Happy Halloween from All You!

Make sure to stay safe tonight and enjoy all the spooky festivities. For some post-Halloween clean-up, learn how to survive Halloween messes after all the haunting is over. Whether your front yard is covered in toilet paper or the leftover Halloween candy has made a mess of your coffee table, learn the best strategies for getting rid of the gunk.

Posted by Riley Tant, AllYou.com

SEE ALSO:
Take the All You Halloween challenge
Make a Halloween music playlist
Throw a ghoulishly glamorous Halloween party

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Do you love when your cat or dog curls up with you on the couch, but hate the hair she leaves behind? Here’s a simple, low-cost solution: Watch for home sales at department stores, and buy a few inexpensive placemats that match your furniture and décor. Place the mats on your cat or dog’s favorite place to sit (my cat’s most-loved spot: the couch arms). Pet hair and dirt will end up on the placemat, not your couch. (Just throw the mat in the washer when it gets grimy.)

Source: Charlotte Reed, pet expert and author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

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Confused by a computer glitch? Interested in setting up a Facebook profile to connect with your kids?  Need to back up your files—but don’t know how? The next time you encounter one of these situations—or hundreds of other technology questions—consider calling the FloH Club.

All You just met with Florence Henderson (America’s favorite TV mom, Carol Brady!) to talk about her new telephone-based technical support service for people who want affordably-priced, patient step-by-step help with their computers—without burying themselves in manuals or waiting lines. Visit flohclub.com to sign up for a one-time ($49.99), monthly ($24.99) or annual service ($249.99) for yourself or as a gift. Plus, whether or not you become a member, we recommend signing up for their free e-newsletter, which will arrive in your inbox chock full of helpful technology how-tos and tips.

Posted by Melissa Fiorenza and Emily Turnier, Associate Editors

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Deal with worst case computer scenario problems

Laptops for less than $850

Get school supplies and gadgets

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As featured in People magazine, Rebecca Romijn loves to use these glittery Super Balls for decorating and as a conversation piece.  We found some similar ones from Pottery Barn Kids for only $6 each. Buy a few and add them in a decorative bowl on your coffee table and guests will be mesmerized by the glittery swirl. Kids will love playing with these, as well, and here’s an accent piece you won’t have to worry about breaking.

Posted by Riley Tant, AllYou.com

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Save with these shopping tricks

Use smart shopping strategies

DIY Weekend: Try 10 affordable do-it-yourself projects

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Chances are, you’ve got a few on hand. In fact,  in every home I’ve been in, I’ve spotted at least one of those ubiquitous catch-alls floating around, often not really being used. Why not put them to work? One of my favorite uses for baskets is to repurpose them as container gardens—just place plants right into the basket in  waterproof containers.  Tuck filler greenery into any empty spaces and  you will have a taste of the outdoors, displayed with style, on the cheap! Don’t have a basket on hand? Check local flower and garden supply shops for inexpensive options, or visit www.jamaligardensupply.com.

I’ve also seen baskets used for filing, as display boxes, holding rolled up blankets in chilly weather… the uses are endless! What are your favorite uses?

Posted by Elizabeth Blake, Senior Style Editor

See also:

DIY Weekend: Try 10 affordable do-it-yourself projects

Give your bedroom an instant boost

Decorate objects with beautiful shells

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Pets offer many rewards, but the furry creatures take their toll on the furniture. Sure Fit has come up with a new solution to protect your sofa from pet hair and other messes. These large throws are attractive, machine washable, and affordable —less than $50! That’s a small price to pay to protect the investment you made in your couch. Now you don’t need to worry when your best friend jumps up and sits beside you to enjoy your favorite TV show.

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Style Editor

See also:

Find a cute halloween costume for your pet

What’s the best pet care advice you’ve ever received?

Surprising ways to save on pet care

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For every Sunnan lamp purchased in IKEA stores, IKEA will donate a Sunnan lamp to children in developing countries in conjunction with a UNICEF program. The lamp, which runs on solar cells, provides light for children who were previously unable to read, write and draw after sundown due to lack of electricity. The lamp retails for $19.99 and comes in five fun colors. Your whole family can not only enjoy this affordable, eco-friendly lamp, but also know that it supports children.

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Update your décor on a budget
Go green around the house (and save!)
Give your home a budget-friendly makeover
Conquer living room clutter

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Home Editor

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I just saw this bakeware set for kids, and thought it was perfectly adorable—and it’s on sale! The 10-piece set comes with 4 different colorful silicone baking dishes, 4 cookie cutters, a rolling pin, a wooden spoon, all kid-sized , plus a recipe book! It costs $17, down from $25  (less than the price of two movie tickets). Perfect for those rainy-day “Mom, I’m bored!” moments. Log on here to get yours.

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Keep your cool with icebox desserts
Whip up a batch of homemade cookies
Low-cost and sweet: Ice cream treats
Plan meals on the cheap with a little help

Posted by Beth Lipton, Food Editor

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Summertime is a time for barbecues, picnics and outdoor fun, but for me that fun comes at a price—blotches and spills all over my clothes. I always seem to get a glob of ketchup, a splatter of hamburger grease or dirt on my white shorts. But now Clorox has created a summer stain hotline for people like me. You call in 1-877-STAIN-411, press a number corresponding to  type of stain (ranging from berries to sunscreen) and you’ll hear pre-recorded expert advice on how to banish it. For tougher laundry dilemmas, check out drlaundryblog.com. With all this terrific information, maybe my white shorts will last another season!

SEE ALSO:
Save money cleaning your home
Fight stains around the house
Conquer living room clutter
Organize: Your recipes | Closet

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Home Editor

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Have you checked out allyou.com lately?  We’ve been working tirelessly to bring you a new and improved experience on the site. Yes, the design looks different and the site is easier to navigate, but what we’re most excited about is our new coupons.

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