| How to Prepare for a Winter Hike Posted: 09 Feb 2021 12:00 AM PST Winter hiking has its own unique charm: the quiet of making first tracks in fallen snow, the relative solitude when others stay at home, and the beauty of a late sunrise and early sunset, bringing nighttime stars into crisp relief. However, winter hiking also comes with its own set of hazards, including short daylight hours and fast-changing, potentially dangerous weather conditions. Make sure you're prepared by wearing layers of warm clothes, bringing the right gear, and staying smart while you're hiking. [Edit]Finding the Best Clothes - Wear several layers of clothes on top and bottom. Wearing layers provide insulation; put on at least 3 layers. When picking the layer next to your skin, make sure it wicks away moisture so the dampness won't cool you down. On top of that, wear layers that insulate your body, such as wool or fleece. Then, on the outside, make sure you have a coat on that blocks moisture; try to find one with a hood you can pull up.[1]
- Wool or high-tech polyester are good choices for the bottom layer, as they move moisture away from your skin.
- The middle layer should be the bulkiest, such as insulated fleece or a goose down jacket.[2]
- Avoid wearing cotton, as it retains moisture rather than moving it away from your skin.
- Opt for insulated hiking boots, warm socks, and gaiters. Your hiking boots should be made for cold weather so they provide insulation against the cold. Also, make sure to pick warm socks that wick away moisture, such as ones made out of wool. Gaiters provide extra protection for your legs against the cold, too.[3]
- Consider wearing 2 pairs of socks, a thin layer with wicking material and then a thicker wool pair.[4]
- Gaiters fit over your calves and ankles. You wear them over your boots and pants, and they keep snow from getting in.
- Also, put traction devices on your boots if they aren't already equipped for the ice! These devices stretch over the bottom of your boot and give you spikes to dig into the slippery patches.[5]
- Bring a light hat and a heavy hat. Keeping your head warm is important because it helps your brain stay alert! While you're hiking, you should have a light winter hat to provide some protection against the cold. A heavy one will make you sweat while walking. However, when you stop, you'll want that heavy hat to keep you warm while you rest. Both hats should cover at least the tops of your ears.[6]
- Look for natural materials like wool for extra warmth. Fleece is also a good choice if wool isn't an option.
- Take light and heavy pairs of gloves. Layers are important, as you can take them off when you get too hot. Pick 1 lighter pair of gloves in fleece or wool, and then pick a pick a heavier set you can wear on top. The top pair should be insulated and waterproof.[7]
- Pack an extra set of clothing. If you get wet on a winter trail, you can easily get too cold very fast. A set of dry clothing packed away in your backpack could save your life, allowing you to quickly change clothes and stay warm.[8]
[Edit]Packing the Right Gear - Opt for a large water-resistant hiking backpack. You need a backpack large enough to carry things like a first aid kit, water, sunscreen, extra layers, and food. Plus, it needs to keep out the water, as your extra layers are no good to you if they get wet.[9]
- Pick one that has a waterproof hood that fits over the pack, which will help keep water out.[10]
- Pick up snow shoes, skies, or hiking poles for snow and ice. If the snow goes to a depth of more than , then you need snow shoes or skies.[11] With any winter weather, you should carry hiking poles just in case, as they'll help you when you're trying to walk through icy areas.[12]
- Carry high-energy, salty snacks. You'll be sweating, so you'll need plenty of salt to refuel. Plus, you'll need food with carbohydrates, fat, and protein to keep you going on your hike. Remember, you'll need more to eat than you normally would at home, so plan ahead.[13]
- For instance, trail mix is a good option, since it's full of protein and fat (nuts) and high-energy carbohydrates (dried fruit), plus salt. You could also try granola bars, fresh fruit, beef jerky, and even sports drinks.
- Take of water with you at a minimum. You'll need at least this much for an easy day hike. If you're doing a difficult hike, you'll likely need extra. It's always a good idea to carry more than you think you'll need.[14]
- You can also carry an iodine tablet or a filtering straw with you in case you need to get water out of nearby streams or rivers.
