#5, YES!! I used to be so scared of the dentist because of a horrible (near-death!) experience I had 10+ years ago. When I had tooth pain and knew I had to confront my fear, I decided to tell the assistant that I was VERY afraid and told her my experience. The assistant and dentist treated me like I was precious cargo but not in a condescending way. The assistant literally held my hand (lol) and the dentist narrated everything she was doing. When I left, I actually cried and wrote the NICEST review b/c I knew so many people had dental fear like me.
The next time I went in, the entire staff was like "YOU WROTE THAT REVIEW!" and now, years later, I am (excited!) to go to the dentist b/c everyone is so nice and she still treats me like her best friend. Once, the hygienist was being a little condescending to me and the dentist said, "Give her a break! It's not that big a deal" AND when I recently had oral surgery, she called to check on me!!!
Write the review!!
P.s. For you both, and anyone in the Boston area, Dr Lally & Dr Dautaj on College Ave in Somerville (between Tufts and Davis Sq.) Dr. Dautaj (Dow-tie) is my baby girl, but both are the best!!
Love the review tip but also telling the doctor when you’re scared is a sub-hack! Despite my instinct to put on a brave face, when I make a point to articulate my fear in these moments and find it is always treated with so much compassion.
OK sheets.new is a game changer. Right up there with Ctrl+K for link insertion. But, just a gentle reminder that a few of these hacks rely a lot on race and gender privilege: anytime you think "I've never been questioned doing X" you are...probably white. And likely dress a certain way. I have thought about this often as I (also a WW with a certain presentation) have used hotel lobbies as offices, bathrooms, and places go charge my phone or computer on the go. Same goes for airport behavior. Is it a hack or is it white privilege? Worth asking the Q.
I use Ctrl+K all day long. And a very heartfelt thank you for this comment — you are absolutely right that being welcomed/unquestioned in certain spaces and/or ways is contingent on privilege. I read this Esquire essay a few years ago about flying first-class as a black person (https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a39008063/first-class-travel-racism-essay/) and will be coming back to it tonight. Thanks again Jess xx
You’re completely right, Jessica — I really appreciate your gentle reminder here. I know that I (unfortunately) so often still take my white privilege (and class privilege, etc.) for granted, and need to continue to be knowledgeable and aware. Thank you 💛
Love this list! Highly recommend buying essential oils and dropping it onto the wool balls to add scent to dried clothes. Makes it feel so much more luxe!
Having travel-ready go bags have been a life changer! I have a pouch with a 2nd set of all the cables and chargers I need so all I have to do is throw it in my bag instead of scrambling to find things and eventually leaving something behind. Same goes for my toiletries bag. I always keep a 2nd stash of travel sized items so there’s less things for me the remember. Anything to remove more friction in my life is a plus (but don’t get me started on wireless payments. So easy and soooo dangerous haha)
These are both *incredible* hacks! I love anything that makes an errand feel more glamorous/pleasurable. And the travel bag is a great use case for all those little Sephora/hotel/etc. toiletries I pick up and never know what to do with...
Last: Agreed, wireless payments work a little too well.
I put my family/friends' major accomplishments or life events into my google calendar with a yearly reoccurrence so I remember to reach out on those days. Depending on the person/level of friendship, these include: the day a friend found out they were cancer-free (NED), a loved one's death, wedding anniversary, new job, etc. I also try to put in one-off days when they tell me something big is going to happen- back to work after maternity leave, a big presentation/work event etc. I am extremely forgetful (hi ADHD) so these reminders help me be a better friend.
Create a list of go-to gifts per occasion in your notes so you don’t need to think about it when ordering something for a college grad or 3 year old birthday.
Love this one! I recently started doing this — and also made a wishlist for myself ☺️ It’s made it soo much easier to respond when a family member asks what I might want for my birthday.
heat your travel mug with warm water then dump it out right before you put your cofeee in. That way, your coffee doesn’t cool down when you put it in !
This doesn't always work, but when it does it's BRILLIANT - if you're flying as a two, book the window and the aisle of the same row. People are unlikely to book the middle if they can avoid it. Worst case scenario - someone else goes in the middle and you have to ask if they'd mind moving so you can sit together. Best case scenario - three seats for the two of you! Did this London - Tokyo recently and it was amazing!
