Relief for heartburn

To eliminate indigestion, have a snack that contains 1/2 tsp of mustard (any kind). Mustard seeds are rich in acids that stimulate the stomach to increase production of digestive enzymes, which improve the breakdown and absorption of food.

Relieve water retention

Drink 2 cups of dandelion tea daily. Dandelion leaves are rich in fluid-flushing minerals that will help you to get rid of a bloated tummy.

Great lashes for less

To achieve long lush lashes use an expensive brush with any brand of mascara. Most mascara formulas are similar and their secret for a stunning look is the innovative lash-separating brush that some have.

Relief for stress

Rub a pinch of fresh or dried rosemary between your fingers. Breathing in the scent of this herb helps to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Fading hair color

To revive a fading hair color, mix 1 packet of a vitamin C supplement powder with water, creating a thick paste. Wash hair as usual, then apply the mixture to wet hair. Leave on for about 10 minutes and rinse well. Ascorbic and citric acids will dissolve the iron and alkaline deposits in hard water that cause color-treated hair to fade.

Fast browning pie crust

To prevent your crust from overbrowning, flip the ring of a tart pan and place it over the pie. Continue baking until crust is cooked through.

Heat up the grill quickly

Place a double layer of aluminum foil over the grates. By trapping the heat, the foil will cause the grates to get hot much faster.

Grilling fish fillets

To prevent fish fillets from sticking to the metal grates, wrap them in paper towels and place in the refrigerator for about an hour before grilling. This will help proteins on the fish’s surface stick to one another, so fillets will not bond to the grill.

Revive the taste of frozen fish

To make frozen fish taste like fresh, just soak the meat in a shallow bowl of milk and let defrost in the refrigerator before preparing the desired dish.

Cook moist and tender chicken

To accomplish a tender chicken, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch into your marinade before soaking the meat. The product will help the marinade stick to the chicken, creating a protective layer that prevents dryness.

Homemade ice pack

To keep your food cold outdoors, make your own ice pack by soaking a paper towel with water and placing it in the bottom of a plastic food container (in a size that fits your needs). Freeze the container for at least a half hour, seal your food in a zip plastic bag and place it inside the frozen container. Later you can use the damp towel for cleaning, if you wish.

Vibrant green pesto sauce

For a bright green pesto sauce, just add a handful of parsley to the blender along with the basil. Parsley has more chlorophyll, so it does not darken as fast as basil.

Mascara smudge under the eyes

To remove mascara smears from under your eyes, using the tip of your fingers apply some lip balm (non-menthol, camphor-free etc.) to the area, and then wipe away with a tissue.

Relief for a tender nose

When your nose is red and sore, due to a long period of sniffing, sneezing and blowing, apply some lip balm to the sensitive areas. The moisturizer will create a barrier to keep dryness out.

Flashlight substitute

If you need to see in a dark space and you do not have a flashlight handy, just plug a night light into an extension cord and you will be able to bring glow to any area.

Avoid scratches on delicate furniture

To prevent any marks on furniture, while tightening loose bolts, cut 2 fingertips off a rubber glove and place one on each end of the metal head of the pliers. Fasten the bolt as usual. The rubber will create a barrier, protecting your pieces from scratches.

Cleaning grout lines

To remove mold and water deposits from bathroom grout lines, spray some shaving cream on them after your next hot shower. The steam will loosen the grease and the ingredients in the product will break down dirt and mildew. Wipe away residues with a damp cloth. You can use this method on any color of grout, since the cream does not contain bleach.

Candle holder substitute

To replace a candle holder in an unexpected situation, grab an old CD or DVD and place it shiny side up on the table. Position a candle right in the center, and the disk will hold all drips while it is burning. In addition, the disk mirror-like surface will reflect light producing a nice visual effect.

Saving toilet paper

Squeeze the toilet paper roll flat before placing it on the holder. This will control the amount of tissue used by stopping the easy and fast speed of the roll.

Clothespin marks in garments

Prevent clothespin from leaving persistent marks in your garments when line drying, by placing a piece of bubble wrap between the clothing and the clips. You can use any kind of material that creates extra cushion to solve the problem.

