The Ultimate Delta Life Hacks Thread

[Chae]

Post all things useful for daily life. Quick fix tricks, recipe hacks, upcycling, DIY, decorations, construction help, everything is possible.









Using magnet strips:

 

I summon @Director Abbie @Vespertine @yifflord @applejacks @Slugabed @mclane @Economist @Andreas @Shaebette

[DirectorAbbie]

Size 2 knitting needles are great for unlocking the doors that have a tiny non-keyhole hole.
Anything long, thin, and stiff is a potential lever.
Anything narrow is a potential wedge. (It doesn't even need a taper if you have two.)
When walking on loose rocks, an in-out stepping motion makes one's footing more stable.
Crochet hooks can function as yarn needles.
Sewing pins can be used to hang things to the wall.
Large erasers can function as stamps (especially if they're carved).
Lying on the floor occasionally helps against back pain.
When draining a can of olives, first drain with the loose lid, then shake it (holding the lid loosely), then drain it again. This knocks the extra liquid from inside the olives.
When draining a can of beans, repeatedly drain and rinse to remove the substance that causes gas.
Bunnies can safely be held by the skin at the back of their neck.
If you have difficulty rolling Rs, try doing it with the tongue positioned ready to say the L sound.
Having a writing-tool (or candy or whatever other small loose items) pouch in one's purse saves a lot of time.
If you can't guess the griffin's riddle, taking its young as hostages usually works.
Salad tongs work well for picking cactus fruit.
String is an excellent measuring device.
Learn which of your local weeds are edible so that you're never far from a quick snack.
Scissors work well for cutting green onions.

[Chae]

[Saoirse]

I'm so happy to have been summoned, but I can't think of anything. These are so cute and useful! The closest thing to a life hack I can think of is to take a long walk if you feel upset, but I feel like that's not what we're going for here.

Also, if you're having a hard time making a decision, pretend you're advising a friend on the same decision.

[Hope]

@Chae...you are forcing me to search on my pinterest.

[Chae]

I'm so happy to have been summoned, but I can't think of anything. These are so cute and useful! The closest thing to a life hack I can think of is to take a long walk if you feel upset, but I feel like that's not what we're going for here.

Also, if you're having a hard time making a decision, pretend you're advising a friend on the same decision.

Emotional life hacks are just as important Thanks for reminding me. If you got more mental health tips, post them! We talk Delta here anyway, and that entails spiritual and moral well-being as in and . I'll think of something like this and post it as well.

[Chae]

Mental health hacks as experienced and tested by me. A lot of seeking involved, might work for you or not.

- If you're feeling shitty, your mind is going ugh, it's likely you don't drink enough water and don't exercise. If the latter doesn't help, try the accepting technique. Accepting everything, letting go, just for your own sake - detach. It's your mind, not you. Those thoughts will disappear. If you give them less resistance, they'll go easier on you though. The calmness of acceptance is the highest spiritual level, it even exceeds love and joy.
- Understand that another person's judgement towards you is 100% their reflection. Work on your own character while outward opinions should be taken into consideration, but shouldn't bring you down either. Praise and criticism can't phase you when you know your worth.



- Switching perspective can help you get out of any negative mindset that puts you under pressure.
- Cleaning is very soothing for the soul. If your environment is in order, your soul aligns. It's really underestimated how tidying something can make you feel better.
- When you feel like you're going nuts, open the window, breathe some cool fresh air. Inhale, hold and let it settle in your lungs, exhale slowly. Instantly changes brain chemistry, you feel nice.
- Nap! 80% of the problems settle in the meantime.
- Dance and sing, that's the best thing ever. You get your body going and vibe with the music.
- Crying is not shameful. Crying tells you that you have been very strong. Tears are compliments that you try, and that you change sincerely.
- Anger tells you much about what you perceive as a limit. Know your anger - know your limits.
- Feeling empty and clueless tells you that you're currently changing direction in life. Let it happen and point you the way.
- Long cuddles release good hormones only, 20 seconds plus.
- If you have nobody, caress your own skin, start with arms and thighs. I'm not joking, it feels unexpectedly fine.
- When listening to music, bop your head like this:



...don't hold it in, just do it. This is liberating.

