Storing leafy greens

Keep all leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula etc.) in the refrigerator and they will last 3 to 7 days. If produces are not prebagged, wash and wrap loosely in a paper towel to prevent water from rotting them, and then put in a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator.

Green Tea Day #3!

Recognized as an antioxidant-rich and anti-aging phenomenon, green tea is a very popular drink among the health conscious. Researches have shown evidence suggesting that regular green tea consumption can lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers. Here you will find some surprising alternative uses for green tea that may make you very happy...

Fight underarms odors

Dab cool green tea water to your underarms to avoid undesirable smell in that area. This alternative deodorant will fight the effects of heat and stress.

Lingerie freshening

Place green tea leaves in a thin cloth bag and throw it into your lingerie drawer. The leaves will absorb any odor and leave apparel fresh and ready.

Helping your plants

Immerse tea leaves in water for a few days, remove the leaves, and then use the water to fertilize your plants. Antioxidants will improve their health.

Taking care of your feet

Give your feet a bath in a strong green tea infusion to get rid of foot odors. Green tea is a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

Green Tea Day #2!

Recognized as an antioxidant-rich and anti-aging phenomenon, green tea is a very popular drink among the health conscious. Researches have shown evidence suggesting that regular green tea consumption can lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers. Here you will find some surprising alternative uses for green tea that may make you very happy...

Control humidity

Take a thin cloth bag full of green tea leaves and hang it in a room or area of your house that collects too much humidity. The leaves will absorb the moisture.

Eliminating odor in the fridge

Take a handful of green tea leaves and place them in a thin cloth bag or cheese cloth inside your refrigerator. The leaves will absorb all odors and keep your fridge fragrance-free.

Preventing skin wrinkles

Apply lotions and creams with green tea extract or drink the tea regularly. Anti-inflammatory properties and powerful antioxidant found in green tea can help to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.

Preventing sunburn

Apply a green tea extract to the skin or a cooled cloth that was soaked in brewed green tea to protect yourself from sunburn. Drinking green tea regularly a few weeks prior to sun exposure can also reduce the possibility of skin damage, due to the tea’s powerful antioxidant. Green tea does not block UV light!

Stop a small bleeding

Steep a green tea bag in hot water, remove it after one minute, and then let it cool. Place the tea bag on top of the bleeding area or dip gauze into the tea water and apply the gauze to the gash. The tannins found in green tea help stop bleeding by coagulating the blood.

Green Tea Day #1!

Recognized as an antioxidant-rich and anti-aging phenomenon, green tea is a very popular drink among the health conscious. Researches have shown evidence suggesting that regular green tea consumption can lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers. Here you will find some surprising alternative uses for green tea that may make you very happy...

Helping weight loss

Get your daily dose of green tea! Studies show that catechins in tea significantly decrease body weight as well as maintain body weight after a period of weight loss.

Dark circles and puffy eyes

Use 2 bags to make your regular green tea. Let tea bags cool and place one over each closed eye. Tannins in green tea are an astringent and are able to shrink living tissue. The tea bags can also reduce swelling and tighten the skin around the eyes by reducing the dilation of the blood vessels under them.

Irritation and redness relief

Steep a few bags of green tea in boiling water. Allow it to cool and immerse a washcloth in the water. Squeeze the washcloth of excess liquid and use it to pat irritated or red skin. Anti-inflammatory properties will help to reduce symptoms.

Facial scrub

Add some water and white sugar to green tea creating an exfoliating paste, and use it in a facial scrub. Green tea’s skin-tightening ability will give you a smooth finish.

Keep your teeth healthy

Drink one cup of unsweetened green tea daily to increase teeth health. Studies show that antimicrobial molecules called catechins are the reason for this result. If you do not like the taste of the tea, you can also try a green tea infused toothpaste.

Storing root vegetables

Keep them in an open basket, in a cool and dry place (away from light and the oven). They will last approximately a month (baby potatoes only about 10 days).

Storing berries, citrus and grapes

Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. Find below a few additional tips for each of them:
• Grapes: store in plastic bags and do not wash until you are ready to eat them!
• Citrus: if you decide to store at room temperature, they will be fresh for about 1 week only. They still last longer than most other fruits because of their hard skin. Meyer lemons and limes have a shorter life and should go straight to the refrigerator.
• Berries: their real life time will depend on the variety (blueberries will stay fresh the longest). Do not wash until you are ready to eat them! The dusty covering you see on berries is a natural preservative that keeps them fresh.

Storing avocados and/or pears

Store any of these fruits at room temperature for up to a week until they are ripe, and then move them to the refrigerator, where they can keep for up to another week. For pears, check for ripeness observing the “neck” right next to the stem for a slight softness. To speed up ripening process of both fruits, place them in a paper bag. For avocados, throw them into the bag with a banana, which produces the most ripening-inducing ethylene of any fruit, and they will be guacamole-ready in about a day.

Keep out of the refrigerator

• Hot sauce: it will be just fine in the pantry for up to 3 years.
• Potatoes: store in the pantry in paper bags to maintain their flavors (plastic bags hold moisture and speed deterioration). They should last up to 3 weeks, depending on variety.
• Bread: keep what you will consume within 4 days at room temperature and freeze the rest. Refrigerator dries bread out fast.
• Onions: keep them in the pantry, inside their original mesh bag (allowing air circulation), and away from potatoes, which emit moisture and gases that can cause onions to rot.
• Garlic: store loose in the pantry for up to 2 months, so air can move around it.
• Tomatoes: leave them on a counter, out of plastic bags. Once ripe, they will last for about 3 days.
• Coffee: store in an airtight container in the pantry. The refrigerator creates condensation, which can change the flavor of both beans and ground coffee.
• Winter squashes: they will be fine in the pantry for about a month (varieties such as acorn, butternut, delicata and spaghetti).

Storing apples in the refrigerator

Place apples in a plastic bag before storing them in the fridge. They give off ethylene, a natural gas that can make lettuce and other produce turn brown, and the plastic will prevent that. It is also good to know that storing apples in the refrigerator will keep crisp for up to 4 weeks, while outside (in a cool and dry place) will keep crisp for about 1 week.

Cooking vegetable quiche

To make sure you achieve a less waterlogged veggie quiche, sauté the veggies before combining with eggs. They will release water but retain their textures.

Crunchy green beans

After you remove the beans from boiling water, immediately submerge them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. You can help this trick even more, cooking them in a strainer, to make the quick dunk easier for you.

Transporting a tall cake

Your cake is too high and does not fit in your cake carrier. Just top some toothpicks with marshmallows, and then insert them around the cake before wrapping. They will provide enough distance to prevent the wrap from sticking to the frosting, and the marshmallows keep the toothpicks from perforating the plastic.

Preserve bacon left over

If you do not use bacon very often and hate when the rest of the pack goes bad before you can use it again, freeze it! Stack 2 or 3 slices together, roll up into cylinders (Swiss roll cake style), place them in a resealable plastic bag and toss in the freezer. Next time you need bacon, just remove, cook and enjoy your treat.

Water conservation in the kitchen

• Dishwasher: always fill it completely and choose the fastest setting.
• Washing by hand: soak dishes to soften residues first, then scrub, and only use running water for the final rinse. For pots, place them in the sink to collect used water, instead of soaking in clean water.
• Detergent: use less. Excess soap needs more water to be rinsed off.
• Washing a jar or glass: put in a small amount of soapy water and shake with the cover on. Then transfer the water to the next utensil, wipe and rinse.
• Cooking: make one-pot meals (like stew, casserole, chili, lasagna, stroganoff, risotto etc.) to save on washing.

Polish wood with baby oil

Polishing your wood furniture with baby oil will remove water stains and give the pieces a nice shine. Yet, you will get a pleasant "baby fresh" smell and a waterproof barrier (ideal trick before having a party at home).

