These Life Hacks are truly going to make you say… Why Didn’t I Think Of That! You will actually use them in your every day life!
Floss First
Instead of starting your Morning Routine by brushing your teeth… floss first. That way you will loosen all of the yucky stuff and plaque on your teeth and it will all get brushed away! Your teeth will feel absolutely fabulous and look sparkling clean.
Rice Jar to Eliminate Odors
Do you have a small space like a closet or spare room that sometimes become a total catch-all and can have a little bit of a stale smell about it? (remember Monika’s Closet on F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) Well to keep everything smelling fresh naturally… all you have to do is take a Mason Jar… fill it 3/4’s of the way with rice and then add 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (I like mint) then take a piece of breathable material like a cheese cloth or tea towel and screw it on with the Mason Jar Lid. Give it a little shake and then place it wherever you would like in the room. So easy!
Un-popped Pop Corn?
Do you love to pop your own corn instead of the microwave variety? But do you have a lot of un-popped kernels in the end? Well your problem can be solved with a little soak!!! Simply soak your popcorn in water for about 10 minutes… then drain it nice and dry! That extra moisture helps create fluffier popcorn and get less un-popped corn!
Easier Way To Light A Candle
I happen to be a huge candle lover. Everyone in my family lights them often and for all different reasons! Sometimes the match does not last long enough to light the wick… so in those cases just grab a piece of spaghetti and light it and then light the candle. It works like a charm… reminiscent of lighting candles in Church!
Save Water and Give Your Plants Extra Nutrients
For all of us that have house plants, Container Gardens, potted herbs all need to be watered regularly. Well here is an idea that not only conserves water… but gives your plants extra nutrients. Next time you boil pasta… steam veggies… boil eggs save the water… let it cool… put it in a watering can and water your plants with it. They will thank you for healthier leaves and more beautiful blooms!
Cleaning your Wooden Cutting Boards
Each time you use your cutting board it should be cleaned… but if you are like me… you don’t really want to use any kind of unfriendly chemicals! So… all you have to do is spread some salt and rub it onto the cutting board with a lemon half… then rinse and dry!
Clean Eating with Chop Sticks
You know those snacks that are covered in magical orange dust? Well they really can make your hands very yucky! So why not keep your fingers clean and enjoy a chip at a time but using your favorite pair of chopsticks. It’s fun… neat and tidy. I really enjoy this method… it’s fun!
Refresh Your Sponge
Sometimes your sponge is just fine but it needs a little freshening so you don’t have to throw a perfectly good sponge away. You know what I mean right? Well you can make it last a lot longer but just soaking them in a some salt water. It’s that simple! Here’s to more clean-ups!
Bundt Cake Pan Hack
Need a Bundt Cake Pan but you don’t have one? Well then… get out your Spring Pan… place a glass or ceramic round in the center (like a ramekin or mason jar) … place in the center… pour the batter (if it slips… just slide it back) and bake! You can also use regular 8 inch round pans but the cake of course will be thinner (one batter makes two thin cakes)
Revive Your Sharpie
Well all have tons of Sharpies and Markers and let’s face it… we are not always diligent and cap them properly so they dry out a bit. Now before you think about chucking them… put a bit of rubbing alcohol in a little dish… place the sharpie tip in the alcohol and let it sit for about 5 minutes and then recap. In about 30 minutes… open it up and 9 out of 10 times it will be writing again!
Cleaning your Blender
Sometimes you just don’t feel like cleaning the blender but it has to be cleaned. Well… why not take the easy way out and add about 2 cups of really hot water… a few drops of your favorite dish detergent … be sure to cap it and then put it on high and run for about 20 seconds or so. Pour out the liquid… rinse and dry… EZPZ and no cut on your fingers lol!
Tomato Tip
It’s time for those gorgeous tomatoes to pop up all over and WOW do they make a sandwich POP. The only down size is is that the can sometimes make our sandwich soggy and no one likes that! Here’s a tip to make that yummy tomato perfect to dress your sandwich. Slice them to the thickness you enjoy and then place them on a double layer of paper towels. Sal them and then add any other seasoning you would like and allow them to sit on the paper towel for about 15 minutes. A lot of the moisture is absorbed and the salt also draws additional moisture out. It’s time to top your sandwich!