- Whenever you feel ugly, think about that Jay Z got married to Beyoncé. The uglier you are, the greater the chance that an attractive partner wants you. Genetics always try to balance each other. Attractive people know that they are not taken seriously or get overestimated/used so they will feel safe with ugly people who experience the opposite and know the inside. Ugly people will know that their value is rooted in character while their outward appearance is looked down upon, so the pretty person will want to make them feel that this is not true, as to affirm that they are valid inside themselves. That's why they are a perfect match. Also: If you're pretty and worry, don't despair. An ugly but understanding person will love you genuinely without objectifying you as a shell, without condition because they never experienced this effect with themselves.
- Stress is a sign that you resist to a task. It's not natural. Doing what you like flows freely. Go in that direction.
- Don't drink coffee, it messes with your hormones.
- Alcohol is the worst thing you can do to your physical and mental health. It's worse than most drugs.
- Dressing up neatly and comfortable will raise your spirits.
- Denial is a sign of overt mental fixation. It tells you to take care of your needs more instead of trying to compensate with something else.
- When you feel controlled, know that you have to acknowledge your vulnerabilty to rise above this. Accept that you are not a hero, but also not a loser. We're all in between.

[Shytan]

@Chae Ohmigod that is such useful advice on how to know whether an avocado is too ripe or not!! And I don't understand half of the things DirectorAbbie typed Very LSE. @Economist I'm with you on this. I know zilch when it comes to practical life hacks. Emotional life hacks...Hmm... If you find yourself sleeping more than usual or feeling the need to keep eating and always feel tired , it means you're sad and lack intensity or excitement in your life. Get the fuck up and do something crazy. Or not so crazy. Meet an old friend. Get a pet. Kiss someone random. Make a funny video and post it. Just don't stay in that rut. *says this because she is kind of in a rut at this moment *

[Eliza Thomason]

One day while I was away last week I woke up with puffy eyes. I used alternating hot and cold water washcloth pats, and it got partially better. Then I researched when I got home, and this worked instantly onany last puffiness I had. Well, in 5 minutes. And all you need is your own (clean) fingertips. And it feels great!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyOP6ZXV4sA&t=321s

Here are tips on how to heal and prevent Computer Vision Syndrome by Nathan Oxenfeld. I am beginning to do some of the Bates exercises as described by Nathan and plan to continue on it. But we all need need this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-8OeOsQD7c&t=609s

[Eliza Thomason]

That's bad. Try this free download: https://justgetflux.com/

My husband installed this an hour ago and I love it. My new best friend. You need this if you are a night owl tempted to the computer before bed and then stay on it too long.

Here are some people discussing it:
https://sleepjunkies.com/tools/flux-app-review/
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1...-does-it-work/
https://chriskresser.com/how-artific...o-do-about-it/
https://forum.bulletproof.com/discus...e-ipad-finally
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...l-effects.aspx

[Eliza Thomason]

Do you have a health issue you are considering taking daily drugs for? First google it and "Magnesium". Is there a connection? Try this first. I have. It works. A few years ago I had symptoms that sounded like "restless leg syndrome" which there were many commercials for, advertising a drug, that you basically never get off of, that is accompanied by the usual long list of horrifying possible side effects... I worried, is this the time I finally have to take a drug? But I researched it, tried the Magnesium, and it worked, eliminating all symptoms from the first day. After living with this worrisome problem on and off for about a year, I never had a relapse. I currently take a 70+ mineral supplement daily which includes magnesium.

