Home Blog Page 50

16 Hidden Features of Google You May Not Know

Michael Klements
-
0
16 Hidden Features of Google You May Not Know

Google is everyone’s go to page for finding something on the internet but did you know that there are a number of built in features to help you with everyday life? Become a master of Google with these useful and some not so useful but more fun tips and tricks for searches you may not know about.

Set A Timer

Easily get a count down timer or stopwatch by typing in set a timer and the time.

set-a-timer

Find The Distance Between Cities

Type in distance between and the names of the two cities, it will display the distance and give you the estimated travel time.

distance-between-cities

Voice Search

Click on the microphone icon next to the search bar and Google will allow you to do a voice search. It will also come up with some witty comments if you ask it anything unusual.

voice-search

Do Basic Geometry Problems

It can help you, or help you to help your child with their geometry homework. Type in solve circle or triangle or rectangle to bring up a calculator with the equations and a diagram.

solve-circle-geometry

Plot Functions

The sames goes for graphs and functions, type in graph for and the equation to bring up a plot of the equation.

plot-graph

Currency Conversions

Get easy currency conversions at the current rate by typing in the amount followed by the three letter symbol for each currency. It will also recognise the more common currencies written out in full.

currency-converter

Tip Calculator

Do you struggle with calculating tips? It has built a tip calculator which allows you to put in your bill amount, the tip percentage and it will even allow you to split the bill and tip between a number of people.

tip-calculator

Normal Calculator

Need to do a calculation in a hurry? Type calculator in for a mini calculator which does trig functions and logarithmic and exponential functions.

calculator

Don’t Miss The Holidays

Don’t miss any holidays again, Google has the dates for all of them. Type in Easter or Thanksgiving and it will give you the date.

holiday-dates

Find Artist, Actor or Author

Use itto find you more movies by a particular actor, songs by an artist or books by an author, simply type in songs by, books by or movies by and the persons name to bring up a full list.

books-by-author

Atari Breakout

Type in Atari breakout for Google’s version of this old game.

atari-breakout

Zerg Rush

Type in zerg rush and you will be greeted with a search page which gets eaten by O’s. Clicking on each O three times destroys them.

zerg-rush

Tilt The Results Page

Search for tilt or askew to bring up a tilted search page.

askew

Do A Barrel Roll

Search for do a barrel roll and the page will spin around once.

barrel-roll

The Answer To Life

Get the answer to life, the universe and everything as made popular by the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

the-answer-to-life-the-universe-and-everything

Retro Google

Searching for Google in 1998 will bring up a retro version of Google as it was in 1998.

retro-google

Do you know of any more hidden features, tips or tricks for Google searches? Let us know in the comments section below.

If you found these tips and tricks useful, have a look at these 5 Secret iPhone codes you probably didn’t know about.

 

Super Easy Strawberry Sorbet

Michael Klements
-
0
Super Easy Strawberry Sorbet

Nothing quite tastes as good as a fresh fruity sorbet for dessert on a hot evening. This recipe for strawberry sorbet is super easy to make using fresh strawberries and it takes less than fifteen minutes.

fresh strawberries

Strawberries by Amy Stephenson

What You Will Need For Strawberry Sorbet

Makes About 1 litre (34oz), Preparation Time 5 Minutes, Freezing Time 10 Minutes in an ice cream maker.

  • 650g (22oz) Fresh Strawberries – Hulled (Tops Removed)
  • 150g (5oz) Sugar
  • 150ml (5oz) Water
  • 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

How To Make Strawberry Sorbet

Add all of the strawberries into a blender and puree until smooth. Don’t puree the mixture too much as you will start to break up the seeds.

In a small saucepan, bring the water to the boil before dissolving the sugar. Add the lemon juice and vanilla and simmer for 2 minutes.

Pour the sugar mixture into the strawberry puree and mix well together. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 8 hours before putting into the ice cream maker. This allows the flavours to fully develope and the mixture to get cold enough for the ice cream maker.

strawberry sorbet ice cream maker

Add the mixture the ice cream maker and follow the directions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture onto a baking sheet and freeze it until set. Break it up and blend in the food processor until smooth. Freeze and blend again for the best consistency.

This recipe freezes well for up to a month. Take it our a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften. You can also use this sorbet as a base for your summer smoothies and avoid having to buy and keep fresh strawberries on hand.

Have you tried or modified this recipe? Let us know in the comments section below.

