* The older the popcorn the more unpopped kernels you have. To revive your popcorn, cover it with water. Then pour the water off and place the kernels in the freezer for a couple of hours before popping. When you pop the corn you’ll find it to be especially fluffy and with almost no unpopped kernels.
* Another freezer tip: Store batteries in the freezer to prolong their life. Wrap them so their ends do not touch each other and let them thaw for about an hour before you use them.
* Is your steam iron clogged with mineral deposits? A simple way to clean it is to steam straight vinegar in it for a few minutes then fill with water and steam again. Test iron on a towel before using.
* “Bulls Eye Eggs” are fried eggs that are perfectly round with the yolk in the center. This is easy if you use tuna cans (well washed, of course) that have had both ends removed. Simply place the can on the skillet and crack the egg into it. No more whites that run together or broken yolks.
* Do you know what your carpet looks like under the legs of a couch or other heavy piece of furniture when you move it? It leaves a very pronounced dent. Remove the dents by placing an ice cube or two in the dent and leave it overnight. In the morning the pile can be easily brushed up.
* Clean clogged spray paint can nozzles by replacing the nozzle on a can of WD-40 with the clogged nozzle and depressing it a couple of times. Then return both nozzles to their original cans.
* A great way to keep your jewelry separated is to line a drawer with plastic, flat fishing tackle boxes. You can get these in the sporting section of a store. For travel, small plastic pillboxes work great for earrings and chains.
* If you ever travel you know how alike suitcases can look. Once, I didn’t even realize I had the wrong suitcase until I got home to unpack! Now I put a bright orange tape around the handles of my bags. I can spot them immediately regardless of look-alikes.
* Carry return address stickers in your planner. Whenever you need to fill out a form it’s simple. This is especially good when you drop off film. Put an extra sticker on your roll of film in case it gets separated from the envelope.
* Take advantage of seasonal holiday clearances to stock a gift box. Often items included in a particular holiday clearance are suitable for any gift-giving occasion. When you keep a gift box stocked with gifts you always have them on hand, which saves you both time and money!
* To change a burned out light bulb, take the corrugated cardboard sleeve from the new bulb and place it over the old bulb to unscrew it. No more burned fingers or risk of broken bulbs.
* Don’t scrub burned on food. Simply sprinkle the pan liberally with baking soda, add enough water to moisten and let it sit over night. The next day the burned on mess will wash right off.
* The easiest way to soften rock-hard brown sugar is to put a slice of fresh apple in the bag.
* Remove an adhesive bandage without pain. Soak a cotton ball with baby oil and dab it on the sticky parts of the bandage. In about 10 minutes, the adhesive will be softened and the bandage will lift right off.
* It’s strawberry season. To transport your strawberries (or other easily bruised fruit) from store to home without squashing them, put them in a plastic bag, trap some air in the bag and tie it shut. This forms an air pocket around the fruit so they can’t fall between the other items in the grocery bag.
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