Sarah Lipoff
Contributing Editor, LilSugar
Sarah Lipoff

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Animal Videos

Silly Pet Video of the Day: Meet Sho Ko

Have you discovered Sho Ko yet?

Have you discovered Sho Ko yet? Watch these two adorable cats, Shorty and Kodi, showcase their cunning cat moves while amusing themselves in their happy home. The duo, also known as Sho Ko, are featured via YouTube and Facebook, where fans can get a chuckle while enjoying their shenanigans. Click to watch this pet video of the day featuring a compilation of hilarious Sho Ko moments.

Eco

Clean Your Dishwasher With a Baking-Soda Bomb

When your dishwasher isn't wafting the freshest scent or cleaning your dishes as it should, giving it a good cleaning may fix your problems.

When your dishwasher isn't wafting the freshest scent or cleaning your dishes as it should, giving it a good cleaning may fix your problems. Instead of spending hours scrubbing, make these supereasy dishwasher baking-soda bombs that do all the work for you. Along with being eco-friendly, this just-about-free cleaning solution does an amazing job freshening your dishwasher while cleaning all those nooks and crannies that collect bits of food, harbor mold — and all that other icky stuff.

Read on for the directions.

Cats

POPSUGAR Pets Is on Instagram!

We love checking out adorable Instagram snaps, and now we want to see yours!

We love checking out adorable Instagram snaps, and now we want to see yours! POPSUGAR Pets is on Instagram, and we can't wait to see all the cute pictures of your favorite furry friends. So grab your phone, take a sweet snap your pet, and share it on Instagram making sure to tag it with #POPSUGARPets. Each Thursday we'll select a favorite picture to share right here on POPSUGAR Pets! And don't forget to subscribe to our Instagram account for lovable pictures and pet inspiration.

Check back next Thursday to see which cute pet pic we selected!

budget tips

Does a SodaStream Really Save You Money?

There's nothing more refreshing than a bubbly drink, but sipping that beverage can bust your budget — even if you're drinking plain mineral water.


There's nothing more refreshing than a bubbly drink, but sipping that beverage can bust your budget — even if you're drinking plain mineral water. I admit to having a pretty severe sparkling water obsession. It's sans calories, fat, or additives, and is satisfying with a splash of fresh juice, which made checking out the SodaStream pretty enticing. With the help of a carbonating cartridge that costs $15 per refill, the SodaStream promises up to 60 liters of bubbly beverages. So, did it deliver?

Read on for the review.

Food and Fun

10 Patriotic Crafts Perfect For Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is almost here, kicking off the Summer and a time to celebrate our servicemen and women.

Memorial Day weekend is almost here, kicking off the Summer and a time to celebrate our servicemen and women. Make your day off from the daily grind special by getting crafty with your kids and creating something patriotic to display in your home. From seriously simple activities to projects that are perfect for older tots, this roundup of red, white, and blue crafts is perfect for showing your love of the great USA.

career

10 Smart Tips to Curb Your Bad Interrupting Habit

We've all been there — an amazing idea pops into your head and, without even realizing it, you've interrupted whomever is speaking to share your thought.


We've all been there — an amazing idea pops into your head and, without even realizing it, you've interrupted whomever is speaking to share your thought. Talking over others stops the flow of conversation and is also disrespectful to the person speaking. This faux pas is forgivable from time to time, but when it becomes a persistent characteristic, interrupting may cost you your job . . . and even a few friends. Along with learning how to be patient, retraining your brain to change how it responds to instant ideas can curb your interrupting ways. Here are a few tips to take into consideration:

  • Write it down: When listening, if a great thought comes to mind, discretely write it down in a notebook while keeping up with the conversation, especially when meeting with senior managers or important clients. Wait for a break in conversation before asserting your opinion or new ideas.
  • Ask a question: Instead of busting someone's talking flow, wait until the end of a thought and share your view phrased as a question. Yes, you're still cutting in, but asking a question creates an opportunity to offer new ideas and thoughts while sticking with the direction of the discussion.
  • Get help: Enlist an office buddy or good friend to tip you off when you interrupt. Come up with a special hand signal or give your helper the OK to deliver a swift kick under the table to curb your interrupting ways.

Keep reading for more helpful tips.

Dogs

Lost Dog Found During Interview in Oklahoma City

After Monday's devastation in Oklahoma City, residents are just starting to take stock of surroundings.

After Monday's devastation in Oklahoma City, residents are just starting to take stock of surroundings. Amidst all the wreckage and ruin, one woman stopped to share her story with a local television station with an end result no one could have possibly imagined. Watch as a very special reunion takes place to the absolute amazement of everyone involved.

Eco

13 Ways to Breathe New Life Into Stale Bread

Photo: Sarah Lipoff When you get to the last slice of bread and it's not as fresh as you'd like it to be, instead of tossing it, there are ways to transform that crumbling mess into something useful.