Cover image: StrawberrySorbet by Star5112. Referenced images used under CC BY 2.0

Why You Should Be Burning Bay Leaves At Home

Michael Klements
-
3
Why You Should Be Burning Bay Leaves At Home

Bay leaves are very commonly used in the kitchen to flavour your favorite dishes however they are very seldom used for anything beyond the kitchen. Have you ever walked in to a yoga or zen studio and been greeted with a particular smell? This smell comes from a traditional art called smudging, it is the process of burning herbs in order to purify a room, similar to incense.

Bay leaves contain pinene, cineol and elemicin compounds which create a stimulating calm effect. Traditionally, it is used as a sedative and anti-inflammatory but it also lowers blood pressure and heart rate when burned.

How To Burn Bay Leaves

Next time you are feeling stressed or in a bad mood, take two or three dried leaves out and light them in the same way you would light incense. Let them burn in a small tin or aluminium baking tray and fill the air with their smoke, make sure the windows and doors are shut or the draft will carry the smoke away. Remember to keep the tray away from anything flammable and do not burn the leaves near a smoke detector. Sit back, relax and allow the herb to make your mind and muscles feel more relaxed.

Another effective way to harness the power of bay leaves is to drink a tea made brewed from a number of bay leaves. Simply put a couple of leaves into a tea strainer, add boiling water to the cup or teapot and allow the tea to steep for two to three minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

Would you like to fill your home with an amazing vanilla, warm Christmas spice or fall fragrance? Try out these simmer pots to make your home smell amazing.

Pin This Tip

start-burning-bay-leaves-pinterest

Image: BayLeaves by Stacy Spensley used and modified under CC BY 2.0

Keep your House Clutter Free with this One Item

Michael Klements
-
0
Keep your House Clutter Free with this One Item

Its easy to keep your house clutter free, just put everything back where it belongs when you’re done using it right? For most of us, that’s easier said than done, there are always small odds and ends lying around which just seem like too much effort to take a trip to the other side of the house or upstairs to pack away. Be it nail polish, a bank card, keys, socks etc, these things quickly accumulate and cause clutter.

How Do I Get Rid Of The Clutter?

The solution is wicker baskets! Try buying two or three of them and leave them in key locations around the house, the ones with the flapping lids are even better as you can’t see that they are full. These baskets have a duel function, they become an interesting decor item and they provide somewhere to temporarily store your odds and ends before taking them upstairs or back across the house. You can also use them to quickly hide away any odds and ends when guests are coming over.

Everytime you do a quick tidy up or see something lying around, place it in the nearest basket. When you then go upstairs again or to the other side of the house, bring the basket with you and swap it with the one already there. Now you simply need to unpack a few items which are already near their “home”, leaving your house clutter free.

You could also leave a basket in each bedroom for toys, clothing, shoes and accessories.

If you’re really particular about keeping your home clean, have a look at these 9 things to do daily to keep a clean home.

Has this idea worked for you? What are your tips and tricks for keeping a clutter free home? Let us know in the comments sections below.

Cover Image: Wicker Basket by Vicky MR modified and used under CC BY 2.0

How to Keep your Orchids Alive for Years

Michael Klements
-
0
How to Keep your Orchids Alive for Years

A lot of people consider orchids to be delicate plants which flower once and have to then be thrown away. Very few succeed in getting and orchid to flower again once they have brought it home and it really isn’t that difficult. Fortunately, trying too hard to keep your orchid alive may very well be what is causing it to die off and this can easily be rectified. Orchids, despite their delicate appearance, do not require a lot of attention or care and in the wild are actually quite hardy plants. Here are some tips to keep your orchid alive and flowering for years to come.

Pick a Hardy Type of Orchid

Orchids come in thousands of varieties with some much more hardy than others. To maximize your chance of success, choose one which fits in with your home’s climate and light conditions. Some examples of varieties which do well indoors are phalaenopsis, oncidiums and paphiopedilums.

Lots of Indirect Light

Orchids need lots of light, but not direct sunlight. Place them in a light room, out of direct sunlight and away from any drafts.

Provide Proper Drainage For Your Orchids

home orchid roots

Orchid Roots by Apium

In the wild, orchids typically grow on tree’s, rocks and amongst other plants. They do not do well when they are planted in potting soil or in closed up pots. They need good drainage in a rough medium like bark chips and pebbles. Allow the roots to almost dry out a little bit between watering so that they are not continuously wet.

Give Them Food

Use a liquid fertiliser mixed with water every third or fourth time you water your orchid to keep them healthy and flowering.

Have you managed to keep an orchid alive in your home for a length of time? Let us know your tips and tricks in the comments section below.