- Insulate your water bottle to keep it from freezing. You'll need to stay hydrated, but your water can freeze while you're on the trail. A insulating sleeve can help prevent it from freezing so you can keep drinking while you're on the move! Also, make sure to keep your water inside your jacket next to your body, which will also help keep it warm.[15]
- Bring sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ with you. You may think that the sun won't be a problem on a winter hike; however, it can still be harsh, particularly if it's reflecting off the snow. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before you're in the sun, and then re-apply it every 2 hours throughout the day to the areas of your skin that are exposed.[16]
- Always apply more sunscreen than you think you should. Most people don't use enough. Typically, you should use about as much as you could fit in a shot glass if you're covering most of your body. In the winter, you can get away with less, as you're covering a smaller area.[17]
- Take a watch with you. In the age of mobile phones, you may not think of bringing a watch. However, phones can run out of battery, and a watch or other time keeping device can help you stay on track. You don't want to be caught off-guard when it's suddenly getting dark, and you haven't made camp or returned to the starting place.[18]
- Grab a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. While you likely plan to be out before dark, anything can happen when you're out hiking. A flashlight will help you be prepared in case the hike takes longer than you expect, and you're caught out after the sun goes down.[19]
- You don't want to be caught in the dark without a light to see your way out!
- Carry a paper map and a compass. You can't rely on your phone to get you out, as you can lose service in the wilderness. A paper map can help you find landmarks, while a compass will literally point you in the right direction.[20]
- While trails are usually well-marked, you can get turned around, especially in the winter when things are hidden by snow!
- Include a first aid kit. You never know what's going to happen on the trail, and a first aid kit will help you be prepared.[21] It should include things like antibiotic ointment, medical tape, adhesive bandages, butterfly closures, nitrile gloves, antiseptic, and gauze.
- It should also include a few medications, such as ibuprofen and antihistamine pills.
- Some basic tools, such as a sewing needle, duct tape, a utility knife, and a whistle, are important if you get caught in the wilderness.
- Also, carry a card with your emergency contacts and health information or put it in the emergency section that's accessible by strangers on your phone.[22]
- Carry fire-making supplies. While you shouldn't rely solely on a campfire to keep you warm if you're caught in the snow, it can be helpful for warmth and heating water. Have a small hand shovel to clear the snow, as well as a lighter or matches to start a fire. You should also have fire-starters on you so you don't have to find them in the damp ground.[23]
- Fire starters can include dryer lint or cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly, just to name a few. Keep them in a zip-top bag. Also, keep the lighter or matches in a waterproof bag so they don't get wet.[24]
[Edit]Being Smart while Hiking - Start with smaller hikes and work your way up. If you don't hike much, opt for a smaller trail the first time you go out, as you may not be as ready as you think you are. You can always work up to bigger trails later! If you are a hiker but you haven't done much in the winter, choose a trail you're already familiar with so that you'll have an idea of what to expect.[25]
- It's a good idea to take a class with a local winter hiking club if you've never hiked in the winter. You can learn things like what you need to look for in the snow to stay safe and how to build a shelter if you're caught out in the weather.
- You don't want to get to the middle of a big trail and realize you don't have the energy to get back or you haven't worn the right gear. Play it safe!
- Keep an eye on the weather ahead of time. While winter hiking can be fun, you don't want to be caught in a blizzard or freezing rain. Similarly, harsh winds can make your hike more dangerous. Check the weather forecast, and skip hiking if there's bad weather ahead.[26]
- Blizzards can create blinding conditions and freezing rain can make you susceptible to hypothermia. Stay home if you need to!
