4. Shove a load in the machine/s.
It doesn’t matter if it finishes or if it even makes it onto the line tonight, the main thing is that it sounds like housework when your other half walks in the house. Enhance the effect by doing both the washing machine and dishwasher at the same time; it’s ‘I’ve had a productive day’ in stereo.
5. Open the windows and let fresh air in.
If the house smells like last night’s meal, then it’s pretty obvious you’ve prepared no dinner tonight. While it doesn’t put meat and three veg on the plate, it might buy you enough time to whip up some sneaky two minute noodles with tuna (for a gourmet touch).