Ever put a piece of paper or book in your bag thinking it’ll be alright, as it’s only going to be in there for a little while? I couldn’t tell you how many papers, books and file folders have gone into my messenger bag this way and come out looking like they’ve been eaten.

Vinyl document envelopes (the byzantine, but most commonly used name for them) have been the answer to this problem for me. I first used one about a year and half ago to keep itineraries and travel plans safe while I was traveling through Europe. I’m glad I did, because otherwise my constant rummaging for my camera and jacket would’ve had disastrous effects.

I didn’t immediately make the jump to using one of these in my day-to-day life, but last fall after weeks of jostling around in my bag permanently disfigured my paperback copy of David Allen’s Getting Things Done, I decided to keep one in my bag at all times.

I found the envelope pictured above at Office Max for about $5. It’s nicer than most because it’s made of a thicker vinyl and has nylon fabric edges that allow it to expand out to three inches. You can buy smaller, cheaper, flimsier ones for $1-2. Make sure to get one with a flap that folds over to keep your stuff safe and sound inside.

They come in a variety of colors, but I suggest clear or opaque; that way maps, itineraries, to do lists and other frequently referenced materials can be kept in the front or back and seen quickly without having to open the envelope and pull things out.

I looked forward to taking vitamins when I was little and they were candy-like characters. “Grown-up” vitamins are more like sour horse pills; the only thing I’ve managed to do consistently with them for most of my adult-life is not take them.

About six months ago, I realized I needed a way to incorporate vitamins into my morning routine by putting them where I’d actually see them: right alongside my hair product and toothbrush. Doing this, I recently finished my first-ever 180-pill bottle of multi-vitamins before they expired.

I used to see pill organizers, like the one pictured, and thought they were meant only for my grandma and her forgetful bridge buddies. It turns out they’re quite the useful little system and fit in my toiletries drawer much better than a giant bottle does. If I miss a day, the leftover pills are sitting there shaming me for it when I refill the organizer at the end of the week. They can be found for just $1-2 at most drugstores.

I keep things simple and just take one premium quality multi-vitamin a day. That way I know I have most of my bases covered, without having to swallow a handful of pills or pay attention to ever-changing supplement trends. You should consult with a doctor if you have any health concerns or questions about what vitamins you should be taking.

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In most kitchens I’ve cooked in, the spice rack or sundry cupboard are a disaster. Sorting through a hodge-podge of containers for the basil only to find it shriveled, brown and flavorless can really damper your desire to cook.

I’m admittedly just as guilty as everyone else. My boyfriend gave me the rotating rack and jars pictured here which came pre-filled and labeled a couple years ago. I thought they looked nice, so I’d left them untouched on my kitchen counter ever since and kept all the herbs and spices I actually used in a nearby cupboard. Recently realizing how ridiculous this was, I decided to do something about it.

I’m quite pleased with the makeover. Rather than the dull, withered bits that filled the jars before, I now have vibrantly fresher parsley, basil, cumin, whole nutmegs and chili flakes. Also, when I’m cooking I rarely have to rummage through the cupboard in search of ingredients.

In doing a little research, I found out most dried spices loose their potency after about a year. If you open the jar and can’t smell anything, it’s likely not going to taste like much either.

I’d avoid those industrial-sized containers, unless you’re cooking for a large family; you’ll never finish them before they go stale. It’s more economical and practical to buy the smaller discount bags from your supermarket; most are under $1 per ounce, as opposed to $4-6 for brand names and at least in most stores I’ve been in, are usually be found in the ethnic food aisle. Most of these easily fill up a small jar, sometimes with some to spare. I was able to replace all my outdated spices for under $10.

Spice up your life in these easy steps:

1. If you don’t already have some, buy a simple set of jars or a new rack that includes a set of jars, as it’s best if they all match. Some nice sets with jars can be found here and here.
2. Remove any pre-printed labels on your jars, soaking them in hot, soapy water to clean them inside and out and using some Goo Gone if necessary. Use either a labelmaker or handwritten labels to create a unified look and make adding new jars as painless as possible.
3. Pour spices carefully into their new containers over the sink. Use a rolled-up index card from your hipster PDA as a makeshift funnel.
4. Keep the items you use regularly on the counter. Store the mustard seeds and other infrequently used things in the cupboard. Toss anything over a year old or you know you’ll never use.
5. Add any herbs or spices you need replacements for to your grocery list.
6. Remind yourself to keep things up to date. If you’re doing this all at once, just set a yearly calendar or tickler file item. Otherwise, label each jar with the date they should be replaced.

Something pretty that’s in your way and not used in a practical manner, is useless. A functional item in the wrong place is dysfunctional. A beautiful, useful object in the right place is a small taste of bliss.