Perfect Peanut Butter and Jelly
Speaking of Sandwiches… bet you are making a ton of PB&J’s lately! No one wants a soggy PB&J either… so here is a little tip on how to keep them from getting squishy! Evenly spread your peanut butter crust to crust on both slices of bread and then add your layer of jelly or jam in the center evenly… and then seal with the other slice. Having peanut butter on both sides kind of forms a seal so the jelly doesn’t leak out through the bread. It especially helpful when you are making the PB&J’s in advance! ENJOY!
Over Salted
Sometimes when you are creating a delicious soup with all kinds of yummy veggies you just might over salt it. There is a reason why Chefs tell you to add a little at a time and that is because if you over do it… you can undo it! Well there just might be hope for your soup the next time you get a little heavy handed with the Salt Shaker… peel a potato and add it to the pot. It will help absorb the salt! So simple and it really works!
De-Puff Your Eyes
If you haven’t been sleeping great lately like so many of us… your under eyes might be a bit puffier and darker than usual. Well you don’t need any fancy or expensive cream… just tea bags. Simply steep 2 bags for about 3 minutes… then remove the bags and put them in the fridge until they are nice and cold. Apply a bag to each eye and chill for about 15 minutes. Your eyes will feel totally refreshed and a bit less puffy. Use whatever tea bags you like!
Frozen Ballons
Over at Cranky Crafter you will be able to check out this awesome hack! If you want to keep things cold for a long time at your next party…how about freezing up some balloons…not only do they keep things chilled from drinks to potato salad…they look AWESOME!!!
Easy Glitter Clean Up
I am so loving this one…I said WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT when I saw it…I have worked with so much glitter and this little tip would have been a great one to have!!! I am sure you can use this for MANY things…ENJOY and thank BHG!
Portion Out Your Ice Cream
–I am in LOVE with this Hack from Real Simple. If you are serving a crowd ice cream…simply soften the cylinder of yumminess…peal the cardboard …cut the cylinder in half long ways and slice the portions. You can do that with the smaller containers also. So simple…so neat! Total Portion control also!
Easy Ruler Hack!
You are out…you want to measure something at the craft store…or fabric store…or any store…Don’t have a ruler? Well then Threads Daily has the answer…pull out a dollar bill and you have a perfect 6 inches! How cool is that!
Bathroom Drawer Organizer
Over at Little Penelope Lane you will find some really fun Organizational Hacks…this is the one I LOVE…Taking a silverware divider…placing it in a vanity drawer to keep all of the toothbrushes separate and then place all of the misc. in the long bottom compartment…just add the name…then the toothbrush and VOILA…everyone has their space and it is neatly hidden waiting to be found every day!
Hamper Hack
Talk about a BRILLIANT Laundry Hack…over at Broke Ass Home check out how Denise separates and stores her laundry…walk about efficient…budget friendly…s space saver and simple great! Just measure the width of the baskets…put up a basic shelving unit and hang! AWESOME!!!
Easy Eyeglass Repair
Did you know that you can tighten up the screws on your glasses temporarily by dabbing a small bit of nail polish over the hinge? Handy don’t you think! Thank you Cosmopolitan.com
Coffee Candle Hack
Over at Fresh Eggs Daily you will find a simple DIY that will make your house smell YUMMY. If you are allergic to artificial smells like I am (they give me a headache)…this is perfect for you…even if you are not…it is a FABULOUS way to make your house smell like a fresh morning cup of coffee (does it get better than that : )! All by adding coffee beans into a glass container…then place a votive in the center all nestled in…it’s that easy. You can even mix it up with different flavors of coffee like Hazelnut…etc…for more info…you can visit Fresh Eggs Daily. Oh…I find the perfect glass containers at the dollar store or of course Mason Jars work Great! ENJOY!
Automatic Watering System
Going to be gone for a bit and you don’t want your plants to droop? Well the answer is in a bottle!!! Really…it works like a watering globe! Just take a clean bottle and fill it with water…carefully invert in into the soil and it will keep the plant happy for about 2 weeks! It might not be the prettiest but it works and your plants will thank you for it. For more details you can drop by Rad Megan!
Stain Cheat Sheet
If you have stains that you wonder how to get rid of…let’s thank Kami Garcia for this great infographic!!!
Snack Organizer
When I saw this over at Disboards I almost flipped…how genius is this for a road trip of just to keep in the car if you have kids or hey…everyone loves a snack! All you needs is a container with many compartments…I actually use these for beads and little notions for crafting…you can get all different kinds and sizes at your local craft store like Michaels. They are so inexpensive and if you use a coupon you can actually get one for about $1.50! Just fill it up with everyone’s favorites and there will always be something when someone says I’M HUNGRY!!! I LOVE THIS ONE!!!!! Oh when you are picking out your container…there are some that have the little compartments along with larger ones…I suggest those because stuff like pretzels…etc…need a bit more room! ENJOY!
