I’m not the most wily person when it comes to being practical around the house, so much that I’ve started paying people to mow the yard for me, since my mower broke and I don’t know how to fix it. So when easy remedies for life dilemmas come along, I latch onto them and relentlessly depend on their usefulness. Here are eight ways that you can simplify life, whether you are adept at figuring things out, or need a little help like me.

1. Opening jars with rubber bands. Just wrap one band around the lid, one around the side and look forward to the satisfaction of cracking a tough nut. Or just go out and buy one of these:


2. Stop soda from going flat. This one is so easy, I’m surprised I didn’t think of it. (Actually, I’m not.) Just shake up an opened bottle of soda before putting it away, and the carbonation will keep it bubbly, supposedly for weeks!


3. Hang an even picture. Yet another, “how does everyone not know this?” tip. Just put a little toothpaste on a picture’s hooks, then press against the wall. Now you know exactly where the nail goes!


4. Use tape to put on a bracelet. All alone and dealing with a pesky clasp? Tape the bracelet to your wrist to hold it in place!


5. Buy organic milk. The organic kind not only has less icky chemicals in it, but also doesn’t go bad as quickly! Or if you’re like me and can put up with the taste of almond milk over the real deal, it lasts far longer.


6. Use your dishwasher for more than dishes (but not for cats). Here are some surprising items you can throw in the dishwasher to get nice and clean: plastic hairbrushes and combs, rain boots, flip flops, baseball caps, broom heads, dustpans, potatoes, garden tools, pet toys, ceiling fan faceplates, mop heads, license plates, sink sponges, computer keyboards, makeup brushes, light fixtures and hubcaps. But, again, no cats.


7. Use a paint roller to put on lotion. This isn’t exactly the most elegant option, but if you’re alone and need to moisturize, why not invest in a small roller brush to do so?


8. Store leftover wine in a mason jar. Since none of us could ever finish off a whole bottle of wine in one sitting, here’s a good way to store it. It will last for a week, so you can gradually sip over time.

These tips have made my life nicely easier, and some of them are perfect for a single gal like me. Head on over to the source to read some more, and see if any won’t help you out! [via Buzzfeed]

Which of these tips seems to be the most helpful?