Photo: Sarah Lipoff

When you get to the last slice of bread and it's not as fresh as you'd like it to be, instead of tossing it, there are ways to transform that crumbling mess into something useful. After all, why throw away the old when you can upcycle it into something new?

You might be surprised at the various things you can do with stale bread, ensuring you get every penny out of your favorite loaf. Here are several cool uses for stale bread:

  • Artisan bread crumbs: Cube stale bread, and season it for delicious bread crumbs that can be used for topping soups, stews, or fresh salads.


Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
  • Happy plants: Dry stale bread in the oven, and then grind in the blender, creating fine bread crumbs. Simply mix with your potting soil or rake into your garden. The crumbs will add nutrients and moisture to your happy plants. While you're at it, throw in some crushed egg shells for a nutrient-happy plant.


Photo: Sarah Lipoff
  • Special bird treats: Instead of tossing dry chunks of bread to the birds, grind stale bread in the blender and leave out in small dishes for your friendly birds. Or mix together equal parts bread crumbs, birdseed, peanut butter, and lard, and roll into rounds. Place in bird feeders for a really special bird treat.


Photo: Sarah Lipoff

Read on for more smart ways to use stale bread.

wild animals

Artistic Pictures of Animals at the Hagenbeck Zoo

From ferocious lions to swimming penguins, this collection of artsy pictures from the Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, Germany, will have you mesmerized.

From ferocious lions to swimming penguins, this collection of artsy pictures from the Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, Germany, will have you mesmerized. The zoo, which opened its gates in 1863 and has been run by the Hagenbeck family since 1907, was the first to use open enclosures surrounded by moats instead of barred cages to create a more natural setting. Encompassing several acres, the park houses animals from all over the world, including tropical sharks, Asian elephants, tigers, and lions. Click through this collection of artistic images that share the amazing beauty of the animals of this zoo.

Graduation

Congratulations! $20 and Under Graduation Gifts From Etsy

If you've got a special graduate in your life and are having a hard time finding the perfect unique gift for her, consider a hand-crafted Etsy item that will look awesome on a new desk or help her stay organized.

If you've got a special graduate in your life and are having a hard time finding the perfect unique gift for her, consider a hand-crafted Etsy item that will look awesome on a new desk or help her stay organized. Along with card holders, helpful notepads, and the coolest pens, this collection of Etsy finds all ring in at $20 or under, making any of these gifts easy on the wallet when sticking to a budget. Click through to find the right gift for any friend finishing her studies — or something special to treat yourself on graduation day!

Eco

Don't Throw Away Stale Bread! Feed It to Your Plants

Here's a quick tip: don't trash your bread when it's stale; just repurpose it by feeding it to your living greens.

Here's a quick tip: don't trash your bread when it's stale; just repurpose it by feeding it to your living greens.

Dry stale bread in the oven, and then grind in the blender, creating fine bread crumbs. Simply mix with your potting soil or rake into your garden. The crumbs will add nutrients and moisture to your happy plants.

recipes for pets

Homemade Sweet Treats For Your Wild Bird Friends

If you're looking for a fun way to feed your wild bird friends, then make these seriously easy bird treats to hang from trees or outside windows.

If you're looking for a fun way to feed your wild bird friends, then make these seriously easy bird treats to hang from trees or outside windows. And they come together with ingredients you probably have on hand with really cute results, making them an adorable gift idea for any wild bird lover. Peanut butter is high in protein and a great binder for making these simple treats.

Read on for the easy directions:

budget tips

Spray-Paint Flea Market Finds to Make Them Look Brand New

Along with finding helpful living essentials at your local flea market, you can also pick up really cheap home decorations.

Along with finding helpful living essentials at your local flea market, you can also pick up really cheap home decorations. You might be surprised at how those $1 table vases and figurines can be transformed into seriously chic accent pieces. Here are a few tips for spray-painting your flea market finds:

  • Search for ceramic or wood vases or plates to use for spraying. You can also spray-paint glass jars and containers with really cool results. Try not to be distracted by the colors of the original item, and concentrate on the shape and form of the figurine. We couldn't pass up these finds at our local flea market that rang in at $1 total!

  • Before painting, wipe down with a damp paper towel, removing any grime or dust stuck in the grooves. Allow the item to completely dry, and then select a color to use for spray painting. White is elegantly chic, while using a pastel blue or green is fun and fresh too.
  • Take the items outdoors, and lightly spray with paint. You'll need to apply at least three to four coats to get a nice and solid covering of paint. Don't rush, and do light coats; they keep the paint from dripping or pooling, which can alter the shape and design of your cool figurines.
  • Let completely dry before handling, which can take several hours. Display the painted figurines on bookshelves, mantels, or special corners of your home.
Animal Videos

Love at First Sight: Kitten Meets a Hedgehog

We all know that kittens and hedgehogs are adorable, so putting them together is heart-explodingly cute.

