Comfort
If you want comfortable heels, go for dance shoes. They offer better support and stability than regular shoes, helping prevent injuries and foot deformities. Made from leather or breathable fabric, they come in countless colors and styles. They aren’t cheap, but definitely worth the investment.
The Key
I’m not messy, but I used to lose my keys all the time. I once heard a comedian say there are two types of people: the “placer,” who puts things down carefully, and the “loser,” who misplaces them. Since then, I’ve consciously become a “placer” — and it’s helped a lot.
Broth Cubes
Homemade broth cubes! It’s a bit of work, but worth it since there are no preservatives and it costs almost nothing. I save vegetable scraps like onion, cucumber, carrot, celery, mushrooms, green onions, etc. in the freezer. Once I have a good amount, I boil them in a pot with water. After boiling, I strain the liquid and reduce it by simmering. I season with salt (and pepper or other spices if I want), then blend if needed. I spoon the mixture onto parchment paper to cool. When firm enough to cut, I cube it, store the pieces in a sealed plastic bag, and keep them in the freezer. When you need a cube, just grab one and you’re set.
Notes
Opening notes on my phone takes too many taps, so I write them in Messenger instead. Not sure how many people know this, but I only recently discovered you can send messages to yourself on Messenger. Now it’s my little notepad—and it’s even better because I can paste links there.
Upside Down
Store coconut milk and canned beans upside down to avoid having to scrape out the thick residue that settles at the bottom.
Reviews
When ordering online, always read the negative reviews first. Positive feedback is easy to fake, so complaints are more telling. If people mainly complain about shipping, packaging, or damage, the product is probably good. But if many unhappy customers criticize the product itself, that’s a red flag.
Ventilation
I’ve worked in hospitality, phone support, and computer repair. If someone wants to yell at you over any grievance, let them. Whether it’s a customer, your mom, partner, boss, or friend, let them vent. Most of the time, that’s all they need. If you add, “I’m sorry, that sounds really frustrating,” you’ll instantly win their heart because you understand.
The Set
When I wash a bedding set, I put the dried sheet and duvet cover inside one of the pillowcases. This way, I don’t have to hunt for matching pieces—I just grab the whole bundle from the closet.
Healing Warmth
If a mosquito bite itches, hold a spoon under hot water, then press the warm spoon (as hot as your skin can handle) on the bite. The heat breaks down the protein causing the itch. For mild allergic rashes, blow warm air on the area with a hairdryer for a few minutes. The warmth feels soothing and stops the itch for hours.
Rolling
Roll an orange a few times on the table with your hand before peeling—it makes peeling easier. This trick works for lemons and limes too, helping you squeeze out more juice.
Against Pet Hair
Instead of a lint roller, a rubber glove works wonders for removing pet hair. Medical or cleaning gloves are fine—just make sure they’re rubber. Put one on, wet it under the tap, and smooth it over furniture or clothes to lift off lint and hair. It’s super effective and free!