Cleaning your keyboard

Use a makeup brush to dust and perform a quick swipe between your keyboard letters. Make sure to use an old brush, otherwise you will have to wash it meticulously before placing it back in your makeup bag.

Distressed wood look

If you want a frame, a cabinet or any other wood item to get that chipped-paint look, just apply some splotches of Vaseline on the areas where you want it to look distressed. Then apply a top coat of paint, let it dry, and sand off the splotches. The paint in those areas will come right off, giving your item the chic weathered look that you were looking for.

Secure your wallet

Do not overstuff your wallet! Besides the inconvenience of carrying a heavy purse (or pocket), you should not be taking personal information everywhere with you. With just your name and Social Security number, identity thieves can open new credit accounts and make costly purchases in your name. With a government-issued photo ID, they can do even more damage. To avoid any risk, remove from your wallet: Social Security Card (or anything else that may contain your number), Password Cheat Sheet (consider an encrypted mobile app), Spare Keys (keep them with a trusted person instead), Blank Checks, Passport, Multiple Credit Cards (carry only one or two, and have a list with cancellation numbers to call in another place), Birth Certificate, A Stack Of Receipts (a crafty ID thief can use the limited credit card info and merchant information on receipts to phish for your remaining numbers).

Get rid of rust in the bathroom

To prevent any metal from rusting and staining your bathtub, use clear nail polish to coat the objects. You can use it on the underside of your shaving cream can, on your metal soap dishes or any other item that can form rust due to the contact with water and humidity.

Keep stainless steel shinning longer

Clean and dry your sink as usual, apply some of your regular furniture polish to a cloth and wipe the sink (if it looks streaky, you have applied too much!), and then buff away any excess with a clean cloth. You can give the faucet and other items a quick swipe too. The new light layer will prevent the metal from looking water spotted and stained longer.

Easy fix for car dents

If your car has a dent on a metal panel (such as trunk, door, hood etc.), try to remove it with your blow dryer. Blast the dent on medium heat for about a minute until the paint feels warm, and then reach behind the dent and push it out. Hold it in place for another minute while it cools.

Cleaning summer espadrilles

The braided wedge on your pair of summer espadrilles started to look dirty and you do not want to cause any damage cleaning them in the same way you clean your other shoes. Try to use foaming carpet cleaner next time! Just apply some foam to the braid and gently work it in with a soft old toothbrush. Let it dry for about 30 minutes, and carefully brush away any residue going in the same direction as the braid.

Cleaning makeup brushes

Since grime and oil can build up on your makeup brushes and result in clogged pores, they should be cleaned once a week. Use a few drops of shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and then lay flat to dry.

Removing stubborn stickers

To remove a stubborn price sticker or its gooey residue from any hard and non-porous surface, soak the “target” with some laundry stain remover, let it sit for about 30 seconds, work it in scraping with your finger, and rinse with hot water. The product will dissolve the adhesive and residues of paper that often get left behind when you try to peel off a label.

Preparing for laser hair removal

Unlike with waxing, it is best to shave before a laser treatment to reduce pain and increase success. However, do not wax before and in between laser sessions. Lasers work by detecting a contrast in pigment between darker follicles and lighter skin, and methods similar to waxing destroy hairs' roots.

Save burnt cookies

If your cookies end up with burnt bottoms or brown spots, gently scrape away the marks with a rasp grater. The tool does the job well without causing cookies to crumble.

Keeping pancakes hot

To keep your first round of pancakes warm while flipping another batch, place them on a plate and cover with a colander. This helps them retain heat, while the holes act as ventilation to ensure the cakes do not become soggy.

Storing tomatoes

Store tomatoes in a cool and dry place, and enjoy them within a week, while they are fragrant and soft. Avoid refrigerating them, since it will put the fruit into cold shock and inhibits the taste. Avoid storing them in plastic as well, because it will cause them to ripen more quickly.

Facial care

Do not over-wash your face. Doing so actually strips your skin of moisture. Wash your face only at night, removing your makeup gently. In the morning you can just use water as a facial treat.

Remove stains with hairspray

From hair color stains to spilled Merlot, just spray the stain with hairspray and blot until clean.

Pre-waxing care

At least 3 days before waxing, skip glycolics or retinoids (ingredients found in many beauty products). They can cause cells to turnover faster, making skin more sensitive and wax more apt to pull off a layer.

Pretty flower arrangement

Add marbles to the bottom of a vase to keep your flowers well arranged and make your vase to look playful and attractively gorgeous.

Recycle an old hose

Cut off a section of your old garden hose, make a slit down its length, and put it over a skinny bucket wire. Now you can comfortably handle your container.

Recycle a birdbath

Fill your birdbath with soil, reusing it as a planter, and you will have a pretty display. The lack of drainage will keep the soil moist, so you will need to water even less frequently than usual.

Preserving your fresh cut flowers

Add a few drops of bleach to the water in the vase to prevent bacteria growth and keep flower stems from mildewing.

Lubricant for garden shear

Rub a little amount of car wax paste on the hinge of a pair of garden shears so they do not get jammed.

Keep flowers fresh

Use a leftover party balloon to prevent freshly cut flowers from wilting when you have to transport them. Fill the balloon with some water, then slip the opening over the stems.

Hair Conditioner Day #2!

Generally used to coat the cuticle of your hair, a conditioner can also help you with some unexpected situations... Check some alternative uses for it...

Shrunken cashmere sweater

Fill a sink with warm water and dissolve 1 tbsp of hair conditioner in the liquid. Soak the garment for about 30 minutes, remove and stretch it back to its original shape. Lay flat to dry and leave overnight. Next morning it will be back to the perfect fit.

Rust in light bulbs

To prevent light bulbs from rusting in place, apply a dime-size dab of hair conditioner to the metal threads of the bulb before screwing into place.

Dusting wood furniture

Saturate a soft dry cloth with 2 tbsp of hair conditioner and use it to dust the furnishings. Surfactants in the product break down grime, and oils coat the surface with a soft glow look.

Dusty houseplants

Rub 1 tsp of hair conditioner into a damp washcloth and use the cloth to wipe the leaves clean.

Organizing holiday lights

Use a garden hose holder, rolling up the strings of lights round and round for knot-free storage. Next year you will not have any difficulties to hang your holiday light show.

Cleaning car glass windows

Use a glass cleaner without ammonia, which is bad for vinyl upholstery and the instrument panel. Buff the glass with a microfiber cloth.

Cleaning car paint

To clean contaminants and stained or scratched old wax off your paint, you have two options: 1) using a paint cleaner, which is a liquid that removes wax and clean the top layer of the paint by removing unwanted environmental chemicals that have bonded to it. It can also remove small scratches from the paint; 2) rubbing a small block of paint-cleaning clay (make sure it is clean) lubricated with a liquid cleaner wax.

Training vines on trellis

Dental floss is strong enough and ideal for training vines on a trellis. Do not tie it too tightly or it will crack the growing stem.

House plant fertilizer

Apply a solution of 2 tbsp Epsom salt to 1 gallon water once a month to boost green growth on your house plants.

Speed plants growth

Use a cake dome as a terrarium, covering small potted plants to help them to grow faster.

Hair Conditioner Day #1!

Generally used to coat the cuticle of your hair, a conditioner can also help you with some unexpected situations... Check some alternative uses for it...

Removing eye makeup

Use your ring finger to dab a thin layer of hair conditioner on the lids and under the eyes. Leave on for 10 seconds before wiping clean with a damp cloth.

Removing bandage

When it is time for a Band-Aid to come off, use some hair conditioner. Dab a little bit of the product on the bandage, let sit for 1 minute, and then peel it off. The sticky patch comes off easily and painlessly.

