Have you a handy hint to share? I promised one commentator ,last week, that I may call for suggestions...I suspect my readers may surprise us all with a few.
I love handy hints, the real ones and the false " funny " ones.
They all intrigue me and entertain me.
Today I followed the hint at hoovering the living room carpet with the upholstery attachment rather than with the regular brush roller attachment
And bingo !
Half a ton of shit !
Ok not entertaining but very effective!
So what are your handy hints?
They can be as practical as you like....or , like those in Viz, as wonderfully surreal! It's up to you
I love handy hints, the real ones and the false " funny " ones.
They all intrigue me and entertain me.
Today I followed the hint at hoovering the living room carpet with the upholstery attachment rather than with the regular brush roller attachment
And bingo !
Five minutes hoovering of a clean carpet!
Half a ton of shit !
Ok not entertaining but very effective!
So what are your handy hints?
They can be as practical as you like....or , like those in Viz, as wonderfully surreal! It's up to you
YOUNG mothers: Calm hysterically crying children in the supermarket by firmly slapping their legs and then tugging them along by the wrist.
PHILANDERERS: Avoid the embarrassment of shouting out the wrong name in bed by having flings only with girls who have the same name as your wife.
FOOTBALLERS: Remember there is plenty of time to get drunk after your playing career has ended.
HORSE whisperers: Speak louder. The animals will hear you more clearly, thus speeding up training times.
FEMALE shop assistants: When a garage mechanic comes to your till, add on a selection of random items they didn't know they needed and charge them s50 labour costs for the transaction.
SINGLE MEN: Fool folk into thinking you've got a girlfriend by standing outside Topshop with loads of bags
When butter is hard in the wintertime, put a lump in a ramekin and stick it in the microwave for a few seconds. Then the butter is nice and soft ready for spreading thinly on bread, toast, scones or even Welsh cakes!
ReplyDeleteHey ho!
DeleteVery timely comment for me - I use only real butter, but hated that it was always hard and, since getting a new refrigerator, seemed to be absorbing odors and never tasted good (never had this happen in my OLD refrigerator...). So I was googling about it, and discovered butter bells! I had never heard of them. I bought a very inexpensive one on eBay, and I'm obsessed! The butter is always fresh and delicious, and since it keeps it at room temp (on the counter or in the pantry, it is always soft and spreadable :)
Deletethis also can be achieved with a terracotta pot
Deletehttps://ecofootprintsa.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/all-is-revealed.html
Stationary or stationery? Easy - it's 'e' for envelope, and the other one stays still.
ReplyDeleteI think of 'a' as in car, and 'e' as in envelope.
DeleteThis will be so useful. I often stumble on this one.
DeleteThank you for this; I was never certain.
DeleteMoon waning or waxing? Waxing: looks like a cup holding water and filling up. Waning: the cup is turned over and emptying.
X
I love my vacuum. Kudos John!
ReplyDeleteMashing potatoes with a hand held cake mixer makes the lightest, lump free mash potato ever!
ReplyDeleteSo true - that's the way we've always done them :)
DeleteKeep em comming
DeleteOddly, I like my mashed potato lumpy....
DeleteBut don't use an immersion stick blender. It made for a very strange puree of potatoes.
DeleteDo NOT store potatoes in the fridge and they will cook to a nice dry fluff and mash perfectly and easily with a regular masher, a dash of milk and a small knob of butter.
DeleteWhen making pastry or any cakes that need butter rubbing into flour I always use the butter straight from the fridge but grate it into the flour (with a cheese grater). It makes it so quick and easy to rub in evenly and no need to soften the butter.
ReplyDeleteThis may have just changed my life a little. Thanks Carol!
DeleteThank you for that, I bake +++ too
DeleteMy son says that using vodka to replace some of the water in pastry makes it flakier. I haven't tried it.
DeleteHelen
Now that is a good idea. x
DeleteIf you have a woodburner, don't buy glass cleaner. Take a bit of damp kitchen-roll, dip it in some ash and use it to clean the glass. Works brilliantly, and no chemicals.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I am brave enough to try the vacuum cleaner tip, not sure I want to know what's lurking!
I've just done that it works wonders
DeleteI've only ever done this with my burner and it works like a charm
DeleteI think I would prefer to get rid of what's lurking.
DeleteGrate all your hard cheeses as soon as you buy them and store in a tub in the freezer. If you don't pack the box too tightly the cheese will remain free-flowing and can be used straight from the freezer.
ReplyDeleteEspecially good for Cheddars and Parmesan style cheeses. But ALL cheese freezes extremely well.
I never knew that sue
DeleteWhen you have a cut and blood gets on your clothes or linens, use hydrogen peroxide. Just blot the spot with it on a paper towel, soaked Q-tip, or pour it on the spot and blot it off best to blot not rub for big spots pouring it on and let it bubble up is best. Test a spot on the hem etc first to be sure it doesn't change the color. Then launder as usual.
ReplyDeleteI used to attend a sewing class and the tutor told me if I ever pricked myself and got blood on my sewing I had to get a piece of cotton thread, roll it into a ball and (sorry) spit on it, then dab it onto bloodstain. This only works on your own blood.
DeleteKeep em coming
DeleteThat first one is funny .. I have seen so many frustrated mothers spank/smack/hit their child for crying .. like that will surely make them smile and be happy. simple minded things we learned from our own parents ..
ReplyDeleteMy computer is all f-ed up so I have to do all manner of things to just get a comment published, I have worked for 2 days trying to just get my favorite blog list back ... I might see you later .. or I might chuck it all and run away with the cats. besitos. C
ReplyDeleteCandice keep your chin up
DeleteTEETH: Use wood ash from the woodburner to whiten. Not recommended for long term use.
ReplyDeleteHave you done it ( I remember you've just been to the dentist!!)
DeleteYes, it works. Wood ash cleans the woodburner glass,but must only be wood ash. Rub with damp cloth dipped in the wood ash. The teeth one is make a paste with the ash by adding a little water in a saucer. Some dentists don't recommend due to enamel damage.
DeleteSpeaking as a former dental hygienist, this kind of horrifies me. It reminds me of when I was in dental hygiene school and we had to go to Terminal Island prison in Los Angeles to work on the women inmates there. One of my friends had to clean Squeaky Fromme's teeth, of Charles Manson fame. Squeaky said she'd been brushing her teeth with Comet, an abrasive kitchen cleanser, to whiten them. My friend was going to correct her, then she thought "Wait a minute, this is a mass murderer I'm dealing with. If she wants to do that, then I'm not going to stop her!"
DeleteThis is why I love these comments ....you always learn something off the wall
DeleteIf you do home canning, lids from peanut butter jars fit on mason jars perfectly. So after you open your canned jam you don't have to mess around with the screw lid anymore. For some reason it's any brand of peanut butter that has a red lid.
ReplyDeleteBloody hell
DeleteCola works too.
DeleteTo remove tea and coffee stains from cups/mugs use Mr Clean magic erasers.
ReplyDeleteOr sprinkle the inside with salt and scrub with kitchen roll/paper.
DeleteAnother good one....the wood ash suggested earlier cleaned the cooker top wonderfully
DeletePut one teaspoon of biological soap powder in the cup or mug to be cleaned. Top up with boiling water and then leave to stand for a couple of hours. Empty then rinse - your cup will be nice and new and clean. Cleaning by this method makes sure that the glaze is not damaged, wherein if you used bleach it would take some of the glaze off and the cup or mug would tar up more quickly. Pattypan
DeleteI always us baking soda, a good spoonful so it is like a paste. A quick rub takes all stains off and you've not introduced anything toxic or tainted into your mug. Baking Soda is great for most jobs where gntle abrasion is called for :)
DeleteKnitting - When knitting the two fronts of a cardigan add the stitches of the bands at the same time. When you've finished the waistband ribbing put these extra stitches on a safety pin to return to later when you're ready to do the bands. Don't forget to include any button-hole in the ribbing. Hope that is easy to understand.
ReplyDeleteJoan (Devon)
I'm not a knitter but will forward this to sister janet
DeleteUh? When people come over for dinner and the house is in less-than-perfect condition, put flowers about, turn the lights down very low and light candles. If there is an unpleasant odor which you have not been able to trace the source of, make those scented candles. Make the drinks strong, the food delicious, and no one will care at all about the house.
ReplyDeleteThat's a canny one
DeleteAlong those lines, if you are late preparing dinner, lay the table first. Cutlery, side plates, drinking glasses and condiments, make your guests or partner a nice strong drink and then retire to the kitchen to start the prep for dinner. It's always worked for me. It just looks like you're totally in control ;-)
DeleteI will add that the bathroom does need to be reasonably clean although, if you string fairy lights in it and plug them in as lighting, that will help. Also? Charming.
DeleteTop catering tips there ladies
DeleteChop things like onions, garlic, celery that are left over and freeze them and then toss them into casseroles and chilli and the like, easy to use and no wastage! You can also freeze cherry tomatoes and use them in chilli and pasta sauces from frozen.
ReplyDeleteAnother great one , I'm making a chillier and have just saved the onions
DeleteTo do any cleaning of surfaces in the house e.g. floors, mirrors, glass, apply vinegar with a cloth or mop Downside, house may smell like a fish and chip shop for a while.
ReplyDeleteYour woodash tip worked like dream
DeleteI'm about to vacuum with the upholstery tool and I'm scared.
ReplyDeleteI thought that 'heap' was one of your dogs!
ReplyDeleteI am useless at handy hints. That us why i take so long to do all t he jobs around the house.
Shhhh don't tell... but I think that 'heap' maybe the remnants of the gorilla he had with his roast dinner on Sunday! Shhh
DeleteLol I thought it was a wig..
ReplyDeleteIf your suitcase zip gets stuck wiggle the point of a biro between the teeth and slide along. The zip should come open.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to edit a book with these
DeleteI thought it was pencil tip to be wiggled as the graphite would lubricate the zip, like rubbing a tiny amount of graphite powder onto a key will help it turn more easily in the lock if the lock is sticking.
DeleteMy favourite VIZ tip had to be how to clean suede shoes, "Coat liberally with mayonnaise and put in a hot oven for twenty mins". I wonder if anybody actually tried it? hehehe x
ReplyDeleteUse your knickers as a duster before you put them on... I did that the other day and then thought what would my old mum say if she could see me? Added to that they are so large l could always use them as a sail on my kiteboard... that would certainly blow the dust away.
ReplyDeleteYou slut! X
DeleteI knew my husband was a keeper when he offered to clean my father's windows and didn't flinch when Dad gave him a pair of my late mother's knickers to use.
DeleteClean your Iron with a paracetamol, when it is warm rub the paracetamol on the base plate. It's MIRACLE !!!! Or acetaminophen for those in the states xx
ReplyDeleteWhen you come home and the spousal unit has "cleaned", but it doesn't quite meet our strict standards, NEVER EVER say anything but "Thank you darling! You're so wonderful!".
ReplyDeleteOtherwise you hear "Well, you can do it yourself then" along with a sad, resentful face.
That never happens in this cottage
DeleteTo tone down red colour on cheeks you can buy a special foundation with a green tint in.
ReplyDeleteIf like me you can't find anything in your handbag/manbag I bought a bag organiser which inserts inside the bag
Which has lots pockets. Only £2 plus Ebay.
With my colouring I should give this one a go
DeleteTo keep from coughing at night, rub Vick's VapoRub (mentholatum ointment)on the bottoms of your feet and wear socks. And that ticklish cough that keeps you from being quiet in solemn moments can often be eased by vigorously scratching your ear.
ReplyDeleteI know this one and it works a dream
Delete...and the ointment makes your feet soft so you don't tear up the sheets, haha!
DeleteOld socks make great dust rags. Just slip one onto your hand and have at it. After a couple of uses, chuck it out.
ReplyDeleteI wear my old socks
DeleteI use old wool socks to dust with as well, I also use old tea towels to dust with. I should probably say that the socks are clean when I dust, I don't want people thinking I come home from work and just pull them off, then start dusting.
DeleteI use parchment paper to bake with, no greasing pans or cookie sheets, I place the used paper in the freezer and just keep reusing it until it wears out, the main thing is I don't have to scrub the baking sheets after, clean up is easy.
Although I now live in a bungalow when I had stairs, at the bottom hidden behind a plant pot I hide and old sock. On the way up the stairs to the loo, I would wipe the skirting board. On the way back down I would wipe the spindles of the banister and in between. I think if could have been static but I hate the dust that settles there.
DeleteI buy a tub of peeled garlic at the local oriental food store then use it quickly in these ways; Grind (food processor) some finely put into a small jar and cover with olive oil or freeze in ice cube tray (fresh a lot longer!), Grind finely with a stick of butter,again ice cube tray and freeze then bag up in freezer(also add fresh parsley,sage,rosemary or thyme when grinding) makes great bread spread or saute oil.
ReplyDeleteI'm liking this one
DeleteHave you seen the trick with the 2 same sized bowls? You shake garlic in them and apparently all of the skin comes off?
DeleteSlide a damp dish washing cloth under a chopping board to avoid it from slipping.
ReplyDeletePut a few drops of essence in the vacuum filter.
Greetings Maria x
Greetings Maria , thank you
DeleteI'm starting to get self conscious with writing greetings xxx
DeleteDon't be Maria , is lovely I do like it
DeleteFortunately, though I've had multiple indoor pets for years, I've never had a flea infestation. But a good tip I read was to put a flea collar in your vacuum canister so that any you vacuum up die!
ReplyDeleteAnother one that worked for my dog for years was to give him garlic capsules with his food, only 50mg bought from the health shop Not pet shop/vet. I used to pierce the capsule and then mix in. Never had fleas.
DeleteWear fluffy flight socks and polish floor while daning to Chubby Checker's Let's Twist Again.
ReplyDeletedancing
DeleteUse beard trimmings to cover a bald patch. Attach with double sided sticky tape.
ReplyDeleteYou just made me snort my tea.., :-)
DeleteWhen I'm a bit 'down' I force a smile & I feel happier again.Regular headaches are a bit of a problem for me & I find that the white tiger balm helps at the first sign.Also strong coffee & lemon juice which I've only recently discovered x
ReplyDeleteVery nary popping! Xx
DeletePoppins!
DeleteI don't have a microwave anymore but when I did would put a bowl of water with a cut up lemon inside to heat up, leave for a bit then wipe the inside with a paper towel, nice and clean all natural ... simples !
ReplyDeleteYes this works wonders
DeleteInstead of those terrifying chemical oven cleaners, make a paste with bicarb and cold water and smear it all over the inside of the oven (not the element!) & door. Leave for a couple of hours, then spray with water and white vinegar mixed 50/50 and tipped into a spray bottle. The vinegar reacts with the bicarb and you can then wipe it out with a cloth and give any really stubborn bits a bit of attention with a scourer. Either wear a rubber glove and use your fingers to apply the paste, or put it on with an old paintbrush.
ReplyDeleteThis is on page 10 of the book!
Deletethat is a good one. Bicarb comes in little kitchen round tubs. Can you buy it in big tubs here?
DeleteYes you can buy 1kg, 5kg or 10kg or more bags. Works out much cheaper if you use a lot like I do.
DeleteHire someone else to scrub the oven while you watch a movie or two.
DeleteWhen your dog runs away, instead of chasing after them (which then becomes a game to them) just lay down. Chances are they will come right back to see if you are ok...then you can grab them!
ReplyDeleteNow that's a good one,
DeleteMy dog runs right out and down the 6 lane road, never looks back or hears his name. I could lay there dead for a week. You never imagine a pug can go so far and so fast. [I follow him and yell, ''Yum yum'', hand in pocket instead. His name is NOT YumYum, that means treats to him.]
