Homemade ice pack

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

Vibrant green pesto sauce

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

Mascara smudge under the eyes

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

Relief for a tender nose

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

Flashlight substitute

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

Avoid scratches on delicate furniture

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

Cleaning grout lines

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

Candle holder substitute

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

Saving toilet paper

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

Clothespin marks in garments

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

Minimize litter box odor

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

Dog nail trimming accident

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

Keep dog’s paw safe

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

Frozen treat for pets

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