Perfect and smooth shave

In case you are out of shaving gel, coat your skin with hair conditioner and shave as usual. The product infuses skin with healing moisturizing compounds and softens the hair follicles as well.

Squeaky cabinet door

Apply 1 tsp of hair conditioner to a soft dry towel, then rub on the hinges. The product will lubricate them, coating the metal with a slick film.

Washing your car

Hand washing is the best way to examine and familiarize yourself with the car's surfaces. Do not use dishwashing detergent, which can damage any protective wax coatings, exposing the vehicle to possible unwanted marks, scratches, and stains. When you are finished with the wash, dry the surface with a rubber-blade squeegee.

Cleaning car tires

Use a nonacid product to prevent alloy wheels from oxidizing and pitting. Use a degreaser instead, but avoid detergents because they can damage paint if splashed. Yet, wheels and tires should be cleaned before you clean and protect your car's paint.

Cooking meat or fish

Always bring the meat and fish to room temperature before cooking. The outside of cold food will cook much faster than the inside, leaving you with raw meat in the middle and overcooked meat on the exterior.

Searing and browning foods

When working with foods like steaks, meatballs, or scallops, do not overcrowd your pan. A crowded pan will steam the foods rather than brown them, due to their release of moisture as they cook.

Making dough

Do not overmix the dough. Make sure you stop when the ingredients are just combined, otherwise the final product will be ruined.

Cracking eggs

Crack eggs on a flat surface instead of on the rim of a bowl. The bowl causes more of the shell to shatter, leaving you with more shards in your food.

Storing herbs

To store herbs preserving their quality, wrap them in a damp paper towel and put the "package" inside a plastic bag.

Oversalting food

If you accidentally oversalt the food, add some type of citrus or acid to balance it out.

Using avocado in your dishes

To prevent pieces of avocados from browning, spray them with some juice from any acidic citrus fruit that you think will join well your dish.

Juicing citrus

Do not juice cold citrus, since you will not get as much juice as if you would when they are at room temperature. Yet, do not forget to squeeze the juice through your hands to catch the seeds.

Avoid accidents in the kitchen

When setting down the pans on the stove, turn handles to the side so you do not accidentally knock into them when walking by.

Get the best of cheeses

To appreciate the best flavors of your cheese, always bring it to room temperature either when serving or grating on salads or pastas.

Yogurt Day!

This creamy and healthy dairy product, produced by bacterial fermentation of milk, can do more than filling your hungry stomach. Check some alternative uses for yogurt...

Light dip and dressing

Replace your recipe’s required mayonnaise, sour cream or cream cheese with plain yogurt. Insert a coffee filter in a fine mesh strainer and place it over a small bowl. Put yogurt into the filter, cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight to allow excess liquid to drain. Mix to your recipe as you usually do with regular ingredients.

Make the best BBQ

When grilling outdoors, use a yogurt marinade recipe. The lactic acid breaks down tough connective fibers and the thick consistency holds flavors to the meat’s surface. Combine 3/4 cup of plain yogurt with 1 cup of fresh mint, 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar, 1 tsp of sugar and 2 minced garlic cloves, and pour over meat. Let sit in the refrigerator overnight and grill as usual.

Frizzy hair

Make this conditioning hair mask: beat 1 egg white until soft peaks form, and then fold in 6 tbsp of plain yogurt. Massage the mixture into clean, damp hair, working from the roots to the tips. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water. Lactic acid helps with the dull look, and milk proteins adds shine and strength.

Gassy pets

If your pet is creating a big trouble, a slow digestive system may be the reason. Mix 2 tbsp of plain yogurt with your pet’s dry food, at least once a day. This procedure will prevent excess gas and help digestion.

Cleaning tortoiseshell items

Rub 1 tsp of plain yogurt on the surface with a dry cloth and wipe away excess liquid with a clean towel. The tortoiseshell item will absorb the yogurt’s milk proteins and will be safely spotless and glossy.

Discolored copper cookware

Apply 1 tbsp of yogurt to unsightly spots, let sit for 5 minutes, rinse with cool water and buff dry with a soft cloth. Acids in the product dissolve the dark copper oxide.

Sunburned skin

Spread 2 tbsp of plain yogurt over the area, let sit for 15 to 30 minutes and rinse well with cool water. The yogurt’s milk fats replace lost moisture, preventing your skin from peeling, and its lactic acid works as a cooling agent.

Making burgers and meatballs

Avoid to work the meat too much while modeling and combining it with spices and seasonings, since it will make the meat tough and flavorless. Mix the meat with a spoon until it is just combined with the seasonings, do not overhandle it and be very gentle.

Caramelizing onions

If you desire to reach the real caramelized point of the onions that your recipe asks for, you have to take about 45 minutes to an hour of slow cooking over low heat to break down the sugars and avoid to get a softened result.

Grilling with sweet and sugary marinades

When grilling meats with sweet and sugary marinated, like honey-mustard BBQ sauce, only brush the sauce on at the end of grilling (about 5 minutes before you finish). Sugars in these kinds of marinades burn fast and leave an unpleasant taste on the outside of your food.

Rest meat after cooking

Resting meat after cooking, from 10 minutes for small cuts to 30 minutes for larger birds, allows the juices in the meat to redistribute, basically dissolving flavors into the meat. Cutting too early will spill out the juices onto the cutting board.

Make your pan hot first

When grilling, use a heavy pan and heat it up before adding your ingredients. Once the pan is hot, add the oil and when it is hot enough then add your meat or veggies.

Be prepared when grilling

Always make sure to have a safe and cool spot on the grill when cooking outside, where you can move food to in case of flare-ups. Occasionally it can happen to both, experienced and amateur, grillers.

Understand your oven

Every oven is different, and sometimes they have hot and cool spots. If this is the case, turn your cookies, or any other dish being baked, halfway through cooking. You can use an oven thermometer as well, that will precisely tell you the temperature in your oven.

Bring to a boil X Put into boiling water

Whatever grows below ground (like potatoes or carrots) should be placed in room-temperature water and brought to a boil. Whatever is grown above ground (like Brussels sprouts) should be placed in boiling water and then cooked until done.

Cooking with grains

Toast grains like quinoa, couscous or rice in a dry frypan before cooking to bring out their nutty flavor. Then cook them with whatever flavors you would like them to absorb.

Balance your living room

Decorate your room from top to bottom as well. Consider adding items that will make people’s eyes to move up and down, and not to stop at the sofa level. A mirror, a ceiling pendant lighting, Chinese screens, wall art, tall plants and high-back chairs. If you have a large combination of furniture at one end of the space, create a new seating area to stabilize it at the other end.

Choosing the right rug

Every great room needs an eye-catching rug. First you have to decide how you plan on using the area. If it is a big, open area for meetings and conversation, go with a large sisal that can handle foot traffic. If you want a detached space for dining, place a rug in just that location to create a natural boundary. If you want people to feel comfortable and cozy, choose a luxurious wool or shag rug and throw floor pillows down to inspire a casual ambiance.

Decorating your living room

Living rooms need a focal point to help to define their function. A fireplace, beautiful artwork, a cool light fixture or a nice view. If you do not already have a natural focal point, you can create one by showing off your favorite item: an oversize piece of art, a decorative mirror, a big flat-screen TV, or a statement sofa with bright pillows. Use your creativity.

Dishwasher Day!

The definition for dishwasher is "a mechanical device for cleaning dishes and utensils", but I have already heard about silly alternative uses for a it... Why silly? Think about washing your broom ends or vaccum attachments in there... Icky!!!... How about following that recipe that tells you to cook salmon inside of the appliance? Even if the food is completely sealed in a wrap, it sounds just disgusting, unless you are trying to really impress someone with your creative cooking skills... Well, lets check only the alternative uses that sounded okay to me...

