Just a note to be very careful with the old underwear/shoes hacks. That can work if you're traveling to a country with equal or better waste disposal practices than your home country. It is *not* super cool if you're travelling to places less developed or more swamped with trash than your own home because you're effectively dumping trash (and the cost and long-term storage side effects of that) on people who don't have the resources to handle it. (This is a critique I've seen people, particularly people of color, voice frequently in response to this idea, so please go look for their input if you're looking for more info)
When stores ask for you birthday, about 1/2 the time, I give my *half birthday*, so 6 months into the year I get a little reward or treat from certain shops!
In the past several years, I have forgone my typical souvenirs from big trips, and I now purchase perfume that, when I wear it at home, takes me back to that vacation.
Thank you so much for the mention! Not sure if it's a glitch on my end, but the link to the temp tattoo is directed to an email service. Is it supposed to be inkbox.com?
I live by the kitchen scissors! I have one pair on each side of the kitchen 🤣 another environmentally friendly suggestion:
If you need to use a dry cleaner, ask them if they offer a reusable bag option. I only go a few times per year, but mine had a reusable bag for $5 to wrap my finished items in instead of plastic wrap. When I drop my items off, I just have to bring the bag with me and that’s what he uses to wrap my finished clothes at the end!
i have a running list of things i spot when i'm out and about that makes good gifts for close friends and colleagues and the kids in my life (i have none of my own). the way i do it is almost like each of these people has a little biodata in my phone (including dates, fun facts, important things they've mentioned) and also lists like gift ideas, places that i think we can enjoy together (cafés, activities) so when we do make time to see each other, we don't fret over plans to be made or what to bring for each other if there is something upcoming.
adulting is difficult enough, showing love isn't difficult as long as we make an effort to capture thoughts.
I do the same thing! I highly recommend making a list for yourself too, so when someone asks what you want for a gift or you want to treat yourself, you’re ready to go with a list of things you’re really excited about
One thing to note about putting a slice of bread into your brown sugar is it immediately makes anything you make with brown sugar very much not Celiac friendly! It’s a commonly cited reason why people with Celiac or severe gluten intolerance won’t eat homemade food from others even if they say it’s gluten free. If you’re not ever making or baking foods for others who are gluten-free, then it’s not a concern!
Hated when people would do #4 when I waited tables... sometimes there's not much servers can do about how long it takes to make your meal, especially if it's busy! All the rest of these are good though!
OK that makes total sense — but you'd probably stop by with the check sooner, right? I feel like I often go to dinner where they (politely) let you linger... and when I'm in a rush I want to quickly pay and get out!
Yes, 100%. It feels like peak wastefulness to travel and then dump stuff in another country. In the US, we have heaps of options for fabric recycling, including shoes. (Easy to google - there are often large metal drop bins for clothes in parking lots, etc) It might not be as easy or thoughtless, but it’s environmentally and socially far more conscientious than ditching things that could otherwise easily be reused or reinvented. Otherwise, love the tips.
Thank you, Kat, really appreciate this call-out. I did some research, and since many sneakers are manufactured with non-biodegradable materials, they sit in landfills without decomposing... This website also accepts sneaker mail-ins (https://gotsneakers.com/) as does this one (https://www.trashie.io/) if folks are looking for a quick/easy alternative or there aren't any bins near them.
Version of #33 I use and love: you can add labels to google maps to save where friends' addresses are! I use it to get to their place AND to send a birthday card. Shazam.
Just a note to be very careful with the old underwear/shoes hacks. That can work if you're traveling to a country with equal or better waste disposal practices than your home country. It is *not* super cool if you're travelling to places less developed or more swamped with trash than your own home because you're effectively dumping trash (and the cost and long-term storage side effects of that) on people who don't have the resources to handle it. (This is a critique I've seen people, particularly people of color, voice frequently in response to this idea, so please go look for their input if you're looking for more info)
Love the rest of this list 💚
Great call-out, definitely a good thing to keep in mind!
When stores ask for you birthday, about 1/2 the time, I give my *half birthday*, so 6 months into the year I get a little reward or treat from certain shops!
This is such a fun one!!!