Minimize litter box odor

Let the leftover leaves from your green tea dry and sprinkle on the litter. The catechin in the herb claims antibacterial properties to eliminate any odor and the scent helps to prevent fleas.

Dog nail trimming accident

If you accidentally cut the quick of your pet’s nail (internal fleshy part) causing it to bleed (only minor cuts!), distract him with a treat while pressing the nail into a bar of body soap. The soap’s sealing action will contract blood vessels and stop the bleeding.

Keep dog’s paw safe

To prevent unwanted stuff (like chewing gum) from sticking to your dog’s paw pads, massage a small amount of vegetable oil into the pads before taking him for a walk. Gently rub with a damp cloth to remove remaining oil so he does not track it all over the house.

Frozen treat for pets

For the hot days of summer, hydrate your dogs with this frozen treat. Pour chicken broth into an ice cube tray (or a popsicle tray), cover with aluminum foil, poke a stick into each compartment and place in the freezer. Remove pops and treat them as needed.

Control over-consumption

If you are trying to cut back on excessive shopping, just ask yourself if you are going to use the item within the next few days before you buy it. When the answer is “NO”, you definitely do not need that immediately (maybe ever!), so do not make the purchase. You will be surprised by how often your mind can change when you use this “questioning yourself” trick.

Smooth your feet

To regain soft feet, crush 5 aspirin tablets into a powder, mix with 1 tsp of water, and then apply the paste to rough areas. Wrap your entire foot in a damp towel and let sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before washing it. Salicylic acid in aspirin will help to lose any dead or hardened skin.

Sweat stain on white shirt

Turn the shirt inside out, soak a paper towel with white vinegar and press it on the stain for about 5 minutes. Place the garment in the washing machine and launder as usual.

Soothe a burn on the roof of the mouth

Reduce the pain from burning the roof of your mouth (like a pizza burn) by sprinkling your tongue with some sugar and holding it against the sore area. As the sugar melts, your brain releases more endorphins that will make you forget about the pain.

Preventing blisters on feet

To keep shoes from causing blisters, before wearing them, apply some clear gel deodorant on your feet where your skin usually gets irritated. The product’s waxy silicone creates a barrier that eliminates friction.

Fix a red face faster

End a red face (just like the one you get after exercising) by running cold water on the inside of your wrists for a few seconds. At the pulse points, you will cool the blood that circulates throughout your body much faster.

Look slimmer in pictures

To look the best in photos, use a blush brush to apply some bronzer along your facial T-zone and below your cheekbones. The slightly darker shade will highlight your bone structure making you to look slimmer.

Baking delicate cakes

Prevent delicate cakes from sticking to the pan, and breaking when you try to remove it, by placing the greased pan in the freezer while you mix up the batter. The frozen butter will take longer to melt in the oven, so it will not bond to the sides of the cake.

Keep produce fresh longer

Just place a few dry sponges in the refrigerator’s draw. They will absorb the excess moisture that wilts veggies.

Easy pureed garlic

If your recipe asks for just a dab of pureed garlic, you do not have to mess with your garlic press. Simply rub the peeled clove back and forth quickly against the teeth of a fork, and then use the back of the fork to mash the grated garlic into a puree.

Juicy and tasty corn

Freshly boiled kernels tend to burst as you strip them off the cob, becoming dry and tasteless. To ensure that all flavors stay in the veggie, after blanching the ears, place it into a bowl of ice water for 2 minutes. The cold temperature will set veggie’s milky juice.

Remove chocolate stain from silk

Scrape off as much as possible with a blunt edge. Using a clean soft sponge (or brush), gently rub the stain with a dab of mild dish-soaping and warm water. Rinse and let it dry.

Keep salad cold and fresh

Fill a resealable plastic bag with ice cubes and a few tablespoons of salt. Place the sealed bag in the bottom of the salad bowl, cover with some lettuce leaves, making a bed, and top with your salad.

