Rayna Skiver
WriterLocation: MichiganEducation: Michigan State UniversityRayna is a journalist who loves reading, hiking, and attempting to make recipes from Pinterest.
She graduated with a degree in journalism and a minor in environment, science, and health reporting. During her undergraduate years, she wrote for the Spartan Newsroom and the environmental publication, Great Lakes Echo.
More From Rayna Skiver
The Simply Orange Class Action Lawsuit Has Been Dismissed — Why That Isn't Necessarily the End
Coca-Cola product "Simply tropical juice drink" was accused of containing PFAS, or forever chemicals, in an April 2023 lawsuit.
How to Chop Green Onions: A Step-by-Step Guide for Newbies in the Kitchen
Dicing green onions only takes a few quick minutes, especially after some practice. All you need is a kitchen knife and a cutting board.
Is Your Furniture Stinky? Here’s How to Clean a Couch Based on the Material
To properly care for your couch, it’s important to consider its material. From there, you can choose an appropriate cleaning solution.
7 of the Most Eye-Catching and Sought-After Rare Plants on the Market
If you’re looking for exotic or rare plants for your home, check out the pink princess philodendron, Manjula pothos, and more.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Smoky Mountains? Here’s a Quick Guide for Each Season
To determine the best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you should consider what kind of activities you want to do.
How to Sew for Beginners: Learn How to Mend Your Own Clothes With This Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re new to sewing, you will have to learn how to do basic tasks like threading the needle and knotting the thread.
Do Sharks Have Tongues? Yes, but They Might Not Look How You Would Expect
While sharks don’t have tongues like humans, they do have something similar. They use cartilage to complete a comparable function.
Why Do Chihuahuas Shake? 5 Reasons Behind the Condition and What You Should Know
Between general excitement to serious health issues, there are a lot of different reasons why chihuahuas shake.
Is Your Washer out of Commission? Here’s a Quick Guide on How to Wash Clothes in a Bathtub
Here’s how to wash your clothes in the bath: Clean the tub, sort your fabrics, add detergent, scrub, and then dry.
Is Lululemon Worth It? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Brand Before Buying
For many people, the price of Lululemon isn’t justified, especially when factors like quality and ethics are considered.
Where to Donate Plastic Bottle Caps: Organizations, Recycling, Craft Ideas, and More
You can donate plastic bottle caps to programs like Caps to Benches. Reusing your caps and turning them into art is also a good option.
Is Temu Ethical? What Consumers Need to Know About the Popular Marketplace
Some have claimed that fast fashion retailer Temu is unethical, low-quality, and unreliable.
Why Some Scholars See Humans As an Invasive Species
Some scholars think that humans are invasive due to our negative impact on ecosystems, but others disagree.
The Ins and Outs of Greenhouse Gardening: What Plants to Grow and How to Get Started
To start a greenhouse garden you’ll need space, soil, seeds, and more. Eventually, you will be able to grow a variety of plants.
Yes, You Can Be Buried As a Tree — How It Works and Why It’s Becoming so Popular
Want to be buried as a tree? Tree burials allow ashes to be buried in a biodegradable vessel along with a sapling.
How to Get Blood out of Sheets: 3 Natural and Effective Methods to Try at Home
To get blood out of sheets, try using cold water, baking soda, or white vinegar. All of these products are known to help remove tough stains.
Want to Add More Color to Your Diet? Try These 10 Nutrient-Packed Vegan Summer Salads
Whether you like cherries, kale, or cucumbers, there’s a summer salad for everyone — here are 10 of our favorite recipes.
How to Find a Sewing Machine Repair Shop Near You: Estimated Costs and What to Expect
If you need your sewing machine repaired, check with craft stores or small appliance repair shops. Keep reading for details about costs and more.
Washing Tie-Dye? Don't Make a Mess of Your Machine: Follow These Simple Steps
You can wash tie-dye in a washing machine or by hand. For more details about the washing process, as well as tips and tricks, keep reading.
Yes, There’s Caffeine in Chai and Matcha — Here’s How to Choose the Right Drink for You
Yes, there is caffeine in chai and matcha. Keep reading to learn how much caffeine is in these popular teas and how to choose the right one for you.
What Is Broccoletti? How to Use the Delicious Plant in Your Next Home-Cooked Dish
Broccoletti is another name for broccolini, a type of cruciferous vegetable. To learn how to use this plant in your next dish, keep reading.
Can Dogs Have Gatorade? Everything Pet Parents Need to Know About the Sports Drink
Generally, dogs shouldn’t consume Gatorade. Keep reading to learn why the drink can be harmful to pets and what alternatives to try instead.
Electroculture Gardening: What It Is, How It Works, and Potential Benefits
Electroculture gardening, aka electro culture gardening, is an agricultural method that uses electrical currents to help plants grow.
Tart Cherry Juice Mocktails Can Help You Sleep, Influencers Claim
Drinking tart cherry juice before bed can help you get a better night’s sleep. Stick around to learn how to incorporate it into your routine.
