Modern Lady has a lifestyle that she needs to maintain and she should always be with the financials also. We have some life hacks for the modern lady. Check out 15 clever life hacks that every woman should know.
Getting your finances in order
There really is no such thing as a prince or princess charming. And if you’re going to hang around waiting for him or her you’re wasting precious time living your amazing beautiful carefree life. Getting your finances in order is something you need to do sooner rather than later and you’re never too young to start. Get a great financial advisor on board. It’s a small cost initially but it will have great long-term benefits. Have savings account for rainy days, always spend below budget, don’t go into debt for material items you don’t need. Start saving for your retirement now. Get life insurance to make sure you have a will in place especially if you have children or you have valuables.
General knowledge about alcoholic beverages
By no means are we expecting you to twirl your red wine and judge its character by the legs of the wine it leaves behind? But a basic understanding of the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon will go a long way and the same goes for your whites. Have the names of a couple of good gins and whiskeys under your belt and if you can perfect one or two cocktails you’re good to go.
Learn a few signature dishes and make them well
If you feel a bit lost in the kitchen that’s totally fine. You’re not expected to be Gordon Ramsay but you would feel a lot more confident by having a few signature dishes that you can make well. Having the basics will mean you could recreate your meals in a variety of ways by just seeing what’s available in your fridge or pantry. Your pantry should always have certain staples like pasta, rice, lentils, or couscous. And from there your culinary world is your oyster. Canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, pesto, and balsamic vinegar. And you will be amazed at how many options you have available. Ensure you have fresh fruits and veggies in your fridge, some ginger, sour cream, and hummus. And in the freezer wrap, spread, chicken breast, salmon and a variety of simple recipes you have available to you are plentiful.
High-end fashionable clothes in your closet
Clothing is expensive and fashions come and go so rather invest your money in a few high-end good quality staples you can mix and match. Wardrobe, must-haves, including a great quality white button-up shirt, an LBD, your little black dress, a neutral blazer. An interview suit, great denim jacket, smart black trousers, white sneakers and black pumps, skinny jeans, a great cardigan, and skinny mid-length skirt. From here you can mix and match, add bright t-shirts, striped long sleeves, infinity scarfs you name it. You can dress the outfits up dress them down and be ready for a night out, a job interview, or just coffee with friends in a jiffy.
Stay updated on current affairs
Want to be up-to-date with what people are talking about all you need to do is read a trusted news source every day. It’s really as simple as that. You don’t have to give a firm political stance on anything. In fact, it’s often recommended to not talk about politics when making conversation. But if it should come up you can at least give an informed opinion on the subject matter. Staying up to date with news makes the world a smaller place and gives a better understanding of the world around them.
It makes one more empathetic and also grateful for one’s own lot in life. A decision made in the US, for example, could influence the markets in South Africa. South Africans might wonder why they’re paying more for their tank of fuel. And it’s because the rand is weaker because of something that took place in America. But if you’re up to date with current affairs you would know the reason behind it.
How to look after your car
A simple knowledge of car maintenance is important for your own safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Learning how to change a tire could get you out of scrap when your tire bursts unexpectedly. Knowing how to change your oil or top-up with water are also really important. Because of your engine overheats and you don’t pick up on the warning signs or perhaps see the warning lights. But don’t know what to do your engine could fail and you need an entire engine replacement. Sometimes that’s more expensive than buying a new car. So in order to avoid these problems learn how to top-up oil, fill up your water, change a tire, and also drive efficiently. So you don’t waste fuel, therefore, saving money in the long term.
Prevention is always better than a cure
You are responsible for you so that means being brave enough to head to the gynecologist regularly. Have your mammograms on time, Go to the dentist, have your eyes checked, and get regular check-ups with your GP. Prevention is always better than a cure and if something’s worrying you just a woman up grab a bestie and get it checked.