Cover Image: Orchid by Brett Levin. All images used under CC BY 2.0

6 Uses For Hook & Loop Tape

Michael Klements
-
1
6 Uses For Hook & Loop Tape

Hook and look strips, tape and dots can be used to hold almost anything in place and are extremely useful when you need a re-usable “sticky” surface. Here are six places in which they can be put to work in order to simplify your day to day activities.

Hang Up The Remotes

velcro hook and loop dots

Velcro by Scott Lewis

Attach some stick on dots or strips to the back of your TV and satellite remotes and stick the other to the edge, side or underside of your coffee table, couch or cabinet. You now have a useful storage space for your remotes which can be hidden out of the way and you won’t be cluttering up a shelf or drawer.

Children’s Art Wall

Stick some strips in a funky colour onto one of the walls of your children’s room or play room. Now when your child brings home a piece of art, stick a small piece of the corresponding tape onto the back of the artwork and this makes it easy to hang up and easy to remove.

Vertical Spice Rack

Run a strip of tape up one of your walls in your kitchen, then stick a dot of the corresponding tape onto each spice container. You can now simply stick all of your spices onto the wall with ease and free up a shelf. You can also stick a strip to the underside of a cupboard or shelf and a dot onto each lid and hang them up underneath the surface.

Hold Up You Plants

velcro hook and loop ties

Velcro by Lenore Edman

Hook and loop ties are nothing new but are extremely useful around the house. With hooks on the one side and loops on the other, they can be wrapped around the stem of the plant and a supporting rod, pole or stake to hold it up. It is easy to adjust as the plant grows and is reusable. For softer plants, place the loop side (softer side) of the tape on the inside to prevent damaging the stem.

Hide Those Cables

Just like with your plants, the loops can be used to tidy up your cables around your TV cabinet and for your computer desk. Wrap a strip around the cables to bundle them together or hold them up and out of the way.

Outdoor Tablecloths

velcro hook and loop strips

Hook&Loop Fasteners by Richard Masoner

Wind and tablecloths don’t do well together. Keep your table cloth in place by sticking some strips onto the table and sewing the corresponding side onto the tablecloth so that the match up when laid out. Next time you have an outdoor event you can relax knowing that the tablecloth will stay where it is.

Do you have any other uses for hook and loop tape which we haven’t mentioned? Let us know where you’ve used it around the house in the comments section below.

Cover Image: Velcro by Hadley Paul Garland. All images in this post are used under CC BY 2.0.

Things You Should Be Cleaning But Probably Don’t

Michael Klements
-
0
Things You Should Be Cleaning But Probably Don’t

Cleaning is one of those chores which we try and get away with doing the minimum possible. Here is a list of items which are often forgotten about, you’ve probably never cleaned some of these. Most of them don’t need to be cleaned often but you should try and give them a clean once every few months at least.

  • Vacuum filter. When last did you take your vacuum cleaner apart and clean all of the sponges and filters? These can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher (not with the dishes) and will prevent dust from escaping from your vacuum cleaner next time you clean the house.
  • Hairbrush. Have you taken a moment to have a close look at your hairbrush? It is full of tangled hair and dirt. Clean it off occasionally by pulling off the caught hair and washing it with some shampoo.
  • Toothbrush. Although they are used for cleaning, they are not automatically kept clean. Place them into the dishwasher (not the electric toothbrushes) once a week to give them a proper cleaning.
  • Cellphone. Take your phone out of its cover and give it a proper wipe down with a sanitary wipe or a damp cloth. Clean the cover out as well before putting the phone back into it.
  • Scatter cushion covers. How often do you take your scatter cushions out of their covers and give them a wash? Wash them in the machine on a delicate cycle once a month.
  • Keyboard, remote and game controllers. You hands are one of the dirtiest parts of your body and are in daily contact with your keyboard, remote controllers an game controllers. Give these items a wipe down with a strong cleaner at least every second week.
  • Trash cans. We take out the bag but very seldom clean the trash can out properly. Take it out into the garden and give it a hose down with some detergent.
  • Bathroom Vent Fan. The bathroom vent fan runs most of the day and does a great job of collecting dust behind the cover. Remove the cover and filter (in some models) and give them a wash in the dishwasher every few months.
  • Broom. Your broom is used to sweep dust and dirt at least a few times a week but it is likely never cleaned itself. Wash it down with the hose pipe and some detergent once a month.
  • Your car’s steering wheel. Again, the steering wheel is in daily contact with your hands and therefore should be cleaned once a week with a sanitary wipe or cloth.
  • Doormat. People wipe their feet on your doormat every day. Dust it off on a weekly basis to get rid of dirt and dust and give it a full wash once a month.
  • Door handles and locks. Your door handles on your home and car are also touched on a daily basis. Give them a wipe down with a cloth and detergent once a week.
  • Pillows and duvet. We all change our sheets, pillow covers and duvet covers but have you ever washed your pillows and the duvet? Dirt, dust and bacteria work their way through the fibers in the covers and need to be washed out periodically as well. Hand wash them or use the machine on a delicate cycle if your bedding allows it.
  • Household plants. You household plants are not often thought of as something that needs to be cleaned however they too collect dust and there is not rain indoors to wash it off. You get special wipes for household plants which do not damage their leaves.
  • Fans. Your free standing oscillating fans collect dust on the blades and the cage around the blades. Take the cage and blades off of the fan twice a season and wash them in the dishwasher. Make sure that they are properly dry before re-installing them.
  • Dish racks. We put our dish drying racks out and use them on a daily basis but never clean them. These can also easily be added to the dishwasher once a month for a proper clean.
  • The kitchen sponge. Your kitchen sponge sits in a wet dark place for most of the day which is conducive to bacteria growth. Pop them in the microwave for a minute once a week to sterilize or put them in the dishwasher with the dish cycle.