- Eat and drink often along the trail to stay fueled and hydrated. Aim to eat a little bit every 30 minutes to an hour. Drink more often than you think you should. You may not feel thirsty, but you should continue to drink something at least every 30 minutes to make sure you stay hydrated.[27]
- Leave your hiking information with friends and family. Let them know when you expect to leave, where you'll be, and when you'll return home. That way, if something happens, someone will know to look for you if you don't return in the expected time frame.[28]
- Put this on a printed sheet or in an email so they have a copy.
- Hike with a group of friends. Hiking can be dangerous alone, as you never know when you'll run into danger or need help. Plus, if you're inexperienced, having people who are experienced with you can only be beneficial. Ask a couple of friends to go on your hike with you to help you stay safe.[29]
- Plus, when you hike in a group, it tends to deter dangerous wildlife from getting too close, as they'll hear you coming and usually want to hide.
- Warm up with boiled water when you stop. If you have the means to make a small campfire, heat some water over the stove. The water will help you stay warm as you hike, working from the inside out.[30]
- Plus, if you keep it inside your jacket, it will act as a portable heating pad.
- Peel off layers or put more on as needed. It's important to keep sweating to a minimum while hiking in the winter. If you get too warm, take some of the layers off so you can cool down. If you start shivering, it's time to put on some extra layers.[31]
- Maintaining your body temperature will help prevent hypothermia!
- If you're not used to hiking in the winter, make sure you physically prepare for the hike, too. Spend some extra time at the gym and take the stairs as often as possible. Go on longer walks to make sure you're ready.
[Edit]References |
| How to Store LEGO Sets That Are Built Posted: 08 Feb 2021 04:00 PM PST After spending a lot of time carefully building a LEGO set, you're probably looking for somewhere to keep it safe. If you want to play with your sets later or just admire your hard work, there are so many storage options you can use without taking the LEGO blocks apart. We'll give you some of the most popular ways to protect your LEGO sets whether you want them out on display or packed away safely! [Edit]Out on a play table - If you handle your sets frequently, keep them out in a dedicated play space. Choose a room in your home or a corner where you can keep a small table for your LEGO sets and pieces. Lay down a few of the large flat LEGO baseplates and secure your sets to them if you don't want them to move around. Whenever you finish another build, add it to your table.[1]
- This works especially well if you're building multiple sets into a LEGO town.
[Edit]Under the bed - Shorter LEGO sets easily slide underneath your bed when you aren't playing with them. Look for an under-bed storage container that has multiple compartments if you want to keep all of your sets separate. Otherwise, you can also keep all of the LEGO pieces and builds on a large tray that you can slide out whenever you want to play with them. Once they're under your bed, you won't have to worry about tripping over them between play sessions.[2]
- Push your LEGO sets far enough under your bed so you don't accidentally kick them.
- Check that your bed doesn't sag down when someone is in it, or else it could break the top pieces off of slightly taller sets.
[Edit]Inside separate tote bins - Tote bins make it a lot easier to move your sets without breaking them. Buy clear tote bins so you can see which sets you're storing inside them. Make sure the totes are deep enough so you can still put the lid on. Carefully set your build inside of the tote bin so none of the pieces break off. After that, you can store or stack the tote bin wherever you want until the next time you want to take your LEGO set out.[3]
- Be careful not to jostle the bin too much so the sets stay intact.
- If you have multiple smaller sets, you can keep them in the same tote bin.
- Some LEGO sets are too big for tote bins, so you may have to remove some of the pieces to make them fit.
- Store the instruction manuals for each set in the tote bin just in case something falls off.
[Edit]On a bookshelf - You can decorate other bookshelves or buy one just for your LEGO sets. Check that your LEGO sets don't overhang the edges of the shelves, or else they could tip over. Place the largest sets closer to the bottom and the smaller sets near the top so they're less likely to fall and break. Try a few different layouts with your sets to see which ones you like best for your display.[4]
- LEGO sets based on books, movies, and TV shows work great for decorating a bookshelf near an entertainment center.
- Try putting LEGO sets based on landmarks or architecture on a desk or near reference books.
