30 Hacks to Make it a Happier Holiday!

The holidays can be a super stressful time, so why not utilize some of these 30 hacks to make it a happier holiday. Whether it is a short cut, or a way to prevent or treat injury, these life hacks are sure to help your holiday run a little bit smoother. 

Burning yourself while cooking your holiday meal doesn’t have to ruin your holiday. Spread mustard over the affected area and leave it sit for a couple of minutes, it will help prevent blistering (I have actually tried this, and it works).

When you are frying, sprinkle a little salt in your pan, it will help prevent oil splattering (and hopefully prevent you from having to use tip #1) 😉

Not sure on what to get someone for Christmas?  Tell them you just got their gift, allow them to guess what you got them, and there you go…multiple ideas of things they want.

Throw a dry towel in the dryer with your wet clothes, it will cut your drying time by up to 50%.

The best way to clean a microwave is to put a cup of hot water and vinegar inside, turn it on for 5 minutes and wipe it clean.

Cut open paper towel rolls and use them as a cuff to keep your wrapping paper from unrolling.

Have out-of-town visitors, coming for the holidays? Don’t just send them your address, send them a picture of your house to make it easier to identify.

Is your stomach not happy with you after all the good food, and celebratory drinks? Lie on your left side and rub your stomach in clockwise circles.

Apples are more powerful than caffeine at helping you stay awake, this comes in handy when you are wrapping those presents late at night.

Freeze grapes and use them to cool down wine without watering it down.

When buying bagged lettuce get the flattest bag possible, it will last longer.

Eating your food slowly will help you lose weight, enjoy your food, reduce stress, and lead to better digestion.

When doing your Christmas shopping at Target: if the price ends in an 8-it will be marked down again soon, and if it ends in a 4-it is the lowest price it will ever be.

If you are traveling out-of-town for the Holiday’s and see a semi starting to flash his hazard lights on the highway, it probably means he has to slow down faster than normal due to congestion or an accident, so slow down, or find another route.

Accidentally over salt a dish while it’s still cooking?  Drop in a peeled potato, it absorbs the excess salt.

Stop water from boiling over by resting a wooden spoon across the pan of boiling water.

Prevent your eyes from tearing up when cutting an onion: refrigerate the onion, and then Rub olive oil on your knife before cutting.

Run your bacon under water before cooking. It will prevent shrinking. Bake the bacon in the oven on 375 degrees for approximately 15 minutes.

Want fluffier whiter rice? Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the boiling water before you add your rice.

Put a damp cloth under your cutting board to prevent slipping.

Check the freshness of an egg by putting it in water. If it is fresh it will sink. If it floats to the top toss it.

Easily shred chicken by using your kitchen-aid mixer.

Coat measuring cups and spoons with cooking spray, so stubborn ingredients don’t stick.

When re-heating leftovers: create a center in the middle before re-heating. This helps them heat up more evenly.

Prepare foods ahead of time. Casseroles can be made ahead of time, and baked on the day of.  Make your pies, and freeze them, and then bake on the night before. You can boil and peel your eggs a day or two before.

When making deviled eggs, mash all of your ingredients in a freezer bag, then make a small cut at the bottom corner, and use like a pastry bag-squeezing the contents into your egg whites.

Use a muffin tin to create a condiment bar.

Got a dried on oven spill? Cover the area with baking soda, then pour vinegar over the top. Once it stops foaming wipe clean.

Before doing all your food prep, clean your fridge, and line the shelves with press and seal wrap. This way if anything spills, you can clean it up easily.

Clean your dishwasher-take a 2 cup measuring cup setting it up-right on the top rack of your dishwasher, and then also sprinkle baking soda on your door and the bottom of your dishwasher. Run through a cycle and it is good to go!

Hope you found these tips helpful, and check out these products to further hack your holiday!

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