead, scale back to washing your car once or twice a month. And make sure to get your car waxed (either at home or by a professional) at least once a year to keep your paint job well protected.

What’s your best tip for making something last as long as possible?

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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Easy Ways To Keep All Of Your Jewelry Sparkling Clean

Whether you prize your jewelry because of its monetary value or its sentimental value, it’s worth dedicating a bit of time and effort towards keeping them clean and sparkly! After all, jewelry is regularly exposed to dust, pollutants, sweat, perfume, hairspray, and other contaminants on a regular basis. All of them can build up on the surface of your jewelry, dulling its appearance over time.

I personally love wearing jewelry, but in the past I’ve been nervous about cleaning it myself for fear of accidentally ruining my favorite rings, necklaces, and bracelets. So I decided to do some research to try and find safe, effective, and affordable ways to clean jewelry. And that’s what I’ll be sharing with you today! At the end of this post, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to clean, buff, and shine all of your jewelry to sparkling perfection. :-)

How To Clean Jewelry Safely & Effectively

How To Clean Gold

Fill a small dish with club soda and add a drop of Dawn dish soap. Drop your gold jewelry into the soda mixture and swish it around. You can use a soft-bristled brush if necessary to dislodge the more stubborn gunk. Then rinse with cool water and dry completely.

How To Clean Silver

There are a few different methods you can use to clean silver jewelry. The first and most convenient method is to use silver wipes. The remove tarnish and restore shine at the same time, and you can also use them to clean gold, brass, and copper.

Another method you can use to clean silver is with a baking soda paste. Just add small amounts of water to some baking soda until it forms a paste. Use it to scrub your silver jewelry, then rinse the jewelry well and dry it completely.

Finally, if your silver is really tarnished, you can use tin foil to help remove it. Line a small bowl with a piece of tin foil, then sprinkle some baking soda onto the foil. Place the jewelry in the bowl, and pour a cup or two of hot water over the jewelry and baking soda. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then give the jewelry a scrub with a soft toothbrush. Make sure to then rinse the clean jewelry well and dry it completely.

How To Clean Diamonds, Gemstones, & Platinum

Diamonds and other precious gems require special care to keep them looking sparkly without causing damage. I recently got this Diamond Dazzle Stik on Amazon and have been thrilled with the results!

The small brush dispenses a special cleanser that leaves stones looking marvelous, and it’s easy to get into even the tiniest nooks and crannies. Plus, it’s small enough to keep in my purse, so I can touch up my wedding ring even on the go!

How To Clean Pearls

Use a gentle shampoo to keep your pearls shiny and iridescent. Just add a few drops of shampoo to a small dish of water. Use a small, soft brush (like a clean makeup brush) to gently apply the solution to your pearls. Dry the clean jewelry completely with a soft cloth.

Bonus Tips For Caring For Jewelry

Brush it clean. A soft-bristled toothbrush makes a great tool for scrubbing gunk off of jewelry!

Dry it completely. Keeping your jewelry dry is very important. Use an absorbent microfiber cloth to ensure that you’re removing all the moisture from your jewelry.

Put jewelry on after you get ready. Hairspray, perfumes, and lotions can easily dull the sparkle of your jewelry. To keep jewelry cleaner, wait to put it on until after you’re finished getting ready for the day.

Keep it safe during travel. Protect your jewelry while you’re traveling by keeping it in a lined or padded box. You can keep your necklaced free from tangles by threading them through a drinking straw. You can also protect items from getting tarnished with a special anti-tarnish bag.

Take it off before housework. It’s best to remove your jewelry before handling chemicals or working outside to keep them clean and undamaged. (Just make sure to put them in a safe place!)

What is your most precious piece of jewelry, and why?

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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Here Are The Easiest Solutions To 9 Annoying Household Problems

One of the reasons I started this blog was to have a place that I could share solutions that I’d found to my own everyday problems. I would figure out how to remove a stain, or clean an appliance, and then I would sit down at my computer and write it all down. It was something that came quite naturally to me, but I know that not everyone believes they are a natural born problem solver!