Cleaning home items

Cabinet knobs, vent covers, fan grilles, switch plates and light-fixture covers do well in the top rack of the dishwasher, as long as they are made of ceramic, plastic, aluminum or steel. Do not use the dishwasher if they are antique, enameled, painted or plated.

Washing vegetables

Vegetables that you will be cooking in high heat later and need to be well washed before all, such as potatoes and carrots, can get nice and clean in the top rack of your dishwasher with a rinse-only cycle (no detergent). This process will also speed your cooking time.

Cleaning tools, hairbrushes and combs

You can safely wash tools with metal or plastic handles in your dishwasher. Hairbrushes and combs made of plastic (not wood or natural boar-bristle) can also be placed there and they will be totally fine and very clean.

Cleaning toys

Place action figures and other small toys in a mesh lingerie bag on the top rack of your dishwasher and you can get clean and sanitized toys back to your kids. Do not wash dolls with hair, and use your common sense to choose what you will be placing there.

Washing personal items

Baseball caps can get bent in the washing machine but hold their shape if you clean them in the dishwasher. Shin guards, knee pads, and mouth guards can be safely clean and sanitized when washed in there as well.

Get your drink cold faster

If you have about 20 minutes to wait, wrap a wet paper towel around the bottle or can and put it in the freezer (do not let your drinks freeze all the way). Placing your drinks in a bath of ice water will work even faster than in the freezer, 10 to 15 minutes. If you add salt to the ice water it will take about 8 minutes. But if you also add alcohol to the mix (1/2 bottle to each gallon of water), you will speed the process even more, and your drink will be ready in 3 to 5 minutes.

Iced tea stain

Iced tea do not set into fabric as quickly as hot tea. If you have a fresh stain, simply take an ice cube and rub it over it, and then pat the area with dry paper napkins or paper towel.

Position your sofa

A good rule for a living room is to place your couch facing the door, whether it is angled in a corner, floating or along a wall. If you do not have a choice and are forced to place it with its back to the entrance, add a console table behind it with items that you like so it looks more inviting.

Happy 4th of July to everyone!!!

Buttered corn stain

Sprinkle some sugar on the stain and pat it in to absorb the grease. Let it sit for a few minutes and brush off. Then, treat the area with a stain remover and wash in the hottest water possible.

BBQ sauce stain

Place a layer of paper towels over the stain and work from the inside of the fabric, flushing with cold water transferring some of the bbq sauce to the towels. Then, pretreat with liquid laundry detergent to break up the stain, let sit for several minutes and rinse well. Sponge the stain with white vinegar and rinse again. Pretreat again and wash.

Mustard stain

Stains from mustard are a little hard to remove, but scraping most of the excess off will make the job less overwhelming. Immediately, wash the splatter with cold water. As soon as you can, apply a prewash stain remover and wash in warm to hot water.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wine bottle missing its cork

If you lost the cork of your wine bottle before finishing it, soften an unscented thin candle in the microwave for 3 seconds. Using a knife cut an inch off the bottom and insert it into the bottle. The wax smoothly seals the container, and when you are ready to drink your wine again pull out the wax just like you would do with a cork.

Using tulips as ornaments

When you use tulips to decorate indoors, they usually droop within days. Next time, try lightly spraying the underside of the petals with aerosol hair spray before placing them in a vase. The product will improve the stems’ support of the flowers’ heavy heads, and your tulips will look lovely for weeks.

Gardening without stains

Before kneeling and working on your garden, tie a plastic grocery or garbage bag around each knee to create a protection between your pants and the soil.

Secure fit earbuds

Reach your left arm over your head and grab the top of your right ear. Pull the ear upward and insert the bud, then release. Repeat on the left ear using your right arm. This opens your ear canals, giving the speakers enough space to accommodate well.

Organize a beach bag

Cut the pockets from a plastic hanging shoe holder and attach them to the inside of your bag with velcro.

Back acne cysts

Mix 1 cup hot water with 1/4 tsp salt, saturate a cotton ball and dab the affected areas. Let dry and repeat once daily. The heat from the water opens the infected pores, while the salt draws out the infection.

Hair hazards

Be careful with crazy diets. They are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including Vitamin A, Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids. Super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss!

Freezing vegetables

For most vegies you will need to blanch (boil or steam for a short time) before freezing, to maintain flavor, color, and texture. Blanching times vary depending on the vegetable.

Freezing fresh fruit

Spread out the cleaned, dried, and prepared (cut up) pieces of fruit on cookie sheets. Once the individual pieces of fruit are frozen, you can combine and put in freezer bags.

Shampoo Day #2!

A hair care product that you can rely on to remove the unwanted build-up can also be used in many alternative ways...

Cleaning houseplant leaves

Mix a few drops of shampoo in a container of water, submerge in a cloth, wring it out, and wipe all dusty leaves.

Revitalize leather accessories

Using a clean rag, rub shampoo into worn areas in circles to clean and bring back the color of your accessories (shoes, handbags, belts etc). It will protect your shoes from salt stains as well.

Make chrome shine

Mix a bit of shampoo with some baking soda, and rinse thoroughly before buffing it dry.

Clean rugs and carpets

Use a small amount of shampoo and a clean rag. Rinse the areas clean with water and blot dry.

Cleaning the house

Clean woodwork, floors, doors etc, around the house using shampoo in a bucket of water and mop or wipe down.

Remove yellow stains in fabric

Get the yellow off of the collar and cuffs from a shirt by using shampoo as a pretreatment.

Defrosting food

Try not to defrost foods on your countertop. The safest ways to thaw food are in your fridge, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Freezing meat

You can freeze meat in its original packaging, but if you want to store it for long periods of time, add an additional layer of packaging, such as plastic wrap or bags.

Packing to freeze

If you choose glass over plastic containers, wrap, or bags, you will need to make sure they are tempered so they will not break when going to the freezer.

Freezing cooked food

Cool cooked foods down before freezing so they freeze faster, which helps to preserve their quality.

“DO NOT FREEZE” food

Most foods can be frozen, but there are some you should keep out of the freezer. Do not freeze canned food or eggs in shell. In theory you can freeze mayonnaise, cream sauce, and lettuce, but their quality will be degraded significantly when you defrost them.

Freezing food

Freeze foods as close to purchase as possible. The fresher food is when you freeze it, the better the quality when you defrost it.

Perfect homemade cookies

People always tend to add the next batch of dough to a hot used pan, which causes batter to spread, resulting in flat, too crispy cookies. Next time, rinse the front and back of the hot pan with cold water and wipe dry before baking the next batch.

Improvising recipe reading

Weave the recipe card (or paper) between the tines of a fork, stand the fork up inside a glass. Your recipe will be easy to read and safe from spills.

Low calorie French toast

Instead of using a skillet, place the dipped bread on a preheated baking sheet. Bake in a 500 degrees oven for about 10 minutes, turning just once. The batter will set as soon as it hits the preheated pan, crisping the surface, without the added calories.

Serving homemade iced tea

Transferring your hot infusion into a very cool glass container is the easiest way to crack the glass. Next time you make iced tea, stand a large metallic spoon in the pitcher before pouring the liquid. The metal absorbs heat faster and your carafe will be crack-free.

Shampoo Day #1!

A hair care product that you can rely on to remove the unwanted build-up can also be used in many alternative ways...

Cleaning your car

Baby shampoo can remove dirt and minor stains, without damaging car’s paint. Its slippery base will help cleaning upon application. Scrub car wax after rinsing, for an extra shine.

Lubricant for your zipper

Apply some shampoo on your zipper, spreading it through the set of zipper teeth, which guarantees a smooth disengagement after.