[Edit]In a closet - Shelved closets are great for keeping sets out of sight until you want to take them out. Make some room on the shelves in your closet and carefully set your LEGO sets on them. Keep the LEGO creations you bring out the most near the front and the lesser-used ones closer to the back. That way, you won't accidentally knock one of them down or break them.[5]
- Be careful putting your LEGO sets on a closet shelf that's hard for you to reach, or else you might be more likely to drop them.
- You can keep the instruction manuals for your sets in a file folder or box.
[Edit]Packed in bubble wrap - If you're moving your LEGO set, bubble wrap can protect it in transit. Start by tightly winding plastic cling wrap around your LEGO set as tightly as you can without damaging it. That way, any LEGO pieces that break off while you're moving won't fall out. Bundle a few layers of bubble wrap around the outside to add an additional layer of protection. After that, you can move the sets into larger boxes or containers for your move.[6]
- Label any boxes with LEGO sets as "fragile" so you know to take extra care of them.
- If your LEGO set has fragile parts that stick out from the rest of the build, remove those pieces and keep them in a plastic bag.
[Edit]In display cases - Display cases are perfect if you want to show off your build without it getting dusty. Look for a clear display case that's tall enough to hold your LEGO set inside of it. After you put the display case together, open the lid and position your set how you want it on the base. Close and secure the lid on the case so your LEGO set stays preserved and dust-free.[7]
- You may want a display case if you have a set that's rare or a collector's edition.
[Edit]Hung from the ceiling - Make spaceships and planes look like they're soaring around your room. Install eyelet or adhesive hooks on your ceiling where you want to hang your LEGO set. Measure how far down you want your set to hang and cut a piece of fishing line that's longer.[8] Wedge the fishing line between bricks near the set's center of gravity before looping it around the hook.[9]
- Use multiple hooks for larger LEGO sets so you evenly distribute the weight, or else they may fall down.
[Edit]Displayed on floating shelves - Floating shelves let you show off your sets without taking up floor space. Get shelves that are deep and long enough so your LEGO sets don't hang over the edges. Hang your floating shelves on your wall so they attach to a wall stud so they stay secure. Try a few different arrangements for your sets once you get your shelves up to see what looks the best for your room.[10]
- You can always add more layers of floating shelves as your collection gets bigger or have them wrap around the walls in your room.
- Be careful when you're reaching for sets that are out of reach since you could easily knock your sets over. Use a step ladder or stool if you need to access higher shelves.
- Photograph your LEGO sets before storing them so you can put them back together in case something happens.
- You may need to partially take apart your LEGO sets if they don't fit in your storage container. Save your instruction manual or find it on the LEGO website so you can rebuild it.[11]
[Edit]Warnings - Be cautious keeping LEGO sets where children or pets could reach them since they could accidentally break or drop them.
[Edit]References |
| How to Use Life Hacks Posted: 08 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST Life hacks are quick, relatively easy, and usually fun things that save a bit of time or make your life a little easier. Try some simple hacks when you're cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids, or even just relaxing on the beach. You can find endless lists of life hacks online, but always use your best judgment as to whether a hack is both useful and safe. [Edit]Cooking and Food Prep Hacks - Lay a wooden spoon over the top of a pot to prevent a boil-over. The foaming bubbles created by boiling water are filled with steam. If they touch something at a temperature below , the steam will condense (change back into a liquid) and break the surface tension of the bubbles.[1]
- A wooden spoon is the best choice because a plastic spoon might melt and a metal spoon will get very hot to the touch.
- Make Ramen Noodles in a coffee maker for a quick meal. Put the noodles in the carafe and add the recommended amount of water to the reservoir. Turn on the brewing cycle and leave the noodles in the dispensed hot water for the recommended time. Transfer them to a bowl and stir in the seasonings.[2]
- You can add the seasonings to the carafe as well, but this makes it hard to get the flavor of Ramen Noodle seasoning out of your coffee pot!
