The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Jun 10, 2015 11:31:21 GMT -5
Just taking a break and decided to solicit your ideas for great little life hacks.
In my case here are some examples:
1. Quick dinner Chinese stir fry - Use garlic ginger paste from Indian Grocery store - saves tons of time (I know, seems obvious but we used to tend not to cross ethnic ingredients)
2. When squeezing lime/lemon juice over food take leftover rind and toss it in a small pot of boiling water on the stove. The essential oils will soon perfume the house.
3. Scented bar soap can be stored in t-shirt undergarment drawers to give those articles of clothing a nice scent. DD has especially taken a liking to this trick.
Comon guys, I need a mindless distraction - any other ideas? Yea, I know I'm not really creative...
|
|
ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ
Community Leader
♡ ♡ BᏋՆᎥᏋᏉᏋ ♡ ♡
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:12:51 GMT -5
Posts: 43,130
Location: Inside POM's Head
Favorite Drink: Chilled White Zin
|
Post by ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ on Jun 10, 2015 11:53:11 GMT -5
A couple of things you mentioned brought some more to my mind.
As for your lemon or lime rind in boiling water for an essential oils room freshener, I often do the same thing with a bowl of water and a few drops of orange, lemon, peppermint, cinnamon or vanilla extract.
I place the bowl of water with the extract in it on a plate and heat in the microwave til boiling and steamy, then remove and set on kitchen counter (or any room) to fill the room with the scent from the steam.
Besides scented soaps to freshen drawers and keep clothes smelling nice, you can toss an unused scented dryer sheet into the drawer.
If you get leg cramps in your sleep, place a bar of soap under the bottom sheet near where your feet/legs usually are when sleeping.
|
|
NancysSummerSip
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:19:42 GMT -5
Posts: 36,356
Today's Mood: Full of piss and vinegar
Favorite Drink: Anything with ice
|
Post by NancysSummerSip on Jun 10, 2015 12:07:53 GMT -5
Save the Parmesan cheese rinds for use in making sauces. Oh, and to get rid of annoying co-workers, heat up stinky food for lunch. What...you don't think this one should count?
|
|
myrrh
Established Member
Joined: Apr 12, 2011 22:55:14 GMT -5
Posts: 478
|
Post by myrrh on Jun 10, 2015 12:17:49 GMT -5
I wonder if the Indian market in town has ginger garlic paste?
Ginger doesn't keep well so I've been peeling and shredding a big chunk of ginger and putting the pulp with a small amount of water into mini ice cube trays. When frozen put the cubes into a baggie and keep in the freezer, and pop a ginger cube into any dish that needs it.
|
|
chiver78
Administrator
Current Events Admin
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:04:45 GMT -5
Posts: 38,584
|
Post by chiver78 on Jun 10, 2015 12:23:01 GMT -5
1. wax candle "tarts" also work well for dresser drawers 2. use a travel sized spray bottle for olive oil when you only need a mist 3. when you only need a portion of an onion, pepper, any other veggie that freezes well - prep the rest of it the way you use it most often (diced, strips, whatever) and portion for the freezer for the next night you barely have time to cook. 4. to clean a microwave, soak a sponge and nuke it for 30 seconds. between the steam and "explosion" from the nuking, most of what's baked on will come right off with a quick wipe down
I'm sure I'll come up with more. this is just what came to mind right now.
|
|
wyouser
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:35:20 GMT -5
Posts: 12,126
|
Post by wyouser on Jun 10, 2015 12:30:33 GMT -5
1. wax candle "tarts" also work well for dresser drawers 2. use a travel sized spray bottle for olive oil when you only need a mist 3. when you only need a portion of an onion, pepper, any other veggie that freezes well - prep the rest of it the way you use it most often (diced, strips, whatever) and portion for the freezer for the next night you barely have time to cook. 4. to clean a microwave, soak a sponge and nuke it for 30 seconds. between the steam and "explosion" from the nuking, most of what's baked on will come right off with a quick wipe down I'm sure I'll come up with more. this is just what came to mind right now. With #4 you are passing up all the fun. For microwaves you just throw in a whole egg (shell and all) Nuke the thing for a couple minutes, throw open the door, and RUN......then, as they say, let the fun times begin!
|
|
Martivir
Established Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 11:56:36 GMT -5
Posts: 303
|
Post by Martivir on Jun 10, 2015 12:38:16 GMT -5
When I'm sewing and using ribbon I heat seal the end by passing it close to a flame. It melts slightly and keeps it from fraying.
I put all my silverware into my dishwasher organized by type. So when I'm putting it away I just need to grab the fork section and it into the drawer.
|
|
lexxy703
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 26, 2011 13:52:17 GMT -5
Posts: 13,771
|
Post by lexxy703 on Jun 10, 2015 13:34:22 GMT -5
I am so going to start doing this! So simple yet so brilliant!!
|
|
moon/Laura
Administrator
Forum Owner
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:05:36 GMT -5
Posts: 10,043
Mini-Profile Text Color: f8fb10
|
Post by moon/Laura on Jun 10, 2015 13:47:33 GMT -5
but then doesn't the silverware end up "nesting" together (at least part of the time) and then not come clean?
