Staff Picks: Our Favorite Life Hacks

App Recommendation: DayCount

Trying to build an exercise streak? Want to see how long it’s been since you started a new routine? DayCount makes progress visible, which makes it easier to stay committed.

Matt’s favorite life hack comes from his years coaching baseball: focus on the next play, not the last one.

When something goes wrong—big or small—he gives himself a brief moment to acknowledge it, then says out loud, “Next play.” The phrase acts like a reset button. Instead of replaying the frustration, he shifts his attention back to what he can control.

It’s a small mindset shift with outsized impact for lowering stress and keeping perspective.

1. Keep a shop vac at the ready

A small shop vac lives permanently plugged in between our cars in the garage. Because it’s always ready to go, quick cleanups take seconds, and somehow that convenience has dramatically improved how tidy our cars stay.

2. Scan your wallet every few years

Every few years, we photocopy and scan the contents of our wallets—front and back of each ID and card—and store them securely both at home and in the cloud.

This simple system saved us when my husband’s wallet was stolen. We could see exactly what needed to be canceled, quickly shut down accounts, and order replacements without scrambling or guessing. A frustrating and stressful situation became surprisingly manageable.

Holly recommends USPS Informed Delivery, a free service that emails you a daily preview of what will arrive in your mailbox.

You know what’s coming, you know what didn’t arrive, and you can keep tabs on important documents without physically being home.

1. Mental math shortcut

Percentages are reciprocal—meaning 10% of 30 equals 30% of 10. If one version is easier to calculate, use that. It’s a great trick when doing quick mental math, especially with awkward numbers.

2. Keep greens fresher

Placing a paper towel inside a bag or box of lettuce absorbs moisture and helps spinach or mixed greens last longer. Swap it out every few days to extend freshness.

Madeline’s Pick: A Peeler That Earns Its Keep

About twenty years ago, a chef friend recommended the Kuhn Rikon potato peeler, and it has been Madeline’s go-to tool ever since.

It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and extremely sharp. She uses it for potatoes, apples, mangoes, kiwis—pretty much anything that needs peeling. While her grandmother could peel an apple into a perfect continuous spiral with a paring knife, Madeline swears this peeler is the next best thing for those who didn’t inherit the same knife skills.

Ilona’s list offers a look at how she keeps life organized as a working mom of two toddlers.

1. No dishes in the sink overnight – Waking up to an empty sink sets the tone for a calmer day.
   
   
2. A weekly schedule for cleaning, laundry, and cooking – Helps prevent tasks from piling up.
   
   
3. Three-month meal panning – Grocery trips become easier and meals naturally align with the season.
   
   
4. A handwritten daily list – Adds structure, motivation, and a sense of control.
   
   
5. Cash in the glove compartment – Because you never know when it might be needed.
   
   
6. Choose gratitude – Stressful things are always available to focus on, but shifting your mindset changes your whole outlook.