How High is Too High?

An interior designer told me years ago to always hang wall art or pictures at eye level. I never noticed before how much better it looks but now I seem to notice when art seems like it's hovering around the ceiling. Since most of us have different "eye levels" you should shoot for 57" off the floor. If you didn't know and your pics are too high, lower one and see how much better it looks!

Sandwich Cutter

Why serve the same rectangle to your kids day in and day out? Spice things up a little and give them a PB&J cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters! My dear friend gave me this idea and it is so much faster than cutting off the crust!

Here are a few of my favorites (they are all Wilton Comfort Grip Cutters):

Grilled Corn

Wish you didn't have to go inside to boil corn at your next cookout? Grill your corn in the husks! The steam gets trapped inside and it cooks the corn through.

Here's how: Place corn in husks on a hot grill for 5-10 minutes, turning the corn, until the husks are charred on all sides. Then you can peel back the husks and char the kernels on the grill a little, if you like a smoky flavor.

This is so easy and fast. Plus the presentation is pretty if you leave the husks peeled back, but still attached. The peeled back husk becomes a handle for each individual piece.

Maximize Your Workout

If you want to get the most from your workout, eat a tiny bit of carbohydrates before you workout. That will give you more energy so you can burn more calories. Then load up on lean protein afterward. Protein helps your body build muscle, which will improve your metabolism. Also, it is best if you can workout in the morning. But working out at night is certainly better than nothing at all.

I heard this on a TV show but am not sure which one. I'm changing what I eat before and after a workout as a result.

Roll Up the Window

I just found out today that when my Honda Pilot is turned off I can still roll up the power windows without turning the car back on, as long as I don't open the door first. My dear friend, owner of a Honda Odyssey told me that today. Try it with your car!

Clean Your Microwave

I saw this tip on a morning talk show. Place several lemon slices in a coffee mug filled almost to the top with water. Microwave the lemon water on high for 6 minutes. Wipe down the microwave with ease and smile. There will no longer be evidence of your kids' canned pasta and your hubby's reheated pizza!

Bake Your Bacon

I found out there is an alternative to getting splashed with bacon fat when cooking it on the stove top. Arrange your bacon strips out on a broiler pan, preheat the oven on to 325F. Bake your bacon for 25-30 minutes until nice and crispy. Oh, I love this tip. It is not messy and tastes good, too.

Update: Martha Stewart's site says to bake it on 400F for 15-18 minutes.  I may try this when I'm short on time.

Herbs for Better Breath

I did not know that parsley, basil and cilantro can help give you better breath. Don't take it from me! Read this article from RealAge.com:

http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/7937