Cuticle softener

Make the job of removing cuticles easier by soaking them in shampoo. Shampoo’s formulation softens hair, the way it makes your cuticles tender. Once you feel them soften, it is time to take action.

Replacing shaving cream

Apply shampoo on the areas to be shaved. Sprinkle a little water to make the solution thicker, and then run your razor on the foamy sections.

Cleaning your nails

Remove dirt from your nails by applying a small amount of shampoo to each fingernail. Spread the solution on the sides and beneath the tips. Once it settles, rinse it off with soap and water.

Eye makeup remover

When removing eye makeup, apply baby shampoo in conjunction with soap and water for quick results, since its gentle formulation will not irritate your eyes. Its sticky and slippery base makes short work of thick makeup layers.

Using olives in a dish

If you have olives as an ingredient and you do not want to overpower the dish with their salty and concentrated flavors, just drain the olives in a colander and rinse them for a few seconds before adding to the dish.

Perfect piecrusts

Typically we sprinkle flour on our work surface to prevent dough from sticking as we roll it into shape, but too much flour can make it hard. Try to place the pastry between 2 sheets of parchment paper, press down firmly to keep the paper from scrunching up as you roll the dough to the right thickness.

No burns when cooking sautés

Protect yourself against burns by inverting a metal colander over the cookware. The cover contains the grease splashes, and its holes allow steam to escape, cooking your dish perfectly. Use a potholder to remove it since the metal will be hot.

Iron clothes faster

If you are in a rush, cover your ironing board with a sheet of aluminum foil, shine side up. Lay your garment on top of it and iron as usual. Heat will bounce off and back up to the underside of your piece, helping you de-wrinkle front and back at the same time.

Find a lost needle

Next time you drop your sewing needle (or similar) and you just cannot find it, grab a magnet from your refrigerator and pass it over the area where the object vanished. The needle will be attracted to the magnet surface, so you do not have to strain your eyes looking for it.

Ant-proof patio table

To keep ants away from your patio table, spray it with white vinegar after each gathering. The vinegar will work as a deodorizer, masking the sweet scent of sugar from your drinks and goodies.

Hanging pictures on the wall

To prevent a nail from making a big crack on your plaster wall, heat it with a match or lighter for a few seconds before driving it into the wall. The preheated metal will make the plaster flexible so the nail will go in smoothly.

Keep indoor plants healthy

To prevent your houseplants from drying out next time you go on vacation, try this: water the plant generously, cover with a clear or white plastic bag and secure it with string around the base. The sealed environment creates a self-sustaining terrarium, where evaporated moisture collects on the plastic ceiling until it drops back down into the soil like rain. That should work for up to 2 weeks.

Dry eyes

Eat more bananas. This fruit is rich in potassium, a mineral that helps carry beneficial water to cells throughout the body.

Look perfect all the time

You are always rushing and sometimes forget to wear your jewelry before leaving the house. Try to get use to think “WHEN” before accessorizing an outfit. “W” for wrists (bracelets and watch), “H” for hands (rings), “E” for ears (earrings) and “N” for neck (necklaces) will help you to look good all the time.

Help your diet

Eat special treats with a baby fork or spoon. It is difficult to handle mini utensils so you will eat more slowly, and give the brain’s appetite control center enough time to register that you are full before you overeat.

Soothe mouth burn

Next time you have something really hot and burn the roof of your mouth, reach for some ice cream. The cold fat molecules will soothe the burn quickly. Full-fat milk or a milkshake will work as well.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

A very peaceful and relaxing Mother’s Day to all moms...

Bar Soap Day #2!

There are many other ways to use bar soaps than to just clean up. And if you have any excess bars (maybe from hotels or gifts), you will find numerous alternative uses for them…

Checking gas leaks

Mix some bar soap with water and rub the mixture on suspect pipe joints. If bubbles form, you have a leaking.

Removing broken light bulb

Your bulb blew, you tried to twist it out and the glass crushed. Switch off the power source and insert a large dry bar of soap into the socket. Give it a few turns and the base will unscrew without difficulty.

Mess-proof hem marks

Dry the little leftover slices of white soap and stow them in your sewing kit. Use them later to mark a hem or quilting pattern on dark fabric. The markings will wash out easily, and you will save money on dressmaker’s chalk.

Insect bite anesthetic

For instant itch relief, dampen a bar of soap and gently rub over the affected area. Let the soapy film dry on the skin.

Protect your cast-iron pots

When cooking outdoors, rub a dry bar of soap on the underside of the pot before you set it over the open flame. The soap will form a barrier that will prevent the soot from accumulating.

Stress-free kebabs

Dampen a paper towel with oil and rub over metal skewers before threading the ingredients. The oil will prevent the food from sticking, so they will slide right off, without making a mess.

Squeezing lemons

Instead of using your hands, try a pair of tongs, which makes squeezing much easier. Place the divided lemon between the handles, directly above the grabbers, and squeeze both ends. The metal provides extra pressure, helping to extract the most juice.

Removing vein from shrimp

To devein shrimp easily, use a pair of tweezers. With a gentle pull, the vein will slide right out.

Tender corn

When cooking corn, instead of sprinkling in salt (which toughens kernels), pour in a splash of milk. It penetrates the corn and gives it a sweet and slightly creamy flavor.

Separate hardboiled eggs from the raw

Simply add a few drops of food coloring to the water when boiling eggs. The shells will be tinted and you will easily distinguish which is which.

Furniture dents

If you notice that your furniture has a new dent in it, layer 2 damp cotton cloths over the damaged area and press with a warm iron for 15 seconds. Repeat as needed. The steam opens the pores of the wood, expanding the dent until the surface is level again.

Protect your hands from steel wool

To prevent roughness, slice an orange in half, scoop out the fruit and place the wire pad inside the peel. The holder serves as a barrier between the pad and your fingers.

Spraying the last drop of a cleaner

Your household cleaner stopped spraying even though plenty of liquid is still at the bottom. Take the straw off the nozzle and spray the remaining solution by turning the bottle upside down.

Handy car storage

Wrap a few wide rubber bands around your sun visor a couple inches apart. Tuck in toll tickets, dollar bills, printed directions, sunglasses, and all of your driving essentials. They will be at your fingertips for immediate stress-free access.

Bar Soap Day #1!

There are many other ways to use bar soaps than to just clean up. And if you have any excess bars (maybe from hotels or gifts), you will find numerous alternative uses for them...

Dirt-free nails while gardening

Before digging in your next garden project, lightly scratch your fingernails over a bar of soap. The buildup will prevent dirt from getting under your fingernails and with just a quick rinse the soap will dissolve and wash away at clean up.

Pin cushion

Wrap a bar of soap in a small piece of cloth and use it as a pin cushion. Besides holding your pins, the soap will also act as a lubricant, making them easier to insert into fabric.

Working with wood and metal together

When working with dense pieces of wood, lubricate the tip of your nails or screws in a bar of soap so they can easily move through the surface, minimizing splintering in the surrounding area. You can lubricate your saw blades as well, for the same effect.

Protect garden from animals

Use a potato peeler to make soap shavings and scatter them (you can also make sachets) on or around plants and flowers that animals often nibble on. The bar soap’s scent will work as a repellant, protecting your garden.

Bar soap as a deodorizer

Place a bar of your favorite scented soap under your car seat, inside your suitcase, drawers or shelves in your closet. It will gradually diffuse a slight aroma, keeping areas smelling fresh.

Stuck drawers or windows

Rub a dry bar of soap along and the bottom of your drawer runners to “grease” the tracks so they can glide smoothly. For windows, rub the soap on the sliding elements.