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Jun 10, 2015 13:48:40 GMT -5
1. wax candle "tarts" also work well for dresser drawers 2. use a travel sized spray bottle for olive oil when you only need a mist 3. when you only need a portion of an onion, pepper, any other veggie that freezes well - prep the rest of it the way you use it most often (diced, strips, whatever) and portion for the freezer for the next night you barely have time to cook. 4. to clean a microwave, soak a sponge and nuke it for 30 seconds. between the steam and "explosion" from the nuking, most of what's baked on will come right off with a quick wipe down I'm sure I'll come up with more. this is just what came to mind right now. With #4 you are passing up all the fun. For microwaves you just throw in a whole egg (shell and all) Nuke the thing for a couple minutes, throw open the door, and RUN......then, as they say, let the fun times begin!
Ok, obviously I've lived a very sheltered life, what happens when you do this?
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Jun 10, 2015 13:49:08 GMT -5
When I'm sewing and using ribbon I heat seal the end by passing it close to a flame. It melts slightly and keeps it from fraying. I put all my silverware into my dishwasher organized by type. So when I'm putting it away I just need to grab the fork section and it into the drawer. You put me to shame!
|
|
wyouser
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:35:20 GMT -5
Posts: 12,126
|
Post by wyouser on Jun 10, 2015 14:13:01 GMT -5
With #4 you are passing up all the fun. For microwaves you just throw in a whole egg (shell and all) Nuke the thing for a couple minutes, throw open the door, and RUN......then, as they say, let the fun times begin!
Ok, obviously I've lived a very sheltered life, what happens when you do this? In the matter of a few seconds, the egg should explode redecorating an entire kitchen (and you too if you failed to immediately "run) with microscopic pieces of egg
|
|
lexxy703
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 26, 2011 13:52:17 GMT -5
Posts: 13,771
|
Post by lexxy703 on Jun 10, 2015 14:15:48 GMT -5
Ok, obviously I've lived a very sheltered life, what happens when you do this? In the matter of a few seconds, the egg should explode redecorating an entire kitchen (and you too if you failed to immediately "run) with microscopic pieces of egg And you learned this how?
|
|
wyouser
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:35:20 GMT -5
Posts: 12,126
|
Post by wyouser on Jun 10, 2015 14:24:40 GMT -5
In the matter of a few seconds, the egg should explode redecorating an entire kitchen (and you too if you failed to immediately "run) with microscopic pieces of egg And you learned this how? My son, at around age 6, put an egg in the microwave thinking he would get a hard boiled egg out of the deal. The dinger sounded and he opened the microwave door pulling out the plate with the egg just as I wandered into the kitchen. There was, of course, an explosion leaving my son, me, and the entire kitchen (ceiling , floor and all 4 walls ) covered in microscopic egg residue. Both of us were exiled to our rooms when my wife appeared. (word to the wise, an electric sander works far better than sanding by hand) Oh, you also get to repaint once you get the egg off everything in the room!
|
|
lexxy703
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 26, 2011 13:52:17 GMT -5
Posts: 13,771
|
Post by lexxy703 on Jun 10, 2015 14:27:44 GMT -5
And you learned this how? My son, at around age 6, put an egg in the microwave thinking he would get a hard boiled egg out of the deal. The dinger sounded and he opened the microwave door pulling out the plate with the egg just as I wandered into the kitchen. There was, of course, an explosion leaving my son, me, and the entire kitchen (ceiling , floor and all 4 walls ) covered in microscopic egg residue. Both of us were exiled to our rooms when my wife appeared. (word to the wise, an electric sander works far better than sanding by hand) Oh, you also get to repaint once you get the egg off everything in the room! Sure, sure blame it on the kid What a disaster! My next door neighbor pulled a sweet potato out & it exploded but not so bad we needed to use a sander.
|
|
wyouser
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:35:20 GMT -5
Posts: 12,126
|
Post by wyouser on Jun 10, 2015 14:30:46 GMT -5
My son, at around age 6, put an egg in the microwave thinking he would get a hard boiled egg out of the deal. The dinger sounded and he opened the microwave door pulling out the plate with the egg just as I wandered into the kitchen. There was, of course, an explosion leaving my son, me, and the entire kitchen (ceiling , floor and all 4 walls ) covered in microscopic egg residue. Both of us were exiled to our rooms when my wife appeared. (word to the wise, an electric sander works far better than sanding by hand) Oh, you also get to repaint once you get the egg off everything in the room! Sure, sure blame it on the kid What a disaster! My next door neighbor pulled a sweet potato out & it exploded but not so bad we needed to use a sander. Hey, I learned my lesson...I make sure to be ON SITE when my grandkids are in the kitchen!
