Extend the life of tights

When you just buy a new pair of tights, rub it with a fabric softener sheet. The lubricating agent in the sheet will make the nylon fibers more pliant.

Cooking with garlic

Avoid the extra work of mincing garlic by infusing the pot with a whole head of the bulb. Cooking a soup for example, cut about 1/2 inch off the top of the head, wrap it in cheesecloth and toss into the pot. When ready, squeeze the softened garlic into the soup to add more flavors.

Quick homemade frosting

Mix one container of “frosting ready” with 3 oz of softened cream cheese. The result is a smooth and pleasant flavor, not too sweet.

Extend life of sweet onions

To keep sweet onions (Vidalia) fresh longer, store them without touching each other. Poke a few holes in small plastic bags, place one onion in each bag and tie a knot.

Longer life for poinsettia

Steep a sachet of white tea in a cup of hot water. When it is cool, pour the liquid on the plant’s soil. The antioxidants provide nutrients that helps plants longevity more than water.

Shipping delicate items

As a substitute for expensive packing materials, use some air popped popcorn to stuff boxes and protect all items that need to be shipped.

Cleaning colored candles

Pour about 1 cup of full fat buttermilk in a shallow bowl and dip your hands in the liquid. Run your wet palms quickly over each candle and buff with a clean dry cloth. Candles will be clean and shiny.

Prevent silverware from tarnishing

Add several packs of silica gel beads (save the ones that come in shoe boxes, as an example) to the container in which you store the silverware to keep moisture away. Silver tarnishes when moisture in the air causes it to oxidize.

Water ring on glass table

Soak a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and use it to lightly dab at the stain until it disappears (do not rub!).

Help poinsettia buds to bloom faster

Place the plants in a large dark garbage bag for 2 weeks. Close loosely to keep light out and let air in. The darkness will speed blossom process.

Stressed out cat

Put a small portion of butter on the top of each front paw. This will keep your cat busy licking for quite a while settling him down.

Keep a wreath pretty

Mist the entire surface of your wreath with hairspray. The product will trap moisture and work as a bonding agent, ensuring the décor stay firmly in place.

Iron pleated clothing easier

Fasten a paper clip to the bottom of each pleat before you start to iron, and then continue as usual. Let your garment cool before removing the clips.

Keep ribbon ends from fraying

To prevent ribbon ends from unraveling, apply a thin coat of clear nail polish along the edge immediately after making the cut.

Controlling a salt dispenser

To prevent a salt shaker with too many big holes from over-salting your food, unscrew the lid and place it upside down on a flat surface. Use clear nail polish to carefully plug a few holes in the lid, wait to dry and screw the lid back.

Protect pearl buttons

To prevent faux-pearl buttons from peeling and losing their original luster, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish over each button. Reapply after a few washes.

End late night snacking

Place a bottle of clear nail polish near to you during the night. When you feel the urge to snack, brush on a topcoat. The wet nails will prevent you from reaching food.

Protecting your earlobes

If your earlobes get irritated, itchy and sore from costume earrings, try this trick. Coat the posts and backs of the earrings with clear nail polish and let them dry completely. The thin layer will create a protective barrier and you can wear them without worries.

Cracked eyeglasses lens

Temporarily seal the crack on your eyeglasses with a light application of clear nail polish. As it dries, the polish will bind the broken portions together.