It was one of those momentous weeks, like fitting a decades-old epic into a 90 minute film. It began with the removal of a benign skin blemish, traversing to Newport, Rhode Island, to report on a story (stay tuned), and the continual saga of our home’s remodel. Through it all I learned anecdotal change-your-life hacks.
Everyday Life Changing Hacks
- Preserve Berries with a Vinegar Solution: I read on my homepage a chef’s tip on how to preserve strawberries, widely known to be susceptible to that cocoon-like mold. She recommends a solution of one part water to three parts white vinegar, which removes bacteria. I discovered that the concoction isn’t exclusive to strawberries but all berries.
- Best Position for a Beach Umbrella: It’s part of the beach setup rigmarole, drilling your umbrella into the sand with the inevitable fear it will fly away despite using the kid’s shovel to dig deep enough to hit water. After a few tumbles that almost whacked our neighbors, we surrendered to leaving the umbrella on its side. This provided ample shade and less work.
- Itchy Stitches: The sting of an itch plays on the angel vs. devil shoulder dilemma but when it occurs from stitches the stakes are high. Succumbing to the discomfort could lead to another visit to the dermatologist. A simple solution is to apply a cold compress on the area, ideally over clothing, which not only alleviates the itch but also gave a refreshing tinge of coolness during an unseasonably hot week.
- Be Your Own Contractor: Home renovations can make you feel like a walking cash machine between the escalating prices and cost of materials. Observe how your contractor works and see if you can pickup any tips, which is far more on point than a DIY video.
