I am a sucker for a good life hack.

Over time I have gathered some goodies and I have to share just a few for now… more to come.

1. Want to appear more photogenic? Stop shouting out “cheese” like a crazy person, which makes your smile look false and forced. Try saying “Money.” Sure, you might sound like a gold digger, but saying the word “money” lifts the corner of your mouth naturally and opens your mouth a little. *You’re trying it now, aren’t you?*

It will also make you and your friends laugh when you explain why you’re saying that, which gives a natural look to the photograph. Sox has this ridiculous little laugh he does when he’s in a photo with me and it always makes me laugh – it’s such a game changer to get that natural, happy look. 2. Feeling anxious? Here’s a trick that works a charm. When your mind is racing, just picture a big red stop sign. It sounds crazy, but it literally stops those anxious thoughts in their track and neutralises them. It’s quite incredible how it works. Try it next time.

3. Want to make your fragrance last? Apply a little vaseline or neutral coconut oil on your pulse points and then spray. Fragrance lasts longer with an oil base. Try it and see how many people compliment you.
4. Nervous about a speech, a first date or a big moment? Blow on your thumb. The Vagus Nerve, which connects to your thumb, controls your heart rate and by blowing on it, your normal heart rate will return. You’ll often see tennis players doing this too.

5. Whenever I use bobby pins, they slip out. Especially if my hair is freshly washed. To ensure they stay put, I spray them with a little hairspray first and don’t forget the wavy side of the bobby pin goes downwards, against your hair to keep hair in place, not the smooth side. For so long I did it the other way round, thinking the wavy side made a pretty pattern, but that’s wrong. It’s not there for decor, it’s there for grip.