Boiling water or using a microwave to cook instant oatmeal is fast and easy, but some people don't have a microwave, and some don't like the cost of the small packets of instant oatmeal. Stovetop oatmeal can burn, and if you're using steel-cut oats, it can take too long to cook on a busy morning. Try making oatmeal in your slow cooker. If you don't own a slow cooker, you can use a rice cooker on the porridge setting.

Here's a basic recipe for slow cooker oatmeal:
4 cups water
1/2 cup milk
1 cup steel-cut oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Put all ingredients in a glass bowl that will fit in your slow cooker, then fill to near the top of the bowl with water. It takes about 2 minutes to assemble. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. -- M.F., Canada

Baking soda use:

I have strong body odor from a hormone imbalance and have struggled with it for years. I have cut out all kinds of foods, including certain vegetables and spices, and saltwater seafood. I've tried many hygiene products in the shower over the years, to limited success, and I really had to shower twice per day. Recently I put soap on my mesh scrubbie, then added a teaspoon of baking soda and showered as normal. The suds were doubly amazing, but then, a miracle: My body odor vanished almost immediately, and it was gone for the entire day! I don't need to shower twice per day anymore.
Many of my friends have tried it and are shocked at how well it works. And it is so cheap! Now when I bathe, in goes 1/4 cup baking soda, too! It also works on stinky feet. The most remarkable change baking soda made is in my confidence. I no longer worry about standing too close to people.
I also add baking soda to the wash cycle for underwear and other clothing that holds body oils. They can be difficult to clean without extremely hot water, which is damaging to fine garments. My clothes are so clean and fresh now! I also found the best deodorant is hydrogen peroxide. It kills surface bacteria just as well as baking soda. I fill a small spray bottle and spritz away after my shower. -- Hannah, email

Thread a needle:

Spray your thumb and forefinger with some hairspray, rub them together, then roll the end of the thread in between. Enough hairspray gets on the tip of the thread to stiffen it and capture the fuzzy bits so you can thread the needle. -- Margery, Canada

Another needle-threading tip:

Pinch the thread between your thumb and forefinger, then hold it in place as you use your other hand to put the eye of the needle over the thread, rather than trying to put the thread through the stationary needle. So much easier! -- Dee, New York

 

photo by thebittenword