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Jun 10, 2015 15:11:44 GMT -5
Save the Parmesan cheese rinds for use in making sauces. Oh, and to get rid of annoying co-workers, heat up stinky food for lunch. What...you don't think this one should count? Ohh, that's right on the cheese rinds. You can also toss one into a pot of minestrone soup or white bean and escarole soup to flavor it!
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Jun 10, 2015 15:16:26 GMT -5
I wonder if the Indian market in town has ginger garlic paste? Ginger doesn't keep well so I've been peeling and shredding a big chunk of ginger and putting the pulp with a small amount of water into mini ice cube trays. When frozen put the cubes into a baggie and keep in the freezer, and pop a ginger cube into any dish that needs it. Any Indian market worth their salt should. The garlic ginger paste is used in several staple recipes. I know there is a way to make it from scratch but I'm too lazy for that. DH bakes butter chicken often for me and it uses a lot of the stuff! We always have a jar open in the fridge and a backup in the pantry. Mmmmm, just got an idea, some of the garlic ginger paste, olive oil, cilantro to marinade chicken, shrimp, fish...mmmmm.
|
|
Chocolate Lover
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:54:19 GMT -5
Posts: 23,200
|
Post by Chocolate Lover on Jun 10, 2015 15:23:26 GMT -5
A cheap "chinese 5 spice" will also give you a fast stir fry. Whatever else they put in it, I always find ginger in there.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,520
|
Post by Tennesseer on Jun 10, 2015 16:25:48 GMT -5
If no one is going to see you in your underwear, there is no need to fold it. Just stuff the cleaned underwear into the drawer. I folded them for years-what a waste of time.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Jun 10, 2015 16:28:46 GMT -5
If no one is going to see you in your underwear, there is no need to fold it. Just stuff the cleaned underwear into the drawer. I folded them for years-what a waste of time. You are married, right?
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,520
|
Post by Tennesseer on Jun 10, 2015 16:30:39 GMT -5
If no one is going to see you in your underwear, there is no need to fold it. Just stuff the cleaned underwear into the drawer. I folded them for years-what a waste of time. You are married, right? Nope. Hence just stuffing it in the darn drawer. I do pair socks though.
|
|
Chocolate Lover
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:54:19 GMT -5
Posts: 23,200
|
Post by Chocolate Lover on Jun 10, 2015 16:30:52 GMT -5
If no one is going to see you in your underwear, there is no need to fold it. Just stuff the cleaned underwear into the drawer. I folded them for years-what a waste of time. You are married, right? I am and still don't fold it.
|
|
The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
|
Post by The Captain on Jun 10, 2015 16:47:21 GMT -5
You are married, right? I am and still don't fold it. Sweetie, you're married - not dead. Personally, I always think if the wrapper is visually appealing, the candy tastes better. (GAWD I can't believe I just wrote that!!! ) GULP!!! hitting post now...
|
|
Martivir
Established Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 11:56:36 GMT -5
Posts: 303
|
Post by Martivir on Jun 10, 2015 17:31:17 GMT -5
I am and still don't fold it. Sweetie, you're married - not dead. Personally, I always think if the wrapper is visually appealing, the candy tastes better. (GAWD I can't believe I just wrote that!!! ) GULP!!! hitting post now... And that is the reason my husband's ties are neat and organized. Unlike his underwear drawer. I just stuff it in too. I have only had spoons nest when I have crammed too many of them in there. My silverware is on the dishwasher door.
|
|
marvholly
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
Posts: 6,540
|
Post by marvholly on Jun 11, 2015 5:06:18 GMT -5
Chinese friend taught me how to save grated fresh garlic over 35 years ago. I buy a pretty large batch, peel and chop in my food processor. Put in a glass jar and cover with dry white wine. Keeps forever.
I have always sorted my flatware in the dishwasher. To keep it from nesting I place each piece forwad then backward.
|
|
Bluerobin
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:24:30 GMT -5
Posts: 17,345
Location: NEPA
|
Post by Bluerobin on Jun 11, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -5
Putting your garlic in a small jar and shaking will peel the garlic! Place several cloves in a jar of cooking oil and store in the fridge. Then when cooking, brush the oil onto meat. Absolutely great for pork chops on the grill!!!!!
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,520
|
Post by Tennesseer on Jun 11, 2015 7:59:38 GMT -5
To get perfect poached eggs, immerse the egg(s) in their shells in simmering water for exactly 10 seconds and remove from water. Then add a bit of white vinegar into simmering water. Gently break egg into cup. Create a gentle vortex in the simmering water and slide the egg into the water. Simmer until personal preference for your poached egg(s).
|
|
KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on Jun 11, 2015 8:00:49 GMT -5
Brush teeth in the shower to save time in the morning.
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on Jun 11, 2015 8:07:12 GMT -5
I wonder if the Indian market in town has ginger garlic paste? Ginger doesn't keep well so I've been peeling and shredding a big chunk of ginger and putting the pulp with a small amount of water into mini ice cube trays. When frozen put the cubes into a baggie and keep in the freezer, and pop a ginger cube into any dish that needs it. I recently found something like this in the frozen food section. I had messing around with garlic personally.
|
|