No-slip pet dishes

Cut a few wide rubber bands to create flat strips and super-glue them across the bottom of your pet’s bowls. This will cause friction between the dishes and the floor, and will prevent your pet from pushing his food and water across the room.

Safe travel for your casserole

To prevent your casserole from spilling in transit, cook it in a dish that has 2 handles and a lid. Before your trip, stretch a rubber band under one handle and secure around the lid’s knob. Repeat with the other handle.

Tangle-free sewing box

Put together all your spools and wrap a wide rubber band around them to keep the thread from unraveling.

Clothes sliding off hangers

Wrap a fat rubber band around each end of a hanger to prevent clothes from falling off it. That will provide traction so smooth fabrics will not slide.

Saving a pencil

When your pencil’s eraser is completely worn down, simply wrap a thick rubber band around the top of the writing instrument several times. The rubber band has the same ability to erase graphite.

Using paint from a can

Prevent paint from collecting in the circular channel at the top of the can, which makes difficult to put the lid back on without making a mess. Stretch a wide rubber band lengthwise over the open paint can so it runs across the mouth. Tap your brush against the band to get rid of excess paint instead of wiping it against the rim.

Avoid hammer scratch marks

In case you place a nail into the wrong spot on the wall and you are afraid to remove it because you do not want the claw of the hammerhead to leave any marks. Slide the blade of a plastic spatula between the hammer and the wall as you pull out the nail.

Smoothing cellulite

Try this spa-treat about 3 times per week. Mix 4oz each sea salt, finely ground coffee beans and sesame oil. In the shower, massage into damp skin using long, firm, semicircular movements. Leave on for 5 minutes, avoiding standing directly under the showerhead. Rinse well.

Puffy skin and achy muscles

Take a ginger-infused bath. Pour 1 cup grated fresh ginger into the foot of a clean panty hose or thin sock, tie a knot on top, drop into the tub, run a warm bath and soak for 30 minutes. Warm water opens pores and will let the properties in ginger (antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds) penetrate your skin.

When your tire blows out

Do not panic! If you have heard a loud boom from under the car, keep a firm hold on the steering wheel and avoid hard braking. Gently lift your foot off the gas, and coast until you have control, and then you may brake cautiously. Turn on your flashers to warn the cars behind you, but stay focused on steering the car as straight as you can while you slow down the vehicle, and guide yourself to the side of the road. Your ability to steer may be harder if you blow a front tire, and depends on how much of the rubber is left on the wheel. Call for help after you get to the side of the road.

Gas pedal sticks or your car will not stop accelerating

First check if you accidentally put your foot down on the accelerator by mistake (easy situation to fix). Second, be sure to stay calm! In case your gas pedal sticks, reach down to see if something, like floor mats or any object, might be wedged under there. Put the car into neutral (or press down the clutch), and do not worry about damaging the transmission. This procedure just takes the power from the engine away from the wheels, and lets you use the brakes to stop the car from rolling. In the worst-case scenario, you can even shut off the engine completely (just turn the key to OFF). Your steering and brakes will be harder to use, but they will still work! Coast to the side of the road, and use your emergency brake if you need extra help stopping. You can always practice doing this in parking lots occasionally.

Stop a car in an emergency situation

If your car is equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), keep your foot stomped down, and do not lift off the brake until your car comes to a complete stop. Most of today's vehicles are equipped with ABS that help drivers maintain control of the car by preventing the wheels from locking up. If you do not have ABS, you have to be able to push the brake pedal down hard, but not so hard that you lock up and skid the tires. It takes a lot of skill to do this well, so you could practice in an empty parking lot once in a while. If your brakes do not work at all, try to steer yourself away from traffic and people. Turn on your emergency blinkers. Use your gear selector to downshift into lower gears and, if you have room on either side of you, steer the car sharply from side-to-side to slow you down. If that does not work, sideswipe your car against the guardrail until you are going slow enough to use the hand or foot brake to bring you to a standstill.

Body Wash Day!

Liquid soap is a hygiene product mainly used for washing, bathing, and cleaning the body, that comes in different colors and scents. Today you will find helpful alternative uses for it. Take advantage of them and you can even save some money...

Sanitize combs, brushes and rollers

Clean your hair accessories making a solution of body wash, water and one half capful of bleach, all mixed together, to sanitize your items.

Eyeglass, mirror or window cleaner

Mix a few drops of body wash and a quarter cup of water, place in a small spray bottle and use as a cleaner for your eyeglasses, mirrors and windows.

Bubbles for playtime fun

Make a mixture of body wash and water, place the stick in the solution and have bubbles of fun. It is inexpensive and provides hours of entertainment for children.

Household cleaning

If you run out of sink and toilet cleaner put a few squirts of body wash into the sink and clean with a non abrasive pad. For the toilet, you can swish the bowl with a small quantity of body wash, and the bowl will be clean with little effort.

Washing legwear and lingerie

Place your delicate articles in the sink or lingerie bag, swish in the body wash solution, rinse and hang to dry. The result is clean garments with a hint of fragrance from the body wash. Also, extend the life of the pantyhose by washing it first in water to which a few drops of body wash have been added.

Gentle and effective hand washing

Instead of buying a pricey bottle of refill, use your body wash to fill the bathroom and kitchen sink dispensers. If the body wash is too thick to easily flow through the dispenser handle, you can dilute the body wash to a consistency that will flow through the dispenser's nozzle.

Tread separates from car’s tire while driving

You may notice loud thumping and feel the vehicle pulling to the side as the tread pulls off the tire. At high speeds, this flopping tread can damage your wheel well or even drive your car completely out of control. Do your best to steer the car straight and gently lift your foot off the gas. Cautiously guide yourself to the side of the road, braking carefully, and then call a tow truck to change the tire.

Car stalls while driving

You may lose power steering and braking. Stay calm and focused, turn on your flashers, and try to restart the vehicle while the vehicle is still moving. If it will not restart, use your car's forward momentum to help you roll to the side of the road and park off the shoulder or out of the way of traffic. If you cannot make it to the side of the road, stay in your car and call 911 to get an emergency crew to help block traffic and move you off the road.

Hydroplaning or skidding out of control while driving

Carefully slow the vehicle down so you can regain control of the car and feel your tires on the ground again. Keep a firm hold on the steering wheel and stay calm. Ease your foot off the gas and carefully steer your car in the direction of the road. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering inputs, which may only cause the car to slip more. If the back wheels hydroplane, the car's rear may fishtail or bend sideways into a skid, possibly causing you to spin. Steer in the direction of the skid until the rear tires stop hydroplaning and come in contact with the ground again, and then gently steer in the opposite direction to straighten out your vehicle. To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

Reduce the look of cellulite

Combine 1 cup of coffee grounds (used or fresh) and 2/3 cup of olive oil. Massage the mixture into problem areas for 2 minutes to let the grounds to penetrate, then rinse with warm water. Repeat twice a week. Diuretic effect of caffeine dehydrates fat cells, minimizing the appearance of cellulite, while the oil moisturizes skin.

Tenderize cuts of beef

In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup each of coffee grounds and coarsely ground black pepper. Coat steaks with olive oil, then rub them with the coffee mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before grilling. Tannic acids in the coffee break down tough muscle fibers, making the meat tender, and flavonoids enhance the protein’s taste.

Create antique look in paper

Pour 1/4 cup of used coffee grounds in 2 cups of hot water for 5 minutes, then transfer the mixture to a jelly-roll pan. Crumple a piece of thick paper before submerging in the liquid, then flatten and let dry overnight. Coffee’s natural color compounds settle into the wrinkles of the paper to give it the appearance of classic parchment paper.

Baseball glove storage

To keep kid’s glove in top condition for next season, gently rub a quarter-size dab of petroleum jelly on the leather with a soft clean cloth before storing. Buff in a circular motion from the mitt’s center to the outer edges, then place in an airtight bin.

