BEST ADVICE EVER!

40 timeless tips from the archives of Canadian Living

Throughout our anniversary year, we’ll be dipping into past issues to share inspired ideas that are as fresh today as when they first hit the page. Here are four decades’ worth of wisdom from the September issues of Canadian Living.

1 When pricing items for a garage sale, try to set personal attachments to your possessions aside. A good rule of thumb is to peg prices below “reasonable” and just above “ridiculously low.” Put a price on everything displayed and be ready to bargain; most people expect it. — 1976

2 Be imaginative in your yard-sale purchases. Squint your eyes a little and see how a porcelain bowl can be repurposed as the base of a table lamp or how a door can become a tabletop. — 1976

3 Tulips can be planted now or at any time before freeze-up. If you were dissatisfied with the small size of the blooms on your spring crop, dig up the bulbs and respace them. — 1976

4 For tender muffins and quick breads, mix the ingredients just until blended. Overmixing can result in a dense texture. — 1977

5 To prevent tropical houseplants from drying out, mist leaves frequently and group plants together—the humidity level will be higher around multiple plants. — 1977

6 The wine you cook with should be good enough to drink. — 1978

7 Wine bottles should always be stored on their sides. This keeps corks moist and expanded so air can’t penetrate and spoil the vino. — 1978

8 To get the most out of your skin-care routine, apply products in the correct order (cleanser, toner, eye cream, moisturizer) and use them consistently. — 1980

9 A fitness instructor can make or break a workout class, so try to meet your teacher before signing up. A good one should be well trained, be motivating and even have a sense of humour. — 1980

10 It’s not how much you sleep but, rather, the quality of sleep that counts. For a deep, restful sleep, try to exercise during the day, have a warm bath at bedtime and drink an herbal tea before retiring. — 1982

11 Instead of decorating your children’s bedrooms with juvenile furniture that you’ll have to replace, invest in a few quality basics: a good box spring and mattress; a simple wooden dresser; and some adjustable shelving. Every few years, when you redecorate, you can add to your original purchases rather than discard them for new things. — 1982

12 For your next stir-fry, try an Asian technique: Thinly slice flank steak across the grain for extra-tender strips of meat. — 1982

13 Consider your face shape when choosing glasses. A round face wearing round glasses looks even rounder, while the lines of an angular face are reinforced by angular glasses. — 1983

14 Keep the volume of your headphones at a safe level. You should be able to talk to someone near you without shouting. — 1983

15 To peel peaches easily, score the bottom, then plunge them into boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds. The skins will slip right off. — 1984

16 Unlike vintage wines, great pies do not improve with age. For the best flavour, serve pie when it’s fresh and still warm— preferably one to two hours out of the oven. — 1985

17 Flexibility prevents many of the aches and pains we often think are part of getting older. Stretch regularly, holding the poses for five to 15 seconds, to safely increase your flexibility. — 1985

18 If your workout routine consists of jogging, and only jogging, you could develop a muscle imbalance that may lead to injury. Try cycling and other activities to work different muscles in your legs and throughout your body. — 1987

19 Allow firm tomatoes to ripen at room temperature. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray, out of direct sunlight. — 1988

20 Change your pillowcase often. The buildup of facial oil on the fabric can cause blemishes. — 1989

21 Food cooks faster in smaller portions. If you’re in a rush for dinner, bake meat loaves in a muffin pan instead of a conventional loaf pan. — 1992

22 Keep your brain fit and your memory sharp by reading, learning a new language or taking up hobbies or crafts that involve math. Keeping your mind active helps prevent dementia. — 1993

23 Be your own health advocate at the doctor’s office. Write down details beforehand or take a family member to make sure you get your point across. — 1995

24 Be wary of the word “light” on oil labels. It doesn’t mean the oil has fewer calories; it refers to how the oil was processed to become lighter in flavour and colour. — 1995 25 Build your kitchen cabinetry right up to the ceiling whenever possible. This gives you an extra shelf at the top that’s perfect for items you don’t use regularly. — 1996

26 In a small bathroom, run the vanity mirror right to the ceiling to enhance the feeling of space. — 1997

27 If your agitator-style washing machine won’t drain, detergent suds may be blocking the drain hose. Bail out the soapy mess and flush the tub with cold water. — 1998

28 To fix a dishwasher that isn’t cleaning efficiently, try pouring undiluted white vinegar into the dispenser (but no detergent) and run the machine through a full cycle. — 1998

29 Regular, light and no-sugar-needed pectins are not interchangeable. Each requires different amounts of sugar and has its own preparation method. — 1999

30 Don’t toss those broccoli stems. Peel and coarsely grate them to use in slaw or slice and add to a stir-fry. — 2000

31 Before bringing your houseplants indoors for the winter, spray them with a solution of 40 parts water to one part liquid soap. This will take care of any hitchhiking pests. — 2004

32 For maximum moisture, don’t rinse out hair conditioner immediately after applying. Instead, let it sit on your hair for two to five minutes for full absorption. — 2004 33 When wearing a bold print like plaid, pair it with a solid top or bottom in a colour that’s found in the pattern. — 2006

34 Pizza cutters aren’t only for pizza. They also make quick work of cutting sandwiches and pancakes. — 2007

35 A compost pile should receive full sun. The hotter it gets, the faster organic matter will decompose. — 2010

36 If you have trouble sleeping, try moving your workout to late afternoon or early evening. Your body temperature will decrease after your workout, which will help initiate sleep. — 2010

37 Pack lunch-size portions of dinner leftovers (right after dinner, so it’s done!) in reusable containers for easy grab-andgo lunches. — 2011

38 If you face away from your office cubicle’s entrance, hang a mirror at your desk so you can see who’s at the door. You’ll have a stronger sense of privacy and feel less vulnerable. — 2012

39 For a no-fail toss-cushion combo, opt for one pillow in a large-scale pattern, one in a smaller pattern and a textured solid in a complementary colour scheme. — 2013

40 Although swinging french doors are elegant, they take up more real estate than a sliding patio door. — 2013