Homemade air freshener

Place packing peanuts in a small bowl and spritz with a nice fragrance. The porous material will absorb the perfume, releasing the scent over the course of a few days. Once the fragrance is gone, just respray the peanuts.

To repel mosquitoes

In a spray bottle, mix 1 tsp of vanilla extract with 1 cup of water and spritz some of the mixture onto pulse points. The sweet smell tricks their antennas preventing the bugs from finding human prey.

Dirty windshield

When washer fluid does not work, you can clean your windshield using, carefully, a razor blade. It works well for all sticky mess, as such dead bugs, sap and many other greasy dirt.

Protect your car ignition

Lighten your keychain to protect car’s ignition. Keeping it heavy can weight down the switch, causing early wear and damage.

Cleaning foggy headlights

Apply a good amount of toothpaste on dirty headlights, buff it in with a dry clean cloth, rinse with water and wipe clean for bright and clear lights again.

Quick fix for car scratches

A temporary solution for car scratches is to fill them in with clear nail polish, helping to cover up exposed metal and prevent rust.

Repair a car dent

Remove a car dent by applying dry ice to it, repeatedly, until it disappears. The extreme cold of the ice helps to pop it out. Do not forget to wear gloves!

Fill a big container in a small sink

To fill a container with water when it cannot fit in your sink, just place a dustpan cautiously in a way that will funnel the liquid right into the container below.

Freezing egg yolks

Check eggs for freshness! When working with about 8 yolks, beat them first in 1/4 tsp salt or 3 tsp sugar, pour the mix in ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. This extra care will prevent yolk from becoming too gelatinous when frozen. Do not forget to label the trays!

Freezing egg whites

Check eggs for freshness! Break and separate them, making sure that no yolk gets in the whites. Pour whites in ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. Whites can be defrosted right in the pan for scrambled or omelets. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, after thawed, to get more volume when beating.

Freezing whole eggs

Check eggs for freshness! Whisk whites and yolks until blended, pour the mix in ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. Thaw the cubes completely, overnight in the refrigerator, before using them in a recipe. Use frozen eggs in dishes that will be thoroughly cooked!

Cleaning copper

Restore the bright shine of a copper item by soaking it in a container filled with cola soda for about an hour. The acid in the liquid makes the metal to look new without any effort.

Burnt oven grates

Leave oven grates soaking in an overnight cola soda bath, and just scrub away the blackened areas in the morning. The chemicals in the cola will loosen most of the burnt-on stuff.

Removing rust from metal

Immerse the rusty item in a container with cola soda, let it soak overnight, and then scrub clean next day with a stiff brush.

Improve a compost pile

Add some cola soda to your compost pile once a week to help material decompose faster. Sugar in the liquid feeds useful microorganisms, and cola increases the acidity of the pile.

Ant control

To get rid of an ant hill, just saturate the area with cola soda. Acid in the carbonated drink will kill all ants.

Trapping wasps

Use a glass filled with cola soda to attract and trap wasps. They will drown and die in the liquid.

Snails and slugs in the garden

To eliminate snails and slugs from your garden, place a small bowl filled with cola soda around the area. The liquid will attract the animals and its acid will kill them.

Clean car battery terminals

Clean car battery terminals, pouring some cola soda directly over the battery and let it wash away corrosion. The small acidity in soda does not react with battery acid.

Cola Soda Week #3!

For the next 8 days you will find out some alternative uses for this popular carbonated beverage...

Permanent marker stain

To remove a permanent marker stain from a hard surface, apply some hand sanitizer on the area and wipe away.

Fit more than one dish in the microwave

Place one of the dishes on top of a cup (glass, small bowl etc.) and you will be able to fit 2 dishes inside the appliance at the same time.

Saving liquid soap

If you find your dispenser running low on liquid soap, just tie a rubber band around its neck, restricting the discharge until you have the chance to refill it.

Leftover whipped cream

Dollop spoonfuls of leftover whipped cream on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer dollops to a re-sealable storage bag, place bag in the freezer, and use them later as toppings for hot beverage. They will melt right into your mug.