But apparently Magnesium deficiency causes ALL KINDS of common aliments. Apparently most people are deficient. So it cannot hurt to try it if research bears that your problem might benefit from magnesium supplementation. You will avoid all the frightening side effects of the recommended drug for your problem, which, if you take it for your problem, you may well be on it forever, as well as all the other drugs you may consent to take for the problems the first drug causes you. So see if you can solve the problem in short order with Magnesium, which only has beneficial side effects. And you will probably feel better in more ways than one if you are deficient.

Here are some links to good articles on this:
http://www.collective-evolution.com/...ns-what-to-do/
https://wellnessmama.com/3610/low-magnesium/
http://goodhealthwithd.com/magnesium...ut-everything/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5473/...Mind-Body.html

Here are some brands I trust, but your local health food store is a good place to look and ask (vs. the local pharmacy). A big-enough health food store should have budget brands that are reliably good (again, vs the pharmacy). County Life is usually priced well.

[Eliza Thomason]

Best to use medicinal grade! Essential Oils are truly healing for mind and body. These three are some of the less expensive, and excellent to have on hand:


LAVENDER OIL - Stay calm, and, there nothing better for burns so you need this in the kitchen! Amazing! Never blister from a burn.


ORANGE OIL - Be Happy!
I used this last week when I was exhausted from all the plans for funerals and obituaries and realized one day I just felt down. Instant pick-me-up. Great for grumpy kids stressed out after school and not wanting to face homework.


LEMON OIL - Sharpen your mind, do your best on the test!
Research shows that if this is diffused in a room during a test, students perform better. Great for writing that paper you don't want to write.

[Singu]

- Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to keep your eyesight intact when you're using the computer
- Use teabags with caffeine in them to relieve dark circles under your eyes:

http://www.collegefashion.net/beauty...ve-tired-eyes/

[Hot Scalding Gayser]

I'm Beta and I dislike all you Deltas but I just wanted to say that I really liked this:

"- Whenever you feel ugly, think about that Jay Z got married to Beyoncé. The uglier you are, the greater the chance that an attractive partner wants you. Genetics always try to balance each other. Attractive people know that they are not taken seriously or get overestimated/used so they will feel safe with ugly people who experience the opposite and know the inside. Ugly people will know that their value is rooted in character while their outward appearance is looked down upon, so the pretty person will want to make them feel that this is not true, as to affirm that they are valid inside themselves. That's why they are a perfect match. Also: If you're pretty and worry, don't despair. An ugly but understanding person will love you genuinely without objectifying you as a shell, without condition because they never experienced this effect with themselves."

+1,000 for this. I think it's also why I'm really turned on in porn when I see an average looking person with a really hot person.

[Chae]

- Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to keep your eyesight intact when you're using the computer
- Use teabags with caffeine in them to relieve dark circles under your eyes:

http://www.collegefashion.net/beauty...ve-tired-eyes/

Agh, this is important. Sankyuu

[Chae]

[Chae]

[Chae]

[Stellafera]

/Beta

[Chae]

Brilliant.

[Chae]

Opening a jar with duct tape



Or with the opposite end of a spoon (tip from experience: rotate jar beforehand once to further decrease pressure in it.)

[Chae]

Okay, hope this works:

[The Reality Denialist]

^I recommend keeping bottle of acetone in household
Does miracles. Just be careful where to apply it.

[Eliza Thomason]

Plackers Twinlines - perfect for tight teeth, never tear:

[Eliza Thomason]

Now that I am out for my morning coffee, early, I needed a mug that woudl not spill, like all the ones I have did. This fits in my smallish car cup holder, and does not spill even a tiny bit. And it keeps the coffee so hot that I have to add extra milk in it or I can't drink it...


But when its hot, I prefer sun tea...

I'm currently using white tea (so smooth) because I got a huge box off 100 at TJMax, where I also got the hot/cold mug above. Its berry infused organic white tea, and delicious. I fill the gallon bottle with cold tap water (tap because our tap water from our well is so good!) and add 8 tea bags and a 1/4 cup of raw honey (also bought at same store). I set it in the sun for a few hours and bring it in and remove the tea bags and add lemon slices.

Sun tea is so summer...