My hill to die on: Mobile Passport is 100000x better than Global Entry and it’s 1) free 2) no sign up period 3) easy 4) always has a shorter line than Global Entry. I have Global Entry and NEVER USE IT because Mobile Passport is king.
It was bought by the government a few years ago, and some people thought it was gone. It’s not. You just have to re-download the app CPB MPC (customs and border patrol mobile passport control).
Also, sometimes it’s not clear where the Mobile Passport line is. ASK AN AIRPORT EMPLOYEE, DON’T GIVE UP. It’s usually by the diplomats line, or sometimes they will just let you use that line!
Thank goodness for your expertise 🙏🏼 I have never paid for Global Entry, but always frantically re-download Mobile Passport…and I appreciate you for now validating my choices! lol.
1) hotel fitness centers usually have filtered water / water bottles / fruit! I work out in them but also swing by daily to refill my water bottle for free!
2) this excellent container for putting medication in for travel. Keeps everything organized and beats a plastic bag. I also label each compartment so I know what is what https://a.co/d/80EGDbf
3) similar to old underwear take old running shoes when traveling and use them for running / working out and then chuck them before you are packing to return! I always have 1-2 pairs of running shoes at a time so this helps me cull the herd.
I take a pic of my shipping receipts and write what they were for on the image. Then I add all of them to a folder on my phone. When I’m trying to track the status of a return, it makes it much easier to find the specific return!
Similarly, I have folders on my email for the stores I order from most often, and a generic 'online shopping' folder for everything else. When I get 'your order is on the way' email updates I just throw into the folders. I work retail and when people scroll and scroll there inbox to look for the email receipt I always want to suggest it, but don't want to sound condescending.
THIS LIST! 🙌 Love #9 (opening the chip bag from the bottom to get the seasonings). I have 2 hacks:
- Based off #10/11 (Phone catchups w/friends): I'd read an article about quick 8-minute phone calls and how they're better than nothing. To make it even easier, my friend and I talk on the 8th of each month for 8 minutes and in that time, schedule a plan to see each other. I even have in my calendar on the 8th, "Talk with Alex for 8 minutes and make a plan."
- Based off of #18 (trying tattoos): There's an AMAZING website called inbox.com where you can custom design a tattoo you're thinking about and they'll send it to you, and it'll last for 2 weeks! (They also have designs readily available.) I designed a custom one and tried it out - it looked perfect!
#4 - I love using this hack. on a different note, you don't have to put your carry on toiletries in a plastic baggie. (I dont know, i saw friends still doing this, I haven't for years and no one has ever questioned me?)
#30 - my husband does this with shoes. seriously. like still comfortable shoes that he knows are on the outs. frees up so much room in a bag!
haha yes! i remember 10 years ago breezing through pre check, sitting at the bar with a half drank beer and 5 friends stumbled in through the longest line. every single one got pre check after that trip!
in paris (and other EU airports) they MAKE you put it in a plastic baggie! i just ended up putting my bag in the plastic bag and that worked. they were ruthless.
i hadn’t used one in years either, but last year we flew through CDG and on the way home they made me take out my liquid foundation and put it in the baggie, too, to make sure it fit. i ended up saving the plastic baggie for another trip to italy that year just in case, haha.
#5, YES!! I used to be so scared of the dentist because of a horrible (near-death!) experience I had 10+ years ago. When I had tooth pain and knew I had to confront my fear, I decided to tell the assistant that I was VERY afraid and told her my experience. The assistant and dentist treated me like I was precious cargo but not in a condescending way. The assistant literally held my hand (lol) and the dentist narrated everything she was doing. When I left, I actually cried and wrote the NICEST review b/c I knew so many people had dental fear like me.
The next time I went in, the entire staff was like "YOU WROTE THAT REVIEW!" and now, years later, I am (excited!) to go to the dentist b/c everyone is so nice and she still treats me like her best friend. Once, the hygienist was being a little condescending to me and the dentist said, "Give her a break! It's not that big a deal" AND when I recently had oral surgery, she called to check on me!!!