Mouth Wash Station
Over at Smart School House there is a hack that I personally love…instead of having that ugly Mouthwash bottle out in the bathroom…simply get yourself (in my case two because we use different ones …vinegar or olive oil glass bottles…they make the PERFECT dispenser and they look amazing…add a tray and some disposable cups and VOILA…no more eye sore! LOVE IT!
All Around Organizer
A simple shoe organizer can be used for just about anything…it can organize a closet…it can organize shampoos…conditioners…bath washes…etc…inside the shower…it can organize kids toys…it can organize crafts in your craft room…and the list goes on and on an on!!! So simple…so budget friendly and it WORKS in 1001 ways! Thank BHG!
No More Drips!
This has to be one of my favorite hacks…by putting a marshmallow into a cone…you will prevent dripping…how great is that! PERFECT for the kids cones and yours! : ) Thanks for sharing this one One Good Thing By Jillee!
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Easy Paint Clean Up!
Loving this helpful budget friendly hack from Live Love DIY! For EASY Paint Clean-up…line the paint tray with aluminum foil and when you are doing…just crunch up and throw away! SO EASY!!!
Quick & Easy Pancakes!
–I know that many of you have seen this one before but it is a WINNER…better than the little plastic ones you buy empty. This fits a nice amount so you don’t have to keep filling it. When you are doing pancakes for a LARGER crown…having one of the GIANT Ketchup bottles is a great thing! SO EASY and SO Convenient…Just wash them out really good after you finish them and start flippin!!! Thanks for sharing Twisted Sifter!
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gail says
May 5, 2016 at 8:48 amThanks, love them all. Have a great day.
Carol says
March 5, 2018 at 9:03 amI enjoyed this very much, thank you!
Patty says
May 5, 2016 at 9:34 amI love all kind of hacks. Anything I can do to save money or time is important to me.
Melissa Cloud says
May 10, 2016 at 12:41 pmI absolutely love that laundry basket hack. I’m so sick of laundry baskets all over my floor and clothes everywhere. That is going to make everything so much easier! Thanks for sharing!
HummingbirdK says
July 24, 2018 at 10:23 pmYep, the laundry basket hanger is the winner in my book too. You could use it so many ways!
Joy says
May 26, 2016 at 1:12 pmLove all the ideas
Lisa says
May 29, 2016 at 10:57 pmLove all the hacks.
Ray says
June 3, 2016 at 4:59 amrather than using tin foil in the paint tray use cling film. Tin foil is prone to tearing or ripping whereas cling film has more give and will stretch more before ripping.
Hilda says
June 5, 2016 at 3:08 pmI agree. much better than tin foil
Kate says
August 14, 2016 at 10:07 amI use plastic grocery bags to cover paint trays. Turn them inside out, insert the tray and hook the handles over the end of the it. When done painting, toss all the throw-away things onto the bag, pull the handles back over the tray and throw the whole thing away. I also use the bags to cover the paint can before storing it. I lay it across the top, hammer the lid on and cut off the excess bag.
Nancy says
February 14, 2018 at 7:19 pmI agree it’s easy-peasey! I have done this for years, and it is so convenient and such a time saver!
frankie says
June 10, 2016 at 3:18 pmLove the hacks, would def like to see more!
Yvonne says
June 10, 2016 at 5:01 pmPlease make this a regular thing!
Michelle says
June 11, 2016 at 11:57 amOne can never have to many hacks 🙂
Thanks!
John Walker says
July 7, 2016 at 2:45 pmAll are good, yea, but one! Pancake batter in a ketchup bottle is a complete waste of time and ingredients, being much more trouble than it’s worth. Pancake batter begins to thicken as soon as the ingredients are mixed. If you use a funnel, that thickening creates an immediate problem. You will not get all your batter into the bottle, and you will create a mess. Your best bet is pouring onto your cook surface directly from your bowl. It is a bit messy, but far less messy than trying to get your batter into the bottle. Besides, what exactly are you working toward? An easier method of dispensing batter? Less mess? You will accomplish neither in trying to use a ketchup bottle. Just because it has a squirty top doesn’t mean it is suited for the job.
