We know about…
Aluminum Foil – doesn’t play nice with microwaves.
Plastic Containers – One-time use plastic containers — such as yogurt, margarine or sour cream — shouldn’t be used in the microwave. They’re intended just for one time use and aren’t equipped to withstand high heat. The containers could warp or melt in the microwave, which can release chemicals into your food.
But you can’t microwave THESE either:
Chinese Take Out Containers – risk of catching on fire
Paper – Keep paper bags, plastic bags or newspapers out of the microwave. They are not sanitary, may cause a fire, and may emit toxic fumes
Eggs – Don’t let the internet fool you — making hard boiled eggs in the microwave oven is trouble. The rapid heat from the microwaves creates a lot of steam in the egg. The steam has no where to go except to explode out so that’s exactly what it does.
Styrofoam containers – If you are still reheating your take out in these containers, keep this in mind: styrofoam is a type of plastic. And plastic doesn’t play nice in the microwave — unless otherwise marked on the container.
Rimmed plates – Some plates are rimmed with metals, be careful!!
Travel mugs – Many travel mugs are not safe to put in the microwave. If it’s made from stainless steel, don’t nuke it. The stainless steel will block the heat from warming your coffee or tea and can damage your microwave.
If it’s plastic, check the bottom of the mug to see if it’s marked as microwave safe.
Nothing – If you turn the microwave on with nothing in it you’ll probably blow the whole thing. Since there is nothing to absorb the microwaves, like food, the magnetron — the thing that makes the microwave function — ends up absorbing the microwaves and essentially self destructs.
From the Sleep Foundation: here are some tips to help your child ease into his or her school-time sleep schedule and to maintain healthy sleep habits throughout the year:
- About two weeks before school starts, work with your child to return to a school appropriate sleep schedule. Every night, set an incrementally earlier bedtime, and every morning, an incrementally earlier wake-up time. Make sure that when school starts, they’ll wake up with the amount of sleep they need for their age-group.
- Maintain sleep schedule– Once your child’s sleep schedule is established, stick with it! Don’t use the weekend to “catch up on sleep.”
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine.Before bedtime, start a “quiet time” to allow your child to unwind. The routine should include relaxing activities, such as a bath and a bed-time story (for young children) or a reading time (for older children).
- Limit television, video games, and other electronic distractions before bedtime.
- Avoid big meals close to bedtime– a heavy meal may prevent your child from falling asleep.
- Avoid caffeine –sodas and other caffeinated drinks should be limited after noon, and especially at night. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any caffeine six hours before bedtime, as the caffeine can interrupt your child’s natural sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep.
- Maintain a peaceful bedroom environment– dark room, comfortable bed, and a room temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold. Electronic distractions like television, computers, or video games should be removed from your child’s room and set up in a different location.
- Be a role model –Set a good example for your child. Establish your own regular sleep cycle and maintain a home that promotes healthy sleep.
Standing side-by-side with the men’s 100m final at the Rio Olympics (on TV), Anthony Brooks attempts to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the same time… see what happens:
Kim: After boiling your eggs let cool in cold water, when ready to peel , dump out water leave boiled eggs in pot put on lid and shake until egg shells are all cracked , then peel .. The peels just fall off !!
John: You know how when you slice a loaf of bread (yes some of us do), that very often the loaf ends up with the top being wider than the bottom?
Hack: If you turn the loaf on its side, it’s easier to cut a straight slice.
Rebecca: Empty toilet paper tubes make it easy to store napkin rings. Yes, apparently I have an obsession with them, and need something to organize them
Nita: Roll the tortillas up and put them back in the bag then throw them in the freezer. Easy way to get just one or two out of the bag.
More simple tricks to make life WAY easier with these life hacks