We all know that kittens and hedgehogs are adorable, so putting them together is heart-explodingly cute. Watch as a curious kitty meets a hedgehog for the very first time. Instead of being scared away by the hedgie's quills, this kitten really wants to get to know her new friend better. Click to watch this absolutely adorable pet video.

Eco

How to Clean Your Front-Loading Washing Machine

Front-loading washing machines are energy efficient and use less detergent than top-loaders, but they sometimes have a tendency to harbor mold and unpleasant smells.

Front-loading washing machines are energy efficient and use less detergent than top-loaders, but they sometimes have a tendency to harbor mold and unpleasant smells. By giving your washing machine a quick clean once a month, you'll keep your front-loader fresh, which means cleaner clothes, too. This eco-friendly method doesn't use bleach, costs only pennies to make, and comes together with ingredients you already have on hand.

Keep reading for the directions.

DIY

Shine Bright Like a Diamond: Easy DIY Jewelry Cleaner

When your favorite bling just doesn't have the same sparkle, instead of purchasing expensive cleaning solutions or bucking out for a professional scrubbing, try this easy DIY jewelry cleaner.

When your favorite bling just doesn't have the same sparkle, instead of purchasing expensive cleaning solutions or bucking out for a professional scrubbing, try this easy DIY jewelry cleaner. Using ingredients you already have in your pantry, this concoction costs pennies to make and doesn't use any harsh chemicals — just the power of science. And you can give your old toothbrush a new life by gently scrubbing jewels postsoak. Before you know it, your special gems will be dazzling.

Read on for the directions.

pet Advice

Ride On! Celebrate National Bike Week With Your Pup

May 13-17 is National Bike Week, which makes these adorable pictures of dogs on bikes so fitting.

May 13-17 is National Bike Week, which makes these adorable pictures of dogs on bikes so fitting. Along with being a fun way to get a bit of exercise while enjoying some fresh Spring air, jumping on a bike with your furry friend is great for the environment. Click through for a collection of happy pups enjoying a bicycle ride paired with helpful riding tips and products.

budget tips

Living Essentials You Can Find at Your Local Flea Market

Instead of bucking out for high-priced living essentials, head to your local flea market or garage sales in your community for all the things you need.

Instead of bucking out for high-priced living essentials, head to your local flea market or garage sales in your community for all the things you need. Before your flea-market adventure, take the time to do a couple of things to ensure shopping success. Set a budget so you know what your top dollar is, and write down measurements of spaces you're hunting for, along with the amount of room you have in your vehicle for new purchases. And get ready to have an open mind while bargain hunting — you never know what you might discover! Click through for a collection of living essentials you can find at your local flea market with some smart tips to take into consideration while shopping.

Organization

Quick DIY: Stay Organized With Decorated Keys

There's nothing worse than standing in front of your front door shuffling through your keys to find the right one.

There's nothing worse than standing in front of your front door shuffling through your keys to find the right one. Instead of wasting time (and carrying around boring keys), give them a coat of paint to stay organized and look chic. This life hack tip already caught our attention, so we figured it was a great DIY to try. And even if you're not crafty, you can easily transform your set of keys into a cool and personalized collection. Just make sure to keep a list reminding yourself which color key fits which lock. Here are a few tips for decorating your keys:

  • Go through your key ring, sorting keys into a pile of ones that are used daily, another pile for those that aren't used as often, and a pile to ditch.
  • The easiest way to paint your keys is to coat them with fingernail polish. But, while trying this, we discovered that only saturated colors or glitter polishes really worked and that keys needed several coats to be brilliantly shiny. Pick your favorite dark shade or glitter polish, paint the top side of a key, let it dry, and continue coating until you're happy with the results.
  • Another fun way to paint your keys is by using spray paint, which allows you to get a bit crafty. Use strips of painter's tape to create designs, or even letters on the top of the keys — or simply leave as is for a solid pop of color. Tape the bottom of the key to a piece of cardboard, covering the entire base. Take outdoors and give it a quick spray. Once dry, remove the tape, and you've got a really cool set of keys.

Have you tried painting your keys? Leave a comment sharing which method worked best for you!

Eco

Save Money and Clean Your Feather Bed at Home

There's nothing better than sinking into your freshly fluffed feather bed at the end of a long day, but if it's feeling a bit flatter — and grubbier — than usual, then it's time for a cleaning.

There's nothing better than sinking into your freshly fluffed feather bed at the end of a long day, but if it's feeling a bit flatter — and grubbier — than usual, then it's time for a cleaning. Instead of taking it in for a high-priced professional laundering or potentially ruining your own washing machine with a feather eruption, clean your feather bed with a few items you probably have around the house. You'll love drifting off to sleep on your refreshed feather bed while dreaming of all the ways you'll spend the money you saved by cleaning it yourself.

Keep reading for the directions: