Tips, Tricks & Good Ideas

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Originally Posted by skybike

This is an interest of mine, finding little tips that make life more efficient/easier. Also known as 'lifehacks', these are a few I've stumbled upon that have stood out.

- I put my clothes in my closet with the hangers reversed once a year. As I pull clothes out, I reverse the hanger. Every year I give away any clothes that I never took out.

- If you need to remember to bring something with you, put your keys on it or put it in/on your shoes the night before.

- Poop at work, saves tp at home.

- Keep a backpack in the trunk of your car with spare pants, shirt, socks and a bunch of toiletries (Perhaps some sample sized freebies? :) It's good to have a first aid kit as well.

- If there's something I need to do but am procrastinating, I find something else I also need to do that's even more of a chore. I can then put off doing the second thing by doing the first.

- Sinus congestion? Masturbate. Don't ask me why, just do it.

- Never fart with headphones on while in public, you never know how loud it is. :P

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:lolsign: thank you, you just pulled me out of my bad mood! The tips are good too

Another tip - I put all of my regular monthly bills (phone, cable, internet, etc) on a credit card that gives me points. I then cash in the points for groceries (either at Loblaws with my PC mastercard or Metro with AirMiles).

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Another tip - I put all of my regular monthly bills (phone, cable, internet, etc) on a credit card that gives me points. I then cash in the points for groceries (either at Loblaws with my PC mastercard or Metro with AirMiles).

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And for those of you who don't have credit cards. Buy GC's in stores to purchase other GC's to rack up points. My fav right now is SDM. I know people do it with HBC, Sears and so on. Also a great way to budget your money.

I love the glass polishing/mirroe cloth too! it is amazing!

Ah, I have dryerballs (Dollarama for less than 2$) I've been using them for almost a year now. I don't find much time comes off drying though, I schedule large loads for like 60-70 mins and small loads for less. The dryer balls make no difference to me :?
Thanks for the wool tip!! I'll check it out^^

That is a SMART TIP!!! I never thought of that and we just spent $ on new blades! I will remember this for next time! Thanks a bunch!

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Originally Posted by forestry

A tip!!

When the rubber wears out on your wiper blades, replace only the rubber portion. All you do is slide the rubber from the track and buy the rubber replacement kit at Canadian Tire. The cost is only $3.00 per blade instead of $15 to $20 each. It only took me 10 minutes to slide the two new rubber s on the wipers. Plus I saved throwing the whole blade in the landfill. Thanks to CT rep for this tip.

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Baking soda is also a great cleaning product. I use it all the time for cleaning my bathroom, stove, dishes. It's also good to use if you have a soar through. If you gargle with baking soda and water, it helps your throat feel better, although it doesn't taste great.

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Originally Posted by skybike

This is an interest of mine, finding little tips that make life more efficient/easier. Also known as 'lifehacks', these are a few I've stumbled upon that have stood out.

- I put my clothes in my closet with the hangers reversed once a year. As I pull clothes out, I reverse the hanger. Every year I give away any clothes that I never took out.

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this is an amazing idea!

heres some things that make my life easier.

in order not to forget any personal care items for travel, i have a pre packed bag with sample health and beauty products i recieve that i leave in my suitcase.

in a pinch, conditioner is a great replacement for ladies shave gel.

using a cheap can opener? instead of fishing out the metal top from the opened can, grab a fridge magnet to attract it. no mess, no cut fingers.

if guests are coming over, put some cloves, cinnamon or vanilla and a little water in a bowl and put it in the microwave for one minute. your place will smell yummy and inviting!

I love that tip about the cinnamon and water, ehdub! Thanks!!

- I use cold water all of the time when washing my clothes, and I do not find a difference!
- Always keep resusable bags in the trunk of your car! Then there is no excuse when you go out ... and when you bring them in your house, always put them somewhere unavoidable so that you HAVE to put them back when you go out to your vehicle.

- Dominion and (i guess Loblaws.. none around here in Nfld!) have started posting coupons in the front area of their stores... they change often and are often applicable with current sales... really handy!

to get rid of deoderant marks on a black shirt rub a preused bounce sheet on the marks- works like a charm!

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Originally Posted by Acacia

Wow! I would have never thought of using dryer sheets like that!! :D My boyfriend has sensitive skin so he does not like me to add fabric softener or dryer sheets, what do you guys recommend I do for static?
** Bathroom tip- spray a LITTLE bit of shaving foam on the bathroom mirror and wipe in circles with a dry cloth until gone, do not add water. This will prevent the mirror from fogging up:P

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Dryer balls, you can get them at the dollar store. Better for the environment.

I always use pantyhose to get rid of deoderant stains, as well! Never thought about bounce sheets before...excellent!

Also, Bounce sheets work really well if you have static in your hair... just rub it over your hair!

these are really great tips: definatly gonna be checking back often!

My tip:

To get crayon/ perm marker off of walls or floors, Use insect repellant or hairspray:)

Lots of good ideas. Thanks.:)

To get rid of blood, rinse the item in cold water and put hydrogen peroxide on it. Might have to do it twice, but it works. Launder it right after.

I know it's gross but for those of you who have tween girls who are just getting the hang of periods, you'll probably end up with lots of stained undies because of irregularity and whatnot, so keep a huge bottle on hand!

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Originally Posted by NewfieChick

Also, Bounce sheets work really well if you have static in your hair... just rub it over your hair!

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Thanks, I had not heard of that before.

If you have a pot or pan with stuck on or baken on food, soak it in hot water and 1 dryer sheet overnight...the oils in the dryer sheet will lift off the cooked on food.

If you run out off mousse, use a small amount of shave gel instead...does a great job!

I always throw the used Glade plug in (or whatever brand) refill in my clothes drawers when I change them, it makes everything smell yummy.

A bit of toothpaste (paste, not gel) will get blood out of clothing (rub it in, launder as usual)...very handy for a mid-month accident.

Grocery shopping on Wednesdays and Thursdays will give you the best deals: stores gear up for Friday and weekend shoppers, so meats and produce will be reduced mid-week...perfect for right-away meals, or freezing.

Love, love, love this thread....thanks OP!

I think we've exhausted the bounce dryer sheet - but great ideas to those who have contributed so far to this thread.

Any now, moving on, here's a few tips & tricks (all borrowed) for Coke or Pepsi …. Did you know?????
To clean a toilet:
Pour a can of cola into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains.
To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers:
Rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
To clean corrosion from car battery terminals:
Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.
To loosen a rusted bolt:
Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
To bake a moist ham:
Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan; Wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.
To remove grease from clothes:
Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains.
If all else fails, drink the darn pop!

Make your own baby wipes. Simply cut a paper towel roll in half so you get 2 TP size rolls. Put one in a plastic container with a lid, pour no more then 3/4 of a cup of hot water with 1 to 1 1/2 table spoon of liquid baby soap mixed in. Adjust the water according to the type of paper towel you use but I found Bounty to be the best. Let the paper towel roll soak for a couple of hours. It should be moist but not drenched. Great for kids with sensitive skin.

bump

never buy self tan again just use coconut butter in a couple of days of use you will see results amazing

Save backs of bills, envelopes, and junk mail for scrap paper.

Grow your own food, I would grow more if I had a garden but just on my apartment balcony I have grown many herbs and even some tomatoes and carrots. And I live in Calgary... there will be frost for a while but I have a table by my window full of sprouts right now.

I also remember a couple from my grandma. She would always save butter foils to grease baking trays. Anytime she boiled/steamed veg she had a jar in the freezer she stored the water in. It was basically a small amount of veg stock each time, then she would make gravy with it like once a week. She didn't have the largest repertoire but when the gravy was that good you didn't mind eating the same thing every week :)

- FREE COMPOST FROM THE CITY OF TORONTO!! -I live in North York and the city provides free compost at their recycling facilities. I've already got a few bags for my garden. It totally beats paying for it...especially if you need lots to build a new garden!

-Save egg shells and egg cartons if you plan on growing your own veg from seed! Plastic egg cartons are great for starting seeds! Cardboard ones are alright, but sometimes roots will grow into them.
The egg shells are great for tomato plants as they provide calcium and protect from blossom end rot. Wash and dry them. Crush them, sprinkle them around your plant and mix in.

-Save the jars from your Classico pasta sauce. They're airtight mason jars!!
I keep my crush egg shells in one.

-Instead of buying new hip nail polish colours, mix your old/not so favourable colours together to create something new. I recently made a translucent peach/coral that's on my nails right now!

-Buy generic medicine whenever you can (Unless you have coupons and get them for nearly free or free!). The ingredients are the same, you're just not paying for the brand name! Ask your doctor when he's writing your prescription up- they've got generic options for a lot of meds these days...not just Aspirin!

-5 minute showers. Saves me time and money. :)

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Originally Posted by PIONEET

never buy self tan again just use coconut butter in a couple of days of use you will see results amazing

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Ok, you've got to explain this one to me. I'm white as a gost and spend a fortune on self tanner. I've never heard of coconut butter. :shrug:

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Originally Posted by thor9

I think we've exhausted the bounce dryer sheet - but great ideas to those who have contributed so far to this thread.

Any now, moving on, here's a few tips & tricks (all borrowed) for Coke or Pepsi …. Did you know?????
To clean a toilet:
Pour a can of cola into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in Coke removes stains.
To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers:
Rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
To clean corrosion from car battery terminals:
Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.
To loosen a rusted bolt:
Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
To bake a moist ham:
Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan; Wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.
To remove grease from clothes:
Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains.
If all else fails, drink the darn pop!

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I dont drink coke/pepsi because if it can get rust off stuff. what is it doing to you stomach....

Is it bad that I'm enjoying a delicious Coke right now? My tummy feels squeaky clean!

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Originally Posted by frugaliam

I buy no name vinegar (about $3) and it will last me about a month.
I use it instead of fabric softener, and I also reuse my cleaning spray bottles and fill half with water half with vinegar. They make great all purpose cleaners, are cheap and are one less thing you don't have to keep track of in the flyers. I think it's also pretty green as it's non-toxic so if little ones get access to the squirt bottle it's not dangerous:)

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I use vinager in the dishwasher - makes the water softer and less detergents (i have hard water on the farm).

starbucks gives away used coffiee grounds (free) for your garden and it works great!!! I add it to my potted plants and i don't use fertilizer (yucky stuff).

For cheap entertainment, you can bet a library card. We use ours, and you can order any movies online and they let me know when they are available and bring them to my chosen location for me. They've had 95% of the movies that my husband and I watch, including all the popular hollywood movies. We used to spend lots of money on watching movies every month, but now we pay $12 a year to watch as much as we want. Sometimes you have to wait a little while to get the movies, but it's worth it.

Dollar store laundry bags with the zipper. cut out the zipper and you got a great dish cloth. very similar to the $10 one from norwax. Also the lid from the spray pam works great as a scrapper for stuck on food on tables and counters and even the stove, and the BEST scaper for my stoneware.