Life Hacks

Life hacks lifestyle

3 ways with ginger

• If you’re making sweet potato mash, give it an extra kick by grating a thumb-size piece of ginger, frying it with a knob of butter for a couple of minutes and then mashing this into the sweet potato once they’ve been boiled.

• For an alternative pudding, add grated ginger and the juice of a lime to fresh pineapple slices and serve with some Greek yoghurt and muscavado sugar.

• Make a smoothie! Mix 1 banana, 2 apples, 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk and ½ inch of peeled ginger to a blender. If you put the apples in the freezer ½ hour before making, it will help make the smoothie cold!

Save on fuel! Did you know you can save up to 30% on fuel by limiting how often you brake? By thinking about ahead and anticipating when you should be using gears to slow down gradually, you’ll be more fuel-efficient!

KEEP SPIDERS AT BAY

Use natural spider deterrents Spiders detest the smell of citrus fruits, so try placing slices of fresh lemon or lime or rubbing the peel across your windowsills and doors as a natural bug repellent. If lemon isn’t the scent for you, you could also try some essential oils, like peppermint, cinnamon or tea tree oil to keep the spiders away. Alternatively, a water and vinegar spray will have a similar effect, especially when applied into any cracks or crevices in your home that spiders are likely to lurk and want to lay their eggs.

Keep windows closed Spiders are typically nocturnal creatures that aim to search out a warm atmosphere once the sun sets in order to find food and mating opportunities. If you, or anyone else you live with, is in the habit of keeping a bedroom window open, it might be worth relying on a fan to stay cool at night instead.

Stay on top of your cleaning Spiders are looking for bugs and flies that they can eat, and these are not going to be as present in a house that is as clean and tidy as possible. By keeping up to date on your dusting and hoovering, you are not only going to keep cobwebs at bay, you are also keeping spiders food options to a minimum.

Keep areas of bright light to a minimum Whilst spiders themselves aren’t attracted to the light (preferring darker and colder spots), the food they prey on are. So, keeping your garden lights switched off and your blinds or curtains shut to block out your home's appeal will help to reduce the number of spiders making their way to your windows and doors.

Get a cat Whilst we’re not suggesting for one second buying yourself a cat for the pure reason of keeping spiders out of your home, if welcoming a feline friend has been something you’re considering, then the fact they are masters at spotting and catching spiders is just one of the many benefits of welcoming one into your family!