Who doesn’t like finding things that makes their life easier? That’s right, no one (okay, maybe someone out there doesn’t, but obviously they have issues. Just kidding). One of the billion benefits of social media and the internet is the ability to share what have become known as “life hacks”; a strategy for making activities more efficient. Sometimes they can be idiotically simple, which always leaves me thinking “WHY have I not thought of that?!” Luckily, I didn’t have to because, well… internet.
Today, I thought I’d share a few of my “life hacks” coming to you from these very own little gray cells. These are by no means ground breaking ideas, but they do make my life a little easier/more productive every day.
Water Bottle
I could go on and on about water consumption, but since I know good ol’ inter-webs and (and host of much more qualified people) have probably already saturated (haha! get it?!) you with that information, I’ll just leave this little link here in case you’re curious. It can be tricky getting enough H2O in our bodies, if we haven’t made a habit it. I’ve discovered an easy way to form the habit of drinking at least 64 oz a day is by having a designated water bottle that I bring with me everywhere and that stays close by me at home. I’ve tried many different water bottles but this one stands the test. One year in and still going strong! It is glass with a removable silicone wrap, but has been dropped and hasn’t broken or even chipped. It’s 32 oz which means I usually only have to fill it up twice, it only has two pieces to clean, is dish washer friendly, and fits my standard car cup holder. Need I go on? I love this thing. Being a mama of two I was sure this would break at some point but NOPE! I can’t recommend this enough for getting in your daily water needs. And no, I’m not getting paid or anything to say that (I’m not that cool…yet ;). Here’s where you can find this beauty.
Yes, this askew picture is driving me bonkers too. It’s the photographers fault, the bottle isn’t naturally lopsided.
Coffee Syrup
Now this is not anything new, I’m pretty sure heaps of people make their own coffee syrup. But this one of those things that I’m always glad I take the extra ten minutes to make because homemade is so much healthier than the store bought options (isn’t it always?). Not to mention, DIYing it will save ya a good chunk of change over time. I recommend taking a stroll on over to Ikea and buying a couple of their glass bottles and whipping up a batch of your own. I go classic with a vanilla sugar based syrup; here is my recipe:
2 cups organic raw cane sugar
2 cups water
1 1/2 table spoons pure vanilla extract
Bring sugar and water to boil and boil for 3 minutes until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in extract. Allow to cool before transferring into a glass bottle with a funnel.
Feel free to get creative! I’ve found good recipes for maple, cranberry, mint, etc coffee syrups on Pinterest. Bonus: these make great gifts.
Couponing
I love coupons. There, I’ve said it. I love to get deals, but don’t get me wrong, I’m not a crazy couponer lady that you’d see on TV or anything. Let’s get real here folks, it’s the 21st century, there’s an app for that! Specifically, I use the Ibotta app (again, not getting paid or anything) It’s a small way of saving if you use the app casually like me. But, every little bit helps, am I right? I find I “cut” the most coupons while watching a tv show or on my stationary bike. There are many coupon apps out there, but I find this one to be by far the most simple to use.
That’s just a few of my life hacks, but my never-failing daily ones so they have been put to the test of time and stood strong. I hope you are able to use them, or get inspiration for some of your own! Let me know if you have any to share with me, I sure do love a good life hack.
Cheers,
Abby