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.