Problem: Article: Ants detest coffee grounds and will avoid them if they are able. Sprinkle some of the grounds on the plant’s soil. Spread a small circle of coffee grounds around the base of the plant. If you are uncomfortable using insecticides, especially if they have pets or children, there are several items in your kitchen cupboards that can kill or deter ants. These items include baking soda, pepper, cinnamon, chili powder, and peppermint. Encircle the base of your potted plant with a narrow ring of one of these products. If you prefer not to use chemicals to kill the ants, you may set up a non-toxic sticky trap. Surround your plant with contact paper instead of ant bait. As the ants try to cross the contact paper, they will get stuck.  Cut out a ring of contact paper that fits tightly around the base of your potted plant. Separate the two layers and place the non-sticky side of the contact paper on the ground. Set your plant directly in the center of the contact paper ring (on top of the sticky side). Replace as needed.
Summary: Spread coffee grounds on the soil. Surround your plants with household products that are toxic or deterrents to ants. Create a non-toxic ant trap.

Problem: Article: Don’t focus on the tone in which you were spoken to or even everything that was said.  Instead, try to summarize the criticizer’s main points.  What were they ultimately getting at? Do any of those points resonate with you once you boil them down to their most basic parts? Summarizing the criticism allows you to react calmly while ensuring that you heard everything that was said. When you receive criticism, you need to address the problem by acknowledging that there has been a misunderstanding, agreeing completely with the other person, or disagreeing and looking for a sort of compromise.  Whatever you do, remain calm and don’t pretend the conversation never happened.  Face the criticism head on, without emotion, and put it behind you. One common method to remain cool when criticized is to acknowledge true statements that have been made, and to correct or clarify incorrect information.  This shows that you’re engaged in the conversation, listening, and taking ownership for that which you’re responsible. Criticism is a tool meant to help a person modify their behavior or action, and nothing more.  If you are criticized, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable, or even angry or confused.  But don’t let it stop you.  This is one person’s perspective, right or wrong, and nothing more.  Take what you can from it, learn what you’re able, and continue carrying on. If you’re criticized and believe that the other person is right, say so.  Let them know that you’ve listened to them, heard them, processed what they said, and are taking ownership of your mistake.  This is an incredibly effective method for keeping cool when criticized as well as de-escalating any emotions. You don’t have to agree with everything that they say.  You might only think that you’re wrong about one point – say so. Receiving criticism can feel awful, and sometimes it can lead to feelings of self-doubt.  Treat criticism as an opportunity for growth and as a learning experience, though.  Maintain your self-esteem and look at the situation as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Criticism, when constructive, is meant as a helpful tool, not at an attack, and should be treated as a positive learning experience. It’s not always easy to separate yourself from a situation enough to find the positive.  Before you react, step back, calm down, and try to objectively evaluate the situation.  This should  help you see it in a more positive light.
Summary: Summarize the criticism. Address the problem and correct misunderstandings. Don’t let criticism stop you. Admit when you’re wrong. Treat it as a learning experience.

Problem: Article: To really get the best deal you need to determine the best time to use your coupons. This could mean a particular time of year for seasonal goods, or when there is already a sale on. The benefits of using a coupon are compounded if you use them when something has already been discounted.  Wait for a sale, especially if you are buying an expensive one-off purchase.  Follow sales cycles so you know when the prices of particular goods are likely to be reduced.  If you are buying something seasonal, buying off-season can mean a cheaper price. For example, a warm woollen jumper will often be on sale in the Spring. Being familiar with the fine print can save you some hassle at the register, as well as allowing you to budget accordingly. Start by determining whether it is a "manufacturer's" or "store" coupon. Manufacturer's coupons come from the company or manufacturer of the specific product and are accepted in any store.  Store coupons are only accepted in the specifically listed store(s). Ensure the barcode on the coupon is not ripped or damaged as this might prevent the cashier scanning it, and render it invalid. Often there will be clear limits and restrictions on how you use specific coupons. Check the detail and find out if you are limited to one coupon per specific item, or perhaps one coupon per transaction. If your coupon is not limited, you may be able to use a number of coupons in the same transaction to increase your discount.  If your coupon says "Limit one coupon per specified item(s)," you may only use one coupon when you buy the product. If your coupon says "Limit one coupon per transaction," you will only be able to use that specific coupon in the transaction. Be sure to check the expiration date so you know at what point the coupon will become invalid. Though many coupons may say "limit 1 per customer," this often only applies to the type of coupon. Sometimes you can use a manufacturer's coupon in addition to a store coupon to double your savings. Stacking coupons like this can really make a dent in the price of a product.  For example, if you buying a new TV you can use a coupon from the company that made the TV together with a coupon from the store you are buying it in. You can also stack coupons for smaller everyday items such as groceries. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria and fine print on the coupons before you try to use them.  It's also a good idea to go online and read the coupon policy for the store you want to use them in. Just because you don't need something now, doesn't mean you won't need it later. Stockpiling coupons and keeping an organised collection will help you get the absolute most out of them. Get a binder and keep all you coupons together. You can organise them by type of product, or by store.  You could also organize them by expiry date so you have a clear picture of which coupons are due to expire soon. If you want to increase your stockpile you could tell friends and neighbours that you are collecting coupons.
Summary: Know when to use your coupons. Know how to use your coupons. Determine the limits on the use of coupons. Stack your coupons. Stockpile coupons.

Problem: Article: A small company that is quickly growing will have more hands on experience than a mature company. A well-established company will have important experience and job security. It is important not to get lost in the crowd. In order to climb the corporate ladder, you need to stand out.  Get feedback from your employer. Don’t just wait for the annual review, ask your supervisor for feedback regularly. Use the criticism to improve and your efforts and ambition will be noticed. Be willing to do extra work. Try to help your boss by volunteering to do extra work. You will stand out to your supervisor and they will be grateful because it will make them stand out to their supervisor. Make sure to complete all work on time, including the extra work. Be involved in company activities. Even though it is not work, it is important to be social during work. Play on the company sports teams and go to the charity events. Do favors for other employees and be nice to everyone. This will make you likable and stand out more at the company. This is someone who is willing to help and guide you throughout your career. They can help you get to know the right people, give you advice, and help you succeed. Having a good mentor can help with problems along the way and speed up the process of reaching your career goals. You may have to be at the bottom for a while, but be patient. Promotions never occur as quickly as we want them to. Be willing to change job locations if you feel you really need to in order to succeed.
Summary:
Get experience in the field. Get noticed by the people who matter. Get a mentor to help guide you. Be patient about reaching the top.