In case of loss, having your phone number on favorite items can help you get them back: On sentimental, valuable or favorite things I carry around with me (like my camera, sunglasses, etc.), I've put labels on them saying: "Reward. Please call (212) 555-5555." Having this message on important belongings makes me feel more at ease carrying them around with me, because if I lose something with my phone number on it, at least I'll have some chance of getting it back, rather than no chance at all.

A way to remember birthdays: In addition to a friend's address and phone number, I also write his/her birthday in my address book. When I leaf through my address book, I'm constantly reminded of my friends' birthdays, and thus I seldom forget the occasion.

Don't be caught under or over-dressed -- know the temperature outside before you leave your home: An outdoor thermometer (the kind that has a clear suction cup attached, so you can stick it to the outside of your window) is great for this. It's especially helpful in the spring and fall, when there can be a 10-15 degree temperature difference from one morning to the next.

Remove annoying tags sewn on the inside of clothes: It looks déclassé to have a tag sticking out of your shirt, and also, tags are annoyingly scratchy. I remove the tags from all garments, regardless of the brand names. To remove sewn-down tags, use an Exacto knife with a fresh blade. Carefully slip the point of the blade under a few stitches to get it started, then gently pull up the tag as you hold down the shirt, and merely touch the blade to the stitches to undo them. To remove tags sewn under a collar, use a small, sharp scissors, and cut as close as possible, being very careful not to nip your shirt in the process.

Chipping in your share of the bill made easier: Before I meet friends for a meal out, I try to remember to carry an assortment of small bills with me. (Breaking a $20 on a small item beforehand works great, but your cashier won't be too thrilled.) This way, I'll have the change to easily chip in my share of the total.

Works-every-time cure for hiccups: Cut a wedge of lemon. Dip it in sugar, and eat it (not the rind, of course). Not only does it taste really good, but it also makes hiccups miraculously vanish! This is a much better method than holding your breath, or drinking a glass of water while pinching your nose -- those don't really work.

Be prepared: I carry a small pouch with me at all times, containing the following: a couple of aspirin, dental floss, a tiny vial of perfume, earplugs and a safety pin.

Precaution for new shoes: Bring a couple band-aids with you when wearing new shoes for the first time, in case the shoes bother a spot on your foot before they get broken in.

Another shoe tip -- innersoles: Every kind of shoe can be made more comfortable by adding foam innersoles.