::QUICK KITCHEN TIPS::

Here are a few great ideas from our test kitchen in Colchester!

- Eww, what's that smell? Don't overpay for a pricey bar of stainless steel "soap" scent remover. You can rub your hands on any stainless steel object (serving spoon, pan, etc) you have lying around the kitchen to remove the lingering garlic or onion smell from your hands. We also heard a dollop of toothpaste also works wonders!

-Do you find yourself making a mess when refilling your salt and pepper shakers? You know the ones that you have to turn over and fill from the bottom? Next time you have to refill them, place a piece of tape (any kind works) over the holes, and flip over the shakers! TADA no mess!

-Hard brown sugar? Toss a few marshmallows in the bag before you reseal it. They will keep the sugar moist for weeks!

-Want the perfectly frosted cake? Next time you are frosting a cake, place the cake on a cardboard round the same diameter as your cake and then place that on top of a large over turned bowl. Raising the cake up with out obstructing the sides allows you to frost all the way to the bottom of the cake with ease!

BONUS RANDOM TIP!!!!

Next time you can't get a thread through the eye of your needle, try spraying the thread with hairspray! The end will stiffen, allowing you to thread with ease. If you are working with yarn, try a dab of glue for the same effect!

::TIP GRAB BAG::

Here's some handy tips from our test lab in Ole' Cold Colchester!

- Tough Top Turning? Have you ever encountered an old bottle of craft paint where the cap has seemingly fused to the bottle threads? We have a quick tip for you. Next time you finish using the bottle wipe any dribbles off the threads, place a thin layer of Vaseline on them, and recap. Next time you use the bottle it will open like a charm!



- Fabulous Flowers! When you receive flowers (hopefully as a gift) place the whole bouquet in a sink full of water for an hour, submerging them. While underwater, cut each stem on an angle with a sharp knife (Exacto, etc) not scissors. Scissors will crush the stems! While the flowers are soaking find a vase and wash it out with soapy water. Make sure all the gunk is gone! Rinse it out, fill it, and add at least 2 drops of bleach. Arrange the flowers. Remember to change the water and trim the stems every two days. They should last twice as long!



- Unbustable Balls! We have the perfect hiding spot for all your small valuables (Thieves stop reading!). Take a tennis ball and cut a slit in it. Slide in your family jewels! No one will suspect that canister of tennis balls in the garage is worth a million bucks (literally)! PS Do not let your dog play with these balls!



-Cluttered Kids Rooms? Here is a life saver for all you moms out there! Does your little one have stuffed animals all over the floor? Round up the stuffed posse and bring them to the craft room. Add the soft side of strips of self-adhesive Velcro to the backs of the animals. Next, place the other end on the wall. When it comes time to clean up you can just grab the stuffed critters and attach them neatly to the wall! Best of all your little one can help too!




-Puffy Paint lives again! Calm down and put down the over sized sweatshirts and back away from the acid washed denim. Hear is a great updated tip for the 90's craft staple. Add a enough beads to covers he bottom side of a pair of new socks. Once the paint dries, you will have another 90's staple, slipper socks!

Holiday Centerpiece Idea

Here is a great idea for a quick and festive holiday centerpiece with items you have lying around the house. Collect a few glass vessels. We used a small cylindrical vase, an over sized martini glass, and an unused trifle bowl. Next we gathered up all the left over glass Christmas balls that didn't make it on the tree. Next, we filled each of the vessels with ornaments. Finally, we arranged the trio on a circular silver place mat to add a modern touch. See what you have laying around the house and have fun being creative!

::Quick Tip::

Have you ever tried on a friend's ring that caught your eye and then can't get the darn thing off? Don't fret! Skip the dish soap and Vaseline and grab Windex! A friendly sales associate at Kay Jewelers shared this tip with Michael and his husband-to-be!



Here is another great tip for cleaning your bling rings! In a small bowl combine 1 prt ammonia and 3 parts water. Set the rings in and in a few minutes they will be a shiny as the day you stole them from your grandmother! Just kidding!