One response I hear frequently after I share a household hack or simple solution is, “Oh, well I’m not very handy, so I usually just have someone else do it.” And I think that’s a real shame! While I totally understand calling in a professional when you need one, there’s no reason to call for help when there’s a small problem that you can easily solve by yourself!

So in order to help boost your confidence about tackling those little day-to-day annoyances, I thought that today I would share some of my very favorite dead-simple household hacks! These tips cover all sorts of issues, from stripped screws to sticky locks. By the end of this post, you’ll see that you don’t necessarily have to be “handy” in order to be a problem solver around the house! :-)

9 Of The Easiest Household Hacks

1. Check For Toilet Leaks

If your toilet is leaking water from the tank into the bowl, it could be costing you on your monthly water bill! To check for a leak, just grab a packet of brightly colored Kool-Aid drink mix. Sprinkle the powder into the tank, and wait for 30 minutes (without flushing).

Check the water in the toilet bowl after the 30 minutes are up. If the color of the Kool-Aid has seeped into the bowl, then you know you have a leak. But the good news is that you may be able to fix the leak just by replacing the flapper! (If that doesn’t work, you may want to consult a plumber.)

Related: These 9 Problem-Solving Toilet Hacks Are Weird, But They Work

2. Fix A Squeaky Hinge

Have a squeaky door somewhere that’s driving you crazy? You can silence the squeak with shortening! Just rub a small amount of shortening over the hinge, then open and shut the door a few times. It’s a quick and easy fix, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

Related: 24 Housekeeping Hacks From Grandma That Save Time And Money

3. Remove Stripped Screws

There’s nothing worse than trying to remove a stubborn screw, only to realize that you’ve accidentally stripped the screw head. But there’s still hope, as long as you have a rubber band!

Place part of the rubber band over the screw head, then use your drill to remove the screw like normal. The added friction from the rubber band will help the drill to grab the screw, so you can get it out!

4. Secure Screws In Place

Want to make sure a screw stays in place? Once it’s screwed in, coat the screw head with a layer of clear nail polish. When the nail polish dries, it will seal the screw in place and make it much less likely to loosen over time.

5. Clean Grout Lines

Could your grout lines use a good cleaning? Try using carpet cleaner! Spray a foaming carpet cleaner like Resolve onto dirty grout lines, then scrub with a stiff brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse or mop clean.

6. Fill Nail Holes

You can fill nail holes (or at least make them invisible) with a few different common household items. Use a bit of plain white toothpaste, a bar of soap, or a white crayon to fill nail holes in a pinch!

7. Tighten A Loose Screw

If a screw is feeling a little loose, you can “tighten” it using a bit of steel wool. Just remove the screw, wrap a small amount of steel wool around the outside, the screw it back into the hole. The steel wool adds extra grip that will keep the screw in place!

Related: 10 Unexpected Uses For Steel Wool

8. Clean Your Shower Head

If you have hard water like I do, then you probably have already experienced those stubborn mineral deposits forming on your shower head. Those deposits can eventually slow your water flow, and even stop it if it gets bad enough! But there’s a secret to easily removing those mineral deposits—white vinegar! (It’s the star ingredient in some of my favorite household hacks.)

Remove your shower head and soak it in plain white vinegar overnight. In the morning, just give it a scrub with a sponge and all that gunk will slide right off!

9. Fix A Sticky Lock

Use a graphite pencil to loosen up a lock that keeps sticking. Scribble inside of the lock hole with the pencil. Then sharpen the pencil and repeat until your keys opens the door with ease.

Do you have any favorite quick and easy household hacks?

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lauriecgarcia · 6 years ago

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9 Of The Best High-End Makeup Knockoffs Found At The Drugstore

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with makeup. I’ve worn it nearly every day for decades, but sometimes it feels like more of a chore! And with as many makeup products that are available these days, buying makeup can be really expensive! Especially when you start looking for higher quality products.

But fortunately for me, there are plenty of makeup enthusiasts out there who are hungry for a good bargain. They are constantly hunting for makeup “dupes” (shorthand for “duplicates,”) which are inexpensive makeup products that are comparable in color and quality to a more expensive counterpart. Using these makeup dupes is a great way to save money on makeup without sacrificing on quality!