Summer shoe storage

Visit your local liquor store to pick up a few divided cardboard boxes, like the ones for wine, and stash shoes in the compartments. The cardboard dividers allow you to organize the footwear while giving the fabric and leather room to breathe.

Slip-proof your screwdriver

Rub the tip of the screwdriver with blackboard chalk. The dry and slightly abrasive calcium sulfate creates friction between the metal tool and the screw, preventing your tool from slipping.

Earth Day!

A tribute to Earth Day! Some affordable habits that take minimal time while benefiting the environment...

Understanding expiration dates

Research and be knowledgeable about expiration dates. Those "best if used by" and "sell by" dates do not actually mean that is the date when your groceries go bad. They indicate when the food is at its freshest, and most foods last a lot longer than we think. Milk is actually fine for up to 10 days past the "sell by" date, and some frozen meats never go bad.

Longer life for your razor

Dry your razor after every use to avoid rusting, so the blade will last much longer. You will be green and save money at the same time.

Saving water at home

Only run your dishwasher and laundry machine when they are full. Install a low-flow showerhead. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, washing your dishes or shaving. Wash your car without water by purchasing waterless car cleaning and detailing products that will leave your vehicle sparkling without using a drop of water.

Cleaning countertops

Skip conventional toxic cleaning products. Spray countertops with white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, each in a spray bottle. This will work the same way that your conventional products.

Vegetable Oil Day!

Besides cooking, there are many other ways to make vegetable oil very useful! Check them out...

Control mosquitoes in the birdbath

Adding a few tablespoons of vegetable oil on the surface of the water will help keep mosquitoes away, and it will not bother the birds.

Prevent clippings from sticking to your mower

To remove stuck-on grass clippings from your lawn mower, rub some vegetable oil under the housing and on the blade. It will take a lot longer for the clippings to build up next time.

Smooth your feet

Rub your feet with vegetable oil before you go to bed and put on a pair of socks. They will be silky-smooth and soft next day.

Separate stuck glasses

If glasses get stuck together, just pour a little vegetable oil around the rim of the bottom glass and the glasses will separate without difficulty.

Remove labels and stickers

To remove labels from glass or plastic jars or bottles, soak them with vegetable oil and they will slide right off. It works great for sticky price tags as well.

Remove a splinter from your finger

Soak your finger in vegetable oil for a few minutes. The oil will soften up your skin, maybe just enough to ease that splinter out with your tweezers.

Sugar-rimmed cocktails

To make sugar-rimmed cocktail glasses look perfect, before pouring the liquid, wet the rim with simple syrup, then dip in a saucer filled with granulated sugar.

Refresh clothes

Keep perfume sample strips handy and throw them where you think you may need some freshness. In your gym bag, draws, shelves, closet etc. This trick will mask any unwanted smell that is less than pleasant.

Ease earaches while you sleep

Microwave 2 cups table salt for 2 minutes and pour into a thick sock. Let cool just slightly so the sock is comfortably warm, then lay your sore ear on it as you catch some sleep. The warm salt in the heating pad built-up liquid out of the ear, and you will wake up relieved.

Prevent weight gain

Use cinnamon as a spice to season your food when cooking. Cinnamon helps to lower blood sugar levels in your body.

Circulation-boosting massage oil

Mix 1/2 cup canola or sunflower oil with 1/2tsp cinnamon. Let sit in a closed container at room temperature 24 hours. Strain through a funnel lined with a coffee filter. Bottle, store in a cool and dark place. Apply to hands and feet as needed.

Preserving olive oil

If you buy olive oil in big quantity and are concerned about not using all by the expiration date, transfer the oil to a few bottles and keep them in the refrigerator. This will extend its lifetime to over a year. When ready to use a new bottle, just bring it to room temperature to help thin the oil.

Keep knives sharp longer

Running the edge of your knife along the cutting board can dull your sharp tool. After cutting or chopping food, flip the knife and use the spine (dull side) to guide your food into the bowl or pot.

Bland sautéed onions

When sautéing onions, add a dash of brown sugar and a pinch of salt 1 minute before removing from heat. That will boost the flavor without affecting the taste of a savory dish.

Prep eggs before adding them to a mix

The best way to gradually add eggs to a mix is to crack and empty them into a mixing bowl or measuring cup before you start beating the mix. This way you can slowly and steadily pour them into the batter without a mess.

Reusing disposable casserole pans

Disposable pans are great for freezing dishes, but buying them often can be costly. To save money, make it ready to be reused. Double-line the dish with heavy-duty foil, fill as usual and cover tightly. Freeze for 24h and then remove the casserole from the pan, wrap with foil and store in the freezer. When ready to bake, just remove the foil, place the casserole in the dish and heat.

Cooking orzo

Before adding water to your pan, cook orzo (rice-shaped pasta) in 2tbsp hot oil for 2 minutes (until light brown). Add water to the pan and bring it to a boil cooking for about 8 minutes or until tender. That will lend a nutty flavor to your pasta.

Relieve dry and chapped lips

Place your just-steeped black tea bag in the refrigerator for about 3 minutes and squeeze out the excess water. Gently rub onto clean lips in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. Natural astringents help slough away built-up dead skin cells on contact.

Toothpick Day #6!

Toothpicks also have plenty of uses besides removing detritus from your teeth. From wood filler to helping your gardening, toothpicks are pretty awesome little tools...

Make a sweet or spicy “snack”

Flavored toothpicks are a good way to satisfy hunger cravings without adding calories. Cinnamon toothpicks and other flavors are widely available, or you can make your own with cinnamon oil.

Make a dressing dripper

Free-flowing dressings can really heap the calories on an otherwise healthy salad. Instead of removing the entire foil seal on bottled dressing, poke smaller holes in the top with a toothpick, releasing a slower and healthier drip of dressing.

Cooking sausages

To cook sausages evenly and easily, pair them up with toothpicks. They will be easier to turn over, they will not roll around in the pan, and you only need to turn them once.

Cook potatoes even faster

Microwaves make quick work of cooking potatoes, but you can cook spuds and other vegetables even faster by suspending them on little toothpick legs. The potato will cook more quickly and evenly on all sides, including the bottom.

Protect the stovetop

To keep pots from boiling over, create a little gap for escaping steam by sticking a toothpick under the lid.

Use toothpicks when marinating

Stick a toothpick through garlic cloves or other items you plan to remove from a marinade. It is an easier, safer and more hygienic way to remove the items before serving.

Hold together grilled vegetables

Push toothpicks horizontally through onion slices to keep them from falling apart on the grill. You can also use toothpicks to hold together stacks of vegetables and cheese for quickly melting the cheese on the grill. It is best to soak the toothpicks in water for 10 minutes before putting them on the grill.

Healthy and tasty veggies

Toss a few tea bags in the water next time you are steaming vegetables. This will infuse the food with antioxidants and also add subtle flavor to your dish.

Protect jack-o’-lantern

To keep your carved pumpkin fresh for a week or more, apply some petroleum jelly on the cut surfaces (around eyes, nose, mouth, lid etc), maintaining exposed fleshy areas firm by sealing in moisture and keeping air out.

Clean grungy grout

Get an old toothbrush with some of your whitening toothpaste and brush dirty areas. It will whiten the grout and leave the room smelling minty fresh.

Greasy kitchen grime

Sprinkle some baby powder on a soft dry cloth and rub the soiled area. The powder will absorb the grease, and you can easily wipe away any stubborn dirt.

Quick fix for Swiffer mop

If you run out of cloths for your mop, cut the leg off an old pair of stockings and place it over the sweeper’s head. Push edges into the grippers to secure and clean as usual.

