My all-time best Life Hacks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hooks instead of bars to hang up towels in the bathroom and coats in the entryway. So small, yet such a big difference in things actually getting hung up. And if the entryway is clean, other messes don't sprout as fast.

One place to put keys. Always. Every time. Immediately after coming in the house.

Emergency key in a combination lock box outside the house

I like this idea. Then you don't need to give your house key to your neighbors.

Agree. What's the set up on this? Where do you keep it?

I'm not pp but I keep mine on the inside of the fence. I can reach it but it's not visible unless you're really looking

[Anonymous]

Buy presents for kids' friends' parties ahead of time on Amazon and keep downstairs in a present closet.

Lay out clothes the night before work.

Spend commute time listening to books on tape, music, or having quiet time to relax me.

Make lists to stay organizing. Write myself letters/emails with lists or working through issues when I am worried.

Giving up on perfection.

[Anonymous]

Don't waste emotional capital arguing for the "best" outcome when there is a general consensus on "reasonable".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Buy rotisserie chickens from Costco. I pull all the meat off the bone and separate them into freezer bags. (I get about 5 bags per chicken.) Then I use the frozen cooked chicken for quick dinners (stir fry, pasta, etc.) I use the chicken carcass to make chicken stock for soup. All for $5 per chicken at Costco.

Do you go to the Gaithersburg Costco by chance? 'Cause there hasn't been one occasion that I've bought that chicken where it hasn't been crazy undercooked - like pink, pink and still bloody. And it always had a raw-ish smell to it. I stopped buying it for that reason.

[Anonymous]

Keep the county newspapers and coupon papers from the mail, tear into strip for toilet paper when out shopping, so you are never in that "uh oh" situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Buy presents for kids' friends' parties ahead of time on Amazon and keep downstairs in a present closet.

Lay out clothes the night before work.

Spend commute time listening to books on tape, music, or having quiet time to relax me.

Make lists to stay organizing. Write myself letters/emails with lists or working through issues when I am worried.

Giving up on perfection.

I do this also. I keep a stash of things that I find on sale or otherwise get a good deal on (40% off Michaels coupons,etc.) for birthday parties.

Some of my life hacks:

If not using an entire can of tomato paste, freeze it flat in a ziploc bag and break pieces off as needed.

Save heels of bread (because no one in my house will eat them) to make bread crumbs with: toast, then put in a food processor with herbs and spices of your choice (I do oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder and sage) and store in the freezer.

When making pesto, freeze extras in an ice cube tray then transfer to a freezer bag for storage.

When making crockpot pulled pork, freeze extras in a muffin pan and then transfer to freezer bag for storage (each muffin tin portion is a perfect single serving)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Keep the county newspapers and coupon papers from the mail, tear into strip for toilet paper when out shopping, so you are never in that "uh oh" situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I think hack I think taxi. Life hacks is a stupid phrase trying hard to be cool not catching on but I'll play.

Bought a hair dryer stand. Should have bought it years ago. Works great.

Bought an induction cooktop. LOVE IT.

Bought a Gotham steel pan. O M G. It really works. Buying the square one tonight.

Wow, seriously? I've been on the fence. But now I may have to try it!

[Anonymous]

Baby wipes. Clean off makeup, remove stains, disinfect hands, clean tables, and does an incredible job cleaning dirty butts of all ages. Just don't flush them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Buy rotisserie chickens from Costco. I pull all the meat off the bone and separate them into freezer bags. (I get about 5 bags per chicken.) Then I use the frozen cooked chicken for quick dinners (stir fry, pasta, etc.) I use the chicken carcass to make chicken stock for soup. All for $5 per chicken at Costco.

Do you go to the Gaithersburg Costco by chance? 'Cause there hasn't been one occasion that I've bought that chicken where it hasn't been crazy undercooked - like pink, pink and still bloody. And it always had a raw-ish smell to it. I stopped buying it for that reason.

Yikes! That's disgusting. I hope you told management. I go to the Pentagon City store . worst traffic, worst selection, but hey the chicken's cooked!

[Anonymous]

Coconut oil for makeup remover. Removes even waterproof makeup like a charm, and is good for your skin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Before I can tomatoes, rhubarb, beans, carrots, okra, squash and zucchini, I pick them off them vines.

Excellent advice! Thanks for this one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I think hack I think taxi. Life hacks is a stupid phrase trying hard to be cool not catching on but I'll play.

Bought a hair dryer stand. Should have bought it years ago. Works great.

Bought an induction cooktop. LOVE IT.

Bought a Gotham steel pan. O M G. It really works. Buying the square one tonight.

Wow, seriously? I've been on the fence. But now I may have to try it!

Me too!

[Anonymous]

Keep a ziploc bag of Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupons in my glove compartment. (I realized I was always leaving them at home, and since I have to drive to get there.

[Anonymous]

Instant pot.

Coconut oil on subscribe and save. I use it to cook, as lube, constipation cures, lotion, makeup remover.*

*Not necessary listed in order of importance.