- Make there isn't a used coffee filter in the machine before proceeding. You don't need to add a clean filter.
- Reheat leftover pizza in a skillet to get a crispy crust. Place the skillet over medium heat and add a quick spritz of cooking spray or a few drops of cooking oil. Heat a slice of pizza in the pan for 2 minutes, then put the lid on and turn the heat to low for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.[3]
- Add a few drops of water to the pan before putting on the lid to cook the top of the pizza a bit faster. Be careful, though, as any oil in the pan may splatter.
- Use a skirt hanger with clips as a space-saving cookbook holder. Use the 2 clips on the hanger to hold the cookbook open. Put the hanger's hook over a nearby cupboard handle to create an instant and very useful cookbook holder![4]
- The open book will be at just the right height for easy reference, and it won't take up valuable counter space.
- Remove stems from strawberries quickly with a thick straw. Insert the straw into the side opposite to the stem and press it up through the center of the strawberry. When you get all the way through to the top, the stem will pop right up and out![5]
- A sturdy plastic straw works well, but a reusable metal straw is even better. In either case, use a wider milkshake or smoothie straw if available.
- Use tongs to more easily squeeze all the juice from a lemon. Cut a lemon in half, then wedge one half between the tongs, cut side facing out. Squeeze the ends of the tongs that you usually use for picking up things to press out as much lemon juice as possible. Repeat with the other half.[6]
- Consider laying a fine mesh strainer over the bowl or pitcher you're squeezing the juice into in order to catch the seeds.
- Use your cereal spoon to keep milk from splashing when you pour it. Add your cereal to the bowl, then lay your spoon upside down on top of it. Pour the milk slowly onto the underside of the spoon's head. You'll notice far less splashing than when you pour the milk directly onto the cereal.[7]
- Alternatively, add the milk to the bowl first, then the cereal!
- Remove the yolk from a cracked egg easily with a water bottle. Crack the egg into a bowl or dish, then grab a clean, empty plastic water bottle. Squeeze the bottle about halfway (not enough to crush it), place it right on top of the yolk, and release your squeeze. The yolk will be sucked up into the bottle![8]
- Pit cherries quickly with a straw and a bottle. Choose an empty glass or plastic bottle with a mouth that's smaller than your cherries, so that you can place a cherry stem-side up on the bottle opening. Press straight down through the stem with a sturdy straw (metal is best), a skewer, or a chopstick. The pit will drop right into the bottle.[9]
- Dip your finger in water to remove egg shells from a cracked egg. Wash your hands and dry them off with a towel, then dip one finger into a bowl of warm water. Use your wet finger to press down on each egg shell piece and pick them out of your cracked egg one at a time. The water will make the shells gravitate toward your finger, making it super easy to get rid of all the shells.[10]
- Don't forget to wash your hands when you're done!
[Edit]Food Service and Storage Hacks - Chill a beverage quickly in the freezer with wet paper towels. Wet down 1-2 paper towel sheets, then squeeze out the excess water. Wrap the paper towels around a can or bottled drink and put it in the freezer for 15 minutes. The damp paper towels help chill the drink much more quickly.[11]
- Don't forget about a glass bottle you put in the freezer—if the liquid freezes, the bottle may explode!
- Store mixed pancake batter conveniently in a plastic ketchup bottle. This is a great way to store extra batter in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it makes dispensing the batter easy! Just squeeze out the amount you need right onto the griddle when making pancakes.[12]
- Use a kitchen funnel to make it easier to pour the batter into the bottle. Or, find a plastic bottle with a slightly smaller mouth than the ketchup bottle. Cut off the bottom of this second bottle, place it upside down into the mouth of the ketchup bottle, and use it as a DIY funnel.
- Use a muffin tin to serve a range of condiments at a party. Add ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, salsa, mayonnaise, or whatever other condiments you need to the individual indentations in the muffin tin. This makes serving the condiments and cleaning up afterward a cinch![13]
- Cut clean slices of cheesecake and soft desserts with dental floss. Cut a length of unflavored dental floss and wrap the ends around your index fingers. Pull it taut and press it straight down through cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, fondant, jelly rolls, and so on.[14]
- Use the same process to cut through clay with a length of wire.