This looks like my jar with spout from Amazon that I use: I just got that because I got my old faithful sun tea jar out and the lid was missing! I hope it turns up. It had painted flowers with yellow, which looks nice with the tea behind it. Similar to this:

This woman adds her lemon and strawberries right to the cold water and lets it brew like that. I am going to try this! Its strawberry season!

[Chae]

Tubes of any kind (toothpaste, some types of shampoo bottles, face peeling...) always have residue in them even if you think they're empty. Cut open the plastic carefully close to the round opening and scrape out the rest. It usually suffices for 2 or 3 more uses.

[Eliza Thomason]

I just got this keyboard cover (to exactly fit my new keyboard) and don't know how I lived without one of these before. (I bought it after ruining my new-this-year wireless keyboard by eating grapefruit next to it nearly every morning which eventually made some keys closest to the grapefruit spot not work).


It has like flaps with peel-off paper to reveal sticky strips to adhere it to the four edges on the backside of your keyboard. However, since the purpose for me is to remove and clean the clear cover and wash it from time to time, I did not peel off the paper to reveal the sticky strips, but instead simply affixed the four sides to the of the keyboard back with useful painters tape, which we always have around. Long live my new keyboard (its lit! Choose blue, red or purple. Love that.)

[wacey]

I just got this keyboard cover (to exactly fit my new keyboard) and don't know how I lived without one of these before. (I bought it after ruining my new-this-year wireless keyboard by eating grapefruit next to it nearly every morning which eventually made some keys closest to the grapefruit spot not work).


It has like flaps with peel-off paper to reveal sticky strips to adhere it to the four edges on the backside of your keyboard. However, since the purpose for me is to remove and clean the clear cover and wash it from time to time, I did not peel off the paper to reveal the sticky strips, but instead simply affixed the four sides to the of the keyboard back with useful painters tape, which we always have around. Long live my new keyboard (its lit! Choose blue, red or purple. Love that.)

I've used one on my macbook for years. Keeps the dust out. Softens the blows as I type hard.

[The Reality Denialist]

Inspirebot is amazing. This one is for SLIs

[Chae]

Inspirebot is amazing. This one is for SLIs

*...especially when your IEE partner is in it.

[Chae]

The more you know:

[Palm full of Crayons]

I really wish I didnt have super major commitments ahead of me for a couple of days and a headache right now because i wanna talk delta all day and I think i've found heaven right here in this thread. So many cute things and ideas.

My grandfather whom i've grown up with is an SLI and he is the ultimate McGuiver that will fix or find a random solution for anything. I swear, I have an iPhone charger thats lasted me 3 years because of the amounts of ductape hes put on it. It basically a stick wire at this point but it still works and ductape is cheaper than new chargers every now an then amirite?

Anyway, some pinterest DIYs i've saved over time.

How pretty ^_^

[Palm full of Crayons]

a budgeting idea for girls who use makeup from back when i was a totally broke student - try to take as much makeup off, especially mascara, with water. I would otherwise go through 3-4 slices of makeup cotton a day not to mention the makeup remover. With using water - one slice of cotton just to clean off the mess water might've left.

[Palm full of Crayons]

Opening a jar with duct tape

I usually do it with a knife. the trick is it needs a tiny bit of air to get inside, then it should be easy. But sometimes it still doesnt work so this ductape one is the single best advice for single women ever.

[Chae]

I usually do it with a knife. the trick is it needs a tiny bit of air to get inside, then it should be easy. But sometimes it still doesnt work so this ductape one is the single best advice for single women ever.

Did you see step two, the spoon can be substituted with the knife but the former is more safe so use that one. Don't need to be single to know it, a boyfriend ain't no kitchen tool! And if you're two girls ya need it, too, this is no hetero world

[Palm full of Crayons]

Don't need to be single to know it, a boyfriend ain't no kitchen tool! And if you're two girls ya need it, too, this is no hetero world

Ohh but they keep reporting how much they like to be useful i started wondering whether they've been secretly manufactured as human looking AI household tools
true about the latter

I've tried spoons tho but usually the end is too thick to even get behind the lid. So knives, especially the dining kind that aren't really sharp, are great

[Chae]

Found a list for things you'll need to be fully supplied with everything at home. Feel free to add more/ an alternative for something.


