Life Hacks and Facts
Tips, tricks and remedies that will change how you go about everyday tasks, for the better.
Tips, tricks and remedies
Use old mirrors behind plants in the garden to make the space look bigger.
Natural air freshener
If you hate the smell of synthetic air fresheners try this handy recipe from the author of The Lemon Book, Ray Collins. Place an enameled cast-iron pot or bowl on top of a woodburning stove or hob, fill with water and add lemon peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves and apple skins. Bring the water to a simmer and let the vapour drift through the house, freshening the air as it goes. If you have a cat that uses cat litter then lemons can help here too: Cut a handful of lemons in half and leave them face-up on a plate in the room. The lemon flesh will soak up the smell of the litter and replace it with the soft scent of lemon groves instead. From The Lemon Book by Ray Collins
Fresh eggs
One thing that is often difficult to judge by its ‘use-by’ date is an egg. A simple test for freshness is to place the egg in a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom of the glass, it is fresh enough to use; if it floats, do not use it. From A Guide to Natural Housekeeping by Christina Strutt
Wooden chopping boards are naturally more hygienic and more ecologically sound than the plastic varieties, and nice to use too. Vinegar or lemon juice will clean, deodorise and disinfect wooden chopping boards. From A Guide to Natural Housekeeping by Christina Strutt
How to dry herbs
To dry leafy herbs such as sage, basil and mint, chop the leaves into 3mm strips, making sure to cut across the leaf, not down it, as this releases more volatile oils and more flavour. Put the cut herbs in a brown paper bag and store in a cool, dark place. Over the course of a week, shake the bag every morning and evening. To dry twiggy herbs such as lavender, rosemary and cinnamon, tie them in a bundle and hang them in a dark corner until dry. The length of time depends on the weather. From Save Your Money, Your Time, Your Planet by Shannon Lush and Jennifer Fleming
Adding olive oil to our diet nourishes our body but it’s a great hair tonic too. Treat your split ends by massaging one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil into dry, clean hair. Then, wrap your hair in a warm, damp towel for 20 minutes before rinsing in warm water. This will allow the oil to absorb and condition the hair.