Effectively request a pay raise
It’s daunting going into the boss’s office to ask for a raise even when you know you’re deserving of an increase. Firstly never bring your personal life into it. Your boss doesn’t care about your expenses at home have gone up. You don’t want to raise because your boss feels sorry for you. A raise is given because you are deserving of it so show your wins or gains to your boss. Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn, you are your biggest advocate. Ask your boss for feedback and be gracious when they respond especially when it’s something that might contradict what you’ve brought forward.
Have a figure in mind, your boss might agree with everything you’ve said and then ask what raise you after and you get tongue-tied that doesn’t look so good. Start high, leave room for negotiation, and then settle somewhere in the middle. Whether they raise is given or not prove your worth. If it’s a given show that the right decision was made if it does not prove you’re worth it and ask again after a while be patient.
No first aid basics and have a kit
You might think you’ve never had a need for any kind of the first Aid before and you think you might have some Batman band-aids in your makeup kit somewhere but that needs to change. You need to be able to act quickly in the case of cardiac arrest, burns, bleeding, fractures, blisters, insect bites or stings, sprains, nosebleeds, frostbite all kinds of stuff. Look out for local First Aid courses and know the basics of CPR. And the difference between giving CPR to an adult and a baby. Ensure your home has a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes Batman band-aids or any superhero you like. Other band-aids of various shapes and sizes, burn shields, disinfectant bandages, tweezers, antiseptic ointment medicines. Including antihistamines, cough syrup, electrolytes, laxatives, eye drops, antacids, nausea, medication, and painkillers.
How to do the basics in DIY
Ladies, we shouldn’t be asking someone to come and help us do a simple household DIY. Like hanging a picture or painting a room, replacing covered handles, or fixing hinges. These basic DIYs are not difficult to learn and you’ll save money by doing them yourself. Not to mention your sense of pride when you’ve completed the task. Get yourself a basic tool kit. They’re not that expensive and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve without help.
Find the perfect foundation shade
Easier said than done right we’ve all fallen victim to the incorrect foundation shade and sadly have photographic evidence to prove it. You either fell into the pale as a ghost half or you’re the wrong shade of orange. Even if you are one of the few who’ve managed to get the exact shade right you might have sported a very evident line between the neck and face with incorrect blending.
Luckily we’re much more aware of our foundation shortcomings and can now ensure our finish texture and cover are spot-on. A few things to remember though try before you buy most decent brands will have samples available for you to test out. Take into consideration your skin’s undertones are you rosy, neutral, olive what is it. Decide what coverage you’re going for high, medium, full. Something a lot of people forget to change your foundation with the season. You can’t exactly wear your winter shade in the middle of summer.
Always use the loo after making
It’s not exactly the sexiest thing after an intimate encounter with someone but you know what else isn’t sexy a UTI. In women, The urethra to the bladder is short so bacteria don’t have to go far to cause a UTI. If there’s no penetration you’re in the clear but if mouths are involved best you head to the loo as a matter of priority afterward.
How to receive a compliment
Firstly say thank you sincerely then there is absolutely no need to return a compliment. If someone says to you oh I love your haircut then your reply thank you I love yours too it just sounds silly. And it’s usually insincere albeit unintentionally. Don’t undermine the compliment by saying something like oh it’s no big deal. If you are complimented it clearly was a big deal and you deserve the recognition. Also, remember to compliment others yourself. It’s important to recognize people’s efforts and contributions.
Refrain from always apologizing
We’re all good at over apologizing but it’s a bad habit and doesn’t look good on you. Before saying sorry think about it have you actually done something wrong don’t say sorry. Notice how you ask questions. We often start with sorry but do you know where we can find the sugar. There’s no need to apologize for asking a question instead switch the stories to gratitude. An example is I’m so sorry you had to go out of your way to pick up that parcel for me. Could rather be thank you so much for going out of your way to pick up that parcel for me.
Ace the job interview
Dress the part, do your homework on the company, be on time, be honest, and be careful how you speak about your current or ex-employer. There are a plethora of questions available online to help you prepare for even the most grueling job interview.