CLEANING

• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent
• All-purpose cleaner
• Hand soap
• Broom
• Mop
• Wash cloths / rags
• Vacuum
• Dustpan
• Lint roller
• Sponges

KITCHENWARE

• Plates
• Bowls
• Spoons
• Forks
• Knives
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Tongs
• Spatula
• Plastic wrap
• Ziplock baggies
• Garbage bags
• Paper towel
• Tupperware
• Ice tray
• Oven mitts
• Potato peeler
• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan
• Pot
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Stirring spoons / ladels
• Tea infuser ball
• Measuring cups
• Strainer
• Cutting board
• Coffee maker
• Kettle
• Toaster
• Magnets
• Dry erase markers
• Sticky notes
• Microwave
• Wire sponge
• Trash bin
• Recycling bin
• Rubber gloves
• Silverware organizer
• Measuring spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Wax paper
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Containers for salt, sugar, flour, etc.

LIVING ROOM

• Sofa
• Rocking chair (you know you want one)
• Loveseat
• Coasters
• Blankets
• Throw pillows
• Coffee table
• Book shelves
• TV
• TV stand
• Floor lamp
• End table
• Stereo system / radio

BEDROOM

• Mattress
• Box spring
• Bedframe
• Linens
• Sheets
• Comforter
• Hangers
• Laundry hamper
• Trash bin
• Curtains
• Pillows
• Pillow cases
• Night table
• Alarm clock
• Lamp
• Dresser
• Coat rack
• Desk / vanity
• Comfy chairs

DINING ROOM

• Dining table
• Minimum of 2 chairs
• Coasters
• Placemat
• Tablecloth
• Tea lights /candles and candle holders

BATHROOM

• Face clothes
• Towel
• Soap bar
• Body wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Tissues
• Toilet paper
• Trash bin
• Plunger
• Toilet cleaner
• Cold, flu, pain, and allergy meds
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Antibacterial ointment
• First-Aid kit
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Band-aids
• Shower rod
• Shower curtain
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Period products
• Bathmat
• Air freshener
• Trash bin
• Towel rod
• Towels

MISCELLANEOUS

• Elastic bands
• Stapler
• Stables
• Paper clips
• Needles and thread
• AA / AAA batteries
• Light bulbs
• Extension cords
• Scotch tape
• Duct tape
• Shovel
• Rake (if you have a yard)
• Stain remover
• Jar of courters for laundry mat
• Screw drivers
• Hammer
• Nails
• Sticky tack
• Screws
• Box cutter / X-acto
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Pens
• Paper
• Pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Eraser
• Welcome matt
• Shoe rack
• Coat rack
• Flashlight
• Flashlight batteries
• Watch batteries
• Rechargeable batteries and charger
• Safe place to discard dead batteries
• Candles
• Matches
• Lighter
• Mini travel fans
• Real fans
• Emergency Survival kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Landline phone
• Window air conditioner
• Carbon monoxide alarm
• Fire alarm

FOOD STUFF

• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Mayo
• Salt
• Pepper
• Baking soda
• Flour
• Eggs
• Milk
• Bread
• Olive oil
• Tea
• Jam
• Peanut-butter
• Coffee grounds
• Cereal
• Rice
• Pasta
• Vegetable soup
• Tomato sauce
• Frozen vegetables
• Crackers
• Chickpeas / lentils
• Apples
• Oranges
• Granola bars
• Juice
• Hot chocolate mix
• Frozen meats

[Chae]

^Or maybe also suggest things you can leave away.

[Bertrand]

I need to take a trip to ikea

[Chae]

I need to take a trip to ikea

Cool! Budget?