To save some time while cleaning, have a look at these 7 things which can be cleaned in the dishwasher.  And did you know that you can even cook in the dishwasher?

Do you have another other items in your home which are forgotten about? Let us know in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.

Cover Image: Clean by Judith Doyle used under CC BY 2.0

How to Decorate on a Tight Budget and Save

Michael Klements
-
0
How to Decorate on a Tight Budget and Save

Nobody ever has enough money and decorating doesn’t sit very high up on the list of priorities. It is hard to justify spending money on decor, wallpaper, lights and artwork when you have rent, bills and food to pay for. Here are some tips to decorate on a tight budget to give your home a well finished look.

Take a Marker to your Walls

sharpie wall markers

Sharpies by Windell Oskay

This idea may come as a shock to you but it actually yields surprisingly good results with very little cost. Instead of buying wallpaper to decorate and create a feature wall, use some markers or white board crayons to draw on the wall with a stencil. Markers are available in a multitude of colours as well including metallic gold and silver.

The best past is that if you do decide to go back to a blank wall or change the pattern, it can simply be washed off and redone.

Paper is your Friend

homemade paper decor

Paper Hearts by Torley

Use paper wherever possible, it is literally one of the cheapest things you can use. There are a number of decor items which you can make out of paper including paper flowers, wreaths, artwork and lamp shades. Use a variety of paper types and textures for the best effect.

Look Out for Sale Items

buy sale items

Sale by Michael Mandiberg

Hardware stores and home decor stores have massive sales at the end of season and end of product ranges. These items are usually massively discounted and can save you a fortune in decorating your home.

If you are thinking of painting a feature wall or repainting a room, have a look at a few stores and ask around. Paint has a shelf life and expires eventually, any left over stock is usually sold at well below cost just to get rid of it.

Decorate With Homemade Mirrors & Art

designer mirror

You pay a premium for mirrors and artwork in stores, most of which can be easily replicated at home. Here is an easy guide to make your own designer mirror for around a third of the price of a store bought one. You can also buy craft paints and canvases relatively cheaply and paint your own artwork. Take photos of designs and patterns you like in store and copy them at home.

Repurpose Old Furniture

repurpose old furniture

Old French Furniture by French Finds

Thrift stores and garage sales are your friend when it comes to finding additional furniture. Use your imagination, a coat of paint and some new handles can often give on old set of drawers or a shelf a new look. Here is a useful guide and ideas on re-purposing old furniture to create a feature piece on a budget.

Don’t Forget the Thrift Store

shop at the thrift store

Thrift Store by Steve Snodgrass

When last did you go past your local thrift store? There are usually a multitude of hidden gems you can find in a thrift store so always have a look there before going to the home decor store. Here are some things to look for at your local thrift store.

Share these tips and ideas:

how-to-decorate-your-home-on-a-budget

Do you have any more ideas for decorating on a budget? What are some of the gems you have found or made yourself which have made a difference to your homes decor? Let us know in the comments section below.

All reference images used in this post are used under CC BY 2.0

 

 

 

Simple Car Maintenance at the Gas Pump

Michael Klements
-
0
Simple Car Maintenance at the Gas Pump

Next time you’re waiting around for the gas to finish pumping at the gas station, take the time to run through this list of simple maintenance checks. This will help to prevent breakdowns and will extend the life of your car. Whether you are pumping your own gas or having an attendant pump gas for you, this is the perfect opportunity to take a walk around your car and do some checks. Remember to pop the hood before you get out of the car. This lever is usually around your knees or on the floor in the drivers side of the vehicle, there should be details on the location in the owners manual. We also suggest switching on your lights before you get out the car so that you can check that they are working too.

