Another simple one: When it’s hard to find a match, use a lighter instead.

Don’t use the kind with the flexible neck – they are hard to control. Also, check the safety features. The fewer things that have to be pressed simultaneously the better.

I actually prefer the torch lighters for lighting Shabbos candles; they keep the fire going for long enough for me to light all 12 candles

These are genius! Have someone link them onto your necklaces, and you’ll be able to snap them closed on your own. (You keep one end of the chain in your mouth with the magnet dangling out, pull the chain around your neck, and let the magnets jump at other. )

They come in a variety of sizes and finishes. Here’s one link:

These come in all types, with a lot of options for different sizes and shapes of slices. I’m not sure that this the one that I have, which is the reason I’m not sending a link. Also, it’s not news to most people, but I did want to mention it

I searched for a long time until I found this. I was looking for a cart that had these features

• open at the top. I wanted to be able to just drop things in and pull things out without having to be down to open zippers or pockets
• smallest handle width, controllable with one hand. I wished I could find one with a handle like a mailman’s cart, but I was not successful

In addition, this has the following advantages:

• wheels that walk up steps
• fabric lining with a velcro strap closure
• small pocket for tissues, Metrocard etc.

But, it also has its disadvantages

• the handle doesn’t lock in place, but rather is free to move front or back, which is not great for balance
• the wire frame occasionally folds flat without warning, which is not either great for balance
• it makes a racket!

Here is the link:

I started out with a standing peeler that peels 1 potato, apple or cucumber at a time. Then I got to thinking, there must be something better! So I found this. It peels multiple potatoes at once. It does russet potatoes best.

Here is the link:

Here is a set of measuring spoons that lay flat on the table when you pour salt in!

Here is the the link:

Keep pages open!

I had such a hard time with this. There is always a book before me at the kitchen table, and I was having trouble holding the page when my good hand held the fork.

This book-weight is a life saver! I have 4, one in each room in the house!

Here is the link:

No more lifting a heavy pot to drain your pasta.

This 8-qt pot from Walmart has a deep steamer insert, which works very well as a pasta basket. Cook your spaghetti as normal, then lift the insert (it can be heavy), and the water will drain out.

This is really the most basic of all adaptive materials. So basic that I didn’t even think to mention it – after all, everyone knows about Dycem.

This in case you don’t! Or in case you never realized that you can get your own on a roll from Amazon!

Here’s the link:

This one is for cutting the nails on your good hand!

Slide your nail into the clipper, and use the rest of your fist to press down.

Doing your thumb is more challenging, because it’s hard to use the weight of your fist while your thumb is between the jaws of the clipper! It takes a few tries, but I still recommend this gadget.

Here’s the link: