Especially for tips related with personal care…

Check with your doctor before using any tip that could have any effect on your health!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Coffee Filter Day #2!



Created in 1908 by German housewife named Melitta Bentz, paper coffee filters were invented primarily to make you an enjoyable and tasty coffee... Considering that coffee filter is a very inexpensive item, you may find plenty of alternative and amazing uses for it...

Store delicate items safely

Wrap fragile items such as Christmas ornaments, fine glasses, light bulbs, small porcelain objects etc., in coffee filters before packing them away.

Sewing projects

Coffee filters can be a very helpful and great backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.

Make smelling sachets

Tie lavender or other dried flowers and herbs in coffee filters and store them in drawers, closets, cars etc., leaving a fresh and pleasant smell wherever you have to be.

Taking a picture using flash

To soften the glare in a photo, place a coffee filter over your flash. You can also use the filters over lights or lamps to reduce direct light when taking indoor pictures.

Cooking stew or soup

Tie up herbs in a coffee filter before dropping them in the pot. Easily remove it when you are finished cooking. Coffee filters are a very practical replacement for cheesecloth in this case. You can use the same method to make tea bags.

Keeping microwave clean

To avoid splatters inside your microwave oven, cover dishes with coffee filters. You can even reuse them a few times.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Watermelon stain

Very easy removal! At the first sight of watermelon pink stain, soak up as much of the juice as you can with a dry paper towel. Then with a wet paper towel, blot at the stain.

Fluff a cashmere sweater

Pop your outfit into a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The cold causes the hair fibers to expand and you will have a party-ready sweater in a blink.

Bookmark your bank website

Adding the bank’s address to your browser’s favorites, instead of typing it each time, will reduce errors and keep your personal info safe. Criminals set up fake banking sites using common misspellings in the hope that a mistake will induce you into revealing information.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Hair color stains

Mix 1/2 tsp dishwashing liquid and 1 tbsp vinegar with 1 cup lukewarm water. Using a clean rag, apply the solution to the spot on fabric, dabbing from the edge inward. Let sit 2 minutes, then blot with a paper towel. Repeat until the stain disappears, rinse with cold water.

Dying cell phone

When your cell phone’s battery is down to one bar, place quick calls instead of sending text messages. They both require the same network connection, but when you consider battery usage for typing (screen, key sound etc.), a short conversation uses much less, unless you are pretty fast with your fingers.

Relieve back pain

Stand 3 feet from a wall, bend forward and place your hands against the wall at waist level. Your back should be flat and parallel to the floor. This will stretch your spine and muscles, soothing aches.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Dye fabrics

Green and black teas have long been used in dyes for fabric and paper, particularly for generating a beige, faux-antique look.

Do not be fooled by sales

Stores with huge markdowns can make impulse purchases very tempting. Buy only things under the category “I really want” and do not fall for things that you just think you could use. You will always save more money if you avoid a product on sale at all.

Smudge-proof manicure

Use polish in “thin” coats. Dip the brush in polish once per nail and skim off excess on the bottle’s lip. Apply one stroke down the center of the nail, then fill in the sides. Let polish dry completely, and apply the second coat.

Compulsive buyers

If you consider yourself a shopaholic, always buy items that you can return, and from stores with good return policies. Impulse spenders need a cooling-off period to make sure if they really needed what they bought, and then decide if they will return it or not.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Coffee Filter Day #1!



Created in 1908 by German housewife named Melitta Bentz, paper coffee filters were invented primarily to make you an enjoyable and tasty coffee... Considering that coffee filter is a very inexpensive item, you may find plenty of alternative and amazing uses for it...

Line indoor flower pots

To prevent soil from leaking out of the drainage holes, place a coffee filter at the bottom of each pot.

Control portions of food

When dealing with kids, control the amount of snacks they eat before dinnertime by placing portions in small individual coffee filters. Each one can hold a single serving and ensure kids do not ruin their appetites.

Wine bottle with broken cork

You just broke the cork of your bottle of wine and ended with crumbles mixed with the liquid. Simply strain the wine through a coffee filter and into a decanter to catch stray cork before serving.