Today I’ll be sharing the best makeup dupes out there for 9 different types of products. I based each dupe off of popular, high-end products that can be found in most makeup stores. I also provided links to both the original products and the makeup dupes, so that you check them out for yourselves! I used Amazon links wherever possible (gotta have my Prime shipping!), and used links from ULTA.com for products I couldn’t find readily on Amazon.

So here’s to saving money, and looking fabulous while doing it! :-)

9 Of The Best Money-Saving Makeup Dupes

1. Primer

Original: Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Minimizer ($32) Budget-Friendly Dupe: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser ($7)

A good pore-minimizing primer acts as a barrier, preventing your makeup from sinking into your pores and making them look larger than they actually are. The POREfessional from Benefit Cosmetics is a fan-favorite primer, but it comes with a hefty price tag! This Maybelline dupe will get the job done too, and for quite a bit less!

2. Blush

Original: NARS Orgasm Blush ($40) Budget-Friendly Dupe: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso ($8)

The perfect peachy-pink blush can take your look to the next level! NARS Orgasm Blush is a cult favorite, because many claim that it’s universally flattering. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso is a very close match in terms of both shade and shimmer!

3. Mascara

Original: Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Extreme! ($35) Budget-Friendly Dupe: L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara ($7)

If you really want to maximize the volume of your lashes, choose a 2-step mascara. It’s two products in one—a lash volumizer plus a normal mascara. Better Than False Lashes Extreme! by Too Faced is very popular, but pricey. For a great dupe, look for L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Mascara, which is not only cheaper, but comes in a convenient double-sided tube!

4. Eyeshadow Primer

Original: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($23) Budget-Friendly Dupe: NYX Cosmetics HD Eyeshadow Base ($6)

Using an eyeshadow primer might sound like overkill, but it’s actually an investment worth making! It makes your eyeshadow last longer, and it really cuts down on creasing. It makes your eyeshadow color pop too! Makeup fans swear by the Eyeshadow Primer Potion by Urban Decay, but the HD Eyeshadow Primer from NYX Cosmetics is a great inexpensive alternative!

5. Makeup Sponge

Original: beautyblender The Original ($20) Budget-Friendly Dupe: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, Pack of 2 ($8)

Using a makeup sponge can help you blend your way to makeup perfection. The Original beautyblender was the makeup sponge that started it all, but it’s hard to justify spending $20 on a fancy sponge. Instead, check out the Miracle Complexion Sponge from Real Techniques, which is not only cheaper, but comes in a 2-pack!

6. Long-Lasting Lipstick

Original: Lipsense ($45) Budget-Friendly Dupe: Rimmel Provocalips Kissproof Lipstick ($6) or Maybelline SuperStay 24 Liquid Lipstick ($8)

There are a lot of ladies who live and die by Lipsense for long-lasting lip color. And while I love a good long-lasting lipstick too, I’m perfectly happy to settle for something that’s almost as good if it means getting a great price! These dupes from Rimmel and Maybelline promise to last all day, and come in several alluring shades!

7. Eyeshadow

Original: Urban Decay Naked2 Pallet ($54) Budget-Friendly Dupe: Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Pallet ($11)

Makeup collectors swoon over Urban Decay’s Naked eyeshadow pallets. The Naked2 pallet is packed with neutral shades with various levels of shimmer. But if the $50+ price tag puts you off, take a look at The Nudes pallet by Maybelline! The shades are quite similar, and you’ll save yourself around $40 with this dupe!

8. Toner

Original: Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner ($14) Budget-Friendly Dupe: Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner ($7)

When it comes to skin-friendly natural ingredients, witch hazel is among the best! It’s great at reducing inflammation and redness, and the addition of rosewater makes it even more soothing. The Witch Hazel Toner from Mario Badescu isn’t unreasonably expensive, but the one from Thayers works really well for half the price!

9. BB/CC Cream

Original: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream ($35) Budget-Friendly Dupe: COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream ($6)

If you like to keep your makeup routine as simple as possible, consider trying a BB or CC cream. These all-in-one creams promise to prime, protect, and perfect your skin with just one product! Makeup fans love the CC+ Cream from IT Cosmetics, but the cheaper Clean Matte BB Cream from COVERGIRL has its own devotees too!

Do you have any favorite makeup dupes?

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