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Family Life Hacks: Giftcards, Microwaves & Jelly

Apr 19, 2017 08:17AM ● By Press Release

If you’re like me, it seems as though there’s never enough time in the day to do everything that needs to be done. That’s why I’m always looking for better ways to do things. If I can Hack It, I will and here are a few of my favorites that can save you both time and money.  

Get Cash For Those Unused Christmas Gift Cards

Giftcards are quite a racket. Since 2008, an estimated $973 billion worth of them have gone unused. If you’re still hanging on to a few Giftcards that you received last Christmas or even the Christmas before last, it’s pretty doubtful you’ll use them at all. So why not turn them into cash? Visit one of the many online gift-card exchanges like CardCash.com or CardPool.com. There are many to choose from but do your homework to get the best and safest deals.  

Spread Smoother Jelly 

A knife is just not the best utensil for spreading jelly, butter, or cream cheese onto bread. The back of a spoon is better. First, its larger surface area distributes the pressure, so it’s less likely to tear the bread. Second, when you need to scoop into the container for more jelly—well, it’s a spoon.

Unstick Gum From Clothing

Freeze it. Once you’ve frozen the garment (and the gum), the goo pops right off.

Get The Ketchup Out Of The Bottle Scientifically

How do you get the ketchup out of the bottle? Instead of banging on the bottom, it’s faster and cleaner to use centrifugal force. Hold the bottle at the bottom. Make sure the top is on securely. Swing your straight arm in a big circle. Instantly, the ketchup flies to the top of the bottle. OR, just buy your ketchup in a squeeze bottle!

Easily Clean Your Microwave  

Put a microwave-safe bowl half full of water in your microwave; turn it on high for five minutes. Open the door carefully after a few minutes (it’s hot!), and wipe with a paper towel.

That’s how you steam-blast the oven’s walls to loosen up caked-on exploded food, like spaghetti sauce.

Clean the Blender Faster

Fill the blender jar halfway with water, squirt in a little liquid dish detergent—and then turn it on and off a few times. Rinse, and you’re done!

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