Get out of your car and lets start walking around.

Check The Car Tires

As you walk around your car, check the tires for obvious signs of wear or damage. Worn or damaged tires will need to be replaced or repaired at a dealership as soon as possible to prevent a potential accident. Look for any nails, screws or pieces of metal which may have worked themselves into the tire.

Next check the tire pressure. You can check the pressure with a handheld pressure gauge available from a car maintenance or outdoor shop or you can use the pressure gauge on the inflators at the gas station. Ask an attendant to check the tire pressure for you if you’re unsure, they will usually do it for free.

Check Under the Hood

When you get to the front of the car, open up the hood. Once you have popped the hood from inside the car, there is usually another catch which prevents the hood from opening if the lever is pulled by mistake or not closed correctly. Side your hand under the hood until you feel the lever and then pull it or slide it across to unlatch the hood. Pull the hood up and use the stand to hold it up, some hoods stay up by themselves. If you have any trouble finding the catch or standing the hood up, check the owner’s manual.

First check the battery. Some batteries have a hydrometer (a clear bulb or window) which shows up green when fully charged, yellow when empty and red when damaged. If you have been driving for a while and the battery is not fully charged then there may be a problem with the battery or the alternator. You should have the battery tested at a local battery fitment centre. Also check the terminals for any signs of corrosion (white deposits).

Now check the fluids, particularly the coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid levels. The coolant is usually in a clear bottle in the front near the radiator, the brake fluid is usually a smaller reservoir near the back of the engine and the washer fluid is a large bottle down one side. All of these should have a level indicator on them and details on what product to use will be available in the owners manual.

Lastly check the oil level. There should be a dipstick on one side of the engine block. Pull it out, wipe it off with a piece of tissue and insert it again. Wait a few seconds before pulling it out and check the level. Top up if required.

Check The Lights & Lenses

Lastly, continue your walk around and check if the lights are all working and that none of the lenses are cracked or broken. In some areas you may be fined for driving with a cracked or damaged light. If any lights are not working, it is most likely the bulb that has blown. You can buy a spare at an automotive parts dealer and it is quite easy to change them out yourself.

That’s it, pay for your fuel and you’re ready to go. These simple checks take a few minutes to perform and may help you to one day catch a problem before it turns into a vehicle breakdown or an accident.

Do you have any additional checks which you perform when you’re waiting for gas? Let us know in the comments section below.

Cover Image: Gas Pump by Mike Mozart used under CC BY 2.0

 

 

Uses For Dryer Sheets You Didn’t Know About

Michael Klements
-
1
Uses For Dryer Sheets You Didn’t Know About

Dryer sheets don’t have to be reserved for the dryer, there are a number of ways they can be used around the home as a handy cleaning and freshening supply. Here are some ways in which they can be used which you may not have thought about:

Some Other Uses For Dryer Sheets

  • An air freshener. They are inherently used for their air freshener capabilities, but why limit them to only the dryer? Place the in the car or home, anywhere you have an air vent for leave the room or area smelling fresh. You could also try making a simmer pot for an even more intense household aroma.
  • Shoe fresheners. Cut one in half and place a half in each shoe, the sheets will help absorb the moisture and the smell.
  • A lint remover. Do you have dust, fluff and hair on your favorite jacket? Rub a one over it and the static will pick it all up.
  • Place one in the vacuum bag. One or two in the vacuum cleaner bag will leave the house smelling fresh when you are done cleaning.
  • A disposable dusting cloth. They make great dusting cloths and can easily (and cheaply) be thrown away afterwards. They are especially useful for blinds, shelves and ornaments and are very effective at picking up dust.
  • Freshen your unused clothes. Place a few dryer sheets in between your clothes you seldom wear to keep them smelling fresh.
  • Clean up bug splatter. After your family road trip, clean the bug splatter off your car easily with one.
  • Clean pots and pans. If you have a stubborn mark or stain in the bottom of a pot or pan, try soaking it overnight with water with a dryer sheet placed into it. If that doesn’t work, try this solution for cleaning stubborn pot and pan marks.

Do you have any tips and tricks for using dryer sheets around the house? Let us know in the comments section below.

Share these tips:

8 uses for dryer sheets

Main Image: DryerSheets by Mike Mozart used and modified under CC BY 2.0.
1...495051...62Page 50 of 62