Write the review!!
P.s. For you both, and anyone in the Boston area, Dr Lally & Dr Dautaj on College Ave in Somerville (between Tufts and Davis Sq.) Dr. Dautaj (Dow-tie) is my baby girl, but both are the best!!
Love the review tip but also telling the doctor when you’re scared is a sub-hack! Despite my instinct to put on a brave face, when I make a point to articulate my fear in these moments and find it is always treated with so much compassion.
so true! no need to look brave, people want to help more often than not!
love this!
OK sheets.new is a game changer. Right up there with Ctrl+K for link insertion. But, just a gentle reminder that a few of these hacks rely a lot on race and gender privilege: anytime you think "I've never been questioned doing X" you are...probably white. And likely dress a certain way. I have thought about this often as I (also a WW with a certain presentation) have used hotel lobbies as offices, bathrooms, and places go charge my phone or computer on the go. Same goes for airport behavior. Is it a hack or is it white privilege? Worth asking the Q.
I use Ctrl+K all day long. And a very heartfelt thank you for this comment — you are absolutely right that being welcomed/unquestioned in certain spaces and/or ways is contingent on privilege. I read this Esquire essay a few years ago about flying first-class as a black person (https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a39008063/first-class-travel-racism-essay/) and will be coming back to it tonight. Thanks again Jess xx
You’re completely right, Jessica — I really appreciate your gentle reminder here. I know that I (unfortunately) so often still take my white privilege (and class privilege, etc.) for granted, and need to continue to be knowledgeable and aware. Thank you 💛
Love this list! Highly recommend buying essential oils and dropping it onto the wool balls to add scent to dried clothes. Makes it feel so much more luxe!
Having travel-ready go bags have been a life changer! I have a pouch with a 2nd set of all the cables and chargers I need so all I have to do is throw it in my bag instead of scrambling to find things and eventually leaving something behind. Same goes for my toiletries bag. I always keep a 2nd stash of travel sized items so there’s less things for me the remember. Anything to remove more friction in my life is a plus (but don’t get me started on wireless payments. So easy and soooo dangerous haha)
+1 for this! Truly a sanity saver.
These are both *incredible* hacks! I love anything that makes an errand feel more glamorous/pleasurable. And the travel bag is a great use case for all those little Sephora/hotel/etc. toiletries I pick up and never know what to do with...
Last: Agreed, wireless payments work a little too well.
Yes to the toiletries bag!! Has made a huge difference with packing :)
another contact notes one!: put in friends' food allergies/preferences and addresses, so you don't have to embarassingly ask again and again!
YES. And now that we're talking, home addresses!
yes you can also save their birthdays to their contact and it’ll auto populate in your calendar as well
I put my family/friends' major accomplishments or life events into my google calendar with a yearly reoccurrence so I remember to reach out on those days. Depending on the person/level of friendship, these include: the day a friend found out they were cancer-free (NED), a loved one's death, wedding anniversary, new job, etc. I also try to put in one-off days when they tell me something big is going to happen- back to work after maternity leave, a big presentation/work event etc. I am extremely forgetful (hi ADHD) so these reminders help me be a better friend.
Create a list of go-to gifts per occasion in your notes so you don’t need to think about it when ordering something for a college grad or 3 year old birthday.
Ok tell us your list!! 🤣
+1 Jojo hehe
Love this one! I recently started doing this — and also made a wishlist for myself ☺️ It’s made it soo much easier to respond when a family member asks what I might want for my birthday.
heat your travel mug with warm water then dump it out right before you put your cofeee in. That way, your coffee doesn’t cool down when you put it in !
Ooooh this is going to save me from a lot of lukewarm cups...
This doesn't always work, but when it does it's BRILLIANT - if you're flying as a two, book the window and the aisle of the same row. People are unlikely to book the middle if they can avoid it. Worst case scenario - someone else goes in the middle and you have to ask if they'd mind moving so you can sit together. Best case scenario - three seats for the two of you! Did this London - Tokyo recently and it was amazing!