In the past several years, I have forgone my typical souvenirs from big trips, and I now purchase perfume that, when I wear it at home, takes me back to that vacation.
Ooh, I love this. Do you typically check the bag carrying the perfume? Or do you buy it in duty-free??
Thank you so much for the mention! Not sure if it's a glitch on my end, but the link to the temp tattoo is directed to an email service. Is it supposed to be inkbox.com?
Ooh thanks Grace, fixed :)
I live by the kitchen scissors! I have one pair on each side of the kitchen 🤣 another environmentally friendly suggestion:
If you need to use a dry cleaner, ask them if they offer a reusable bag option. I only go a few times per year, but mine had a reusable bag for $5 to wrap my finished items in instead of plastic wrap. When I drop my items off, I just have to bring the bag with me and that’s what he uses to wrap my finished clothes at the end!
Both excellent tips! Re: the scissors, that reminds me of a meta life hack... store things very close to where you use them.
i have a running list of things i spot when i'm out and about that makes good gifts for close friends and colleagues and the kids in my life (i have none of my own). the way i do it is almost like each of these people has a little biodata in my phone (including dates, fun facts, important things they've mentioned) and also lists like gift ideas, places that i think we can enjoy together (cafés, activities) so when we do make time to see each other, we don't fret over plans to be made or what to bring for each other if there is something upcoming.
adulting is difficult enough, showing love isn't difficult as long as we make an effort to capture thoughts.
I do the same thing! I highly recommend making a list for yourself too, so when someone asks what you want for a gift or you want to treat yourself, you’re ready to go with a list of things you’re really excited about
I can never think of things I want when I'm asked (even though I never have that problem when shopping for myself) — love this.
You sound like such a lovely friend, Hannah!
you sound like a lovely human yourself! 😊
To echo Lauren's point -- I'd suggest finding a way to donate or drop off your old running shoes at a running store or somewhere that repurposes them (https://www.fleetfeet.com/blog/how-to-recycle-your-old-running-shoes, https://soles4souls.org/give-shoes/, https://www.shood.org/)
These are great to know about, thanks Haley!
Oh and for the non-apple people in the room, Google Keep is a great place to store and share your lists 😇
Agreed! I'm a Google keep user!
Ahhh good to know, you’re not the first to say this…
Love these recs! Just saved this issue so I don’t have to dig to find it again 😃
One thing to note about putting a slice of bread into your brown sugar is it immediately makes anything you make with brown sugar very much not Celiac friendly! It’s a commonly cited reason why people with Celiac or severe gluten intolerance won’t eat homemade food from others even if they say it’s gluten free. If you’re not ever making or baking foods for others who are gluten-free, then it’s not a concern!
Great call-out, Becca, thank you!
Omg, thanks so much for the mention! PS - I cannot live - CANNOT. LIVE...without food scissors. They're an essential kitchen item! ✂
Critical!
Hated when people would do #4 when I waited tables... sometimes there's not much servers can do about how long it takes to make your meal, especially if it's busy! All the rest of these are good though!
OK that makes total sense — but you'd probably stop by with the check sooner, right? I feel like I often go to dinner where they (politely) let you linger... and when I'm in a rush I want to quickly pay and get out!
Yes for sure!
Yes, 100%. It feels like peak wastefulness to travel and then dump stuff in another country. In the US, we have heaps of options for fabric recycling, including shoes. (Easy to google - there are often large metal drop bins for clothes in parking lots, etc) It might not be as easy or thoughtless, but it’s environmentally and socially far more conscientious than ditching things that could otherwise easily be reused or reinvented. Otherwise, love the tips.
Thank you, Kat, really appreciate this call-out. I did some research, and since many sneakers are manufactured with non-biodegradable materials, they sit in landfills without decomposing... This website also accepts sneaker mail-ins (https://gotsneakers.com/) as does this one (https://www.trashie.io/) if folks are looking for a quick/easy alternative or there aren't any bins near them.
Love the birthday card formula!
Version of #33 I use and love: you can add labels to google maps to save where friends' addresses are! I use it to get to their place AND to send a birthday card. Shazam.
All of these are genius and brilliant and clearly I need to hit reset on adulthood.
That’s how I feel too… 😅