DeleteYep, if our dogs run off we shout after them 'you want one' ... code for bones or treats ... and they come running back, and yes they occasionally get one for doing so :-)
Deletenewspaper to dry the window when you are cleaning it. Works fab. A trick I have used since college *cough a long time ago* either grate carrot and then chop it or blitz it to breadcrumb size. Use half mince beef and half carrot crumb for all things like spag bol, cottage pie. Less calories but most importantly 2 for the price of one out of a packet of mince. the carrot not only enhances the flavour it also takes on the taste of the beef. Better for your wallet and kidneys and covers one of you 5 a day. Instead of wasting huge amount of flour when doing seasoned flour to cover meat, get a jam jar with a metal lid. you will need a 2nd metal lid. first lid, use a nail, bang holes through it to make a bit like a pepper shaker, mix you seasoned flour add to jar. Use lid with holes to dust meat (rather than shaking in a bag or messing up bowls) left over seasoned flour can be left in the jar, and sealed tight with the 2nd lid. use a rubber band to attach the first lid to the jar till you next need it after washing and drying quickly. do not leave it to air dry. When drying herbs, put them inside a pillow case it will catch all the leaves or lovely tasty bits that may fall off. cut cardboard to the shape of the tops of your kitchen cupboards the grease and anything disgusting can them just be added to the compost when you want to add fresh. Grouting tiles in a busy area? Use a squeeze bottle (like for ketchup) with the nozzle to add grout. lay it thick, an use a childs feeding silicon tipped spoon to push it in the gap. the action is squeeze with the one hand and use the spoon with the other to push it in and clean out extra. then it doesnt get all over the shop and walked into places you dont want it. I think that is enough for now.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do use the carrot trick with most meat dishes it's a weight watchers trick! .
DeleteMe thinks you have written your own book
Sorry I was typing on my phone. it didnt look like that when I wrote it... lol
DeleteDon't discard the water from tinned chickpeas... Apparently it maakes lovely crispy meringues... google Aquafaba. I have just ordered a hand mixer so that I can try making it
ReplyDeleteBloody hell
DeleteIt works, and you can make a brilliant chocolate mousse with whipped aquafaba and melted chocolate :-)
Deletechia seeds can be used as an egg substitute as well
DeleteTrying to get a dog to take a tablet -I hide it in a piece of food away from the dogs not being administered & drop it on the floor & say ''oh no don't have that''& top dog gulps it down x
ReplyDeleteOh believe me I know this one
Deleteworks for cats too if you hide the tablet in a piece of raw beef, but crush it a little first and leave it in the bit of meat to soften and absorb the meat flavour, about an hour, before giving it to the cat. Put only the "doctored" piece and one other on the plate so the cat eats both then give another undoctored piece as a treat.
DeleteMake your little kids wear something neon on their wetsuits when they learn to surf and ocean swim. The neon makes them more visible, just in case.
ReplyDeleteAnd trying to get a cat to take a tablet, take small pieces of a rare treat (held back for just such occasions)cheese often works well, hold two pieces, one to mouth of cat second with pill in right in front of its nose, and a third to pick up to take the taste away and to prove they dont have pills in them (Lie) Usual response is gulp grab and guzzle, oh theres more. One fooled cat.Processed cheese slices or wafer cut ham often work well to stick around the pill. They never catch on.
ReplyDeleteI will remember that with Albert who is luckily quite well....
DeleteAfter washing a set of bedding sheets, fold the top sheet, fitted sheet (although I'm still useless at that), and one pillow case, then put them all inside the second pillow case. That way they are altogether and you don't have to go looking to find the matching ones.
ReplyDeleteLadies, when shaving your legs, use hair conditioner, not soap. You'll get much smoother results. It can be cheap conditioner, you don't have to splurge on an expensive kind.
Hard / mineral water build up on your faucets? Put some vinegar in a small plastic bag, put it on the end of your faucet so it is down in the vinegar and use an elastic to hold the bag tight to the tap. Leave it overnight, the mineral deposits will be gone by morning.
