Ask Mum Now - hints and tips and solutions » Tip of the Day

To tenderise steak

admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:48:38 +0000

Tenderise cheaper cuts of steak before cooking, rub the surface of the meat with a slice of kiwifruit before cooking.

Storing small toys

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:30:05 +0000

Trim the tops off clear plastic soft drink bottles with a sharp knife and use to store small toys such as matchbox cars, marbles, plastic linking blocks.

mattress protector

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:59:00 +0000

If you have a bed-wetting child, use a shower curtain to protect the mattress. Tie 1cm wide elastic through the holes made to hang the curtain and wrap the elastic around the base of the mattress to hold it in place.

Untangling jewellery chains

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:27:28 +0000

Use sewing pins to untangle knots in silver and gold chains. They are smaller than your fingers and the job is so much easier

Bulk buying – cheese

admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:24:16 +0000

Bulk buy cheddar cheese when it is on special at the supermarket, grate it and store in the freezer in sealed plastic bags or containers with lids. It will easily break up into smaller amounts when you want to use it.

Quick tidy-up

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:33:24 +0000

When cleaning the house, take a clean bucket or large plastic bag and pick up things that are lying around. When cleaning is finished, empty the bag or bucket and put all the ‘found’ items back where they belong.

Clean your pet’s brush

admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:22:24 +0000

Clean your pet’s brush by dipping it into a glass of vinegar then rinse in cold water. Allow to dry before using again.

To clean old flower pots

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:35:06 +0000

To clean up grimy flower pots, soak them in a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts cold water for up to an hour, then wash with soap and water before using.

Calming behaviour

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:33:26 +0000

If the kids are getting you down, make sure they are safe then go into another room for a few minutes, turn on some soothing music and take some deep breaths before you go back to face the kids again.

Tidy computer cables

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:38:54 +0000

Thread your computer cables through an empty toilet paper roll or half an empty paper towel roll to keep your desk tidy. You can paint thecardboard tubes or cover them with used wrapping paper to make the deak look more attractive.