But if you still insist on using a ketchup bottle, you COULD add the ingredients directly to the bottle (important: wet ingredients first), but they will not mix properly, forming a glob in the neck of the bottle.
This method is lose, lose. There is a reason pancake batter dispensers are made the way they are.
Signed,
Former Restaurant owner who has mixed, dispensed, cooked, and served I-don’t-know-how-many pancakes.
Andrea says
July 10, 2016 at 3:13 pmThank you so much John for your Insight. We really appreciate it! Wishing you all the best…andrea
C Geibe says
February 11, 2018 at 10:22 amI make waffles for my a toddler that I nanny. I’ve found that a gravy ladle works really well for dipping just the right amount of batter. Not messy, good measuring, same size each time!!!
Andrea says
February 12, 2018 at 4:39 pmWhat a GREAT TIP!!! LOVE IT! Thanks so much for sharing! Sending hugs and wishes for a fabulous day!!!
Annette says
July 18, 2016 at 3:41 pmI think you could use an empty liquid creamer bottle for the pancake mix as well.
Sharon Jennings says
July 21, 2016 at 7:20 pmLoved them all. Keep them coming, can always use helpful tips!!!
Maggie currier says
July 24, 2016 at 11:59 amThese were fabulous tips don’t know why I didn’t think og them .plz. more hints.
Carol Valmore says
August 2, 2016 at 11:47 pmLoved all the hacks, send more
Terry says
August 5, 2016 at 8:03 amI’ve got a other back. The best way to clean upholstered car seats is with mens shaving cream. Spray it directly onto the upholstery use your hand or a soft brush to work it into the fabric. I usually wipe it with a damp washcloth. This will remove a lot of stains and leave a clean smell and it’s not toxic like a lot of cleaning products
Andrea says
August 5, 2016 at 2:40 pmTHANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH TERRY!!!! I will be adding that to the next collection of hacks! That is so awesome and thank you so much for sharing it with us…that was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo kind! Here’s wishing you and yours an AMAZING weekend!!! Hugs…
Jan says
July 19, 2017 at 6:22 pmGreat hacks. I always love a new way of doing something to neaten or quicken the process. Keep them coming Andrea. Thankyou.
Andrea says
July 21, 2017 at 6:47 amHi there Jan! How are you : ) I am so glad that you enjoy the hacks…I too like to find different ways of doing things…sometimes they are great and sometimes…well not too great lol!!! Be assured the Hacks will keep on coming! You take care now and have an amazing weekend…hugs!
Orchid says
August 5, 2016 at 11:23 pmInstead of the oil n vinegar bottles. We use a wine decanter filled with mouthwash n a shot glass. Looks elegant on the vanity
Jess says
March 24, 2018 at 12:27 pmLove this, AND its less wasteful win win!
Bebe Majeed says
August 18, 2016 at 11:48 amThese were such great hacks.
My 2 favourites were:
1: The marshmallows for the cone
2: The olive bottles for the mouthwash.
I can’t wait to go to the store to get that. I already have the cups at the sink.
Great great ideas.
My sincere thanks.
Andrea says
August 18, 2016 at 12:18 pmHi there Bebe…so very happy you enjoyed the hacks!!! Let me know how they work for you! : ) You take care now and have an amazing weekend! Hugs…
Shirley says
August 19, 2016 at 8:27 amWould like to see more. All lacks are great. Please keep them coming.
Carol says
September 16, 2016 at 11:42 amLove these cool ideas! Keep them coming please……
Thanks!
Vickie says
November 3, 2016 at 11:51 pmOutstanding, awesome, I love it keep posting. Also have idea for slicing ice cream. Do it ahead place in freezer on cookie sheet until needed.
Jill says
December 19, 2016 at 9:36 amThe snack pack looks awesome, but from a practical standpoint I find it difficult to grasp items in such organizers. Plus, one false move and the whole thing is spilled.
However, most of the other ideas are indeed brilliant!!!
Loretta says
January 25, 2017 at 8:07 pmLove these ideas. I can’t wait to share these with my daughter and maybe even tweak some of the ideas.
Andrea says
January 26, 2017 at 4:48 amHi there Loretta! So happy that you enjoyed the hacks and are sharing them! Let us know what you modify and how it works! Would LOVE to hear! Here’s wishing you and yours the happiest New Year EVER!!! Hugs…
Erin says
June 11, 2017 at 10:44 amlove, love, loved these! plz keep them coming. shared these tricks with all my family!! ????????