13 Free, Cozy Crochet Cardigan Patterns — Including a Few Taylor Swift-Inspired Designs
Looking for a free crochet cardigan pattern? Between patchwork cardigans and Taylor Swift-inspired cardigans, there’s an idea for everyone.
10 Crochet Hat Patterns That Are Free and Perfect for Anytime of Year
Between bucket hats, beanies, and sun hats, there’s no shortage of cool crochet hat patterns. Keep reading for more design inspiration.
Is Pepperoni Safe for Cats? What to Do If Your Cat Gets Into a Pizza Box
In general, cats shouldn’t eat pepperoni — too many risks are involved if not consumed in moderation.
Does Bottled Water Go Bad or Expire? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
When stored properly, bottled water doesn’t go bad or expire. Don't let your water go to waste — here are a few steps you can take to keep your water clean.
Here’s 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Should Never Eat Pecans, From Vomiting to Liver Damage
No, dogs cannot eat pecans. If your dog consumes pecans, it could lead to various serious health issues. Keep reading to learn more.
8 Amazing Earth Day Freebies and Deals You Don’t Want to Miss Out on in 2024
For Earth Day 2024, you can get all sorts of free stuff, as well as discounts and deals from certain sustainable brands. Keep reading for more details.
Learn How to Get Rid of Cicada Killer Wasps With These 3 Easy, Effective Methods
To get rid of wasps known as "cicada killers," you can try moist soil, boiling water, or boric acid. Keep reading to learn how to employ these methods.
Celebrate Our Planet With These Tasty Earth Day Snacks
Celebrate Earth Day every April with tasty snacks that are not only delicious, but plant-based! Your body (and the Earth) will thank you.
Yes, You Can Freeze Watermelon — Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to Try It at Home
Freezing watermelon is a convenient way to make your produce last longer and to prevent food waste. Here's a step-by-step guide for your next summer treat.
How to Get Rid of Aphids Permanently: 3 Simple Methods That Will Get the Job Done ASAP
To get rid of aphids permanently, try removing them by hand, employing other bugs, or homemade pesticides. Stick around to learn more.
How to Clean Raspberries and Keep Them Bug-Free: Two Easy and Effective Methods
To get your raspberries nice and clean, white vinegar or baking soda is essential. For step-by-step instructions, keep reading.
What Is Macramé? Learn About the Craft’s Basic Techniques and the Best Patterns to Try
Macramé is a type of art that’s comprised of various knots. Keep reading to learn more about the craft, how to start, and what patterns to try.
Here’s a Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Weighted Blankets With Glass Beads
If you wanted to wash a weighted blanket with glass beads, you have to clean it by hand. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.
How to Stop Your Dog From Counter-Surfing: 3 Methods for Pet Parents in Need
To stop dogs from counter-surfing, take proactive measures, try alternative behaviors, and stay consistent. Keep reading to learn more.
How to Crochet a Triangle: A Quick Tutorial and Beginner-Friendly Project Ideas
To crochet a triangle, you usually need to understand basic stitches. For a more in-depth tutorial, as well as a few project ideas, keep reading.
Want to Try Something New? Check out These 12 Fun and Free Macrame Patterns
There are tons of free macrame patterns online. Crafters can make plant hangers, baskets, shelves, curtains, wall hangings, and more.
Tired of Chocolate Chip Cookies? Try One of These Unique Cookie Recipes Instead
Forget chocolate chip cookies. Plenty of far more unique recipes are online, from lemon basil sugar cookies to pistachio and cardamom thumbprints.
10 Free Crochet Flower Patterns for All Skill Levels, From Beginner to Advanced
Real flowers are always appreciated, but crochet flowers last forever. Keep reading to learn how to make roses, tulips, and more.
How to Increase a Stitch in Knitting: 5 Easy Methods for Complete Beginners
To increase a stitch in knitting, you can try the knit front back (kfb), which is one popular method. Keep reading to learn more about increases.
What Is M1 in Knitting? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Term
The abbreviation “m1” is used to signify a commonly used knitting increase. Keep reading to learn more about this popular technique.
10 Super Easy Beginner Crochet Projects That Every Newbie Needs to Try
Want to try a super easy beginner crochet project? Check out patterns for simple items like stars, friendship bracelets, daises, and more.
Want to Make Something Simple? Check Out These 10 Easy Crochet Projects
Complex patterns are fun, but sometimes an easy crochet project is just what you need. Keep reading to learn how to make flowers, bandanas, and more.
How to Weave in Ends While Knitting: 5 Easy and Effective Methods to Try
There’s more than one way to weave in your ends while knitting. Many people choose to weave the yarn through their project using a stitch.
Have Some Leftover Yarn? Check Out 10 Free Stash Buster Crochet Projects
It’s common for crocheters to have a ton of leftover yarn lying around. Here are some easy stash buster crochet projects to put it to use.
How to Crochet a Heart: An Easy, Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
To crochet a heart, start with a magic ring and continue working in rounds. Here's a step-by-step tutorial for beginners.
Is Charcoal Ash or Wood Ash Better for Plants? Everything You Need to Know
Charcoal ash isn’t terrible for plants, but wood ash is usually a better alternative. Keep reading to learn about using ash in the garden.