1)  When traveling, use big ol’ diaper pins to keep the zips of your pack closed.  Sure, it’s not rocket science, but it slows down pickpockets, no?

2) Also, when traveling, keep your debit card in one bag and your credit card in another.  Keep some cash in your pocket in case you get mugged. "Dude, all I have is 8 bucks."

3)  Wear good shoes when flying! Okay, this is my own neurosis (like the other two aren’t) but I remember reading in a Reader’s Digest or something, years ago, that if there is a survivable plane crash, you need to expect to walk over hot metal and sharp objects. Good point, no? So I always wear good solid shoes when flying, and always get a little freaked out by people in flip-flops.

4) Baking soda with water as a paste makes a really great facial cleanser. Or add it to your favorite stuff, it’s sooo tingly.

5) Here’s a new one:  In stripping the wallpaper, we have to wash and scuff off the little brown bits of backing that got left behind, which is always a pain in the ass.  Here’s my new solution, as of about 3 hours ago:  Exfoliating Gloves!  My mom has given me two pair so far, and I never use them, but today I thought, hmmm.  I wear one glove, King of Pop style, and have a bowl of warm water, and I can scuff off the brown bits and wash down the walls in preparation for spackling all at once! It is truly amazing.  Plus, the glove gives you total control, you can pick into the corners and moderate pressure as needed.  Works best with a rubber glove underneath, and follow with a dry rag to dry the walls and pick up errant brown bits.

6)  Always keep a box of latex gloves on hand. Har Har.  I use mine for nasty cleaning jobs, opening jars, painting, hair dye (when I used to do that, those plastic lunch lady gloves that come with the dye SUUUUCK), and now, wallpaper removal.  Good stuff.  I always include a box when I’m giving a housewarming gift.

7)  Microfiber cloths, cut into smaller pieces, are the best for cleaning optical lenses with a non-glare coating.

8)  Backup important documents on gmail.  Send them to yourself, you have 2 gb of storage! And it’s fire, flood, and weatherproof!

9)  Buy striped sheets so that you don’t have to always try to remember which corner goes where. Or, put red Xes on the two bottom corners to save frustration.

10)  Boiling water and baking soda is the best plunger when it comes to natural causes. It may take several kettles, but it ALWAYS works. Boil, pour, let sit.  Repeat until you hear the blockage let go.

11.)  When it comes to hiccups, use the Trick!  I have never seen this fail, my kids loved it, and always taught others how to do it.  It’s a variation on "drink from the other side of the glass."  Take a mouthful of water (at school this was from the fountain, of course) and bend over at the waist so you’re looking at your knees. THEN swallow.  Works every. single. time. (And doesn’t involve finding some certain food — peanut butter, sugar — or needing to yell BOO! every 2 minutes. Try it!)

There’s my top 11. What are your tips for living?