Drying ricotta

When your recipe asks for ricotta and you do not want your dish to get soggy, line a colander with a coffee filter the night before cooking and place it in a bowl. Pour ricotta into the filter, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let drain overnight in the fridge. This process will draw off excess liquid, and your dish will come out right.

Clean eyeglass spots

Use a damp coffee filter to clean smudges off your glasses. It will work very well for windows and mirrors as well. Filters will gently remove film without scratching or leaving behind any lint.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

“I really want” shopping

Try to avoid shopping in physical stores as much as you can. Shopping online is a good option since it is much easier to ignore unnecessary items. You put what you need in the cart and check out. When shopping in a store, you are much more likely to grab merchandise “you suddenly really want”.

Shopping for produce

Take some time to inspect what you are buying before you arrive home with regrets. Do not purchase an apple with a discoloration or damage on it, or bread and berries with fuzz growing on them. Save returning time and avoid wasting money.

Cleaning pull cords on blinds

When the pull cords on your blinds start to look dirty, tear 2 paper towels into 1” strips and soak in bleach. Wrap the strips tightly around the cords, using clips to secure each strip. Let them sit overnight, remove and reveal white strings.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Seeding a cucumber

To make your life easier, use a melon baller. Halve the cucumber, then run the baller down the center, making the seeds to pop right out.

Keep pasta warm longer

Freshly cooked pasta can go cold in minutes. To keep it hot, drain the pasta in the sink placing your colander inside a serving bowl. Lift the colander, discard the water and wipe the bowl dry, then transfer the pasta to the bowl and bring it to serving.

Buying fresh meat

At the meat counter, always ask the butcher for the freshest cuts. The meat behind the counter may look good but you do not know how long it is been there. Trust your eyes and nose and if beef looks dark or pork looks a little gray or you can sense any strong smell, do not buy it.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Water bath for cheesecake

The best way to get a smooth cheesecake filling is to use a water bath, but the pan is not locked and water seeps into the cake making the crust soggy. Next time, fill a dish with hot water and set it on the rack below the cheesecake. As cake bakes, the steam will generate the same results without the concern.

Perfect poached eggs

Stir 1 tbsp vinegar into 2 qts simmering water just before adding eggs. The acidity helps eggs set faster and hold their shape so they do not have a chance to spread.

Broiler cleanup

Before you start to broil, remove the top portion of your broiler pan. Line the bottom part with aluminum foil and wrap the top as usual. Set back into place and you will not have any more mess.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Make a melon sweeter

If you cut a melon open and find out that it is lacking in flavor, try this trick. Lightly season the fruit with salt and let it sit about 20 minutes before serving. The crystals pull natural juices to the surface, which makes the fruit sweeter.

Expiration dates on products

It may sound like a no-brainer, but you should always check expiration dates on products when shopping. Often you will find varying expiration dates on identical items. Stores usually move the newer products to the back of the shelf placing the older ones within grabbing distance.

Outdoor light fixture

Before twisting a new bulb into an outdoor fixture, rub some petroleum jelly over its metal threads. The oil in the product will create a waterproof barrier preventing rust from forming and metal from expanding.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Toothpaste Day #3!


The same ingredients that help to whiten, brighten, deodorize, remove stains, protect enamel and polish our teeth can also work wonders on many other alternative uses. Try out the following tips and watch the results!

Scratch marks on plates

Rub some white toothpaste on the area with a soft cloth, wash the dish in soapy water, rinse well and dry.

Fix small wall holes

Use white toothpaste to smooth over nail holes in your wall. Let it dry overnight and next day use a cotton swab to touch up the wall with matching paint.

Sparkly chrome fixtures

Use a little toothpaste on a soft cloth to polish faucets or any other chrome fixture in your house.

Water rings on wood table

Dab some non-gel toothpaste over the mark with a dry cloth, and then wipe clean with a slightly damp one. Mild abrasives in the paste gently buff out stains in wood. You can try in a discreet small area first to make sure it will be ok for your table’s finish.

