Sarah Lipoff
Contributing Editor, LilSugar
Sarah Lipoff

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Cats

Happy Pets in Celebration of National Pet Month

Celebrate National Pet Month with this collection of adorable pets that are as happy as they can be.

Celebrate National Pet Month with this collection of adorable pets that are as happy as they can be. From grinning guinea pigs to smiling cats, all of these pets are seriously cheery. The month of May is dedicated to sharing just how special animals are and the benefits of taking care of pets. Giving your favorite friend a cuddle lowers blood pressure and promotes good overall health — and shows your pet that you think he's special too. Click through for some instant animal love.

Source: Flickr user glennsajan, Instagram user raiment, Flickr user zebarnabe, and Instagram user tofuthebritishshorthair

DIY

Turn a Plastic Bottle Into a Hanging Planter

Recycle your plastic bottles in style with this easy DIY.

Recycle your plastic bottles in style with this easy DIY. Perfect for adorning small patios or apartment windows, these planters can be hung indoors or out and take minutes to make. And they also make delightful gifts during Spring and Summer. For basically the cost of the plants, you've got a cute planter that will add a touch of sweetness to any space.

Read on for the directions.

DIY

Upcycle It: Gold Spray-Painted Glass Jar Organizers

Instead of throwing glass jars into the recycling bin, upcycle those pasta and condiment containers into something really pretty and functional.

Instead of throwing glass jars into the recycling bin, upcycle those pasta and condiment containers into something really pretty and functional. Get organized with a chic jar dedicated just for your nails, a sweet jelly jar vase, or a creative container for your random bits and pieces. With the help of some gold spray paint and a few foam stickers, you've got all the fixings for a fun and crafty DIY. Invite all your besties, and their glass jars, to make stunning statement pieces that help organize and make great gifts.

Read on for the easy directions.

kentucky derby

Straight From the Gates: Highlights From the 139th Kentucky Derby

Even if you're not a fan of horse racing, the running of the Kentucky Derby isn't just about the sport.
Highlights From the 2013 Kentucky Derby

Even if you're not a fan of horse racing, the running of the Kentucky Derby isn't just about the sport. From the hottest celebs that attended the event to sweet sips like mint juleps, the fun couldn't be stopped by this year's drizzle. The first race of the Triple Crown was met with mud splatters and a hot race, ending with Orb splashing through the finish line, making jockey Joel Rosario the first Dominican to win. Orb was the five-to-one favorite and burst out of the gates to run the track in 2:02.89. Click through for a few highlights from the running of the 139th Kentucky Derby.

consumerism

Last-Minute Gifts: $15-or-Less Mother's Day Etsy Finds

If you're still searching for the perfect gift for your mom, we've found a few budget-friendly gifts that will make her feel loved.

If you're still searching for the perfect gift for your mom, we've found a few budget-friendly gifts that will make her feel loved. From sparkling jewels to heavenly scented soaps, these handmade gifts from Etsy crafters are a unique way to show Mom she is special. And these gifts are also inspiration for Mother's Day DIYs that are easier than you think to pull off. What are you waiting for? Get clicking to find the perfect gift for your mom!

Cats

Silly Critters! 13 Pets in Spots They Don't Belong

You know those weird places where your pet loves to hang out?

You know those weird places where your pet loves to hang out? We discovered a collection of critters that enjoy relaxing in the oddest spots. From cats lounging in the tub to ones that cuddle in your favorite boots, these pets find awkward places the perfect locales for leisure time. And we also found a few hilarious pictures of our furry friends caught in the act of behaving badly.

Source: Flickr user Jason Persse, Instagram user protoolschris, and Instagram user playmaker85

Eco

Quick DIY: How to Make an Orange-Peel Air Freshener

When you've got a damp and musty-smelling space in your home, this quick and eco-friendly DIY is the perfect thing for freshening your house.

When you've got a damp and musty-smelling space in your home, this quick and eco-friendly DIY is the perfect thing for freshening your house. This air freshener costs hardly anything to put together and can be tucked in a cabinet or corner, and you get a sweet snack in the process. And this smell-buster does its job without the help of harsh chemicals or fake-smelling scents, which makes this eco DIY even better. Here's how to make one:

  1. Slice a large orange in half, and use a spoon to scoop out the pulp. You can enjoy eating the orange while working or reserve for use later to make orange juice.
  2. Fill the inside of the orange with rock salt, which you can find at your local grocery store. The salt absorbs moisture from the air, whisking away damp and musty smells, while the orange peel releases a delightfully fresh scent.
  3. Position the orange-peel smell-buster on a plastic lid or small plate, and then place it where it's needed. Enjoy the freshness for several weeks, and then replace with a new orange peel filled with salt.
budget tips

Unique Spots to Tie the Knot: National Park Wedding Locations

If you're looking for a unique venue for your wedding, then why not tie the knot at one of the most glorious locations around?

If you're looking for a unique venue for your wedding, then why not tie the knot at one of the most glorious locations around? Most national parks are welcoming to wedding parties as long as they fill out the proper paperwork, which gives you access to the park and the various locations that are perfect for your big day. And some permit fees are as low as $50, making getting married in a national park a seriously budget-friendly option. From Glacier to the Grand Canyon, click through for some of the most stunning locations for your wedding ceremony.

Mother's Day

Perfect For Mother's Day: DIY Tile Photo Coasters

Perfect for any special holiday, a set of these tile photo coasters will cost less than $5 to make.