Saving space in luggage

When packing your clothes, roll them up into compactly packed tubes and stack them in your suitcase.

Re-heating food in the microwave

When microwaving leftovers, dig a hole in the middle of the food before placing it inside the appliance. This will ensure that your dish will be more equally heated throughout.

Wrinkle-free outfits trick

To quickly get a wrinkle-free garment, just place it in a dryer with a couple of ice cubes and run the machine for a few minutes.

Enhance cell phone volume

To amplify the sound of your cell phone, place it inside of a big drinking glass, vase or pitcher.

Buying flight tickets

When looking for online tickets, just in case, first delete your browsing history, and then use the flight search tool as a guest (without signing in). It is possible for an airline company or travel agency to change deals to a higher price by tracking your browsing cookies.

Improvise a knife sharpener

For a quick sharpening, if you have a ceramic mug handy, just rub the knife’s blade against the bottom of the mug.

Sandwich style cupcake

To enjoy an evenly dispersed layer of frosting in every bite of a cupcake, cut its bottom off and turn it into a sandwich. It is also easier to hold and mess-free.

Perfect iced coffee

To accomplish a perfect and tasty iced coffee, keeping it strong until the last sip, add coffee ice cubes to it, instead of regular ones.

Increase smartphone charging speed

Charge your cell phone faster by putting it in the airplane mode before plugging.

Stop a sliding mat

To prevent a door mat or rug from sliding around, cut an old rubber mouse pad into 4 squares and glue each one to each corner of the bottom of the mat. This will create friction that will keep it in place.

Quiet noisy washer and dryer

Place leftovers of carpet underneath the feet of the appliances to reduce the loud sound of the hardworking machines.

Save money on dish soap

Pour dish soap into an empty hand-soap container. A single pump will be enough to wash many dishes.

Leftover wine

Do not waste your leftover wine. Just pour it into an ice cube tray and use the cubes later in sauce recipes, salad dressings, soups, sangria and anything else you wish to give a wine taste to.

Fluffy quinoa

To accomplish fluffy quinoa: 1) bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; 2) rinse the quinoa well under cool water; 3) add grain to the boiling water, cooking for about 7 minutes (al dente point), and then strain it; 4) add an inch of water to the pot, set the strainer (with quinoa in it) inside the pot (quinoa cannot touch the water!), cover with a dish towel and the pot’s lid, and steam in high heat for about 4 minutes or until the quinoa is tender; 5) move cooked grain into a bowl, fluff it up with a fork and use as desired.

Freezer burn on ice cream

Prevent freezer burn on ice cream by placing the container upside down in the freezer. Air in unused space between ice cream and lid is responsible for that. Stretch a layer of plastic wrap across the top before closing the container.

Hold cutting board in place

Keep your cutting board from slipping on the counter by placing a damp dishcloth underneath as you cut the ingredients.

Cleaning a grinder

Place some white rice into the grinder and cycle through. The grain will trap any leftover spices, oils and aromas.

Measuring gooey ingredients

Spray the measuring tools with nonstick spray first, and then measure the sticky ingredient, like honey, peanut butter, jelly, molasses etc. They will easily come off the tool.

Preserving nuts

Keeping nuts in the freezer will make them last longer. The temperature will prevent oils in nuts from going rancid.

Leftover Champagne

Pour your leftover champagne in an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer. Next time you crave for a mimosa, just pop one or two cubes into a glass of orange juice.

Longer life for greens

To give your broccoli, celery and lettuce a longer life in the refrigerator, wrap them in foil and they will last about a month.

Storing produce

When storing produce at room temperature, keep them on an area away from windows. Sunlight speeds up the ripening process.

Preserving fresh herbs

Keep your herbs fresh longer, and save space in the refrigerator, by placing them like a bouquet in a flower vase with water. Trim the stems first!

Make deodorant more effective

During your morning shower, wash your underarms with bar soap instead of body wash. Apply deodorant as usual. Unlike bar soap, body wash contains creamy formulas that will over-moisture the area and stop deodorant from penetrating pores and acting like it should.

