Grilling hot dogs

When you are grilling hot dogs for a big party, it is very likely to forget which ones you already flipped. To prevent that from happening, just arrange 2 skewers, soaked in water, in a parallel position and thread each hot dog horizontally onto both sticks. Place the racks on the grill, turn them once, and they will end up evenly cooked!

Relief for a paper cut

To heal a painful paper cut, just apply some lip balm on it. The ingredients in the product that works to soothe cracked skin, will also help to seal the cut and protect it from infection.

Shaky ceiling fan

If your ceiling fan is shaking due to instable blades, attach a clothespin to the edge of one blade (halfway from the tip), adding some weight to it, and start the fan on a slow speed. If the vibration continues, repeat the process to the next one until it stops and you find out which blade is weak. Fix the problem by removing the clothespin from the fan and gluing one or two coins to the top of the blade to bring back stability.

Stuck sliding doors

For a sliding door to glide without resistance, apply some furniture polish to the track and trim along the base. The product will dissolve the dirt and lubricate the track, at the same time that will remove prints from the trim and make it nice and shiny.

Gift wrap substitute

Get inspired by Hershey’s Kisses Chocolate and improvise a cute gift wrap in a couple minutes. Place a paper plate on a large piece of aluminum foil, set the gift on the plate and wrap the foil up and around, twisting it to meet at the top and molding it to look like the sweet. Insert a long strip of white paper and use it as your message tag.

Trimming hair bangs

For an easy bang trim, just comb the hair dry and place a long strip of transparent tape on the area, aligning the top edge of it where you intend to make the cut. This flexible guide will prevent you from making any mistakes, and will keep all cut strands stuck to it, helping the cleanup as well.

Improvise mini ice packs

Do not discard those small packets (mustard, soy sauce, ketchup etc.) from take-out and delivered orders. Instead, store them in the freezer and take with you when you go out with the kids. They may be very useful, as mini cold packs, in case of a little bruise while playing outdoors.

Keep a rug in place

For a slippery rug, apply thick lines of hot glue on its underside, working the gun in a zig zag design, and let it dry completely. The adhesive will help the rug to stay in place.

Remove odor from clothes

To remove persistent odor from your clothing, add a half cup of white vinegar to the washer after the detergent, and run the machine as usual. Acetic acid neutralizes odor compounds.

Soothing mosquito bites

To stop bug bite from itching, just dab a small amount of liquid laundry detergent on the itchy area using a cotton ball. The chemicals in the detergent will dry the bite reducing irritation.

Relieve diarrhea

In case of diarrhea, make yourself a cup of black tea and add 1/2 tsp of sugar. The tannins in tea reduce intestinal irritation and absorption of toxins. Hot water helps you rehydrate and sugar restores electrolytes.

Drain veggies faster

If your vegetables are taking forever to drain in a colander, just place a sealed zip bag, filled halfway with water, on top of them. The weight of the bag will help to press out any extra water from your veggies.

Soggy fried food

To prevent fried food underside from getting soggy while sitting on paper towel, place a cooling rack between the pieces and the towel. Holes in the grate allow the oil to drip off the food keeping it crispy all over.

Revive a cutting board

If the surface of your cutting board looks dull, just moist it with a coat of mineral oil (not cooking oil, which turns rancid) to rehydrate it and fill gaps. Repeat the process every 2 to 3 months.

Cutting bacon strips

To prevent raw bacon fat from sticking together, making difficult your job with the knife, just place bacon in the freezer for about 15 minutes before slicing it. Hard slices will chop effortlessly and evenly.

Keep cheese fresh

Place cheese in a plastic bag and add 1 sugar cube for every 2 oz cheese before storing it. Sugar absorbs moisture and will prevent mold from growing on its exterior.

Dressing cherry tomatoes

For cherry tomatoes to absorb flavors of a salad dressing, just pierce each one with a fork before adding them to the salad. Dress the dish as usual and let tomatoes drink up sauces before serving it.

Oil splatters in the kitchen

To prevent oil from splashing over your stove top, while grilling or frying food, just place a large metal colander (upside down) over the frying pan. It will trap oil and its small holes will allow the heat to escape. Make sure you use an oven mitt when removing it from the pan.

Organizing the fridge

When you have too many casseroles to store in the refrigerator and you cannot stack them on top of each other, try this trick. Place a couple wooden skewers or chopsticks across the top of each foil-covered dish and you will be able to easily pile them up.