Perfect for any special holiday, a set of these tile photo coasters will cost less than $5 to make. The square tiles from your local home goods store makes this DIY a unique way to showcase your favorite Hipstamatic and Instagram snaps. All you need is some Mod Podge and a bit of felt to complete this fun project. Stack and wrap the finished photo coasters with a ribbon, and you've got the perfect gift for someone special. These coasters are so cute, you'll probably end up making another set for yourself.

Read on for the directions.

Cats

Celebrate National Pet Month With Our May Must Haves

May is the month to celebrate your special pet.

May is the month to celebrate your special pet. From the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to the cuteness of baby ducklings, May begins with Save the Rhino Day and closes with Pink Flamingo Day, with several other animal-related holidays and events throughout. Check out this collection of cool must haves that commemorate National Pet Month and all the other special days in May.

Organization

Cute, Mini Essentials For Small Living Spaces

Even when you have a limited amount of space, certain living essentials help make life easier.

Even when you have a limited amount of space, certain living essentials help make life easier. And these pint-size versions of their bigger counterparts are perfect for those with cozy living quarters.

Along with helping out around the house, most of these picks are budget-friendly and cute in any decor. Click through for a collection of the cutest mini essentials for your small living space.

Cats

12 Animal Memes That Make Us LOL

Just about everywhere you turn there's a silly animal meme: advice animals, grumpy cats, and puns galore.

Just about everywhere you turn there's a silly animal meme: advice animals, grumpy cats, and puns galore. These cute pictures of pets with commentary are shared like crazy on Instagram. From dogs who can't wait to make breakfast to cats telling it like it is, we've gathered 12 of the silliest snort-out-loud pet memes that guarantee a good laugh.

DIY

Easy DIY: Homemade Scented Stick Diffuser

Don't toss those lemon and orange peels, ends of fresh herbs, or last bits of whole aromatic seasonings!

Don't toss those lemon and orange peels, ends of fresh herbs, or last bits of whole aromatic seasonings! Instead, use them to make sweetly scented homemade fragrance stick diffusers that will freshen your house. And upcycling a simple glass bottle works wonderfully — especially one with a pour spout. With bamboo skewers from your local grocery store, the finished stick diffuser looks chic while wafting a gentle scent. And this cute and easy DIY would also make an awesome gift.

Read on for the easy directions

Dogs

Cuddle Up With Cute April Pics of Celebrities and Pets

From Lil Bub hitting the Tribeca Film Festival to Justin Bieber hanging with his pet monkey, we've rounded up our favorite pictures of celebrities and animals from the month of April.

From Lil Bub hitting the Tribeca Film Festival to Justin Bieber hanging with his pet monkey, we've rounded up our favorite pictures of celebrities and animals from the month of April. It seems the theme of the month was enjoying some serious downtime with furry friends. Click through for a collection of snaps sharing sweet moments between celebrities and their favorite animals.

Animal Videos

Silly Pet Video of the Day: A Cat and Her Vacuum Cleaner

Don't get between this cat and her beloved vacuum cleaner!

Don't get between this cat and her beloved vacuum cleaner! Instead of running from the loud cleaning machine, this cute kitty embraces to the attachment, lavishing it with lots of licks — and even a few kisses. Click to watch this adorable and silly pet video of the day.

budget tips

10 Luxury Airbnb Destination Wedding Locations

We've already shared with you the best budget-friendly Airbnb locations, which makes this collection of budget-busting luxury destinations the perfect thing for a bit of daydreaming.

We've already shared with you the best budget-friendly Airbnb locations, which makes this collection of budget-busting luxury destinations the perfect thing for a bit of daydreaming. From medieval castles to private villas, these Airbnb houses are high-priced and seriously stunning. Click through for a collection of dreamy venues all cashing in at over $3,000. But be warned — some may leave you ready to bust your wedding budget.

Dogs

Beg For It: Low-Fat Organic Dog Biscuits

Keep your pup in great shape with these healthy low-fat dog biscuits, which are easier than you think to make.

Keep your pup in great shape with these healthy low-fat dog biscuits, which are easier than you think to make. Instead of heading to the store for artisan treats, you can toss these together with simple organic ingredients that only cost a couple of bucks. Plus, you can easily tailor the biscuits to your pup's taste.

Free of sugar, oils, additives, and preservatives, these munchies are just the right thing to keep your loyal friend happy, healthy, and begging for more. Rather than using peanut butter as a base, these healthy low-fat dog biscuits are made with organic pumpkin puree and fresh spinach. Pumpkin is beneficial to your pup's digestive health, full of antioxidants, and aids in keeping your dog at his ideal weight. And spinach is packed with vitamins and iron.

Keep reading for the directions.

DIY

Wedding DIY: Bottle Cap Planter Favors

Start saving your bottle caps for making these sweet wedding favors, which also double as seat assignments!

Start saving your bottle caps for making these sweet wedding favors, which also double as seat assignments! Along with being wonderfully budget-friendly, these adorable favors are perfect for decorating small spaces after your big day. Made from mini terra cotta pots and sedums, these favors come together in no time with the help of your bridal party.

Read on for the directions.

Eco

Deep-Clean Your Mattress For a Better Night's Sleep

Spring-cleaning wouldn't be complete without giving your mattress some serious attention.

Spring-cleaning wouldn't be complete without giving your mattress some serious attention. Along with refreshing your bed, this easy cleaning DIY ensures a better night's sleep. No need for harsh chemicals or expensive concoctions — all you need is a box of baking soda for this cleaner. The addition of essential oil gently scents your bed, helping to soothe and lull you to sleep.

Read on for the basic directions.