Oh wowww. I cannot believe I’ve gone 33 years without trying this!
YES. I love this hack. it has always worked for us!
My hill to die on: Mobile Passport is 100000x better than Global Entry and it’s 1) free 2) no sign up period 3) easy 4) always has a shorter line than Global Entry. I have Global Entry and NEVER USE IT because Mobile Passport is king.
It was bought by the government a few years ago, and some people thought it was gone. It’s not. You just have to re-download the app CPB MPC (customs and border patrol mobile passport control).
Also, sometimes it’s not clear where the Mobile Passport line is. ASK AN AIRPORT EMPLOYEE, DON’T GIVE UP. It’s usually by the diplomats line, or sometimes they will just let you use that line!
Thank goodness for your expertise 🙏🏼 I have never paid for Global Entry, but always frantically re-download Mobile Passport…and I appreciate you for now validating my choices! lol.
Okay I need to look into this
Same
god this LIST! adore. I have nothing to add. Only 33 things to learn.
A couple more travel hacks from me:
1) hotel fitness centers usually have filtered water / water bottles / fruit! I work out in them but also swing by daily to refill my water bottle for free!
2) this excellent container for putting medication in for travel. Keeps everything organized and beats a plastic bag. I also label each compartment so I know what is what https://a.co/d/80EGDbf
3) similar to old underwear take old running shoes when traveling and use them for running / working out and then chuck them before you are packing to return! I always have 1-2 pairs of running shoes at a time so this helps me cull the herd.
This fitness center water tip is 🔥🔥!
I take a pic of my shipping receipts and write what they were for on the image. Then I add all of them to a folder on my phone. When I’m trying to track the status of a return, it makes it much easier to find the specific return!
Similarly, I have folders on my email for the stores I order from most often, and a generic 'online shopping' folder for everything else. When I get 'your order is on the way' email updates I just throw into the folders. I work retail and when people scroll and scroll there inbox to look for the email receipt I always want to suggest it, but don't want to sound condescending.
THIS LIST! 🙌 Love #9 (opening the chip bag from the bottom to get the seasonings). I have 2 hacks:
- Based off #10/11 (Phone catchups w/friends): I'd read an article about quick 8-minute phone calls and how they're better than nothing. To make it even easier, my friend and I talk on the 8th of each month for 8 minutes and in that time, schedule a plan to see each other. I even have in my calendar on the 8th, "Talk with Alex for 8 minutes and make a plan."
- Based off of #18 (trying tattoos): There's an AMAZING website called inbox.com where you can custom design a tattoo you're thinking about and they'll send it to you, and it'll last for 2 weeks! (They also have designs readily available.) I designed a custom one and tried it out - it looked perfect!
Ok this is the nudge I need to leave Google reviews!! Also love the old underwear tip. Also maybe I will finally try Too Good To Go!
Hotel bathrooms for the win!😅
Love a boughie bathroom
This is such a terrific list!
#4 - I love using this hack. on a different note, you don't have to put your carry on toiletries in a plastic baggie. (I dont know, i saw friends still doing this, I haven't for years and no one has ever questioned me?)
#30 - my husband does this with shoes. seriously. like still comfortable shoes that he knows are on the outs. frees up so much room in a bag!
Same! I keep all my toiletries in a toiletries case and…always good. I have pre-check too, so I don’t even have to remove it at security.
haha yes! i remember 10 years ago breezing through pre check, sitting at the bar with a half drank beer and 5 friends stumbled in through the longest line. every single one got pre check after that trip!
Game changer.
in paris (and other EU airports) they MAKE you put it in a plastic baggie! i just ended up putting my bag in the plastic bag and that worked. they were ruthless.
Ha! That’s ridiculous they made you do that!! Not my experience at EU airports but I better not jinx myself. 😊
i hadn’t used one in years either, but last year we flew through CDG and on the way home they made me take out my liquid foundation and put it in the baggie, too, to make sure it fit. i ended up saving the plastic baggie for another trip to italy that year just in case, haha.
This happened to me in CDG last week! I saved the baggie in the suitcase I use for international trips.
Oh my gosh ok good to know!!