Revive your nails

To soft rough cuticles and revivify your nails, rub a slice of fresh pineapple around them. Wait a couple minutes and wipe off excess juice. The fruit contains bromelain, which will help to recover beautiful nail beds.

Wet cell phone

If the cell phone is not damaged beyond repair, remove the battery and SIM card and dry them with a soft cloth. Place the phone in a bowl of dry rice and let it sit for 24 hours.

Feet sliding in shoes

To prevent your feet from sliding through your sandals’ toe opening, spray the inside soles with hairspray. Let them dry before wearing. The product will make the insoles sticky, gripping your feet as you walk in heels.

Storing cheese

To prevent cheese from drying out, apply a thin layer of butter to the exposed side, wrap the block in waxed paper and place it in a plastic bag.

More flavorful pancakes

Adding a pinch of baking soda to your batter will create a more alkaline mix that helps browning and forms new flavor compounds. It will also produce more bubbles, making your pancakes fluffier.

Drying frozen leafy greens

Place defrosted green veggies (spinach, collard, kale etc.) between two clean dish towels (or paper towels) and lightly roll over the top with a rolling pin to press out excess moisture. Be gentle with your greens and do not squeeze them with your hands.

Quickly cool a bottle of wine

Wrap a cold wet dishcloth around the wine bottle and place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes. The icy towel will ensure the right temperature by the time your drink is served.

Pitting olives

Place a funnel upside down on your counter top, put one end of the olive on the spout and press down so the pit falls through the funnel.

Easily split a check

When splitting the check at a restaurant, make servers’ lives (yours as well) easier by writing the last 4 digits of everyone’s credit card, and how much to charge each one, on the back of the bill.

Smoothie perfection

Keep an ice tray filled with orange juice in the freezer and use fruity ice cubes to replace regular ones in a smoothie recipe that asks for a frosty texture. Plain ice cubes usually reduces the drink’s tangy flavor.

Unmold cake from a pan

When your cake cools and gets stuck in a metal pan, carefully rotate the pan over low heat on the stove top for a few seconds. This process will melt the grease that was initially spread on the bottom of the pan, helping you to remove the confection without breaking it.

Make perfect muffins

Hold a 2 3/4" round cookie cutter over each muffin cup while sprinkling the topping. The cutter fits perfectly over the cup and prevents messy muffins and dirty kitchen counter tops.

Refresh your fridge

To keep your refrigerator fresh and free of odors, cut an orange in half and remove the pulp. Fill it with some salt and place it on a plate in a quiet spot inside the appliance. The salt will absorb odors while the orange shell releases a nice citrus scent.

Working with a hammer

To protect your fingers from hammer hits, run a piece of sandpaper over the tool’s head to roughen up the metallic surface, adding grip and friction to it. Over time hammer’s head becomes smooth, which makes it more likely to slip when hitting the nail.

Helping your confidence

When going to an event where you do not know many people, try this trick. Stop at the entrance, choose a spot on the back wall and give a little wave. You will look comfortable and self-assured, and nobody will realize who you were waving to.

Enhance your eyelash

Blast your eyelash curler with a hair dryer for about 15 seconds before using. The heat will turn the tool into a mini curling iron that will make your lashes prettier.

Quick fix for frizzy hair

Lather a little bit of soap between your hands and work your fingers through your hair. Soap negative ions will neutralize static.

Keep dogs well behaved

To stop your dog from begging at your party, spread a thin layer of peanut butter or soft cheese on the edges and knots of his favorite bone and give it to him. This will keep him busy for a while.

Cleaning cat’s litter box

Just flush the litter box with very hot water. The high temperature will disinfect the plastic but leave enough cat scent to guarantee your pet’s interest in the same box.

Relieve poison ivy itch

Dampen a black tea bag and apply to the itchy area for about 15 minutes. Tannins in tea will reduce tenderness, swelling and itchiness.

Cleaning dog’s ears

Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water and place a few drops directly in the dog’s ear canal. Massage the fur at the base of the ear for about 1 minute and use a cotton ball to clean and dry the inner ear.

