Helpful General and Miscellaneous Tips

In our daily lives, we all enjoy and appreciate tips that help us to accomplish our daily tasks easier and more efficiently. I am sharing some tips with the hope that it makes life easier for you as well.

Organizational Tips
I have found it helpful to keep a small pocket size notebook in my purse or pocket specifically for general purpose use. How many times have you needed a piece of paper to write down a telephone number, address, etc and end up having only a corner of an envelope or scrap of another important piece of paper to write the desired information? Later, when you need the info, you're lucky if you remember what you wrote on or worse yet, you wonder if you still have that scrap of paper in your possession.

Do you collect website addresses with the intention of reviewing them later for the information offered? Well, make a catalog of website addresses in specially designated notebook. Each time you hear a website of interest mentioned on the radio, TV or written material, write it in your notebook. Later, you can organize the tips into a folder on your computer. Keep the "website notebook" up to date in case your computer crashes!

When going to the stationery store to purchase a card, take your stamps, and addresses with you. You save time by not having to return home to address the envelope. You can go directly from the stationery store to the post office to mail your card. I suggest keep three stamps in your wallet for such purposes. Saves you time and gas.

Cooking Tip
When salad recipe calls for diced boiled egg, a helpful tip is to mash the egg with a fork rather than tediously cutting the egg with a knife. The results are just as good, quality and appearance are not compromised and you have no nicked fingers.

Reduce the amount of sugar required in a recipe and the taste will not be compromised. Doing so will cut down on calories and be much healthier.

Travel Tips
Taking a trip? Pack an apron for use when you are doing a task such as manicuring your nails, polishing shoes to protect your clothing. I have done this for years and an apron is a standard item in my suitcase; it takes up negligible space. If you are visiting family or friends, you can assist with various tasks and not be concerned about spots and stains on your clothing.

Pack a pair of gloves to use when putting on those expensive pantyhose or stockings. The gloves protect against snags and runs caused by your fingernails. Forgot to pack a sweater or extra pair of casual pants? Don't fret. Visit your nearest thrift store in the area you are visiting and you probably can find just what you need at half the price you originally paid. If you don't want to bring it home after your vacation, donate it back to the thrift shop or place it in one of the clothing bins you see in some parking lots.

If you are traveling around in circles, go to the nearest library and use the Internet to map out your route. Most libraries will issue you a temporary card to use the Internet even if you are an out of state resident. Many libraries have a huge map of the vicinity displayed prominently on a wall. Consult the map to help you get your bearings.

General Tips
Do you order catalog items? When you receive your order, carefully cut the package open on one edge of the package. If you need to return the item, turn the bag inside out, place your item in the bag and put a new address label on the package. Recycles the bag and cost of buying a new mailbag!

Purchase a notebook or small accordion portfolio to file your warranties and instruction directions for any appliances or household gadgets you purchase. When you have a question about how to operate the product, you can refer to your file for the information. Don't forget to send in your warranties within the specified period of time to assure that your product is on file for any future servicing.

Place a label on the back of your cell phone or laptop computer listing your telephone number and first name. In case of loss, you have more of a chance of the item being returned.

Purchased the wrong brand of shampoo or don't like the one you have? Don't discard it. Instead, refill your liquid soap dispenser with the shampoo. It's an inexpensive way to make good use of your unwanted shampoo and you are doing your share for recycling!

These tips have made my living easier and I hope the same will be true for you.