- Keep your packaged bread fresher longer with a plastic bottle top. Starting at the point where the cylinder starts to narrow toward the spout, cut the top section off of a clean, dry plastic drink bottle. Feed the open end of the bread bag up through the cut opening and out of the mouth of the bottle, then fold it down over the sides of the mouth. Screw on the bottle's lid to make an airtight seal.[15]
- Use plastic lids as simple but effective coasters. Don't have a coaster on hand? A plastic lid from a mayonnaise jar or similar container can do the job! Just place your drink on top and you've got a neat coaster.
[Edit]Clothing Hacks - Make canvas shoes water-resistant by applying beeswax. Use a clean rag to spread the beeswax over the entire outer surface of the shoes, making sure not to miss any areas. Then, wave a hairdryer over the shoes until the wax melts and becomes invisible. Apply another coat of beeswax whenever you notice the water-resistant coating begin to falter.[16]
- Iron a dress shirt collar fast with a hair straightener iron. This is a quick fix that saves time versus getting out your iron and board. Just plug in the hair straightener, let it heat up, and clamp it over each side of your shirt collar for about 15 seconds. To play it safe, don't do this while you're wearing the shirt![17]
- This is a great hack if you're going to wear a sweater over your dress shirt anyway—why bother ironing the whole thing?
- Use white wine to reduce the appearance of a red wine stain. If you splash some red wine on your white shirt, grab some white wine! Dampen a clean cloth in white wine and gently blot the red wine stain until it becomes less noticeable. It won't remove the stain completely, but it does a surprisingly good job.[18]
- If you have a stain remover stick or wipes with you, use them—they work even better. If you left them at home, use them on the stain before washing the garment.
- Prevent lost socks by pinning pairs before washing and drying. Stop feeding single socks to the "dryer monster" by outwitting it! Simply secure each pair of socks together with a safety pin before putting them into the wash. Keep them pinned together when you transfer them to the dryer.[19]
- Replace any pins that start to show signs of rusting.
[Edit]Housekeeping Hacks - Screw a magazine holder onto the back of a cabinet door to hold a hairdryer. Choose a magazine/file holder made of plastic, wood, metal wire, or sturdy cardboard and secure it in place with 2-4 screws. Most standard hairdryers fit perfectly into this spot.[20]
- Alternatively, use several removable adhesive strips instead of screws.
- Use coat hooks instead of rods to hang towels in a small bathroom. These take up much less space, since each hook can hold 2 large towels. The towels may also dry faster than if you use towel rods that are stacked one in front of the next.
- Apply magnetic strips behind cabinet doors to store personal care items. Buy peel-and-stick magnetic strips, or use removable adhesive strips to secure the magnets in place. Use the magnetic strips to hold tweezers, bobby pins, cosmetic brushes, and other magnetic objects.[21]
- Check to see how many of your personal care items are magnetic before trying this.
- Buy a scrub brush attachment for your drill to clean tile and ceramic. Instead of relying on elbow grease alone to scrub a tub or toilet, let your drill do the hard work! Look for different types of scrub brush attachments where cleaning supplies are sold.
- Set the drill to its lowest speed first, then increase it as needed. Follow the brush attachment's instructions carefully.
- Don't use the attachment to clean fiberglass, laminate, wood, stone, or other surfaces unless the brush is specifically marketed for that purpose.
- Use a clean dustpan to fill a bucket that won't fit under the sink. Place the bucket on the floor directly in front of the sink. Place the larger end of the dustpan under the faucet so that the pan's handle is resting over the front edge of the sink. When you turn on the water it will flow through the channel in the handle, go over the edge, and fall like a waterfall into the bucket.[22]
- Have some towels handy the first few times you try this. It may take a bit of practice to get the placement and water flow just right.
