Simplify Me with Tips on Sunday...

THE SECRET TO JUICIER WATERMELON SLICES

Place room temp watermelon in the fridge for 30 min. before slicing. This quick chill causes the melons cells to constrict, so the sweet juice stays in the slices instead of running out onto the cutting board..

ENSURE FRESH SMELLING LAUNDRY HAMPERS

To keep odors at bay, pop a few pieces of chalk into a plastic bag and leave it unsealed. Then place the bag at the bottom of the hamper. The chalk absorbs excess moisture in the laundry bin, preventing the buildup of mildew and offensive odors. (Replace the chalk once a month)..


USES FOR ONIONS

WHISK OFF GRILL GRIME EFFORTLESSLY

While the grates are still hot, slice an onion in half and place it cut side down on a flat surface. Insert a metal fork for a handle and use to remove the burnt on grit. Once the grates have cooled, wipe with a damp paper towel. Finish by brushing with a thin coating of vegetable oil so your next cookout cleanup will be a breeze..

MAKE BRASS SPARKLE NATURALLY

Halve a onion and let it simmer on the stovetop in 1 cup of water for 2 hours. After the liquid has cooled, dip a lint free cloth in the solution and use it to buff the brass. Then simply wipe clean with a damp cloth to reveal spotless shine..

SLEEP SOUNDLY EVEN WITH A SUMMER COLD

Chop a fresh onion and place in a clean thin cotton sock. Secure with a twist tie or rubber band and leave on your nightstand overnight. Repeat nightly until your symptoms subside. You will be breathing and feeling better in no time.

TAKE THE ITCH OUT OF MOSQUITO BITES

Rub an onion slice on the mosquito bite spot. The detoxifying sulfur compounds in the bulb neutralize the insect's venom, quickly reducing inflammation and the urge to scratch.


SPEEDY SAVE FOR DRIPPY CANDLES

Can't find your candleholders. For an in a pinch replacement, take an old scratched up CD or DVD and place it shiny side up on your table. Then position a candle in the center of the CD or DVD. The disk will catch drips from the burning candle to protect your table. BONUS: It's mirror like surface will reflect light.

GET MORE BANG FROM YOUR BATTERIES

Fold a small piece of foil several times to form a square. Open the battery compartment and place the foil between the spring and the battery's flat end. This tightens connections, enabling the power to circulate more efficiently.

MAKE ROTISSERIE STYLE CHICKEN AT HOME

Season the chicken and place it upright over the tube of a Bundt pan set inside a roasting pan. Much like a rotisserie, the Bundt pan allows heat to circulate around the bird, searing the skin and locking in the juices..