I have smoothies a lot for breakfast. I buy bananas, wait until they are quite ripe, then peel and break them apart in chunks, putting half a banana's worth in little zip-lock bags in the freezer. Frozen banana in a smoothie makes it cold, no need for chopped up ice, and it adds sweetness. I also blend in a handful of baby spinach in my smoothies. You don't taste it and it adds some extra nutrients. -Jenn
Jenn u are a star! Tomorrow I shall re sort our linen and will freeze my bananas ! Xxx
DeleteI just stack each folded bedding set together, top sheet, pillowcases,fitted sheet, next set sits on top of that etc. I've never lost any pieces and had to go looking for them.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteIf you live outside a town or city, which I do, and don't want to have to deal with 'wild animal' visits in your garden, the thing to do is pee around your property as much as you can. I have been doing this for 27 years now (under the cover of darkness) and we have never had 'visits' by any wild animal other than our resident pheasant. I do realize that this is easier for a guy to do than a gal.
ReplyDeleteI've done that many times believe me
DeleteWhen you live where deer and other animals eat your flowers, drop moth balls all along the area under the flowers. Buy the cheapest, biggest bag as quality doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteMix baking soda with coconut oil (half and half) in a jar and use as a facial scrub. I stand in the shower to wash off, but just rinse until the baking soda is gone. The residual oil will keep your skin soft. Use other oils if you prefer, I like coconut oil.
Make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Use some on a soft rag to remove tarnish from silver. I especially like it on forks and spoons because baking soda is edible.
Another great tip! ( tips) xx
DeleteTo get rid of tarnish with no scrubbing whatsoever, simply put a sheet or two of tinfoil in the bottom of a plastic bowl, add a couple of tablespoons of bicarb, then put all your tarnished silverware on top so that they are all touching the foil and then completely cover with boiling water. A quick wipe with a soft cloth after you get them out and they will be sparkly clean again.
DeleteWondering now if baking soda/coconut oil mixture will help soften or remove calluses on feet? I'll give it a try.
DeleteNever fry bacon in the nude. 😉
ReplyDeleteThe best line of the night
DeleteTo easily clean your oven rails - soak rails in NappiSan (nappy sanitiser) mixed with very hot water in a large tub (I use the laundry tub and turn them over after a couple of hours) Any build up comes off easily with a little help from a soft scourer or stainless steelwool pad
ReplyDeletetemper tantrums: 1/2 a glass of cold water dashed in the face works like a charm. Also gets them out of bed for school.
ReplyDeleteWhen preparing to clean the house, gather all your cleansers, rags, and sponges into a large box. Put the box on the kitchen floor, then open a bottle of wine (white or red or rosé, they all work fine). When the bottle's half-empty, you won't care that the house is dirty.
ReplyDeletedo this also when you know visitors are coming, when they knock on the door you can tell her you were just about to clean...
DeleteIs there a prize for the best tip !! x
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteI think my Dad had read the Philanderer hint. First girlfriend and 2 of his 3 wives had the same name. But he must have been seriously planning ahead, my Mum, his first wife and he started dating at the age of 12.
ReplyDeleteMy hints are from John Crace’s digested read of Mary Berry’s tips and tricks:
ReplyDeleteThe kitchen. This is the heart of any home and will normally contain a fridge, a cooker, a sink and some cupboards. When planning a kitchen, try to make sure all these items are in the places you want them.
Always remember to situate your sink near a water supply. There is nothing more frustrating than turning on a tap and finding nothing coming out of it.
When buying a sofa, make sure you choose one that fits into your living room. Not all sofas are the same size and it can be hugely disappointing to order one that you have to leave outside on the pavement. To measure a sofa properly, use a measuring tape. For many people, the television is the focal point of the room. Try to choose one that doesn’t get Channel 4. It’s gone downhill dreadfully recently and features programmes with that awful, money-grabbing Paul Hollywood.
Hats and coats can be hung on hooks in the hallway. If you have small children, it can be useful to situate some hooks at a lower level so that they can reach them. Books can be stored on bookshelves. It’s also useful to have a spare set of keys in case you lose your main set. If you label the spares as “Spare set of keys”, you won’t confuse them with the main set you use in your day-to-day life.
Never eat yellow snow
ReplyDeleteEasy peel hard cooked eggs. Mocrowave safe container, place eggs, one teaspoon salt and hottest water from the tap to cover eggs. Micro full power for 10 minutes. These eggs were cold from the fridge.
ReplyDeleteI'll try this in my Flower Show boiled egg entry class
ReplyDelete