De-fur clothing easily

Rub an unused dryer sheet on the clothes in a circular motion. The positive particles will eliminate static and remove all the pet hair.

Clean dirt from shoes

Sprinkle some cornstarch onto the sole of each shoe. The powder will absorb any moisture, turning the mess into dried flakes that are easy to clean.

Easy to open magnetic cabinets

If your cabinet doors have magnetic strips that are too strong, stick a piece of clear tape over them. This will lessen the magnetic pull, letting you open the doors effortlessly.

Secure stuffed animal’s button eyes

Keep buttons in place for good by sewing the eye back and applying a coat of clear nail polish to the thread. Let it dry. The hardened polish will prevent the threads from breaking.

Remove sticky tar from a car

Spread some Russian dressing over the black tar. Let it sit for 5 minutes and wipe it all off with a clean cloth.

Removing coffee or tea stain

Sponge the stain with lukewarm water, and then gently rub with a little bit of glycerin.

Watermarks on leather

To remove watermarks from leather shoes or accessories, add a few drops of vinegar to a bowl of cool water and scrub the stains with a soft bristle brush until they are no longer visible. Let dry for about 8 hours.

Removing sweat stain from fabric

Apply a mixture of cream of tartar, crushed aspirin, and warm water to the area. Wait about 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Ink stains on fabric

To remove ink stains on cotton, gently use rubbing alcohol. On polyester, spray generously with hair spray and pat with a clean and dry cloth. Wash the item as usual.

Clean powder makeup from a handbag

To remove powder makeup (blush, bronzer etc.) from inside your handbag, use pre-moistened makeup removing wipes. They should clean the whole mess effortlessly.

Lipstick stain

To remove lipstick stain from fabric, saturate the area with hairspray. Let sit for about 10 minutes and dab with a clean cloth. Wash the piece as usual.

Clean dirt off suede

Remove the crust from a piece of bread and allow it to become stale. Gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread to clean them off leather piece.

Clean dirt off suede

Remove the crust from a piece of bread and allow it to become stale. Gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread to clean them off leather piece.

Clean dirt off suede

Remove the crust from a piece of bread and allow it to become stale. Gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread to clean them off leather piece.

Remove liquid makeup stain

To remove liquid makeup from shirt collars, apply some shaving cream to a washcloth and lightly rub the stain.

Open tough key rings

To get around a difficult-to-open key ring, use a staple remover. Prop open the ring as you slide the key on or off.

Remember where you parked your car

After parking your car in a big parking lot, use your smartphone to snap a few pictures of your location and markers around the spot. You will easily find it again later.

Oil stain on leather

To remove an oil stain from your leather piece, cover the mark with baby powder and let it stand overnight. If in the morning, the stain still remains, repeat the process.

Red wine stain

Soak red wine stains in white wine, cover the stain with a thick baking soda paste. Let it sit a few hours, and then wash as usual.

Control foot odor

Before going to bed, soak your feet in a large bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender oil is antiseptic, antifungal, increases circulation and release nervous tension.

Hand washing delicate items

Prevent fragile china from sliding out of your hands and breaking by folding a dish towel and placing it in the bottom of the sink. The padded layer will cushion the fall, making the delicate items less likely to break.

Relieve a high fever

Soak a pair of thin socks in cool water, wring them out, slip on and top with dry woolen socks. Your body will work harder to warm your feet, increasing your blood circulation and helping the fever to go away.

Easing a nosebleed

Hold a spoonful of powdered gelatin mix against the roof of your mouth, letting it to dissolve. The upper portion of the mouth connects to mucous membranes in your nasal passages, and the powder will quickly be delivered to the nostrils, acting as a clotting agent.

End stomach rumbles

Firmly press the index and middle fingers of both hands 3 finger-widths below your knees, along the outside of your calves. These acupressure points connect to your digestive tract and will calm down your stomach.

Substitute for liquid eyeliner

Light a wooden match, let it burn for a couple seconds, blow it out and dip it in cool water. Use the ashy residue to line your upper and lower lids.