Use Leftover Wine, and More
9 Tricks to Improve Your Life*
1 Prevent Cat Litter Odor
It may seem counterintuitive, but cat litter smells better when you use less of it. Instead of filling the litter box to the top, pour in just enough to cover the bottom of the box—about two inches. That way, the litter will air-dry quickly, and you can keep even the cheapest brand smelling fresh. For best results, scoop out waste daily and change the litter at least once a week.
2 Beat the Crowds
Look up where you want to shop today on Google Maps, and it will display a bar graph of the busiest times for that store. You can also look at other days of the week to see how traffic patterns change. Google gathers data from specific stores, so you can compare how busy the various Targets or Walmarts in your area are on any given day.
3 Put Extra Vino to Good Use
Freeze leftover wine in ice-cube trays (eight cubes = one cup) to add flavor to future sauces, stews, and more. White and sparkling work best in creamy or clear soups (think chowder or simple vegetable), while red wine goes well with tomato- or beef-based varieties such as chili. Add about one ice cube per portion.
4 Shut Down Stress
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, step outside—or open a window. Researchers say getting more oxygen to the brain is a quick and effective stress reliever. “Taking in a deep breath of fresh air can immediately shift your neurochemistry,” says Deborah Serani, Psyd, a psychology professor at Adelphi University and the author of Living with Depression. The American Psychological Association recommends the fresh air approach too.
5 Don’t Overfill Your Tank
A few more drops of gasoline can’t hurt, right? Not so fast—the automatic shutoff valve is there for a reason. Gasoline needs room to expand, so topping off can cause pressure to build up in your fuel tank and lead to a dangerous leak. Better to just stop when the pump does.
6 Spend Less on Hotel Rooms travel
Weekend bookers tend to luck out when it comes to snagging the best rate. Prices are lowest on Fridays and Saturdays, according to the most recent data from travel site kayak.com. Absolutely avoid booking on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, when prices are highest.
7 Don’t Crank the AC money
When you get home on a hot day, do you drop the airconditioning way down so you can cool the place off quickly? The thing is, your AC can work only so fast. Setting it at 60°F instead of your usual 75°F will just waste energy when you let the air conditioner keep cranking chilly air after the room has reached your ideal setting. You’ll save on energy costs by keeping it set to your preferred temperature.
8 Speed Through Ironing
HOME The hotter your clothes, the faster you'll blast away the wrinkles (as long as you don't overdo it!). One good trick: Put a piece of aluminum foil under your ironing board cover. The foil will reflect some of the heat from the iron back up to the fabric and smooth out the wrinkles faster.
9 Make Better Small Talk
Casual conversation should be playful, “like a tennis game, not a job interview,” says Jeanne Martinet, author of The Art of Mingling. So what do you do when you’re stuck? Turn things into a game. Ask the other person to tell you a few details about his company, and then try to guess where he works. Games allow you to show more personality and your partner to get “into the spirit,” according to Martinet.