- Paint your keys with nail polish to color-code them. This is a great hack if you have a bunch of similar-looking keys on your key ring. Gel nail polish adheres best to metal keys, but any type of polish will do.[23]
- Store your household cleaners conveniently in a shoe hanger. Hang or attach the shoe hanger to the back of a closet or pantry door, then fill the pockets with your cleaning bottles. Choose a shoe hanger with mesh or clear plastic pockets so you can easily differentiate the cleaning bottles.[24]
- If you have a hanging rod in the closet, get a shoe hanger with hooks.
- For safety, add a lock to the door if there are kids around.
- Try different home remedies to remove permanent marker. Different DIY removers may work better for different materials. Give the following a try:
- For fabric, try hand sanitizer.
- For your skin or for wood surfaces, try rubbing alcohol.
- For painted walls, try hairspray or toothpaste.
- For ceramic or glass, mix 1 part white toothpaste and 1 part baking soda.
- Soak a crusty paintbrush in vinegar for 30 minutes to ease cleaning. After 30 minutes, use a wire brush or paintbrush cleaner to remove the loosened paint. Then, wash the brush with soap and water, rinse it, and let it air dry.[25]
- If you heat the vinegar to nearly boiling in a pot on the stove, you can reduce the soaking time to 10 minutes.
- Reduce the odor of water-based paint with vanilla extract. When painting a room, stir in of vanilla extract per of paint. The vanilla will mask the unpleasant odor of the paint. Essential oils like peppermint work as well.[26]
- This hack doesn't work on oil-based paint, since the vanilla extract or other essential oil creates a solution with the oils in the paint—which may negate the pleasant scent you're aiming for or make the paint smell even worse. The oils aren't soluble with water-based paint, though, so they remain separate and help mask the paint odor.
[Edit]Childcare Hacks - Use a rubber band to keep kids from locking a door. Loop the rubber band over one door knob, make a figure eight over the latch, then loop the free end of the rubber band over the other door knob. Choose a thick, sturdy rubber band that is stretched taut when positioned this way.[27]
- Make a smaller "laundry basket play tub" within your bathtub. Place a standard rectangular laundry basket into the tub as you fill it with water. Put your toddler or small child into the basket, along with their toys. When bathtime is done, just drain the tub and lift out the basket with all the toys inside![28]
- This is not a substitute for an infant bath basin. Use it only for kids who are big enough to bathe in a standard tub.
- Supervise children at all times while bathing.
- Create a child safety bead-bracelet with your phone number on it. Buy a container of colorful bracelet beads and let your child help you thread them onto the bracelet string. Pick out numbered beads and string them on so that they correspond to your phone number.[29]
- You might also want to spell out the child's first name.
- A bracelet is no substitute for proper supervision of a child.
- Use pool noodles to help keep a kid from rolling out of bed. Lay a foam pool noodle along each long edge of the bed, right on top of the mattress. Tuck the fitted sheet over the mattress so that the noodles are held securely in place. The small humps created by the noodles will make it less likely that your child will roll off the edge of the bed.[30]
- Use this as a short-term measure for an occasional problem. Invest in proper bed rails if your child rolls out of bed frequently.
- Trace a kid's feet on paper when you're shoe shopping without them. Instead of having to guess whether a pair of shoes will fit, bring their tracing with you. Trace around both their feet, either barefoot or with socks on. If the shoes you're looking at are larger (but not too much) than the traced outlines, the shoes will fit—at least for a few months![31]
- Use paper cupcake or muffin wrappers to catch drips from frozen treats. Poke the bottom of the wooden stick of your kid's favorite frozen treat—like a Popsicle or ice cream bar—through the bottom of the paper wrapper. Slide the wrapper up to the base of the treat and let it catch all the inevitable drips![32]
- Paper wrappers with foil on the outside work best, but any paper wrapper will do.
