It’s
impossible to turn on the television or pick up a magazine these days without
hearing or reading about some type of hack. There are food hacks, wardrobe
hacks, hair hacks, organizing hacks, decorating hacks, medical hacks and money
hacks. The list is endless. Back in the day, the word hack had a
mostly negative connotation. It was used to describe everything from a
nagging cough and an annoying prank, to a techy who could break into computer
networks or a service provider who did a shoddy job. Nowadays, the word
has been transformed to define a quick solution that solves a problem – a much
more positive association. In an effort to keep up with the times, I compiled a
list of what I consider to be the top five personal manners hacks to handle
life’s everyday situations. These short cuts are guaranteed to help you prepare
for any encounter and will have you feeling your most confident and comfortable
in any environment.
1. Mirrors. Strategically placed mirrors will help
with a multitude of issues. A floor-length mirror is ideal for checking posture
and alignment from the tip of your head down to your toes. A bathroom mirror does
double-duty for brushing teeth and practicing your smile. A small folding
mirror set opposite your place setting at the dining table will remind you to
sit up straight, close your mouth while chewing and keep those elbows off the
table.
2. Grooming Aids. Personal hygiene is a must.
No one should ever leave the house without applying a healthy dose
of deodorant. An antiperspirant also
works as a wonderful barrier for sweaty palms. Stash a small pack of curiously strong mints in your pocket for
fresh breath. Keep a packet of tissue handy for wiping noses or wrapping a used
pieced of gum. Smear lotion on your body to alleviate dry skin. Reserve a minuscule size of hand sanitizer on your person
to obliterate any passing of germs.
3. Stationery. As much as we live in a technological
world, there will always be a need for personal correspondence. Stockpile
a drawer full of stationery whether personalized, monogrammed, engraved, embossed
or all of the above. This will enable you to send a thoughtful note or
handwritten thank you at a moment’s notice. Assemble a selection of
writing implements and a few books of Forever stamps for effortless snail mail
delivery.
4. Time Piece.
Punctuality is the height of polite. Invest in a watch. Smartphones may be a
permanent fad, but a time piece is a fashion statement that lasts
forever. Trust me, you will need it when your iPhone goes kaput, you find
yourself in a remote location or you simply run out of battery life.
5. Gift Closet. You never know when you’ll need a
host gift on the fly. We live in a social world and at any given time may
be invited to a fabulous dinner party or special event. No need to
rush out to the store and pick up the perfect gift. A gift closet carefully
curated with an array of host gifts for last minute invitations will keep you
in good standing with colleagues, friends, and family alike.
impossible to turn on the television or pick up a magazine these days without
hearing or reading about some type of hack. There are food hacks, wardrobe
hacks, hair hacks, organizing hacks, decorating hacks, medical hacks and money
hacks. The list is endless. Back in the day, the word hack had a
mostly negative connotation. It was used to describe everything from a
nagging cough and an annoying prank, to a techy who could break into computer
networks or a service provider who did a shoddy job. Nowadays, the word
has been transformed to define a quick solution that solves a problem – a much
more positive association. In an effort to keep up with the times, I compiled a
list of what I consider to be the top five personal manners hacks to handle
life’s everyday situations. These short cuts are guaranteed to help you prepare
for any encounter and will have you feeling your most confident and comfortable
in any environment.
1. Mirrors. Strategically placed mirrors will help
with a multitude of issues. A floor-length mirror is ideal for checking posture
and alignment from the tip of your head down to your toes. A bathroom mirror does
double-duty for brushing teeth and practicing your smile. A small folding
mirror set opposite your place setting at the dining table will remind you to
sit up straight, close your mouth while chewing and keep those elbows off the
table.
2. Grooming Aids. Personal hygiene is a must.
No one should ever leave the house without applying a healthy dose
of deodorant. An antiperspirant also
works as a wonderful barrier for sweaty palms. Stash a small pack of curiously strong mints in your pocket for
fresh breath. Keep a packet of tissue handy for wiping noses or wrapping a used
pieced of gum. Smear lotion on your body to alleviate dry skin. Reserve a minuscule size of hand sanitizer on your person
to obliterate any passing of germs.
3. Stationery. As much as we live in a technological
world, there will always be a need for personal correspondence. Stockpile
a drawer full of stationery whether personalized, monogrammed, engraved, embossed
or all of the above. This will enable you to send a thoughtful note or
handwritten thank you at a moment’s notice. Assemble a selection of
writing implements and a few books of Forever stamps for effortless snail mail
delivery.
4. Time Piece.
Punctuality is the height of polite. Invest in a watch. Smartphones may be a
permanent fad, but a time piece is a fashion statement that lasts
forever. Trust me, you will need it when your iPhone goes kaput, you find
yourself in a remote location or you simply run out of battery life.
5. Gift Closet. You never know when you’ll need a
host gift on the fly. We live in a social world and at any given time may
be invited to a fabulous dinner party or special event. No need to
rush out to the store and pick up the perfect gift. A gift closet carefully
curated with an array of host gifts for last minute invitations will keep you
in good standing with colleagues, friends, and family alike.