Amber says
July 7, 2017 at 12:05 pmLove these! Keep em comin bc this girl needs all the hack I can get!!
Barb says
August 24, 2017 at 10:56 pmLove reading these!! There are great ideas!
Andrea says
August 25, 2017 at 4:33 amHi there Barb! How are you : ) So glad that you love reading the hacks…I am working on another one : ) You take care and have an awesome weekend! Hugs…
Vicki Fallon says
August 27, 2017 at 10:55 pmThanks for sharing these hacks. I have a good collection of hacks on my pinterest page, and yours is probably the best so far. I can read this stuff all day as I am always looking for a way to save time and $. Vicki form Queensland Australia.
Chris Bleckler says
January 4, 2018 at 5:47 pmBEWARE!!!! Please be careful with coffee beans around flames. I had bought a candle at a department store with coffee beans surrounding the candle. The flame came in contact with the coffee beans and the whole candle caught fire, luckily causing no damage to the countertop!
Andrea says
January 6, 2018 at 5:58 amThank you so much for the warning Chris…I am leaving the comment here so everyone can see…thank God nothing bag happened to you. Here’s wishing you and yours the most fabulous weekend ever! Hugs…
Cyndi says
May 10, 2018 at 8:19 amSpeaking of coffee beans….i was so excited to do this. I love the smell of coffee! (Not a big drinker of it though)
$10 for a bag of coffee beans later….with candle burning…..i never smelt the coffee. Never! I’ve lit it several times & it’s never smelt like coffee.
Anyone else tried this?
Mary Bulington says
January 25, 2018 at 9:45 pmAnother great way I use a shoe organizer is in the kitchen for water bottles and travel mugs.They never quite fit into the cabinet.
Renee says
January 28, 2018 at 11:09 amHello. I love any kind of hack that is helpful. This is a tremendously helpful site. Thank you!!!!!
Kari says
February 4, 2018 at 10:00 pmLove the hack about mouthwash; much nicer looking than commercial mouthwash bottle.
Kimberly Smith says
February 7, 2018 at 9:39 pmLoved all the hacks!!! I want more of all type of hacks!!Keep them coming please!!!!!
Gayle N. says
April 4, 2018 at 9:15 pmLove all these hacks.Plz keep them coming.I will definitely use some them.Thanks so much..
Andrea says
April 7, 2018 at 9:40 amHi there Gayle! So happy that you enjoy the hacks! Heads Up…there is another big one coming next Sunday…so keep your eyes peeled! : ) You take care now and have an amazing weekend! Hugs…
Rubenia Yanez says
April 11, 2018 at 3:37 amLove, love love the stain removers. Invaluable. Never seen one like it. Thank you!
Julie says
June 7, 2018 at 2:33 pmWhen “WHY DIDNT I THINK OF THAT” explains it all. Your amazing and truley a life saver in many of you hacks. My life will truly change. Thank you a million times.
A true fan in Wisconsin!!
Eugenia R. says
September 1, 2018 at 1:36 amLove all the hacks and comments! The oil bottle for mouthwash works great as counter space is so limited in our apartment. I have an organizer hanging behind the bathroom door that holds everything we use daily from vitamins to makeup to our hair products and hair dryer. Hubby loves the fact he can see everything. I also use narrow plastic baskets from dollar store in narrow bathroom drawer. I am a fan of Pinterest also so have used lots of the organizational tips throughout my place. All organizational tips are always appreciated. Thanks for these life hacks.
Patricia Bell says
October 4, 2018 at 10:12 pmLove all of the hacks especially about saving time and $$. One thing that I started doing years ago when I had a young child was to put peanut butter into the bottom of the ice cream cone. Tastes wonderful and stops drips. And I usually had peanut butter on hand and not always the marshmallows. Please keep up the good work. Thank you!
Robin says
August 12, 2020 at 10:57 amLoved the article. Especially the rice and essential oils. The laundry basket hack is truly a space saver and easy for kids to find their own basket to “dump” their dirty clothes!
Andrea says
August 13, 2020 at 1:20 pmHi there Robin! How are you! So glad you enjoyed the little hacks! That always makes me happy. I hope you have an amazing day!!! 🙂 Hugs!
Andrea says
August 20, 2020 at 12:58 pmHey there Robin! How are you! So glad you enjoyed the Hack article and yes… that own basket is a life saver!!! Sending tons of hugs and wishes for a fabulous weekend!