Double trouble

🖨️ Printer secret: Most printers have a “draft mode” that uses lots less ink when you don’t need anything fancy. (Some call it “economy mode” or “fast mode.”) To try it, open a document or file, hit Print, then go to Properties or Preferences and look for Draft mode. 

🧱 Don’t buy a brick: Before you buy a used phone, check its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Here’s how: Just dial *#06# on the phone to display its IMEI. Now, pop that number into the Stolen Phone Checker to see if the phone has been reported lost, stolen or blocked by a carrier.

Your to-do list won’t stand a chance: Use Mac’s free Automator app to do repetitive tasks. You can make a variety of workflows and applications. Here’s a full guide. If you’re a coder, you’ll love this!

⚠️ This one’s not for Windows newbies: Disk Cleanup may not clean as much as you’d like. Remove hidden files using Advanced Disk Cleanup. First, make a backup. Then, press Windows key + R, type cleanmgr /sageset:1 and hit OK. Select the file categories you want to zap and click OK again. Start the deep clean by going to either Run or cmd (Command Prompt) and typing cleanmgr /sagerun:1. Optimize this prompt by creating multiple lists; just change the number at the end, like /sageset:2.

GPS dog collars are smart: Use Battery Optimization mode so you don’t have to charge the collar so frequently. As long as your furbaby stays in a safe zone, it’ll check less often, saving your battery. If they leave the safe zone, real-time tracking will kick in. My golden retriever, Abby, wears a Fi collar, and this is her favorite ball (10% off today!).

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🐱💤 = Catnap: Most think this smiley-faced emoji — 🙂 — is the digital equivalent of a fake smile. Don’t use it. Instead, pick something happier. I like 🤗, 🥰 and 😃. But lately, it’s hard to beat the 🫶.

Get that chic look with cozy lighting: Skip the harsh, sterile lighting. When you’re shopping for bulbs, temperature matters. Avoid LEDs above 5000k and opt for warm, white LEDs around 2700k to 3000k. They emit a softer light that creates a more inviting vibe, so you can look extra marvelous, darling.

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Do your will the right way: Make sure your important docs stay safe. Label your will with something straightforward, and use BitLocker (built right into Windows) to encrypt it. (On a Mac, do this.) Decide who gets the password, and give your executor a heads-up. For peace of mind, back it all up in a secure, encrypted cloud service.