Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer. Whether you’re spending time at the beach, neighborhood pool or in your backyard, these life hacks will make the living easy. Here’s some of the best ones we’ve found, many courtesy of Reader’s Digest.
Flip Flop Fix: How many times have you blown out a flip flop – you know, when the little rubber “stopper” comes through the hole in the sole? Push the stopper back through the hole and then through the hole of a soda can tab. Slip on and no more flat flop!
Cupcake Capers: Paper baking cups make for a couple of great summer life hacks. Tired of drippy popsicles? Push the treat’s stick through the bottom of a baking cup and catch those drips. Insects bothering your canned drink? Place a baking cup on top and push your straw through to form a barrier between your beverage and bees. Use different color cups so everyone can identify their drink.
Speaking of Insects: Be eco-friendly and keep ants out of your home by sprinkling some coffee grounds near your doorways. Trouble with mosquitoes? Put a couple of dryer sheets in a cup outdoors. They mask the human scent that attracts those little blood suckers.
The Great Outdoors: Camping is wonderful family fun but not when things get damp. Keep your toilet paper dry in a clean coffee can. Marshmallows stuck together? Sprinkle a teaspoon of cornstarch into the bag and give it a shake to remove excess moisture and separate treats. And when you get home, pour cat litter into a sock, tie it up tightly, and place in your tent and sleeping bags for a must-free smell.
Keep the Kids Safe and Clean: Have little ones who love to splash in the kiddie pool at home? Add some bathtub appliques to the bottom to ensure feet from slipping and on the side to use for gripping. At the beach and need a sure-fire way to remove sand? Baby powder will give it the brush off. And shake a little salt into sneakers to soak up moisture and odor.
Spruce it Up: Patio furniture looking shabby? Spritz some vinegar over chairs and tables to remove mildew stains and prevent mold from forming. Water toys grungy from sunscreen? Dip a sponge in a mixture of two cups bleach/one gallon vinegar, wipe them down and rinse. Baseball glove a little worse for wear? Try a coating of olive oil. Dining outdoors? After the cookout, place a layer of aluminum foil over the grill while the coals are still hot. Next time you’re ready to cook, crumple up the foil and use it to scrub off the residue.
The list of summer life hacks is endless. What’s your favorite? Feel free to share it on my Facebook page. Here’s to fun in the sun!
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