[Edit]Tech and Home Office Hacks - Seal your tablet in a zip-close bag if you like to read in the tub. Use a clear, bag with a secure zip closure. Test the bag first by sealing a piece of paper inside and submerging it for 1 minute. If the paper is dry, your tablet should stay dry too![33]
- Play it safe and do your best to keep your tablet dry regardless. Don't try to read underwater!
- Use springs from used pens to strengthen the ends of charger cables. Charger cables tend to kink, bend, and break right near the ends (where they plug into the wall or your device). To protect these sensitive areas, pull apart several old, dried up pens and pick out the springs inside. Wrap the springs around the ends of the cables to give them more protection while still letting them flex somewhat.[34]
- Organize cords at the edge of your desk with binder clips. This is a great hack if your desk is cluttered with several charger cables, printer cables, ethernet cables, and so on. Choose binder clips that are large enough to clip to the edge of the desk, but also small enough (if possible) to keep the head of each cable from falling through the binder clip opening.[35]
- If you can't fit the head of a cord through the binder clip wires, squeeze the sides of each wire to remove them from the clip. Then, squeeze them again to put them back in place after you've pulled the head of the cord through.
- Organize cords using empty toilet paper tubes in a shoebox. For a smaller cord, stand a toilet paper tube up in the box and feed the cord down into the tube. For a larger cord, use the toilet paper tube as a sleeve and slide it over the cord once you've looped it around itself several times.[36]
- Stand your phone upright in a cup, glass, or mug to amplify the volume. If you tend to sleep through your alarm even when it's set to high volume, give this hack a try. Put the phone's speaker (which is usually at the bottom) into the bottom of the cup and get ready for a much louder sound![37]
- You can use this trick to amplify music, but it may take some trial and error to find a cup, glass, or mug that doesn't distort the sound of your favorite tunes.
- Use a cassette tape case as a cheap but sturdy phone stand. Try this hack if you find some old cassette tapes (with their cases) in the attic. Open the case's lid as far as it will go, then lay the case front-side down on your table or desk. The slot in the lid will hold your phone at a great viewing angle.[38]
- Some larger smartphones may not fit into the slot.
[Edit]Miscellaneous Hacks - Carry multiple plastic bags at once with a large carabiner clip. The problem with carrying several plastic shopping bags at once isn't that they're too heavy, but that the handles dig into your hands. Instead, buy a large carabiner clip at a hardware, outdoor, or sporting goods store. Clip both handles of each bag into the carabiner, then carry everything more comfortably by holding onto the carabiner.[39]
- Use snack chips as kindling to help start a fire. Light a loose pile of snack chips on fire, then slowly add wood to build up your campfire. Snack chips are made almost entirely of 2 components—hydrocarbons and fats—that burn readily, so you'll be surprised how quickly and easily they go up in flames.[40]
- Cheesy tortilla chips (like Doritos) work great here, but any type of fried snack chip will do the job.
- Make sure not to eat all your kindling beforehand!
- Hide your valuables on the beach in an empty sunscreen bottle. Your best option is a bottle with a rounded rectangular shape and a large flip-top lid that also twists off. Clean and dry the bottle thoroughly, making sure to get rid of the oily residue on the inside. Then, stick things like your ID and cash inside it.[41]
- Unless there is a sunscreen thief around, your stuff will stay safe!
- Alternatively, you can buy storage containers online that are made to look like real sunscreen bottles.
- Use your phone and a Gatorade (or similar) bottle to make a lantern. Turn on your phone's flashlight tool and lay it down so the light is shining straight up. Place the Gatorade bottle right on top of the light—it's shape will diffuse the light and create a cool lantern.[42]
- Full bottles work better than empty bottles, and liquids with light coloring (like yellow or pale blue) work better than clear liquids.
- These life hacks are by no means the only life hacks out there. Do not be limited by the ones listed here. Make up your own!
[Edit]Warnings - Do not try things that are unsafe. Always use critical thinking and common sense.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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