Keep plants healthy

To keep your plants healthy, save the water next time you boil eggs, and use it to water the greens after it cools. The fluid will be rich in protein and lecithin, excellent nutrients for your plants.

Preventing thread tangles

To stop thread from knotting while embroidering, just run it through a dryer sheet while sewing. This procedure will eliminate thread tangles.

Cleaning the BBQ grill

Place a large sheet of aluminum foil over the grill while the coals are still red-hot. The foil will reduce food particles to a fine ash. Later, ball up the foil and use it to scrub away any burnt-on residues.

Noisy door

To silence a squeaky hinge, spray a small amount of shaving cream onto a toothbrush and rub into the hinge’s cracks and gaps. The ingredients in the cream will lubricate the metal and stop the noise.

Protect fingers from a hammer

To keep your fingers safe while nailing walls, grab a clothespin and clip it onto the nail. Hold the pin and work pain free.

Fix for scorched fabric

If you accidentally scorched the fabric that you were ironing, just grab a rag big enough to cover the stain and soak it in hydrogen peroxide. Place the rag over the mark and iron on a medium heat until it disappears.

Prevent static in hair

To keep your hair free of static and perfectly in place, just blow dry your brush before using it. The heat will soften the bristles, reducing the static that results from a very rigid brush.

Relieve back pain

Improvise a heating pad by partially filling a pillowcase with dried beans. Tie the end securely and microwave the new pillow for about 1 minute. Let cool a little bit and rest your back on top of it. Besides the benefits of the heat, you will receive a relaxing massage.

Relieve back pain

Improvise a heating pad by partially filling a pillowcase with dried beans. Tie the end securely and microwave the new pillow for about 1 minute. Let cool a little bit and rest your back on top of it. Besides the benefits of the heat, you will receive a relaxing massage.

Relieve back pain

Improvise a heating pad by partially filling a pillowcase with dried beans. Tie the end securely and microwave the new pillow for about 1 minute. Let cool a little bit and rest your back on top of it. Besides the benefits of the heat, you will receive a relaxing massage.

Relieve back pain

Improvise a heating pad by partially filling a pillowcase with dried beans. Tie the end securely and microwave the new pillow for about 1 minute. Let cool a little bit and rest your back on top of it. Besides the benefits of the heat, you will receive a relaxing massage.

Stinky feet

To eliminate foot odor, in a big bowl, mix 1 package of lime-flavored gelatin with the recommended amount of hot water (not boiling). Add cold water until reaching a comfortable temperature and soak your feet until the mix starts to set. Citrus will absorb odor and leave a fresh smell on skin.

Beautiful seared meat

As protein cooks, it shrinks and changes shape, so the side that sears first will end up browning more equally. When cooking meat or fish, start with the side that will face up when plated, which will have an attractive golden exterior with nice hatch marks.

Quick fresh citrus juice

Cut citrus fruits (lemon, lime etc.) into wedges, place them in resealable plastic bags and freeze. When you need juice, just place some wedges in the microwave for about 20 seconds and squeeze as needed.

Accomplish perfect cookies

For richer cookies, cover the dough with plastic wrap and let sit in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before modeling and baking. The flour will absorb all the liquid in the mix, achieving a firmer and more flavorful dough.

Using powdered sugar

Use a salt shaker to store your powdered sugar. It will easily fit in a cabinet and make it simple to dust any desserts without a mess.

Soggy pie crust

Brush the crust with 3 tbsp melted fruit preserves (a flavor that goes well with the filling) to prevent your pie from becoming soggy after adding your chosen fruit to it. The sweet coat will protect the pastry and ensure all juices stay in the filling.

Improving a full body photo

- When facing the camera, turn your body slightly, placing one foot in front of the other. Point your toe in the direction of the camera and put your weight on your back foot.
- In a group photo, get stuck in the middle. On the ends of the photo you usually look the largest.
- Never press your arms into your body. You can place your hands on your hips, or hold them slightly away from the sides etc.

Improving a profile photo

- Push your chin and head slightly forward to make your face look thinner and eliminate a double chin.
- Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth, behind your teeth, while smiling to look more relaxed.
- Push your shoulders slightly forward to emphasize your collarbone and make your arms thinner.

Relief for irritated eyes

Add 1 tsp of fennel seeds to 1 cup of boiling water, let steep for about 20 minutes and strain. Apply cool compress to the eyes for about 5 minutes every day. Fennel contains anti-inflammatory components that will be absorbed through eyelid skin and relieve irritated eyes.