Trouble Staying in the Lines?

photo courtesy of  jerine via flickr.com

Like me, do you have trouble staying in the lines when painting toenails and fingernails?  If so, next time use a bobby pin to clean up the edges.  Simply dip the end of your bobby pin in nail polish remover then trace along your cuticles to remove excess color.


This tip was provided by a reader in the October 2010 issue of Real Simple magazine.

Can't Open the Jar?

Photo courtesy of  dno1967b on Flickr.com

Having trouble opening a vacuum-sealed jar?  I did last night with bottled marinara sauce.  Pickles, salsa and jelly jars all give me a fit.

This tip is from an episode of the Rachael Ray show:
Turn the jar upside down and give the lid a good rap on the counter.  Flip it back over and the jar will open with ease.

No more boiling water,  hot water or waiting!

Garlic Press

Want an easier way to work with fresh garlic?  Try this tip I got from a Pampered Chef consultant years ago.

Push an UNPEELED clove of garlic through a garlic press then use a knife to transfer the garlic straight to your dish.  

No peeling, chopping, mincing or cleaning necessary.  Simply remove the peel from the press then the sticky mess goes with it.  A quick run through the dishwasher will make it like new again.

If you're in the market for a garlic press, I highly recommend the Pampered Chef garlic press.  I've had mine for over a decade and it's still going strong.