Stamping your mail

When postage does not want to stick to envelop, spread a thin layer of toothpaste over the entire back of the stamp, press onto it, and let it dry.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Paw marks on curtains and drapes

If your pet leaves behind paw marks on the bottom of your curtains, apply a pinch of baby powder to a clean toothbrush. Gently brush over each spot and brush will whisk away the grime.

Fever blister or cold sores

Combine 1 tsp baking soda with a drop of warm water to make a paste. Using a cotton swab, apply the mixture to the blister and let harden for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. Baking soda helps reduce bacteria around the sore, speeding healing.

Yellow stains on collar

Rub a substantial amount of white chalk over the collar of your white shirt or blouse. Let sit for about 10 minutes then launder as usual. Chalk absorbs the sebum oil that holds in dirt and causes the yellow rings, so stains wash away easily.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Keep cut flowers fresh

Mix 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 2 tbsp sugar in vase before adding the water and flowers. The fruit acid will kill mold-causing bacteria and sugar will feed the foliage, keeping flowers vibrant.

Wine rings in glasses

Slice a lemon in half, remove the seeds and use the fleshy side to scrub at the spots. Citric acid will act as a natural bleach, removing the rings left by wine.

Cracks on your porcelain

If you notice tiny fractures on your china, place the item in a pan filled with enough milk to cover it. Bring to a boil and let bubble for about 40 minutes. Milk will evaporate, allowing its proteins to fill in fissures, bonding the porcelain together.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Make outdoor cooking easier

Prep as much in advance as possible, peeling and chopping at least the night before. Place your marinade in a resealable plastic bag big enough to fit the meat you will be marinating. Grill vegetables that can be served cold or at room temperature (squash, eggplant, onions etc.), and make salads that do not rely on greens that can wilt.

Fight mold and mildew

Try to reduce moisture in your house, by turning on an exhaust fan while showering and running a dehumidifier in the basement. Replace shower curtains or curtain liners more often, and at least once a year use a tile-and-grout cleaner to clean whatever may be growing on your bathroom walls. Clean your refrigerator regularly, by discarding expired foods and wiping down the shelves and interior walls (do not forget rubber seals along doors).

Allergy-friendly home

Start where allergens can hide as such piles of books, old magazines, wool throw blankets, down covers and area rugs. Eliminate the dust by shaking or vacuuming outdoors, and then pack what you can into sealed plastic containers. Get rid of deep carpeting wherever possible. When your budget allows, replace worn-out cushions on sofas and chairs.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Preventing allergies

Control dust mites in the bedroom by washing your bedding in hot water (130 degrees preferably) at least once a week. Cover all mattresses and pillows in zippered, dust-proof covers. Replace roll-type shades and wash your curtains as part of your regular cleaning routine.

Good-looking bikini line

Eliminate your unpleasant red bumps from ingrown hairs by applying a little bit of mentholated balm to the areas at bedtime. Rinse off in the morning. The menthol opens pores so ingrown hairs pop out easily and heal in a few days.

Calming puffy eyes

For a fast relief, brew 2 cups of chamomile tea (anti-inflammatory agent), and place the bags in the refrigerator until cool. Apply the bags to closed eyes for about 15 minutes.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Olive Oil Day!



Mostly used in the kitchen as a salad dressing, for sautéing, or with foods to be eaten cold, olive oil is considerably rich in nutrients and provides innumerous health benefits. It is also commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals... Now, let's take the bottle out of the kitchen and find out other uses for it around the house...




Be aware that when EVO (extra virgin olive oil) is heated above 350°F (177°C), the unrefined particles within the oil are burned, it becomes a saturated fat and its taste is highly compromised!

Minimize pet shedding

Mix 2 tbsp olive oil into your pet's food twice a week. Fatty acids in oil help to reduce nonseasonal shedding, promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Unstick a zipper

Dip the head of an unlit match in a drop or two of olive oil and gently rub it over the length of the zipper. The match's small rounded tip ensures an easy mess-free application of the oil, allowing it to lubricate the tiny grooves.

Add gloss to leaves

Shine the surface of your indoor plant leaves by rubbing them with a paper towel dipped in olive oil.