Frames scratching walls

Stop frames from scratching walls by placing a piece of masking tape on each corner of the frame’s backing. The adhesive acts as a cushion and keeps the artwork in place.

Prevent static-electricity shocks

When cold weather is approaching, you can often get hit by static just walking across your carpet. Cool outdoor temperatures combined with indoor heat lowers a home’s humidity level. For a fast fix, mix 1 part liquid fabric softener to 5 parts water in an empty spray bottle and spritz carpets every other week.

Prevent hangnails

Mix 4 capful of bath oil (or baby oil) with 1 pint of warm water, soak your fingertips for 10 minutes and rinse. By immersing hands in an oil-based solution weekly, you can restore moisture to your skin.

Stop lipstick from feathering

Lightly coat your lips with a clear balm before applying your favorite shade. Lip balm acts as an invisible glue to keep lipstick from traveling over your face.

Period pain

Make your own heating pad filling an old crew sock 3/4 of the way with uncooked rice. Tie a knot at the top and microwave the sock for 1 minute on medium power. The rice stays warm for about 10 minutes, enough time to soothe cramps.

Measuring fresh lemon juice

Often when you try to squeeze a tablespoon of lemon juice for your recipe, the juice ends up everywhere except the spoon. Next time, use a sharp knife to trim the citrus membrane from the center of the fruit slice so it does not block the juice and sent it every which way.

Cake-slicing trick

If you do not want to ruin your special cake, cut 2 slices before pulling out the first. The extra cut gives the first piece wiggle room, making it easier to remove.

Perfect Eggs

Eggs are a traditional symbol of Easter... Follow a few steps and you will accomplish the perfect hardboiled eggs for your table, decoration or display!!!

Buying eggs

Buy the package that is about a week old. Older eggs firm up more smoothly and peel easier.

Before boiling eggs

Let the eggs sit on the kitchen counter for up to an hour before boiling. The ones that come straight from a cold fridge are more susceptible to cracking with the heat.

Cooking eggs

Place eggs in one layer in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and then bring to a boil. Do not overcrowd, and you will help to prevent cracking.

After boiling eggs

When the water comes to a full boil, turn off the burner and cover pan tightly. Let eggs sit undisturbed and slowly cook for about 12 minutes (15 for jumbo size). Remove eggs carefully to a large bowl of ice water. The results will be tender white and nice yoke.

Peeling eggs

Gently crack the egg shell rolling it on the countertop, and submerge it in water few minutes before peeling. The water will seep in and loosen the shell.

Tender steak

Salting steak before cooking can extract juices from beef, causing it to dry out. Season it with pepper, and wait to sprinkle with salt until after it is cooked.

Crunchy crumble topping

Give the topping a quick pre-bake. Instead of tossing it on the fruit, crumble the dough onto a greased parchment or foil-lined baking sheet and bake 20 minutes. Then sprinkle the nuggets over the fruit blend and bake 20 minutes more.

Low-fat garlic bread

Halve and peel a clove of garlic, then as soon as the bread is toasted, rub it with the cut clove. The heat will release the garlic’s flavor, and no added fat is required.

Preserve summer corn

Extend corn’s shelf life by stripping the ears of silk and wrapping them in foil before chilling. This keeps kernels sweet up to one week longer.

Cleaning potatoes easily

Remove any labels from a mesh bag of potatoes and run under water, using the mesh as a scrubber. It is simple, efficient and clean.

Dealing with customer service

Next time you are calling to complain about a product or service and are not getting the answer you expect from the representative, request to talk with a supervisor, manager or someone on the "executive resolution team". Many organizations have these groups in place to settle customer issues that remain unresolved even after a manager steps in.

Find a lid that fits

If you are always wasting your time searching for the right plastic lid for your plastic storage container, use a permanent marker to label each container and its top with a matching shape or number.

Make hem stitches disappear

If previous line of stitches is still visible, dip a clean white rag in a solution of equal parts distilled vinegar and water. Lay the pant cuffs on top of the damp cloth and go over the stitches with a hot iron until they vanish.

Deodorizer for your car

Crush a few charcoal briquettes (without starting fluid), toss them into a clean sock and store under the seat. Their porous surface absorbs existing odors and collects the excess moisture that causes unpleasant smells.

Extend the life of an ink cartridge

To double the life of your ink cartridge, set the font color to gray instead of black. The printer will use up to 50 percent less ink per page.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Easter is all about food, family, and celebrating together. Today you may find some tips that can help you to accomplish a perfect holiday...

Reusing your baskets

Be eco-friendly! Instead of running out to buy a new plastic Easter basket each year, buy a basket made of natural materials and commit to using it each year. If you are crafty, make your baskets from fabric or recycled items, personalized for each child, for an annual tradition.

Coloring Easter eggs

Make your own coloring kit using plant-based dyes, as such spinach, beets, turmeric, paprika, blueberries and red cabbage to create pretty spring colors for your eggs.

Quick save for salty gravy

If your gravy ended too salty, add a few splashes of the water you used to boil your veggies. The extra liquid helps dilute the sauce, reducing saltiness without draining the flavor.

Pack more into an oven

Some side dishes, like stuffing, can be baked in foil packets. Spread the stuffing mix onto sheets of buttered foil and fold over to enclose. Each packet can easily be squeezed in next to the other dishes.

Plating your turkey

Move a turkey from pan to platter without making a mess. Make an aluminum-foil cross, leaving at least a 1 ½ foot overhang on each side of the roasting pan before adding the turkey. Once cooked, gather the foil ends and lift the turkey onto the platter.

Toothpick Day #5!

Toothpicks also have plenty of uses besides removing detritus from your teeth. From wood filler to helping your gardening, toothpicks are pretty awesome little tools...

Hold a sandwich together

Restaurants do not spear club sandwiches with toothpicks just to provide a way to get bacon out of your teeth. They also serve a structural purpose in keeping sandwiches and burgers from falling apart. Serve neater sandwiches held together with toothpicks.

Make a fruit bouquet

Use toothpicks and wooden skewers to make edible arrangements of fruit or other treats.

Dress a ham

Add flavor and color to a baked ham by pinning pineapples and cherries to it with toothpicks.

Complete a martini

Toothpicks are also great for adding olives to martinis or fruit to tropical cocktails, or even a fancy way to put an orange or lemon slice in a beer.

Make food handles

Make messy appetizers and desserts easier to handle with toothpicks. You can even class them up with tiny flowers or other décor.

Differentiate foods

Use differently colored or labeled toothpicks to mark foods with different ingredients or cooked to different levels. For example, you can mark wheat and gluten-free rolls, or meat and vegetarian dumplings, or rare, medium and well-done burgers.

Design icing

The thin tip of a toothpick makes a nice "pencil" for sketching out designs and words on the cake before permanently applying your decorations in icing.

Rust-free gardening tools

Pack a few sticks of blackboard chalk with your tools, inside of your toolbox. The water-absorbing gypsum soaks up rust-causing moisture that collects inside the container before it can tarnish the metal.

Revive your black clothes

Add 2tbsp unbrewed coffee grounds to your washer during the rinse cycle. When the ground mix with warm water, they release tannic acid (pigmentation), and your garments will darken evenly.

Clean pet-hair quickly

Guests are on their way to your house and your couch has unpleasant fur from your dog. Grab an old fleece jacket and use it to wipe down the sofa. The electro-static charge of the synthetic fabric attracts fur and locks it in its nappy texture.

Trimming green beans

To speed your time in the kitchen trimming beans, instead of using a knife, grab your kitchen scissors, gather several beans in your hand and snip off their ends.

The creamiest cheesecake

To prevent your cheesecake from shrinking and forming lines, run a knife around its edges right after it comes out of the oven. Separating it from the pan prevents the resistance that causes cracks.