Cleaning paint off your body

To get splatters of paint off your skin, moisten a cotton ball with a few drops of olive oil and rub it over affected areas.

Revive pearls

Safely restore your pearls' glossy sheen when they start to look a little dull. Place a drop or two of olive oil on a soft cloth and buff each gem, removing accumulated dirt and renewing the pearls' moisture.

Shaving your body

In case you run out of your favorite gel, use olive oil to shave your legs and underarms. The slippery liquid lets the blade glide easily over skin, without the risk of nicks, and delivers a rich nutritious treatment for your body.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Cooking fish

To achieve perfectly cooked fish just follow a couple tricks. Sauté or fry fillets take 10 minutes for every inch thick (add or subtract time as needed). Fillets usually need the full 10 minutes, while thinner pieces will be cooked in about 5 minutes.

Perfect baking

To prevent your baked goods from ending up soggy after you take them out of the oven, place a drinking glass under each end of your counter cooling rack, allowing air to circulate under it. Let baked goods rest until cool to the touch.

Cooking gorgeous custard

When cooking in a water bath, it is hard to keep dishes still when pulling the pan out to check on them. Place your ramekins on a dishtowel set in the bottom of the pan. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the towel by 1/2 inch to prevent it from burning. That will create friction, so the desserts stay in place.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Long life for mushrooms

Transfer leftover mushrooms to a paper bag before storing, folding down the opening to seal it. The bag gives the mushrooms breathing room without the moisture, keeping them fresh longer.

Quick fix for bent sunglasses

You have to be handy and gentle to try this trick. Use a blow-dryer on high to blast hot air on the frames. The heat makes the plastic flexible so you can gently mold the glasses back to their original shape.

Grow your best seeds

To weed out any worthless seeds before planting, drop them into a tray filled with some water and let sit overnight. Next day, toss out any seeds that are floating on the water’s surface and plant only the sunken ones. Valuable seeds are heavier than water.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Cleaning shower doors

In case you need to clean your shower doors and you notice that you do not have your favorite cleaner handy, try wetting a dryer sheet and using it to scrub them. Lubricants in the sheets loosen the scum’s bond to surfaces, while the woven texture scrubs away grime.

Fresh-smelling laundry

If you have bath salts that you know you will never use, try them when laundering linens and blankets. Add 1/4 cup to the rinse cycle of your washer, instead of fabric softener. The same oils that scent bath water are absorbed by the fabrics and will leave a pleasant fragrance on your clean items.

Hanging posters temporarily

To avoid pinholes on your walls when you have to hang posters for a short period of time, dab white toothpaste on each of the poster’s corners and stick onto the wall, applying light pressure to the pasted areas. When the picture comes down, wipe away leftover residue with a damp cloth.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Rice Cooker Day!



A kitchen appliance created to make perfect rice, either through boiling or steaming it, can also be used for other slow-cook dishes and even to give you a hand in the kitchen keeping food nice and warm...

Simmering fruit

You can make healthy desserts using you rice cooker. From poaching fruits in liquids like wine, juice or maple syrup, to making sauces such as applesauce or any other fruit sauces.

Slow-cook dishes

You can create long-simmered dishes without burning or boiling over. Just add enough liquid and time to your rice cooker, and you can try beans, stews, or different kinds of soups, mixing vegetables with meat, tomatoes, wine, herbs and much more.

Cooking risotto

Sauté onions in butter in an open rice cooker, then add 1 part short-grain rice and 4 parts liquid (such as broth and wine). Cook for about 25 minutes in an on/off cooker or use the "slow" or "porridge" cycle if your machine has one. Add grated cheese and herbs when close to serving.

Steaming vegetables

If your rice cooker comes with a steamer rack, use it to cook cut vegetables, tofu, potatoes, shrimp, fish fillets or even chicken breasts. Take out and serve as a one-pot meal.

Keep breakfast warm

You can use a rice cooker to make oatmeal or other hot cereals for breakfast. Just add a little less milk or water than you would for stovetop cooking, and, if you would like, add some chopped nuts and dried fruit. The "keep warm" function will keep food from getting cold and mushy.